SAGA WILL WRITING SERVICE REVIEWS

Introduction
Saga Will Writing is one of the largest will writing providers in the UK, having assisted thousands of customers with estate planning needs over the past few decades. As a major player in the industry, it’s important to take an objective look at both the pros and cons of using Saga for your will writing needs.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore Saga’s will writing process, costs, services offered, online reviews, and compare them against some alternatives. By the end, you should have a well-rounded understanding of what to expect from Saga and whether they may be a suitable option to draft your will.

Services Offered
Saga offers three main will writing packages:

Single Will – Covers a basic single or joint will for £99. This is their entry-level package that writes a single will or mirror wills for a couple.

Family Protection – For £149, this package writes wills for a couple plus covers any children under 18. Life insurance is also included.

Premier Package – Their most comprehensive option at £199, this writes wills for a couple and incorporates inheritance tax planning tools like trusts to potentially reduce tax bills for beneficiaries. Probate guidance is also provided.

All packages are drafted by their in-house team of will writing specialists. Additional services like codicils or trust amendments can also be added on later if your circumstances change. The wills themselves are kept securely at Saga’s offices.

Will Writing Process
Saga handles the entire will writing process remotely via post and phone rather than requiring in-person appointments. Here are the basic steps:

Choose your package and complete an online application form providing details about yourself, spouse/partner, beneficiaries, executors etc.

A will writing expert will review your application and call you to discuss details, ensure your wishes are clear, and answer any questions.

First drafts of your will(s) are sent for your review. You can request changes by post, phone or securely online.

Once finalized, you’ll receive the original signed will(s) to keep safely yourself and copies for your executors. Saga also keeps fireproof copies securely on file.

You can update your will at any time by contacting Saga. They’ll guide you through the amendment process.

Costs & Pricing
As mentioned earlier, Saga’s basic will writing packages range from £99-£199. There are some additional costs to note:

Storage fees of £24 per year if you choose to store copies with Saga rather than keeping them yourself.

Codicil or trust amendments are £49 each to draft if needed later.

Probate valuation guidance is included in packages over £149 but drafting full probate forms costs extra (£99-£199 depending on complexity).

Overall, Saga’s pricing is reasonable for standard will packages compared to many independent solicitors. You may save more using a completely online-only service orDIY generic will kits for simpler needs.

Online Reviews
Looking at independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Google, Saga gets an average rating of around 4 stars out of 5. The majority of customers seem pleased with the ease and convenience of the online and remote service. Common positive comments include:

Clear and friendly guidance from experts who take the time to understand wishes and explain legal issues.

Worry-free of having to source local solicitors or explain needs in person. Stress-free process done remotely.

Fast turnaround from application to receiving signed wills usually within 2-3 weeks maximum.

Some negative reviews cite issues like delays in responses, incorrect information provided, or feeling rushed through the process. A small percentage also encountered problems later needing amendments that required repayment.

Some key takeaways from reviews would be that while mostly positive, Saga may not be the most customized service with potential for errors if you have an unusually complex estate. Personal recommendations from others would be better than big online reviews alone when choosing a provider.

Comparing to Alternatives
Let’s compare Saga’s offerings to some other popular will writing options:

DIY online kits (from around £15) – Cheaper but you miss out on the guidance. Risk of errors without expert insight.

Independent solicitors – Can be more tailored but costs likely £200-£350 as a minimum. Home visits often required.

More specialized online services like Farewill, Lawyerly, or Will Aid – Around same pricing as Saga but may have better consumer reviews. More streamlined completely online.

Overall, Saga provides a good balance of convenience, costs and customer service reviews. For most average customers without unduly complex assets/family situations, it would likely be a reliable choice. But DIY, specialist online only services may offer better value for basic needs.

Is Saga Will Writing Right For You?
Saga could be a suitable option if:

You want a stress-free remote service without long waits for appointments.

You have a relatively simple estate distribution situation (e.g. spouse, children).

£99-£199 is within your budget for basic estate planning peace of mind.

You don’t mind their yearly storage fees or potential extra costs for amendments later.

You may want to consider alternatives if:

You have an unusually complex family/asset structure that requires more tailored advice.

Cost is a major factor and simpler DIY options could meet your needs.

You want a fully digital experience without need for storage copies.

Overall, most average customers should find Saga reliable for basic wills provided you understand their limitations for more complex planning needs. Just be sure any provider can adequately address your individual circumstances and wishes.