The declarations page is a handy page that summarizes your home insurance policy. It usually includes your insurer’s contact information, policy number, premium, coverage limits, and any discounts that apply to your policy. The declarations page is usually located at the beginning of your policy documents, but if you can’t find it, you can always request a copy from your home insurance company.
What’s on the homeowners insurance declaration page?
If you’re learning how to read a home insurance policy, start with the declarations page, which is a one-page snapshot of the policy contents. Some home insurance companies also call this the “dec” page, or policy declarations page.
The declarations page of your home insurance policy will typically include the following:
- Insurance company name and contact details: These are usually found at the top of the declaration page.
- Policy information: The declaration page will also list your policy number and the effective date of your policy.
- personal information: Your name, street address, and mailing address (if different from your street address) will be listed on your tax return page along with information about your mortgage. Your date of birth may also be listed.
- Press Information: This will take up the majority of the declaration page. It will show the limits for your standard coverage types and any addenda you may have added to your policy. It will also list your deductible.
- discount: Any discounts you’ve applied to your policy may be listed on your declarations page, and some companies may also list any other discounts available to you so you can make sure you’re not missing out on any savings.
- Premium: The declaration page will list your overall premium and may also list the premium amounts you pay for each coverage.
When you shop for new insurance, review your declarations page to make sure your information is accurate. Don’t wait until you need to file a claim to realize you made a mistake, such as an incorrect deductible.
If you have any questions about anything on the declarations page, please contact your agent.
When should I check the insurance declaration page?
Your homeowners insurance declarations page provides valuable policy information. If you’re comparing rates or reviewing coverage before filing a claim, it’s often easier to get the information quickly from the declarations page than it is to read through your entire policy. You might need to review your declarations page in the following scenarios:
When you need to file a claim
If your home or personal belongings have been damaged, or you believe you may be responsible for injury or property damage to someone else, we encourage you to check out our filing page.
Any time you think you have grounds for a claim, consider reviewing your insurance policy. Information about the type and limits of coverage outlined in your policy will be found further inside the policy’s “policy jacket,” but understanding what your policy covers can help avoid surprises when it comes time to make a claim.
Check your deduction
Before filing a claim, check your deductible (it’s also listed on the declaration page). In general, most insurance experts recommend filing a claim only if the estimated damages significantly exceed your deductible. Filing a claim will usually increase your premiums, so if your damages are not that great, it’s worth thinking carefully before making a claim.
Questions about compensation limits?
If you are unsure of your coverage limits, our declarations page can help. Coverage limits are the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a covered loss. Each coverage, including dwelling, personal property, and other buildings coverage, typically has coverage limits. Understanding the limits can help you determine whether a loss will be fully covered by your insurance company or if you will have to pay some of the costs out of pocket.
When you want to lower your insurance premiums
At some point, you may decide that your home insurance premiums are too high and want to find a way to save. The declarations page will show you how much you’re paying and also let you see if you’re eligible for any discounts.
Check your declarations page to see any additional coverage options that may be increasing your coverage limits, deductibles, and rates. If you are changing insurers, check your current declarations page to see if you can switch with another insurer on comparable terms.
How to obtain an insurance declaration
When you purchase a policy, you will receive a copy of the entire policy, including the declarations page.
If you have a copy of your insurance policy, the declarations page will be at the top of the document, usually labeled “Declarations Page” or a similar title. If you don’t have a copy of your insurance policy, it is easily obtainable from your insurance company.
- Please check your email: If you signed your insurance policy electronically, a copy of it may be in your inbox.
- Check the company’s online portal or app. Many insurance companies have online portals or mobile apps that allow you to manage your policy, and some even allow you to download a copy of your home insurance policy.
- Find a hard copy: If you signed up for insurance directly, your agent or broker should have given you a physical copy of your policy.
- Call our agent: If that doesn’t work, contact a licensed agent of your home insurance company, who should be able to email or mail you a copy of your policy.
Once you get your new copies, keep one handy in case you need to file another claim. Some agencies recommend keeping a second copy somewhere other than your home in case important documents are damaged. Consider scanning your documents and storing them in a digital format.
If you don’t know how to read your insurance policy, a licensed insurance agent can explain it to you.
