What is accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and do I need it separately from life insurance?
Answered by 4 licensed agents
While AD&D coverage can sound appealing, it is important to understand that it only pays for a very specific set of circumstances. Most deaths occur as a result of illness, disease, cancer, heart disease, stroke, or other non-accidental causes. In those situations, an AD&D policy would generally pay nothing.
For that reason, I almost never recommend adding an AD&D rider to a life insurance policy. In my experience, it is typically a poor use of money because it covers a relatively small percentage of the risks people are actually likely to face. Instead, I generally recommend focusing on obtaining adequate life insurance coverage that protects your family regardless of whether death results from an accident or an illness.
Every situation is different, but for most people, the dollars spent on an AD&D rider would be better invested in increasing their life insurance coverage, adding long-term care benefits, or addressing other financial planning priorities. The goal should be to protect against the risks that are most likely to occur, not just the ones that are easiest to market.
Answered by Marc Frye on June 17, 2026
Agent Licensed in NV
For example if you had a $25,000 life insurance policy and you died because of an accident from a public transit Airline or bus company you would receive $50,000.
Answered by Marc Carr on June 17, 2026
Broker Licensed in OH
Answered by Zac Mekker on June 17, 2026
Agent Licensed in NY
Brokers Make a Difference.
Answered by Dean Chiapetto on June 17, 2026
Broker Licensed in VA, MD, NC, TN & WV
Tags: Riders and Addons
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