Glossary
What is hearse?
A hearse is the vehicle used to carry a casket to the funeral, church, or cemetery. Also called a funeral coach, it is typically a long, specially built car, and its use is a standard, declinable line item on a funeral home's price list.
Along with the hearse, families may be offered a limousine or a lead 'flower car'; each is a separate, declinable item on the General Price List.
Some families choose alternatives — a simple transfer vehicle, or a personalized send-off — to reflect the person or reduce cost.
Related terms
General Price List
A General Price List, or GPL, is the itemized list of prices a funeral home must provide under the FTC Funeral Rule. It lets you see the cost of each good and service separately so you can compare providers and choose only what you want.
Funeral director
A funeral director is a licensed professional who arranges and oversees funeral, burial, and cremation services. They handle the body, coordinate paperwork such as permits and death certificates, and guide families through the choices involved.
Casket
A casket is the container, traditionally rectangular with a hinged lid, in which a body is buried or sometimes cremated. Caskets are made from wood, metal, or other materials and vary widely in price depending on construction and finish.
Common questions about Hearse
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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.