Can I Change Funeral Directors?

Blogs & Articles Article Can I Change Funeral Directors?
AH Freemantle Memorials

When organising a funeral for yourself or a loved one, it can be one of the most stressful times you may experience and your thinking process can be distorted as a result of this. Funeral plans should be flexible in nature and that’s exactly what A. H. Freemantle provide.

We understand you may want to change funeral directors and it can be a simple process with the right guidance and help. In this useful guide, we outline whether you can switch funeral directors once a funeral plan is in place and if you can get some of your money back.


Changing funeral directors when someone has passed

If a loved one has passed and they already had a funeral plan in place, your family may want to use an alternative provider for reasons of your own. When the existing funeral director takes the deceased into their premises, you can still use a different funeral home to deal with the funeral arrangements.

The new funeral director you have chosen will contact the existing funeral director to arrange for the transfer of the deceased to their premises. Please note that it may still be necessary for you to pay the other firm for the removal of the deceased.


Transferring existing funeral plans

A frequently asked question we get in our stores and online is whether it is possible to move a funeral plan to a new funeral director. The quick answer is yes, you can transfer existing funeral plans to a new provider. It’s important to remember that no matter where you purchased your funeral plan, it’s your money and you can use choose where it goes – you’re not tied to a particular funeral director.

To transfer your funeral plan, you will need the paperwork for the existing plan and will need to contact the plan provider to explain that you wish for a new funeral director to look after the arrangements. Something to consider is that you may not get a full refund and pay an admin fee.


How to choose a new funeral director

Finding a new funeral director has never been easier – the emergence of technologies and local directories gives families the information they need when choosing an alternative undertaker.

Searching online for terms such as ‘funeral director near me’ can help you collate a list of potential candidates and from there, you can look around for a variety of key points and ask further questions if needed. We have created an in-depth guide to choosing a new funeral director so that you have all the information you need.

Transfer Your Funeral Plan

Over 100 Testimonials and Reviews

Having had experience with this company earlier in the year they were the natural choice when my wife died. Clair was absolutely brilliant from the initial enquiry and compassionately and clearly explained the whole process. Nothing was too much trouble and the whole range of options clearly laid out and explained. We really didn’t have to do anything ourselves. I would gladly recommend when the the time comes to anyone else.

Customer

James and the team really are who you need by your side when you are facing your most challenging times in life. I've been in need of the services of A H Freemantle twice in a year having lost both my mother and father. Honestly I couldn't recommend them enough, at such a challenging time they really did do everything to make it as bearable as possible. I can not recommend James and the team enough, they were truly incredible from start to finish.

Chris

Extremely kind & considerate. Very professional. I felt supported throughout a very difficult process. Jane was fantastic, sensitive and caring and made me feel that she truly understood and cared about us all.

Jill Spence

I would like to thank both James and Jane for the courtesy and respect shown to me and my family. They appreciated the tragic circumstances and were able to guide us gently through the Church service and subsequent committal at Wessex. You were as a company stars that day, showing us the way.

Brian Stoker

From my first phone call to the completion of the funeral the staff at A H Freemantle gave outstanding service. They were professional and compassionate, taking time to listen to our requests and discuss the options. They made a difficult time easier and I knew I could trust them absolutely with the arrangements.

PM

Although my review is simplistic it comes from the heart. Without A H Freemantle's Park Gate & Titchfield offices I could never have got through what was and always will be my darkest hour. Thank you for looking after my beautiful mother, Gwen. Special thanks to Jane and Dawn. And thank you Jane for recommending the wonderful Rev. Boggust. My brothers, sister, and myself will always remember the kindness, respect, and compassion shown by all at A H Freemantle.

Eleanor Campbell-Loveday

James and the team at A H Freemantle did the most fantastic job for us when my brother died suddenly and unexpectedly. They were very clear about the things I had to make a decision on - not there and then but in my own time - but they also completely took over and seamlessly managed all those other things that have to be booked and paid for. They also gave me great advice about how to handle the things I needed to handle. They contributed hugely to giving my brother the send off that he deserved and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend A H Freemantle to anyone else when that time comes and you need a funeral director.

Kevin Briscoe

Sarah's kindness, genuine warmth, understanding of the personal character of how people say goodbye to a loved one, and inclusive approach, together with her knowledge and professionalism made me feel 'held' throughout the process of organising and being at my mum's funeral. It made such a difference at a difficult time. Highly recommend this company to anyone.

Kes

James was incredibly understanding and dealt with a difficult situation with care and attention. Nothing was too much trouble.

Tim Quinlan

I can’t praise Claire at the Botley branch enough, who looked after my husband’s funeral. She was very professional, but more than that she was kind, caring, and nothing was too much trouble. Going above and beyond, which made this very difficult time so much more bearable for my family and I.

Nicola Abbott

James and his team were extremely kind, thoughtful ad professional. As a family we appreciated the help and advice that was given.

Connie