A funeral plan can save both you and your loved ones money by fixing the specified costs in the plan at today’s prices.
This valuable service offers people the reassurance that loved ones are not left with a financial burden when you die. Funeral costs have been continually rising in recent years and if they continue to do so, a funeral is expected to cost more than £5,925 by 2024~, it’s easy to see how some people could be caught out financially.
Studies show that, as a nation, we struggle when it comes to talking about funerals — whether it’s planning for our own send-off or for a loved one.
Despite this, 70 per cent of people say they would feel guilty leaving their family with debt when they die. ¥
In addition, two-thirds of people (67 per cent) acknowledged that they would like their funeral to be a happy occasion for those left behind. ¥
But there are so many factors to take into consideration when choosing your funeral plan provider, such as the quality standards, what services are guaranteed, attention to your wishes and prices, as funeral costs look set to continue rising.
More than 500,000 of the 1.3 million funeral plans bought in the UK will not cover the costs of a funeral, which is a shocking statistic that will likely leave many families with additional bills that their loved one had tried to ensure they would avoid. **
The good news is there is a call for more to be done, with even the Government now reviewing the market and considering stronger regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The consumer group Fairer Finance has criticised those plans which fail to deliver with high charges, aggressive sales tactics and high cancellation fees to name few and are lobbying for more to be done to protect customers.
So what can you look out for?
Choose a company registered by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA)
Registered providers of the voluntary regulator, the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) include the two biggest funeral specialists, Dignity being one of these, always strives to deliver the highest standards in funeral care.
Ensure you have a guaranteed protection
Many funeral plans will not include guaranteed protection. But this is an important feature to have so that all the arrangements in your chosen plan are taken care of, meaning your loved ones will have less to worry about during those difficult times.
At the time of need what does the plan you are considering guarantee to provide in the future? Make sure you consider things such as coffin / hearse / limousine / deceased care, viewing and preparation, as well as disbursements (crematorium and ministers fee) costs, as all these are part of the Funeral Director’s services.
Choose a fixed price plan
By choosing a fixed price plan — once paid, your family will never be asked to pay anything on top for the services already covered by the chosen plan.
Avoid making snap decisions
Don’t be pushed into making a quick decision to buy over the phone – quality providers will be happy to send you details through the post to consider in your own time. For instance, Dignity will treat you with the respect and patience you deserve, as they understand that planning for your send-off is no easy task.
Who is the Funeral Director?
Can the plan provider explain to you, when you buy the funeral plan, who your Funeral Director will be, if you can change the Funeral Director if you choose (or move home and area) and could there be any extra cost of doing so?
How is the money I pay managed?
When buying a funeral plan you are in effect pre-purchasing a product. So how will the money be looked after and protected until the time that your family need to make use of the plan?
What payment options exist?
Can you pay in one lump sum, or monthly – and how much extra will monthly payments cost you over the full repayment term?
What happens if my family don’t use the plan?
Most plans will provide you with an information pack to pass to your next of kin. But if your family forget or do not use the plan what happens next, will your money be refunded into your estate? Will you get any money back if you cancel?
Why Dignity?
As one of the UKs leading providers of funeral plans Dignity offers peace of mind that, from the outset, your loved ones are protected from any nasty surprises.
With a Dignity plan all the main details are taken care of – from choosing the funeral director to dealing with the paperwork, organising the service and arranging the transport. Your family will receive all the help and guidance they need from a trusted and respected funeral director. Not only are the costs of the funeral services in the plan protecting you against any future rises in costs, but they can also add any special requests, so your loved ones know exactly what kind of service you would like¤.
In addition, you can rest assured that your monies are safe and secure as they are held in a completely independent Trust Fund. Finally, you can be confident that expert advice and support will be available for your loved ones 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
☎ Or call on 0800 022 3239 (& quote WEBSAV10ND)
Alternatively, learn more about Dignity and how they can help you.
- There's no better time than now to get your funeral plan from Dignity.
- If you purchase by 20 December 2018, you will save up to £340 ^.
- Even better, you will be entered into our free prize draw to win £10,000†.
Notes
^ £340 saving is based on the difference between the discounted Diamond plan price of £3,795 and the 2018 plan price of £4,135. Discount is valid until 30th April 2019.
†Purchase of qualifying plan required for entry. Prize draw competition is open for entries between 17/09/2018 and 20/12/2018. One prize of £10,000 shall be awarded. Open to residents in England, Scotland and Wales only. For full T&Cs please click here.
¥ Dignity Censuswide survey, March 2018. Matter Communications independent research.
~ 2024: Forecast based on average annual compounded growth rate of 5.45% each year between 2011 and 2017
** The Times, 21 July 2018 article The funeral plans failing to give families peace of mind
¤ Some requests may incur an additional charge and may not be covered by the price guarantee. Any costs incurred from these requests will have to be paid for at the time of the funeral or alternatively a contribution can be made towards these costs which will increase each year in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI).
Calls may be monitored or recorded for training and quality purposes. All calls to 0800 numbers are free of charge whether made from a landline or mobile phone.
The Prepaid Funeral Plan is provided by Dignity Pre Arrangement Limited. A company registered in England No. 1862158. VAT Reg No. 486 6081 14. Registered Office:
4 King Edwards Court, King Edwards Square, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 6AP. Telephone No. 0121 354 1557. Fax No. 0121 355 8081. Part of Dignity Plc. A British company.
Dignity Pre Arrangement Limited is regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority.
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