Planning a funeral can be challenging, but accurate information can help you sort through your options. Under the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, providers have to give you information about the funeral goods and services they offer, said Bridget Small, consumer education specialist for the FTC..
But, according to the FTC, the Bradford-Connelly & Glickler Funeral Home didn’t give shoppers that timely information. The business has agreed to pay a $6,500 civil penalty to settle charges that it violated the Funeral Rule.
The Funeral Rule makes it easier for you to compare prices and make decisions about arrangements. Under the Rule, you’re entitled to get information in person or by phone, when you ask a provider for it. You also have rights to:
- Get an itemized price list before you talk about funeral arrangements.
- See price lists for caskets and outer burial containers before you discuss or view those items.
- Buy goods, such as a casket, and services, such as a memorial service, separately.
- Buy only the items you want and need, instead of a “package.”
Read more about shopping for funerals. If you think a funeral provider broke some part of the Funeral Rule, file a complaint with the FTC and the state agency that regulates funeral providers.
