<P> Accidental death insurance is not an investment vehicle and thus clients are paying only for sustained protection . Most policies have to be renewed periodically (with revised terms), although the client's consent with renewal is often implicitly assumed . </P> <P> Every insurer maintains a list of events and circumstances that void the insured's entitlement to his or her accidental death benefit . Death by illness, suicide, non-commercial radiation, war injury, and natural causes are generally not covered by AD&D . Similarly, death while under the influence of any non-prescribed drugs or alcohol is most likely exempt from coverage . Overdose with toxic or poisonous substances and injury of an athlete during a professional sporting event may void the right to claim too . </P> <P> Some insurance carriers will tailor their clients' coverage to include some of the above risks, but every such extension will be accompanied by increased premiums . </P> <P> Due to these restrictions, the process of claiming the benefit may be relatively lengthy; the deceased client may have to undergo autopsy and the accident may have to be officially investigated before a claim is approved by the insurer . </P>

What is considered accidental death for insurance purposes