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What is an Accidental Death Benefit Rider in Term Insurance?
An accidental death benefit rider is an optional add-on that offers extra financial protection if the life assured dies due to a covered accident. One of the key benefits of an accidental death benefit rider is that it offers an extra payout in case of death because of an accident. Such a benefit is paid in addition to the base sum assured under the term insurance plan. This benefit can help your family handle unexpected financial challenges arising from a sudden loss.
Many people often get confused between an Accidental Death Rider and an Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider. While both are related to accident coverage, they are not exactly the same. An Accidental Death Benefit Rider offers an additional payout only when death is directly caused by a covered accident, as defined in the policy. On the other hand, an Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider might also offer benefits for specific permanent disabilities. This includes loss of vision, loss of a limb, or other covered injuries resulting from an accident.
Talking about an example, suppose you have a term insurance policy with a base sum assured of ₹50 lakh and an Accidental Death Benefit Rider with a sum assured of ₹25 lakh. If death happens due to a covered accident during the policy term, the nominee would receive a total payout of ₹75 lakh, subject to the policy terms and conditions. Such financial support can assist you in maintaining your lifestyle while meeting your future financial goals.
Benefits of Axis Max Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider
The benefits under this rider are payable under any of the following events:
1. Accidental Death Benefit
The Rider Sum Assured will be payable, in case of death of the life insured due to a sudden, unforeseen, and involuntary event caused by external, visible and violent means. Note that the death must have been caused directly by such accident, independently of any physical or mental illness within 180 days of the date of the accident (and before the expiry of rider term).
2. Accidental Dismemberment Benefit
The Rider Sum Assured will be payable if the life insured meets with an Accident which, within 180 days from the happening of such an accident (and before the expiry of rider term), independently of all other causes, results in life insured being subject to one (or more) of the following impairments due to injury:
- Irrecoverable loss of entire sight in both eyes
- Amputation or loss of use of both hands at or above the wrists
- Amputation or loss of use of both feet at or above the ankles
- Amputation or loss of use of one hand at or above the wrist and one foot at or above the ankle
- The loss of use of the particular limb/loss of sight must be documented for an uninterrupted period of at least six months
All about Axis Max Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider
The following are the criteria and key details of Axis Max Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider:
| Criteria | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider Term | Regular pay: 5 years to 57 years. The term of the rider shall be equal to the premium payment term of the base plan. Limited pay: As chosen by policyholder, subject to minimum of 6 years and maximum of 57 years |
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| Premium Payment Term | Regular Pay : Same as Rider Policy term Limited Pay: Minimum of 5 years and maximum of 56 years Under limited pay the rider policy term shall be greater than the rider premium payment term. |
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| Minimum Entry Age (age as at last birthday) | 18 years | ||||
| Maximum Entry Age (age as at last birthday) | 65 years | ||||
| Maximum Maturity Age (age as at last birthday) | On policy anniversary coinciding with or immediately following the Policyholder attaining age of 75 years (as at last birthday) | ||||
| Premium Payment Modes | Annual, Semi-Annual, Quarterly, and Monthly Please note that the premium payment mode will be the same as the base plan |
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| Minimum Annualised Premium | ₹50 per annum | ||||
| Maximum Annualised Premium | ₹46,502 per annum (excluding loading for modal extra and underwriting extra premium, if any) However, the premium pertaining to health related or critical illness riders shall not exceed 100% of premium under the base plan, and any benefit arising under the captioned rider shall not exceed the sum assured under the base plan Where Annualized Premium is defined as: Premium amount payable during a Policy Year chosen by Policyholder, excluding Underwriting Extra Premium, loading for modal premium, Rider Premiums and applicable taxes, cesses or levies if any; |
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| Minimum Sum Assured | ₹50,000 "Sum assured under health cover" means an absolute amount of benefit which is guaranteed to become payable on happening of insured health related contingency in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy under health cover. The term ‘Rider Sum Assured’ has been used to refer to the Sum assured under health cover for this rider as defined above. |
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| Maximum Sum Assured | Lower of Guaranteed Death Benefit at inception of the base policy or ₹ 1 Crore per life (subject to the maximum Guaranteed Death Benefit at inception under the base plan). | ||||
| Surrender Benefit | Exit value will be payable subject to the criteria given below:
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| Maturity Benefit | This rider does not offer any maturity benefit. | ||||
| Cash Value | This rider does not offer any cash value. |
How does Axis Max Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider Work?
Mr. Kumar is a 35-year-old salaried professional, married, and has a 4-year-old child. He is a responsible individual and always takes care of his family. To plan for his family’s financial security, he buys an Axis Max Life insurance policy (50 lakhs Sum Assured with 20 years term), on his life, with his wife as his nominee. Further, to ensure additional protection, he also buys an Axis Max Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider (20 lakhs Sum Assured with 20 years term) at a nominal increase in the total premium payable.
Here are the following illustrative scenarios that can occur during the course of the policy of Mr. Kumar:
| Scenario | Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider Benefit | Base Policy Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Kumar meets with a road accident and unfortunately loses both his hands (one of the listed dismemberment conditions) | Accidental Dismemberment Benefit - Rider Sum Assured of ₹20 lakhs is paid to Mr. Kumar immediately upon approval of claim and the rider contract terminates. The benefits of the base life insurance policy continue for Mr. Kumar. | The Life Insured has suffered dismemberment for which only the rider claim has been paid. As the Life Insured is alive, death benefit of the base policy is not payable, however, Mr. Kumar is eligible for all the benefits of the base policy. |
| Mr. Kumar meets with a road accident and dies due to injuries suffered in the accident. | Accidental Death Benefit - Rider Sum Assured of ₹20 lakhs is paid to Mrs. Kumar immediately upon approval of the claim and the rider contract terminates. | Death Benefit –As the Life Insured has passed away due to an accident, along with the death benefit under the rider, the base Policy Sum Assured of ` 50 lakhs is also paid to Mrs. Kumar immediately upon approval of claim and the policy contract terminates. |
| Mr. Kumar meets with a road accident and unfortunately loses both his hands (one of the listed dismemberment condition). Mr. Kumar applies for the dismemberment benefit under the rider. After 10 months of suffering dismemberment, Mr. Kumar meets with another accident and dies due to the injuries suffered in the accident. |
Accidental Dismemberment Benefit - Rider Sum Assured of ₹20 lakhs is paid to Mr. Kumar immediately upon approval of claim and the rider contract expires. No additional benefits are paid to Mrs. Kumar upon the death of Mr. Kumar. |
As the Life Insured is alive, death benefit of the base policy is not payable. However, Mr. Kumar is eligible for all the benefits of the base policy. Death Benefit - As the Life Insured has passed away, Base Policy Sum Assured of ₹50 lakhs is paid to Mrs. Kumar immediately upon approval of death claim. |
Disclaimer: The above scenarios are only examples and do not, in any way, create any rights and/or obligations.
What does the Accidental Death Benefit Rider Cover? + Exclusions
An Accidental Death Benefit Rider provides an additional lump sum payout to the nominee if the life insured dies due to an accident covered under the policy terms. However, the rider does not cover every type of accidental death, as insurers specify certain inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods, and eligibility conditions.
Understanding what is covered and what is excluded helps policyholders evaluate the rider's scope of protection, avoid claim-related misunderstandings, and make a more informed insurance decision before purchasing it.
What is Covered Under the Accidental Death Benefit Rider?
An Accidental Death Benefit Rider offers additional financial protection if the policyholder passes away because of a covered accident during the policy term. While the exact scope of coverage might differ across insurers, accidents resulting from unforeseen and external events are mainly covered.
- Aircraft Accident: Demise in an aeroplane crash is mainly covered under the accidental death benefit.
- Car or Traffic Accidents: Demise due to a car accident or other similar traffic mishaps is covered under an accidental rider benefit.
- Falls: Death due to an injury sustained in a fall is covered under the accidental death benefit.
- Firearm Accidents: A firearm accident that leads to the unfortunate demise of an individual is covered under the accidental death advantage, which is subject to policy terms.
- Fire Injuries: Injuries that occurred in a fire resulting in the unfortunate death of the policyholder are covered by such a benefit.
In the event of a valid claim, the rider sum insured is paid in addition to the base term insurance benefit. As coverage conditions might differ between policies, it is necessary to review the policy carefully to understand specific events and circumstances covered under the rider.
What is Excluded in the Accidental Death Benefit Rider?
Like all the insurance benefits, an Accidental Death Benefit rider excludes certain important factors. Claims arising from situations specifically excluded under the policy terms. They might not be eligible for the additional rider payout. Here are the common exclusions you need to take care of.
- Attempted suicide or self-caused injuries while being sane or insane.
- Death due to suicide or attempted suicide.
- Death occurring while under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs, where specifically excluded under the policy.
- Injuries happen while getting engaged in hazardous or adventure sports, unless specifically mentioned in the policy.
- Participation in war, acts of terrorism, or civil unrest.
- Death resulting solely from illness or disease rather than an accidental bodily injury.
Who Should Buy the Accidental Death Benefit Rider?
A term insurance with an accidental death benefit rider is considered to be an additional coverage that you might add to your life insurance policy. If the insured individual dies as a result of an accident, the nominee will get additional funds. Many people prefer to add such a rider to their plan. However, it depends on their lifestyle, work, and how much protection they desire.
- Frequent Two-wheeler Riders or Commuters: Individuals who regularly travel on roads, especially by two-wheelers, might face a higher risk of accidents. This is due to road conditions, traffic congestion, and long commuting hours. A term life insurance policy with an accidental death benefit can offer you an additional financial cushion.
- Primary Breadwinners with Dependents: If your family majorly depends on your income, an unexpected loss can majorly influence their financial stability. The additional payout from the rider can help your dependents handle household expenses and other future financial requirements.
- People With Home Loans: Financial liabilities don’t settle even after the death of the borrower. If you have a home loan, vehicle loan, or other long-term commitments, the rider’s additional benefit can help your family repay without compromising their financial security.
- Individuals in High-Risk Occupations: Professionals who are working in construction, transportation, field operations, or manufacturing might face greater exposure to accidental risks. For such individuals, better accident-related coverage can offer added peace of mind.
- Budget Conscious Buyers: A life insurance accidental death benefit is one of the most affordable riders available with a term insurance plan. For a low additional premium, policyholders can easily increase the financial support available for their loved ones in the event of an accidental death. This makes it a cost-efficient way to strengthen your overall coverage.
Download Rider-related Documents
Rider Prospectus
Format: PDF|Language: English
Rider Leaflet
Format: PDF|Language: English
Rider Contract
Format: PDF|Size: 393 KB|Language: English
Customer Information Sheet
Format: PDF|Size: 267 KB|Language: English
FAQs about Axis Max Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider
What is the maximum entry age for Axis Max Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider?
The maximum entry age for Axis Max Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider is 65 years (age on your last birthday).
What are the exclusions under ADD Rider?
A. Suicide Exclusion: Notwithstanding anything stated herein, if the Life Insured whether minor/major and whether sane or insane, dies by suicide within 12 months of the effective date of risk commencement or the date of revival of the rider, the rider shall terminate immediately. In such cases, the Company shall pay 100% of total Premiums paid plus Underwriting Extra Premium paid, plus loading for modal premium.
B. Other Exclusions: The life Insured will not be entitled to any accidental benefit directly or indirectly, voluntarily or involuntarily due to or caused, occasioned, accelerated or aggravated by any of the following:
For detailed information, please refer to the rider prospectus available under Downloads section.
B. Other Exclusions: The life Insured will not be entitled to any accidental benefit directly or indirectly, voluntarily or involuntarily due to or caused, occasioned, accelerated or aggravated by any of the following:
- Life Insured being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, narcotics or psychotropic substance, not prescribed by a Registered Medical Practitioner
- Injuries resulting from war (declared or un-declared), invasion, civil war, riots, revolution or any warlike operations
- Participation by the Life Insured in a criminal or unlawful act with criminal intent
- Service in military / para military, naval, air forces or police organizations of any country in a state of war (declared or undeclared) or of armed conflict
- Engaging in or taking part in professional sport(s) or any hazardous pursuits, including but not limited to, diving or riding or any kind of race; underwater activities involving the use of breathing apparatus or not; martial arts; hunting; mountaineering; parachuting; bungee jumping
- The radioactive, explosive or hazardous nature of nuclear fuel materials or property contaminated by nuclear fuel materials or accident arising from such nature
For detailed information, please refer to the rider prospectus available under Downloads section.
What is the difference between Accidental Death Benefit Rider and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider?
An accidental death benefit rider offers an additional payout if the insured person passes away due to a covered accident. On the other hand, an accidental death and dismemberment rider goes a step further by offering benefits for specific permanent disabilities. This includes loss of eyesight, limbs, or hearing that happened from an accident.
Can I add the Accidental Death Benefit Rider to an existing term insurance policy?
This completely depends on your insurer’s policy terms and conditions. Some insurers might allow you to add rides at specific milestones like policy anniversaries or during policy upgrades. On the other hand, riders need to be purchased when the base policy is issued. Check with your insurer to be assured of available options.
What accidents are not covered under the Accidental Death Benefit Rider?
Coverage exclusions mainly differ from insurer to insurer. But claims are generally not payable for deaths resulting from suicide, self-inflicted injuries, alcohol or drug abuse, etc. Some other exclusions can be participation in war-related activities, terrorism, or hazardous adventure sports. So, make sure to review the policy document to be assured of complete details.
What is the maximum sum assured under the Accidental Death Benefit Rider?
The maximum rider sum assured differs across insurers and products. It might be linked to the base policy sum assured or subject to a predefined limit set by the insurer. Assessing the policy brochure or speaking with an insurance advisor can help you understand the maximum coverage limit.
How do I claim the Accidental Death Benefit Rider after an accident?
The nominee must notify the insurer about the claim and submit the needed documents. Some of the essential ones include a death certificate, accident report, identity proofs, and medical records. Once the insurer verifies the claim and confirms that the accident meets the policy conditions, the rider benefit is paid along with the applicable policy proceeds.
ARN: PDP/ADD/220925
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