Your Funeral Plan Questions Answered

Q

Can anyone apply for a Golden Charter funeral plan?

A

Our plans are available to all UK residents, regardless of age or state of health. If you choose to pay by low cost instalments then you must be 78 or under when you apply. If you choose the fixed monthly payment option then you must be aged between 50 and 80. There are no maximum or minimum age limits if choosing to pay by single payment or by 12 monthly payments.

Q

What if I change my mind?

A

If you cancel within 30 days we will refund the payment you have made. For details of cancellation terms after 30 days please see the Terms & Conditions.

Q

What happens once I've bought my plan?

A

We’ll send you a plan documents folder with all the information about your plan, as well as a membership card.  We recommend that you notify your family or Executors that you have a plan.  If you wish, you can give them a copy of the documentation although this is not necessary. 

Q

What happens if my funeral director goes out of business?

A

In the unfortunate event that Mark Shaw Funeral Services can not fulfil your funeral plan, your funds and instructions remain entirely safe.  Golden Charter would contact you to discuss options to reallocate your plan to another funeral director near you.

Q

How will my payment be kept safe and guard against future price rises?

A

All funds paid to Golden Charter are held securely in their Trust Fund which is subject to regulation.  Funds can only be released either upon cancelation of your plan, or to cover your funeral costs.  The fund ensures sufficient growth to cover any increases in cost after you purchase your plan. 

Q

What if I have special requests for my funeral?

A

You can tell us about any special wishes for your funeral when you apply. If these involve extra costs, you may be able to add these on to the total cost of your plan (except where you choose to pay by the fixed monthly payment option).  Such choices may commonly included music choices, personalised coffin, special wishes for your ashes. 

Q

What happens when I die?

A

Just one phone call and it’s all taken care of. Your plan documents folder contains the contact details for Mark Shaw Funeral Services. When the time comes your family simply contact us. We will then take care of all the arrangements, in co-ordination with your next of kin.

Q

What if I die while in another country?

A

If you intend to travel overseas, we recommend that your travel or medical insurance policy includes cover for repatriation costs back to the UK. Your funeral plan covers the cost of transportation from the relevant UK airport or port to our premises.

Q

Can I transfer my plan to someone else?

A

For all payment options, except the fixed monthly payment option, you can transfer the benefit of the funeral services to a nominated family member or friend who dies before you. Where you pay by the low cost instalment option you can only transfer the benefit of the funeral services if the total cost has been paid.

Any change of arrangements following such a transfer (for example, a change of address for the nominated family member leading to increased transportation costs) may mean that we have to appoint a different funeral director. It may also mean that you need to pay additional sums.

Q

What happens if I die before I've made all the payments?

A

This will depend on the type of payment method you have chosen. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions and Key Features for more information.  We will however work with your family to ensure everything is arranged. 

Q

What if I move to a different area?

A

Please let us know you are moving so we can update our records. You will have the option to move your plan to a different funeral director, if required.

Q

Can I take out a plan for anyone else?

A

Yes, just complete the plan holder’s representative section on the application form, and we’ll arrange for all correspondence to be sent to you. If paying by the fixed monthly payment option, please note the plan holder will be contacted directly by the life assurance company that provides this payment option.