A Guide On Pre-Paid Funeral Arrangements
Pre-arranged funerals are a common trend in the 21st century. A pre-paid funeral plan is probably the most vital aspect of any pre-arranged funeral. So, what are pre-paid funeral plans and how do they work? Continue reading this extract.
A pre-paid funeral plan is an "insurance policy" that pays your funeral expenses. Typically, the policy is offered by funeral homes or directors. It allows the client to pay their funeral expenses while still alive. Once they die, the director or funeral home provides the services stipulated in the pre-paid funeral contract. So, what considerations should you make when making a pre-paid funeral plan?
Your immediate concern would be to find a funeral home or director offering the service. Conduct due diligence to determine the service provider's experience and reputation. For instance, how do other families rate their services? The general rule is to ensure that the service provider offers state-of-the-art services to the families of their clients. Your next step is to assess how the pre-paid plan is structured. For example, how much will you pay? Consider service providers that allow you to customise the plan to suit your preferences. Most plans cater to the funeral home and ceremony costs. However, you might want additional services such as an organised wake or memorial.
Talk with the service provider and explain the services you need and how you want them offered. If the total costs exceed your budget, ask the director to help you cut the costs. For example, if you prefer cremation, the director could suggest a direct cremation or one without a service. Conversely, the director could recommend burying your remains at home if you have an expansive property. It helps you save the costs of leasing a burial plot at the local cemetery.
Once you agree on how you want the funeral arranged, the director informs you about the payment arrangements. Ideally, you can pay the plan in a lump sum or several instalments. The rule is ensuring the instalments are structured to suit your financial situation. This way, you do not default on the repayments. Assess the policy's terms and conditions. For example, will you incur fines for late repayments? Under what conditions can the director cancel the policy? Will you get a refund if the service provider closes shop? Can you cancel the policy and get your cashback? These assessments are critical since they help prevent conflict once you sign up for the plan.
Contact a funeral home to learn more about local pre-paid funeral arrangements.
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