How to Select a Burial Vault

Making funeral arrangements can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Choosing the necessities, although overwhelming, is easy if you know what you want and how much you can afford to spend. Learn how to select a burial vault that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Instructions

1. Understand that a burial vault is the outer container that protects the casket. Caskets settle in the ground over time and heavy equipment from above can shift the ground. The burial vault is made to withstand the forces that act on the casket to avoid ground shifting and damage to the casket.

2. Realize that there are three kinds of burial vaults that vary in price, functionality and the material from which they are made. A grave box is the most basic burial vault. Made from concrete, grave boxes are unlined and have holes in the bottom to allow water to flow through freely. The grave box is the most cost effective. A bell vault is made of lightweight material like plastic. Constructed to be easily stacked, bell vaults are kept above ground and are moderately expensive. The top-of-the-line burial vault is the lined burial vault. Offering the greatest protection to the casket and surrounding ground, the lined burial vault is the most expensive.

3. Know where to shop for a burial vault. There are companies that specialize in funeral-related merchandise and offer wholesale prices. Look on the internet; many online merchants offer free delivery within 24 hours of purchase. You can also select a burial vault through the funeral home that is performing the service for your loved one.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop online to select a burial vault that is cost effective. Much of the expense from the funeral home is due to the merchandise like caskets and burial vaults that people purchase through the funeral home.

• Be wary of any funeral home that refuses to use a burial vault purchased from another source. In 1994, the Funeral Rule prohibited funeral homes from rejecting merchandise bought from an outside source.

• Always insist on a warranty when you select a burial vault.

• Check with your cemetery about any rules concerning burial vaults. Most cemeteries insist on the use of a burial vault.