Can You Buy Your Own Casket?

Choosing your own casket or coffin might sound like a curious way to express your individuality. Yet, in an era where personal touches matter in almost every experience, making this choice brings a profound sense of control and personal relevance to your final moments.

Opting for your own casket does more than reflect your distinct identity and tastes; it also eases the decision-making load on your family during a tough period.

This guide explores the practical, legal, and emotional aspects of selecting a casket, aiming to provide you with the knowledge needed to make this intimate decision with assurance and insight.

Short on time? Jump to our TL;DR summary for the key takeaways of this article.

Is It Legal To Buy Your Casket?

Before making a purchase, you’re sure to have questions like where to buy a casket from and whether it is legal to buy your casket in advance.

In the USA, it is completely legal to buy your casket for burial or cremation. Still, you might have to look into your state-specific laws to figure out all the regulations. Your casket needs to meet the criteria mentioned in the said laws.

By and large, it is a legal process and is practiced by people who like to plan.

Do You Have to Buy a Casket from a Funeral Home?

The simple answer is no in the majority of states. Until a few years ago, funeral caskets had only been sold through Funeral Homes. However, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ‘Funeral Rule’ and the rise of e-commerce changed this. Funeral homes used to mark up caskets at a significant percentage, sometimes as much as 500%.

Over the last few years, many new companies have started up and are offering funeral caskets over the Internet and with showrooms in local areas. The FTC’s ‘Funeral Rule’ states that funeral homes must use a funeral casket that you have bought from elsewhere and says that the funeral home cannot charge you extra money for this.

Related article: Do You Have to Buy a Casket from a Funeral Home?

Understanding Your Rights Under the Funeral Rule

Navigating the process of buying a casket might initially seem complex, but in reality, it’s more accessible than many think—it’s also completely legal.

The laws in place around this choice are designed to protect you, ensuring that your wishes are respected during times of emotional stress.

• Navigating the Legal Landscape: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has enacted a set of regulations that empower you in the funeral planning process.
  
  This rule explicitly allows you to purchase a casket from any supplier, removing the obligation to buy a casket from the funeral home directly, without incurring additional fees.
  
  And it’s not just caskets or urns either—the rule extends to all manner of goods and services that you might traditional procure through a funeral home—offering you much greater choice and potential savings.
  
  
• State-Specific Considerations: While the option to buy your own burial casket is available nationwide, it’s important to note that specific states may have their own set of guidelines.
  
  Becoming acquainted with these details beforehand can be incredibly beneficial.
  
  
• Safeguarding Your Choices: Funeral providers cannot try to charge extra fees if you decide to use a casket or urn—or indeed any funeral products or services you might also buy—wherever you decide to buy the casket.
  
  This policy upholds the principle of fairness and respect for your decisions.
  

Understanding your legal rights and the protections in place is crucial for forward planning with confidence.

The regulatory framework around buying your own casket offers comfort, reinforcing that your personal wishes have legal backing. This support focuses on honoring life, making it easier to navigate through difficult times.

Reasons for Buying Your Own Casket

Choosing to buy a casket or coffin before you die can be a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to end-of-life planning, significantly reducing the financial and emotional stress on loved ones during a time of loss while ensuring your final wishes are fulfilled.

This decision, rooted in foresight, offers peace of mind and honors personal preferences, making it a considerate path to explore in preparing for the future.

• Personalization: Securing your casket early ensures it reflects your unique character, values, or eco-conscious inclinations. By selecting your casket in advance, you ensure that your personal preferences and values are respected. You can choose a casket that aligns with your tastes, religious beliefs, or environmental concerns.
  
  Additionally, pre-purchasing a casket can prevent potential disagreements among family members about what type of casket to purchase, as your wishes will be clearly documented and respected.
  
  
• Eases Financial Concerns: By making arrangements for your casket in advance, you remove a potential financial weight from your family’s shoulders, allowing them to concentrate on commemoration rather than being burdened by expenses.
  
  Pre-purchasing a casket allows you to manage and control funeral expenses, ensuring that costs align with your financial planning and budget.
  
  
• Cost Efficiency: Direct purchasing sidesteps the substantial markups often applied by funeral homes, which can escalate costs by up to 85%, thus making a significant dent in overall funeral expenditures.
  
  Moreover, locking in current prices shields against the financial impact of inflation and rising costs, presenting further economic advantages in your funeral preparations.
  
  
• Environmental Consciousness: For those who prioritize environmental sustainability, eco-friendly caskets are a great option. Made from biodegradable materials such as bamboo, hemp, or wicker, these caskets minimize environmental impact.
  
  Green burials are becoming increasingly popular, and choosing an eco-friendly casket aligns with these values, ensuring that your final act is one of environmental stewardship.
  
  Related article: Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Casket Options for Green Burials
  
  
• Reducing Emotional Stress: Pre-purchasing a casket simplifies the decision-making process for your family during a difficult time. It removes the need for them to navigate options and make choices while dealing with their grief.
  
  Knowing that your funeral arrangements, including the casket, are already taken care of can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. It allows your family to focus on mourning and celebrating your life without the added stress of making detailed arrangements.
  
  
• Practical Considerations: Pre-purchasing a casket also includes logistical considerations such as transportation and storage. Once you’ve purchased the casket, consider how it will be transported to your desired location.
  
  Online purchases often include delivery, but if you buy from a funeral home, you may need to arrange transport yourself. Ensure that the logistics of moving the casket are manageable and cost-effective.
  
  Additionally, if you need to transport human remains across state lines, be aware of the regulations and paperwork required, such as obtaining a burial-transit permit and adhering to specific state laws.
  

This proactive approach not only symbolizes a final act of love and consideration for those you leave behind but also embodies a wise financial decision, ensuring a legacy of thoughtfulness and care.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Casket

When deciding to purchase your own casket, several practical questions should guide your process:

1. Who to Buy the Casket From: You have the option of purchasing a casket from a funeral home or online. Buying online can be convenient and allows you to easily research and compare prices. Many online retailers offer free delivery to your specified location, which can simplify the process.
   
   
2. Transportation of the Casket: Once you’ve purchased the casket, consider how it will be transported to your desired location. Online purchases often include delivery, but if you buy from a funeral home, you may need to arrange transport yourself. Ensure that the logistics of moving the casket are manageable and cost-effective.
   
   Additionally, if you need to transport human remains across state lines, be aware of the regulations and paperwork required, such as obtaining a burial-transit permit and adhering to specific state laws.
   
   Related article: Transporting a Deceased Loved One Across State Lines
   
   
3. Storage Space: It’s essential to have adequate storage space for the casket. Caskets are typically 28 inches wide, 84 inches long, and 24 inches tall, though sizes can vary. You’ll need a storage area that is not used daily, such as a garage or storeroom. Make sure the space is dry and free from pests to ensure the casket remains in good condition until it is needed.
   
   
4. Durability and Longevity: Caskets are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but it’s crucial to store them properly. Keep the casket in a location free from water, termites, or other pests. Regularly check its condition to ensure it remains in good shape. Proper storage will help maintain the casket’s quality over time, ensuring it lasts until your funeral.
   

Considering these questions helps ensure that your decision is well-rounded and thoughtful, providing peace of mind that all practical aspects have been addressed.

Different Types and Features of Caskets

Casket Materials

Metal Caskets

Metal caskets are known for their durability and are often marketed as “protective.” They come in various materials, each with distinct characteristics:

• Bronze and Copper Caskets: These are non-rusting and long-lasting but expensive. They provide a high level of durability and are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and longevity.
  
  
• Steel Caskets: Steel caskets vary in thickness (gauges), with lower gauges being thicker and more durable. They are a more affordable option compared to bronze and copper, and often come with a gasket seal to protect the contents.
  

Wood Caskets

Wood caskets offer a traditional and warm appearance, with options ranging from high-end hardwoods to more affordable softwoods:

• Hardwoods: Made from high-quality woods like mahogany, walnut, cherry, or oak, these caskets are priced similarly to high-end furniture. They provide a luxurious and classic look.
  
  
• Softwoods: Options like pine and poplar are more affordable and provide a simpler, yet elegant appearance.
  

Alternative Material Caskets

For those looking for different materials, there are several alternative options:

• Fiberglass and Plastic Caskets: These materials offer durability and can be crafted to resemble wood or metal.
  
  
• Cloth-Covered Wood and Wood Veneer Caskets: These provide various price points and appearances, offering a cost-effective yet aesthetically pleasing option.
  
  
• Environmentally Friendly Caskets: Biodegradable caskets made from materials like bamboo, wicker, or cardboard are designed for green burials, providing an eco-friendly option.
  

Casket Materials Comparison

Casket Lids and Interiors

Lid Types

Caskets come with different lid types that can influence the viewing experience and overall appearance:

• Half Couch (Split-Couch) Caskets: Feature two separate pivoted pieces, with the head-segment typically open for viewings and the foot-segment closed. This is the most common type of casket lid.
  
  
• Full Couch Caskets: Have a single, uninterrupted lid that reveals the entire body when opened. These are less common but can be chosen for a more complete viewing experience.
  

Related article: Understanding Half-couch vs. Full-couch Caskets

Interior Materials and Styles

Casket interiors come in a variety of materials and styles to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Materials: Choices include satin, velvet, crepe, velour, and linen. Velvet is luxurious and costly, while crepe is more economical.
  
  
• Styles: Options include ruffled, tufted, and tailored interiors, available in a variety of colors and custom designs.
  

Special Casket Features

Additional features can personalize a casket and reflect the deceased’s personality or preferences:

• Memory Drawers: Hidden compartments for personal items.
  
  
• Casket Corners: Decorative pieces that reflect hobbies or services, like firefighting.
  
  
• Embroidered Panels: Custom designs on the casket lid or cap panel, such as military themes.
  

Oversized Caskets

With humans generally becoming taller and larger over time, the need for oversized caskets has increased. Oversized caskets provide additional space to ensure the deceased appears comfortable and not cramped:

• Standard Oversized Caskets: Typically 78 inches in length, 27.5 inches wide, and 14.5 inches in height.
  
  
• Extra Oversized Caskets: Typically 85.5 inches in length, 30.5 inches wide, and 14.5 inches in height. Purchasing an oversized casket online can be more affordable and offer more options compared to funeral homes.
  

Related article: Guide to Casket Dimensions and Sizes

Caskets for Cremation

As a consumer, you also have the right to decide what type of container your loved one is cremated in. The FTC states that you have the right to:

• Use an “alternative container” instead of a casket for cremation: No state or local law requires the use of a casket for cremation. A funeral home that offers cremations must tell you that alternative containers are available, and must make them available. Alternative containers might be made of unfinished wood, pressed wood, fiberboard, or cardboard.

Understanding these options ensures you can make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and values, potentially saving costs and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Related article: Which Caskets are Suitable for Cremation?

Caskets for Jewish Funerals

In the Jewish faith, caskets should be simple, natural, and free of metal. Key considerations include:

• Material: Basic pine coffins are commonly used, as they decompose naturally and align with the principle of returning to the earth.
  
  
• Design: Caskets are unadorned and free from ornate fittings or fancy handles, emphasizing humility and equality in death.
  
  
• Environmental Considerations: Jewish burial practices support eco-friendly principles by using biodegradable materials.
  
  
• Quick Burial: Jewish law emphasizes a swift burial, ideally within 24 hours, without embalming or open caskets.

Related article: Understanding Jewish Casket Requirements

Casket Costs and Financing

What Do Caskets Cost?

Understanding the costs involved in purchasing a casket is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with both your personal preferences and financial considerations.

Caskets come in a variety of different sizes, materials, and personalization options, all of which can vary casket prices widely.

Below we take a look at some of these and their impact on price, particularly at the sort of prices you can expect from online sellers when buying online:

Impact of Size on Casket Costs

This section examines how casket size affects its cost, offering a straightforward look at pricing for standard and oversized caskets.

• Standard Caskets: Typically measuring 24 inches wide by 79 inches long, and can accommodate individuals of up to 6’10” and 350 lbs, with average prices generally ranging between $2,000 to $4,000.
  
  
• Oversized Caskets: For those requiring more space, oversized options start from 28 inches wide and go up to 44 inches, and a length from 80″ to 94”—although for off-shelf options, 84 inches long is typical. These are suitable for individuals up to 550 lbs.
  
  Prices for these larger sizes range from $3,000 to $7,000, reflecting the additional materials and customization work required.
  
  When using an oversized caskets there are other considerations, such as transportation and cemetery plot rules and sizes, which you’ll need to keep in mind and work out as part of your wider funeral planning.
  
  
• Custom Caskets: Custom caskets are made to order for unique needs and start at $5,000, accommodating larger or specific design requests.
  

In summary, casket size directly impacts cost, with larger options commanding higher prices. This key point aids in budgeting and planning for funeral arrangements.

Impact of Material on Casket Costs

Here, we explore the impact of casket materials on cost, comparing wood, metal, fabric-covered, and eco-friendly options to guide your budget-friendly and value-aligned choices.

• Wooden Caskets: Solid wood caskets are available in various different woods, with prices vary from $2,000 for more common softwoods up to $6,000 for premium hardwoods.
  
  This type of casket is generally the go-to for a traditional funeral service, although, being combustible, they are of course just as suited as a casket for cremation as they are for burial.
  
  
• Metal Caskets: Constructed from steel, copper, or bronze, metal caskets offer durability with a modern aesthetic.
  
  By far the more popular choices when it comes to metal options are made from steel, tend to feature a gasket seal, and offer different gauges—with thicker, more durable caskets being more expensive.
  
  Prices range from $3,000 to $7,000 based on the metal type and design.
  
  
• Fabric-Covered Caskets: Made from pressed wood or fiberboard, these fabric-finished caskets offer a cost-effective option, while maintaining a traditional look. 
  
  As you’d expect, they’re much less costly than their solid wood cousins, with prices ranging from between $2,000 to $4,000.
  
  
• Eco-Friendly Caskets: Made from biodegradable materials like bamboo or willow, these alternative containers are priced between $1,000 to $3,000, offering an environmentally conscious choice, better suited to green burials or as cremation caskets.
  
  These are also some of the best budget options, tending to be much lower-priced than more traditional choices.
  

By understanding these cost factors and considering your budget and personal values, you can make a choice that honors your or your loved one’s memory in a fitting and financially manageable way.

How to Pay for or Finance a Casket Purchase?

Delving into the financial considerations of choosing a casket is a pivotal step for numerous families.

Grasping the array of financing and insurance options available can mitigate the impact of this considerable expenditure, facilitating a smoother and less daunting planning journey.

• Insurance Coverage: A variety of life insurance policies encompass provisions for funeral costs, which may be applied to casket purchases.
  
  It’s beneficial to peruse your policy details or engage with your insurance agent to comprehend the extent of coverage and the process for accessing these funds.
  
  
• Financing Solutions: Certain casket providers and funeral service establishments present financing solutions or installment plans, offering a method to distribute the expense over a period.
  
  This approach can introduce a degree of financial leeway in orchestrating funeral arrangements. However, a critical assessment of the contract terms and interest rates is advisable to ensure compatibility with your fiscal health.
  
  For example, Trusted Caskets and Titan Casket partner with Affirm for finance options. Trust Caskets offers 0% APR financing, with monthly payments over 6, 12, or 18 months. Titan Casket provides financing at 15% APR, with terms of 3, 6, or 12 months. A critical examination of contract terms and interest rates is crucial to ensure they align with your financial situation.
  
  
• Pre-Payment Arrangements: Securing a casket ahead of time via a pre-need agreement can capture current prices, safeguarding against future price increases.
  
  Numerous contracts of this nature also incorporate installment payments, aiding in the gradual management of costs.
  
  Titan Casket’s “Plan Ahead” pre-need plan is an example, offering payment options of 100% upfront or monthly installments over 6, 12, 24, 36, or 60 months, all interest-free. Funds paid are safeguarded in a trust account, ensuring financial security even if the company goes out of business. Additionally, customers have the flexibility to request a refund at any time if they change their mind.
  

In charting these financial waters, striking a harmonious balance that reflects both your or your loved one’s preferences and your budgetary framework is key.

An informed exploration of all financial avenues available can notably alleviate the economic pressures faced during such a profound period.

Where to Buy a Casket

Choosing a casket to honor a departed loved one involves navigating through various options, each tailored to different preferences, financial considerations, and individual needs.

When it comes to purchasing a casket, there are several options to consider. Below is an in-depth look at these different options:

• Funeral Homes: While convenient for coordinating services, purchasing caskets from funeral homes often comes at a higher cost, sometimes marked up to 85%.
  
  Additionally, the selection may be limited, with third-party alternatives like big box stores and direct-to-consumer sellers offering a wider range of unique and eco-friendly options more suited to personal preferences or green burials.
  
  Related article: Casket Costs at Funeral Homes
  
  
• Big Box Retailers and Amazon: Big Box stores like Costco and Walmart, as well as Amazon, offer a range of caskets, usually sourcing from the same casket manufacturers who offer their caskets online, but with a markup of 30% or more.
  
  The level of after-sales support and the availability of financing choices may not match what direct sellers offer, implying that while this path provides convenience and variety, it may also lead to increased expenses and a less personalized service experience.
  
  Related article: Reasons to Avoid Buying Caskets from Big Box Stores or Amazon
  
  
• Direct-to-Consumer Casket Sellers: These companies sell direct to buyers, letting you buy a casket online directly, circumventing the conventional retail route to present more favorable pricing and direct interaction with customers. Buying from one of these online retailers is generally the best way to avoid overspending.
  
  Such companies often extend comprehensive post-purchase support and many options for interest-free payment, making them an attractive choice for individuals seeking ease, diversity in options, and high-quality services at a significantly lower price.
  
  Related article: How and Where to Buy Caskets Online
  

Choosing a casket involves balancing preferences, cost, and convenience. Direct-to-consumer sellers provide not only competitive pricing and a wider variety than funeral homes, which can mark up prices significantly, but also surpass the convenience and personalized service often lacking in big box retailer offerings.

With their online ease, extensive after-sales care, and flexible financing, direct-to-consumer options stand out as a compelling choice, ensuring a respectful and thoughtful way to honor your loved one’s legacy alongside other purchasing avenues.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Casket Online

Buying a casket online offers several advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision:

Pros:

• It is cheaper than purchasing from a funeral home.
• It can be less overwhelming to see photos on a computer screen than to see caskets in person.
• You can take your time and do your research.
• You can shop around from the comfort of your own home at your convenience.
• You will not be subjected to pushy tactics or upselling the way you would when purchasing from a funeral home.
• It is easier to involve the whole family in the buying process because you have the time and flexibility to get input from friends and family members.

Cons:

• Buying online involves shipping, which takes time and requires the customer to dispose of the packing materials.
• You can’t see the casket in person before buying it.
• Purchasing funeral items from multiple vendors involves more paperwork.

Despite these cons, many people find buying a casket online to be convenient and cost-effective. Consider your personal preferences and needs when deciding.

Quick Tips for Buying a Casket Online

Here are some tips to help you navigate buying a casket online:

• Ask lots of questions: Ensure you get all the information you need. No question is too small or silly.
  
  
• Take your time: Make sure you are 100% sure of your choice before making the purchase to avoid regrets.
  
  
• Use the buddy system: It can be helpful to have a trusted friend or family member assist you in the decision-making process.
  
  
• Research thoroughly: Take advantage of the time and resources available online to make an informed choice.
  

Casket Handling and Maintenance

How to Store and Maintain a Casket?

Opting to purchase your casket in advance is a meaningful act that provides comfort to both you and your family.

Once this decision is made, attention turns to the preservation of your casket, guaranteeing its condition remains impeccable for when it’s needed.

• Optimal Casket Storage: Choosing an appropriate storage space is critical. Whether it’s allocating a special area in your home, like a garage, or opting for a climate-controlled facility.
  
  The goal is to protect your casket from any potential damage, ensuring it remains as pristine as when you chose it.
  
  
• Casket Maintenance: The longevity of your casket is intimately linked to how well it is shielded from the environment.
  
  Keeping it in a dry, cool location, away from direct sunlight, and safeguarded against pests and temperature variations is crucial.
  
  Regular checks on the casket help maintain it in the condition you anticipate.
  
  
• Communicate Your Plans and Ensure Access: It’s also vital to keep your family in the loop regarding your storage plans, particularly if you select a storage facility or another external option.
  
  This ensures they have the necessary access to your casket when the time arises.
  
  
• Skip Storage Altogether with Pre-Need Financing: Titan Casket’s “Plan Ahead” program offers a practical alternative to self-storage by allowing you to lock in current prices and secure your casket in advance, thus sidestepping the need for immediate storage.
  
  This plan features a range of payment options, from paying in full to interest-free installments over selected periods, ensuring financial flexibility. Funds are kept safe in a trust account, offering peace of mind and the option to change your mind with a refund available at any time.
  

Careful storage and maintenance of your casket are not just practical measures; they are acts of reverence for your journey’s final chapter.

These actions highlight the gravity of your choice, ensuring that your casket stands as a dignified and suitable tribute when the moment arrives.

Will Funeral Homes Accept my Self-bought Casket?

When it comes to arranging a funeral, selecting a casket is a significant decision.

This segment delves into your entitlements under the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Funeral Rule regarding the choice to purchase a casket from an independent supplier instead of through the funeral home.

• Your Rights as a Consumer: The rule champions your right to select the most suitable and economically viable options for a funeral service.
  
  This right extends to buying a casket outside the funeral home’s inventory—meaning that you don’t have to buy a casket from them, instead, they are legally required to accept caskets bought from third-party sellers.
  
  The rule’s objective is to empower more personalized and budget-friendly funeral arrangements.
  
  
• Freedom from Extra Charges on Outside Caskets: A fundamental principle of the Funeral Rule is its stance against funeral homes levying handling fees or adding extra costs for caskets sourced externally.
  
  This policy ensures that the decision to procure a casket from a third-party seller does not attract undue financial burdens or elevate service fees, fostering a fair and competitive environment.
  
  
• Guaranteed Acceptance of Your Casket Choice: The law requires funeral homes to welcome caskets purchased elsewhere, without any stipulations or hesitations.
  
  This regulation aims to eliminate any undue influence on families to buy caskets directly from funeral homes at possibly inflated prices.
  
  It highlights the obligation of funeral homes to prioritize the consumer’s best interest, acknowledging their right to cost-effective funeral choices.
  

The Funeral Rule’s guidelines for buying caskets from third-party vendors—including those who sell caskets online—reflect the FTC’s dedication to consumer protection during emotionally difficult times. By being informed and exercising your rights, you can arrange a funeral that aligns with your financial considerations and personal wishes.

This empowerment plays a pivotal role in simplifying the funeral planning process, letting you concentrate on what’s truly important—paying tribute to the memory of your loved one.

Ensuring Family Use of the Casket

Communication is key when purchasing your own casket. Ensure that your family or executor is aware of your decision and knows where the casket is stored. This can be documented in your will or other post-death documentation. You might also consider leaving a note or discussing your decision with loved ones to ensure that your wishes are honored.

Related article: Ensuring Your Casket in Storage is Easily Accessible After You’ve Passed

Frequently Asked Questions

TL;DR Summary

Yes, you can legally buy your own casket for burial or cremation. It’s often cheaper and more personalized than purchasing through a funeral home. The FTC’s Funeral Rule ensures you can use a self-purchased casket without extra fees. Consider various casket types, such as wood, metal, or eco-friendly options, and understand how size and material impact cost. You can buy caskets online, from funeral homes, or direct-to-consumer sellers. Proper storage and maintenance are essential if you purchase in advance. Communicate your decision with family to ensure your wishes are honored.

Final Thoughts

In navigating the path of life, the importance of a personalized send-off is paramount. Choosing your own casket represents a meaningful opportunity to add a personal touch to your farewell, offering not only potential cost savings but also comfort and reassurance to those you cherish.

By familiarizing yourself with your rights, delving into the various purchasing and personalization options available, and carefully considering the economic implications of this significant choice, you can arrange a goodbye that not only commemorates your existence but also deeply resonates with your loved ones.

Engaging in advance planning and maintaining open lines of communication with your family ensures that your final preferences are both understood and honored, allowing your parting to be a heartfelt and reassuring homage to your journey.

This discussion seeks to equip you with the insights and assurance needed to select an option that mirrors your uniqueness, principles, and the impact you aim to leave behind, guaranteeing that your final homage is as distinctive as the life you’ve led.