Funeral Expenses – Can they be recovered?
Funeral Costs Are at a Record High 2025 Study
The cost of dying in the UK has reached an all-time high, with many families turning to crowdfunding or selling personal possessions to cover the expenses. According to the latest SunLife Cost of Dying Report, the average total funeral cost in 2024 was £9,797—a 1.4% increase from the previous year. This figure includes funeral services, professional fees, and post-funeral gatherings such as wakes.
Basic Funeral Costs £4,285
A basic funeral now costs £4,285, marking a 3.5% annual increase and a staggering 134% rise since 2004. These figures far outpace the 75% growth in consumer price inflation over the same period. Families are increasingly feeling the financial strain, with many resorting to selling off assets or seeking assistance via crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe.
Breaking Down Funeral Costs
•Professional Fees: These include probate services, which can significantly increase the total bill.
•Venue and Catering for Wakes: Expenses vary but are an important consideration for many bereaved families.
•Coffins, Caskets, and Urns: Choices range from simple designs to elaborate options that can substantially affect costs.
For more insights into funeral expenses, check out MoneyHelper for detailed advice.
Advice on Purchasing a Headstone
Headstones are often one of the largest costs in a funeral, ranging from £900 to £4,000 depending on material, size, and customisations . Granite and marble remain popular choices for their durability but come with higher price tags.
Steps to Purchase a Headstone:
1.Consult Funeral Directors: They can advise on cemetery regulations regarding size and style.
2.Compare Suppliers: Websites like Memorials of Distinction offer a variety of options.
3.Consider Prepayment: Many families purchase headstones in advance as part of a funeral plan to secure current prices.
The Cost of Cremation
Cremation remains a more affordable option than burial, with the average cost around £3,673 compared to burial costs often exceeding £5,000. Direct cremations, which omit a traditional service, can cost as little as £1,000. Crematoria often offer packages that include a simple service and memorial options.
For more details, visit Dignity Funerals to explore cremation options.
Recovering Funeral Expenses After Unlawful Deaths
In accordance with the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 reasonable funeral expenses can be recovered against the party at fault. Funeral expenses can also be covered on behalf of the estate claim under a fatal accident (Law Reform Miscellaneous Act 1935) but in practice most claims for funeral costs are in accordance with the 1976 Act.
This is because the dependents left behind are the ones who generally pay for the funeral cost and that expense is recoverable back to them. If the expense is paid by the deceased’s estate then it can be recoverable by the estate.
Bereaved families who lose a loved one due to unlawful deaths, such as workplace accidents or road traffic collisions as an examples may be entitled to claim funeral costs. Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, reasonable funeral expenses are recoverable as part of compensation claims.
Families affected by such tragedies can consult Fatal Accident Claims for help recovering costs and navigating their legal options. However, certain expenses, such as memorials or elaborate headstones, are generally not recoverable.
Relevant Case Law:
Not everything included in the cost of a funeral are recoverable from the opponent who is said to have caused the death of a loved one and two main cases below provide guidelines on what can be claimed:
•Gammell v Wilson [1982] AC 27 clarified that while funeral expenses may be claimed, costs related to memorials or gravesite decorations are excluded.
•In Mosson v Spousal (London) Ltd [2016] EWHC 53, expenses for items like a memorial bench or wake costs were deemed non-recoverable under the law.
Claiming a Bereavement Award
In addition to funeral expenses, certain relatives may be entitled to a bereavement award—a statutory payment recognizing the grief of losing a loved one due to negligence. As of May 2020, the bereavement award in England and Wales is set at £15,120. Eligible claimants include spouses, civil partners, and, in some cases, cohabiting partners of at least two years.
For detailed information on eligibility and claiming, visit Bereavement Award & Damages.
Making a Dependency Claim
Dependents who relied financially on the deceased may pursue a dependency claim to recover lost income and support. This can include compensation for loss of earnings, pension benefits, and services the deceased would have provided. Eligible dependents often include spouses, civil partners, children, and, in certain circumstances, cohabitees.
Learn more about dependency claims at Making a Dependency Claim.
How to Reduce Funeral Costs
Naturally a if loss of a loved is due to another’s fault due to a accident at work or a road collision most if not all of the funeral costs can be recoverable from the defendant when making a claim through us. However there are other ways to help reduce the costs such as;
•Prepaid Funeral Plans: Secure today’s prices to ease financial strain on loved ones. Funeral Plan Market offers comparisons.
•Government Assistance: Low-income families may qualify for financial aid through the Bereavement Support Payment.
Help Claiming Back Funeral Expenses & Headstones
At fatal accident claims, we are experienced in dealing with the recovery of the funeral expenses following a fatal accident in addition to the other claims that can be made which can be substantial especially if the deceased had a young family.
Final Thoughts on Funeral Expenses and headstone costs
As the cost of dying in the UK continues to rise, planning ahead is essential. But families faced with a sudden death of a loved one due to an accident can be financially devastating. Families can explore affordable options, recover certain costs through legal claims, and seek guidance from organisations like Which? Consumer Advice or Fatal Accident Claims Solicitors who act for all bereaved families under a No Win, No Fee, No Worry Basis.
