When you're shopping at Mark & Spensers 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 Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencers 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."

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 Marks & Spencers 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:

• 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from M&S Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

Malabar Media Unit, at Marks & Spencer
2 drawers 2 shelves H56 x W143 x D56cm Crafted predominantly from solid mango wood Protective low-sheen lacquer finish for added durability 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! Buy this Malabar coffee table with matching side table. Individually 798, together 748. Save 50 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ribbon Blossom Thank You Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Thank you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Autograph Block Stripe Crew Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and contemporary, this crew neck jumper is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Griffin Wave Case for iPod Touch, at Marks & Spencer
The distinctive wave shape on the case defines elegant styling as well as unique functionality. Wave's overlapping curves of the closure provide increased surface area to lock together with greater security for your iPod. Included screen protector guards your screen, but allows complete access to your iPod clickwheel. Wave for iPod touch (2nd generation) includes protection for your multi-touch display

Pure Cotton Roll Up Jeans, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The roll up leg design gives a cute trendy look

Malabar Coffee Table, at Marks & Spencer
H53 x L120 x W60cm 10 drawers Crafted predominantly from solid mango wood Protective low-sheen lacquer finish for added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Malabar Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Precision Tweezers with Protective Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
Slanted tip Clean eyebrow and carefully remove hair one at a time, plucking in the direction that the hair is growing Allow at least 5 minutes after plucking before applying make-up Keep your tweezers safely stored in the attractive wallet

Petite Linear Colour Block Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and contemporary, this linear dress features a colour block design. A fabulous fashionable look. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Handmade Letters Grandad Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: To a very special grandad Inside message: With love Approx size: Unfolded: 215 x 150mm

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chalumeaux 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks n Spencer
Style: Dry Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 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

Marqués Del Costal 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Bare Cooling Tights, at Mark's & Spencer
Never lose your cool again in warmer weather with our Bare Cooling tights. Crafted from a revolutionary Japanese yarn, their incredibly lightweight design releases a cooling sensation to your legs as you wear them

Older Girls' Hannah Montana Clogs, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Slip-on Hannah Montana design Badge detail Flat sole Clog style Disney

Roll & Play Toy, at Marks and Spenser
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Encourages activity and hand-eye coordination This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Age Defence Radiance Energising Mask, at M+S
75ml Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic

Floral Type Mum Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Happy birthday mum Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 114 x 230mm

Traditional Lace Pull-On Girdle, at M+S
A traditional girdle with a high level of support to gently control tummies and shape hips. The perfect foundation for a smooth look

Silver Plated Paua Pear Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Stretch style Pear design

Autograph Light Control Backseam Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Delivering a sleek, backseam look, these super soft tights are a sophisticated option that pairs well with heels and a smart dress or skirt

Big & Tall Wool Rich Single Breasted Puptooth Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this wool rich jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Blue Dress Grandma Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy birthday to my wonderful Grandma Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Glitter Small Gift Bag, at M & S
Contains: 1 gift bag Approx size: H160 x W160 x D90mm

Block Circle Design Mug, at Marks and Spencer
Block circle design Height: 10 cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fron Male Voice Choir - Voices of the Valley Home CD, at MarksandSpencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Maternity Cotton Rich Hooded Top, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and casual, this hooded top is designed to flatter you and your bump. A clever cut gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. An essential fashion favourite

5 Floral Embroidered Full Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
These floral embroidered cotton rich full briefs are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Classic Collection Pure Silk Lightweight Trailing Floral Scarf, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk floral print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Rib Stripe Shirt, at Marks & 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

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Autograph Addison Nest of Tables, at Marks and Spencer
SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy these tables as part of a set. Click here to view the Addison Collection Set. H45 x W55 x D55cm (largest table) Set of 2 Made from American Black Walnut solids and veneers, with Beech veneer on unseen faces Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen 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. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from Marks & Spensers are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark & Spencers a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the M&S Financial Services Property Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for M&S Financial Services Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.