Things to consider
When selecting a funeral plan it’s important to be sure you are getting the right type of plan for you, whether it be a set funeral plan or a personalised plan designed around your own unique needs.
Personalised Funeral Plans
These funeral plans are tailored around you and your individual choices. It can be made up of whatever you wish, and could include something more unique such as a horse drawn or motor cycle hearse. Alternatively it could simply include additional features not included in a set funeral plan such as a memorial or funeral flowers. Visit our ‘Arrange a funeral’ pages for ideas on what you could include in your personalised funeral plan.
Set Funeral Plans
A set funeral plan is basically a funeral ‘package’ which includes all of the essential products and services needed as part of a funeral service, including a coffin, hearse, funeral director fees and so on. Funeral plan providers generally offer a packages that range from a value to a high-end offer.
Some funeral plan providers will allow you to record personal wishes such as a reading for the ceremony or a music selection. If this is important to you check whether your personal wishes can be recorded when taking out a set funeral plan.
When arranging a funeral plan don’t forget to check who will conduct the funeral
Funeral plans can be purchased directly from a local funeral director, financial services companies or other third party providers. Make sure when purchasing your funeral plan that you know the funeral can be carried out by a local, reputable funeral director, ideally the funeral director should be a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors.
You may also want to check the longevity of the company when purchasing a funeral plan as, like any business, a funeral plan provider can cease to trade.
Other things to consider…
It isn’t just the products and services included in your funeral plan you should think about. Other aspects should also be considered around the financial security of your investment and what is and isn’t included.
Will there be anything else to pay at the time of your funeral?
Not all funeral plan providers fully guarantee all items included in their funeral plans, which means you may miss out on one of the key benefits of having a funeral plan - protection from rising funeral costs . Some funeral plans may only contribute towards certain costs such as third party charges (also known as disbursement fees) so your family may have an additional amount to pay at the time of your funeral.
To be confident there will be nothing additional to pay at the time of your funeral look out for ‘fully guaranteed’ funeral plans that cover all charges including funeral director and third party fees.
Are there any additional charges to change or cancel your funeral plan?
As your circumstances change you may need to amend or possibly cancel your funeral plan. Check with your funeral plan provider how and if you can do this and if there are any costs to do so.
Is the funeral plan provider registered with the Funeral Planning Authority?
Funeral Plan providers are not authorised by the Financial Services Authority, instead the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) exists to protect the interests of individuals who have purchased a UK funeral plan.
Members of the FPA must meet their requirements in line with current legislation and the FPA provides arrangements for resolving disputes between its members and their customers.
Further advice
- If you purchase a funeral plan – keep your written funeral plan confirmation safe
- Ensure your close friends or family know you have arranged and paid for your funeral and where to find details of the funeral plan