Pre-payment Funeral Plan FAQs
Can I personalise the plan?
Plans are designed exclusively around your personal wishes. You can be as ambitious as you like and we will provide accurate costing for you to consider. You can add items to your plan as time goes by.
Can I buy plans for other people?
You can purchase a plan for anyone you wish: children, parents, even non-family members as a plan holder's representative. You will be the main contact so confidentiality is preserved. It is advisable to let someone close to you know about the plan you have bought, as they will need to understand what is covered in the plan. You have the option to add a nominated representative who will receive notification that there is a plan in place. Plans are available to all UK residents regardless of age or state of health.
Is my money secure?
Your money is protected and paid into The Golden Charter Trust. The Golden Charter Trust is a separate entity run by an independent Board of Trustees. You can find out more at www.goldenchartertrust.co.uk. Your plan is also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
What happens if I move house?
Your plan is still valid no matter where you live in the UK. However, if you move to a new area, you may want to transfer the plan to one of our other branches or to another independent funeral director (please note alternative funeral directors may offer varying services or fees). We would recommend contacting Golden Charter who can assist you with the arrangements.
How do I pay for a funeral plan?
You can make a one-off single payment for immediate cover. If you would prefer to spread the cost, you can pay over 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit at no extra charge. You will be covered once all payments are made. For a lower monthly payment, you can also choose to spread the cost of your plan between two and 15 years. This option includes the added benefit of the Golden Charter Pledge, which ensures that if you die at any time after you have made 12 payments, the benefit of your plan will be provided, with no further sums to be paid*. An instalment charge is included based on the term you select and is included in the overall cost of your funeral plan. For monthly payments and more information please contact us on 0131 447 5858 or alternatively call Golden Charter free on 0800 833 800.
Instalment payment term is dependent on your age when you take out the plan. Please see funeral director for further details.
*Provided at least 12 monthly payments have been made and payments are up to date.
What are the differences between your plan and an insurance policy?
Insurance plans are for a defined amount. They do no protect against rising costs. If you stop paying the premiums, you lose the whole policy. Once fully paid, Golden Charter plans guarantee all funeral director costs no matter how far into the future they're required. Plans include an allowance towards third party costs, over which we have no control. These are essential, non-funeral director services such as burial or cremation fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.
There will only be more to pay at the time of the funeral if the third party costs exceed the allowance when you buy your plan, or if the costs increase by more than the growth of your plan. Even if prices rise in the future, once your plan is paid for you’ll have the reassurance of knowing there’ll be nothing more to pay for your funeral director services included in the plan – guaranteed.
