What is the purpose of an “accidental death” rider?

An “accidental death” rider is designed to provide an additional payout if the insured individual dies as a result of an accident. This rider enhances the overall life insurance policy by offering extra financial protection specifically tied to accidental fatalities, recognizing the heightened risk and often unexpected nature of such events.

The key characteristic of this rider is that it supplements the standard death benefit, providing beneficiaries with a larger sum if the death occurs due to accidental circumstances, which can aid in covering unexpected expenses or financial burdens that may arise from such a tragic event. Therefore, the primary focus of this rider is to address the financial implications of accidental death rather than those of natural causes or other situations covered by the standard life insurance policy.