Standard Terms and Conditions

These are our terms and conditions which govern the contract between you and us.
Any reference to “we” or “us” refers to Bennetts Funeral Directors Limited
(company registration number 00380987). By instructing us to act on your behalf
and signing our order form, you agree to these terms.

Our Services

1. We will provide the services specified on the signed order sheet at the costs shown in the funeral estimate, subject to these terms. Where final pricing cannot be confirmed at the time of signing, it will be confirmed once necessary information is received.
2. We cannot verify who is entitled to arrange the funeral. By entering this contract, you warrant that you have authority to do so and agree to indemnify us against any claims arising if this is not the case.
3. We are registered as a data controller under the Data Protection Act 2018 and will process personal information solely for arranging the funeral, providing services, and notifying you of bereavement support unless consent is given for marketing.
4. We may accept verbal instructions but reserve the right to require written confirmation. Failure to confirm may result in us not providing amended or additional services.
5. Funeral estimates assume reasonable size and weight. Where limits are exceeded, additional arrangements and costs may apply for safety reasons.
6. Many services are provided by third parties. You authorise us to appoint these suppliers as your agent and accept liability for their fees.
7. The deceased will be transported to our premises upon instruction. Soiled clothing will be treated as clinical waste; valuables will be handled in accordance with your instructions.
8. Where cremation occurs, ashes may be stored free for one year. After this, storage charges apply, and after three years ashes may be scattered following written notice.

Your Rights and Obligations

9. You must provide accurate and timely information. Failure to do so may result in delays, additional charges, or inability to provide services.
10. You may cancel within 14 days unless services have begun or goods are personalised. Cancellation must be made in writing.
11. Full payment of the funeral estimate is required no later than three days before the funeral.
12. A final invoice will be issued after the funeral, payable within 30 days.
13. Sending invoices to third parties does not remove your personal liability for payment.
14. Late payments incur interest of 2% per month and reminder charges. Debts may be referred to collection agencies or legal proceedings.

Limitations on Our Liability

15. Funeral dates and times cannot be guaranteed due to third-party dependencies.
16. We are not liable for failures involving animals or vintage vehicles.
17. We are not responsible for failures beyond our reasonable control.
18. Liability applies only to services we directly provide.
19. We are not responsible for valuables left with the deceased unless caused by our negligence.
20. Attendance restrictions imposed by venues or authorities are not our responsibility.

Monumental Masonry

21. We are not liable for damage to memorials after erection, except for realignment due to settlement within six months.
22. Memorial delivery times are estimates and may be delayed due to factors beyond our control.
23. We are not liable for damage to grave items during erection.
24. We accept no liability for damage to memorials once erected.

Cooling-Off Period

25. You may have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period unless services commence earlier at your written request.
26. If cancelled during this period, incurred costs must be reimbursed.

Termination

27. Services may be terminated by either party in writing.
28. Reasonable charges may apply. Funeral cancellations incur a minimum £500 fee.

Data Protection

29. Definitions follow the Data Protection Act 2018.
30. Personal data is held securely and processed only for service delivery.
31. Data may be shared with service-providing third parties.
32. Further details are available in our privacy policy.
33. You have the right to access data held about you.

Standards of Service

34. We adhere to the SAIF Code of Practice.
35. SAIF provides dispute resolution if required.
36. Dates and times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.
37. We are not responsible for the performance of third parties.

Agreement

38. No third-party rights are created under this contract.
39. Invalid terms do not affect enforceability of others.
40. These terms constitute the entire agreement.
41. Neither party is liable for force majeure events.
42. Liability is excluded to the maximum extent permitted by law.
43. Variations must be in writing and signed.
44. These terms are governed by English law.