TDCI’s Funeral Board: A Resource For Consumers When Planning A Funeral
NASHVILLE – The death of a loved one can be a stressful and traumatic time for families, friends and their loved ones. As a reminder to all Tennesseans, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Board of Funeral Directors, Embalmers & Burial Services serves as a free resource for citizens who are planning a funeral and may have questions or concerns.
“The Board regulates Tennessee funeral directors, embalmers and funeral establishments in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare of Tennesseans,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Through proper oversight and regulation, we ensure that Tennessee funeral professionals and establishments comply with rules governing the funeral industry, preneed funeral contract sales and cemeteries.”
In the wake of recent media stories about the funeral industry, the Department reminds Tennesseans that our experts are always available to answer questions, provide information or field a complaint regarding a funeral industry licensee. Being informed about your consumer rights can help citizens navigate the process of making funeral arrangements.
Always remember:
Expect ethical treatment. The funeral director should provide you with a written statement listing all the goods and services you have purchased and the price of each item.
Avoid emotional overspending. Spending money on the most elaborate funeral or casket may not be the best way to honor a loved one.
Resist pressure. Do not buy goods and services you don’t really need or want.
Buy from a licensed funeral professional. Check the license of the funeral professionals we regulate (funeral home, crematory, cemetery, preneed seller, preneed sales agent) at https://verify.tn.gov/ before you buy.
Ask for a price list. State law requires a funeral home to give a general price list of goods and services to anyone who asks in person about a funeral home’s services or merchandise as well as show prices for caskets and outer burial containers before the consumer looks at the merchandise.
Check our full list of consumer tips about how to plan for a funeral by visiting here.
Need help locating a deceased loved one’s life insurance or annuity policy? Our new Lost Policy Service can assist Tennesseans more easily locate lost policies.
About the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: TDCI is charged with protecting the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight and a level field of competition for a broad array of industries and professionals doing business in Tennessee. Our divisions include the Athletic Commission, Consumer Affairs, Tennessee Corrections Institute, Emergency Communications Board, Fire Prevention, Insurance, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Peace Officers Standards and Training, Regulatory Boards, Securities, and TennCare Oversight.
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