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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spencers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M+S Money. 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 Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M+S Money 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 Money 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 Money 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 and 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 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 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 Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

M+S Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M+S Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Bow Detail Jersey Gloves, at MarksandSpencer
Keep out the cold in style and comfort with these flattering soft stretchy gloves finished with a bow detail

Pavilion 16-Piece Cutlery Set, at M & S
16-piece set Includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Easycare Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Check Top with Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
A check design adds a pretty touch to this pure soft cotton top

Swirl Wine Glass, at MarksandSpencer
Conical shape Swirl design Handmade Height: 24.5 cm Capacity: 38 cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Glass Scales, at Marks and Spencers
Digital display Glass design Dimensions: L32 x W30 x H4.4cm Max weight: 28st, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Robot Pyjamas, at Mark & Spensers
Fun and fashionable, these comfy pure cotton pyjamas feature robot motifs

Classic Collection Flower Scarf Neck Top, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features a threaded foral scarf neckline. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Younger Girls' Little Miss Sunshine Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencers
Cute and colourful, these Little Miss Sunshine sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Autograph Essentials Rose Embroidered High Leg Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Stunningly stylish these flattering briefs feature a feminine embroidered rose design. The modern low rise, high leg styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Travel Essential Pop Up Brush, at Marks n Spencer
Compact Fold away Internal mirror

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Block Stripe Jumper, at Mark & Spensers
Relaxed and casual, this long sleeved jumper is made from comfortable pure cotton and features a block stripe design. A practical easycare style

Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered DD-G Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and elegant, this stylish bra features stretch lace fabric and a clover embroidered design. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a natural uplifted shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Autograph Pure Cotton Stormwear™ Bomber Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Layer on some serious spring style with this cool lightweight jacket, in 4 key shades for the season

Chunky Weave Marl Throw, at M&S
Chunky weave design Tasselled trim, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Hooded Eskimo Reversible Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
She'll have two looks in one with this practical reversible jacket. It's warmly padded and made from soft comfortable cotton

Cream Debossed Leather Look Page-A-Day Diary, at Marks & Spenser
Dimensions: 215 x 150 x 35mm

Self Stripe Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. A look that's always in style

Siemens Built-In Induction Hob EH775501E, at M+S
H60 x W575 x D505mm Black ceramic glass hob with stainless steel trim Four induction zones with boost function LED display Front-mounted electronic controls 17 temperature settings including 'keep warm' setting Residual heat indicator for each zone Automatic safety cut-out and emergency stop facility Child lock 2-year guarantee This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
A contemporary print on the back makes this cotton shirt a trend-conscious choice for fashionable boys. Stylish, practical and easycare

Fox Gordon Brothers and Sisters Shiraz 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry, full bodied Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered Padded Bras, at M&S
Elegant and feminine, these bras are beautifully embellished with clover embroidery. Soft padding and underwiring give support and a flattering natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

12-Piece Ruby Dining Set - Red, at M&S
12-piece set - 4 crockery place settings Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls Dinner plates: 27.5cm Side plates: 21.5cm Bowls: 16cm Fine china Stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton 3 Piece Cardigan Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
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

Pocket Sprung Nursery Mattress, at Marks & Spencer
L140 x W70 x D15cm Spring count: 264 Pocket sprung for excellent support Cot bed not included Hygienic, moisture-resistant covering Suitable for the feet-to-foot sleeping position recommended by health professionals Fully conformed to current safety standards We recommend you ensure it is the correct size for the cot and that any gaps at the sides and ends are less than 3cm Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Valpolicella Classico 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Mixed Red Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Ontario Small Camoflage Holdall, at M&S
There'll be no things that go bump in the night with this easy to transport holdall. Supported by sturdy wheels and a stand-alone feature, it's the ideal option for short trips or flying abroad

Patent Oval Buckle Belt, at Marks n Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable patent oval buckle belt

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Assorted Design Socks, at Marks and Spencer
The stripe, flower and butterfly design adds a stylish touch to these comfortable cotton rich socks

3 Pairs of Spot Trainer Liner Socks, at Marks and Spenser
Comfy and practical, these socks are designed to hide neatly inside trainers

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 and Spenser 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 Spencer, through its M+S Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.