Choose Funeral Director: Get 3 Quotes (Spot £1K+ Overcharging)

Choosing the right funeral director can save you £1,000+ and ensure your loved one's funeral reflects their wishes. This guide shows you exactly what to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.

Key Takeaways

✓Get quotes from at least 3 funeral directors
✓Prices can vary by £1,000+ for the same service
✓Look for transparent pricing and detailed itemized quotes
✓Check reviews but meet in person or video call before deciding

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Why Getting Multiple Quotes Matters

Funeral costs vary dramatically—even within the same town. Our research shows prices for identical services can differ by £1,500 or more.

£5,200

Expensive Funeral Director

Same service, premium branding, city center location

£3,900

Mid-Range Funeral Director

Good service, fair pricing, local family business

£3,500

Value Funeral Director

Excellent service, transparent pricing, online-focused

💡 That's £1,700 difference for the exact same service.

Without comparing, you might overpay by thousands. Most families contact just one funeral director—often the first one they find or one recommended by the hospital. But that doesn't mean it's the best value or fit for your needs.

What to Look For in a Funeral Director

1. Transparent Pricing

A good funeral director provides a clear, itemized quote upfront—not vague estimates or "from £X" pricing.

✓ Good Example:

• Professional fees: £1,500
• Coffin (oak veneer): £450
• Hearse: £300
• Limousine (1 car): £150
• Doctor's fees: £164
• Cremation fee: £850
• Total: £3,414

✗ Red Flag:

• "Funeral packages from £2,995"
• "Contact us for a quote"
• No breakdown of costs
• Hidden charges appearing later

2. Clear Communication

The funeral director should listen to your needs, explain options clearly, and answer questions patiently. You shouldn't feel rushed or pressured.

Test this: Call or visit and ask questions. Do they take time to explain? Are they empathetic? Do they respect your budget constraints?

3. Positive Reviews

Check Google reviews and local recommendations. Look for:

→Recent reviews (not just old ones from years ago)
→Comments about professionalism, empathy, and organization
→How they respond to negative reviews (do they address concerns?)
→Average rating of 4+ stars (though be wary of only 5-star reviews—may be curated)

4. Flexibility

Can they accommodate your preferences? Are they open to:

→You supplying your own coffin or choosing eco-friendly options
→Unusual requests (e.g., themed funerals, specific music)
→Removing unnecessary extras from packages to reduce costs
→Payment plans if budget is tight

5. Accreditation

Look for membership in professional bodies like:

→National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD)—code of conduct and training standards
→Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)—independent firms with quality standards
→Funeral Planning Authority (FPA)—consumer protection

Note: Not all good funeral directors are accredited, but membership shows commitment to industry standards.

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Essential Questions to Ask

Before committing, ask these questions to ensure you're making an informed choice:

1. Can I have a detailed, itemized written quote?

Why ask: Prevents surprise costs later. You need to see exactly what you're paying for.

Good answer: "Yes, here's a full breakdown. Let me walk you through each item."

2. What's included in your basic package, and what costs extra?

Why ask: "Package" prices can be misleading if essentials cost extra.

Good answer: Clear list of inclusions and optional extras with prices.

3. How soon can you arrange the funeral?

Why ask: Availability matters if you have specific dates in mind or family traveling.

Good answer: "Typically 2-3 weeks, but we can accommodate urgent requests if needed."

4. Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance?

Why ask: If money is tight, you need flexibility.

Good answer: "Yes, we offer monthly payment plans or can help you apply for Funeral Expenses Payment."

5. Can I supply my own coffin or choose eco-friendly options?

Why ask: Tests their flexibility and willingness to reduce costs.

Good answer: "Absolutely, we can work with any coffin you choose, or we offer wicker and cardboard options."

6. What happens if I want to make changes to the arrangements?

Why ask: Plans change. You need to know their cancellation/change policy.

Good answer: "No problem, we're flexible. Most changes are free if made before [deadline]."

7. Will I have a dedicated contact person throughout?

Why ask: Consistent communication reduces stress.

Good answer: "Yes, I'll be your main contact and available 24/7 if you have questions."

Red Flags to Avoid

Be cautious if a funeral director exhibits these warning signs:

⚠

Pressure tactics

Pushing you to decide quickly or book expensive options "before it's too late."

⚠

Vague pricing

Refusing to provide a written quote or saying "we'll discuss costs later."

⚠

Lack of professionalism

Unprofessional communication, dismissive attitude, or failure to return calls.

⚠

Unwilling to itemize costs

Only offering "package deals" without showing what's included.

⚠

No flexibility

"That's just how we do it" attitude when you ask about alternatives.

⚠

Hidden fees appearing later

Costs increasing after initial quote without clear explanation.

How to Compare Quotes Effectively

Once you have quotes from 3 funeral directors, here's how to compare them fairly:

Create a Comparison Checklist

Item	FD 1	FD 2	FD 3
Professional fees	£___	£___	£___
Coffin (specify type)	£___	£___	£___
Hearse	£___	£___	£___
Limousines (how many?)	£___	£___	£___
Cremation/burial fees	£___	£___	£___
Total Cost	£___	£___	£___

Beyond Price: Other Factors

→First impression: Did you feel comfortable talking to them?
→Availability: Can they accommodate your preferred date?
→Location: How close are they? Does distance matter for viewing or meetings?
→Recommendations: Have friends or family used them before?
→Gut feeling: Do you trust them to handle this important responsibility?

💡 Pro Tip: The cheapest isn't always the best, nor is the most expensive. Look for the best balance of price, service, and how comfortable you feel with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to choose a local funeral director?

Not necessarily. Many funeral directors serve wide areas. However, a local one may be more convenient for viewings and meetings. Some national companies (like Dignity, Co-op) offer competitive pricing and have local branches.

Can I change funeral directors after I've started?

Yes, though it may be inconvenient. If you've paid deposits, check their cancellation policy. Most reputable funeral directors will cooperate if you decide to switch.

Should I trust funeral director recommendations from the hospital?

Hospitals often have a relationship with certain funeral directors, but that doesn't mean they're your only option. It's fine to use them, but still get quotes from 2-3 others to compare pricing and service.

Are big funeral companies (Dignity, Co-op) more expensive?

Not always. Large companies may have set pricing (good for transparency) but can be more expensive in some areas. Independent family-run funeral directors often offer better value. The only way to know is to compare quotes.

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How to Choose a Funeral Director