How do I go about comparing funeral plans?
Most providers offer 3 levels of set funeral services, standard, midrange and superior, although they all have their own names for them. Some provide a 4th option which is a basic plan.
Firstly we would always recommend that you choose a plan provider that is regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) as they will provide you with a higher level of protection.
Most of the 3 levels are similar with some exceptions so it's worth looking at the details, for example, with the Golden Charter standard plan you will have to pay extra for family viewing, but with Dignity it's included as part of their standard plan.
Over 80% of funerals in the UK are cremation funerals, so it's important to understand that most plans only provide a contribution towards these costs.
All plans will guarantee your funeral directors services at today's prices but not your cremation or ministers fees and this is where it can be confusing.
The only plans that guarantee these costs are Dignity, AgeUK (which is a Dignity backed plan) and Co-op Funeralcare.
The following funeral plan providers do NOT guarantee your cremation and ministers but provide a contribution towards them, which could leave your family with more to pay when the time comes: Golden Charter, Perfect Choice, Avalon, Funeral Planning Services, Golden Leaves, Safe Hands, Open Prepaid Funerals.
If you are in doubt you should seek independent advice; we can help you with this.