Building on Kevin's helpful insight from the inside, I recall seeking a loan from the Clydesdale Bank which they would only approve if I took on their PPI, which added around 20% to my loan/monthly outgoings. I needed the loan (for "debt consolidation" to repay an existing loan with them and they knew it!) - little wonder that I went down the PTD route some time later! I don't take much if any comfort from knowing that the CB got only a small portion of the money owing to them but the term "chickens coming home to roost" springs to mind!