While longevity rates have improved drastically in the last century, there's no doubt that living in the world today is still fraught with peril. In just the last year, over 32,000 people lost their lives on America's roadways according to the latest crash reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Yet, this number accounts only for traffic deaths. People lose their lives in work-related accidents and other tragedies daily making accidents one of the leading causes of death in the US. This fact alone is a powerful reason to consider adding an Accidental Death Benefit rider to your life insurance policy.
Accidental Death Benefit Insurance
The Accidental Death Benefit Rider is a clause that can be added to a life insurance policy that pays if you die because of an accident. You will still retain the normal life insurance that pays in the event of your death, but if you lose your life from an accident, you'll receive an additional payout that equals the original death benefit.
These riders may also offer additional benefits that provide a payout in the event of life altering injuries from an accident, such as the loss of a limb or paralysis. Check the wording of your policy for exact coverage offered. If you’re looking purely for accidental death benefit insurance coverage and not traditional life insurance it is possible to purchase a standalone Accidental Death policy that will only pay a death benefit if the named insured dies in an accident.
What Is Considered an Accidental Death?
To understand how an Accidental Death Rider works with your life insurance policy it’s important to know what causes of death are considered accidental in the eyes of the insurer. This means that deaths that are the result of suicide or natural causes are excluded from the rider coverage. For a death to be considered an accident it must be unforeseen and unintended. Examples of accidental deaths include dying as the result of a car crash, falling from a roof, or being hit by a car. Some policies offer coverage if the accident causes death within a defined period after the event such as up to 90 days. If you were to pass away a week after the accident due to your injuries the policy would still pay out.
When Coverage Isn't Possible or Void
There are certain instances where accidental death coverage either may not be possible or where the death benefit won't be paid due to policy exclusions. As we mentioned above all-natural causes of death are excluded, but there are also other circumstances that will void the coverage. For example, if the death occurs from serving in the military, a self-inflicted injury, or from illegal activities, no payment is likely to be made. In addition, accidents that occur when the policyholder has consumed a large amount of alcohol or has non-prescribed medication in their system are generally not covered. If you engage in dangerous hobbies that may include motorsports, skydiving, or mountain climbing, you may wish to consult with your life insurance specialist before buying an accidental death benefit life insurance policy.
Reasons to Purchase an Accidental Death Benefit Life Insurance Policy
Some of us are placed more in harm's way than others. For example, people who routinely work around heavy machinery or other dangerous environments may want to consider this type of insurance. Also, those who either commute to work on a regular basis or drive as a course of business have greater exposure to potential accidents. This sort of life insurance policy or policy rider may be a sound option if you fall into any of these classes.
Accidental Death Benefit Cost
Accidental death coverage can be a very affordable addition to your life insurance. The cost of obtaining the Accidental Death benefit depends on how you purchase it. If you add a rider to your existing life insurance policy, you'll pay an additional premium for this coverage. On the other hand, if you have just an Accidental Death Benefit insurance policy, the premiums for coverage will be less than a standard life insurance policy.
Finding an Accidental Death Life Insurance Policy
Accidental death coverage can be secured in three ways: as an addition to an existing life insurance policy, as a rider on a new life insurance policy, or as a stand-alone Accidental Death Benefit policy. Deciding which type of coverage will best fit your needs is an important step in finding the right plan.
The first thing to consider when deciding on a policy is whether your existing life insurance coverage is adequate. If it’s been a while since you enrolled in a plan you may want to analyze your current coverage needs to ensure that your loved ones receive an adequate payout in the event of your death. If you don’t yet have coverage or your current plan no longer fits your needs you may want to explore traditional life insurance plans that offer an Accidental Death Rider. This will give you the opportunity to provide for your loved ones whether your death is accidental or due to natural causes.
If you have an adequate existing coverage you should contact your insurer to discuss adding an Accidental Death Rider to your policy or search for a stand-alone accidental death plan. If you have illnesses or hobbies that prevent you from securing life insurance coverage you should explore stand-alone Accidental Death Benefit Life Insurance as a way of securing coverage.
Get Accidental Death Life Insurance Quotes Online Today
There are many arguments for purchasing an Accidental Death Benefit Rider or Accidental Death Benefit insurance policy. The additional protection and death benefit is important to many people. Also, those who are not able to qualify for a standard life insurance policy can often still be approved for an accident policy. To get started with your coverage, request a quote today or contact our licensed agents to discuss your coverage options.
