Thanks to a 1994 ruling by the Federal Trade Commission, you have the legal right to furnish
your own casket to the funeral home at a greatly reduced cost. By providing your
own casket, you are saving a major portion of the traditional funeral expenses.
THE FUNERAL RULE
Most funeral providers are professionals who strive to serve their clients' needs and best interests.
But some aren't. They may take advantage of their clients through inflated prices, overcharges, double
charges or unnecessary services. Fortunately, there's a federal law that makes it easier for you to
choose only those goods and services you want or need and to pay only for those you select, whether
you are making arrangements pre-need or at need.
The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, 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.
