what is accidental death

an insured who has an accidental death and dismemberment

The principal difference between AD&D and life insurance is the circumstances under care a policy pays a death benefit. AD&D insurance has a lower premium because coverage does not include payouts for injuries. If you are unable to work or have a family member, you might need life insurance.

You have been declined for term life. Some health conditions like diabetes and a history of breast cancer may make it difficult to qualify for term life. Because of the higher chance of injury or death, high-risk jobs such as piloting or construction workers can impact your eligibility. Accidental death doesn't mean you have to worry about any occupational restrictions or health issues.

accidental deaths on the appalachian trail

In the case of an accidental death, loved ones and your family may need to quickly receive financial support. This unique product will only pay out if your death was due to an accident that is covered under the policy terms. You do not need to take a medical exam in order to be covered.

accidental deaths on the appalachian trail
accidental death and dismemberment examples

accidental death and dismemberment examples

ADB policies are a great way to add coverage to your existing life insurance, including accidental death coverage. ADB policies might not cover death caused by a crime, or death from a particular cause of death. You can review your policy terms to see which ends are covered.

what is covered under accidental death insurance

AD&D insurance can be one of the protections you can take to protect your family's financial future.

accidental death by electrocution
accidental death by electrocution

You may find yourself in dangerous situations as a result of your new job. You are unable to wait for approval if you want more life insurance.

nurse found guilty of accidental death

A policy that covers accidental death can be very affordable. However, it doesn’t provide the full protection of a conventional policy. This policy is often used for supplemental coverage, not standalone life insurance coverage.

what is accidental death
nurse found guilty of accidental death

Frequently Asked Questions


Typically, accidental death covers exceptional circumstances, such as exposure to the elements, traffic accidents, homicide, falls, drowning, and accidents involving heavy equipment. AD&D insurance is supplemental life insurance and not an acceptable substitute for term life insurance.


Accidental death insurance

While accidents only accounted for 5.4% of deaths in the United States in 2016, they made up 30.2% of deaths for people between the ages of 25 to 44. This is why accidental death insurance typically isn't worth it if you're near retirement age or just need coverage for end-of-life expenses.
 


When accidental deaths occur, though, typical causes of accidental death or dismemberment claims are motor vehicle accidents, falls, poisoning, drowning, and gunshot injuries. Death by homicide is also considered an accidental death. But not every death resulting from such causes would be considered accidental.


Otherwise, drug overdose is considered a suicide by overdose and not an accidental death. Frequently, overdoses result from improperly prescribed drugs, an accidental double dose of narcotic painkiller or other sedative-type of medications, or interactions of various drugs taken together.
 

 

Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money. Life insurance provides financial protection for your family and will pay out for almost any cause of death. Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, on the other hand, only pays out for accidental death or accidental injury, such as loss of limb.


Can You Cash in Accidental Life Insurance? No, accidental life insurance doesn't usually have a cash value. For the first few days of an accidental death life insurance policy, you can cancel the coverage and get your money back.


Conclusion. While you may not need AD&D insurance, AD&D serves to complement existing health and life insurance policies that may otherwise not provide coverage to events such as dismemberment, loss of vision, loss of hearing, or paralysis (depending on the policy).


Basic life insurance coverage under Choices pays benefits to your beneficiary(ies) if you die from most causes while coverage is in effect. Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance coverage adds low-cost accidental death protection by paying benefits in the event your death is due to accidental causes.