What a funeral costs in Washington
NFDA doesn't publish funeral prices by state. Nationally, the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 for a funeral with viewing and cremation. Cemetery costs such as a plot, vault, and headstone are extra, and prices vary widely between funeral homes.
In Washington, about 79% of deaths resulted in cremation as of 2024. Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics: Washington State Vital Statistics 2024 Highlights (resident deaths, cremated)
Federal law (the FTC Funeral Rule) requires funeral homes to give you an itemized price list, so you can compare. Estimate your own total with our funeral cost calculator.
Consumer protections in Washington
If a life insurer licensed in Washington becomes insolvent, the Washington Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association covers up to $500,000 in death benefits and $500,000 in cash value per insured life. Source: Washington Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association FAQ
You have 10 days after receiving a new individual life insurance policy to review it and return it for a refund. Source: RCW 48.23.380 (right to return life insurance policy)
Questions or complaints about an insurer or agent go to the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (800-562-6900). Funeral homes are licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, Funeral and Cemetery Board.
Help paying for a funeral
Veterans may qualify for VA burial allowances and a free burial in a national or state veterans cemetery — see benefits for Washington veterans. A small final expense policy is one way families make sure the rest is covered; learn how final expense insurance works and how guaranteed issue waiting periods work.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to my life insurance in Washington if the insurance company fails?
The Washington Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association protects Washington policyholders if a licensed insurer becomes insolvent, up to $500,000 in life insurance death benefits and $500,000 in cash value per insured life under state law. Coverage above those limits isn't protected.
See final expense optionsHow long do I have to cancel a new life insurance policy in Washington?
Washington gives you a free-look period of 10 days to review a new individual life insurance policy and return it for a refund. Check your policy for the exact terms.
See final expense optionsHow common is cremation in Washington?
About 79% of deaths in Washington resulted in cremation as of 2024, according to Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics: Washington State Vital Statistics 2024 Highlights (resident deaths, cremated).
See final expense optionsWho regulates life insurance in Washington?
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner licenses insurers and agents and handles consumer complaints; its consumer line is 800-562-6900. Funeral homes are licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, Funeral and Cemetery Board.
See final expense optionsSources
- Washington Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association FAQ
- RCW 48.23.380 (right to return life insurance policy)
- Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics: Washington State Vital Statistics 2024 Highlights (resident deaths, cremated)
- National Funeral Directors Association — statistics
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner