McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation West Columbia
200 State St, West Columbia, SC, 29169
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.
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 South Carolina
$2,121 – $6,671
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
If they had life insurance, it can cover this
Funerals in this area run $2,121–$6,671. 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.
Business Hours
What Families Say
“So I worked with John Halloran for pre need counciling he made the process very easy. He is very knowledgeable in taking care of this. I would highly recommend him and the process of getting your funeral needs taken care of ahead of time.”
— Cil Scyphers
“I don’t know where to even start. They were absolutely amazing in every aspect. We were all walking into the unknown as of course we never, any of us thought we would have to endure a life taken like this in our lives. My baby girl Brittany forever 16 now…. passed away in a car accident December 9, 2024. She was the most beautiful soul on this planet and had the brightest spirit and would light up every room she walked in. But this company I cannot thank enough because they really went above and beyond and I just felt they were truly compassionate and felt our pain. Emily Macfarlane made her up for our last viewing as a family exactly as we wanted and even down to painting her nails her favorite nail color. I can’t thank you enough. Robb Ragan “just every bit a blessing” from start to finish to coming late for us letting us weep and stay as long as we needed watching my other daughters at one point in the other room and just down to every single email call text information he was simply a God send and I will forever keep you both in my heart and thank you so much for everything.”
— Lindsay Snyder
“When my father passed away, they took delicate care working with my mom, sisters and myself in making all of the arrangements. They tailored the entire process to meet our needs. In addition, they helped us have my father's thumbprint turned in to beautiful memory gifts. Family members are going through a difficult time and they were incredibly sensitive to us during the time.”
— Laura Haynes
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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