Accidental Death Benefit Rider

Accidental death rider vs. policy

Accidental death riders and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) policies are two ways to help protect your beneficiaries if you pass away due to an accident. However, it’s important to be aware of some key differences to pick the right option:

• Coverage: Accidental death benefit riders are add-ons to regular life insurance policies, providing additional coverage only on top of the regular death benefit. AD&D insurance policies are standalone policies that help cover accidental death or permanent injuries.
• Cost: Accidental death benefit riders tend to cost less since they are add-ons to a life insurance policy and offer a smaller payout. Accidental death and dismemberment policies are standalone policies that may have a larger payout, so they can cost more.
• Duration: Accidental death benefit riders last for as long as the life insurance policy they are attached to and will end once you reach a certain age, such as 60, 70, or 80.² With AD&D insurance policies, many insurers let you renew coverage annually. Keep in mind that just like with a rider, a policy’s coverage may expire when you reach a certain age that depends on the policy terms.³

Aflac offers accidental death benefit riders for life insurance policies and accidental death and dismemberment policies, allowing you to pick the best type of coverage for your needs based on the above factors.

Benefits of an accidental death rider

Adding an accidental death rider to your life insurance policy can offer you several benefits:

Can provide a bigger payout to loved ones

Accidental death benefit riders pay an extra death benefit if you pass away due to a covered accident. This provides them with additional funds to help replace your income, pay off debts, and save for the future. As a result, your loved ones get extra financial security in case you pass away unexpectedly.

Comes with affordable premiums

Accidental death riders can be easily added to your existing life insurance policy for a reasonable fee. This can make accidental death riders a simple and affordable way to protect loved ones.

Can give you peace of mind

Passing away unexpectedly can leave your loved ones financially vulnerable since you don’t have time to prepare for it. An accidental death benefit rider’s extra layer of protection can give you peace of mind regardless of your job or lifestyle. It ensures that your loved ones have extra financial security to replace your income and assets.

Is an accidental death benefit rider worth it?

An accidental death benefit rider’s additional death benefit may be worth the investment for people in several situations:

Those who commute or travel frequently

Frequent commuting and travel can increase the risk of accidental death through car accidents and plane crashes. Other situations during travel can increase the risk of passing away while working, such as if your work involves traveling to more dangerous locations. People in these situations may consider an accidental death rider to help protect their loved ones if they pass away due to one of these causes.

Those with hazardous jobs

Jobs such as construction, transportation, or first responders work in more dangerous conditions. There can be a higher risk of injury or death on the job. If you work in a role like one of these, accidental death riders can act as a financial safety net in case the unexpected happens.

Those who participate in risky activities

Some hobbies, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, and car racing, create an increased risk of passing away due to an accident while participating in those activities. Adding an accelerated death rider to your life insurance policy can give you peace of mind that your loved ones can receive an additional payout.

Get an accidental death benefit rider

Accidental death riders cover a wide range of circumstances that could lead to you passing away early and unexpectedly. Plus, they do not increase your premiums substantially and do not require getting a new policy. This makes them an excellent way to create financial security for your loved ones and ensure that they’ll remain financially stable if tragedy strikes. Aflac offers an accidental death benefit rider that you can easily add on to one of our life insurance policies. Chat with an agent today to learn more about your options.