Rider
A rider is an amendment or addition attached to an insurance policy that changes, adds to, or removes coverage from the standard policy terms. Riders always override the base policy wording for the specific clause or coverage they address.
Common types of rider
Scheduled items rider
Lists high-value items (jewellery, art, cameras) by name and insures them for their agreed value, bypassing any sub-limit in the base policy.
Waiver of premium rider
Life/disability: if you become unable to work, the insurer waives your premium payments while keeping the policy in force.
Critical illness rider
Pays a lump sum on diagnosis of specified conditions (cancer, heart attack, stroke) — often added to a life or health policy.
Exclusion rider
Removes cover for a named risk — e.g. a specific body part, pre-existing condition, or activity. May be required by the insurer before they accept the risk.
How riders interact with the base policy
Riders are always listed on your Declarations page (policy schedule). When a rider conflicts with the base policy wording, the rider prevails. This means you must read both — the base policy sets the default, but riders can override key clauses.
Our guide to the five parts of every policy explains where endorsements and riders sit in the policy structure and why they take precedence.
Rider FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Yes — the terms are used interchangeably. "Rider" is most common in life, health, and disability insurance. "Endorsement" is used in property and casualty insurance. Both refer to a document attached to the policy that modifies its standard terms.
- If the rider adds cover, yes — the additional risk increases the premium. Some riders remove cover (e.g. a named exclusion rider), which may reduce the premium. The Insurance Information Institute explains common rider types and their typical cost implications.
- Usually yes, at renewal or sometimes mid-term by request. Some riders — particularly those added for pre-existing medical conditions — may have waiting periods or may not be removable once exercised. Check your policy schedule and ask your insurer.