When you're shopping at Marks and Spencers online store for your summer outfit, or looking for furniture to give your home a makeover, then spend a moment to also consider products from M&S Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Financial Services. With images of volcano ash still fresh in many traveller's minds, it's good to remember there were many travellers who ended up wishing they had spent just a few pounds extra to obtain travel insurance for their trip. Of course, unfortunately, after the event is too late!

In fact, had you purchased travel insurance from M&S Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services website would have seen a message stating that although claims relating to volcanic eruptions are not normally covered by travel insurance, that on this particular occasion, they would "allow claims from UK customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights."

Besides M+S Car Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Home Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Financial Services Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks & Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

Not so long ago, only banks and traditional insurance companies offered financial or insurance products, yet today it may often seem as if even the local corner shop is offering financial products. That's not quite true, of course, but many more companies do offer financial products than used to be the case, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide who is offering the best deal.

And, while Marks & Spencers once offered mostly fashion products, with the only hint of a credit card being when you paid for your shopping at the checkout, today you'll find as good a deal on M&S credit cards as you will with the latest range of M&S fashion.

In fact, these days Marks&Spencer, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

2 Bamboo Coasters, at M & S
2 pack Square design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fingerless Hooded Gloves, at Marks and Spenser
Fab and fashionable, these long fingerless gloves in a supersoft knit will give any outfit a cool contemporary twist

Airflex™ Leather Saddle Moccasin Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
These shoes are specially designed with the Airflex™ sole system using the latest technology to provide your feet with utmost comfort, support and grip

Casual Leather Leeds Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect for adding structure to that chunky knit or tunic, the fashionably broader width of this gorgeous belt stays on track with current trends

Limited Collection Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spencer
This 3/4 sleeve top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a pretty floral print design for a stylish casual look

Fitou Bin 70 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Carignan, Grenache Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Plain Swimming Trunks, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect for holidays or school swimming lessons, these practical trunks are outstanding value

Footglove™ Widefit Leather Wedge Pumps, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Slip on Wedge heel Heel height: 37mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Metal Floral Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6''), at Marks & Spensers
Cutout metal flowers design with sparkling embellishments Brushed metal borders Aperture dimensions: 10 x 15cm (4 x 6'') Frame dimensions: 22.3 x 17.3 x 1.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hamilton Love Seat, at Marks & Spensers
H95 x W137 x D99cm Seat H49cm, arm H66cm, top back rail 73cm Seat cushions made from Quallofil Extralife filling. Click here for more information on Quallofil Extralife Cushions are reversible on fabric upholstery options Solid birch feet Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Burra Brook Merlot 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Merlot Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Limited Collection Strappy Slingback Sandals, at Marks and Spencer
Open toe Strap front Elasticated ankle strap Slingback High heel 8cm

First Readers Sleeping Beauty Sticker Book, at MarksandSpencer
First Reader sticker books are a fun way to help develop your child's early reading skills. With over 60 stickers, they provide interactive learning fun, promoting word prediction & joining in. The sticker books support the First Readers story books

Newborn Pure Cotton Reversible Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
He'll have two looks in one with this practical reversible jacket. It's warmly padded and made from soft comfortable fleece and cotton fabric

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Classic Bengal Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Panasonic 42" TX-P42X10 HD Plasma TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready: Displays images HD when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 42 inch plasma display, 786,432 (1,024 x 768) pixels Contrast Ratio (in dark surroundings): Dynamic: 2,000,000:1; Native: 20,000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W102.9 x H66.1 x D10.5cm (without stand) W102.9 x H70.4 x D33.4cm (with stand) Weight: 26kg (without stand) 28kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 3 x HDMI, 2 Scart, PC Input, S-Video Input, Headphone Jack, Composite Video Input VIERA Superior Picture Quality: The VIERA system provides richly expressed images with enhanced contrast SD Card Slot: View your treasured photos on the big screen by simply removing your camera's memory card and sliding it into the SD card slot 24p Playback: High speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your AV systems with only one remote Use wall mountT042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lichfield 5-Drawer Tall Chest, at Marks & Spencers
H119 x W66 x D50cm 5 drawers Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this chest as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leon Jackson - Right Now CD, at Mark's & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Square Check Wrap Mini Skirt, at M+S
Short and sweet, this mini skirt looks and feels luxurious. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Autograph Sheer Lace Padded Balcony Bra, at M&S
Elegant and feminine this sheer lace bra looks and feels luxurious. The flattering balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Fleece Top, at Marks and Spencers
Want style and comfort? This cowl neck fleece top looks fashionable and will keep you feeling warm, cosy and snug.

Linen Miracle™ Flat Front Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
These lightweight flat front trousers are the perfect choice for warmer weather. They're made from a revolutionary crease resistant linen blend. It's easy to iron and doesn't crease like linen but has the same look and feel

Panasonic 50'' TX-P50X10 HD Plasma TV, at Marks & Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 50 inch plasma screen, 1,049,088 (1,366 x 768) pixels Dynamic contrast ratio: 2,000,000:1; Native: 20,000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W121.8 x H76.9 x D10.5cm (without stand), W121.8 x H81.4 x D40.1cm (with stand) Weight: 34kg (without stand), 36kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 3x HDMI, S-video input, component video input, PC input and 1 x headphone jack VIERA Superior Picture Quality: The VIERA system provides richly expressed images with enhanced contrast and deeper natural colours, thanks to the wider x.v.Colour palette Digital Cinema Colour: Superb colour reproduction with 4,096 equivalent steps of gradation SD Card Slot: View your treasured photos on the big screen by simply removing your camera's memory card and sliding it into the SD card slot Intelligent Frame Creation With 24p Playback: With 50Hz video signal input, the Intelligent Frame Creation achieves high moving picture resolution even in fast-motion scenes. 24p Playback creates high speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your Panasonic AV systems with only one remote Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Check Skirt with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable maxi length skirt featuring a check design and ruffle detail

Mantle Clocks - TIN MANTLE CLOCK, at Marks & Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cool Soft Cotton 4.5 Tog Duvet, at Marks & Spenser
4.5 tog Naturally breathable, keeping your body refreshed Pure cotton cover and filling Available in Single (3ft), Double (4ft 6in), King size (5ft) and Super King size (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Single Breasted 3 Button Tweed Jacket with Wool, at Mark & Spensers
A fashionable single breasted jacket in textured fabric featuring button tab pockets

Wool Rich Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and contemporary, these trousers are made from a special wool blend fabric for extra strength, comfort and durability

Welcome Reds - Case of 12, at Mark & Spencers
2 Domaine Lafage VdP des Ctes Catalanes 2007 2 Campo Bravo Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada 2007 4 Santa Gloria Merlot 2008 4 Villagio, Negroamaro Puglia 2008 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Siberian Goose Down Pillow, at Marks & Spensers
W48cm x L76cm Soft to medium support Silk and cotton blend cover 450 thread count 50% silk / 50% cotton boxed wall outer edge cover Siberian new white goose feather and down filling Highest quality class 1 Siberian goose down Machine washable at 40C, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Financial Services offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Financial Services Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with M+S 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, or Tesco's:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union - up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Car Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M&S Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.