What is accidental death coverage and how does it work?

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance pays a benefit if the insured dies or suffers specific injuries as a direct result of an accident. It can be purchased as a standalone policy or added as a rider to a life insurance policy.

For accidental death, the benefit is typically equal to the face amount of the underlying life insurance policy—sometimes called "double indemnity" because the total payout doubles. For dismemberment (loss of a limb, sight, hearing, or other specified functions), a percentage of the face amount is paid depending on the severity of loss.

AD&D policies and riders do not cover natural death—only accidental causes. They also typically exclude deaths resulting from illness, high-risk activities, alcohol or drug impairment, war, and certain other causes. Read exclusions carefully.

For Nevada workers in high-risk industries like mining, construction, or transportation, AD&D riders can provide meaningful additional protection for on-the-job accident risk at modest additional premium cost.

AD&D should complement life insurance, not replace it. The majority of deaths are from illness rather than accidents—so relying solely on AD&D leaves families inadequately protected. Standard life insurance with an optional AD&D rider provides comprehensive coverage.

Agents in our network can include AD&D rider options when comparing life insurance policies.