Deciding on a casket or container to hold the remains of a loved one can be a challenging decision during a very emotional time. With that in mind, there are laws in place with specific requirements about what information needs to be provided to you when you pick out a casket or container. Let’s bring it back to the basics, go over the requirements and why it matters to you.
The law
Consumer Protection BC licenses and regulates funeral providers in BC. Your licensed funeral home will have a selection of caskets and containers for you to choose from. The Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Regulation states that:
- Funeral providers must show in a clear and comprehensive manner the entire product line of containers that they offer for sale (in writing or electronically)
- Funeral providers must ensure each container has the following information available to you:
- Photograph or drawing of what it looks like
- Make and model number
- Price
- If the containers are displayed publicly, the funeral provider must include in the display room:
- The lowest price container
- A minimum of 6 different containers (either as full or partial replicas)
- Each container must have the price clearly set out and attached to it
Why it matters to you
- You’re able to compare your options.
You can visually compare different models and make an educated decision that’s right for you. - It helps avoid surprises.
When prices are listed clearly on the containers you can be confident that there won’t be any surprises when you’re ready to pay. You will know right away when something is out of your price range. - You know what the most affordable option is.
It’s important to know what range of pricing you are working with. It wouldn’t be fair to keep the most affordable option a secret, especially for those who are working with a strict budget.
By law, you are allowed to supply your own casket or container (as long as it meets certain specifications). Please read our blog post about selecting a casket or urn to find out more about that.
About Consumer Protection BC
We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Selecting a casket or an urn – know your rights
Your preneed cemetery or funeral services contract rights
Cemetery and funeral services: do you know your rights?
“Funeral providers must clearly show the entire product line of containers that are for sale (in writing or electronically)”
Does this mean they must show the entire product line THEY sell, or the entire product line of containers that are for sale? The latter reads as in general, just wondering what this means based on the wording. It should be clear. If it is NOT the latter, then the wording should be updated. “Funeral providers must clearly show the entire product line of containers they offer for sale (in writing or electronically)”
Hi Rana, I’ve updated the sentence to reflect the regulation. Here is the link to the regulation. Thanks!