Choosing a Funeral Provider

There is no legal requirement that a consumer use a funeral provider to plan and conduct a funeral. If you decide to use a funeral provider, think about the following:

• Compare prices on goods and services. This is easier to do pre-need.
• When a consumer visits a funeral provider, the provider is required to give a general price list itemizing the costs of items and services offered. If the general price list does not include the specific prices of caskets or outer burial containers, the Funeral Rule requires the funeral director to show a list of these prices before showing the actual items.
• Funeral directors must give price information over the telephone to any caller who asks for it. Many directors will send a price list, although federal law does not require this.
• Consider the costs of individual products and services as well as the total cost of everything together. The Funeral Rule allows package funerals, which may cost less than paying for individual items, as long as an itemized list is provided.

There’s a current trend toward consolidation, where national corporations buy up local funeral homes. If it’s important that the funeral home be locally owned, it’s best to ask.