Funeral plans are becoming more and more popular with people looking to alleviate the stress on their loved ones after their passing and take advantage of today’s prices for tomorrow’s funerals. If you’re still in doubt about the whole subject, this handy FAQ should help. If there’s anything you’re still unclear about after reading through the article, give us a call on 01983 754 387 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may still have.
What is a funeral plan?
A funeral plan is a contractual arrangement between a customer and a funeral plan provider which allows a person to pay for their own (or another person’s) funeral before they have passed on. They make it easy to pick and choose which elements of the service are to be paid for in advance and as a result, lock those elements in at today’s prices.
Who is a funeral plan for?
A funeral plan is for anyone who wishes to take some of the stress off their surviving family members by paying in advance for certain or all aspects of their funeral service.
At what age should I consider buying a funeral plan?
While some funeral plan providers require that customers be at least 50 years of age before taking out a plan, there are plenty of others who do not have restrictions. Therefore, it is possible to beginning planning for your funeral at any age.
What are the different types of funeral plans?
There are a wide variety of different kinds of funeral plans which cater for all budgets and tastes. In general, most funeral plans will cover basic services such as the storage, care and transportation of the body, the coffin and the costs associated with contracting a funeral director to oversee the arrangements on the day. More expensive funeral plans may include extras such as flowers, catering, headstones, obituaries, upgrades on the coffin and hearse and any additional transport required.
How are funeral plans regulated and guaranteed?
95% of funeral plan providers in the UK are voluntarily regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA), which does have a Code of Practice to which it encourages registered providers to adhere to. While the FPA does not have the authority to stop a provider from trading, its endorsement does lend credibility and authentication to the provider in question. The UK government are currently discussing ideas on bringing in tougher legislation against unlawful funeral plan providers in the future.
How do I select a funeral plan?
In order to find a funeral plan that meets your specific needs, why not visit our dedicated funeral plans area. Here, we present some recommended options from trusted providers. We only show FPA registered funeral plan companies, reducing the burden on you when it comes to searching for a provider.
It’s important to compare and contrast the pros and cons of several different providers in your area. Using our search tool, you can locate a list of providers near you, then select one or more which fall within your budget and meet your expectations. It’s a good idea to contact more than one provider and, if possible, meet with them in person prior to entering into a contract so that you can get a better idea of how they operate and whether or not they’re a right fit for your situation.
What happens if the cost of the funeral at the time of my death exceeds the amount I have paid?
If you die before paying the full balance of your funeral plan, it will fall to your family members or surviving next of kin to pay the outstanding difference. However, if you have paid the full amount agreed upon at the time of signing the contract and the cost of the funeral exceeds that amount due to inflation, the funeral plan provider will pay the difference.
What if I change my mind?
Most funeral plan providers allow a grace period (normally between one and three months) during which you can cancel the plan and receive a full refund. However, if you decide to cancel the plan after this time, your decision will likely incur an administration fee.