Checking Costs, Services & Rights: The FTC’s Funeral Rule

Knowing your rights about the costs and processes of funerals and burials is crucial. To ensure consumer safety, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) created The Funeral Rule. This rule protects consumers from unscrupulous funeral providers and makes it easier to compare and calculate funeral prices and get only the goods and services you want.

The Funeral Rule applies to all states. Some of it’s important stipulates include:

• Consumers have the right to purchase only the funeral goods and services they want. Meaning, you do not have to purchase a funeral package that includes items you do not want.
• The funeral home must state this in writing on the general price list.
• If you visit a funeral home, the funeral provider must give you a list of the goods and services they offer before showing you the actual products.
• If state or local laws require that consumers buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law(s).
• The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket bought elsewhere.
• A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.

Learn more about the FTC’s Funeral Rule on their dedicated website.