Does Car Insurance Cover Funeral Expenses?

If the unthinkable happens and someone is killed as the result of a car accident, the responsibility for funeral costs depends on the state where the accident occurred.
Written by Cheryl Knight
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
If the unthinkable happens, and someone passes away in a car accident, insurance might cover funeral expenses. It depends on how expansive your package is.
When you're in a car accident, you hope that no one is seriously hurt. But should it result in death, things get complicated on multiple levels. In addition to the heartache and potential law enforcement problems, there's also the expense of a funeral to worry about. But who pays for the funeral if someone is killed in a car accident? Here's the lowdown, with a little help from
car insurance
comparison and broker app
Jerry
.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

Who is responsible for funeral costs following a car accident?

If the unthinkable happens and someone is killed as the result of a car accident, who is responsible for the funeral costs depends if you're in a
no-fault state or an at-fault state
.
No-fault state: In a no-fault state, the
personal injury protection (PIP)
coverage of the driver who was killed in the accident pays the funeral costs. This is always the quickest way to get the money for a funeral in a no-fault state, as the money is almost immediately available.
Many no-fault states' PIP coverage gives a certain payable amount, which is available as a death benefit to cover the costs associated with a funeral. This is in addition to any other medical expenses related to an accident.
In addition, the surviving members of the deceased family can file a wrongful death suit against the responsible driver if the circumstances warrant it. The PIP insurance death benefit is paid to either the legal executor of the deceased, relatives by blood, adoption, or marriage. It can also be paid to any other person who appears to be equitably entitled to the benefit.
At-fault state: In an at-fault state, the
bodily injury liability (BIL)
insurance of the at-fault driver pays for the funeral costs associated with death in a car accident, up to the policy limit. The biggest problem with BIL is that before anything can be paid out, the respective insurance companies have to conclude any investigation to determine who was at fault in an accident.
Chances are that the at-fault driver’s insurance won’t cover all of the funeral costs associated with an accident that they cause. To receive further compensation, the deceased’s surviving family may have to sue the at-fault driver in court.
If the at-fault driver did not have any insurance, then the
uninsured motorist insurance
of the other party in an accident, if they have it, would pay for the funeral expenses. Just like with PIP insurance, the benefit would be paid to the legal representative, surviving family member, or other equitably entitled person.

How much does a funeral cost?

The costs of a funeral can be quite high, depending on various factors such as cost of a casket, gravesite, and tombstone. Keep in mind that the prices for a funeral can vary, depending in part on which area of the country you live in and the funeral home you decide to use. A reasonable estimate of funeral costs includes:
  • Funeral director's services: $1,500
  • Casket: $2,300
  • Embalming: $500
  • Use of the funeral home for the funeral service: $500
  • Grave site: $1,000
  • Digging the grave: $600
  • Grave liner/outer burial container: $1,000
  • Headstone: $1,500
So, it can be quite a pricey endeavor. It might not be the highest on your list of priorities, but you can cut down on those costs by making sure you have a good insurance package. For the best deal, try
car insurance
broker and comparison app
Jerry
. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.
And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.
RECOMMENDED
Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.
avatar
Judith switched to Progressive
icon savingsSaved $725 annually
avatar
Alexander switched to Travelers
icon savingsSaved $834 annually
avatar
Annie switched to Nationwide
icon savingsSaved $668 annually
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings