Pre-paid Funeral Plans

Freezing costs at today’s prices.

Like many goods and services, funerals rise in cost.  Evidence from Sunlife’s 'cost of dying report 2021'  (https://www.sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs/) shows that funeral plan prices outpace inflation. In fact, the report details that every year since 2004, funeral expenses have increased by thousands.  A basic funeral in 2004 would have cost just £1,835 according to the same report. In 2020 that same funeral cost £4,184 and by 2025 is estimated at £5,044. So in order to maximise savings against rising costs, the sooner you buy a plan the better.

Planning your funeral

You may like the idea that you get a say in your own funeral, whether that’s to add your own personal touches or to make sure that your family doesn’t go overboard on the expenses. By pre-planning your funeral, you will have the opportunity to plan your funeral however you like. Whether that’s the coffin, choosing cremation or burial, or even the location of the funeral; this can be all discussed with the plan provider to ensure you are celebrated in the manner you wish to be.

Reducing stress for family members

When a loved one passes away it’s often an incredibly traumatic and stressful time for family members and to have the added pressure of organising a funeral that reflects the life of a loved one, can be daunting and add additional stress to the organiser.

Funeral plan costs differ between providers but roughly range from £2500 to £10,000+ depending on your requirements.

There’s no limit on the number of plans you can buy for others, so if you want a joint funeral plan or to cover other family members there’s nothing stopping you.

Is my money safe?

All FPA members must go through rigorous checks when joining. They must evidence that the money you pay them for the plan is put into a trust. This ensures that anything were to happen to them as a company, your money is protected. Furthermore, all members of the FPA agree to cover any funerals paid to other members, should that member go bust. In short, if you take out a plan with a FPA member, your funeral will be covered.  

How will my family know that I have a funeral plan?

You should discuss any funeral plans you take out with your family to ensure they are aware of who to contact when the funeral needs arranging. If you are looking for a family members plan and you are not sure where to look, the FPA have this handy tool, which allows you to trace plans sold by its members;+ funeralplanningauthority.co.uk/trace-a-plan/  

Who administers my funeral?

  The plan you buy will be with the funeral plan provider. However, the funeral itself will be with your nominated funeral directors, be it local or wherever you choose. Most of the main funeral plan providers have ties to funeral directors across the whole of the UK.  

What happens if I die before my funeral plan is in place?

Different plan providers will have different rules to this, so it’s something you should discuss with them. For instance, there might be a clause that if you die after the 1st year and your plan isn’t paid for, then the provider will cover the plan without any more costs. But if you die in the first 12 months they may not. Again, it's best to ask before you buy.  

Checklist of things to double-check with the policy provider.

 

• Are you FPA registered (We only work with FPA registered providers)?
• What’s included in the plan and what’s not included?
• What funeral directors do you work with in my local area?
• What are the terms for the plan if I pass away before the plan is paid off?