Riders are additional benefits that can be bought and added to a basic life insurance policy. They allow you to customize a policy and can provide several kinds of protection if you meet theirconditions.
Buying a rider means paying extra, but generally, the additionalpremium is low because relatively little underwriting is required. Here are eight common life insurance riders and what they cover.
Key Takeaways
- Riders are the extra benefits that a policyholder can buy to add on to a life insurance policy.
- Riders are most often associated with permanent life insurance policies.
- The most common include guaranteed insurability, accidental death, waiver of premium, family income benefit, accelerated death benefit, child term, long-term care, and return of premium riders.
- Riders come with additional costs.
- In general, the extra premium paid for a rider is low because relatively little underwriting is required.
1. Guaranteed Insurability Rider
This rider allows you to purchase additional insurance coveragein the stated period without the need for further medical examination. A guaranteed insurability rider is most beneficial when there has been a significant change in your life circ*mstances, such as the birth of your child, marriage, or an increase in your income. Ifyour health declines with age, you will be able to apply for extra coverage without giving any evidence of insurability.
This type of rider may also provide a renewal of your base policy at the end of its term without medical checkups. Guaranteed insurability riders may end at a certain age.
Insurance coverage, premium rates, terms, and conditions of riders may differ from one insurer to another, and when a claim for the benefits of a rider is made, it mayresult in the termination of the rider, while the original policy continues to provide insurance.
2. Accidental Death Rider
An accidental death rider pays out an additional amount of death benefit if the insured dies as theresult of an accident. Normally, the additional benefit paid out on death due to an accident is equivalent to the face amount of the original policy, which doubles the benefit. In the event of death due to accidental bodily injury, the insured's family gets twice the amount of the policy. That's why this rider is called a double indemnity rider.
If you are the sole provider for your family, an accidental death rider can be ideal because the double benefit will take good care of your surviving family's expenses.
Make sureyou understand the restrictions on an accidental death rider, as many life insurance companies limit the meaning of the term "accident."
3. Waiver of Premium Rider
Under this rider, future premiums are waivedif the insured becomes permanently disabled or loses their income as a result of injury or illness prior to a specified age. Disability of the main breadwinner can have acrippling effect on a family. In these circ*mstances, the rider exempts policyholders from paying the premium due on the base policy until they are ready to work again.
A waiver of premium rider can be valuable, particularly when the premium on thepolicy is high.The definition of the term "totally disabled" may vary from one insurer to another, sobe aware of the terms and conditions of your specificrider.
4. Family Income Benefit Rider
In case the insured dies, a family income benefit rider will provide a steady flow of income to family members. When buying this rider, you need to determine the number of years your family is going to receive the benefit. The merit of having this rider is obvious—in case of death, the surviving family will face fewer financial difficulties thanks to the regular monthly income from the rider.
Family income benefit riders are generally purchased by individuals who are the sole breadwinners of their families.
5. Accelerated Death Benefit Rider
Under an accelerated death benefitrider, an insured person can use the death benefitsif diagnosed with a terminal illness that will considerably shorten their lifespan. On average, insurersadvance a percentage of the death benefit of the base policy to the insured.
Insurance companies may subtract the amount you receive, plus interest, from what your beneficiariesreceive on your death.Most oftena smallpremium or, in some cases, no premium is charged for this rider. Insurers have different definitions of "terminal illness,"so check what the rider covers before purchasing it.
6. Child Term Rider
This rider provides a death benefit in case a child dies before a specified age. After the child reaches maturity, the term plan can be converted into permanent insurance with coverageup to five times the original amount without the need for medical exams.
7. Long-Term Care (LTC) Rider
In the event the insured has tostay at a nursing home or receive home care, this rider offers monthly payments. Although long-term care insurance can be bought individually, insurance companies also offer riders that take care of your long-term care costs.
8. Return of Premium Rider
Under this rider, youpay a marginalpremium and at the end of the term, your premiums are returned to youin full. In the event of death, your beneficiaries will receive the paid premium amount. Insurers sell return of premium riders with many variations so make sure you understand the phrasing of the rider before you buy.
What Is a Rider in Insurance?
A rider is an addendum to an insurance policy that adds additional coverages or other benefits. Riders will typically come at an extra cost.
How Much Does an Insurance Rider Cost?
A rider's cost will correspond with the added coverage or benefits it provides. Most, however, are relatively low in cost as they involve minimalunderwriting and are less likely to be used by the insured.
What Is the Difference Between Term Life Insurance and Whole Life Insurance?
Term life insurance provides a death benefit for a certain number of years and then expires if unused. Whole life is a form of permanent insurance that lasts your entire life. Whole life also comes with a cash accumulation component while term life does not. Because of these reasons, term premiums are less expensive.
Why Wouldn't You Want Riders on a Life Insurance Policy?
Many riders come with a cost. Therefore, if you don't need or don't expect to use certain features or benefits provided by a rider, they could be an unnecessary expense that increases your insurance premiums.
The Bottom Line
Mostinsurers don't allow you to modify your insurance policy according to your individual needs, but riders can help customize coverage. Always be sure to read the fine print before you add a rider to a life insurance policy. If needed, sit down with an insurance advisor to evaluate the benefits ofriders and then buy the onebestsuited to you and your family.
