An Honest & Detailed Avalon Funeral Plan Review
Avalon Direct Cremation Funeral Plan Review
As part of our commitment to helping families understand their choices, we have thoroughly researched the Direct Cremation market. This detailed Avalon Funeral Plan review will help compare the Avalon Cremation Only Plan to others available on the market.
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Avalon Cremation OnlyFuneral Plan Overview
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Competitively price – If you are looking for a competitively priced direct cremation funeral plan that offers you a generous option to attend a local cremation, then you may wish to consider Avalon.
With prices starting at £1,485, the Cremation Only Funeral Plan is available throughout Mainland Great Britain. For an additional fee, their Celebration Funeral Plan will allow you to hold an early morning service at a local crematorium, together with your choice of songs, hymns and readings plus one or two other additional benefits.
Funeral Plans Only – Avalon is not itself a funeral provider. Instead, they exist solely to sell prepayment plans, working with more than 1,800 local funeral directors to carry out direct cremations for their clients. Although Avalon will normally nominate a funeral director for you, you may be able to select your preferred funeral director if the latter agrees to accept an Avalon plan.
As Avalon sells only prepayment plans, you will not be able to arrange an at-need direct cremation funeral. If, therefore, you are expecting to need a funeral within the next two years, it is unlikely that an Avalon funeral plan will be the most suitable option for you.
Delivery not included – Please note that delivery of the ashes is not included in the price of either the Cremation Only or Celebration Plan. The ashes may be collected from the crematorium (which should be local) or you may opt to have them scattered in the Garden of Remembrance.
Flexible Payment Options – Avalon offers a number of payment options for their funeral plans. Payment in monthly instalments available for up to fifteen years, provided that you are under the age of 80 by the time you finish paying. Full coverage for the plan benefits is available either when the plan is fully paid or after the first twelve months of up to date instalment payments.
Additional services – An additional service offered with each Avalon funeral plan is a free online portal known as the Lifelocker. Here, you can keep your legacy safe for your loved ones by uploading photos, sharing memories and telling your story. You can sign up for free to get started before unlocking the extra features when you purchase your Avalon funeral plan.
Avalon Cremation Only Plan Cost
What’s Included in the Avalon Direct Cremation Funeral Plan?
Avalon will provide the following services with their Cremation Only Funeral Plan. Everything is included in the headline price, except for the optional extras for which the specified fee will be due
Paid Extras Include
*Price subject to requirements at the point of need.
**Attendance of the cremation is offered as part of a separately listed, “Celebration Funeral Plan”. The additional price shown is the differential between the cost of the Cremation Only Plan and the Celebration Plan.
***According to the Terms and Conditions, delivery of the ashes to your chosen address may be possible for an additional fee. Please confirm at the time of application.
A SUMMARY OF THE MAIN TERMS OF THE DIRECT CREMATION PLAN
1. Available to all adults aged 18 and over.
2. No health questions or medical requirements.
3. Pay in full, or spread the cost in monthly instalments by up to fifteen years.
4. If opting to pay in full, redemption for the plan benefits is available at any time once payment has been made.
5. If opting to pay over twelve months, redemption for the plan benefits is available once the plan is fully paid. Redemption is available within the first twelve months following purchase if the death of the beneficiary is accidental.
6. If opting to pay between two and fifteen years, redemption for the plan benefits is available after the first twelve months of up to date payments. Redemption is available within the first twelve months following purchase if the death of the beneficiary is accidental.
7. A minimum deposit of £60 is payable if paying in monthly instalments. You may pay a higher deposit in order to lower your monthly payments.
8. Apply over the phone, by video call or request a callback online.
9. Funds are protected in an investment trust.
Avalon Cremation Only Funeral Plans
Avalon offers a selection of pre-paid funeral plans, that come with various options.
To keep this review as easy to follow as possible, we have compared only the direct cremation plan (their cremation only) to other similar products on the market. If you would like more than creamtion only, please visit their site for more information.
Avalon Cremation Only Plan: How Much Will I Pay?
Pricelist for the Unattended, Cremation Only Funeral Plan
| Term in years | Deposit* | Monthly Instalment | TOTAL COST | Extra Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Payment | – | – | £1,485.00 | – |
| 1 | £100 | £115.42 | £1,485.00 | – |
| 2 | £100 | £63.71 | £1,629.04 | £144.04 |
| 3 | £100 | £44.47 | £1,701.06 | £216.06 |
| 4 | £100 | £34.86 | £1,773.08 | £288.08 |
| 5 | £100 | £29.09 | £1,845.10 | £360.10 |
| 6 | £100 | £25.24 | £1,917.12 | £432.12 |
| 7 | £100 | £22.49 | £1,989.14 | £504.14 |
| 8 | £100 | £20.43 | £2,061.16 | £576.16 |
| 9 | £100 | £18.83 | £2,133.18 | £648.18 |
| 10 | £100 | £17.54 | £2,205.20 | £720.20 |
| 11 | £100 | £16.49 | £2,277.22 | £792.22 |
| 12 | £100 | £15.62 | £2,349.24 | £864.24 |
| 13 | £100 | £14.88 | £2,421.26 | £936.26 |
| 14 | £100 | £14.25 | £2,493.28 | £1,008.28 |
| 15 | £100 | £13.70 | £2,565.30 | £1,080.30 |
Pricelist for the Attended, Celebration Funeral Plan
| Term in Years | Deposit* | Monthly Instalment | TOTAL COST | Extra Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Payment | – | – | £2,795.00 | – |
| 1 | £100 | £224.59 | £2,795.00 | – |
| 2 | £100 | £123.97 | £3,075.28 | £280.28 |
| 3 | £100 | £86.54 | £3,215.42 | £420.42 |
| 4 | £100 | £67.82 | £3,355.56 | £560.56 |
| 5 | £100 | £56.60 | £3,495.70 | £700.70 |
| 6 | £100 | £49.11 | £3,635.84 | £840.84 |
| 7 | £100 | £43.76 | £3,775.98 | £980.98 |
| 8 | £100 | £39.75 | £3,916.12 | £1,121.12 |
| 9 | £100 | £36.63 | £4,056.26 | £1,261.26 |
| 10 | £100 | £34.14 | £4,196.40 | £1,401.40 |
| 11 | £100 | £32.10 | £4,336.54 | £1,541.54 |
| 12 | £100 | £30.39 | £4,476.68 | £1,681.68 |
| 13 | £100 | £28.95 | £4,616.82 | £1,821.82 |
| 14 | £100 | £27.72 | £4,756.96 | £1,961.96 |
| 15 | £100 | £26.65 | £4,897.10 | £2,102.10 |
* The minimum deposit is £60. A higher deposit may be paid in order to reduce the monthly instalment cost. £100 has been used for illustration purposes
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR CREMATION PLAN
1. The timescale between arranging the funeral and collection of the ashes following cremation will be dependent upon arrangements agreed with the selected funeral director at the time the plan benefits are required. You will need to bear this in mind if you would like the ashes to be present at a separate memorial or celebration of life occasion.
2. If opting for the attended, Celebration Plan, you may hold a service starting between 9am and 11am at a local crematorium allocated by the funeral director. You may specify your choice of songs, hymns and readings, flowers or charitable donations, as well as an alternative coffin to the one provided with the plan (subject to additional fees).
3. Included also in the Celebration Plan is a minister/celebrant fee, a solid oak urn with a nameplate, and the creation of a premium memory book.
4. If opting to pay in full, redemption for the plan benefits is available immediately – there is no waiting period or moratorium.
5. If opting to pay in monthly instalments, redemption for the plan benefits is available after the first twelve months, even if you haven’t finished paying for your plan*. Redemption is available within the first twelve months if the death of the beneficiary is accidental. If death is not accidental, then the balance of the plan can be paid in full to redeem the plan benefits, or the funds can be returned to your estate.
6. If paying by monthly instalments, your chosen payment plan must be settled in full before your 80th birthday.
7. A minimum deposit of £60 is payable if paying in monthly instalments. There is the option of paying a higher deposit which will lower your monthly repayments.
8. The plan benefits may be transferred to another beneficiary.
9. If paying in full, you have the right to cancel the plan free of charge within thirty days following the date of purchase. Cancellation after thirty days will incur a cancellation fee of £95 if you have purchased the Cremation Only Funeral Plan, or £245 if you have selected the Celebration Plan.
10. If paying in monthly instalments, you have the right to cancel the plan for a full refund within the first twelve months. Cancellation after twelve months will incur a cancellation fee of £95 if you have purchased the Cremation Only Funeral Plan, or £245 if you have selected the Celebration Plan.
*This guarantee may be reliant upon you maintaining an up to date payment schedule
Avalon Cremation Only Cremation Plan Vs Other Direct Cremation Plans on the Market
Here’s how the Avalon Unattended Cremation Only Funeral Plan compares to direct cremations offered by a selection of other providers.
| Service | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| List Price | £1,485 | £1,749.00 | £1,450.00 | £1,795.00 |
| Coverage | Mainland Great Britain | UK | UK Mainland | UK |
| Hospital or Public Mortuary Collection | Yes | Within a 25 mile radius | Yes | Yes |
| Residential Address or Care Home Collection | Yes | Within a 15 mile radius | Yes | Yes |
| Out-of-Hours Collection | pending reply | Additional Price tbc with funeral director | Yes | Yes |
| Doctors’ Fees | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dress for the Deceased | Varies by funeral director | Varies by funeral director | Simple Gown | Clothing worn by the deceased at the time of collection |
| Option for Own Clothes | No | Yes, subject to agreement with the funeral director | No | Yes |
| Removal of Medical Devices | No | Yes | Additional cost, subject to details | Yes |
| Removal of Jewellery | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coffin | Simple, wood-effect | Selected by funeral director | Basic | Solid Wood |
| Max. time between Collection and Cremation | Unspecified | Unspecified | Unspecified | 14 Days |
| Option to Attend | £1,310.00 | No | No | +£250.00-£400.00 |
| Option to be Informed of Cremation Date | EMAIL TO CHECK | Yes | No | Yes |
| Choice of Crematorium | No | No | No | No |
| Delivery of Ashes | Collection from crematorium | Collection from funeral director | Yes | Yes |
| Max. Time for Ashes Delivery following Cremation | N/A | Varies | Varies | 21 Days |
| Deposit | £60.00 | £49.00 | £49.00 | No |
| Minimum Age | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| 6 Month Payment Plan | – | – | – | £1,794.96 |
| 1 Year Payment Plan | £1,485.00 | £1,749.00 | £1,450.00 | £1,866.84 |
| 2 Year Payment Plan | £1,629.04 | £1,843.00* | £1,686.76 | £1,941.36 |
| 3 Year Payment Plan | £1,701.06 | £1,894.72* | £1,788.88 | £2,019.24 |
| 4 Year Payment Plan | £1,773.08 | £1,946.44* | £1,916.20 | £2,100.00 |
| 5 Year Payment Plan | £1,845.10 | £1,999.00* | £2,039.80 | £2,184.00 |
| 6 Year Payment Plan | £1,917.12 | £2,053.48* | £2,172.28 | – |
| 7 Year Payment Plan | £1,989.14 | £2,108.68* | £2,315.32 | – |
| 8 Year Payment Plan | £2,061.16 | £2,164.84* | £2,448.04 | – |
| 9 Year Payment Plan | £2,133.18 | £2,224.12* | – | – |
| 10 Year Payment Plan | £2,205.20 | £2,283.40* | – | – |
| 11 Year Payment Plan | £2,277.22 | – | – | – |
| 12 Year Payment Plan | £2,349.24 | – | – | – |
| 13 Year Payment Plan | £2,421.26 | – | – | – |
| 14 Year Payment Plan | £2,493.28 | – | – | – |
| 15 Year Payment Plan | £2,565.30 | – | – | – |
| Lowest Monthly Payment Option | £13.70 | £18.62* | £24.99 | £36.40 |
| Upper Age Limit for Payment Plan | 80 at the time of completion | 78 at time of purchase, or 80 at time of completion | 85 if paying over more than 12 months | None |
| Credit Finance Option | No | No | Yes if paying over more than 12 months | No |
| Full Coverage | After full payment or 12 months following purchase** | After full payment or 12 months following purchase** | After full payment or after financing through credit option** | After full payment or 24 months following purchase** |
| Free Cancellation Period | If paying in full, within 30 days. If paying in instalments, within 12 months | If paying in full or over 12 months, within 30 days following purchase. If paying between 2 and 10 years, within the first 12 months. | 30 days following purchase | 30 days following purchase |
| Cancellation Fee | £95.00 (unattended) or £245.00 (attended) | £249.00 | £249.00 | £350.00 |
| Fund Type | Investment Trust | Investment Trust | Investment Trust | Investment Trust |
*Prices vary by age. The price stated is accurate for a plan beneficiary aged 50 at the time of purchase. An online quotation facility is available on the Golden Charter website for you to confirm how much you will pay.
**May be conditional upon maintaining an up to date payment schedule.
Closest Competitor Service
Below we have listed the closest comparable product to the direct cremation service offered by Dignity Funerals
| Competitor | Golden Leaves & Golden Charter |
| Service | Each offers their services through a large network of funeral directors |
| Difference | Golden Charter will only cover cremation fees up £500 + investment return on that sum. All providers include funeral directors professional services. Golden Leaves is probably the best value overall, but there are individual differences between each of the providers, and some of the services vary depending upon the funeral director. Only Avalon offers an option to attend without having to purchase a traditional funeral |
| Review | Read our Golden Leaves Direct Cremation Review Read our Golden Charter Direct Cremation Review |
Avalon Funeral Plans Customer Reviews
Below are the awards, customer reviews and our opinion of the Avalon direct cremation offering
Avalon has earned an impressive 4.9 out of a possible 5.0 star review on Trustpilot, with fewer than 2% of reviews recording a negative experience.
The Cremation Only Funeral Plan has also been awarded 4 out of 5 stars by industry experts at Fairer Finance.
On the other hand, Avalon may be less suitable if:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Avalon have a Paper Brochure Available?
You have the option to request delivery of a free brochure through Avalon’s website, although this prompts a telephone call. Additionally, you can download a funeral plan summary and the full terms and conditions in PDF from the website.
How do I Purchase an Avalon Funeral Plan?
An Avalon Funeral Plan may be purchased by phone or by video call. You can also request a callback on their website.
Who Will Carry Out the Direct Cremation Funeral?
AvalOn works with more than 1,800 funeral directors across the country. They will appoint a local funeral director to fulfil your plan benefits.
If you have a preferred funeral director with whom Avalon has no existing relationship, Avalon will approach them on your behalf to see if they will accept your plan. If it is not possible to place your plan with your preferred funeral director then Avalon will suggest an alternative from their network.
Should Avalon need to make changes to these arrangements before you claim the benefits of the plan (for example, because the appointed funeral director is no longer in business) you will be notified.
What Type of Coffin does Avalon provide?
A simple, wood-effect coffin is supplied with the Avalon Cremation Only Funeral Plan. For an additional fee, you may have the choice of upgrading the coffin if you opt for the Celebration Plan.
What Happens to Medical Devices and Jewellery?
The removal of medical devices and jewellery is subject to additional costs to be determined at the point of need.
Can I Choose where the Cremation Takes Place?
You will not be offered a choice of crematorium with an Avalon Cremation Only funeral plan, although it is likely to be local. If opting for the Celebration Plan, the crematorium will be local, but you may not have a choice.
Will Avalon Tell me the Date of Cremation?
We are waiting to hear back form Avalon about this
How Can I Pay for My Funeral or for My Plan?
Full payment for an Avalon Funeral Plan can be made by debit or credit card, by bank transfer, or by cheque.
Instalment payments will be made by Direct Debit on your choice of the 1st, 8th, 15th or 22nd day of the month, or by Standing Order.
Note that Avalon reserves the right to cancel your plan if you are unable to maintain an up to date payment schedule.
Avalon Funeral Plan Canellation Fee?
Yes. £95.00 (unattended) or £245.00 (attended)
Can I Pay off my Instalment Plan Early?
Avalon will accept early settlement if you are paying by instalment towards a funeral plan. You can also opt to increase your monthly instalment amount or make top-up payments.
In addition, you may upgrade your plan to another option after purchase, including to a more traditional funeral plan. If you have purchased the Celebration Plan you may also downgrade to the Cremation Only Plan.
Are Special Offers or Avalon Discounts Available?
Avalon does not appear to be running any promotional offers at this time, nor do they offer discounts to selected groups.
Will I Receive Documentation?
Upon purchasing an Avalon Funeral Plan you will receive a Welcome Pack outlining all of the details of your selected plan.
They will also send you a statement at least once every three years which will include the following information:
- How much you have got left to pay, if anything
- A reminder of key provisions of your plan
- A reminder of how to make changes to your plan
- A reminder of how to cancel your plan
- A reminder of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme; and
- A reminder of Avalon’s contact details
Who Should I Tell About My Plan?
When you apply for an Avalon Funeral Plan, they will ask you to nominate a representative whom they can contact to inform them of the plan’s existence.
However, we suggest that you inform all of your closest loved ones that you have purchased the plan, and how they can obtain the documentation to make a claim.
Remember also to update Avalon with any changes of your address or contact details after you have purchased a plan.
How will My Loved Ones Claim the Plan Benefits?
Following your death, your nominated representative or another family member will need to contact Avalon to claim the plan benefits on your behalf.
Full guidance should be outlined in your Welcome Pack. However, at minimum, your representative will need to present Avalon with a copy of your death certificate so they are able to authorise transfer of the funds to pay for your funeral.
What Happens if Avalon Goes Bust? Are Avalon funeral plans regulated?
The Avalon Trustee Co. Ltd. is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
When you purchase a funeral plan, all of your funds are paid into one of the Avalon Trusts. These trusts are managed by independent trustees, with the investments selected by third party investment specialists under the direction of the trustees.
If the Trust is funded so as to cover 110% of its obligations, Avalon will receive a maximum of £350 (or £1031 for a Celebration Plan) from the trust for every plan sold. This sum will cover their administration overheads and expenses of running the business for each plan.
In the event that Avalon ceases trading, the trust will seek to work with other providers to offer you the plan benefits. It’s possible, however, that you may need to pay a little extra if the services of another provider are engaged.
You may also be entitled to compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
How do I Make Enquiries?
Enquiries can be made by email or by phone. You can also submit your contact details online in order to request a callback.
An Avalon Funeral Plan can be purchased on their free-phone number: 0800 088 2333.
The Avalon email address is info@avalonfuneralplans.com.
The company also has a social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, but it’s not clear if these accounts are monitored for the purpose of making enquiries.
Are there any Hidden Costs?
An Avalon Funeral Plan should cover most of the services you need for a direct cremation funeral. However, extra provision will have to be made for some contingencies such as the doctors’ fees and the removal of medical devices. The ashes will also need to be collected from the crematorium unless you opt to have them scattered in the Garden of Remembrance.
Unforeseen changes in taxes and regulations enacted between the date the plan is purchased and the death of the beneficiary may require Avalon to levy additional charges. However, this is a standard term of funeral plans offered by most other providers.
Can I Transfer Arrangements to another Provider?
Transfer of a plan held with Avalon to another provider will require cancellation of the plan.
Are they Eco-Friendly?
Avalon do not emphasise their green credentials in their literature. You may wish to check with the individual funeral director to determine the eco-friendliness of their operations.
Who owns avalon funeral plans?
Incorporated in 1993, Avalon’s ultimate parent is Tamalow Ltd., a small company registered in the Republic of Ireland.