Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is a policy that pays benefits to the beneficiary if the cause of death is an accident. This is a limited form of life insurance which is generally less expensive.  In the event of an accidental death, this insurance will pay benefits in addition to any life insurance but only up to a set amount total. Some of the covered accidents include traffic accidents, exposure, homicide, falls, heavy equipment accidents and drowning. Accidental deaths are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.  Accidental death insurance is not an investment vehicle and thus clients are paying only for sustained protection.