What is the primary purpose of a rider in an insurance policy?

The primary purpose of a rider in an insurance policy is to alter the benefits of the policy. Riders are additions or modifications to a standard insurance policy that can expand, limit, or otherwise change the coverage provided. For example, a policyholder might add a rider for accidental death benefits, which would increase the amount payable if the insured dies as a result of an accident. Riders allow for customization of insurance coverage, enabling policyholders to tailor their policies according to their specific needs and circumstances.

While other elements like adjustments in premium or making a policy non-forfeitable are part of insurance discussions, they do not encompass the core function of what riders are intended to achieve. Riders specifically aim to modify the coverage features of the policy rather than simply affecting the cost or status of the policy itself.