The Bureau licenses and investigates complaints against California funeral establishments, funeral directors, embalmers and apprentice embalmers; cemetery brokers, salespersons and managers; cremated remains disposers and urn manufacturers. It also provides educational resources and administers the National Board Examination.
It’s important to know what to look for when choosing a funeral home. You can avoid funeral home neglect by asking the right questions and comparing prices and services.
Locations
The death of a loved one is often a traumatic experience. Choosing the right funeral arrangements can help families make important memories while honoring their deceased family member’s wishes. By asking the right questions, comparing prices and services, and making informed decisions, consumers can choose arrangements that are meaningful to them and control costs for themselves and their survivors.
The Funeral Rule requires funeral directors to give individuals a General Price List (GPL) whenever they discuss the goods or services that you sell with them in person, regardless of whether they are making arrangements now or later. However, the Rule does not require you to send GPLs in response to telephone or mail inquiries about funeral goods or services.
NFDA members have access to exclusive discounts on everyday business supplies and BP gasoline, plus a wide range of other benefits. In addition, members receive expert legal assistance and support on a variety of topics, from a free monthly legal consultation to studies, reports and model laws.
Services
Funeral homes offer a variety of services, including embalming, funeral arrangements, and cremation. They can also help with burial, memorial, and service planning. They may also sell insurance policies to cover costs associated with a death. If you have a problem with a funeral home, contact a consumer organization like the Funeral Consumers Alliance for advice. The ICCFA Cemetery Consumer Service Council can offer informal mediation.
The Texas Funeral Service Commission regulates funeral homes and funeral directors. This agency is responsible for licensing and monitoring these individuals to ensure that they follow the law. You can file a complaint with them about at-need arrangements, funeral services, and funeral director behavior. They also oversee the inspections of funeral establishments and the registration of funeral directors. They provide a number of resources to the public, including educational materials, legal forms, and a list of licensed funeral directors. You can also find information about upcoming meetings and meeting minutes.
Payment options
Many funeral consumers are concerned about paying for their loved ones’ services, and it is important to understand the various payment options available. Some options include paying in cash, using credit cards, or taking out a loan. In addition, some families choose to prepay funeral expenses in order to save money and avoid future interest charges.
If you offer packages to at-need consumers, you must provide a GPL with all required disclosures. However, you cannot charge a fee for the GPL or place conditions on giving consumers the information that the Rule requires.
You must also give a GPL to anyone who inquires about your prices, including competitors, journalists, representatives of businesses, religious societies, and government agencies. However, you do not have to give the GPL to people who call or write you after business hours about at-need arrangements. You can return their call or letter at a later time. You do not have to send them a GPL by mail if they are already in the middle of an arrangements conference or meeting with you.
Insurance
Funeral homes often offer insurance policies to cover the cost of funerals. These policies typically include commercial property coverage that protects the funeral home’s building, furniture, caskets, and other assets. These policies also include general liability coverage that protects the funeral home in case of a lawsuit.
Some funeral homes sell their own funeral insurance policy, while others partner with an independent or exclusive insurance company to provide a pre-need insurance product. The independent agents usually represent several insurers, while exclusive or captive agents only sell the policy from one insurance company.
Burial insurance policies are similar to traditional life insurance, but they typically have lower premiums and do not require a medical exam. In addition, they may be available with a level premium, which means the premium won’t increase as you age. Some companies are even able to factor in life insurance proceeds so that funeral services can be provided immediately. This service typically comes with a significant fee.