A Comprehensive Mini Guide To Finding A Funeral Plan
When a loved one passes away, the discovery of a pre-paid funeral plan can provide immense emotional and financial relief. It ensures their wishes are honoured and removes the immediate burden of funeral costs during an already difficult time.
However, since the landscape of the funeral industry changed significantly in July 2022, finding these plans requires a slightly different approach. This guide has been updated to help families in Birmingham and the West Midlands navigate the new regulations and trace missing plans efficiently.
The Impact of FCA Regulation (2022)
Prior to July 2022, the funeral plan market was largely self-regulated. Since then, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has taken over, enforcing strict rules to protect consumers. This was a positive move for families, as it ensured that only financially stable and ethical providers could operate.
However, several providers who did not meet these standards (such as Safe Hands or One Life) went into administration. If you believe your loved one had a plan with a provider that is no longer trading, it is vital to check the FCA status immediately.
1. The The NAFPP Tracing Service
Because there is no single national database of every funeral plan ever sold, the industry has introduced a more streamlined tracing tool.
If you cannot find paperwork but suspect a plan exists, you should now use the National Association of Funeral Plan Providers (NAFPP).
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How it works: You visit https://nafpp.org/find-my-plan/ and submit a request.
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The Process: Your inquiry is sent to all participating FCA-regulated providers. If a match is found, the provider will contact you directly once they have verified your identity and relationship to the deceased.
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Why use this? It covers the vast majority of the reputable market, saving you from calling dozens of individual companies.
2. Check With Your Local Independent Funeral Director
At Thomas Furber & Co., we hold records for many local families who have “allocated” their funeral plans to us. If your loved one lived locally, they may have specified us as their preferred director.
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Action: Give us a call on 0121 427 2233. We can check our own archives instantly and advise you on the next steps.
3. Review Bank Statements
In the current cost-of-living crisis, we see many families opting for more affordable options. If a plan was being paid for in installments, there will be a clear trail.
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Look for Direct Debits or standing orders to names like: Golden Charter, Dignity, Co-op, Ecclesiastical, or Westerleigh.
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If the plan was paid in full as a lump sum, look back through several years of statements for a single large payment (typically between £2,500 and £4,500).
4. Search for “Expression of Wish” Documents
Sometimes, people don’t buy a full “pre-paid plan” but instead have an over-50s life insurance policy (like SunLife or British Seniors). While these aren’t funeral plans, they provide a cash sum intended to contribute towards funeral costs.
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Check the “Small Print”: Often these policies come with a “Funeral Benefit Option” where the payout goes directly to a funeral director in exchange for a discount.
5. Check the Will and Digital Footprint
Modern funeral planning is moving online. If you have access to your loved one’s email, search for keywords like “Confirmation,” “Policy,” or “Certificate.” Additionally, while many people don’t update their Wills frequently, a solicitor’s file often contains a note regarding funeral preferences or the name of a chosen provider.
6. Ask Family and Friends
It is possible that your loved one told friends or family about their pre-paid funeral plan. Therefore, it may be helpful to ask your loved one’s friends, family members, colleagues, etc, if they remember any discussions about funeral plans that may help with your search..
Why Tracing a Plan Matters Now
With the rising costs of living, ensuring you don’t pay twice for a service that has already been settled is vital. A traditional funeral plan ensures your family receives the high level of personal care that an independent director like Thomas Furber provides.
If you are struggling to find a plan or need advice on what to do next, our family-run team is here to help. Contact Keith or the team at Thomas Furber & Co. on 0121 427 2233 for local, honest guidance.
