While the vast majority of funeral directors are honest and ethical professionals, as with any industry there are a few who are not.
How can you tell if an unscrupulous funeral director is attempting to take advantage of you during your time of grief?
Watch out for the following:
They wonât give you pricing over the phone
Under the federal Funeral Rule, mortuaries are required to provide pricing information over the phone, even if you choose not to give them your contact information.
They wonât give you an itemized price list
Funeral directors are required to provide a general itemized price list that includes pricing for at least 16 common items and services, as well as a separate casket price list. Many, such as Olive Tree Mortuary, make their general price list available online for added convenience.
They imply that pricing is the same everywhere
In reality, it is not. Feel free to compare quotes from a few mortuaries, because prices vary quite widely, even within the same city. As an independent, family-owned business, Olive Tree Mortuary, for example, is able to provide the same mortuary services that others offer, but for significantly less.
They donât allow you to purchase services a la carte
By law, funeral directors cannot insist that you buy a âpackage.â While the package may indeed save you money for that bundle of services, it may also include items that you do not want. Always look at both the package and individual price lists.
They claim that embalming is required
Embalming is a way of delaying the natural decomposition process after death. It is not necessary if you are planning an immediate (and local) burial or cremation. Embalming is required if you will be shipping the body out of California for burial elsewhere. It is also recommended if you will be holding a viewing more than a few days after the death. Otherwise, all that is required is refrigeration of the body, unless burial or cremation will take place within 24 hours of the death.
They push you to purchase an expensive casket
The law states that mortuaries that sell caskets must include a selection of inexpensive caskets in their showroom display. They cannot only present expensive options. Watch out for those who try to âguiltâ you into choosing a more expensive casket by saying things like âGiven your position in the communityâŚâ or âIâm sure your mother would want the best.â And be aware that many funeral homes will use merchandising tricks to make their more expensive casket options seem more appealing, such as putting them under better lighting.
They say you must purchase the casket from them
There is no requirement that caskets be purchased from the mortuary. You can also buy a casket from a variety of retailers, including Walmart and Costco, or, in some cases, straight from the manufacturer.
They say you must purchase an outer burial container
Outer burial containers, also known as vaults or grave liners, are used to surround the casket in the grave. Outer burial containers are not required by California law, although some cemeteries do require them. This is because they keep the ground from settling after burial. If the funeral director claims this is required, check with your chosen cemetery to see if it really is.
They imply that a leak-proof casket will stave off decomposition
Over time the body will decompose. This is a natural process that takes place even after embalming. The more expensive âleak-proofâ or âhermetically sealedâ coffins do not stop this.
They require purchase of a casket for cremation
If cremation services are offered, the funeral director must make alternative containers available. These less expensive options are often made of unfinished wood, cardboard or fiberboard.