The Funeral Rule and How it Affects You
The Funeral Rule is a series of laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission that outlines the responsibilities of funeral providers as well as your rights when it comes to planning a funeral. Besides your right to purchase a casket online, it also presents other guidelines that you should know before meeting with your funeral provider. We know that almost all funeral providers are honest and full of integrity, but it is wise to know your rights in the rare case someone tries to profit off you during an emotional time.
What to know before going to the funeral home:
Under the FTC’s Funeral Rule, consumers have a right to provide a casket purchased outside a funeral home without penalty, and a funeral provider cannot charge a "casket handling fee" if you do so. Below is a summary of your rights:
• It is legal in all 50 states to buy a casket or coffin for sale online with delivery to a funeral home for use in a funeral service.
• You cannot be charged a "casket handling fee" or other such fees for obtaining your casket outside the funeral home
• A funeral provider may not refuse a casket or coffin you purchased online or unreasonably restrict who receives your delivery or the timing of such.
• Funeral homes can charge one "basic services fee" for required goods or services, but may not require you to purchase anything outside what is required by law.
• Cemeteries and crematories have size standards for caskets, and all Regal Caskets conform to size and materials requirements in all 50 states. A standard Regal Casket is about 80 inches long and 24 inches wide and can generally fit someone up to 6’10” and 350 pounds.
• You can view and compare prices of goods and services from the funeral home to online options by requesting a "General Price List".
• Funeral homes cannot misrepresent the funeral/cemetery laws of your state. If you are questioning whether something is required by law, you can ask for a written copy of the law.
• If a funeral provider does participate in unethical business practices, they are subject to disciplinary action by their state licensing board. We think that most funeral providers act in good faith, but if you do witness malpractice, contact us so we can file a claim in your state.
While you are at the funeral home:
If you are not supplied one, you should ask your provider for a General Price List before discussing arrangements, which itemizes all goods and services offered, as well as their cost. You should not mention your intention to supply your own casket before the GPL is in your hands.
After your arrangements are complete, your provider must supply you with a "Statement of Funeral Goods and Services" which is an itemized list of all goods and services you have selected. If needed, you can use this list to make changes to your arrangements.