Buddy Debuts Affordable Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Coverage for American Alpine Club Members

May 4, 2022

Buddy To Donate 10 Percent of Sales to the AAC Grief Fund

RICHMOND, VA  (May 4, 2022)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The American Alpine Club (AAC) and Buddy today announced the rollout of a new member benefit: Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance program, underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company. AAC members and their dependents can now purchase affordable AD&D coverage with limits from $50,000 to $500,000 on a guaranteed issue basis through an A+ rated insurance carrier.

Historically, it is difficult for climbers to purchase life insurance for their climbing pursuits and many other outdoor adventure activities at a reasonable price. Most life insurance companies either exclude climbing altogether or significantly increase premiums for climbers, making the policies cost prohibitive. As a result, most climbers are not insured for a tragic accident while climbing.

“As a lifelong climber and an insurance industry executive, no one was more frustrated than me that affordable AD&D insurance was not available to climbers,” said Buddy Co-Founder and Head of Insurance Jay Paul. “The AAC’s AD&D insurance policy was designed by climbers for climbers. We hope it brings comfort to climbers and their families that affordable financial protection is finally available.”

The AAC’s AD&D insurance includes most climbing pursuits. In addition to coverage for the accidental loss of life, the insurance program Buddy is offering also provides coverage for injuries that result in the loss of a limb.

Coverage can be purchased by AAC members via their member portal. After completing a brief application, a policy is delivered immediately with coverage effective upon purchase. There is no underwriting as coverage is written on a guaranteed issue basis. Policy pricing for members is $48 annually per $100,000 of coverage, so $500,000 of coverage costs only $240 a year. Additional coverage can be purchased for the spouse and children of AAC members. Read the full schedule of benefits and coverage terms here.

Non ACC members interested in AD&D coverage can join the AAC for as little as $45 per year. Learn more about the benefits of AAC membership here.

“The AAC is thrilled to partner with the climbers at Buddy to fill this gap in insurance protection for our community. Paired with the rescue coverage included in AAC membership, we feel this guaranteed issue AD&D product provides an affordable and comprehensive insurance solution for today’s climbers,” said Shane Johnson, American Alpine Club chief marketing officer.

Buddy will donate 10 percent of all sales to the The Climbing Grief Fund which supports the family and friends of climbers injured or killed while climbing.

About the American Alpine Club

The American Alpine Club is our nation’s largest organization representing climbers and mountaineers. Since its founding in 1902, the American Alpine Club has been a force in helping safeguard our country’s wild landscapes and natural treasures. Working alongside our members and partners, it focuses on critical issues facing climbers and outdoor recreation nationally, such as keeping public lands pristine, wild, and open to human-powered recreation. AAC members find great joy and meaning in climbing, and are committed to a thriving outdoor community sustained by healthy mountains and climbing landscapes for generations to come.

About Buddy

Buddy’s industry transforming Insurance Gateway is the simplest way for software companies to manage and sell insurance products to customers. Built for businesses but designed for developers, Buddy’s single, forward-compatible connection enables software companies to offer and manage insurance without costly engineering hours. Buddy is based in Richmond, Va., and is an alumnus of Techstars and Plug and Play Accelerators. Buddy was named a 2019 “Outdoor Innovator” by Outside Magazine and an “Insurance Innovator to Watch” by Digital Insurance. Buddy is funded by Atypical Ventures, Sequoia Scout Fund, CIT, Techstars, and Plug and Play, as well as angel investors.  To learn more, visit https://buddy.insure/. Follow Buddy on Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more information about Buddy’s AAC’s AD&D insurance program or to schedule an interview with Buddy or the AAC, contact Kellie Pelletier, 917.514.5851 or email kellie@kelliepelletier.com. Buddy can also provide insurance tips for climbers and other adventure seekers via interviews, bylines and listicles.