A rider is an amendment, sometimes called an endorsement, added by the insurance company that changes your policy in some way. The rider may either expand coverage, take it away, or further define what is covered. Riders can also be added to health insurance policies, usually to exclude specific illnesses from coverage. An insurer can add a rider without your consent if the state board of insurance has approved it. However, riders are usually added only at the time of the policy's renewal.
Most riders limit coverage, rather than expand it.
A rider or endorsement also refers to coverage that you add to your policy. For instance, if you purchase expensive items like jewelry, fine art or silver, you may want to add additional coverage. In fact, some insurers require that you itemize such objects separately. The insurance company decides what they are going to pay you to replace your possessions, and you may not always agree with the company about what an item is worth. It also helps if you have photographs of all your valuables.