When you're shopping at Marks and 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 House Insurance and Motor 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 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."

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the M&S online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Finance website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Finance in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Finance website.

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

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Finance Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor 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 Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• 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 Motor 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Per Una Pure Linen Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
A relaxed pair of shorts featuring an on the waist design and side pockets

Buckle Detail Long Sleeve Jacket, at M & S
Say goodbye to stuffy formal dressing. Summer suits are light and easy, with relaxed styling to match your mood

Maritza Swirl Bracelet, at Marks & Spenser
Stretch style Mixed beads

Brass Ball 5-Arm Ceiling Light, at Marks and Spencer
Brass effect Ball design 5 arms with voile shades Bulb: 5 x 40W SES or 9W CFL H40.5 x Diam 42.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Multi Strand Animal Bead Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Multi strand Mixed animal print bead design Necklace length: 46cm

Younger Girls' Floral Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this floral buckle belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Autograph Pure Silk Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Short Sleeve Crushed Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary stripe print

Limited Collection Clutch Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this clutch bag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Mummy and Me Teapot Tea Set, at M & S
Contains 1 milk jug, kettle, 4 x cups and saucers, 4 x knives, spoons and forks, cake and 4 x plates Promotes imaginative play Pieces pack away inside the teapot Suitable for ages 3+ This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Big & Tall Single Breasted Ultimate Blazer, at Marks & Spencer
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this ultimate blazer is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Autograph Pure Cotton Flannel Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and contemporary, these flannel trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Autograph Pure Cotton 3 Piece Cardigan Outfit, at Marks and 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

Airflex™ Comfort Lace Up Shoe, at M&S
Square toe Stitch detail Lace up Eyelets Unique Airflex™ airflow system for unbeatable comfort

Pure Cotton V-Neck Vest, at Mark & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, this v-neck vest is made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Classic Non-Wired Built-Up Shoulder Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Non-wired to provide you with a more natural silhouette. This great bra offers superior support thanks to adjustable straps and added stretch, while the easycare design guarantees convenient comfort

Deep Sea Trio Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
3 piece set Oval butterfly fastening earrings Stud butterfly fastening earrings Hook fastening drop earrings

Pleated Slim Leg Peg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Slim and stylish, these peg trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. Added stretch gives the perfect fit.

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Sweat Pants, at Mark's & Spencer
Whether you're active or relaxing, do it in style and comfort in these cotton rich joggers

Lichfield Extending Dining Table & 6 Alton Antiqued-Leather Chairs Set, at M&S
Dining table:H75 x W95.5 x L145cm (H29.3 x W37.2 x L56.6in ) Extends to seat 8 using the spare central leaf stored beneath the table top Chair:H99 x W46 x D56cm, Seat: H48cm Chairs crafted from solid European oak with antique leather Table made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Supima® Pure Cotton Non-Iron Pillowcase, at Marks & Spencers
Internationally recognised as the world's finest cotton High performance non iron finish offering the ultimate in easy care Supima is renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel 180 thread count, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Detachable Clear Bra Straps, at Marks and Spencers
These clear straps attach to our multiway bras to give you a more discreet option

Non Iron Long Sleeve Bold Bengal Stripe Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and innovative, this easycare shirt has a special finish on the fabric and is cleverly constructed to make it non-iron. A great time saver, ideal for work wear

Windsor Bedstead, at Marks & Spensers
Headboard H112cm Endboard H73cm Underbed H26cm Single: L206 x W105cm Double: L206 x W152cm 5ft: L216 x W167cm Mattress sold separately Made from from solid pine Finished with low sheen lacquer for added durability Delivered flatpack due to size 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Motion Mattress, at M&S
Sold as 2 single mattresses Designed to fit the Autograph Monroe Reclining Bedstead Double (4ft 6): King size (5ft): Super King Size (6ft): TV sold separately Bedstead sold separately This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Contemporary Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather Trouser Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Stitch detail Gusset feature Slip on Mid heel Heel height: 52mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Cotton Sleeveless Embroidered Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this sleeveless dress features an embroidered neckline and frilled hem. A flattering, stylish look

Chunky Mixed Bead Rope Necklace, at Mark & Spensers
Mixed chunky beads Rope necklace Tie fastening Necklace length: 102cm

Halterneck Swimsuit, at Mark & Spensers
Feminine and glamorous, this swimsuit is designed to fit and flatter. The halterneck makes it even more stylish

Almond Toe Elastic Panel Knee High Boots, at M & S
Almond toe Stitch detail Zip fastening Gusset feature Knee high Mid heel Heel height: 56mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half size

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 MarksandSpencer 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 and Spencers, 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 Motor Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.