Industry studies show that the average casket shopper buys one of the first three models shown, generally the middle-priced of the three. When you visit a funeral home or showroom to shop for a casket, the Funeral Rule requires the funeral director to show you a list of caskets the company sells, with descriptions and prices, before showing you the caskets. Although an average casket costs slightly more than $2,000, some mahogany, bronze or copper caskets sell for as much as $10,000. Typically, they're constructed of metal, wood, fiberboard, fiberglass or plastic. Caskets vary widely in style and price and are sold primarily for their visual appeal. must disclose in writing that some funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing, may make embalming a practical necessity and, if so, a required purchase.įor a "traditional" full-service funeral:Ī casket often is the single most expensive item you'll buy if you plan a "traditional" full-service funeral.must disclose in writing that you usually have the right to choose a disposition, like direct cremation or immediate burial, that does not require embalming if you do not want this service.may not charge a fee for unauthorized embalming unless embalming is required by state law.must disclose in writing that embalming is not required by law, except in certain special cases.may not falsely state that embalming is required by law.may not provide embalming services without permission.Under the Funeral Rule, a funeral provider: Eliminating this service can save you hundreds of dollars. But embalming generally is not necessary or legally required if the body is buried or cremated shortly after death. Many funeral homes require embalming if you're planning a viewing or visitation. Funeral providers may include it in any document they give you at the end of your discussion about funeral arrangements. The Funeral Rule does not require any specific format for this information. If the funeral provider doesn't know the cost of the cash advance items at the time, he or she is required to give you a written "good faith estimate." This statement also must disclose any legal cemetery or crematory requirements that you purchase specific funeral goods or services. The funeral provider must give you an itemized statement of the total cost of the funeral goods and services you have selected when you are making the arrangements. The Rule also requires funeral providers to tell you if there are refunds, discounts, or rebates from the supplier on any cash advance item. The Funeral Rule requires those who charge an extra fee to disclose that fact in writing, although it doesn't require them to specify the amount of their markup. Some funeral providers charge you their cost for the items they buy on your behalf. The fee does not include charges for optional services or merchandise.Ĭharges for other services and merchandise, include costs for optional goods and services such as transporting the remains embalming and other preparation use of the funeral home for the viewing, ceremony or memorial service use of equipment and staff for a graveside service use of a hearse or limousine a casket, outer burial container or alternate container and cremation or interment.Ĭash advances are fees charged by the funeral home for goods and services it buys from outside vendors on your behalf, including flowers, obituary notices, pallbearers, officiating clergy, and organists and soloists. These include funeral planning, securing the necessary permits and copies of death certificates, preparing the notices, sheltering the remains, and coordinating the arrangements with the cemetery, crematory or other third parties. The basic services fee includes services that are common to all funerals, regardless of the specific arrangement. The Funeral Rule allows funeral providers to charge a basic services fee that customers have to pay. Calculating the Actual Cost of a Funeral.Use it when you shop with several funeral homes to compare costs. Make copies of the checklist at the end of this article. Identity Theft and Online Security Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu itemsįuneral costs include basic services fee for the funeral director and staff, charges for other services and merchandise, and cash advances.Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items.Money-Making Opportunities and Investments.Jobs and Making Money Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items.Credit, Loans, and Debt Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items.Shopping and Donating Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items.
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