Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about when someone dies or regarding our funeral plans. If you have any further questions, we are here to help.

Just call us on 01775 720800.

 

What do I do if someone dies?

There are certain steps and legal requirements you must take when someone dies. For up-to-date information for the death of someone, please follow the link below to the UK government website:

https://www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies

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What if I die away from home?

We recommend that you take out travel insurance when you go on holiday, especially if you travel abroad, which usually covers bringing you back home if necessary. Alternatively, we can quote for the extra cost involved.

 

 

What if I move home?

If you move, Funeral Planning Services can transfer your plan to a Funeral Director in that area. Funeral costs vary from one area to another and you will be advised of any difference in cost at that stage.

 

 

What if I move to a different area?

You may select a different funeral director. We should be advised of any permanent change of address, as this may affect the plan entitlements.

 

 

What if I change my mind later?

If you change your mind within the first month of receiving your plan documents you can return them for a full refund – with no questions asked. If you cancel your plan at a later date, your refund will be subject to an administration charge.

 

 

Can I pay by instalments?

Yes, there is a range of options – please ask for details. Payment by instalments usually costs more than a single payment because of the extra administration involved, and if you die before completing all of the instalments the funeral will only be part paid.

 

 

Is there an age limit or health restrictions?

No – you can purchase a plan at any age and in any state of health, but please see the note on instalments above.

 

 

Can I buy a plan for someone else?

Yes, please mention this on your application – we will need the name, address and date of birth of the person to be covered but we will send all correspondence to you.

 

 

Do you pay interest?

No. A guaranteed funeral plan is not a savings accounts – it is simply a way of paying in advance for the funeral service. As the value of the Funeral Planning Trust increases over the years, so the money available to pay the Funeral Director will increase to compensate for rising costs. But as far as you, the customer, is concerned the specified funeral is already paid for.

 

 

What if funeral costs increase?

Funerals are affected by inflation and the cost of a funeral will almost certainly increase before you need one. However once you have purchased a prepayment plan the funeral specified will be provided for you when it is needed, without any further charge to you or your family (but please refer to the note on “disbursements”). This is one of the most important benefits and why it has become so popular with our clients in recent years.

 

 

How do I know my money will be safe?

All payments are made directly into Funeral Planning Trust, a national fund which exists specifically to provide for funeral costs, with an independent custodian trustee. The account of Funeral Planning Trust is monitored annually by independent actuaries and checked by independent auditors. The payment for the funeral can only be withdrawn from Funeral Planning Trust when the service has been provided or if the plan is cancelled.

 

 

What if death occurs while I’m on holiday?

As an additional benefit, Your funeral plan will usually pay the transportation charges if death occurs away from your permanent address, but still within mainland UK. If you intend to travel overseas, we recommend that your travel or medical insurance policy includes cover for repatriation costs back to the UK, as your funeral plan only covers the cost of transportation of the body from the relevant UK airport or port to the funeral director’s premises.

 

 

What if I’m not in good health?

We promise to accept your application, regardless of your state of health.

What if I want to take out a plan for someone else?

Complete the plan holder’s representative box on the application form, and we’ll arrange for all correspondence to be sent to you. If paying by fixed monthly payment, please note the plan holder will be contacted by the life assurance company who provide this payment option directly.

 

 

What if I live to be 100 years old?

No matter how old you are, no matter how much funeral directors’ costs may rise, you and your loved ones will never be asked for a penny more for the services and costs guaranteed within your funeral plan.

 

 

What if I already have a Will in place?

That’s fine, you can decide to make your Will arrangements at a later date or you can gift your Will to a friend or family member at any point during the life of the funeral plan. However, it’s important to remember that, even if you already have a Will, it should reflect your current circumstances.