What must a funeral provider do if cash advance prices are unknown?

When cash advance prices are unknown, the funeral provider is required to provide a good faith estimate and a written statement of actual charges. This practice ensures transparency and helps maintain consumer trust. A good faith estimate involves the provider offering their best estimate of the costs based on the available information, while the written statement of actual charges will clarify the final costs once they are known.

This approach aligns with ethical practices in the mortuary industry, as it allows families to plan and budget accordingly, preventing potential financial surprises. It also adheres to certain regulations that aim to protect consumers in situations where costs are not fixed at the outset. Therefore, by providing this estimate and subsequent statement, the funeral provider fulfills their obligation to be upfront about potential costs, ensuring that the family is adequately informed throughout the process.