What Is Accidental Life Insurance?

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is a type of life insurance that only pays out a benefit when the insured is in a covered accident that causes death or specific serious injuries such as the loss of a limb, paralysis, or blindness. AD&D coverage can be purchased as a standalone policy, or it can be added to a standard life policy as a rider.

Both AD&D and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADB) life insurance policies only pay out in the case of accidents. The main difference is that an ADB policy may only pay out for a fatal accident, while AD&D policies can also pay out for accidental dismemberment and certain accidental injuries.

While AD&D insurance may cover accidental death and murder, there are many causes of death and injury that may not be covered. Keep in mind that eligibility for AD&D coverage may differ by insurer and may not be available for individuals in high-risk jobs such as firefighting, law enforcement, or the military.

If you’re considering an AD&D or ADB policy, it’s important to shop around and compare rates and coverage options to determine what’s best for you. Depending on the insurer, you may be able to combine accidental death and dismemberment coverage with life insurance as a rider on your life policy or get AD&D insurance as a standalone policy to serve as a supplement to your existing life insurance.

If you already have life insurance but are concerned about covering the costs of a serious accidental injury, it can make sense to supplement your life insurance with an AD&D standalone policy or rider. On the other hand, if you don’t qualify for standard life insurance, AD&D coverage may still be better than no coverage.

Whether you’re looking for AD&D insurance or other types of life insurance, it’s important to get the right coverage for your needs and budget. Talk directly with a life insurer to help you find the right options for your coverage needs and budget.