Advice for choosing pre paid funeral plan

cheesecake28

This is something I really want to get done for myself and my partner.

But I can't decide on which company to go with. All i want is a simple cremation , not bothered about people attending ( I'm a loner so don't have much friends or family) I don't like much fuss anyway.

I've got ads coming up on my facebook feed for them now and in the comments some people are writing 'Do not chose this company , I had a bad experience…' So I'm stuck on who to chose.

Something i didn't realise is a Direct cremation ( non attended ) does guarantee third party costs being paid , like the actual cremation. Where as, attended funerals theres a cap on 3rd party costs…..like it will only pay for some of the cremation and family will have to pay the rest??

I've looked at Co Op , Pure Cremation, Choice, Distinct Cremations, how do you chose a trusted one?

Some people are saying just go to your local funeral director ?? Would they be any more trusted. The recent Legacy funeral Directors in Hull story , doesn't make it any easier.

My brother said he would like to attend my funeral but that will cost £2000/ £3000 even £4000 which i can't afford. Shall i ask him if he wants to contribute to the cost? (joke)

Do I chose what I want?

How do you chose a trusted company?

Surrey1966

Hi - I work for a funeral director and agree current news isn't helping people's confidence. There are very reputable companies but really look at the detail before going ahead. Ensure they are complaint with financial services so your money/plan is safe.

The funeral plan industry has been made more secure in the last couple of years as previously some plan companies went under and many people lost their money/plan. So look at the National Association of Funeral Directors link which may help - there are only 26 authorised providers so check who you are buying from before paying:

https://www.nafd.org.uk/funeral-advice/planning-ahead/

Direct cremations generally do cover all costs, but some companies (i've heard that the ones who advertise on TV may be one of these) have some exclusions which really need to be checked before going ahead with a plan.

I would recommend talking to a local FD as most are appointed representatives for the companies that offer full protection even if the FD or the plan company were to go bust. An FD who is part of a national regulated framework, not a standalone one. You can also ask face to face questions from your local regulated FD, rather than buy on the phone or online so you know what the plans covers and what it doesn't which is vital. Any questions feel free to ask/comment.

silvercar

Set aside money to pay for it and don't bother with any of the plans. These companies charge £££ because they have advertising costs to pay for.

Just put in your will that money in a certain account is to pay for your burial etc. Then your executor knows your wishes.

GrubbyGirl_2

Personally I'd be looking for a company that has an insurance based guarantee in case the company goes bust. Unfortunately it's not unheard of Safe Hands was an example

HonestJohn

I will not bother with a prepaid. I will have a cremation only from a local undertaker which includes the Coop.

KxMx

Local undertakers aren't always best, one (our family had used before) let us down on several aspects when my Nan died.

This made Mum choose Pure Cremation for herself, and having now had to use them I was overall impressed and am planning the same for myself.

WYSPECIAL

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82087053#Comment_82087053

Sale of pre-paid plans has become regulated by FCA since Safe Hands were in business.

Spendless

My Nan had a funeral.plan. She lived the last 8 years of her life in a care home with dementia. Her property was sold to pay for care. When she died the money left (under £23,250)was able to be divided amongst her beneficaries. If she hadnt had a funeral plan in place, a chunk of the money left would have gone on funeral costs.

WYSPECIAL

Something i didn't realise is a Direct cremation ( non attended ) does guarantee third party costs being paid , like the actual cremation. Where as, attended funerals theres a cap on 3rd party costs…..like it will only pay for some of the cremation and family will have to pay the rest??

Not necessarily, a lot of attended options will fully guarantee third party costs, you just need to read exactly what is included and choose the right option for you. Remember as well that funerals are for the living, not the dead, will your partner want to attend a service for you if you predecease them?

Intoodeep

Don't bother with them and find a decent regular savings Account.

MEM62

You do not need a funeral plan. (The characters portrayed in the TV adverts are pathetic)

Put some money aside and leave and indication of your wishes. Job done.