Burial Insurance - Advice From a Licensed Funeral Director

As a funeral director I'm often asked by thesure specific funeral and burial expense funds are
public, "do I need burial insurance?" My stock replyin the control of your chosen administrator.
is the usual, "that depends." I'm not trying to beSecondly, give thought to the funding aspect of
insensitive or cute with my answer, but the truthyour final arrangements. Are you satisfied with
is that it does depend on several factors in myyour current funding (insurance, savings, etc.) to
opinion, but two most importantly.be sufficient and available when that time comes?
I believe two of the most important factors areIs it possible your current insurance might be
to consider who will make your final plans first,needed to settle other expenses such as medical
then how will those plans be funded? Simplebills, estate taxes, etc.? Are you comfortable that
questions yes, but among those most of us fail toyour current insurance or savings will keep pace
ask ourselves or give serious thought to.with funeral inflation costs? If you answered no to
Choosing a person to handle yourfinalany of these questions, then you may want to
arrangements can be done in reality by doingconsider additional insurance specifically for your
nothing at all. At your death in most states,final expenses. Tip: Burial insurance policies can be
lineage will decide who will have right of disposition.issued in small amounts to subsidize your existing
If no legal descendants are available to handle thisinsurance or larger amounts to cover total funeral
duty most counties, townships and/or states willand burial costs. In many cases it is also easier to
step in and have the final disposition done. This willqualify for in older age groups.
usually be a direct burial or cremation asDoes everyone need burial insurance? Certainly
determined by the government body handling it. Inot, but as a funeral director I can tell you that
recommend avoiding this possibility by selecting amany families I've assisted were able to honor a
family member or friend to entrust with this dutyloved one's wishes only because that person had
and to make sure they have the legal documentsa burial insurance policy in force at the time of
necessary to abide by your wishes. Also, be suretheir death.
your chosen administrators will have access toTake a few minutes and give this some thought.
final expense funds. Many problems can beThe attention and consideration you give these
avoided by making sure of this one thing. Tip:matters now will make a tremendous difference
Burial insurance will in most cases let youfor those who eventually will do your final planning.
designate the beneficiary. This allows you to make