Choking Fatality: Insurance's Take On Accidents

Is Death from Choking Considered an Accidental Death for Insurance Purposes?

Death by choking is generally considered an accidental death by insurance companies. However, this depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the death and the terms of the insurance policy.

Accidental death is defined as death resulting from an unintentional injury. Any death caused by intentional or self-inflicted injury, natural causes, illness, disease, or old age is typically excluded from accidental death coverage.

Insurance policies may have strict parameters for what constitutes an accidental death, and it is important to carefully review the terms of the policy to understand what is covered and what is not.

In the case of death by choking, insurance companies will consider whether the choking was intentional or unintentional. For example, suicide by choking is typically excluded from accidental death coverage. Additionally, deaths that occur while engaging in illegal activities or hazardous hobbies may also be excluded.

It is worth noting that accidental death benefits are often optional riders or provisions that can be added to basic life insurance policies at the request of the insured. These riders typically come with additional costs and may have age limits set by the insurance company.

When filing an accidental death claim, it is essential to provide a certified death certificate and any other relevant documentation to support the claim. The specific cause of death listed on the death certificate will play a crucial role in determining whether the insurance company considers the death to be accidental.

If there is uncertainty about the cause of death or if the death occurred under complex circumstances, it may be necessary to seek legal advice to help evaluate the claim and pursue litigation if needed.

What is considered an accidental death?

Accidental death is a form of insurance that is often added to a life insurance policy as a rider or clause. It covers death or serious injury resulting from an accident. Accidental death benefits are optional riders and are not included in standard life insurance policies.

Insurance companies define accidental death as an event that occurs as a result of an accident. Deaths from car crashes, slips, choking, drowning, machinery, and other situations beyond one's control are deemed accidental. The death must occur within a period specified in the policy.

Accidental death benefits may also cover dismemberment, paralysis, and other similar cases. These riders are called accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

Exclusions

Accidents typically exclude acts of war, death caused by illegal activities, and death from an illness. Hazardous hobbies that the insured engages in regularly, such as race car driving, are also often excluded.

Types of Accidental Death Benefit Plans

There are three main types of accidental death benefit plans:

• Group life supplement: The accidental death benefit plan is included as part of a group life insurance contract, such as those offered by an employer.
• Voluntary accidental death benefit plan: Offered to members of a group as a separate, elective benefit. Premiums are usually paid through regular payroll deductions.
• Travel accident insurance: Provided through an employee benefit plan, it offers supplemental accident protection to workers while travelling for work.

Example of Accidental Death Benefit

Suppose you have a $500,000 life insurance policy with a $1 million accidental death benefit rider. If you die of a heart attack (a natural cause), the insurance company will pay your beneficiary $500,000. However, if you die in a car accident, your beneficiary will receive the $500,000 life insurance benefit plus the $1 million accidental death benefit, totalling $1.5 million.

What is accidental death insurance?

Accidental death insurance, also known as accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, is a type of insurance that supplements basic life insurance coverage. It is usually added as a rider to a life insurance policy, but it can also be purchased as standalone coverage.

AD&D insurance pays benefits in addition to life insurance if the insured dies as a result of an accident or suffers a catastrophic injury that results in limb amputation or loss of vision or hearing. This type of insurance is important for people who work in or around potentially hazardous environments. Even those who drive more than average, either professionally or as a commuter, should consider accidental death benefit riders.

Accidental death is defined as death caused by an unexpected event or happening (accident). Any death that is not intended, expected, or anticipated constitutes an accidental death. Insurance companies define accidental death as an event that strictly occurs as a result of an accident. Deaths from car crashes, slips, choking, drowning, machinery, and any other situations that can’t be controlled are deemed accidental.

The amount of coverage varies. Typically, accidental death insurance benefits are in the same amount as life insurance benefits, although it may be possible to purchase more coverage. For dismemberment, benefits are usually paid as a percentage of the total amount depending on the specific loss.

Insurance companies often have strict perimeters of what constitutes an accidental death. Accidental death benefits are optional riders, so they aren’t included in standard life insurance policies. These riders often end at a specific age, which is set by the insurance company.

What is covered by accidental death insurance?

Accidental death insurance, also known as accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, is a type of insurance that supplements basic life insurance coverage. It is often added as a rider to a life insurance policy.

AD&D insurance pays benefits in addition to life insurance if the insured dies as a result of an accident or suffers a catastrophic injury that results in limb amputation or loss of vision or hearing.

The definition of an accidental death is a death that is caused by an unintentional injury. Any death caused by an intentional, self-inflicted injury or by a natural cause like old age, a disease or illness would not be considered an accidental death.

Insurance companies define accidental death as an event that strictly occurs as a result of an accident. Deaths from car crashes, slips, choking, drowning, machinery, and any other situations that can’t be controlled are deemed accidental.

Some policies’ accidental death benefits may also cover dismemberment—total or partial loss of limbs—burns, instances of paralysis, and other similar cases. These riders are called accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

Accidental death benefits are important for people who work in or around potentially hazardous environments. Even those who drive more than average—either professionally or as a commuter—should consider accidental death benefit riders.

AD&D insurance will not provide any coverage for deaths that occurred due to natural causes, illnesses, or suicide. There are many more exclusions to this type of insurance, which include:

• Deaths resulting from natural causes, illness, or suicide
• A death or injury resulting from driving under the influence of alcohol
• Deaths occurring as a result of a drug overdose involving illegal drugs or drugs used other than as prescribed
• Deaths or injuries suffered as a result of armed service or during a war
• Injuries or death suffered as the result of a riot
• Deaths or injuries resulting from car racing or other extreme sports such as sky-diving or scuba-diving

The amount of coverage varies. Typically, accidental death insurance benefits are in the same amount as life insurance benefits, although it may be possible to purchase more coverage.

What is not covered by accidental death insurance?

Accidental death insurance is a type of insurance that supplements basic life insurance coverage. It is often added as a rider to a life insurance policy and pays out in addition to the standard benefit if the insured dies as a result of an accident or suffers a catastrophic injury.

Accidental death is defined as an event that occurs as a result of an accident. Any death that is not intended, expected, or anticipated is considered an accidental death. However, there are certain exclusions to what is covered by accidental death insurance.

Deaths resulting from the following are generally not covered by accidental death insurance:

• Natural causes, such as a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or old age.
• Illness or disease.
• Suicide, although this may be covered if a certain amount of time has passed since the policy was taken out.
• Death caused by illegal activities, such as committing a crime or taking illegal drugs.
• Death caused by hazardous hobbies or risky activities, such as race car driving, bungee jumping, or scuba diving.
• Death that occurs outside of the specified time frame in the policy, which is usually within a few months of the accident.
• Death caused by acts of war or terrorism.
• Death that occurs while undergoing medical treatment, unless it is a result of an accident, such as surgical equipment falling on the patient.
• Death caused by an underlying medical condition or pre-existing illness that contributes to or is the predominant cause of death.

What are the differences between accidental death insurance and term life insurance?

Accidental death insurance and term life insurance are two distinct types of insurance policies that offer financial protection in the event of death. While both policies serve this purpose, they differ in terms of coverage, benefits, and conditions.

Accidental death insurance, also known as accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, is a type of insurance that supplements basic life insurance coverage. It pays benefits to the beneficiary in the event of the policyholder's accidental death or serious injury. This includes death or injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, poisoning, drowning, and gunshot wounds. Death by homicide is also considered an accidental death. However, intentional self-inflicted injuries, suicide, and deaths resulting from illegal activities or medical treatment are typically excluded.

On the other hand, term life insurance covers instances of death resulting from illnesses, diseases, and natural causes. It provides financial protection for a specific period, usually one to 30 years, and pays out a lump sum to the beneficiary when the insured dies within this term. Term life insurance is often purchased to provide financial protection during significant life events, such as buying a new house or having a child.

The main difference between the two policies lies in their coverage. Accidental death insurance only covers accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents, plane or train accidents, and industrial incidents. In contrast, term life insurance covers a broader range of causes, including death from illnesses and natural causes.

Another distinction is that term life insurance pays out regardless of the cause of death, except for certain exclusions such as suicide within the first two years of the policy. Accidental death insurance, on the other hand, only pays out if the death or injury is caused by an accident.

Additionally, term life insurance policies often have a "contestability period," during which the insurance company can challenge the policy if there are inconsistencies or suspicions of fraud. Accidental death insurance does not typically include such a period.

In terms of cost, accidental death insurance is usually more affordable than term life insurance since it covers a narrower range of incidents. However, it's important to note that accidental death insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for all scenarios, especially if you're concerned about dying from an illness.

When deciding between the two, it's crucial to evaluate your needs, budget, and specific circumstances. Term life insurance offers broader coverage and is suitable if you want protection regardless of the cause of death. Accidental death insurance, on the other hand, is more affordable and suitable if you're primarily concerned about accidental death or injury.

Frequently asked questions