There are two certainties in life, death and taxes, and while you have no control over either, you can certainly plan for the former.

It seems that everyone has climbed onto the hearse, with multitudes of funeral plans or policies on offer in South Africa.

Funerals aren't getting any cheaper. A 2008 assessment by the funeral industry showed that the cost of a typical funeral starts at R8975. These costs include a standard coffin, a service fee, church fees, the cost of a grave and press notices.

If you add the costs of transporting the body to the mourning family - from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape, in our example - this will add between R6000 - R8000 to the bill. Once you include catering, tents, transport, sound systems and a tombstone, the price can quickly exceed R15000.

Many South Africans do not want to leave mourners with this financial burden, but there are many unscrupulous vendors out there, so here are a few things to look out for.

According to John Solomon, chairman of the funeral insurance standing committee from the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa), only companies registered with the Financial Services Board may sell funeral policies.

Solomon says that there are two types of companies that may sell you policies. The first being a life company which is registered to sell all types of life insurance. The second is an assistance business company - which is only allowed to sell funeral assistance.

A life company can offer up to R20000 worth of funeral benefits - some even push the payout up to R50000 - but an assistance company may only sell you benefits of a maximum of R18000.

Burial societies are also an option - and not a bad one, Solomon says. The societies are not regulated and are community-managed, but they encourage members to save a certain amount every month and can also offer emotional support.

"Short of the treasurer absconding with the money, there are generally no other risks," says Solomon.

When taking out a policy, before you sign and hand over your monthly premium, here are some items to look out for:

• Check the policy to see if there are any exclusions or waiting periods that the adviser has not disclosed. Solomon says: "Some policies come with waiting periods of six months, while others are up to one year."

• When are your children excluded from the policy? The cover can stop when the child turns 18, while in other policies, when the child is 25.

• Are any medical examinations or tests required?

Several products carry the Zimele stamp of approval (the logo depicts two hands - one orange and the other brown), which means it meets the financial sector charter's minimum requirements of fair charges, easy access and decent terms. If the policy is approved by Zimele, those wanting to buy the assistance will not have to undergo medical exams - although they will have to answer medical questions.

The Zimele-approved products may only charge different premiums based on age, so these policies may be a little more expensive.

• Does the policy allow a grace period if you miss a payment? For Zimele-approved products you are given one month to make up your missed payment. Other companies may not be so kind.

• Annual increases. For example, Old Mutual's care plan does not expect an annual increase, but premiums for its standard funeral plan are expected to increase by 5% each year, and its premium comprehensive funeral plan by 7% annually.

• When it comes to commission, the rules are clear: an FSB-approved adviser may receive commission, but this commission must be included in your premiums. You should not be expected to pay the adviser an extra fee. Says Solomon: "The commission payable must be stipulated by the life company or assistance business company when providing you with a quote."

• Check that you continue to be adequately covered as the years pass. Solomon tells of a case in which a woman took out a funeral policy in 1968 at a monthly premium of R2.05. But when the woman died, when she was in her 80s, the policy paid out R200. "Her humble funeral cost R6000."

Tips from Asisa when buying funeral cover:

• Make sure that the person selling you the policy (referred to as the intermediary) is licensed by the Financial Services Board as a financial service provider, or is a representative of a service provider accredited to market the products of a registered life company. Also ensure that the company is indeed a registered long-term insurer. You can check this with the board on 0800110443.

• If the policy is underwritten by a registered life or assistance business company, the intermediary must be able to produce marketing material from that company containing information about the policy you are about to buy.

• Once the policy has been issued, you must be provided with a summary of the conditions and requirements relating to the policy. You then have 30 days in which to change your mind.

• Make sure you receive a policy certificate stating who is covered, the amount of cover, the premium, and a clear breakdown of costs.

• Ensure that you receive a receipt for every cash payment you make towards the policy premium every month. The receipt must display the information of the insurance company that has underwritten your policy.