The CMA Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021 made it a legal requirement for every UK funeral director to publish a Standardised Price List. This means comparing funeral prices has never been more straightforward — if you know what to look for.
Step 1: Understand the CMA Standardised Price List
Every compliant funeral director must publish a PDF titled "Standardised Price List" on their website. This document must show:
- Attended funeral basket (6 items): The full service with hearse, coffin, funeral director fees, and care of the deceased
- Unattended funeral basket (5 items): Direct cremation without ceremony
- Additional options: Optional extras like limousines, celebrant fees, and memorial packages
The standardised format means you're comparing the same items at every funeral director — apples with apples.
Step 2: Search for Providers in Your Area
Use FuneralCompare to find funeral directors near you. Enter your postcode or town name and we'll show all providers within your chosen radius (5, 10, 20, or 50 miles).
Each listing shows:
- CMA Attended Funeral Price — Total cost of the full standardised basket
- Star rating — Based on verified customer reviews
- Distance — How far the provider is from your location
- Below/average/above average badge — Instant comparison against the national average
Step 3: Compare Side by Side
Once you've found providers you're interested in, use the compare feature to see their full price breakdowns side by side:
1. Check the box next to each provider you want to compare
2. Click "Compare selected providers"
3. Review the itemised breakdown table showing every cost line by line
You'll see exactly where each provider charges more or less. Some providers might be cheaper on the hearse but more expensive on the coffin — the compare table makes these differences clear.
Step 4: Check Reviews and Ratings
Price isn't the only factor. Visit each provider's detail page to read customer reviews. Look for feedback on:
- Communication and responsiveness
- Quality of care for the deceased
- How well the funeral director handled the arrangements
- Whether the final bill matched the quoted price
Step 5: Read the Price History
Some funeral directors change their prices regularly. Our price history feature shows:
- When prices last changed
- What the previous prices were
- Whether prices have increased or decreased over time
This helps you spot providers who have recently increased prices significantly.
Step 6: Send Enquiries to Your Shortlist
When you've narrowed down your choices, send an enquiry through the platform. You can contact multiple providers at once using our bulk enquiry form.
The funeral director will typically respond within 1–2 business days with a personalised quote and information about their services.
What to Ask When You Contact a Funeral Director
- "Is the CMA Standardised Price List still current?"
- "Are there any costs not covered in the CMA basket that I should be aware of?" (e.g., minister fees, doctor's fees, crematorium fees)
- "Do you offer payment plans?"
- "Can I visit your premises to discuss arrangements?"
Key Takeaways
- Always compare CMA-standardised prices — they're legally mandated and directly comparable
- Use FuneralCompare to search, compare, and contact multiple providers
- Check reviews and price history for the full picture
- Send enquiries to at least 2-3 providers before making a decision
Start comparing funeral prices now — enter your postcode on our homepage to see CMA-standardised prices from funeral directors near you.