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Written by Mitch Tapner.
20 minute read
Planning ahead often starts with understanding your options. While researching funeral costs, many people come across Liverpool Victoria and assume they offer prepaid funeral plans. In fact, they provide life insurance, which is a different type of cover.
This guide explains how life insurance and funeral plans differ, from what they include to how they’re paid for. We also look at what Liverpool Victoria’s policies cover, and how that compares to a funeral plan from Aura.
The aim is to give you clear, honest information so you can make a choice that feels right for you and the people close to you.
No, Liverpool Victoria does not offer a prepaid funeral plan. They provide life insurance, which pays out a fixed cash sum when you die. Your family can use this money in any way they choose, such as helping with funeral costs or covering other expenses.
However, this works differently from a funeral plan. A funeral plan allows you to arrange specific services in advance and lock in today’s prices, helping to protect against potential rising funeral costs.
While this type of insurance can offer some financial support, it doesn’t include any funeral services. Your family would still need to make the arrangements and pay any remaining costs themselves.
Liverpool Victoria’s life insurance plan is not a prepaid funeral plan. Instead, it provides a fixed cash payout to your estate or designated beneficiaries when you die, which they can use however they choose. Here’s how the process works:
How it works:
Things to keep in mind:
In short, this kind of cover from Liverpool Victoria can provide peace of mind, knowing a lump sum will be paid out to your loved ones when you die, but it doesn’t lock in specific funeral services, escalate with inflation, or guarantee complete coverage of funeral costs in all cases.
If you’re weighing up life insurance vs funeral plans, it’s important to know the key differences in how each works and what they actually cover. The comparison below shows how a Liverpool Victoria life insurance policy differs from an Aura prepaid funeral plan.
| Feature | Aura prepaid funeral plan | Insurance payout (Liverpool Victoria) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of product | Prepaid funeral plan with services secured in advance | Life insurance policy that pays out a cash lump sum |
| What it covers | Funeral services such as cremation, transport and coffin, agreed in your plan | A fixed cash amount for your family to use however they choose, including towards funeral costs |
| Cost certainty | Funeral costs are locked in at today’s prices | The payout is fixed, but may not keep up with potential rising funeral costs |
| Regulation | Regulated as a funeral plan by the FCA | Regulated by the FCA and PRA as a life insurance product |
| Risk of shortfall | No shortfall, services covered in full according to the plan | Because it’s a cash payout, there’s a risk it may not cover the full cost of the funeral |
| Peace of mind | Everything is arranged and paid for in advance | Your family will need to organise the funeral and pay for it at the time, using the money from the policy |
Liverpool Victoria doesn’t offer a funeral plan. Instead, their life insurance provides a cash payout your family can use however they choose. This flexibility can be useful, but it doesn’t guarantee that your funeral will be arranged or fully paid for.
A prepaid funeral plan, like those from Aura, works differently. It lets you plan the details in advance and cover the costs up front, so your loved ones have one less thing to worry about later.
A funeral plan is a way to sort out the key details of a funeral in advance. It’s different from insurance, which provides a cash sum. With a plan, you choose the services you want and pay for them ahead of time. This can help spare your family from difficult decisions and rising funeral costs later on.
With Aura, you stay in control. You decide whether or not the funeral includes a service, and every plan covers the essentials. This includes cremation, care of the person who has died, and a simple, respectful coffin.
You can pay everything up front or in instalments, depending on what works best for you.
When the time comes, a trusted funeral director follows the plan you set out. For the services included, your family won’t need to pay anything extra.
Aura’s plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and your money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Everything you pay goes into an independent trust and is only used when it is needed for the funeral.
Select a plan that meets your needs from our range of highly-rated and fully-secure funeral plan options.
Speak to one of our lovely expertsℹ to secure your plan, or purchase your plan securely online in a few simple steps.
We’ll place your money into a secure, independently-managed trust, so that it’s ready to be used for when the time comes.
After you’ve died, we’ll bring you into our care and support your loved ones through the initial paperwork with patience and compassion.
We’ll let your loved ones know the date and time of your cremation, and on the day, transport you privately to the crematorium.
Within 21 days of the cremation, we’ll arrange to hand-deliver your ashes to your chosen person at no additional cost, or we’ll scatter them on their behalf.
*Before purchase, you’ll receive a clear summary of what’s included, what’s not, and your rights under the plan*
A funeral plan takes care of the practical elements of a funeral, allowing you to make decisions in advance and easing the pressure on those close to you. While the details may differ between providers, the following are always guaranteed with an Aura funeral plan:
What’s included with Aura?
What’s not included with Aura?
Aura’s funeral plans are designed to cover the essential, practical parts of a cremation. Some elements are not included as standard, but can often be arranged separately or added to a different type of plan if needed.
Funeral plans can vary, so it’s important to check the details carefully. A trusted provider will make it clear what’s included and what isn’t, helping your family avoid any unexpected costs or uncertainty later on.
Aura has a variety of prepaid funeral plans to match different budgets and personal preferences. Whether your choice is attended or not, we’ll either scatter your ashes in the crematorium’s garden or deliver them by hand to someone close, usually within 21 days.
Our simple Direct Cremation Plan offers a simple and understated unattended direct cremation.
*Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase.*
The cost of a funeral plan can vary depending on the type of service you choose, where you live in the UK, and how you prefer to pay.
Aura’s unattended direct cremation plan is priced at £1,695, with the same cost no matter where you are. It covers everything needed for a simple cremation, including cremation fees, collecting the person into care, a basic coffin, and returning the ashes to the family. If you’d rather pay in instalments, you can spread the cost over 12 to 24 months with no added fees.
For those who would like a ceremony, attended direct cremation options are also available. Prices start from £2,395 for a short, 10-minute service with up to 15 guests. If you’d prefer a longer service, there’s an option from £2,995, which includes a 40-minute ceremony at a partnered crematorium, with room for as many people as the chapel can hold.
By choosing a prepaid funeral plan, you agree the costs and services in advance. Once your plan is fully paid and active, there’s usually nothing more to pay for what’s included. This can ease both financial and emotional pressure on your loved ones when the time comes.
Only you can decide if a funeral plan is right for you but for many people, it offers peace of mind, knowing that both the cost and the key decisions are taken care of in advance.
Having a plan in place means your family won’t need to make arrangements during a time of grief. Instead, they can follow your wishes, with no unexpected costs for the services covered.
One of the main reasons people consider a funeral plan is to protect against potential rising funeral costs. According to SunLife’s 2025 Cost of Dying report, funeral prices continue to rise year after year. A prepaid plan gives you the chance to fix the price now and avoid extra costs in the future.
Plans regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), like Aura’s, offer extra reassurance. Your payments go into a secure fund and can only be used for the funeral you have planned.
If your goal is to reduce future stress for your family and stay in control of costs, a funeral plan could be worth considering.
Prepaid funeral plans can be an important part of end-of-life planning, helping you make thoughtful decisions now to ease the burden on your loved ones later. Compared with simple life insurance, funeral plans offer key advantages:
*Funeral plans may not be suitable for everyone. Some services are not included as standard. Please check the plan summary before purchase*
When choosing a funeral plan, it’s reassuring to know that funeral plan regulation is in place to protect you and your money.
All prepaid funeral plans in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means providers must follow strict rules — they must treat you fairly, explain exactly what’s included in your plan, and keep your money safe, usually in a secure trust or insurance policy.
This regulation also means you have clear rights. You’ll know how to cancel if needed, what to expect from the service, and where to turn if something goes wrong.
Your payments are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which offers extra security if the provider were ever to go out of business.
A common concern with life insurance is that the payout might not fully cover the cost of a funeral. For example:
*Please note, these figures are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect your circumstances.*
With an Aura funeral plan, the services you select are planned and paid for in advance. This means everything agreed is fully covered, with no unexpected costs for your family later on.
It’s a straightforward and reliable way to pay for funeral expenses ahead of time, helping to ease both emotional and financial pressure when the time comes.
There’s no single provider that will suit everyone. The right funeral plan depends on your individual wishes, your budget, and how much involvement you want your family to have when the time comes.
However, many people choose Aura for a few key reasons:
Transparent pricing
Aura makes it clear what each plan includes, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. There are no hidden fees, and you can choose to pay in full or in monthly instalments, depending on what works best for you.
Strong protections and FCA regulation
All Aura funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), giving you peace of mind that your money is protected. Your plan is also backed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), offering an extra layer of security.
Straightforward, flexible choices
Aura offers several plan options to suit different needs. Whether you prefer a simple direct cremation or want something more personalised, there’s a plan to match. If cost is a deciding factor, direct cremation prices are among the most affordable, without compromising on care or quality.
Supportive, compassionate service
End-of-life planning can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Aura’s friendly, understanding team is here to guide you through each step and answer any questions along the way.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £1,695 | £2,095 | £1,700 | £1,700 | £1,885 |
| Trustpilot | 4.9/5 stars | 4.8/5 stars | 4.6/5 stars | 4.8/5 stars | 4.4/5 stars |
| Fairer Finance | |||||
| All-Inclusive Pricingℹ | |||||
| Transparent Pricingℹ | |||||
| Free Cancellation Anytimeℹ |
It’s a common and important question. When planning ahead, you want to be sure your money is protected, even if something changes.
Since July 2022, all prepaid funeral plan providers must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means they must follow clear rules to protect your payments. Most do this by placing the money in a secure trust or using a regulated insurance policy, so the funds are available when the funeral is needed, even if the provider stops trading.
At Aura, we take this seriously. Every payment goes into a dedicated, independently managed trust. You can read more about how we keep your money safe on our website.
If a provider does go out of business, your plan may be transferred to another authorised provider so the funeral can still take place. If that is not possible, a full refund will be given. In some cases, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) may offer compensation, depending on your situation.
These safeguards are there to give you confidence in your plan and peace of mind that your money is secure.
Everyone’s situation is different, and what works for one person may not suit another. Liverpool Victoria offers life insurance, while Aura specialises in prepaid funeral plans – each provides a different type of support.
If your goal is to plan ahead and make sure both the cost and the funeral arrangements are taken care of in advance, a funeral plan with Aura could be a good option. It allows you to make thoughtful choices now and reduce the burden on your family later on.
Ultimately, the right decision comes down to what matters most to you. It’s worth looking at both providers, thinking about your wishes, your budget, and the kind of support you want to leave for those closest to you.
Why people choose Aura:
If you are not sure which option is best, we can help you compare funeral plans in a clear and simple way. Whether you are thinking about a direct cremation or something more traditional, we are here to support you with honest guidance.
At Aura, we believe in treating every person that turns to us as if they were our own family. This dedication has earned us an exceptional 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating, making us the highest rated ‘Cremation Services’ provider on the platform.
We’re honoured to be a trusted partner for families across the UK. Read their stories below.
No, they work differently. Funeral insurance pays out a lump sum when you die. Your family can use this money however they choose, including to help with funeral costs. But it doesn’t guarantee that a funeral will be arranged or fully covered.
It’s also worth noting that Liverpool Victoria’s Life Insurance is not funeral insurance. It’s a type of life insurance, which is slightly different.
A funeral plan, on the other hand, allows you to choose and pay for specific services in advance. Everything is agreed up front, and when the time comes, those services are carried out as planned. This gives your family clear guidance and helps avoid financial uncertainty.
Not for what is included in the plan. Once it is fully paid and active, the agreed services, such as cremation, care of the person who has died, and a simple coffin, are covered in full.
If your family would like anything additional, such as flowers, a wake venue, or extra transport, these would need to be arranged and paid for separately.
Most providers offer a cooling-off period, usually around 30 days, when you can cancel and receive a full refund. After that, some may charge a cancellation fee or return only part of what you have paid.
Aura offers more flexibility. You can cancel your plan at any time. As long as no services have been provided and you have paid for your plan in a lump sum or in instalments up to 24 months, we will refund everything you have paid, with no admin or cancellation fees. We believe the process should always be clear and fair.
This depends on the provider. Some plans only become active once all payments are complete. Others may provide partial cover after a set period, such as 12 months.
With Aura, if you die before finishing your instalments, your family may need to pay the remaining balance for the funeral to go ahead. We explain this clearly from the beginning, so there are no unexpected costs later on.
To help protect against potential rising funeral costs, you may wish to consider taking out a prepaid funeral plan. When you choose a plan with Aura, the cost of the services included is fixed at today’s prices. That means even if prices go up in the future, your loved ones won’t be asked to pay extra for what’s already covered.
If you’d like to know more about how to plan a cremation with Aura, our brochure is a helpful place to begin.
Our funeral plans are a helpful way to put everything in place for you or someone else.
When the time comes, our experienced team will be here to guide you through each step, offering support and advice whenever you need it.
To find out more about how our plans work, what’s included, and our story, you can request a brochure by clicking the link below. We will then send you a copy by email or First Class post—whichever you prefer.