Questions customers often ask about our funeral plan

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Naturally this will depend on the type of service you want. The price you pay is today's price for that funeral - there are no administration fees involved. We offer a choice of plans suitable for either cremation or burial, or we can tailor something to meet your individual requirements - you don't have to make any commitment before you know the total price involved.

WHAT IF THE COST OF FUNERALS INCREASE?
Like most things funerals are affected by inflation and the cost of funerals will almost certainly increase before you need one - but once you have paid the full plan price there will never be any further charges for the funeral director's services specified, with the possible exception of VAT (see below). That is the most important benefit of the Hawes Funeral Plan, and why so many people are choosing this option.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY MONEY WILL BE SAFE?
We will ask you to make your cheque payable to the Funeral Planning Trust, which is quite independent of the funeral director's accounts, to be held and invested by the managing trustees in accordance with the trust deed. HSBC Trust Company Limited is the custodian trustee of the Funeral Planning Trust. The plans are administered by Funeral Planning Services, a national company specialising in funeral prepayment plans. At the time of the funeral your selected funeral director will provide the service as itemised in return for a payment from the Funeral Planning Trust.

DO YOU PAY INTEREST?
No. A guaranteed funeral plan is not an investment nor an insurance policy - it is simply a way of paying in advance for the funeral service. As the value of the Funeral Planning Trust increases over the years, so the money available to pay the funeral director will increase to compensate for rising costs. But as far as you, the customer, is concerned your funeral is paid for.

WILL THERE BE ANY OTHER COSTS AT THE TIME OF THE FUNERAL?
For a cremation funeral, each plan includes the usual fees for the crematorium, minister and doctor: these are paid for whatever the cost in the future. For a burial each plan includes a contribution towards cemetery; minister's and church fees but because the costs vary so greatly they cannot be guaranteed. Most people leave a few items such as flowers and obituary notices for their family to take care of relatives often find it helpful to be involved in this way without having to cope with a bill for the entire service.

WHAT ABOUT VAT?
Funerals are not subject to VAT so you don't have to pay VAT on your plan. However, if a future government does introduce VAT on funerals, Funeral Planning Services will advise you of the options. We don't think VAT will be introduced on funerals, but we wanted to let you know about all potential costs.

CAN I BUY A PLAN FOR SOMEONE ELSE?
Yes. Please mention this when you order. Funeral Planning Services will send the correspondence to a different address if you wish. All orders are treated in confidence.

HOW DO I PAY FOR MY PLAN?
Most people prefer to make one payment, so they don't have to think about it any more. You can give your funeral director a cheque (payable to the Funeral Planning Trust) with your order form, or you can post them to the national office of Funeral Planning Services.

CAN I PAY BY INSTALMENTS?
If you are not in a position to pay the full amount you can make payments in advance towards a plan. You can take as long as you like to pay, or pay it off quickly if you prefer - please say what you intend to do when you order.
Payments can be made by cheque (posted to Funeral Planning Services), or by standing order or in cash to your funeral director. The minimum amount for each payment is £50. Please enclose the first payment with your order. There is no extra fee for handling instalments, nor any interest charges, but the price guarantee does not apply until you have fully paid for your plan. If you would like further information on this point please call the Funeral Planning Services advice-line on 0800 413046

WHAT IF I DIE AWAY FROM HOME?
Each plan includes removal from within twenty-five miles of our offices - please ask if you are not sure whether this will be sufficient. We recommend that you take out travel medical insurance when you go on holiday, which should include the cost of bringing you back home if necessary.

WHAT IF I MOVE HOME?
If you move home we can transfer your plan to another qualified funeral director. Funeral costs do vary from one area to another, and you will be advised of any change in cost at that stage.

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND LATER?
Once you have purchased your plan you will probably want to forget all about it - no doubt you've got lots of more interesting things to think about! However with the Hawes Funeral Plan you have the absolute right to change your mind, at any time. If you wish to cancel your plan, simply return your plan documents and your money will be returned in full. No time limit, no exclusions and no fuss. Very few people take this option, but it is reassuring to know that you can get your money back if you want to.