Glossary

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)

Coverage that pays only when an accident causes death or the loss of a limb, sight, speech or hearing; illness and most natural causes are not covered.

Also called: AD&D, AD&D insurance, accidental death insurance

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance pays a benefit when an accident causes death or one of the serious injuries listed in the policy, such as losing a hand, a foot or the sight of an eye. It is sold as a standalone policy, bundled into employer benefits alongside group life insurance, or added to a life policy as a rider.

The full amount, often called the principal sum, is paid for accidental death. Dismemberment pays a percentage of it set by a schedule in the policy. Hypothetical example: a $100,000 AD&D policy might pay $100,000 for death or the loss of both hands, and $50,000 for the loss of one hand. Most policies also require the death or loss to occur within a deadline the policy sets after the accident.

AD&D is inexpensive because it leaves out the most common causes of death, including heart disease, cancer and other illnesses. Claims are often disputed over whether the accident was the sole cause, and typical exclusions cover drug overdoses, intoxication, suicide, war and certain risky activities. It can supplement life insurance but rarely replaces it; see Life insurance vs AD&D insurance and why accidental death claims get disputed.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026

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Related terms

Death benefit The money a life insurance policy pays to the beneficiaries when the insured dies, usually the face amount adjusted for loans, riders and dividends. Exclusion A provision listing causes of death or circumstances a policy will not pay for, such as suicide in the first two years or certain aviation deaths. Group life insurance Coverage issued under one master contract to members of a group, usually employees, often at one or two times salary with little or no underwriting. Rider An optional provision attached to a life insurance policy that adds, limits or changes benefits, usually for an extra charge. Claimant The person or entity that files for a policy's benefits, usually a named beneficiary, executor or assignee after the insured's death.

Related guides

Accidental death benefit riders: what they cover and exclude An accidental death benefit rider pays extra if you die in a covered accident. How it works, what it excludes, what it costs, and when it is worth adding. Accidental death claims: why they get disputed Why insurers question accidental death and AD&D claims, from intoxication and illness exclusions to unclear causes, and how to build a stronger claim. Association and credit union life insurance Life insurance offered through alumni groups, professional associations and credit unions: how it works, what to check before joining, and how to compare it. Life insurance offers from banks, lenders and card issuers Bank, mortgage and credit card insurance offers are often AD&D or small guaranteed-issue plans. How to compare cost per $1,000, exclusions and waiting periods. Filing a life insurance claim when the death happens abroad How to claim after a U.S. citizen dies overseas: the Consular Report of Death Abroad, foreign death certificates, translations, exclusions and common delays. Employer group life insurance: what it really covers Group life through work is usually one or two times salary, cheap and easy to get, but tied to your job. How the coverage, taxes and limits work.

Related insurers

AAA Life The life insurer of the AAA motor club federation, based in Livonia, Michigan, selling term, whole life, final expense and annuities to AAA members and others. MetLife A leading U.S. group benefits insurer; it sells life coverage through employers and services older individual policies it no longer markets. TruStage The credit union movement's insurer, formerly CUNA Mutual Group: no-exam term and whole life sold direct to credit union members, plus funeral preneed coverage.