When you're shopping at Marks & Spencer 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 Finance. 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 Finance. 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 Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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."

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 n Spencer 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 Finance 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.

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 & Spencers are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencer 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Finance Home 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 Finance Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Fire Sign Bracelet, at Marks & Spencers
3 charms Beaded strap

Champagne Oudinot Medium Dry - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Medium dry Grape variety: Mixed Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Soft Grip Masher, at MarksandSpencer
Loop in the handle for hanging Soft grip handle L27cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Peppa Pig Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: Have a fantastic day Approx size: Unfolded: 215 x 150mm

Pure Wool 2 Button Single Breasted Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Don't sacrifice style for comfort this summer. This Pure Wool jacket is specially designed for the warmer months. It's made with a lighter weight fabric, has a softer feel and it features an antibacterial body lining to help keep you feeling fresh

Hungarian Pinot Grigio 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Medium dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio & Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Hungary Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Ruby Cup & Saucer - Black, at Mark's & Spencer
2 piece set Slim handle stripe cup All over stripe saucer Saucer diam 14.5cm Cup height 5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wentworth Armchair, at Marks & Spensers
H96 x W74 x D100cm Seat H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Feet are castors All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Cotton Rich Contrast Heel & Toe Socks, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, these cotton rich socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Per Una Modal Rich Spot Print Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and colourful, this spot print bra is embellished with a stylish contrast lace trim. It's underwired for extra support and the plunge style gives an enhanced shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Perfect Autograph Weekend Satin Honeycomb Print Chemise, at M & S
Luxurious and sophisticated, this modern chemise is part of our exclusive Autograph Weekend collection. It's beautifully designed and detailed with honeycomb print and made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

Pure Cotton Penguin All In One & Hat Set, at Marks and Spencers
Cute and practical, this 2 piece suit features penguin design. The soft cotton fabric will keep her comfy

Woven Silk Pindot Stripe Tie with Stain Defence™, at Marks & Spenser
This woven silk tie has been treated with our stain defence™ technology giving inbuilt resistance to everyday spills, this repellence benefit is maintained after dry cleaning

Ruby Cot Bed, at Marks & Spencer
Drawers: H12.5 x W132 x D65.5cm Total unit: H100 x L144 x W78cm Mattress sold separately (suitable size: L140 x W70cm) Clean white finish Fixed headboard Each rail fitted with plastic teething rails Cot has fixed sides with 3 optional height positions for the base Cot converts into a junior bed suitable for children up to age 5 (footboard height is reduced) Delivered flatpack due to size 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

Pure Linen Bead Hem Detail Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this linen skirt is a look you'll love. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Handcrafted Story Time Mum Mother's Day Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To a special Mum "and when the children were old enough, they moved out and Mummy lived happily ever after" Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 230 x 114mm

Autograph Leather Overnight Bag, at Marks & Spensers
Luxurious and beautiful, this overnight bag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's made from soft hardwearing leather, and is useful and practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Limited Collection Faux Snakeskin Tote Bag, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and fabulous, this faux snakeskin print handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as a trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Collezione Leather Hip Wallet, at M&S
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

5 Pairs of Ribbed Sports Socks, at MarksandSpencer
A great value pack of sports socks which he'll love wearing - their white colour makes them classically cool whilst their ribbed design gives extra grip, whatever sport he's playing

Cotton Rich Velour Hooded Dress, at Mark's & Spencer
Fun and casual, this easywear dress feels so comfy to wear. Frill hem keeps the look fabulously fashionable.

Autograph Weekend Pure Cotton Envelope Neck Stripe Jumper, at Marks and Spencers
Casual and modern, this envelope neck stripe jumper has been designed for a chic, relaxed look

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Funnel Neck Parka, at Marks n Spencer
A contemporary design and funnel neck makes this parka a fashionable choice

Philips RQ1051 Electric Shaver, at Marks and Spenser
Flex and pivot action: Three independently flexing heads in a shaving unit that swivels with full range of motion. This unique combination ensures optimum skin contact in curved areas to catch even the most problematic neck hair Tripletrack shaving heads: The three shaving tracks of the Triple-Track shaving heads offer 50% more shaving surface than standard, single track rotary shaving heads Precision cutting system: Ultra thin heads with slots to shave the long hairs and holes to shave even the shortest stubble Super lift and cut technology: The dual blade system lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level Precision tube trimmer: Patented tube trimmer technology for great precision and manoeuvrability. Perfect for contouring and trimming moustache and sideburns Can be easily rinsed under the tap Corrosion free heads Travel lock feature Battery status indicator Shaving unit replacement indicator Accessories: charging stand, protection cap, cleaning brush

Daughter Sequin Shoes Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Birthday Wishes to a Wonderful Daughter Inside message: With lots of love on your birthday Approx size: 175 x 125mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

5 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Slips, at Marks and Spencers
Made from soft breathable stretch cotton, these comfy slips are ideal for everyday wear.

24 Mini Chicken Kievs, at Marks & Spencers
Contains 24 pieces Serves 6 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 640g total weight As featured on page 12 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Reversible Jigsaw Quilted Bedcover, at Marks and Spencers
Jigsaw pattern Reversible 150 x 200cms, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Freshfeet Pure Cotton Jumbo Cord Slippers, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Textured finish Tartan style lining pattern Flat sole Slip on With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours

Pure Cotton Batman Mock Layer T-Shirt with Cape, at Marks and Spenser
Fans of Batman will love this pure cotton mock layer t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Finance. Not least of these is M+S Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Finance 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 Finance, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spensers, 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, you get more, and you pay less.