Burial Insurance Checklist

Figure Out How Much Coverage You Actually Need

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is around $7,800 — and that doesn't include the cemetery plot or headstone. Cremation runs cheaper, but still typically $6,000+.

Add in any medical bills or debts you'd like covered, and that's your target number. Most people we work with choose between $10,000 and $20,000.

💡 Quick thought: Better to have a little extra than not enough. Whatever's left over goes to your beneficiary — they can use it however they want.

Know What Type of Policy You're Looking At

There are really just two kinds:

• Simplified Issue — They ask a few health questions, but you get coverage right away and rates are lower
• Guaranteed Issue — No health questions at all, but there's a 2-3 year waiting period and you'll pay more

If your health is decent, go for simplified issue. It's almost always the better deal.

Don't Just Go with the First Quote You Get

Prices vary. Like, a lot. A 68-year-old woman in Texas looking for $10,000 in coverage might see quotes ranging from $42 to $69 per month — same coverage amount, different carriers. That's a $324/year difference.

Always get at least 3 quotes before you decide.

💡 Easy way to do this: Our calculator compares state-regulated carriers in your area. Takes about 30 seconds.

Make Sure the Company is Actually Licensed

This sounds obvious, but it matters. Only buy from companies that are licensed to sell insurance in your state. You can check this on your state's Department of Insurance website.

Licensed carriers have to follow consumer protection rules. Unlicensed ones? Not so much.

Actually Read the Policy (At Least the Important Parts)

Yeah, it's boring. But you want to know:

• Is there a waiting period? How long?
• Are there exclusions? (Most policies have a suicide clause for the first 2 years)
• What happens if you miss a payment?
• Is there a grace period for late payments?

Ask questions if anything's unclear. A good agent will explain it.

Make Sure Your Rate is Locked In

This is non-negotiable. A decent burial insurance policy should guarantee three things:

• ✅ Premium stays the same forever
• ✅ Death benefit never goes down
• ✅ Policy can't be cancelled (as long as you're paying)

If they can't promise all three? Walk away.

Ask About the "Free Look" Period

Here's something most people don't know: you can usually cancel within 10-30 days and get all your money back. No questions asked.

This is called the "free look" period, and according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, most states require it by law. California gives you 30 days. Texas and Florida give you 10-14. Ask your agent what your state allows before signing.

Pick the Right Beneficiary

This is who gets the money when you pass. Choose someone you trust to actually use it for your funeral and final expenses.

💡 Don't skip this: Name a backup beneficiary too. If something happens to your first choice, you don't want the money going through probate.

Understand How Claims Work

Your beneficiary shouldn't be figuring this out while they're grieving. Ask now:

• How do they file a claim? Phone? Online? Paper forms?
• What documents do they need? (Usually just a death certificate)
• How fast does the money come? (Usually 2-4 weeks, sometimes faster)

Put the Policy Somewhere Safe (And Tell Someone)

Doesn't help anyone if no one can find it. Keep it in a fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or with your important papers.

We had a client last year whose daughter couldn't find the policy after he passed. It took her six weeks to track it down with the carrier, and the funeral home needed to be paid in the meantime. A lot of stress that could've been avoided.

The fix is simple: tell your beneficiary where the policy is. Give them the policy number, the carrier's name, and a phone number to call. Write it down somewhere they'll find it.