Some people never get around to discussing funeral wishes with their loved ones, which can lead to all sorts of worry and anxiety when the time comes. By taking some time now, you can provide your loved ones with financial and practical help, as well as peace of mind, by having your funeral arrangements in place. Planning for your funeral is one of the most thoughtful and caring things you can do. We at L.E Brand & Sons are family-run independent funeral directors who have been providing first-class bespoke pre-paid funeral plans to the community since 1880. We have a dedicated team of professionals on hand 24 hours a day to look after your needs and care for you and your loved ones as you plan your funeral in advance. We provide compassionate knowledge and support from the very first phone call, supporting you every step of the way.
If you like the idea of planning a pre-paid funeral but aren’t sure how to go about organising it, you need to look no further. Here, we will explore everything you need to know about pre-paid funeral plans including what they are, the benefits of choosing one and answering any frequently asked questions. If you need advice or guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
What is a pre-paid funeral?
A pre-paid funeral is a type of funeral arrangement where an individual pays in advance for their funeral expenses and services. Making funeral arrangements in advance is a simple way of reducing worry and stress for you and your loved ones during an already challenging time. Pre-paid funerals let a person choose the type of funeral service they desire, including details such as ceremony arrangements, burial or cremation preferences, and other related services. Once your funeral plan is in place, you’ll receive a welcome booklet containing the details of your plan and your funeral plan certificate. Your nominated representative will also receive a copy if you request this.
By choosing a pre-paid funeral with L.E Brand & Sons, you can:
- Pre-arrange all the details of your funeral including any special wishes.
- Make financial provisions for your funeral.
- Choose your Funeral Director in advance.
- Make your funeral wishes known in advance.
- Choose from a range of funeral services with flexible payment options.
- Enjoy a simple service with no medical forms to complete.
- Ensure your family has access to expert help and advice at a difficult time.
By taking some time now, you can provide your loved ones with financial and practical help, as well as peace of mind, by having your funeral arrangements in place. If you think that a pre-paid funeral may be right for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your Funeral Plan.
Why choose a pre-paid funeral?
Choosing to arrange your funeral ahead of time offers several benefits for both the individual making the arrangements and their loved ones. Here’s why we believe that choosing a pre-paid funeral is a smart choice to make for your future…
- Financial Planning
Pre-planning a funeral allows individuals to prepay and set aside funds for this particular purpose. By taking time to prepare financially, individuals can ensure that their loved ones don’t have to face unexpected financial expenses after their passing. What’s more, with the option to pay in instalments, individuals can budget for funeral expenses over time, rather than having to pay a lump sum at once.
- Price Protection
The value of your funeral plan is held in a whole-of-life assurance policy. The money is made available immediately at the time of need and the funds cannot be used for anything other than your funeral. We aim to provide outstanding financial security for your money which means that your funeral price is locked in, therefore saving money in the long run.
- Special Requests & Customisation
Every single funeral is unique, and a pre-paid funeral allows individuals to specify their preferences ahead of time. This means that once the individual has passed away, they have the assurance that their funeral is tailored to them, including the type of service, burial or cremation preferences and other personalised details.
- Support For Loved Ones
Planning a funeral ahead of time can provide much-needed relief and support for loved ones during an already difficult time. Pre-paid funerals can provide peace of mind for both the individual and their loved ones as knowing that funeral arrangements have been made and paid for can relieve the stress and financial burden.
- Flexibility
A pre-paid funeral offers flexibility in terms of payment options, and the ability to transfer the plan if you move. If you move, you should be able to transfer your plan to a funeral director near your new home. However, there may be additional costs depending on local prices. We recommend speaking to us at the time for trusted advice.
- Choose Your Funeral Director
Choosing a pre-paid funeral means that you can select your funeral director ahead of time. As your independent funeral directors, we at L.E. Brand & Sons have over 140 years of experience in assisting families with what the next steps are when someone passes away. Contact us today for more information about pre-paid funeral arrangements.
When considering a pre-paid funeral, we recommend carefully reviewing the terms of the contract to understand what is included in the plan and consider any potential risks or drawbacks. Consulting with a funeral director can also help make informed decisions about prepaid funeral arrangements.
How much does a pre-paid funeral cost?
The value of your funeral plan (excluding the initial administration fee and any instalment charges) is held in a whole-of-life assurance policy. The money is made available immediately at the time of need and the funds cannot be used for anything other than your funeral. We aim to provide outstanding financial security for your money.
Flexible Payment Options
You can choose to pay for your funeral plan by lump sum or in instalments. There is an additional cost for paying over two or more years and eligibility criteria apply. Our plans cover our costs (as specified in the plan paperwork) as long as we carry out the funeral and your requirements don’t change. You can also contribute to third-party costs, such as the cremation fees. These costs are outside of our control.
Financial Security
A Funeral Plan backed under the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme) and with a Funeral Director protected by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). We aim to provide outstanding financial security for your money. All funeral plan pre-payments are held securely in individual whole-of-life assurance policies for your peace of mind.
Backed By A Trusted National Provider
Our funeral plans are provided by Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited, which is part of a specialist, UK-based financial services group.
What funeral packages are there?
From the very first phone call, we’re here every step of the way to provide compassionate knowledge and support. From registration and making arrangements with the crematorium, to booking the minister and more, we can do it all to create a truly memorable day for your loved one. As professional funeral directors, we offer several Funeral Packages including:
- Direct Cremation £975 – This simple and dignified cremation service is for those who don’t require the traditional elements of a funeral service such as a ceremony or procession that involves a hearse.
- Simple Funeral £2,115* – This service is a lower-cost funeral which includes elements of a traditional service.
- Traditional Funeral £2,635* – Our Traditional Funerals are the service that you would want which includes all the traditional elements.
*The pricing shown is just the Funeral Director’s fees for that specific service any extras and third-party costs will be extra.
If you would like to begin planning your pre-paid funeral, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
In Conclusion…
In life, we plan for many events – weddings, birthdays and retirements to name a few – but one event that often gets overlooked is our own funeral. While it can be challenging to discuss your own funeral, planning for your funeral in advance can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By taking some time now, you can pre-arrange all the details of your funeral including any special wishes, you can make financial provisions for your funeral and, most importantly, you can ensure that your family has access to expert help and advice at a difficult time. What’s more, you can enjoy financial peace of mind when choosing a pre-paid funeral. The value of your funeral plan is held in a whole-of-life assurance policy and the money is made available immediately at the time of need. We aim to provide outstanding financial security for your money when you come to us for your pre-paid funeral plan arrangements. If you think that a pre-paid funeral plan might be right for you, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the professionals at L.E Brand & Sons today. We have a dedicated team of professionals on hand 24 hours a day to look after your needs and care for you and your loved ones as you plan your funeral in advance.
Pre-Paid Funeral Plan FAQs
Who is eligible for a pre-paid funeral plan?
UK residents aged 18 or over can take out a plan.
Can a pre-paid funeral plan include special wishes?
Yes, you can add special wishes and requests such as song choices, readings, information for a eulogy and more. There is no charge to add these details.
Can I buy a funeral plan for someone else?
Yes, many of our customers choose to do this.
Does the plan cover the entire cost of the funeral?
The plan covers the Funeral Director’s costs as long as your requirements don’t change, and your selected Funeral Director carries out your funeral.
Can I change my funeral plan arrangements?
Yes, you can make changes to your plan after you have taken it out and fully paid for it. Just let us know what you wish to change.
What happens if I move to a different part of the country?
If you move, you should be able to transfer your plan to a funeral director near your new home. However, there may be additional costs depending on local prices.
Can I pay for my plan in instalments?
Yes, you can pay over a range of periods. Get in touch with us today to discuss your personalised quote for pre-paid funeral payment plans.
Can I cancel my plan?
Yes, you can cancel the plan at any time before a claim is made. If you cancel within 30 days of receiving your welcome booklet, the person who paid for the plan will receive a full refund. If you cancel after that, the person who paid for the plan will receive a refund of the original amount, less the administration fee. For instalment plans, if you cancel in the first 12 months a full refund will be paid. If you cancel after that, the administration fee and any payments to insure the plan will be deducted from the refund.
What happens if I die abroad?
The plan does not cover the cost of a funeral abroad or the cost of repatriating the deceased. It is therefore important that your travel insurance policy covers this.
For more information about our Pre-Paid Funeral Plans, please view our brochure here!
If you require our services you can contact us on 01375 672142 or use our contact form. You are also welcome to visit our branch where a compassionate team member will be available to offer advice. Our opening times are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. A dedicated team is always available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can be contacted outside of office hours.
