Do You Need Accidental Death Insurance?

A woman driving with her daughter. Despite advances in driving safety features, motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of accidental death for people ages 8 to 34 years.

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Accidental death insurance can be a shield against life's uncertainties, helping ensure financial security for you in the event of loss of life due to an accident.

According to the CDC, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans aged 44 years and younger. Many times, these accidents range from vehicle to workplace accidents.

While an accidental death policy can benefit a wide range of people, those in high-risk jobs should carefully consider these plans. It might make sense for you to get a form of coverage, especially if you are in a high-risk situation. After all, you don't want to leave your loved ones financially vulnerable in case the worst happens unexpectedly.

So, what are your options? Let's dive into what Accidental Death insurance coverage entails and if it's the right choice for you

What is accidental death insurance?

Accidental death insurance is a type of policy that pays out a financial benefit in the event of death resulting from an accident.

It provides financial support to the beneficiaries named in the policy if the insured person dies due to an accident covered in the contract.

It's important to note that accidental death insurance is different from traditional life insurance. While life insurance provides coverage for death, accidental death insurance specifically covers accidents.

How accidental death insurance works

Accidental death insurance provides broad coverage for a relatively low cost. It covers accidental death sustained from any covered injury, work-related or non-work-related.

Accidental death insurance is helpful if you need to:

Supplement life insurance

Accidental death insurance is not the same as traditional life insurance, but it can be used as a supplement to traditional life insurance.

Protect your family

Accidental death insurance is also a way for people who don’t qualify for traditional life insurance to help protect their family’s future in the case of their accidental death.

Guarantee your coverage

Unlike traditional life insurance, you can’t be turned down for accidental death insurance due to health or occupation reasons, as long as you qualify based on your current age. Typically, you can purchase an accidental death policy until age 70, while coverage is guaranteed (if premiums are paid) until age 80.

Why do you need an accidental death policy?

Accidental death often comes with sudden financial stressors — hospital bills, legal fees and funeral expenses — all while the survivors struggle with grief and loss. This is why accidental death insurance can be helpful.

So the answer, at least in part, to the question “Why do you need accidental death insurance?” is fairly straightforward. Accidental death insurance helps replace the loss of income and provide financial support for your family if you die in an accident covered by your policy.

Is accidental death insurance right for you?

Accidental death insurance is particularly suited for you if:

You want or need to help supplement your traditional life insurance coverage

You want to provide extra help and protection to your family should you die suddenly from an accident

You want to provide some financial protection for your family, even if you don’t qualify for other forms of insurance

You want to give your family some peace of mind, but you need insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam.

FAQs on accidental death insurance

What is covered by accidental death insurance?

Accidental Death Insurance covers a range of accidents, including vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, falls, accidental drowning and other unforeseen incidents. Accidental death policies do not cover death from illness or natural causes. The specific coverage may vary between insurance policies, so it's crucial to review the terms and conditions of your policy.

Is accidental death insurance worth it?

Whether accidental death insurance is worth it depends on individual circumstances. If you have dependents or work in a high-risk environment, accidental death insurance can provide valuable financial protection. Consider your lifestyle, risk factors and existing coverage to determine if it's a worthwhile investment.

How to get accidental death insurance?

Getting accidental death Insurance is relatively simple. You can purchase it as a standalone policy or as a rider to an existing life insurance policy. Research different insurance providers, compare rates and choose a policy that aligns with your needs and budget.

What is considered accidental death?

Accidental death, in the context of accidental death insurance, refers to a death resulting from an unforeseen and unintentional accident. Covered accidents may include vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, falls, drowning and other accidental events specified in the insurance policy.

Expand your coverage with accidental death insurance

In a nutshell, accidental death Insurance is a valuable consideration for individuals looking to enhance their financial safety net in the face of unpredictable accidents. While it may not replace traditional life insurance, it can provide an extra layer of protection for those unexpected events.

Assess your individual needs, lifestyle and risk factors to determine if accidental death insurance is the right fit for you. Interested in learning more about Accidental Death insurance? Don't hesitate to contact us at Mutual of Omaha for help and resources to guide you through this journey.

*For Mutual of Omaha policies, premiums are paid up to age 100. Once a policyholder reaches 120 years of age, they receive the surrender value (the cash value minus any loans) if they choose to surrender their policy.

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