African Unity Life proposes the following checklist when taking out a funeral policy: • Confirm the details of the intermediary and their relationship with the insurer. Intermediaries must be mandated by insurers to sell their products. • Always complete a policy proposal form yourself. • Give complete and accurate information. If in doubt, disclose information. • Always read any document thoroughly before signing it. • You have a 30-day grace period to cancel a policy or make amendments - enquire about the cooling-off period. • Make sure the policy contract matches what you understood it should be. • Check the terms and conditions, benefits, premiums and exclusions. • Ask what the implications are of replacing one policy with another. • Keep written proof of your correspondence and dealings with the insurer and intermediary. Visser said that once a policy is in place, there are still a few things to be aware of regarding the actual claims process: • Most insurers will pay out within 48 hours if the correct documentation is submitted. You will need a death certificate, proof of banking and the applicable claim forms. • Remember, the insurer cannot stipulate what the claim payout is used for. • You do not get any money out if you cancel the policy. It is a pure risk insurance product, which means that the premium you are paying is being used to cover the risk of your passing away. The moment you cancel the policy or it lapses (if premiums are not paid) your cover will be forfeited and no claim will be paid. • Ask for written explanation for repudiation or non-payment of claims. • An insurer must always advise the holder of a policy when the policy is being cancelled. — Supplied.