Frequently Asked Questions
CAN A FUNERAL HOME REFUSE TO ACCEPT ONE OF YOUR CASKETS?
No. Federal law allows for third-party casket sales. In fact, funeral homes are required to accept third-party caskets without charging extra for their use.
WILL I BE CHARGED A SERVICE FEE FOR USING YOUR CASKETS?
No. Federal law says your funeral director may not charge a service charge for using one of our caskets.
WHAT IS THE 1984 "FUNERAL RULE"?
The Funeral Rule, was passed in 1984 and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. It requires "funeral directors to give you itemized prices in person and, if you ask, over the phone. The Rule also requires funeral directors to give you other information about their goods and services. For example, if you ask about funeral arrangements in person, the funeral home must give you a written price list to keep that shows the goods and services the home offers. If you want to buy a casket or outer burial container, the funeral provider must show you descriptions of the available selections and the prices before actually showing you the caskets.Many funeral providers offer various "packages" of commonly selected goods and services that make up a funeral. But when you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy individual goods and services. That is, you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want." "According to the Funeral Rule:
- You have the right to choose the funeral goods and services you want (with some exceptions).
- The funeral provider must state this right in writing on the general price list.
- If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.
- The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.
- A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available."
To learn more visit:
- Funerals: A Consumer Guide (Federal Trade Commission site).
- A Consumer's Guide to Funerals (USA People Search).