Life insurance riders are optional add-ons that customize your policy to better fit your specific needs. While they increase your premium, certain riders provide valuable benefits that are difficult or impossible to obtain elsewhere.
Understanding the most popular riders helps you build a comprehensive protection package.
Waiver of Premium Rider
This rider waives your premium payments if you become totally disabled and unable to work. Your policy stays in force without any payments until you recover or reach a specified age, typically 65. Given the relatively low cost, this rider is one of the most recommended by financial advisors.
It protects your coverage during the time when you need it most.
Accelerated Death Benefit Rider
If you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 to 24 months, this rider lets you access a portion of your death benefit while still alive. The funds can help cover medical expenses, provide comfort care, or fulfill final wishes.
Many policies include this rider at no additional cost.
Child Term Rider
This rider provides a small amount of term life insurance coverage for all your eligible children under one rider, typically at a very low cost. It also guarantees their ability to purchase individual coverage later without proof of insurability.
The guaranteed insurability feature is the real value — it protects your children’s future access to life insurance regardless of any health conditions they develop.