Glossary
FTC Funeral Rule
The FTC Funeral Rule is a US Federal Trade Commission regulation that gives consumers rights when buying funeral goods and services. It requires itemized pricing, lets you buy only what you want, and bars certain misrepresentations by funeral homes.
Under the rule, a funeral home must give you a General Price List, quote prices over the phone, and let you choose individual items rather than only package deals.
It also lets you supply your own casket or urn without a handling fee, and bars funeral homes from claiming embalming is legally required when it is not. The rule is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
Knowing the rule helps you compare providers and avoid paying for goods or services you do not need.
Related terms
See also
Common questions
- What rights does the FTC Funeral Rule give me?
- It entitles you to an itemized General Price List, prices quoted over the phone, and the freedom to buy individual items rather than only packages. You may also supply your own casket or urn without a handling fee, and funeral homes may not claim embalming is legally required when it is not.
- Does the Funeral Rule apply to cemeteries and crematories?
- The Funeral Rule applies to funeral homes and other providers that sell both funeral goods and services. Cemeteries and some third-party crematories are not always covered, so it is still worth asking any provider for itemized prices.
- What do I do if a funeral home violates the Funeral Rule?
- The rule is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, and you can report a violation to the FTC. Keeping the price lists you were given helps document what you were charged and quoted.
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.