Rider

A rider is an addition to an insurance policy that modifies what it covers. In homeowners insurance, the word is mostly a casual synonym for endorsement. When an agent says "I'll put a jewelry rider on the policy" or "you'll want a water backup rider," the paperwork that arrives is normally an endorsement with an ISO or company form number.

The distinction matters less than the effect. Whatever it is called, a rider becomes part of the contract, appears on your declarations page, and overrides the base policy where they conflict. The word is also routine in life and health insurance, and it has carried over into everyday talk about property policies. Some insurers use "rider" in marketing even when the filed form is called an endorsement.

The practical points are the same. Ask what the rider adds or removes, what limit and deductible apply, and what it costs each year. Confirm that it is listed on the dec page, because a verbal promise from an agent is not coverage. If you are adding a rider for a valuable item, compare it with a floater, which is written for specific property on an itemized basis.

The guide on endorsements, riders and floaters sorts out the terms.