Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel
21 Pond St, Hingham, MA, 02043
Questions to Ask When You Call
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
This means they bill the insurance company directly. You don't pay thousands upfront and wait to be reimbursed.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
“Do you offer payment plans?”
Many funeral homes allow you to spread the cost over time. Ask about down payments, terms, and financing options.
Know Your Rights
The FTC Funeral Rule protects you. Every funeral home must provide an itemized General Price List if you ask — in person or over the phone. You are never required to buy a package and can choose services individually. You also have the right to use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Payment & Financial Options
Average in Massachusetts
$3,119 – $9,810
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
If they had life insurance, it can cover this
Funerals in this area run $3,119–$9,810. If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the benefit can cover these costs — and we'll file the claim and handle the carrier for you, even without the policy number. $0 upfront, and nothing if it doesn't pay out.
Services Offered
Business Hours
What Families Say
“Fred and his crew at Downing Cottage Funeral Home were like angels walking the earth! They were so caring and accommodating, and went above and beyond to help us. They treated us like we were part of the family. They made my Mom look absolutely beautiful! At a time of deep sorrow, the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel were so comforting to us. As if they were holding our hand through the whole process. I cannot say enough good things about them. I highly recommend them!”
— Lynne Morgan Loa
“Fred and his staff are truly amazing people. They showed genuine compassion and professionalism during an incredibly difficult time. Every detail was handled with care and respect. This brought our family such comfort. Their guidance and kindness made a painful process feel dignified. We won’t soon forget it!”
— Chris McPeck
“We had a very bad experience with a local funeral director a couple of years back so when we had another death in the family recently, a close friend recommended I call Downing Cottage Chapel. I am so glad that I did. They are kind, caring, and compassionate and so down to earth and easy to talk to. I wouldn't use anyone else but Downing Cottage again. They made a difficult time so much easier and more bearable for us. Everything was perfect and the funeral went off without a hitch. They set up chairs for us at the cemetery which is something our last funeral director said they didn't do and that it was up to the cemetery to do. Also, there no rushing you out of the church or out of the cemetery with these people as was the case with our last funeral director. No excuses with these people for anything we asked for. I'd give ten stars if I could. They're truly a class act all the way. Thank you, Fred and staff, so very much from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of our entire family.”
— Bill Z
We can help with what comes next.
We file the life insurance claim and recover unclaimed property — the payout can help cover costs like these. $0 upfront.
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