What is the main purpose of a "rider" in a life insurance policy?

The main purpose of a rider in a life insurance policy is to add additional benefits or coverage to the base policy. Riders are customizable features that policyholders can choose to enhance their life insurance coverage according to their specific needs or preferences. These may include provisions such as accelerated death benefits, which allow for a portion of the death benefit to be accessed while the insured is still alive, or accidental death riders, which provide additional coverage in the event of death due to an accident.

This flexibility allows policyholders to tailor their insurance plans, ensuring that they have the necessary provisions for various circumstances without needing to purchase a separate policy. Riders can address unique situations that a standard life insurance policy may not cover, thereby increasing the overall value of the policy as it evolves with the insured's life changes.