When someone you love passes away, getting ripped off by an unethical funeral home should be the least of your worries.
Sadly, however, many unscrupulous individuals put dollars before decency. Sometimes, they may simply be unfamiliar with common funeral rules.
This rule protects you from wasting money when purchasing caskets for sale and helps ensure that you get exactly what you want at the best possible value. Here is all you need to know to protect your rights.
What is the Funeral Rule?
It’s a 4-part rule that gives buyers certain rights when it comes to purchasing funeral goods and services.
- You have the right to buy only those goods and services that you truly desire
- You have the right to refuse “package deals” that pressure you to buy unwanted add-ons
- You have the right to expect honesty and transparency regarding state and federal funeral laws
- You have the right to buy funeral goods such as caskets online or from other dealers, and any funeral home you choose is required to let you use these items.
How Can the Funeral Rule Save Money?
The funeral rule can save you money because it allows you to shop around and even buy caskets for sale online, which may be a lot more economical and convenient. Shopping in person for such items can be really stressful, and having to contend with a high-pressure sales pitch is not something you want to deal with when you’re grieving. Shopping online or from a trusted supplier can ease the stress of the experience and also save you money as you can choose the goods that are in your budget and that best suit your preferences and sensibilities.
How Can it Prevent Worry?
One important but often overlooked feature of the funeral rule is that it enables you to buy caskets and other funeral goods such as urns in advance, before they are needed. Being able to shop for such items when you’re feeling good and enjoying life might seem like a morbid task, but doing so can save so much worry and trauma down the road. Buying in advance for yourself and for your loved ones allows you to invest in the quality you deserve at the best value you can find.
Does the Rule Vary From State to State?
The funeral rule applies in all 50 states. While other regulations surrounding burials and cremations may differ from place to place, these basic rights are universal, or at least, they should be. If a funeral home is not honoring the funeral rule, you should contact your state’s funeral board and let them know what happened.
How Can This Rule Help Me?
Knowing the funeral rule is extremely helpful, as it protects your rights so you know whether or not the funeral home or director is attempting to take advantage of you. The funeral rule allows you to shop around for what you need, protects you from high-pressure sales, and ensures that you are given honest and reliable information.
Are there Other Funeral Rules I Should Know About?
Some states have special rules surrounding funerals and cremations. For instance, in Wisconsin, green burials are allowed and biodegradable caskets made of wood or cloth may be used. If your loved one has a special request that you’re not sure is allowed, it’s best to check your state’s laws and regulations. While the basic funeral rule applies everywhere, there may be specific requirements surrounding the details of burials and funeral services that might affect your plans.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Casket?
The best time to buy a casket is now, before it’s needed. Doing so allows you to make the most of the funeral rule by ensuring you have maximum time to shop for the best deals at your leisure. It was created to protect people from being taken advantage of at a time when we are at our most vulnerable. Buying in advance takes out a huge chunk of the equation so that when the time comes to say goodbye to a loved one, you won’t have to worry about what to choose or where to buy it. You can shop for caskets for sale online today for yourself and your loved ones, so that no one has that worry or expense to face later on.
Planning Ahead
Planning ahead by purchasing funeral goods in advance ensures that you can shop at your leisure for these very important items to honor yourself and your loved ones. Shopping for caskets for sale isn’t exactly a fun thing to do whenever you do it, but it’s far better to do this before you need to so that you can find the best caskets for sale at the best price. The funeral rule ensures that any caskets or other funeral goods you buy in advance will be accepted by any funeral home you choose to use.
