What benefit does an accidental death rider provide?

An accidental death rider enhances a life insurance policy by specifically providing a benefit that pays a multiple of the face amount if the insured's death results from an accident. This rider acknowledges that deaths classified as accidents often have different implications regarding risk and potential payout compared to natural causes of death. For instance, if the policyholder has a face amount of $100,000 and passes away due to an accident, the rider may amplify the payout, sometimes doubling or tripling the death benefit based on the terms set forth in the rider.

The feature of increasing the payout based on accidental death instead of simply paying out the entire face amount for any death is what distinguishes this rider, providing additional financial security to beneficiaries in the event of an unforeseen accident. This benefit specifically targets those whose deaths are deemed accidental, drawing a clear line around the circumstances that qualify for that enhanced coverage.