Independent research

Funerals: how much?

Posted on January 04, 2012

According to recent research funeral cost rose by up to 48% in the past 3 years. Charges by local authorities for cremation and burial have escalated, dramatically outstripping inflation. Funeral director fees now average £1,515 and this marked rise in cost is largely due to third party disbursements over which funeral directors have no control.

The average costs for a funeral is £2,648. This includes a cremation, transportation of the deceased from a hospital to chapel of rest, a hearse, one limousine, an opportunity for the family to view the deceased and the simplest available coffin.

In line with the findings for funeral directors’ charges, the average Dignity (funeral directors) quotation is the highest at £2,916 – significantly higher than both the Co-operative and independent quotations. Co-operative Funeralcare again gives the mid quotation of £2,675. This is however, significantly higher than the independent quotation than the independent’s quotation of £2,353, which is the lowest of the three. The minimum quotation for a total funeral (£1,802) was given by an independent funeral director.

If you would like to spare your family from unexpected expense of your funeral, take a look at the Funeral Plans available from our mutual members.

<sources:http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/may/08/funeral-costs-jump and http://saif.org.uk/website/public/news_and_campaign_docs/saif_funeral_cost_comparison_report_final030310_3_.pdf>