Losing a spouse or a loved one to sudden death, such as an accident, is unimaginable.
The sad reality is that accidental deaths happen so often that the CDC has reported it to be the third leading cause of all deaths in the United States. It is also the number one cause of deaths for those who are between that ages of 25-44
Losing a loved one unexpectedly not only hurts emotionally but for many of us, it would hurt financially as well. How do you protect your family financially from an unexpected death?
While the most common solution is with a life insurance policy, there are other options to consider, especially when life insurance is not a viable option.
After all, your loved ones must be taken care of if something happens and one popular option outside of a life insurance policy is with an accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy.
Accident Statistics in America
According to the CDC, the total number of accidental deaths in the U.S. in 2021 came to 224,935. Accidental deaths were the 4th leading cause of death in America.
As part of the opioid epidemic, unintentional poison deaths were the leading cause of accidental deaths in 2021, at 102,001. The same report tallied motor vehicle deaths at 45,404, and unintentional falls accounted for 36,338 deaths.
What Is AD&D Insurance?
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance, also commonly referred to as AD&D for short, is a form of life insurance protection.
Where a traditional life insurance policy provides financial protection against all types of death, an AD&D policy provides financial protection against death or permanent injuries that have explicitly resulted from an accident.
“Accidental Death Insurance (AD&D) does not payout on health-related deaths.”
When you purchase an AD&D policy, it is a contract between you and the insurance company. In exchange for a premium payment, the insurance company makes a promise that should death occur, due to a covered accident, the insurance company will pay your beneficiary a lump sum cash benefit equal to the full face value of the insurance policy.
The same can also be said if a policyholder is involved in an accident in which they have suffered permanent bodily injuries. The insured will generally receive a percentage of the total face value of the policy based on the severity of the injury.
For example, if you lose a finger, your AD&D policy may allow 25% of the total policy payout. If you lose a leg or an arm, the policy may pay out 50%. An injury of the highest severity, such as complete loss of sight, hearing, or more than one limb, can be as high as a total 100% payout.
What Qualifies for an Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Policy to Payout?
AD&D plans can be broken down into two segments in which a potential payout can occur from the death benefit. Those two segments include death due to an accident and, secondly, an accident that has resulted in a permanent bodily injury.
The majority of today’s AD&D plans will include a payout regardless if death was related to a work accident, natural disasters, motor vehicle accidents, unintentional poisonings, and even falls, to name a few. Each policy varies, but the most common accidents are generally covered.
However, there are some stipulations. For example, if the insured dies due to a boating accident but the accident happened because the insured had a heart attack and lost control of the boat and crashed, the company would view it as a health-related accident.
Therefore, a claim would not be paid out because the heart attack caused the accident, which would fall under a medical-related death. So, the accident has to be a genuine accident and not a result of a health-related cause.
Also, there are usually stipulations regarding when death or dismemberment occurs. Most AD&D policies will only pay the beneficiaries if the insured has passed within a specific time frame after an accident has occurred.
Some policy claims must be submitted 90 days after the accident, while other providers will allow up to 12 months to submit a claim. It is crucial that if you do purchase an AD&D insurance policy, be sure you’re clear on the payout guidelines as they will differ depending on the providers.
The Major Exclusions in Most Accidental Death and Dismemberment Policies
Accidental death and dismemberment policies are precise in what qualifies and what does not qualify in a payout. While the exact details will vary from state to state and company to company, almost all ad&d policies will deny a payout should one of the following result in the cause of death.
- Suicide
- Non-Prescription Drug Overdose
- War
- Skydiving
- Bungee Jumping
- Drinking and Driving
- Surgery
- Car Racing (Professional or otherwise)
- Involvement In Criminal Activity Including Rioting
Of course, death by any illness, heart attack, cancer, heart disease, viruses, or other ‘natural causes’ is excluded, as they aren’t considered accidents.
Life Insurance vs Accidental Death Insurance
You may be wondering what the difference is between an accidental death policy and an actual life insurance policy?
While both share the similarity of providing financial protection against death, the two options are still very different.
Traditional life insurance policies can protect all types of death, including natural causes, health-related causes, and even accidental causes.
Accidental death plans are very clear that a permanent injury or a death must have been the direct result of a covered accident for a claim to be paid. Natural and health-related deaths are not covered under any AD&D policy.
Outside of the payable death benefit differences, life insurance and AD&D insurance are also structured differently. With a traditional life insurance policy, you can choose between temporary or permanent plans. Regardless of the type of plan you choose, your premium payments and the death benefit are locked in for the entire duration of the coverage.
AD&D insurance is slightly different, as most plans terminate when the insured has reached a certain age. Other plans may allow you to continue renewing coverage annually, but the death benefit will automatically decrease when you have reached certain ages outlined in the coverage.
Benefits of an Accidental Death and Dismemberment Policy
When comparing an accidental death and dismemberment policy to traditional life insurance, it may not make a whole lot of sense to choose an AD&D policy, especially when a traditional life insurance policy can offer you so much more in terms of coverage.
After all, why would you want to purchase a policy that limits the death benefit to accidental deaths only?
The truth is, AD&D plans have their place within all the different types of life insurance policies available. They can also offer many benefits to help provide a source of financial protection to many people.
Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits as to why you might consider an AD&D policy.
Supplemental Coverage
If you have a traditional life insurance policy, think about adding an AD&D policy to the mix. It can become a great source of additional supplemental coverage.
While traditional life insurance focuses primarily on death benefit protection, an AD&D policy can provide both death benefit protection and protection from accidental injury.
Keep in mind that the dismemberment portion of an accidental death policy can provide funds in the event of a major accident. Those funds can help pay for medical bills or replace lost income if you’re unable to work.
No Medical Exams or Health Questions Required
Applying for a life insurance policy often requires a life insurance medical exam. The medical exam is a primary component of the application process. It helps the insurance company determine the overall risk of paying out an early death claim on an applicant.
In the new age of digital insurance, many providers can offer the option to apply for life insurance coverage without taking a medical exam at all, but this is not always the case for everyone.
If an applicant does not meet an insurance company’s non-medical exam underwriting guidelines, they could be required to take a medical exam.
A typical life insurance medical exam requires a 30-minute appointment with an examiner. The exam consists of answering health questions, blood pressure readings, height, and weight check, and lastly, a small blood and urine sample.
Although an exam can be a nuisance, it’s not anything to get worked up about as they are quite easy. On the other hand, if you’re looking to avoid a potential medical exam altogether completely, consider an AD&D policy.
AD&D does not require a medical exam or any health questions at all. You simply need to fill out the application, answer a few non-related health questions, and within minutes you can be approved for coverage.
Approval is Guaranteed
AD&D plans are referred to as guaranteed acceptance insurance plans. You cannot be turned down for coverage as long as you meet the insurance provider age guidelines.
Since there’s no medical exam or health questions, there’s no way for you to be denied AD&D coverage for health reasons.
A guaranteed acceptance AD&D plan can benefit anyone who has recently been denied a traditional life insurance policy due to an uninsurable health condition or anyone who works in a high-risk occupation in which life insurance would otherwise be denied.
Even though the death benefit is only payable on an accidental death claim, the insurance coverage can still provide a safety net of financial protection for your family rather than having no coverage.
Coverage Into Your Senior Years
AD&D insurance policies can often last well into your senior years. These plans do not have contract lengths like term insurance, where the coverage only lasts 10, 20, or 30 years.
Instead, AD&D plans are renewable each year up to a certain age, which is usually 80. Considering that the 7th leading cause of death is due to unintentional injury for age groups 65+, an AD&D policy can be beneficial to have as a senior.
AD&D Is Affordable
AD&D insurance can be an affordable option and most comparable to term life insurance rates. As with any life insurance plan, it will always be at it’s most affordable the younger you are. The longer you wait, the more expensive coverage tends to get.
The main reason behind this is due to shorter mortality as you get older, which leads to a greater chance of the insurance company having to pay on a claim.
How is Accidental Death Insurance Purchased?
Purchasing an accidental death insurance policy can be done in a few different ways. To start, check to see if it’s an available option through your work as an employee benefit option. If you currently have life insurance through work, there’s a good chance that accidental death coverage will be available as well.
A second option is purchasing AD&D coverage directly from the actual insurance provider. Insurance companies that offer an AD&D plan will often offer it as a direct to consumer application process and can be done completely online with a quick same day approval.
The third and our most recommended option for purchasing AD&D coverage is through the help of an independent insurance broker. The problem with employer-provided plans or even purchasing coverage directly from the insurance company is that you’re often limited to one company’s insurance plan.
When you are limited to one company’s plan there is a good chance that you could be missing out on certain policy features or even lower rates. Your best bet is to work with an independent broker who is contracted with multiple providers so they can explain the different plans and benefits that are available. They will also be able to compare rates to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your coverage.
Independent brokers can also offer the same streamlined application process just as if you were to apply directly with the insurance company.
Regardless of which option you choose to purchase AD&D coverage, be sure to always pay attention to these important policy factors.
- How long does the coverage last?
- How much coverage can you get?
- What accidents qualify for a claim payout?
- Are there any additional benefits?
The Application Process
As mentioned, applying for accidental death and dismemberment insurance is quick and easy, all of which can be done entirely online. In many cases, it’s easier and faster than if you were to apply for a traditional life insurance policy.
Since there are no medical exam requirements or health questions required to apply, you only have to provide some basic information about yourself to the insurer to verify your identity.
If you’re within the company’s acceptable age range, you’re guaranteed approval. Many companies offer AD&D coverage from start to finish in as little as a few minutes.
How Much AD&D Coverage Should You Get?
The total amount of accidental coverage you can get with any single company is going to vary. Unlike most life insurance plans, AD&D insurance is often limited to a specific amount that can be as high as $1,000,000.
However, that amount is on the higher end as most AD&D plans are often capped at a maximum coverage of $500,000 or less.
When planning for coverage to protect your family’s financial needs, it can be challenging to get the right amount needed when the death benefit has been capped to a specific dollar amount.
To determine how much AD&D coverage is enough, focus on what financial needs are the main priority first. If you’re having trouble deciding what those priorities may be, we recommend using a traditional life insurance needs calculator.
A life insurance needs calculator works by listing a series of financial questions to help provide an estimate of the total amount of life insurance protection you should have. The calculator can also be used to determine the amount of accidental death benefit coverage you should have.
If your coverage needs are higher than the available amount that any one particular company can offer, you can always choose to purchase a policy from more than one AD&D provider.
Additional Features of AD&D Insurance
Although the most significant feature of an AD&D insurance policy is its ability to provide financial protection against accidental injury and death, that is not all that these plans can provide.
The great thing about insurance is that companies are always looking for ways to improve their coverage by adding newer features and extra benefits to their policies. Insurance plans have evolved from what they offered in the past. Those changes also apply to many of today’s AD&D plans.
Some of the newer features that companies can now offer with AD&D insurance include living benefits and even an option to add a return of premium rider that can pay back every single premium payment once coverage is no longer needed.
If you have a family with young children, a few AD&D plans offer the option to cover everyone in the family, spouse, and children under one policy. Several companies will even increase the payout to your beneficiary for deaths related to specific accident deaths.
Different companies provide different benefit options, so shop around for the best one if you decide AD&D insurance is right for you.
Can AD&D Insurance Provide Mortgage Protection?
Yes, provided you get enough coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance can provide mortgage protection. But remember, it will only pay your beneficiary in the event of an accident.
Like a traditional life insurance policy, AD&D will also pay out a lump sum if you die due to a covered accident. Your beneficiary can do whatever they wish with the money, including the replacement of lost income, final expense, and mortgage payments.
AD&D Claims Process and Payouts
If you or a loved one ever have to file an AD&D claim, it should be done as soon as possible after the accidental death. The best way to start a claims process is by contacting the insurance provider directly.
A representative from the insurance company claims department will generally ask the caller the following questions:
- What is the name of the deceased insured?
- What is the insured’s date of birth?
- What is the policy number?
- Who is the beneficiary, and what is their contact information?
- When did the death occur?
- What was the cause of death?
After a quick telephone call with the claims department, the insurance provider will, in most cases, mail out a claims packet containing required forms that will need to be completed and mailed back for processing. You may be required to provide a copy of the obituary, and any police reports or death certificates as these documents will be the proof needed that an accident caused the death.
Once the insurer has all that they need to make an assessment, they’ll generally have the claim processed within 14 business days, sometimes quicker. If your claim request is approved, it usually takes a few days to get the death benefit payout, depending on the company and your payment preferences.
Best AD&D Insurance Plans in 2023
Suppose you’re looking for the best accidental death and dismemberment plans in 2023. In that case, you’re in luck, as we have compiled a detailed list of the top companies currently offering the insurance option.
- Assurity
- Fabric
- Farmers
- Fidelity
- Gerber
- Mutual of Omaha
- TruStage
Assurity
| AGE | $50,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 | $350,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | $7.44 | $10.91 | $21.34 | $28.29 |
| 45 | $7.08 | $10.21 | $19.58 | $25.83 |
| 55 | $7.61 | $11.26 | $22.22 | $29.52 |
*Assurity Acci-Flex Accidental Death Benefit Monthly Sample Rates (Males)
A.M. BEST’S RATING: (A-) Excellent Rating
POLICY NAME: Acci-Flex Accidental Death Benefit
ISSUE AGES: 18-60
RENEWABILITY: Renewable to age 75
MINIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $50,000
MAXIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $350,000
UNDERWRITING: Simplified Issue, No Medical Exam Required
CONDITIONS COVERED: Accidental Death Only
AVAILABLE POLICY RIDERS: Accident Only Disability Income Rider, Disability Waiver of Premium & Return of Premium Rider
STATE AVAILABILITY: Available in all States
POLICY DETAILS: Assurity Acci-Flex is an accidental death only insurance policy that offers guaranteed level premiums up to age 75. Benefit amounts start as low as $50,000, with coverage amounts available as high as $350,000.
Acci-Flex does not require a medical, but you will need to answer one health question related to HIV status.
Outside of the one health question listed on the application, the insurance coverage can be an excellent choice for anyone who may have been declined for traditional life insurance.
Those with careers in high-risk occupations such as construction or a police officer or those who participate in high-risk hobbies such as (motorcyclist, ATV, boating) will benefit from an Acci-Flex policy.
In addition to protection from accidental death, Acci-Flex offers the option to add up to three different policy riders to enhance your overall protection.
Accident Only Disability Income Rider: Provides a monthly income due to an accident that has left the insured totally disabled and unable to perform work in their occupation. The monthly benefit amount can be upwards of $1,800 per month with a benefit period of two years with a 90 day elimination period before benefits begin paying.
Disability Waiver of Premium Rider: Provides for a waiver of all premium payments due to injury or sickness that prevents the insured from working at their job. Premiums will continue to be waived until the insured has reached age 60 or can return to work.
Return of Premium Rider: Adding the return of premium rider can allow the policyholder to receive up to 100% of every premium payment paid into the accidental death insurance returned upon cancellation of coverage.
Assurity will not pay policy benefits for death that result from:
- Engaging in or attempting to commit a felony
- Engaging in an illegal occupation
- Intentionally causing a self-inflicted injury
- Committing or attempting to commit suicide, whether sane or insane
- Involvement in any period of armed conflict, whether declared or not
- Using drugs or alcohol except for prescribed drugs taken as prescribed
- Piloting a non-commercial aircraft more than 150 hours annually
- “Flying for pay” an aircraft outside of established air routes in the United States or Canada
- Involvement in a motor vehicle or boat racing, hang gliding, skydiving, mountain or rock climbing, underwater diving, and pro sports
- Traveling outside of the United States or Canada for more than 14 days
- Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Fabric
| AGES | $100,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-50 | $6.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 |
*Fabric Instant Accidental Death Benefit Monthly Sample Rates (Unisex)
A.M. BEST’S RATING: (A+) Superior Rating
POLICY NAME: Fabric Instant Accidental Death
ISSUE AGES: 25-50
RENEWABILITY: Renewable to age 60
MINIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $100,000
MAXIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $500,000
UNDERWRITING: Guaranteed Issue
CONDITIONS COVERED: Accidental Death Only
AVAILABLE POLICY RIDERS: None
STATE AVAILABILITY: All states except MT, CA & NY
POLICY DETAILS: Fabric Instant is the latest accidental death insurance coverage to hit the market. Through their partnership with Vantis Life, a Penn Mutual subsidiary, Fabric can offer accidental death insurance coverage in as fast a 2 minutes from applying online, without the need of an agent.
When applying online with Fabric Instant, you can choose from three different protection amounts ($100,000, $250,000 & $500,000). From there, answer a few simple questions about yourself, list your beneficiary, and electronically sign your application, and that’s it, you’re covered.
While Fabric Instant doesn’t offer much in terms of any extra policy riders or any additional benefits outside of accidental death protection, it’s the actual ease of getting the coverage that makes Fabric a top choice.
Fabric Life will not pay policy benefits for death that result from:
- An injury incurred prior to coverage
- Illnesses
- Suicide
- Committing a crime
- Rioting
- War
- Armed Services
- Voluntary Gas / Poison
- Intoxication / Controlled substances
- Alcohol
- Aeronautics
- Racing
- Extreme sports
- Vehicles not designed for streets or highways
- Professional sports
Farmers Insurance
| AGES | $50,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-69 | $4.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $16.00 |
*Farmers Accidental Death Benefit Monthly Sample Rates (Unisex)
A.M. BEST’S RATING: (A) Excellent Rating
POLICY NAME: Farmers Accidental Death Insurance
ISSUE AGES: 18-69
RENEWABILITY: Renewable to age 80
MINIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $50,000
MAXIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $200,000
UNDERWRITING: Guaranteed Issue
CONDITIONS COVERED: Accidental Death Only
AVAILABLE POLICY RIDERS: None
STATE AVAILABILITY: All states except CT & NY
POLICY DETAILS: Farmers Accidental Death offers four different death benefit options ($50,000, $100,000, $150,000 and $200,000) to choose from. Regardless of the coverage amount you choose, if you pass away in a common carrier accident, Farmers will automatically increase the payout to your beneficiary by 4x without any extra charges.
For example, let’s say you choose a Farmers Accidental Death Insurance policy with a benefit amount of $200,000. If your death were accident-related while you were a fare-paying passenger, the total payout would be $1,000,000.
While Farmers Accidental Death Insurance is available to applicants as old as 69 years of age, we want to point out that the death benefit will automatically decrease with age. The first decrease comes at age 65, and it reduces the benefit by 75%. When you have reached age 65, it decreases another 50% and at age 70 another 25% when you have reached age 75.
Farmers will not pay policy benefits for death that result from:
- Suicide, attempted suicide, or intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane
- Declared or undeclared war or any act of war
- Injury sustained while performing a military duty or active service
- Participating in a riot
- Committing a felony
- Sickness or its medical or surgical treatment, including diagnosis or any bacterial infection except infections which results from an accident injury, or infection which results from accidental, involuntary, or unintentional ingestion of a contaminated substance
- Operating or riding in any kind of aircraft except as a fare-paying passenger on a commercial flight
- Voluntary gas inhalation or poison voluntarily taken, administered, or inhaled
- Being under the influence of alcohol or having a blood
- alcohol level at or above the legal limit at which it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle (as defined in the state where the accident occurred)
- Taking of any drug, medication, narcotic, or hallucinogen unless taken as prescribed by a physician, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- Operating a mechanical or motorized device or motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol level at or above the legal limit at which it is unlawful to operate the mechanical or motorized device or motor vehicle (as defined in the state where the accident occurred, or if there is no limit specific to the motorized device, the limit at which it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle)
Fidelity
| AGES | $50,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 | $300,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-59 | $11.48 | $17.75 | $37.19 | $43.67 |
*Fidelity Accidental Death Benefit Monthly Sample Rates (Unisex)
A.M. BEST’S RATING: (A-) Excellent Rating
POLICY NAME: Fidelity Accidental Death Benefit
ISSUE AGES: 20-59
RENEWABILITY: Renewable to age 80
MINIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $50,000
MAXIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $300,000
UNDERWRITING: Guaranteed Issue
CONDITIONS COVERED: Accidental Death Only
AVAILABLE POLICY RIDERS: Family Rider, Inflation Rider & Return of Premium Rider
STATE AVAILABILITY: All states except AK, CO, DC, MA, MT, NH & NJ
POLICY DETAILS: There is a lot to like about the accidental death benefit plan offered with Fidelity Life. Death benefit amounts start at $50,000 and can go as high as $300,000, with most applicants approved within 24 hours.
At no additional cost, Fidelity adds a second layer of death protection by paying out an extra 100% of the original coverage amount for death that has resulted from an accident while being a fare-paying passenger on a common carrier transporting passengers for hire.
If you’re looking for a company that offers extra benefits that can enhance your accidental death coverage, Fidelity has three different policy riders to choose from.
Inflation Rider: Provides a 5% increase to the original death benefit each year beginning policy year 2 through policy year 6.
Return of Premium Rider: Offers up to 100% of every premium payment paid for the insurance coverage if you decide to cancel your coverage.
Family Accidental Death Benefit Rider: Provides multiple family coverage features offered under one policy rider.
- Spouse and Dependent Children Benefit: Provides additional benefits to the beneficiary upon the accidental death of the insured spouse and any insured children.
- Spouse Benefit is 50–60% of the base death benefit amount, depending on if eligible children are also insured on the rider.
- Children’s Benefit equals 10–20% of the base death benefit amount, depending on if an eligible spouse is also insured on the rider.
Spouse Double Tragedy: In the event both you and your spouse die due to an accident or accidents that occur within the same 24-hour period, the coverage for your spouse will increase by 100%.
Family Auto Safety: If an accidental death occurs to your spouse or children while wearing a safety belt in a private passenger vehicle, the death benefit will be increased by 10%.
College Fund Benefit: The College Fund Benefit provides an additional 10% of coverage for each dependent child ages 15-22 in case you die of accidental death.
NOTE: Fidelity Accidental Death Benefit plans are renewable to age 80 but will only pay the full death benefit up to age 70. If you decide to keep coverage beyond age 70 and pass from accidental death, the benefit payout is reduced by 50% of the original amount.
Fidelity Life will not pay policy benefits for death that result from:
- Is caused or contributed to by an infection not occurring as a direct result or consequence of Accidental Bodily Injury
- Is caused or contributed to by travel in or descent from an aircraft, if the Insured acted in a capacity other than as a passenger
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured’s travel in an aircraft or device used for testing or experimental purposes, used by or for any military authority, or used for travel beyond the earth’s atmosphere
- Is caused or contributed to by “war” or “act of war.” War is defined as armed conflict between nations, or between factions in the same nation
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured’s active participation in a riot, insurrection or terrorist activity
- Occurs while the Insured is incarcerated
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured committing or
attempting to commit a felony - Is caused or contributed to by the Insured’s participation in an illegal occupation or activity
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured’s voluntary intake or use of any drug or substance, including poison, gas, fumes, or radiation, unless prescribed or administered by a Licensed Physician in accordance with a Licensed Physician’s instructions regarding dosage of, frequency of, timing of, substances to take with or not to take with, and activities not to perform when taking, the prescribed or administered medication
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured having a blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) at or above 0.08 percent
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured operating a motor vehicle with a BAC at or above 0.08 percent
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, as defined by the jurisdiction in which the accident occurred
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured’s riding or driving an air, land, or water vehicle in a race, speed, or endurance contest
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured’s participation in a sporting event
- Is caused or contributed to by the Insured’s bungee jumping, canyon swinging, highlining, tightrope walking, base jumping, motocross jumping, cliff diving, free climbing, ice climbing, solo climbing, rock or mounting climbing, rappelling, pogo, aeronautics (hang-gliding, para-gliding, skydiving, parachuting, ultralight, soaring, wing-walking, wingsuit flying, ballooning, and parasailing), spelunking (cave exploration), heli-skiing, kiting (includes kiteboarding and, kitesurfing), waterfall kayaking, scuba diving more than 130 feet below the surface of the water, deep diving without the aid of an apparatus to provide breathable oxygen, or running with the bulls
- Occurs before the Insured’s first birthday
Gerber
| AGES | $50,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-69 | $5.23 | $10.45 | $20.90 | $26.13 |
*Gerber Accidental Death Benefit Monthly Sample Rates (Unisex)
A.M. BEST’S RATING: (A) Excellent Rating
POLICY NAME: Gerber Accident Protection Insurance
ISSUE AGES: 18-69
RENEWABILITY: Renewable to age 80
MINIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $50,000
MAXIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $250,000
UNDERWRITING: Guaranteed Issue
CONDITIONS COVERED: Accidental Death & Dismemberment
AVAILABLE POLICY RIDERS: None
STATE AVAILABILITY: All states except MA, OK, PA & WA
POLICY DETAILS: Gerber Life is known for offering one of the best life insurance plans for children. However, the company is not limited to only child life insurance options. They also offer a wide range of coverage options for both adults as well as for seniors too.
One of those adult options include their Gerber Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy. With Gerber AD&D coverage you are able to choose from five different death benefit options ($50,000, $100,000, $150,000, $200,000 & $250,000).
What we really like about Gerber’s AD&D coverage is how easy it is to cover the entire family under just one single policy. Spouses can receive up to 100% of the amount as the primary insured, while children can receive up to a maximum of $25,000 in AD&D protection.
Gerber is also one of our first company’s to offer not only accidental death protection but dismemberment coverage too. Potential payouts for both the adults and children are as followed:
| Primary Insured, Spouse & Children | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Accidental Death | 100% |
| Both Hands, Both Feet or Both Eyes | 100% |
| One Hand & One Foot, One Hand & One Eye or One Foot & One Eye | 100% |
| One Hand, One Foot or One Eye | 50% |
Gerber will not pay policy benefits for death that result from:
- Injuries caused by an act of declared or undeclared war
- Active participation in a riot or civil disorder
- Injuries received while participating in training exercises or maneuvers of an armed service while a member of an armed service
- Any injury sustained or contracted in consequence of the insured person’s: intoxication due to ingestion of alcohol above the legal limits in the jurisdiction where the accident occurs; intoxicated by or under the influence of any controlled substance or narcotic, including prescribed medications, marijuana, and hashish, unless administered on the advice of a physician and taken as prescribed by such physician. Gerber also excludes loss due to non-prescription drug use unless taken in accordance with its written directions; or being under the influence of a poison, fume, noxious chemical substance, or gas that was deliberately or voluntarily ingested
- Injuries to which a contributing cause was the insured person’s commission of or attempt to commit a felony or being engaged in an illegal occupation
- Injuries arising out of aviation, other than a fare-paying passenger on a regularly scheduled or charter flight operated by a scheduled airline
- Sickness or disease, except for bacterial infection resulting from an accidental cut or wound or infection that results from accidental, involuntary, or unintentional ingestion of a contaminated substance.
Mutual of Omaha
| AGE | $50,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | $10.29 | $16.19 | $33.91 | $63.44 |
| 45 | $10.29 | $16.19 | $33.91 | $63.44 |
| 55 | $10.72 | $17.07 | $36.10 | $67.82 |
*Mutual of Omaha Guaranteed Accidental Death Benefit Monthly Sample Rates (Males)
A.M. BEST’S RATING: (A+) Superior Rating
POLICY NAME: Guaranteed ADvantage Accidental Death
ISSUE AGES: 18-70
CONTRACT OPTIONS: Renewable to age 80
MINIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $50,000
MAXIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $500,000
UNDERWRITING: Guaranteed Issue
CONDITIONS COVERED: Accidental Death Only
AVAILABLE POLICY RIDERS: Return of Premium Benefit Rider
STATE AVAILABILITY: All states except MA & MN
POLICY DETAILS: If you’re looking for an accidental death policy that can offer higher coverage amounts at low affordable rates, then Mutual of Omaha should be at the top of your list.
Mutual of Omaha Accidental Death Insurance offers coverage as low as $50,000 up to as high as $500,000. While their competition, Fabric Instant, is the only other provider to offer up to a $500,000 death benefit option, we have to say that Mutual of Omaha has the upper hand.
The company offers a much more comprehensive range of benefits, starting with issued ages. With Mutual of Omaha, applicants up to age 70 may apply for coverage with renewability to age 80. You also have the option to add the return of a premium rider to your coverage, which is a huge bonus worth taking advantage of, especially if you decide you no longer need the insurance coverage later in life.
Other benefits include a 100% additional payout for an accidental death resulting in a common carrier accident. There is also a 25% additional payout for accidents ending in death while driving in a privately owned motor vehicle or being struck by a motor vehicle in a public street or highway.
Mutual of Omaha will not pay policy benefits for death that result from:
- Death that occurs while this policy is not in force.
- Death resulting directly or indirectly from disease or bodily infirmity.
- Death resulting from an act of declared or undeclared war.
- Death that occurs while serving in the armed forces.
- Death caused by intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane.
- Death caused by an insured person’s suicide or attempted suicide, while sane or insane.
- Death resulting from an insured person’s commission or attempted commission of a felony.
- Death resulting from an insured person’s being intoxicated (as determined and defined by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the loss or cause of loss occurred for the purposes of this exclusion, the laws governing the operation of motor vehicles while intoxicated will apply).
- Death resulting from an insured person’s being under the influence of any controlled substance (except for narcotics given on the advice of a physician).
- Death resulting from flying in an aircraft unless sustained as a passenger (not as a pilot, operator or a member of the crew).
TruStage
| AGES | $50,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 | $300,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-69 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $20.00 | $30.00 |
*TruStage AD&D Monthly Sample Rates (Unisex)
A.M. BEST’S RATING: (A) Excellent Rating
POLICY NAME: TruStage AD&D
ISSUE AGES: 18-69
CONTRACT OPTIONS: Renewable as long as you remain a member of the credit union.
MINIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $10,000
MAXIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNT: $300,000
UNDERWRITING: Guaranteed Issue
CONDITIONS COVERED: Accidental Death & Dismemberment
AVAILABLE POLICY RIDERS: Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke Coverage
STATE AVAILABILITY: All states except MA & MN
POLICY DETAILS: TruStage is an insurance company that partners with thousands of credit unions to offer its insurance products.
If you are currently a member of one of their many credit unions that they work with, you may already be eligible for $1,000-$2,000 of no-cost AD&D coverage right off the bat.
In addition to your free AD&D coverage, you can purchase an additional individual or family TruStage AD&D plan with coverage ranging from as low as $10,000 to as high as $300,000.
Under the family plan, your spouse and dependent children will receive AD&D protection at a specified percentage of the primary policyholders benefit as followed:
- Spouse coverage is equal to 50%
- Dependent children coverage is equal to 20%
- If no children, spouse coverage is then equal to 60%
- In no spouse, children coverage is then equal to 25%
TruStage AD&D plans also come with many additional features free from any additional costs. Some of which a few other competitors charge an extra fee to have. Let’s take a look at everything you get when you purchase an AD&D plan with TruStage.
Increasing Benefit: No matter how much coverage you purchase, your death benefit amount will increase by 5% each year to a total of 50% by the end of year ten at no extra charge.
Hospital Benefit: If any family member who is covered under the family plan requires hospitalization due to injuries from a covered accident, 1% of the policy benefit will be paid out per each month of hospital confinement.
Double Accidental Death Benefit: Will payout 2x payout for accidental death while riding as a ticketed passenger on a bus, train, or other forms of transportation.
Seatbelt/Airbag Benefit: 10% extra payout for accidental death in a private vehicle while wearing a fasten seatbelt or are protected by an airbag.
Child Care Assistance: If the primary policyholder or spouse covered under a family plan dies from an accident, the policy will pay a monthly benefit of $160 to cover childcare expenses.
In addition to multiple free policy features, TruStage AD&D plans offer the option to add up to $5,000 in cancer, heart attack, and stroke coverage for a small monthly fee.
NOTE: As with a few of the other accidental death plans, Trustage reduces the death benefit amount by 50% when a policyholder reaches the age of 70.
| Primary Insured | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Accidental Death | 100% |
| Two of the following: Hand, Foot or Eye | 100% |
| One of the following: Hand, Foot or Eye | 100% |
| Speech or Hearing | 100% |
| Thumb & Index Finger of Same Hand | 100% |
Mutual of Omaha will not pay policy benefits for death that result from:
- Death that occurs while this policy is not in force.
- Death resulting directly or indirectly from disease or bodily infirmity.
- Death resulting from an act of declared or undeclared war.
- Death that occurs while serving in the armed forces.
- Death caused by intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane.
- Death caused by an insured person’s suicide or attempted suicide, while sane or insane.
- Death resulting from an insured person’s commission or attempted commission of a felony.
- Death resulting from an insured person’s being intoxicated (as determined and defined by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the loss or cause of loss occurred for the purposes of this exclusion, the laws governing the operation of motor vehicles while intoxicated will apply).
- Death resulting from an insured person’s being under the influence of any controlled substance (except for narcotics given on the advice of a physician).
- Death resulting from flying in an aircraft unless sustained as a passenger (not as a pilot, operator or a member of the crew).
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Alternatives
It’s important to understand that an AD&D policy should never replace a traditional life insurance policy as an alternative form of insurance protection. An AD&D policy can be an excellent alternative if you cannot qualify for traditional life insurance. Still, it cannot provide the same overall protection that traditional life insurance can offer for you and your family.
With that said, if you already have traditional life insurance, an AD&D policy can be a good source of supplemental insurance. Meaning it and similar policies can be used to add or enhance the overall coverage of an existing life insurance policy.
AD&D, on the other hand, is just one of many alternatives that can supplement traditional life insurance. Let’s take a look at a few of the more popular accidental death and dismemberment alternatives.
Disability Insurance (DI)
Disability insurance, or DI for short, focuses on protecting your income due to an injury or illness that prevents you from working.
The most significant difference between an AD&D insurance policy and a disability insurance policy is how a payout is determined and paid to the insured.
AD&D plans have a death benefit in which the insurance company pays out a percentage of the total death benefit based on the severity of an injury or death that has resulted from a covered accident.
A DI policy does not have a death benefit. Instead, if you become ill or have become injured and are unable to perform your job, the insurance company will pay a predetermined percentage of your total gross income continuously for a specified period.
Disability insurance can often cover a much broader range of instances, including sickness and temporary injuries. AD&D insurance only covers certain types of accidents that result in death or dismemberment.
Accident Insurance (AI)
Accident insurance or AI for short offers financial benefits to help pay for medical costs associated with accidental bodily injuries, inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, and surgical services.
While both AD&D and AI plans share some of the same features, accident insurance can provide benefits on a much more comprehensive range of injuries. Again, with AD&D, you have a death benefit in which funds are drawn due to severe injuries or death from a covered accident. Accident insurance does not draw upon a death benefit to help pay for expenses.
When you purchase an accident insurance policy, you’re provided with an outline of coverage that lists what the insurance company will pay for every type of injury or service conducted by a medical facility.
For example, an accident insurance policy could pay out a lump sum benefit for accidental injuries, including broken bones, fractures, dislocations, burns, concussions, and paralysis. Benefits can also be paid for services and costs associated with an ambulance ride, x-rays, office visits, and hospital confinement, to name a few.
Accident insurance plans even offer a small lump-sum death benefit ($25,000 to $100,000) if the accident results in death.
As you can see, accident insurance covers both severe and minor injuries. AD&D insurance only covers the loss of a limb, hearing, sight, and death.
Be sure to check out our helpful guide on accident insurance. While you won’t be able to get a sizeable death benefit as what a standalone accidental death policy can offer, an accident insurance policy has a lot to offer in terms of protection.
Accidental Death Benefit Rider (ADB)
If you’re able to qualify for life insurance coverage and like the idea of having the extra protection that an accidental death policy can provide, consider adding it to your life insurance policy as a rider.
Many life insurance providers offer policy riders to provide extra benefits in addition to the financial protection that the death benefit provides. A popular rider option is the accidental death rider (ADB) that works just like if you were to purchase an individual AD&D policy.
As an example of how the rider works, let’s say you had a $400,000 term life insurance policy with an accidental death rider added to match the base coverage amount. In the sudden event of your passing was caused by accident, your beneficiary would receive a total death benefit payout of $800,000.
If your death were not related to an accident, but rather from a health-related cause or just natural causes, your beneficiary would receive the original base coverage of $400,000. This type of policy is often called ‘double indemnity.’
If you opt for an accidental death rider, make sure you understand how the payout works and what exemptions there are. Most AD&D riders terminate at a specified age listed within the outline of coverage.
To help, we have put together a list of a few popular term life insurance plans that offer an accidental death benefit rider.
Pros and Cons of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
AD&D PROS
- Up to $500,000 in Protection
- No Medical Exam Required
- Approval is Guaranteed
- Optional Benefits & Riders
- Family Coverage Available
- Guaranteed Renewable to age 80
- Getting Coverage is Quick
AD&D CONS
- Not a True Life Insurance Policy
- Limited Coverage Amounts
- Only Pays on Accident Related Deaths
- Coverage can be Costly
Is Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Worth It?
A better question to ask is: would an accidental death policy provide you with peace of mind?
The number one job of any insurance policy is to bring peace of mind knowing that with your purchase, your family will be financially protected due to an unforeseen death.
While AD&D insurance has its place within the available types of insurance options, it may not be the best option for everyone.
Our duty at No Medical Exam Quotes is to help you determine whether an AD&D plan is the best coverage option for both you and your family.
Through our in-depth review of accidental death and dismemberment plans, we hope you have a good understanding of everything there is to know about AD&D insurance.
For a quote or to ask questions, please be sure to reach out to us and one of our licensed agents will be more than happy to help.
