Coverage for accidents, and only accidents.
AD&D pays a set amount if an accident causes death or the loss of a limb or eyesight. It's narrower than life insurance, and the exclusions decide what it's really worth.
Quick answer AD&D insurance is accidental death and dismemberment coverage that pays a set amount if an accident causes death or the loss of a limb or eyesight; it is narrower than life insurance.
- AD&D pays the full amount for an accidental death and a share listed in the policy's schedule for losing a hand, a foot or the sight in one eye.
- All AD&D benefits paid for a single accident are capped at the policy's full amount.
- AD&D doesn't cover death from illness, so it belongs alongside life insurance, not in place of it.
- AD&D requires the death or injury to happen within the time the policy allows after the accident, such as one year.
- An accidental death benefit rider is an add-on to a life insurance policy that pays an extra benefit if the insured dies from accidental causes.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
A schedule of losses, not a health policy
An AD&D policy or rider pays when an accident, independent of other causes, results in death or a covered injury within the time the policy allows, such as one year from the accident. Death pays the full amount. The loss of a hand, a foot or the sight in one eye pays a share listed in the policy's schedule, and everything paid for one accident is capped at the full amount.
What AD&D leaves out matters as much. One public example, the federal employees' group life program, won't pay when death or loss is caused or contributed to by illness, and also excludes suicide, intentional self-injury, war, self-administered illegal drugs and driving while intoxicated. Private policies have their own lists, which I read before you buy. Because a death from illness isn't covered, AD&D belongs alongside life insurance, not in place of it.
- Accidental deathThe full benefit, paid to your beneficiary.
- DismembermentA set share of the benefit for losing a hand, foot or sight, paid to the insured.
- One-accident capAll losses from a single accident can't add up to more than the full amount.
- Time limitThe death or loss must happen within a set period after the accident.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Who's covered: you alone, or a spouse and children too.
- Benefit amount: the full amount you'd want paid for an accidental death.
- Existing coverage: AD&D or life insurance through work, an association or a credit card.
- Occupation: what you do day to day.
- Activities: flying, motorsports or other higher-risk hobbies.
- Beneficiaries: who should receive the death benefit.
AD&D insurance, answered
Is AD&D the same as life insurance?
No. Life insurance pays a death benefit whether death comes from illness or an accident, subject to the policy's terms. AD&D pays only when an accident is the cause, and it also pays for certain injuries such as losing a limb or eyesight.
What does AD&D not cover?
Death or loss caused or contributed to by illness or disease is excluded. Policies list other exclusions too; the federal employees' program, for example, excludes suicide or attempted suicide, intentional self-injury, war, self-administered illegal drugs and driving while intoxicated. Read the exclusions in the policy you're offered.
How much does AD&D pay for losing a hand or an eye?
It depends on the policy's schedule. In the federal employees' program, losing one hand, one foot or the sight in one eye pays half the full amount, and two or more such losses pay the full amount. Total benefits for one accident can't exceed the full amount.
Does the death have to happen right away?
No, but it has to happen within the period the policy sets. The federal program, for instance, requires the death or loss to occur within one year of the accident and to result directly from the injury.
What is an accidental death benefit rider?
An add-on to a life insurance policy that pays an extra benefit if the insured dies from accidental causes. Riders generally add to the premium.
Does AD&D through my employer stay with me?
Not always. In the federal employees' program, AD&D stops when employment ends and doesn't continue into retirement. Check your own plan's terms before counting on it.
Do you offer accidental death and dismemberment insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me what you have through work.
Your current AD&D and life coverage, and who depends on you, are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
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(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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