(Radio Iowa) — The Iowa Insurance Division is taking action against the owner of funeral homes in Emmetsburg and Graettinger in connection with pre-paid services and how they are handled. Division spokesman, Chance McElhaney says if you are considering pre-paying for your funeral — you can check out the provider before signing any agreements.

“You can always double check with the Iowa Insurance Division. so, you can go to our website at IID-dot-Iowa-dot-gov (IID.Iowa.gov),” McElhaney says. He says they can tell you if the company you are working with has the proper paperwork. “Anybody that’s selling a pre-need funeral arrangement, they have to be licensed with the state. And they would be licensed with us at the Iowa Insurance Division,” according McElhaney. “So you can give us a call — or you can visit our website and you can double check to make sure that they are properly licensed.”

You can call at 515-281-5705 or toll free within Iowa at: 877-955-1212.