INS-QTE+

INS-QTE+ FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Clear guidance when families need it most.

Funeral, cremation, casket, veterans, and end-of-life planning information—organized to help you compare choices, understand your rights, and find local providers throughout the United States.

First StepsConsumer RightsFeatured ResourcesAll 50 StatesQuestions to Ask

BEGIN HERE

What to do after someone dies.

The first hours can feel overwhelming. Focus on the immediate legal and practical steps, then slow the purchasing process down enough to compare options and prices.

1. Confirm the death

For an expected death under hospice care, contact the hospice team. For an unexpected death, call 911. Do not move the person unless instructed by authorities.

2. Choose a provider

You are generally free to contact more than one funeral home or cremation provider. Ask for an itemized General Price List before making decisions.

3. Gather documents

Locate identification, military discharge papers if applicable, insurance information, cemetery documents, and any written funeral or disposition instructions.

4. Notify key people

Contact close family, clergy, the employer, and the person named as executor or personal representative. Avoid posting sensitive details publicly too early.

5. Compare total cost

Ask for the complete price—not just the advertised starting price. Confirm transportation, permits, crematory fees, containers, death certificates, and cash-advance items.

6. Protect the estate

Secure the home, pets, vehicles, mail, medications, and financial documents. Do not distribute property until the authorized representative understands the estate process.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

The FTC Funeral Rule in plain English.

Federal protections are designed to help families buy only the goods and services they choose and receive itemized pricing.

You can ask for prices by phone

  • Ask for accurate price information without giving your name or personal details.
  • Request the funeral home's General Price List when discussing arrangements in person.
  • Choose individual goods and services instead of being forced into a package, subject to limited exceptions.
FTC funeral pricing checklist →

You may purchase a casket elsewhere

  • A funeral home cannot refuse an outside casket simply because it was bought online or from another seller.
  • The provider cannot charge an extra casket-handling fee for using a third-party casket.
  • A casket is not required for direct cremation; an alternative container must be offered.
Read the FTC Funeral Rule →

NATIONWIDE SEARCH TOOLS

Search by your state, city, or town.

Enter the location where services are needed. These tools open nationwide searches for funeral homes, cremation providers, casket resources, veterans burial information, and official consumer guidance. INS-QTE+ serves families across all 50 states.

Results open in a new tab. Compare written price lists, licensing, reviews, service areas, and contracts before choosing a provider.

NATIONAL DIRECTORY

NFDA Funeral Home Finder

Search National Funeral Directors Association member funeral homes throughout the United States by location or name.

Search the NFDA directory →
CONSUMER ADVOCACY

Funeral Consumers Alliance

Find nonprofit consumer groups and educational resources that help families understand funeral choices and compare costs.

Find a local consumer alliance →
OFFICIAL CONSUMER GUIDE

FTC Funeral Costs Checklist

Use this nationwide checklist to compare funeral, burial, cremation, cemetery, and merchandise charges.

Open the FTC checklist →
VETERANS RESOURCES

VA Burial and Memorial Benefits

Review eligibility, national cemetery options, burial allowances, memorial items, and required documents for eligible veterans.

View VA burial benefits →
NATIONAL CEMETERY SEARCH

Find a National Cemetery

Search for VA national cemeteries and related burial locations by state and region.

Search national cemeteries →
Important: INS-QTE+ does not own, operate, rank, certify, or guarantee funeral homes, crematories, casket sellers, cemeteries, or other third-party providers. Provider details and prices can change. Families should independently compare current written price lists, licensing records, reviews, contracts, and service terms.

COMPARE CAREFULLY

Questions to ask before signing.

Funeral or cremation provider

  • May I receive your complete General Price List?
  • What is included in the advertised price, and what costs extra?
  • Are transportation, refrigeration, permits, and crematory fees included?
  • How many certified death certificates are included?
  • Who owns and operates the crematory?
  • What is the expected timeline?
  • What cancellation or change fees apply?

Casket or urn purchase

  • What are the exact dimensions and material specifications?
  • Is delivery guaranteed before the service date?
  • Is standard shipping included?
  • Who confirms delivery with the funeral home?
  • What happens if the item arrives damaged or late?
  • Does the cemetery require an outer burial container?
  • Are personalization and return terms in writing?

LOCAL SEARCH

Find funeral and cremation providers in all 50 states.

Choose a state to open a local map search. Compare at least three providers when practical, then verify licensing and request written, itemized prices directly.

Need personal guidance?

Kevin can help you understand final expense coverage, life insurance options, and the planning questions families often overlook.

Schedule a Call →