noun
rider
In plain English
Same as an endorsement — a document attached to a policy that adds, removes, or modifies coverage.
'Rider' is the term used in life insurance and personal lines; 'endorsement' is the term used in commercial. Same legal effect.
What it covers
Whatever the rider says — could be a long-term-care rider on a life policy, an accidental-death rider, or a child rider.
What it does not cover
It is NOT a separate policy. Riders are part of the host policy and depend on the host policy staying in force.
Where it trips people up
Life insurance riders often have separate underwriting and separate exclusions. Adding a long-term-care rider may require additional health questions even years after the policy was issued.
The technical version
A document attached to and forming part of an insurance policy that modifies the policy's terms; functionally equivalent to an endorsement.