Skip to main content
Home LogoHome Skip Navigation

Final Expense & Burial Insurance in New Jersey

New Jersey Flag

Burying a loved one in New Jersey is expensive. Depending on the type of casket and how elaborate the service will be, it will cost between $4,397 and $13,243. And if you pass suddenly without having a financial plan in place, your beneficiaries will have to come to terms with these staggering figures.

Did you know that final expense life insurance, which is also known as funeral insurance or burial insurance, will ensure that your loved ones aren’t financially harmed during this already stressful time? They can use the insurance money to pay for your funeral services – without having to skimp on a proper burial because they don’t have the funds. If you leave behind credit card bills, unpaid utility bills, medical expenses, or other debts, they can use the money for that, too.

But before you purchase a final expense policy, you should know that New Jersey has some specific rules to be aware of. Follow along as we take you step-by-step through the process. We’ll show you what to expect and how you can use Funeral Advantage right now, so your loved ones have all they need to ensure the burial process isn’t more painful than it has to be.

Free Gifts

The Funeral Rule

Federal law dictates basic laws surrounding burial services. Known as the Funeral Rule, these rules apply to every state and are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

  • Pricing – Funeral homes must quote prices for products and services over the phone if requested. In person, they must provide a general price list, a casket price list, and a burial container price list (when applicable).
  • Contracts – An itemized statement of charges and estimates must be provided before a contract is signed.
  • Pre-Need Funeral Plans – FTC laws do not apply to the language of pre-need contracts. They do not govern payment options, costs, modifications, transfers, cancellations, or administrative fees.

Funeral & Burial Expectations in New Jersey

Each state has its own rules for what happens to a body after someone dies. Things like death certificates, embalming, cremation, and burial are regulated by the state. Here are the specifics for New Jersey.

Death Certificates

In New Jersey, funeral directors work in conjunction with a licensed medical professional to record and certify the death record and then send it to state and federal governments. It includes the biographical information of the deceased, along with their address, social security number, and medical information.

To receive a certified copy, you can request it through the funeral home or the State Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registration.

Embalming and Refrigeration

New Jersey does not require embalming unless the deceased is not scheduled to be cremated, refrigerated, or buried within 48 hours after the time of death.

In addition, if the body is shipped by common carriers such as an airplane or train, and won’t reach its destination for at least 24 hours, it must be embalmed.

Although it’s not state law, some funeral homes require a body to be embalmed for public viewings.

Burial Requirements

Caskets are the most expensive part of funeral expenses, but New Jersey does not require that you bury your loved one in a casket. If you choose to forego a casket, your options include burying the body on your private property or finding a cemetery that does not require caskets. Even if you bury the body on private land, remember that New Jersey law requires you to use the services of a licensed funeral director.

Keep in mind that, regardless of state law, some cemeteries do require the use of a casket. If you do decide to use a casket, burial vaults are concrete boxes that surround and protect caskets in the ground. The state of New Jersey doesn’t require these either, although some cemeteries do.

Cremation Services

In New Jersey, only cemeteries are allowed to cremate the remains of a body. There are, however, a few exceptions. Those funeral homes that performed cremations before the New Jersey Cemetery Act of 1971 passed are still allowed to perform them.

A funeral home can help you make the arrangements to transport the body to the cemetery’s crematory and pick up the remains, if necessary. The funeral home can make urns and other containers available to you unless you want to use your own container.

New Jersey law allows you to scatter ashes in the following places:

  • Scattering garden: Many cemeteries provide a safe place to scatter ashes.
  • Private land: If the land isn’t yours, it’s wise to ask permission from the owner.
  • Public land: Check with local zoning laws, but most will allow it if they know in advance.
  • Federal land: It’s a good idea to check with the park or land you want to use before holding the ceremony.
  • At sea: The federal Clean Water Act requires that you scatter ashes at least three nautical miles from shore and unless the container decomposes, you have to dispose of it separately. Then notify the EPA 30 days after you’ve conducted the scattering ceremony.

Average Funeral Costs in New Jersey

The average funeral cost in the state of New Jersey is $7,552, and that’s not including the casket. When you factor that in, the average cost can easily top $10,000.

Here's an average range for some burial services:

Service Type Average Cost Price Range
Direct Cremation $2,505 $2,000 - $2,534
Immediate Burial $3,757 $2,992 - $4,357
Cremation w/ Memorial $8,055 $3,872 - $9,162
Full Burial Service $10,550 $6,367 - $11,657

 

Here are some examples of what you can expect for funeral expenses in three New Jersey cities:

 

Newark

Service Type Average Cost Price Range
Direct Cremation $3,800 $3,700 - $4,000
Immediate Burial $5,250 $5,000 - $5,500
Cremation w/ Memorial $6,900 $5,100 - $7,300
Full Burial Service $8,100 $7,980 - $13,000

 

 

Atlantic City

Service Type Average Cost Price Range
Direct Cremation $2,350 $2,220 - $2,615
Immediate Burial $2,400 $2,220 - $2,520
Cremation w/ Memorial $3,700 $2,220 - $10,000
Full Burial Service $6,700 $3,750 - $10,000

Trenton

Service Type Average Cost Price Range
Direct Cremation $1,000 $995 - $1,395
Immediate Burial $2,200 $1,000 - $3,590
Cremation w/ Memorial $5,500 $4,000 - $10,000
Full Burial Service $7,775 $5,000 - $10,000

Free Gifts

Help with Funeral Costs in New Jersey

Paying for an expensive funeral, especially when it’s unexpected, can wreak financial havoc on a family’s life. What’s worse, this comes at a time when level-headed, rational thinking is difficult. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead to make it easier on your loved ones when your time comes.

Below, you will find four ways people can find help paying for funeral expenses.

Term Insurance

Term insurance is just like it sounds: insurance for a term or time period. When you purchase this type of policy, you do so only for a certain amount of time. When that term ends, you will have to reapply for the same policy, and the chances are that your premium will increase because you will have advanced in age. If a person’s term insurance policy is in effect at the time of their death, the policy pays out a death benefit that can help loved ones pay for their burial and funeral expenses.

Final Expense Life Insurance

Another type of insurance that allows you to pre-plan for funeral expenses is final expense life insurance. This type of policy pays out a cash amount upon the insured’s death, and their family can use it to pay funeral expenses, the last month’s utility bills, medical bills, or other debt. The cash payout can be used for any type of service and at any funeral home the loved ones choose.

The application process for this type of policy is easy: You simply answer a few health questions on the application. In most cases, you don’t have to sit through a medical exam to qualify. Premiums on final expense insurance vary, depending on overall health, age, and sex.

When you purchase the Funeral Advantage final expense life insurance policy through Lincoln Heritage, you will receive the added exclusive benefit of a free membership to the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society®. With it, your loved ones will work with a dedicated representative who will make the grieving process easier by shopping for funeral homes to find the one that fits their budget and needs. This will not only save them money but the heartache of having to price-shop for funeral homes during a stressful time.

Pre-Need Plans

Sometimes people already know which funeral home they want to use for their burial. In this case, it’s possible to purchase a pre-need plan. These plans allow you to pay for your funeral expenses up front, so your loved ones don’t have to worry about it when the time comes.

When buying a pre-need plan in New Jersey, your interests will be protected by an extensive list of laws and regulations. For instance, if you change your mind down the road, the funeral home has to refund all of your money, plus interest. And your loved ones arrange for a funeral that doesn’t cost as much as you had planned for, the funeral home must reimburse them the difference.

But keep in mind that when using a pre-need plan, your loved ones won’t have the same options they would if you have purchased final expense life insurance. For example, they won’t receive the extra cash to pay final bills or medical expenses.

Government Assistance

The state of New Jersey offers public assistance for funerals and burials to qualified individuals. This payout ranges from $1,385 to $2,770, depending on the age of the deceased. The state also allows friends and family to supplement this amount with $785 to $1,570.

If you need a public assistance funeral, you will need to contact funeral homes to find one that accepts these types of arrangements. If you have a Funeral Advantage insurance policy, the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society can help you find an appropriate funeral home.

The funeral home you choose will be paid by the county board of social services. But if the funeral costs exceed the amount given, you will be responsible for it.

New Jersey crime victims may receive up to $5,000 to help with funeral expenses.

In addition to help from the state of New Jersey, the federal government also has burial assistance for qualified individuals. For instance, if the deceased is a qualifying veteran, the VA will pay $300 for a non-service related death and $2,000 for a death that is connected to military service.

Also, if the deceased had social security benefits, their spouse or adult child may receive a $255 death benefit.

Free Gifts

Average Overall Costs/Rates for Final Expense Insurance in New Jersey

The price for final expense insurance in New Jersey depends on the age, sex, and health of the person seeking insurance, as well as the amount of coverage they want. For example, someone between the ages of 50 and 80 will pay between $14 and $162 per month. Women and younger people will typically pay less for a policy.

As you might expect, the more coverage you have, the higher the rates on the policy. Here are some examples for men and women. Please note that these estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Monthly Premium Rates for Men*

$5,000 Death Benefit
Age Determined 'In Good Health' by Insurer No Health Questions Asked
50 $16 $20
55 $19 $24
60 $23 $29
65 $29 $35
70 $38 $44
75 $51 $63
80 $65 $82

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

$10,000 Death Benefit
Age Determined 'In Good Health' by Insurer No Health Questions Asked
50 $30 $40
55 $35 $46
60 $43 $57
65 $56 $68
70 $74 $88
75 $100 $125
80 $126 $162

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

 

Monthly Premium Rates for Women*

$5,000 Death Benefit
Age Determined 'In Good Health' by Insurer No Health Questions Asked
50 $14 $15
55 $16 $18
60 $18 $24
65 $22 $28
70 $28 $35
75 $38 $46
80 $48 $64

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

$10,000 Death Benefit
Age Determined 'In Good Health' by Insurer No Health Questions Asked
50 $25 $28
55 $28 $36
60 $33 $45
65 $41 $55
70 $53 $69
75 $72 $90
80 $93 $126

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Leading Causes of Death in New Jersey

 

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the following are the ten leading causes of death in New Jersey.

  1. Heart Disease
  2. Cancer
  3. Accidents
  4. Stroke
  5. Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
  6. Alzheimer's Disease
  7. Diabetes
  8. Septicemia
  9. Kidney Disease
  10. Flu/Pneumonia

No Exam in New Jersey

Isn’t it good to know that even if you’ve been diagnosed with any of the above-listed diseases, you can still be approved for a final expense life insurance plan? Just about anyone can get a final expense policy. Most who apply for a policy aren’t required to take a physical exam. Coverage is typically based on answers to health questions on the application.

Free Look Period

According to New Jersey’s Department of Banking and Insurance, if you purchase an insurance policy, you get a free look period. After looking over the policy and spending some time considering it, if you decide you don’t want to keep it, you can return it for a full refund up to ten days after the purchase.

How to Get Burial Insurance in New Jersey

Buying final expense life insurance will go a long way in easing your loved one’s pain as they deal with your passing. But you should ensure that you purchase the insurance from a trusted provider who has proven themselves over the years.

Lincoln Heritage’s Funeral Advantage is the leading final expense life insurance provider in the nation – for good reason. In addition to a proven history of providing relief to families during difficult times, it’s also the only insurance provider that offers a free membership to the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society. This alone can save your family thousands of dollars in funeral expenses.

Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company Locations in New Jersey

The Parker Group
1111 Marlkress Rd Ste 201
Cherry Hill, Nj 08003
856-208-6812

Free Gifts

MENU