Frequently Asked Questions

Prepaid funeral plan FAQs

• Are funeral plans regulated?˅˄

  Yes, from 29 July 2022 all funeral plan providers and directly authorised intermediaries wishing to sell these plans must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to do so.

  A.B. Walker is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279).
  Registered in England No. 02511598 Registered Office: One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS

• What are the payment options?˅˄

  We offer a number of ways to pay for your funeral plan – simply choose the one that’s right for you.

  • Single payment option - a one-off single payment for immediate cover
  • 12 monthly payment option - 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit at no extra charge. You will be covered once all payments are made
  • Instalment payment option - spread the cost of your plan between two and 15 years.

  The instalment payment option includes our Golden Charter Pledge, which ensures that if you die at any time after you have made 12 payments, the benefit of your plan will be provided, with no further sums to be paid. An instalment charge is included based on the term you select and is included in the overall cost of your funeral plan.

• Can I cancel my funeral plan?˅˄

  If you cancel within 30 days we will refund the payment you have made.

• Is the money I pay into my plan safe?˅˄

  Yes, with our funeral plans your payments are protected. Your money will be transferred and held in the Golden Charter Trust after we deduct the arrangement fee. The Golden Charter Trust is run by a Board of Trustees, completely independent of Golden Charter and ourselves. To find out more about the Trust and how it protects customers’ funds, visit goldenchartertrust.co.uk

• If I have special requests for my funeral will these be included in my plan?˅˄

  Everyone has different needs when it comes to funeral planning, so we make sure the plans we offer are as flexible as possible. We’ll take the time to understand your wishes and tailor a plan to suit you.

  You can tell us about any preferences you have in mind – the type of funeral you would like to have, hymns, music or any other personal touches – and we’ll make sure your plan takes these into account.

• What if I want to change any of the details in my plan?˅˄

  Contact us or Golden Charter and let us of any change in personal details or your funeral requirements. We will update our records and your plan.

• What happens if I move to a different area?˅˄

  Tell us you are moving so we can update our records. As the plans are flexible, you will have the option to move your plan to a different funeral director local to your new address.

• What happens when I die?˅˄

  When you take out the plan, you’ll receive personalised plan documents. These include a summary of your plan, your funeral director’s details, your plan holder certificate and a personal membership card for you to carry in your purse or wallet. Your funeral director will hold details of your funeral plan. When the time comes, one phone call is all it takes to activate your plan and get the arrangements underway.

  You may want to make your family aware of your plan details. If you have opted to have a nominated representative for your plan, they will receive a letter shortly after you have purchased your funeral plan. This will let them know that you have put a plan in place and provide details of your appointed funeral director.

• What if I die whilst on holiday?˅˄

  If you are on holiday in mainland UK, we will arrange transportation back to the funeral home as part of your funeral plan. Overseas transportation is not included in your plan however we can help arrange this. We would always recommend you have travel insurance when travelling.

• What happens if I die before I have made all of my payments?˅˄

  Your funeral will be carried out according to your wishes provided arrangements are in place for the balance to be paid by the family or estate.

• Can I take out a funeral plan for someone else?˅˄

  Yes, you can take you a funeral plan for someone else. We will help you arrange the plan in the same way as we would if it was for yourself.

• If I take out a plan for someone else, does the correspondence come to me?˅˄

  We will arrange for all correspondence to be sent to you.
  Depending on payment method chosen, the payment provider may need to contact the person the plan is for directly. We can go through this with you.

• If I have a funeral plan with another provider can A.B. Walker carry out the funeral?˅˄

  We only work with Golden Charter funeral plans and do not accept any other type of funeral plan. If you wish us to assist in your funeral we can review your existing policy and take you through your options.

• What happens if A.B. Walker goes out of business?˅˄

  In the unlikely event that this happens, we will inform you and appoint a new funeral director in accordance with your wishes. Your plan payments are protected so your plan would still be valid.

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