Outer burial container

What it means

An outer burial container supports the ground above a grave so it does not settle. A vault is sealed and lined; a grave liner is simpler and cheaper.

The requirement generally comes from the cemetery, as a condition of its own rules, rather than from law.

A funeral provider must disclose in writing that no state law requires one where that is the case, and must give prices.

Why it matters

It is a significant cost presented as a requirement, and the distinction between a cemetery rule and a legal rule is exactly the distinction families are not given.

Where the cemetery does require one, a liner may satisfy the rule at a fraction of the price of a vault.

When you are likely to meet it

• When arranging a burial.
• When a price list separates vaults and liners.
• When told something is required by law.

Related terms

• Cash advance itemAnything the funeral home bought from somebody else on your behalf — the flowers, the clergy honorarium, the death certificates — which must be itemized separately.
• Casket price listA separate itemized list of caskets and prices that a funeral provider must show you before showing you the caskets.
• The Funeral RuleA federal consumer protection rule that gives you the right to prices in writing and the right to buy only what you want.
• General price listThe itemized list of prices a funeral provider must hand you to keep, as soon as arrangements are discussed in person.
• Immediate burialBurial shortly after death without embalming, viewing or a ceremony at the funeral home.

Official sources

The authority this page describes, at the agency that publishes it. Sahvelo does not restate a rule from a secondary source.

• 16 CFR Part 453 — the Funeral Rule, as published (opens in a new tab)The rule itself. The FTC's consumer guidance summarizes it.

Sahvelo guidance that uses this

• Funeral price rights