Rental caskets have been around for some time as a viable option for families who couldn’t afford or didn’t want to spend money on caskets. It may be less commonplace than renting a home, car, or clothing for an event, but renting a casket for viewing is a great option for those who wish to have a funeral that is more affordable, environmentally friendly, or green.
When calculating funeral costs, there is a long list of considerations. The casket can become one of the largest expenses. The average cost of a funeral ranges from $10,000 – $20,000, and caskets can run from $2,000 to $10,000 to purchase. One way to reduce the burden is to rent a casket instead of buying one. Rental caskets, in comparison to purchasing, cost closer to $995 or less.
The number of people choosing cremation has risen over the past several decades and is projected to continue growing. Those being cremated or their loved ones may still desire to do a viewing prior to the service, making purchasing a casket an unnecessary expense. Casket rentals offer the option of an elegant viewing or service. After the service, the deceased can continue to the cremation process.
Finally, eco-friendly green burials are increasingly popular. Utilizing a rented casket uses few resources and keeps additional materials that would take years to biodegrade out of the ground. Again, after the service, the deceased can be placed in a simple wooden box or shroud for burial.
Most funeral homes, including Ryan, offer the option to rent a casket if requested. The rentals look like a standard casket with linings, finishes, and materials, so it will not be apparent that the casket is a rental. Funeral homes must also adhere to certain requirements when offering rentals.
Rental caskets are legal and sanitary, as long as they:
- Are manufactured for multiple uses and fitted with new inserts after each service.
- Are not reused if soiled or contaminated during a service.
Loved ones who rent the caskets also must sign a release form stating they are aware the casket may have been used already and will return to the funeral home after the services.
If you are interested in learning more about rental options, please contact our staff and we would be happy to answer any additional questions.