---
title: "Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Meaning | Riskado"
description: "AD&D pays a set benefit when a covered accident causes death or a listed loss, like a hand, foot or eyesight. See a worked example and questions to ask."
url: "https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/accidental-death-and-dismemberment/"
lang: "en"
published: "2026-03-16"
modified: "2026-10-01"
image: "https://riskado.com/og/default.jpg"
alternates:
  es: "https://riskado.com/es/terminos-de-seguros/muerte-y-desmembramiento-accidental.md"
---

# Accidental death and dismemberment

[Life and Health](https://riskado.com/life-and-health-insurance/) · Updated Oct 1, 2026

Accidental death and dismemberment, or AD&D, is accident-only coverage that pays a stated benefit when a covered accident causes death or a listed loss, such as a hand, foot or eyesight. The death benefit usually goes to your beneficiary, and a dismemberment benefit usually goes to you.

Also called: ad&d, accidental death and dismemberment insurance

AD&D pays only when an accident causes the loss, and only for the losses its benefit schedule lists. A death from illness, or an injury that is not on the schedule, falls outside it. That is why AD&D usually sits beside [life insurance](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/life-insurance/) rather than replacing it, and why the amount you receive depends on the exact loss.

## How an AD&D benefit adds up

The federal employee program, FEGLI, shows how AD&D stacks on top of life [coverage](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/coverage/). An employee with $50,000 of Basic coverage and $10,000 of Option A who dies in a covered accident receives AD&D equal to both amounts, paid in addition to the regular [death benefit](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/death-benefit/), according to the [Office of Personnel Management (opens in a new tab)](https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/insure-faq/life/what-happens-if-i-die-in-an-automobile-accident-or-if-i-lose-my-sight-or-a-limb-as-a-result-of-an-accident/).

FEGLI example: covered accidental death with $50,000 Basic and $10,000 Option A

Hover or tap a row to highlight it.

| Benefit | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Basic AD&D | $50,000 |
| Option A AD&D | $10,000 |
| Total AD&D ($50,000 + $10,000) | $60,000 |
| Regular life insurance death benefit ($50,000 + $10,000) | $60,000 |
| Combined payment to the beneficiary | $120,000 |

The [beneficiary](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/beneficiary/) receives the death benefits. These figures come from one federal program; a private or employer [policy](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/policy/) sets its own amounts and may coordinate with life coverage differently.

A dismemberment pays less than the full amount unless the loss is severe enough. Under FEGLI, losing one hand, one foot or the sight of one eye pays one-half of the applicable Option A coverage, while two or more of those losses pay the full amount, according to the [OPM insurance glossary (opens in a new tab)](https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/insurance-glossary/). On $10,000 of Option A, one such loss pays $5,000.

## The options that change what AD&D pays

The core number is the principal sum. The principal sum is the amount payable for accidental death, and dismemberment benefits equal the principal sum or a fraction of it, according to the [Connecticut Insurance Department glossary (opens in a new tab)](https://portal.ct.gov/cid/searchable-archive/library/glossary). Around that number, policies vary in a few ways:

- **Death benefit.** Commonly 100% of the principal sum when a covered accident causes death.
- **Dismemberment schedule.** A policy may pay a percentage for one listed loss and a larger percentage for multiple losses.
- **Time limit.** FEGLI requires the death or loss to occur within one year after the accident. Other policies set their own period, so the wording matters.
- **Loss definitions.** FEGLI defines loss of a hand as loss at or above the wrist, loss of a foot as at or above the ankle, and loss of sight as total and permanent absence of usable vision.
- **Who is covered.** Employer plans may provide basic coverage automatically and offer supplemental amounts for an employee, spouse, children or family.
- **Price.** When coverage is voluntary, a higher elected amount generally costs more. Some employers provide basic AD&D at no added charge and bill for supplemental amounts.

[Disability insurance](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/disability-insurance/) generally pays periodic income when a covered sickness or injury keeps you from working. AD&D may pay a lump sum for a listed accidental loss, but it does not ordinarily replace lost wages.

## Where you will find AD&D

AD&D shows up in several kinds of coverage: as a benefit or accidental-death [rider](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/rider/) on life insurance, in employer or association group plans, in [travel insurance](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/travel-insurance/), in accident-only health policies, and in [auto insurance](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/personal-auto-policy/) as an optional benefit for you, family members or vehicle occupants, according to the [New York Department of Financial Services (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/auto_insurance/Auto_resource_center). It is not ordinarily part of a standard homeowners, renters, condo, pet or business-property policy.

On paper, look for it on the declarations page, coverage schedule, benefit table, exclusions, endorsements, rider, certificate or group benefit booklet. It can also appear on a quote, binder, renewal notice, enrollment form or claim letter. The certificate and full policy control over a short quote or marketing label.

## New York rules for AD&D policies

New York classifies insurance against death or personal injury by accident as accident and health insurance under [New York Insurance Law § 1113 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/1113). Group accident insurance falls under [§ 4235 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/4235), and group or blanket policies must carry the standard provisions in [§ 3221 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3221), or provisions more favorable to policyholders.

The state's [review standards for group AD&D insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/add_group.pdf) add specific requirements. No probationary period is permitted in accident policies. A specific dismemberment benefit cannot replace other benefits unless it is at least equal. Loss of use may qualify if the policy's definition includes it, and the policy must state the time within which a loss has to occur. AD&D offered by a travel agent with a travel purchase generally has to be optional and separately charged, subject to statutory exceptions, according to [DFS Opinion No. 00-07-19 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/ogco2000/rg007272.htm).

In Connecticut, the approved policy form, rider, certificate and benefit schedule set the amounts and covered losses. Ask the insurer for those documents and any Connecticut endorsement.

## Questions to ask your agent or insurer

1.  What exact events qualify as accidental death or dismemberment under my policy? Illness, intoxication, self-inflicted injury, illegal activity and other exclusions can change eligibility.
2.  What percentage or dollar amount is payable for each listed loss? One hand, one foot, one eye, multiple losses, paralysis and death can each carry a different benefit.
3.  How long after the accident must death or the loss occur, and when must I notify you? Policies set loss periods and claim deadlines, and a late loss or late proof can affect payment.
4.  Is the coverage included, employee-paid or separately billed, and can the premium or benefit change at renewal? Voluntary supplemental coverage can change in price, limits or eligibility.
5.  Does coverage continue if I change jobs, retire, cancel the underlying life policy or change vehicles? Group and rider coverage can end when employment or the underlying policy ends.

## Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common AD&D questions.

### Does AD&D cover illness?

Usually no. Accident-only coverage is tied to accidental injury or specified accidents, according to the [NAIC (opens in a new tab)](https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-ahp-lr-accident-health-report.pdf). The policy's definition of accident and its exclusions decide close cases.

### Does AD&D pay for a broken leg?

Not unless the policy lists that loss. AD&D generally pays only for losses in its benefit schedule, such as death, loss of a hand or foot, or total loss of sight.

### If an AD&D claim is denied, can life insurance still pay?

It can. A death that falls outside the AD&D definition may still qualify under an ordinary life policy if that policy covers the cause of death.

## Related terms