---
title: "What Is Rider? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A rider is an optional add-on to an insurance policy or annuity that changes or adds benefits for an extra cost. It becomes part of the contract once..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/rider
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Riders

# Rider

A rider is an optional add-on to an insurance policy or annuity that changes or adds benefits for an extra cost. It becomes part of the contract once attached.

## Why it matters

Riders let buyers tailor coverage, such as adding waiver of premium or a chronic illness benefit. Some are free, such as certain accelerated death benefits, while others raise the premium. Availability, cost, and terms differ by carrier and state. Not every rider is worth buying, so compare the cost with the likelihood of needing it. Read the rider wording, since it states when the benefit is paid and what is excluded. Ask whether a rider can be removed later.

Source: [naic.org](https://content.naic.org/consumer/life-insurance.htm)

## Where we use this term

-   [Fixed vs fixed index annuity: how do they work and who do they fit?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/fixed-vs-fixed-index-annuity)
-   [Indexed universal life (IUL) explained: caps, floors, costs, and risks](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/iul-explained)
-   [Mortgage protection vs term life vs PMI: who does each one protect?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/mortgage-protection-vs-term-life-vs-pmi)
-   [Accidental death insurance: what AD&D covers, what it excludes, and when it helps](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/accidental-death)
-   [Annuities explained: fixed, fixed-index, MYGA, income riders and surrender charges](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/annuities)

## Start your climb.

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[Apply to join](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply)

Shopping for coverage instead? [Get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote)