Peace of Mind with Funeral Plans
A funeral plan offers a simple way to pre-arrange the funeral you desire. With a plan, you can outline your preferences and cover the costs of the funeral director’s services included in the plan. Many customers find that this provides peace of mind for both themselves and their families. Additionally, the plan includes an allowance for third-party expenses, which are essential services not provided by the funeral director, such as cremation or burial fees and the minister or officiant’s fee for conducting the service.
At James Giles and Sons Limited we work in partnership with leading plan providers to offer you with a simple way to plan ahead.
Everyone’s funeral planning needs are unique, so we ensure our plans are as flexible as possible. When you contact us, we’ll gladly discuss your funeral preferences and customize a plan to meet your needs. Rest assured, our plans are available to all UK residents, regardless of age or health status.
A plan to suit your needs
As an independently owned funeral director, we take the time to understand your wishes and tailor a plan to suit you. We can discuss your preferences at our premises, in your home, or at a time that is convenient for you. If you prefer, we can also assist over the phone or via email. You can share any specific preferences you have in mind—such as the type of funeral, hymns, music, or other personal touches—and we will ensure your plan reflects these details.
What’s included in a funeral plan?
Our funeral director’s services are included in your funeral plan, ensuring our fees are fixed at today’s prices. These services typically encompass:
- Professional services and funeral arrangements
- Transportation of the deceased from the place of death to our premises, chapel of rest, or another suitable location
- Care of the deceased and preparations for family viewing, if requested
- Guidance on the certification and registration of death and related documentation
- Provision of funeral vehicles
- Bereavement counselling advice
- Selected coffin or casket
While a pre-paid funeral plan can cover all the above services, there are additional third-party costs to consider. These are essential, non-funeral director services required for a cremation or burial, which must be paid at the time of the funeral. These costs are beyond our control. Depending on the chosen plan, a funeral plan may include a contribution towards some third-party costs, such as:
- Crematorium fee
- Minister or officiant’s fee
- Cemetery fee: the opening of a new or existing grave for burial or interment of cremated remains
Other third party costs that may be associated with a funeral include:
- Purchase of a grave or lair
- Hire of a church or other venue
- Fees for an organist or soloist
- Memorial, such as a headstone, entry in a book of remembrance, or planting a tree
- Catering, floral tributes and newspaper announcements
There will only be additional costs at the time of the funeral if third-party expenses exceed the allowance when you purchase your plan, or if these costs increase 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 will be nothing more to pay for our services included in the plan—guaranteed.
Payment options to suit you
With a funeral plan, you have flexible payment options. You can either spread the cost over time or make a one-off payment – whichever suits you best. We’ll provide all the necessary information to help you make an informed choice.
The retail price of your funeral plan reflects the current cost of a funeral, plus a £285 arrangement fee to cover the setup costs.
Looking after you as a customer
As a plan holder, you’ll receive personalized plan documents, including a summary of your plan, our contact details, your plan holder certificate, and a personal membership card for your purse or wallet. You can nominate a representative for your plan if you wish. This representative will receive a letter detailing your plan and our contact information as your chosen funeral director. They will not have the authority to make changes to your plan.
You’ll also receive a statement every three years, sent via your preferred contact method.
As your funeral director, we’ll keep full details of your funeral plan. When the time comes, a single phone call is all it takes to activate your plan and initiate the arrangements.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch today
As well as the comfort of having a plan in place, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with being able to help save your family from worry and expense in the future.
So why not take the next step? Ask for more information today by calling us on 01527 872318 or by completing our online form.