Prepaid Funeral Plans
Lock in today’s prices and give your family peace of mind for the future.
What Is a Prepaid Funeral Plan?
A prepaid funeral plan allows you to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance, typically at today’s prices. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your wishes are clearly recorded, spare your family the financial burden and emotional stress of making arrangements at a difficult time, and protect against rising funeral costs.
Prepaid funeral plans have become an increasingly popular choice for people across the UK who want to take control of their future arrangements. Whether you choose to pay in a single lump sum or spread the cost through monthly instalments, a prepaid plan gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is taken care of.
How Prepaid Plans Work
A straightforward way to plan ahead with confidence.
Choose Your Plan
Select the type of funeral you would like, from a simple direct cremation to a full traditional service. You can personalise the details to reflect your wishes and preferences.
Pay at Today’s Prices
Pay in a single lump sum or spread the cost over monthly instalments. Your plan locks in the funeral director’s costs at today’s prices, protecting you from future price increases.
Rest Assured
Your wishes are securely recorded and your family will know exactly what has been arranged. When the time comes, the funeral director carries out your plan with no additional cost to your family for the services covered.
Benefits of a Prepaid Funeral Plan
Freeze Funeral Costs
Funeral costs have risen significantly over the past decade. A prepaid plan locks in today’s prices for the funeral director’s services, protecting you and your family from future increases.
Reduce Family Burden
By planning ahead, you spare your loved ones the stress of making difficult decisions and dealing with unexpected costs during an already emotional time.
Record Your Wishes
A prepaid plan ensures your funeral reflects your personal wishes. From the type of service to the music and readings, every detail can be recorded in advance.
FCA Regulated
Since July 2022, all prepaid funeral plan providers must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, giving you robust consumer protection and financial security.
FCA Regulation: What It Means for You
Since 29 July 2022, the sale of prepaid funeral plans in the United Kingdom has been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This is an important safeguard that provides you with significant protections when purchasing a prepaid plan.
Key Protections Under FCA Regulation
- Authorisation required: Only firms authorised by the FCA can sell prepaid funeral plans. This ensures that providers meet strict financial and conduct standards.
- Fair treatment: Providers must treat customers fairly, provide clear information about what is and is not included in a plan, and ensure that plans offer fair value.
- Financial security: Plan funds must be held securely, either in a trust or through an insurance policy, so that the money is protected and available when needed.
- Cancellation rights: You have a 30-day cooling-off period after purchasing a plan, during which you can cancel and receive a full refund.
- Complaints process: If something goes wrong, you have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service, an independent body that can resolve disputes between you and your plan provider.
- Transparency: Providers must be upfront about all costs, including any third-party disbursements that may not be covered by the plan.
We strongly recommend that you only purchase a prepaid funeral plan from an FCA-authorised provider. You can check whether a provider is authorised on the FCA Register.
Things to Consider Before Buying
While prepaid funeral plans offer many advantages, there are some important factors to consider before making a decision:
What Is Typically Included
- Funeral director’s professional fees and services
- Care of the deceased before the funeral
- A coffin (the type depends on your chosen plan)
- A hearse to transport the deceased to the service
- Collection and transportation of the deceased into the funeral director’s care
What May Not Be Included
- Third-party disbursements: Costs such as crematorium or burial fees, minister or celebrant fees, and doctor’s fees are often not fully guaranteed as they are set by third parties. Some plans include an allowance for these costs, but any shortfall may need to be paid by your family.
- Optional extras: Additional items such as flowers, order of service sheets, catering, memorial stones, and additional limousines are usually not included in standard plans.
- Geographical limitations: Some plans are only valid with specific funeral directors. If you move to a different area, check whether your plan can be transferred.
Questions to Ask a Provider
- Is the provider authorised by the FCA?
- Exactly what is included in the plan, and what is not?
- How are the plan funds held and protected?
- What happens if the named funeral director ceases trading?
- Can the plan be transferred if I move to a different area?
- What is the cancellation policy after the cooling-off period?
- Are there any ongoing administration fees?
Prepaid Plan vs. Paying at the Time
| Feature | Prepaid Funeral Plan | Paying at the Time |
|---|---|---|
| Price protection | Funeral director costs locked in at today’s prices | Subject to future price increases |
| Financial burden on family | Costs already covered | Family must fund the funeral at the time of need |
| Your wishes recorded | Detailed wishes documented in advance | Family may be unsure of your preferences |
| Flexibility | Plans can usually be amended or transferred | Full flexibility to choose at the time |
| Consumer protection | FCA regulated with cooling-off period | Standard consumer rights apply |
| Payment options | Lump sum or monthly instalments | Full payment required at the time |
Ready to explore your options?
Compare trusted funeral directors in your area and find the right plan for you and your family.