What benefit do riders typically provide in a life insurance policy?

Riders in a life insurance policy are designed to provide additional coverage or enhancements to the base policy. These riders allow policyholders to customize their insurance plans according to their specific needs, offering benefits that are not included in the standard policy. For instance, common riders may include accelerated death benefits, which allow for early payment of death benefits in the event of a terminal illness, or a waiver of premium rider, which waives premiums if the policyholder becomes disabled.

This customization allows individuals to tailor their coverage based on personal circumstances, enhancing protection for themselves and their loved ones. While the other options present various aspects of life insurance, they do not accurately represent the fundamental purpose of riders. They do not inherently reduce premium costs or guarantee returns, nor provide exemptions from underwriting, but instead serve to augment the base benefits of the policy.