Accidental Death Insurance Coverage

Accidents happen every day — on the road, at work, or even at home. In fact, there are over 5 million car crashes in the U.S. each year. While we hope it never happens to you, being prepared can make all the difference for your loved ones.

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What Is AD&D Insurance?

AD&D insurance includes everything found in accidental death coverage, plus additional benefits for specific serious injuries — such as:

Loss of one hand, foot, or eye: 50% of benefit
Loss of two limbs, eyes, or a mix: 100% of benefit
Loss of hearing: 100% of benefit
Full paralysis: 100% of benefit
Partial paralysis: 50% of benefit
Severe burns (20%+ body area): 100% of benefit

These payments are in addition to the full death benefit if death occurs in a separate accident later.

Common Carrier Benefit

If you’re injured or killed while traveling as a fare-paying passenger on public transportation (airline, train, bus, taxi, or ferry), your benefit may increase by 2–3 times. Private vehicles or charters do not qualify. Important Policy Details:

Coverage typically reduces by 50% at age 70
Benefits are only paid for covered accidents and usually only if death or injury occurs within 90 days
Most policies expire at age 80

Common exclusions: illness, suicide, drug- or alcohol-related incidents, high-risk activities, war, surgical complications, and nuclear or biological events

Pros and Cons of Accidental Death Insurance

Element	Pros	Cons
Cost	Generally very affordable because it only covers accidental deaths.	Might give a false sense of full protection since it doesn’t cover death from illness or natural causes.
Easy Approval	No medical exam required; most applicants qualify regardless of health.	Coverage is limited and not a substitute for traditional life insurance.
Supplemental Coverage	Works well as an add-on to enhance an existing life insurance policy.	If used alone, it may leave large gaps in financial protection.
Quick Issue	Policies are often issued instantly or within a day.	Because underwriting is minimal, insurers restrict what qualifies as an “accident.”
Targeted Protection	Provides additional financial support if death results from an accident — useful for high-risk jobs or lifestyles.	Insurers may exclude certain activities (e.g., extreme sports, hazardous work, or intoxication-related incidents).
Optional Riders	Some policies include riders for dismemberment or specific injury benefits.	Riders increase cost and may include strict definitions or payout limitations.

What Accidental Death Insurance Covers

Accidental death insurance provides financial protection when a death is caused directly and unexpectedly by an accident. This type of coverage typically includes incidents such as motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, slips or falls, pedestrian accidents, fires, drowning, or other sudden, external events. In many cases, coverage also extends to injuries that lead to death within a specified time period after the accident — often 90 to 180 days — depending on the policy. Because accidental death is unpredictable, this type of insurance offers peace of mind that your loved ones will receive a financial benefit when a tragic, unforeseen event occurs. Some policies also include benefits for fatal accidents involving commercial transportation, such as airline or bus accidents, which often pay out at higher “enhanced” benefit levels.

If you have an Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) policy, the coverage may also include benefits for serious non-fatal injuries, such as the loss of a limb, eyesight, hearing, or paralysis. These payouts are typically based on a percentage of the full benefit amount, depending on the severity of the injury. For example, losing one limb might pay 50% of the benefit, while losing two limbs or experiencing paralysis may pay 100%. This added layer of protection can help cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, or income loss during recovery. While accidental death insurance does not cover illnesses or natural causes, it provides valuable supplemental coverage that can significantly strengthen your financial safety net if an unexpected accident occurs.

Accidental Death Insurance vs. Traditional Life Insurance

Feature	Accidental Death Insurance	Traditional Life Insurance (Term or Whole Life)
What It Covers	Death caused only by a qualifying accident	Death from any cause (illness, natural causes, accidents), unless excluded
Cost	Very low premiums due to limited coverage	Higher premiums; cost depends on age, health, type of policy, and coverage amount
Medical Exam Required	Usually no medical exam or health questions	Often requires a medical exam or health questionnaire (varies by product)
Payout	Pays a benefit only if death is accidental; AD&D may pay for serious injuries too	Pays a full death benefit regardless of cause (accident or illness)
Use Cases	Supplemental coverage, high-risk jobs, added protection for families on a budget	Comprehensive long-term financial protection, income replacement, estate planning
Eligibility	Almost everyone qualifies, even with health issues	Approval depends on age, health, and underwriting
Limitations	Does not cover illness, natural death, or most health-related events	Very few limitations, covers the widest range of death causes
Best For	People seeking low-cost extra coverage or those unable to qualify for traditional life insurance	Anyone who needs guaranteed protection for their family regardless of how death occurs

Why Choose AD&D Insurance?

For approximately $14 per month, you can secure $100,000 in accidental death coverage (age limits apply). If you’re between 18 and 80, coverage is guaranteed regardless of health or medical history. Qualified U.S. citizens and permanent residents can maintain this protection as long as premiums are paid.

How to Buy

AD&D insurance can be purchased as a stand-alone policy or added as a rider to traditional life insurance — where permitted. Availability varies by state. To check eligibility, get a quote or call us at (800) 442‑9899.

Accidental Death Life Insurance: FAQs

What is accidental death life insurance?

Accidental death life insurance, often called Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), pays a benefit if you die or suffer certain severe injuries due to an accident. It does not cover death caused by illness or natural causes. Many people use it as a low-cost supplement to traditional life insurance.

What types of accidents are typically covered?

Covered accidents usually include:

Car accidents
Work-related injuries (depending on policy)
Falls
Drowning
Fire-related accidents
Exposure to dangerous conditions
Certain transportation accidents (plane, train, bus)

Coverage varies, so reviewing the policy details is essential.

How does accidental death insurance work?

If you pass away or are seriously injured in a covered accident, the policy pays out a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries. Depending on the policy, benefits may also be paid for the loss of limbs, eyesight, hearing, or paralysis.

Is accidental death insurance the same as regular life insurance?

No. Accidental death insurance covers accidents only, while traditional life insurance covers death from any cause, including illness, disease, and age-related conditions. AD&D is best used as a supplement, not a replacement.

Who should consider accidental death life insurance?

It can be especially beneficial for:

Individuals with high-risk jobs
Parents wanting affordable extra protection
Young adults seeking low-cost coverage
People unable to qualify for traditional life insurance
Frequent travelers or commuters

AD&D is typically inexpensive, making it easy to add extra financial protection.

Does accidental death insurance require a medical exam?

No. AD&D policies require no medical exam and usually have instant approval, making them easy to obtain regardless of health history.

How much does accidental death insurance cost?

AD&D coverage is generally very affordable — often just a few dollars per month, depending on coverage amount and insurer. Premiums do not increase due to age or health.

Are deaths from illness or natural causes covered?

No. AD&D insurance does not cover death caused by:

Heart attack
Stroke
Cancer
Infection
Disease
Natural causes

These require traditional life insurance coverage.

Are high-risk activities excluded?

Some policies exclude activities such as:

Skydiving
Racing
Rock climbing
Extreme sports
Military service

Check the policy’s exclusions for details on what qualifies.

Can I have accidental death insurance along with regular life insurance?

Yes, and many people do. AD&D is commonly used as an add-on rider to a term or permanent life insurance policy, providing an extra payout for accidental death or serious injury.

Is accidental death insurance worth it?

AD&D insurance can be highly valuable if you:

Want additional low-cost coverage
Have a family that depends on your income
Work in a hazardous environment
Want protection from unexpected accidents
Need coverage but are not eligible for traditional life insurance

It offers affordable peace of mind for accidental risks.

How quickly does AD&D insurance pay out after a claim?

Once the insurer verifies that the death or injury was accidental and falls under covered conditions, payouts are typically issued quickly, often within weeks.