The Declaration (or Declaration) page is a useful overview of your home insurance. List all important information about your policy, including your main policyholder, policy number, and your policy is active and coverage limits. We may also list currently active discounts. Most insurers post this information on the first page of their printed policy, making it easy to find. Digitally accessing your insurance policy may be available in the Documents section of your online account.
What is included in the Homeowner Insurance Declaration page?
Some home insurance companies refer to the declaration page as the “DEC” page or the policy declaration page. Details and formats may vary by company, but there are some consistency.
Here’s what you can usually find on the Insurance Contract Declaration page:
- Insurance company name and contact details: Usually these can be found at the top of the declaration page.
- Policy information: The declaration page also includes the policy number and the effective date of the policy.
- personal information: Your name, location address and mailing address (if not the location) will be listed on the DEC page, with information about your mortgage. Sometimes the date of birth is listed.
- Coverage information: This is the majority of your declaration page. Displays the standard coverage types and the authorization restrictions you have added to the policy. For example, if you purchase approvals for these events, you may see earthquake compensation or scheduled personal property compensation here. Deductible amounts are also listed.
- discount: You may see discounts applied to policies listed on the declaration page. Some companies also list other available discounts, so you can see if you’re missing saving opportunities.
- Premium: The declaration page lists the overall premiums and also lists the amount of premiums you pay for each individual coverage.
When purchasing a new insurance policy, check the declaration page to ensure that the information is accurate. Do not wait until you need to file a claim before you realize the error, so that you can deduct the wrong way.
If you have any questions about what is listed on the declaration page, reach out to your agent.
When should I check the insurance declaration page?
The Homeowner Insurance Declaration page contains valuable policy information. Whether you compare fees or check coverage before filing a claim, it’s easier to get quick information from the declaration page, rather than reading the entire policy. You may need to review the declaration page in these scenarios.
If you need to file a claim
If your home or personal property is damaged, or if you believe you are liable for someone’s injuries or property damage, we recommend checking the declaration page. If you think there is a basis for filing a claim, consider checking the policy. The declaration page contains information about the types of coverage and restrictions contained in a policy, but more detailed information is further included in the policy language known as the “policy jacket.” Understanding what your policy covers can help you avoid surprises when filing a claim.
Have questions about coverage restrictions?
If you’re not sure how much coverage you have, a declaration page can be useful. Your coverage limit is the highest amount that an insurance company pays for covered losses. Each coverage, including coverage of residence, personal property, and other structures, generally has coverage restrictions. Understanding the limitations can help you determine whether the loss is fully covered by the insurer.
When you want to lower the premium
At some point, you may decide that your home’s premiums are too high, and you may want to find a way to save money. You can see the amount you pay on the declaration page. You may also be able to check if the discount is applied.
Check the declaration page to see the add-on coverage options that can limit compensation, deductibles, and potentially increase your rate. If you decide to change your insurance company, you can check the current declaration page to make sure you have an Apple to April switch with other insurance companies.
How to get an insurance declaration page
After purchasing the insurance policy, you will receive a copy of the insurance policy, including the declaration page.
If you have a copy of the insurance contract form on hand, the declaration page is at the forefront of the document. Typically, it contains the heading “Declaration Page” or similar specification. If you don’t have a copy of your insurance policy, it’s easy to get it from your insurance provider.
- Please check your email: If you signed your insurance, you may have a copy of it in your inbox.
- Check your company’s online portal or app. Many insurance companies have an online portal and mobile app that allows you to manage your insurance contracts, and may be able to download copies of your home insurance.
- Find a hard copy: If you have directly finalized the policy, the agent or broker will need to provide a physical copy of your policy.
- Call the agent: If everything else fails, you can always contact your home insurance company license agent. They should be able to send you a copy of your policy by email or by email.
Once you have a new copy, you can easily access it in case you need to file another claim. Some agents recommend that you have a second copy that you will keep outside your home in case your important documents get damaged. Consider scanning and storing documents digitally.
If you are struggling to read your insurance, a licensed insurance agent can walk you around it.
