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Do I Have to Buy a Casket From the Funeral Home?
Use the free tool — Funeral Cost Compare
What the FTC Funeral Rule Says
Federal law, the FTC Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453), gives you the right to an itemized price list from the funeral home. It also gives you the right to buy only the items you want. Nothing is required except what the law says.
Do You Have to Buy the Casket There?
The core idea of the Funeral Rule is that you can pick items one by one. You are not required to buy anything beyond what the law requires. This guide does not have the exact wording on where you may source a casket beyond that general right, so ask the funeral director directly and ask for the General Price List before you decide.
- Ask for the General Price List — the funeral home must give you one on request.
- Ask which items on the list are required by law versus offered as options.
What State Law Might Add
State law can add requirements beyond federal law. For example, some states require embalming or a certain container in some cases. This guide does not know your state's specific rules, so confirm with the funeral home and check with your state if you need certainty.
Questions to Ask the Funeral Director
- May I see the General Price List before I choose anything?
- Which items are required by state law for the service I chose?
- Which items are optional, and can I decline them?
- Is there a container or embalming requirement that applies to my situation?
This is general information, not legal advice, and prices vary by area. Confirm specifics with the funeral home or a professional if you have legal concerns.
What to Do Next
Paste the price list or the quote the funeral home gave you into the free tool. It reads your own document and shows what looks required, what looks optional, and what's typical for burial or cremation in your county — before you sign anything.
Funeral Cost Compare is an informational tool based on the FTC Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) and published national price surveys. It is not legal advice; state law may add requirements (for example, when embalming or a container is required). Price ranges are typical and vary by region. It is not affiliated with any funeral home, cemetery or association.