While your entire policy is significant, one of the most important parts is your Insurance declarations page.
This blog post will break down the information included on a declarations page so you can feel confident in reviewing your policy.
When you buy a home insurance policy, the paperwork can be overwhelming, but learning to read your insurance policy is an important step in understanding the coverage you have.
A declarations page is a one-page summary of your insurance policy. If you need to know your policy number, coverage limits, or how much your insurance costs, consult the declarations page of your policy.
What is an Insurance Declarations Page?
An insurance declaration page, also known as a “dec page,” summarizes the policy’s insurance coverage.
The declaration page is usually the first page of your policy, and you should get a new one with each renewal.
If you don’t have a declaration page, ask your agent for one or look for a copy on your insurance company’s online insurance portal.
The document includes a summary of the most important information you need to know, such as your coverage limits and policy number.
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How Does an Insurance Declarations Page Work?
When you purchase any insurance policy, such as auto, home, or renters insurance, your insurance provider will provide you with a packet of policy statements and documents.
The declarations page is typically found at the beginning of those policy documents. Depending on your insurance company, you may receive your declarations page in either hard copy or electronic format.
When you buy a new insurance policy, keep your policy documents and dec in a safe place. In the event of a major loss, such as a hurricane or tornado damage, you will need to have those forms readily available.
A declarations page’s main purpose is to provide a simplified breakdown of your policy.
If you need to file a claim or have questions about what your policy covers, the declarations page will most likely have the answer.
Why is a Declarations Page Important?
Your insurance declarations page contains important policy details. Getting quick information from your declarations page is often easier than reading through your entire policy.
In the following scenarios, you may need to review your declarations page:
You Need to File a Claim
If your home or personal belongings have been damaged, or you believe you are liable for someone else’s injury or property damage, you should review your declarations page.
Check your policy whenever you believe you have grounds to file a claim.
The declarations page contains information about the coverage types and limits you have included on the policy, but more detailed information will be included later in the policy language, known as the “policy jacket.”
Understanding what your policy covers can help you avoid unpleasant surprises when filing a claim.
You Have a Question about Your Coverage Limits
If you’re unsure how much coverage you have, consult your declarations page. The coverage limit is the most money your insurance company will pay for a covered loss.
Each individual coverage — including dwelling, personal property, and other structures coverage — has a coverage limit in most cases.
Understanding your limits can help you determine whether an insurance company will fully cover a loss or if you will have to pay a portion of the expenses out of pocket.
To Lower Your Premium
In case you eventually decide that your home insurance premium is too high and that you want to find ways to save money.
It enables you to see how much you pay and whether or not any discounts have been applied on your declarations page.
Examine your declarations page to determine your coverage limits, deductible, and any add-on coverage options that may be raising your premium.
If you decide to switch insurance companies, review your current declarations page to ensure you are comparing apples to apples with other insurers.
What Does an Insurance Declarations Page Cover?
An insurance declarations page contains vital information about your policy. Some of the items on your December page are as follows:
- Insurance firm.
- Name and contact information for the agent.
- (Your name) is the named insured.
- The policy number.
- Policy duration (start and end dates).
- Descriptions of coverage and limitations.
- The cost of an insurance policy.
Furthermore, your declarations page most likely includes some general instructions, such as what to do after a loss.
The majority of insurance declarations pages do not list policy exclusions, such as whether your home insurance policy covers mold.
If you have specific questions about what is and isn’t covered, you should speak with an agent who can provide more information.
How to Get an Insurance Declarations Page
You will receive a copy of your entire policy, including the declarations page, after purchasing an insurance policy.
Depending on your insurance company and the option you selected when signing up for your policy, this document may be provided in hard copy or electronically.
Your insurance declaration page will be at the front of the document if you have a copy of your insurance policy forms on hand.
It will usually have a heading that says “Declarations Page” or something similar.
If you do not have a copy of your insurance policy, you can easily obtain one by calling an agent or contacting the company’s customer service team.
Once you have a new copy, keep one handy in case you need to file another claim.
Some agents recommend keeping a backup copy somewhere outside your home in case important documents are damaged. Consider scanning and saving the document digitally.
If you’re having trouble reading your policy, an insurance agent can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an insurance declaration page proof of insurance?
Your insurance declarations page can be used as proof of insurance in many cases. For example, if you own a home and your mortgage provider requests proof of homeowners insurance, a declarations page will usually suffice.
What does the insurance declaration page look like?
An insurance declarations page can be one or more pages long. Every “dec page” is unique, but you should see your insurance company’s name at the top, followed by your name, policy number, and contact information for your agent. The rest of the policy details are usually listed under this section.
Do I need to keep my insurance declaration page?
Yes, you should save your insurance declarations page in case you have any questions about your policy or need to file a claim. If you lose your “dec page,” you can get a new one from your insurance company for free.
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