What Is an Insurance Policy Rider?
A rider (or endorsement) changes a standard policy by adding, removing, or modifying coverage, often for an added premium. Here are common examples across life, home, and auto insurance.
Quick answer
A rider, called an endorsement in property and auto insurance, is an add-on that changes a standard policy. Riders can add coverage, expand it, limit it, or change how it pays. Many cost extra; some are included automatically.
Common riders and endorsements
| Policy type | Example | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Life | Waiver of premium | Waives premiums if you become disabled; see waiver of premium |
| Life | Accelerated death benefit | Access part of the benefit if seriously ill; see accelerated benefits |
| Life | Term conversion | Convert term to permanent without new underwriting; see term features |
| Home | Water backup | Adds sewer and drain backup coverage; see sewer backup |
| Home | Scheduled personal property | Covers valuables above sub-limits; see scheduled property |
| Home | Ordinance or law | Pays code-upgrade costs; see ordinance or law |
| Home | Roof payment schedule | Reduces roof payouts by age; see roof age |
| Auto | Rental reimbursement | Pays for a rental car during repairs |
| Auto | Gap coverage | Covers loan balance above car value; see gap insurance |
Not all riders help you
Some endorsements narrow coverage, often in exchange for a lower premium, such as cosmetic damage exclusions or roof schedules. They're listed on your declarations page; see declarations page.
The takeaway
Riders customize a standard policy. Read every one listed on your declarations page, because some add protection and others take it away.
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