About Funeral Home Insurance Policies

A funeral home, like any business, has certain basic insurance needs. A review of the circumstances likely to be faced in the operation of a funeral home will help the owner better understand those needs, and wisely obtain the coverage critical to the protection of his business.

Property Insurance

This covers the funeral home and its contents against perils such as fire, windstorm, theft and vandalism. The use of candles is a common part of the atmospheric setting in a funeral home. The chemicals used in preparing the deceased are highly flammable. These are factors that other businesses might not need to be concerned about, yet are extremely relevant for the funeral home owner to consider in having sufficient property coverage.

General and Professional Liability Coverage

Funerals not only bring a large number of visitors to the premises, but unlike other businesses, many of them will be emotionally upset and susceptible to possible injury from falls due to disorientation or fainting. Professional mistakes can occur in body preparation or the mix-up of important paperwork. Liability coverage is designed to deal with such occurrences.

Workmen's Compensation Insurance

While not generally considered a dangerous line of work, funeral home employees are often required to do heavy lifting in moving the deceased from place to place. Back injuries are not uncommon. This coverage pays for the medical costs of an employee's on-the-job injury as well as income protection. It also prevents the employer from being sued by an injured worker.

Other Insurance

Commercial vehicle insurance is available to protect the funeral fleet, usually consisting of a hearse and limousine. This would include any injury to others resulting from the use or maintenance of these vehicles. Funeral employees often park the personal vehicles of others when lining them up for a procession. Additional valet coverage is available to protect the funeral home owner should damages arise out of this activity.