Coop Funeral Plans

Compare Funeral Plans from £13.39 per month

Who are Coop Funeral Plans?

Co-op Funeralcare (also known as Coop Funeral Care) have been in business for over 100 years and pride themselves on having a track record of satisfied customers.

They own over 1000 funeral homes across the UK and offer a range of plans and payment options. Co-op have won numerous awards for their plans.

Co-op were incorporated on 18-Nov-80.

Co-operative Group Limited are a privately registered company in the United Kingdom. Their registration number is 30808R.

Compare Co-op Funeral Plans

So, what types of plans do Co-op offer and how do they compare to the market?

As with any financial decision, we recommend that you carefully consider what you need and what options are currently available across the market. We can help you with this process.

Coop Funeral Plans

Co-op Funeralcare offer four Funeral Plan packages as well as a bespoke Funeral Plan option.

The four Co-op packages are: Simple, Bronze, Silver and Gold. The fifth option is a tailor-made package. Co-op also offer a headstone plan as a standalone or as an additional item with one of their Funeral Plans.

The Funeral Plans have competitive pricing, and they all include different service offerings, so it’s essential to understand the details.

We are happy to support you with any questions.

Every Co-op Funeral Plan includes the following features:

  • Care and preparation of the deceased
  • Able to view the deceased in the Chapel of Rest
  • Hearse and pallbearers
  • Third-party fees including doctor’s fees, cremations, minister or officiant fees. This allowance excludes costs relating to a burial plot as prices vary across the UK
  • Funeral Director services
  • Funeral carried out in line with deceased’s recorded wishes
  • Bereavement support
  • Bereavement notification support
  • Transport of the deceased within a 50-mile radius at any time of day
  • The Co-op Commitment for instalment plans of 2-25 years

Co-op Simple Plan

Co-op’s Simple Plan is their base level plan, covering the traditional elements of UK-based a funeral.

The Simple Plan includes the services previously mentioned, plus:

  • A basic coffin
  • Limited dates and times for the funeral
  • Chapel of Rest visits during standard opening hours

Co-Op Bronze Plan

The Co-op Bronze Plan contains all the benefits previously mentioned, plus:

  • Maple effect coffin
  • Ability to define a route for the funeral procession
  • More flexible time and date for the funeral

Co-Op Silver Plan

The Co-op Silver Plan contains all the benefits previously mentioned, plus:

  • A choice of coffin in a cherry or rosewood effect
  • More flexible visit times to the Chapel of Rest
  • A limousine

Co-Op Gold Plan

The Co-op Gold Plan contains all the benefits previously mentioned, plus:

  • A wood veneered coffin with a choice of light oak or traditional oak
  • Two limousines

Co-op Tailor-made Funeral Plans

Co-op offer the ability to create a completely bespoke funeral, in which you can pre-pay most aspects. You can add additional items to the plan at any time or provide different preferences. Where it’s possible to fix prices in advance, you will pay the price relevant to the date you make the order.

Customers can order a bespoke funeral by visiting one of Co-op’s local Funeral Directors.

Have Co-op Funeral Plans got good customer feedback?

Co-op Funeral Plans have received several rewards from independent financial sites:

  • The Silver and Gold Funeral Plans have a five-star rating from Fairer Finance
  • The Gold Funeral Plan has received a five-star rating from Defaqto for three years running
  • Moneynet awarded Co-op the Triple Gold award and rated them the Best Funeral Plan Provider in 2018, 2019 and 2020

However, when we search online for independent customer reviews, the picture is less positive. At the time of writing, Co-op has a rating of 2.7 out of 5 stars on the independent review site Trustpilot, and many of the bad reviews are recent. Some of the negative feedback has received a response from the company, but not all of it. We recommend that Co-op spend more time listening and responding to their customers who leave reviews on Trustpilot.

At the time of writing, Co-op’s Funeral Plan Brochure quotes a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Feefo; however, this is not currently visible on Feefo’s website for the Funeral Care business. Other parts of the Co-op business do have a visible presence on Feefo.

What happens if I take out a Co-op Funeral Plan?

Once you have signed up to a plan with Co-op, they will send you a document folder within ten working days, which contains:

  • A cover letter
  • Details of any instalment plan
  • Two copies of your plan, one to keep and one to pass to the person who will lead the arrangements
  • Information for the person who will lead arrangements, on what to do when the time comes

If you take out a plan with Co-op and change your mind, then you are entitled to a full refund within 30 days of its start date. If you cancel after this period, then at the time of writing, Co-op charge a £250 cancellation fee on set or tailor-made plans and £100 on masonry plans.

Where do Co-op keep their clients’ money?

Co-op invest client money in a whole-of-life assurance policy with The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited.  They monitor the policy to ensure it has sufficient funds to meet the services agreed for all of its clients.

Do they offer guarantees?

Co-op offer several guarantees:

  • Fully guaranteed funeral plan that means your loved ones will have no additional fees to pay for the services within your selected plan.
  • The Co-op Commitment applies to instalment plans that range from 2-25 years in length. It guarantees that for any customer who dies after paying 12 months of instalments in one of these plans, Co-op will cover the remaining costs of the plan, so there is nothing for the family to pay. This guarantee also provides cover within the first 12 months if the death is a result of an accident.
  • Guaranteed acceptance with no medical. Customers on instalment plans of 2-25 years must complete their payments by their 80th birthday.

Are Co-op registered with the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA)?

Yes, Co-op have a registration with the Funeral Planning Authority under the name Co-operative Funeralcare. They have been registered with the FPA since it formed in 2002.

What payment options are available?

Co-op allows customers to select from four payment options:

  • A single payment, covering the full cost of the funeral plan
  • A 6-month instalment plan, which does not come at an additional cost
  • Longer instalment plans of 2-25 years: under these plans, you will incur an additional charge for the facility to make payments over this longer period.

Co-op will accept additional one-off payments at any stage of your plan, and you can pay in full at any time.

What if I have a complaint with Co-op?

If you have a complaint with Co-op you can contact them in one of the following ways:

  • Phone: 0800 083 6301
  • Email: funeral.clientrelations@co-operative.coop
  • Post: Client Relations Team, Co-op Funeralcare, 12th Floor, 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG
  • In-Person: At your local Co-op Funeral Home

Co-op commit to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and they aim to resolve it within 28 days.

If Co-op do not resolve your complaint, you can refer it to the Funeral Planning Authority by calling 0845 601 9619.

Co-op Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A PREPAID FUNERAL PLAN WITH CO-OP?

Co-op Funeralcare offer four Funeral Plan packages and a bespoke option, each with different price points, to meet the differing needs of their customers. You can visit the Co-op Funeral Care website for an overview of the latest pricing and to receive a quote.

IS A FUNERAL PLAN WITH CO-OP THE BEST OPTION FOR ME?

There are numerous funeral plan providers on the market, all with different price points and options, so it is best to consider your needs and then review which company is the best match for you.
You should consider if:
• Co-op offer you a price that is easily affordable for you now, and in the future, if you are considering an instalment plan
• Co-op give you the optional extras which you will need
• You are happy with Co-op’s reviews and reputation

Once you have considered all of the above aspects, then you are ready to apply for a funeral plan with the provider that best meets your needs.

ARE CO-OP A TRUSTWORTHY COMPANY FOR FUNERAL PLANS?

Co-op Funeralcare have been offering funeral services for 100 years, so they have a long history in the business.
You should always consider all of the different funeral providers to make sure you are buying a Funeral Plan which is most suitable for you and your family. Also consider the feedback available online from any existing customers.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A HEALTH CHECK TO GET A CO-OP FUNERAL PLAN?

Co-op do not ask their customers to take a medical.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A HEALTH CHECK TO GET A CO-OP FUNERAL PLAN?

Co-op do not ask their customers to take a medical.

WHAT IF I DIE BEFORE I’VE COMPLETED THE INSTALMENTS ON MY PAYMENT PLAN?

The Co-op Commitment covers instalment plans that range from 2-25 years in length. It guarantees that for any customer who dies after paying 12 months of instalments in one of these plans, Co-op will cover the remaining costs of the plan, so there is nothing for the family to pay. This guarantee also provides cover within the first 12 months if the death is a result of an accident.

ARE CO-OP FUNERAL PLANS FLEXIBLE?

Yes, with a Co-op plan, you have the option to add additional items at the point of purchase or in the future, to ensure that the funeral plan offers everything that you and your family need.

ARE CO-OP’S PAYMENT OPTIONS FLEXIBLE?

Yes, you have a choice of paying in full or paying by instalment with each of Co-op’s plans.

WILL CO-OP WORK WITH MY PREFERRED FUNERAL DIRECTOR?

Co-op will offer you the choice of one of their 1,000 Funeral Homes across the UK.

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?

If you would like to change your plan, your payment plan or change your Funeral Director, then you can do this by contacting Co-op.
Alternatively, if you decide you no longer want to have a plan with Co-op, then you can receive a full refund within 30 days of buying the policy. If you choose to cancel after 30 days, then Co-op will charge you a cancellation fee of £250, or £100 on masonry plans.

WHAT HAPPENS IF CO-OP GO OUT OF BUSINESS?

Co-op protect their client money in a Trust that is independent of the company. If Co-op ceased trading, the Independent Trustee would work with the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) and any replacement Funeral Director to honour the funeral arrangements. The FPA guarantee to work with their other registered providers if a funeral business ceases to trade, so that its customers receive an appropriate funeral in their time of need.

I’M CONSIDERING MOVING IN THE UK. CAN I STILL HAVE A PLAN WITH CO-OP?

Co-op have Funeral Homes across the UK. If you move within the UK, your plan will transfer to another Co-op Funeral Home at no cost for the set packages. There may be costs for tailor-made plans.

DO CO-OP’S PLANS HAVE AGE LIMITS?

Any UK resident over the age of 18 can buy a plan from Co-op. Customers on instalment plans of 2-25 years must complete their payments by their 80th birthday.

CAN I BUY A CO-OP PLAN FOR A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND, OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE FOR ME?

Yes, you can purchase a plan for someone else. Once you have arranged the Funeral Plan, the Planholder will receive the documentation. The documents can be issued to you if you have a power of attorney or a court of protection order.

WHAT DO MY FAMILY NEED TO DO WHEN I DIE?

Your Co-op Funeralcare document folder contains information for your next of kin to follow when the time comes.

DO CO-OP PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT WITH LEGAL MATTERS?

Co-op have a Legal Services business that offers legal advice, will writing, power of attorney and other services.