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Insurance Basics

What Is a Rider or Endorsement on a Policy?

Truscott Team
April 21, 2026
4 min read

A rider or endorsement is an add-on that modifies your existing insurance policy. It can add coverage, remove exclusions, or change the terms of your policy. Think of it as a customization — your base policy covers the basics, and endorsements let you tailor it to your specific needs.

Riders vs. endorsements

The terms are often used interchangeably, and in practice they mean the same thing — an amendment to your policy. "Rider" is more commonly used in life and health insurance, while "endorsement" is the standard term in property and casualty insurance. Regardless of the name, both are written modifications attached to your policy document.

Common endorsements

  • Scheduled personal property: Increases coverage for high-value items like jewelry, art, or collectibles beyond the standard sub-limits on your homeowners policy.
  • Water backup: Covers damage from sewer or drain backups, which is excluded from most standard homeowners policies.
  • Identity theft: Adds coverage for expenses related to restoring your identity after theft, including lost wages and legal fees.
  • Replacement cost on personal property: Upgrades your personal property coverage from actual cash value to replacement cost.
  • Rideshare coverage: Fills the gap between your personal auto policy and the rideshare company's commercial coverage while you are driving for a service like Uber or Lyft.

How endorsements affect your premium

Most endorsements add a small amount to your premium — often just a few dollars per month. Some endorsements, like increasing your deductible, can actually lower your premium. The cost depends on the type of endorsement and the additional risk the insurer is taking on. Given the relatively low cost, many endorsements offer excellent value for the coverage they provide.

What Truscott recommends

Do not assume your base policy covers everything you need. Many important protections are only available as endorsements, and they are surprisingly affordable. At Truscott, we review your lifestyle and assets to recommend endorsements that close real gaps in your coverage. Request a Truscott coverage review and we will identify which add-ons are worth every penny for your situation.

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