What is the purpose of adding riders to a life insurance policy?

Adding riders to a life insurance policy serves the primary purpose of allowing policyholders to customize their coverage. Riders are additional provisions or amendments that can modify the standard terms of the policy, enhancing the benefits to better meet specific needs or circumstances of the insured.

For instance, a common rider might include an accelerated death benefit, which allows the policyholder to receive a portion of the death benefit while still alive if diagnosed with a terminal illness. Other riders might provide coverage for accidental death, waiver of premium, or guaranteed insurability, each adding value and flexibility to the policy.

This customization is significant because it enables individuals to tailor their life insurance contracts according to their unique financial situations and future plans, thus enhancing the overall utility of their insurance coverage. Instead of being just a standard product, the life insurance policy becomes more aligned with the policyholder's personal needs and preferences.