The Hidden Commission Scandal in Car Finance: A Cautionary Tale for Life Insurance Brokers
In early 2024, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) exposed widespread concerns about undisclosed commissions in UK car finance agreements, particularly discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs) where brokers were incentivised to push customers towards higher-cost deals for bigger kickbacks. This scandal resulted in consumer redress schemes and regulatory crackdowns across the motor finance sector. Parallels with Life […]
A Complete Guide to Financial Gifts in the UK (2025)
Your Guide to Inheritance Tax and Gifting At The Insurance Surgery, we understand that planning for the future can be complex, especially when it comes to Inheritance Tax. That’s why we’ve created this straightforward guide to help you understand how gifting works and how to protect your loved ones from unexpected tax bills. Inheritance Tax […]
Does Life Insurance Cover Suicide
Does life insurance pay out for a suicidal death? Yes, life insurance can pay out for suicide in the UK, but some specific conditions and timeframes apply. Understanding these terms is important when choosing or reviewing a life insurance policy. What is the suicide clause in life insurance? Most UK life insurance providers include a […]
A Guide to Index Linking
What Is Index Linking? Index linking in life insurance (also known as inflation-linked life insurance) is a feature that helps your policy payout increase over time to keep up with inflation. This ensures that the money paid to your loved ones after your death doesn’t lose value due to rising living costs. How Is It […]
Benefits of Whole of Life Insurance vs Term Insurance: Which Is Best for You?
Understanding the difference between whole of life insurance and term life insurance can seem like a daunting task. Pros and Cons of term vs whole life insurance Both types of life insurance offer financial protection, but they can serve different needs. Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide which one is best for you. […]
Do Young Mums Need Life Insurance?
Being a mum is an incredible journey—full of giggles, late-night cuddles, and the occasional toddler tantrum. But alongside all the joy, there’s a deep responsibility to protect and provide for your little one, no matter what. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you weren’t there? It’s not the cheeriest topic, but it’s […]
Understanding Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Life Insurance
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax levied on the transfer of wealth after someone passes away. It applies to the total value of an individual’s estate, which includes all their money, property, and possessions. Understanding how IHT works and the ways to mitigate its impact can help you plan and ensure that your loved ones […]
Is Over 50s Life Insurance Worth It?
Over 50s life cover works slightly differently from regular life insurance. The main criteria are that you must be aged between 50 and 85 to qualify. Cover is available up to the amount of £40,0000; this is to cover funeral costs and to provide a lump sum to your family. Many over-50s life insurance policies […]
Can You Take Money Out of Whole Life Insurance
Whole of Life (WOL) insurance policies are a popular choice for people looking to ensure a guaranteed payout to their loved ones upon their death. But one of the most common questions surrounding these policies is: “can you access the funds during your lifetime?” Here’s everything you need to know as a UK citizen. How […]
How Much Is Private Medical Insurance?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to provide faster access to medical investigations, specialist consultations, and treatments for non-emergency conditions that may face long waiting times on the NHS. While not a replacement for NHS services, PMI is invaluable for those seeking quicker, more efficient care, especially for conditions that may not be deemed urgent […]