What are 'riders' in an insurance policy?

Riders in an insurance policy refer to amendments that provide additional coverage or benefits beyond the standard terms of the policy. These riders are added provisions that can expand or customize the insurance coverage based on the policyholder's specific needs. For example, a life insurance policy might include a rider for critical illness, offering additional benefits if the insured is diagnosed with a specified condition.

Riders enhance the primary coverage by addressing unique situations or risks that are not included in the base policy. This customization allows policyholders to tailor their insurance according to personal circumstances, ensuring they have comprehensive protection that suits their individual requirements. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of modern insurance policies.

In contrast to this, the main coverage elements of a policy represent the fundamental protections provided, while endorsements that reduce coverage limits would limit the scope of protection rather than enhance it. Lastly, the terms of service for insurance agents concern the obligations and protocols related to the agency relationship, which is not directly related to the specifics of coverage within insurance policies.