What is accidental death & dismemberment insurance?
Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is a type of supplemental coverage that you can buy either as a standalone policy or as a rider to existing insurance. It's typically offered as an employer benefit and is designed to pay an additional amount to your beneficiaries if you die as the result of an accident or if you experience a serious injury that results in the loss of a limb, paralysis, or loss of sight.
Benefits of accidental death & dismemberment insurance
Increased death benefit
Adding accidental death and dismemberment coverage to your policy can be good way to increase your death benefit beyond what your current policy offers.
Coverage for specific events
Because this coverage pays out if you experience a serious, non-fatal injury that results in the loss of a limb, paralysis, or loss of sight, it can help you during and after recovery.
Add to your existing plan
Think of AD&D coverage as an extra layer of protection. In most cases, it's meant to complement—not replace—term or whole life insurance coverage.
Questions about accidental death & dismemberment insurance? We've got answers.
A life insurance rider is simply an optional benefit, feature, or type of coverage that you can add to a policy for an additional cost. It's a way of enhancing a basic policy so that it's tailored to your unique needs.
Generally speaking, yes. If your life insurance carrier offers multiple riders that interest you, you can typically add as many or as few as you'd like. Connect with an advisor to find out which riders make sense for you.
Supplemental life insurance (sometimes called voluntary life insurance or contributory life insurance) is any policy that you buy to supplement or augment an existing policy. For example, if you have your own life insurance policy but qualify for AD&D coverage through your employer, that would be considered a form of supplemental insurance. Supplemental insurance can help you increase your coverage while also filling any gaps.
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage pays an additional benefit if you die as the result of an accident or experience a serious injury that results in paralysis or the loss of a limb or vision. The amount you receive for an accidental injury will depend on the type and severity of the injury as outlined in your policy. While an AD&D policy through work can be a great benefit, there are other ways to make sure that you have the coverage you need. Connect with an advisor to talk about your insurance options.
If you purchase AD&D coverage through your employer, the amount of coverage will usually be equal to the death benefit provided by the base group policy. If you purchase AD&D coverage on your own, you can often tailor the coverage amounts to your needs.
Yes. If you're a business owner looking to add group life insurance through Northwestern Mutual, you also have the option of including AD&D coverage for your employees.
If you have an individual life insurance policy through Northwestern Mutual (and not a group policy), then accidental death and dismemberment coverage cannot be added on. That being said, all of Northwestern Mutual's life insurance policies already pay out in instances of accidental death, and we have additional options to cover you if an injury prevents you from working. Connect with an advisor to go over your options.
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance can be an inexpensive way to increase coverage. If it's available to you, it may be a good option as an add-on to a more comprehensive life insurance policy. However, it might also be worth considering other insurance options to get the coverage you need. Connect with an advisor to find the right life insurance for you.
Yes. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance is a form of supplemental coverage that your employer may offer in addition to group life coverage.
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