Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is a type of accident insurance that pays a death benefit when death is caused by an accident. Some other health-related policies, such as certain long-term care or critical illness contracts, may also include limited death benefit provisions or riders.

AD&D is a relatively inexpensive way to add extra protection, but it isn’t a substitute for life insurance. It pays a lump-sum benefit only for accidental death or accidental dismemberment, and it doesn’t build cash value the way a whole life policy does.

The principal sum is the full benefit amount. It’s typically paid for accidental death or for severe dismemberment, such as the loss of both limbs or total blindness. Loss of two limbs, both eyes, or life typically results in 100% of the principal sum.

The capital sum is the amount paid for dismemberment when the loss is less than the “principal sum” level. It’s usually paid as a percentage of the principal sum. For example, losing one arm or one eye may result in 50%, while partial losses (such as a thumb and index finger) may result in 25% or less, depending on the policy.

The principal sum paid under an AD&D policy is paid in the same manner as a life insurance death benefit. You must name a beneficiary, and the death benefit can be paid using any of the settlement options commonly available for life insurance benefits.

AD&D policies often include a “physical examination and autopsy” provision. This allows the insurer to request an autopsy in the event of a death claim, as long as it isn’t prohibited by law. The insurer typically pays the cost.

The primary exclusions of these policies are:

1. Accidental death or dismemberment sustained while committing a crime.
2. Accidental death or dismemberment caused by the insured’s being intoxicated, or by a narcotic not taken on a physician’s advice.
3. Anything covered by workers’ compensation.

AD&D policies also typically exclude losses resulting from war, suicide, illness, or injuries sustained while engaging in hazardous activities. The standard intoxication exclusion reaches a loss caused by the insured’s being intoxicated, or by a narcotic not taken on a physician’s advice; alcohol in the insured’s system does not by itself bar the claim, and what counts as intoxicated depends on the policy’s wording.

A common variation of AD&D sold in airport terminals and by travel agents is called travel accident insurance. This policy covers you while flying on a regularly scheduled commercial flight, but not on private planes. Coverage is written to cover one specific trip only.

Lesson summary

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

• Pays a lump-sum benefit for death or dismemberment caused solely by accidental means.
• The principal sum is paid for death or severe loss (e.g., both limbs or both eyes).
• The capital sum is paid for dismemberment, typically as a percentage of the principal sum. Benefits follow a schedule of loss (e.g., 100% for death, 50% for one limb, 25% for thumb/index finger).
• It is not a substitute for life insurance and has no cash value.

Chapter vocabulary

Definitions

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

(1) A type of health insurance policy.

(2) A provision or rider attached to a life or disability income policy that pays either a specified amount if the insured dies, loses his/her sight, or loses a limb as the result of an accident.

Dismemberment

Loss of arm or leg by severance above the wrist or ankle. It also includes the total and permanent loss of sight. Some policies also pay partial benefits for loss of digits, such as fingers or toes, depending on the schedule of loss.