Funerals are expensive, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out why it costs $7,848 on average for a traditional burial and $6,970 for a cremation with funeral services. That’s what the Funeral Rule price lists are meant to do. They explain the high cost of a funeral by breaking the prices down for each item. But even with the Funeral Rule regulations in place the cost of some funeral services can be unclear.
This quick overview explains Funeral Rule price lists so you don’t experience sticker shock.
What is the Funeral Rule?
The Funeral Rule is a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulation that was put in place to help consumers make more sense of funeral costs and compare services from different providers. The FTC understands that many people are emotional and can easily feel overwhelmed after losing a loved one. It’s the type of situation where people could end up making funeral decisions without being fully informed. In the case of a funeral, those decisions cost thousands of dollars.
At the heart of the Funeral Rule is the requirement that a funeral home must produce a list of service prices upon request. The items that are optional must be made clear as well. If an item is required that too will be noted.
The Funeral Rule applies whether a person is making advance arrangements for themselves or needs immediate services for a deceased loved one.
The 3 Funeral Rule Price Lists
The Funeral Rule covers all funeral services, which means there are a lot of costs to detail. There are three different price lists that you may need to review depending on the type of disposition you choose.
General Price List
This is the price list that people are most familiar with because it applies to any funeral service. The general price list itemizes all of the related costs, although some of the prices will be noted as estimates only. It should also include:
- Disclosures
- Embalming
- Consumer rights to select services they want
- Direct cremation alternative containers
- Basic service fees
- Casket and outer burial container price lists
- An effective date
- Funeral home’s name and contact info
- Information on basic services that are offered
The funeral home should provide a copy of their general price list when you first discuss the arrangements. And they are required to produce a general price list if you request it.
Casket Price List
One reason traditional burial is so expensive is because a casket is needed, and most people don’t opt for a plain pine box. If you plan to bury a loved one, a casket price list will also be provided. Often the casket price list is part of the general price list. It will highlight the prices for caskets and alternative containers.
Outer Burial Container Price List
You should also receive an outer burial container price list if you are going to use burial. The outer burial container price list specifies the cost of vaults and grave liners.
At Direct Cremate we make funeral prices easy to understand with straightforward services for an all-inclusive price. In terms of pricing, direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable option for all families.
