What is Double Indemnity in Life Insurance?

What is Double Indemnity in Life Insurance?

Double indemnity is a clause in many life insurance policies that doubles the death benefit paid to a beneficiary should the insured’s death occur by accident. This means that if the insured has a $50,000 life insurance policy and they were to die in a car accident, the payout would be $100,000 under a double indemnity provision.

The term “double indemnity” comes from the 1944 film of the same name, in which a man plots to murder his wife and collect on her life insurance policy. The film popularized the term and made it synonymous with life insurance policies that offer double the death benefit for accidental deaths.

Not all life insurance policies include a double indemnity provision. However, if your policy does, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions so that you can be sure that you’re eligible for the benefit if the need arises.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind about double indemnity:

  • The death must be accidental. This means that the death must be caused by an unforeseen and unexpected event that was not the result of the insured’s own negligence.
  • The death must be covered by the policy. Not all accidents are covered by life insurance policies. For example, some policies may exclude accidents that occur while the insured is intoxicated or while they are engaging in dangerous activities.
  • The death must be verified. The insurance company will need to verify that the death was accidental before they will pay out the double indemnity benefit.

If you have a life insurance policy with a double indemnity provision, it’s important to keep these things in mind. By understanding the terms and conditions of your policy, you can be sure that you’re eligible for the benefit if the need arises.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about
our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Insurance Blogs

Finding Your Financial Foundation: Understanding the Minimum Life Insurance You Need

What’s the minimum life insurance you really need? Learn about covering final expenses, debts, and providing immediate financial relief for your family.

Declutter Your Life: Beyond the Physical to a More Streamlined Existence

Tired of clutter? Discover actionable tips to declutter not just your belongings, but also your finances and digital life for a more streamlined and stress-free life.

Your Life Insurance Journey: Start Small, Dream Big, Build Security

Don’t wait for the perfect policy. Discover how starting small with life insurance is the key to building long-term financial security for your family.

Small Steps, Big Impact: Achieving a Healthier Lifestyle Without Radical Overhaul

Forget extreme diets and intense workouts. Learn how simple, everyday choices can add up to a healthier lifestyle.

Weaving Family History: The Power and Importance of a Family Timeline

More than just dates: Crafting a family timeline to connect generations and preserve memories.

Family Fitness Adventures for Lasting Memories

Ditch the couch: Active family fun for a healthier, happier life.

Beyond Upfront Payments: Pre-Planning Your Final Arrangements with Peace of Mind

Pre-planning your farewell: Affordable options and peace of mind.

Life Insurance: Investment or Protection? Decoding Cash Value Policies

Is life insurance an investment? Understanding cash value policies.

From Picky Eaters to Healthy Habits: Nurturing Lifelong Wellness in Children

Beyond the clean plate: Fostering healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

Embracing the New Era of Celebrations of Life

Discover the growing trend of celebrations of life and how they are transforming the way we say goodbye to our loved ones. Learn about the unique aspects of these celebrations and the role of life insurance in ensuring financial peace of mind.