Funeral Guide: The Funeral Rule

Funeral Guide: The Funeral Rule

Most funeral service providers are professionals whose goal is to serve the needs and best interests of their clients. But there are some in this business that are not. They take advantage of their funeral services through inflated prices, overcharges, double charges or unnecessary services. But fortunately for us, there is a federal law that makes it easy to choose only those products and/or services we want or need and to pay only for those selected, whether planning a funeral in advance or in times of needing immediate services. This federal law is called The Funeral Rule*.

The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), requires funeral directors to provide itemized prices in person or, if requested, over the phone. This rule also requires that you receive other information about the goods and services offered by funeral directors. For instance, if you inquire about funeral preparations in person, funeral homes must provide a written price list showing the products they offer. If you need to buy a casket or outer burial container, they must show you the prices and descriptions of all available selections before actually showing you the items.

Many funeral providers offer "packages" which consist of commonly selected products and services that make up the entire funeral event planning process. But when planning a funeral, you have the right to buy some items and services individually - you do not have to accept a preloaded package that may include items you neither need or want.

The FTC Funeral Rule Summarized:

1. You have the right to choose which funeral supplies and services you want (with some exceptions). Funeral Directors must state this right in writing on the general price list.
    
2. If state or local law requires that you buy any particular item, it must be disclosed it on the price list, referencing the specific law.
    
3. The funeral provider may not refuse or charge a fee, to handle a casket purchased elsewhere.
    
4. Funeral providers that offer cremation services must make alternative containers available.

*Read more about the FTC Funeral Rule here.