Golden Leaves Green
Golden Leaves are Prepaid Funeral Plan providers with a long history dating back to 1875 when a Croydon-based family started providing Funeral Director services. They have differentiated themselves in the Funeral Plan market by offering a range of green, eco-friendly funerals.
The company formed in 1984 and became a founding member of two significant bodies in the industry; The National Association for Prepaid Funeral Plans (NAPFP) and The Funeral Planning Authority (FPA). It also claims to have been one of the first companies to offer Prepaid Funeral Plans.
Golden Leaves offer services in the UK and for expats living in Europe. They offer a repatriation service in collaboration with Rowland Brothers International.
Golden Leaves hold the BSI ISO: 9001, which is a mark of business excellence.
Compare Golden Leaves Green Plans
So, what types of green plans do Golden Leaves 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 assist you with this process.
Golden Leaves offer three types of Green Funeral Plans. The three options are: The Glade Plan, The Meadow Plan, and The Woodland Plan. These Funeral Plans have competitive pricing, and they all include different service offerings, so it’s essential to understand the details.
The plans can all be used for a green funeral involving a cremation or a burial. Please note that third party fees such as cemetery and crematory fees are not included as standard with these Green Funeral Plans, but you can request them as extras. We are happy to support you with any questions.
The Glade Plan
The Golden Leaves Glade Plan is the lowest-cost green funeral. It includes the following services:
- Funeral Director services
- Guidance for registrations, certifications and documentation
- Transport of the deceased to the Funeral Director within a 25-mile radius during working hours
- Care of the deceased before the funeral
- Chapel of Rest
- Veneer coffin
- Offsetting your carbon footprint
- A donation to Groundwork
- A choice of three natural memorials
- Conductor and four pallbearers
- Hearse to funeral service
- Bereavement counselling if it’s available
The Meadow Plan
Golden Leaves’ Meadow Plan has the benefits of the Glade Plan with the following additions and higher-quality options for this green funeral:
- Transport of the deceased to the Funeral Director within a 25-mile radius at any time of day
- Bamboo coffin
- One limousine for transport to the funeral service
- List of individuals who have sent flowers
The Woodland Plan
The Golden Leaves Woodland Plan is the top of the range green funeral. It has the benefits of the other options, plus:
- A coffin made of pine, willow, wool or reflections
- Thank you cards
- Two limousines for transport to the funeral service
Have Golden Leaves Funeral Plans got good customer feedback?
At the time of writing this review, Golden Leaves Funeral Plans have an excellent score of 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot, the independent customer review site. This score came from over 1,300 reviews. The positive feedback often references an excellent, straightforward, professional and friendly service.
There is evidence that Golden Leaves respond to the majority of the negative customer feedback on Trustpilot.
What happens if I take out a Golden Leaves Green Funeral Plan?
Once you have signed up to a plan with Golden Leaves, they will organise a welcome call with you and send you the following:
- An overview of your plan
- An emergency card to carry at all times
- Duplicate copies of your plan to share with your funeral organiser or others
If you take out a plan with Golden Leaves and change your mind, then you are entitled to a full refund within 30 days. If you cancel after this period, then Golden Leaves take a cancellation fee from any amount due to be returned to you, which depends on the payment plan you are on:
- If you paid in full, the cancellation fee is 25% of the plan’s value.
- If you paid monthly, then your refund will include a deduction for 25% of the plan’s value. If you have paid less than this, then you won’t receive a refund.
Where do Golden Leaves keep their clients’ money?
Golden Leaves protect client monies that relate to a green funeral in The Golden Leaves Green Trust, which protects the money while investing only in green and ethical products. This fund is managed by an Independent Board of Trustees who ensure it has sufficient funds to meet the obligations of the Funeral Plans. The fund is compliant with The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and the Funeral Planning Authority.
Do they offer guarantees?
Golden Leaves provide a guarantee that they refer to as the Golden Leaves Guarantee. This guarantee states that Golden Leaves will cover the full cost of a cremation funeral purchased with one of their plans.
Are Golden Leaves registered with the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA)?
Yes, Golden Leaves have a registration with the Funeral Planning Authority through their limited company, Golden Leaves Limited. They were one of the founding members.
What payment options are available?
Golden Leaves allow green funeral customers to select from two payment options:
- A single payment, covering the full cost of the Funeral Plan
- 12-60 month instalment plans providing the opportunity to spread payments between 12 months and 60 months with no age restrictions.
Golden Leaves accept payments by debit card, credit card, cheque and payment plan instalments are processed by direct debit.
What if I have a complaint with Golden Leaves?
If you have a complaint with Golden Leaves then you can contact them through the following channels:
- Phone: UK: 0800 85 44 48 and outside UK: +44 20 8684 3463
- Email: info@goldenleaves.com
- Post: Golden Leaves, 16th Floor No 1, 12-16 Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 0XT
Golden Leaves will acknowledge your complaint within seven working days and assign your case to someone who specialises in handling complaints. They aim to send a final response within 20 working days of receiving your complaint.
If Golden Leaves do not resolve your complaint, you can refer it to the Funeral Planning Authority by contacting them in one of the following ways:
- Phone: 0345 601 9619
- Email: info@funeralplanningauthority.co.uk
- Post: Funeral Planning Authority, Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ
Golden Leaves Green Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A PREPAID FUNERAL PLAN WITH GOLDEN LEAVES GREEN?
Golden Leaves offer three Green Funeral Plans, plus a range of international options and a standard range, each with different price points, to meet the differing needs of their customers. Golden Leaves’ website lists the latest starting prices for each plan and the payment options.
IS A FUNERAL PLAN WITH GOLDEN LEAVES GREEN 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:
- Golden Leaves offer you a price that is easily affordable for you now, and in the future, if you are considering an instalment plan
- Golden Leaves give you the optional extras which you will need
- You are happy with Golden Leaves’ 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 GOLDEN LEAVES GREEN A TRUSTWORTHY COMPANY FOR FUNERAL PLANS?
Golden Leaves incorporated on 3 June 1994 under the company name Golden Leaves Limited, company number 02935393. Its website suggests that the company was operating in some form during the decade before this as well. They, therefore, 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 GOLDEN LEAVES GREEN FUNERAL PLAN?
Golden Leaves Funeral Plans are available to all UK residents, with no need to undertake a health examination or to answer questions about your health. There are no age criteria for customers who pay in full or select the 12 to 60 month payment plans.
WHAT IF I DIE BEFORE I’VE COMPLETED THE INSTALMENTS ON MY PAYMENT PLAN?
If you die before paying a 12 to 60 month payment plan in full, then the Estate or a representative would need to pay the monies owed for the funeral to proceed. If this isn’t possible, then the Estate will receive a refund minus cancellation fees.
ARE GOLDEN LEAVES’ GREEN FUNERAL PLANS FLEXIBLE?
Yes, with a Golden Leaves plan, you have the option to make special requests when you select your plan. In some cases, Golden Leaves will be able to add the additional costs to your chosen payment option.
ARE GOLDEN LEAVES’ PAYMENT OPTIONS FLEXIBLE?
Yes, you have a choice of paying in full or paying by instalment with each of Golden Leaves’ plans.
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?
If you change your mind about the type of plan you wish to have with Golden Leaves or your payments, then you can contact them on 0800 85 44 48 to discuss your updated wishes.
Alternatively, if you decide you no longer want to have a plan with Golden Leaves, then you can receive a full refund within 30 days of buying the policy. If you choose to cancel after 30 days, then Golden Leaves will charge you a cancellation fee.
WHAT HAPPENS IF GOLDEN LEAVES GO OUT OF BUSINESS?
The Golden Leaves Green Trust protects client money, and keeps it separate to the company. In the event of company insolvency, the Trustees would find another company to deliver the plans.
Golden Leaves have a registration with the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA). 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 GOLDEN LEAVES?
Golden Leaves have a network of Funeral Directors across the UK. If you move to another location in the UK, your plan can transfer to your new area. However, additional costs may apply if you move to a higher-cost area.
I’M CONSIDERING MOVING OVERSEAS. CAN I STILL HAVE A PLAN WITH GOLDEN LEAVES?
Paid-up plans are portable within specific geographies. To ensure you are covered, speak to Golden Leaves before moving.
DO GOLDEN LEAVES’ GREEN PLANS HAVE AGE LIMITS?
Plan paid in full or on the 12 to 60 month payment plans do not have age limits.
CAN I BUY A GOLDEN LEAVES PLAN FOR A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND, OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE FOR ME?
Yes, you can purchase a plan for someone else.
WHAT DO MY FAMILY NEED TO DO WHEN I DIE?
When the time comes, your family just need to follow the guidance in your Funeral Plan documentation. Golden Leaves send you duplicate copies so that you can pass one to whoever needs to be aware of the details.
WHICH IS THE CHEAPEST GREEN FUNERAL PLAN?
The cheapest Green Funeral Plan offered by Green Leaves is The Glade Plan.
WHAT IS A FROM50 FUNERAL? WHO SELLS FROM50 FUNERAL PLANS?
From50 Funeral Plans are ones suited to customers aged 50 and above. Green Leaves offers a fixed monthly payment option on its standard funeral range that is open to customers aged between 50 and 75.
ARE GREEN LEAVES FUNERAL PLANS ANY GOOD?
Green Leaves have been in business for over 35 years and have excellent feedback on Trustpilot, the independent customer review site.