Consumer Guide to Funerals

The following Pennsylvania Consumer's Guide to Funeral Homes is a voluntary effort of PCCFA to help the consumers of Pennsylvania to make informed purchasing decisions in both the Pre-need and At-need environments.

Verify that current licenses are posted for both the establishment and the funeral director you are consulting.

You should be offered from the funeral provider a current general price list for services and merchandise offered to you when you inquire about funeral arrangements.

You should receive information about cash advances, outer burial containers and casket prices.

Obtain a copy of the signed contract which includes the date, the names of the buyer(s), the seller, all items purchased, cash advances, and any finance charges involved including the APR and length of payments.

Know that embalming is not required by Pennsylvania law. It may be required in certain circumstances such as for viewing periods or mausoleum entombments. In some cases, when transporting remains out of state or out of the country, the transportation carrier or receiving country may require embalming. You may not be charged for embalming not authorized.

For cremation, you are not required to purchase a casket. You may be required to purchase a suitable container for the cremation.

Know that the funeral establishment may not refuse delivery or charge a fee to handle a casket you purchased elsewhere.

If the contract is changed for any reason, be sure to receive a copy of all changes or a corrected/revised contract which specifically notes any changes.

If you made pre-need arrangements which are revocable, you may cancel the contract and receive a refund.

If the pre-need contract was an irrevocable contract with the funds in trust, you may or may not have it transferred to a funeral home you select. However, there may be costs or charges involved. Ask the seller for clarification.

Still have questions?

For more information or to register a complaint please contact PCCFA using our contact form.

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Copyright © 2003 Pennsylvania Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association. All rights reserved.
100 South 21st Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
717-236-9970 Tel   717-238-2799 Fax