Most accidental death benefit riders will offer your family an extra payout on top of your regular life insurance policy's death benefit. This additional payment can sometimes double the amount of money your family receives, which is why this type of rider used to be known as a double indemnity rider. Once the insurance company confirms that your death meets the requirements of the rider, your loved ones will receive the payment. Since an accidental death benefit rider adds coverage to your policy, buying one will likely increase your premiums or payments. Adding that protection now can save your family from later dealing with major expected expenses.

Suppose your job requires you to operate heavy machinery or drive more than average. In that case, you may consider an accidental death benefit rider to increase the payout to your beneficiaries in case of accidental death. However, individuals ages 20 and 65 looking to provide supplemental coverage for their loved ones may decide to add an accidental death benefit rider. The accidental death benefit option includes a covered accident. Depending on your policy, an accidental death benefit rider may also provide a benefit if you have a traumatic injury, like dismemberment or loss of sight. Accidental death insurance is designed to pay out if your death is a covered accident, as defined by the policy terms.