Avocation Exclusion Riders
Insurers often charge extra premiums for individuals who engage in private aviation or risky hobbies they call “avocations.” Some applicants believe this is silly. Nothing is going to happen to them! They may not be willing to pay the extra premium required. Instead, they want to self-insure for the possibility something happens to them while they engage in their activity.
Most insurers offer aviation exclusion riders, because it is usually very easy to establish the cause of death when a plane goes down. It’s a bit more tricky for avocations. For example, what if a rock climber falls, survives, but is paralyzed, and dies 3 years later from an infection? What is the cause of death? Is it an insured claim?
Because of ambiguities involved in some settings, only a few insurers allow certain avocations to be excluded, and only in states where allowed.
Avocation Exclusion Riders
A few insurers, in states where allowed, may offer exclusions for the following avocations.
- Auto / Motorcycle Racing
- Hang Gliding
- Motor Boat Racing
- Mountain / Rock Climbing
- SCUBA Diving
- Sky Diving
If you have a client who engages in on or more of these activities, we recommend preliminary underwriting. This way you and your client can make an informed decision as to where to apply, based on the availability of an avocation exclusion rider.
Aviation & Avocation Pre-Underwriting Sequence
- Obtain details via the appropriate aviation or avocation questionnaire
- Provide the information by calling your Marketing Representative, via secure email, or by completing our online life insurance quote request form.
- Our team of underwriting directors will negotiate for the best offer(s) & update you as soon as possible.
- You go over options and educate your client about the pros and cons of an exclusion rider (if offered in the resident state).
- Client proceeds with an application at the right carrier, based on realistic premium assumptions, with or without exclusion rider
Are you working with a client who is a private pilot or engages in what insurers consider to be a risky avocation? Let’s connect to strategize in advance of deciding on a carrier or showing an illustration. Please call us, send us a secure email, or complete our online life insurance quote request form with details. We’ll report back to you with available options ASAP. Be sure to specify the resident state of the applicant. Thank you!
Expand your knowledge beyond avocation exclusion riders. Visit our underwriting page for additional exceptions and clever strategies.