The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors code of practice

Members shall make clients aware of their Terms and Conditions of Trading, which ideally should be printed on the estimate given to them. Alternatively, copies should be sent to clients or made available for clients to inspect.

6.2 Provision of the Estimate

6.2.1 Clients must be provided with a detailed written estimate at the time of arranging the funeral, or if that is not achievable then as soon as practicable afterwards. Members should make sure that clients confirm their acceptance of the estimate formally, as long as possible before the funeral takes place.

6.2.2 All estimates must at least give the following details of the Funeral Director's charges:

Professional fees.
Removal of the deceased.
Coffin or Casket (including fittings and interior).
Embalming/Hygienic Preparation.
Hearse(s).
Limousine(s).

6.2.3 All estimates must also itemise each disbursement cost, including:

Cemetery/Crematorium fees.
Doctors' fees.
Minister of Religion or Officiate.
Church and associated fees.

Where only an approximate cost can be given, it must be made clear that this may vary. The 'confirmed' cost must be supplied to the client as soon as possible.

6.2.4 Any additional items, which arise or are instructed after the estimate has been issued, must be authorised by the client prior to them being charged to their account.

6.2.5 A revised estimate, showing the changes made and the alterations to costs must be issued wherever practicable, where the client varies their original instructions, and again the client should formally confirm their acceptance of such changes.

6.3 Issuing the Invoice.

6.3.1 A fully itemised invoice, which should mirror the estimate whenever practicable, is to be provided to the client either after carrying out the funeral services as specified or as agreed with the client, before the funeral. The total amount charged should be as per the original or revised estimate as agreed with the client. Where approximate costs were given for disbursement items then the final cost, together with the reason for any variation should be shown.

6.3.2 If it is part of the member's Terms and Conditions that interest be charged for late payment of the account, then this must be explained, together with details of the prevailing rates, to the client, both when arranging the funeral (and before a contract is entered into) and when the invoice is issued.

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