Also called “Double Indemnity,” accidental death benefit is a life insurance policy feature that triggers a double payout to the beneficiary when the insured dies from an accident or dismemberment.
Following death, the insurance company that issued the policy will conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether death actually occurred due to an accident. If the death is ruled accidental, it will then calculate benefits and payout twice the policy’s face value.
However, time and age limits usually apply. For example, the insurance policy may specify that the insured must die within 90 days of the accident and be 60 years of age or less. Injuries and death due to war, illegal activity, and noncommercial aviation often apply.
The life policy section that contains accidental death benefit information is known as the “double indemnity clause.”
