An insurance declarations page, sometimes shortened to just “dec page,” is a document that lists key information about your home insurance, such as your policy number, coverage amounts, and deductibles. It’s usually the first page or two of your policy.
Importance of a declarations page
Your declarations page can be very handy in a couple of ways. For one, insurance policies are long and full of legalese. Your dec page puts some of the most useful information front and center. You don’t have to dig through a thick contract just to find the limit on your medical payments or other structures when it’s time to make a claim.
This doesn’t mean you can skip reading your policy in its entirety. You still want to know the details of what’s covered and what’s excluded. However, the declarations page can be a big help when you need information fast.
You may also need your declarations page when:
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You’re switching insurance companies. New insurers will want proof of continuous coverage, which may qualify you for a discount. Some insurance providers won’t insure homes that don’t have previous coverage (with the exception of new homes).
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Your mortgage lender needs proof of insurance. Many mortgage companies want a copy of the dec page every year to make sure your home is adequately insured. Failure to keep your insurance may give your lender the right to place insurance on your behalf. A lender-placed policy is usually more expensive than home insurance you buy on your own. Plus, the lender may add the premium to your mortgage payments.
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You want to compare insurance policies. A declarations page is an easy way to make an apples-to-apples comparison when shopping for new coverage. You can compare your quote to your current policy’s coverage and limits as seen on the declarations page.
What does an insurance declarations page include
While there are industry and state standards about what goes on a declarations page, not all dec pages are the same. Carriers sometimes add information as they see fit.
That said, you can usually find the following information on your dec page:
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Your name and any other individuals covered by the policy
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Your insurance provider and its contact information
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Your mortgage lender
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Your home’s physical address
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Your policy number
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The type of policy it is (e.g., HO3)
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The limits you select for each coverage A-F
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Any endorsements you purchased
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Your deductibles
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Your yearly premium
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Any discounts applied to your premium
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The dates the policy is in effect
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The policy’s date of issue
What does an insurance declarations page not include
There are a number of important details that you may not find on the declarations page, including:
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Covered perils.
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Excluded property.
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Some optional coverages, like identity theft insurance.
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Your duties and obligations when filing a claim.
Additionally, some homeowners confuse the declarations page with two other important documents:
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Insurance bill vs declarations page. Considering the dec page lists their premium, it’s an easy mistake to make. However, your provider will send you a separate bill.
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Insurance binder vs declarations page. Your insurance binder has much of the same information as the dec page, so it can also be used as evidence of insurance. However, a binder is a temporary document. Once the binder expires, it does not prove you have coverage.
As always, if you have questions about your policy or your coverage, talk to your insurance representative.
How to read an insurance declarations page
A policy declarations page is structured as a high-level summary, and it usually has sections labeled with the information you’re looking for. To read it, simply find the section and review the critical information that’s included. For more information about any particular point, refer to your full policy documents or call your agent.
How often should I review my insurance declarations page?
Once you buy home insurance, it’s important to review your policy’s declaration page at least annually to ensure your policy still meets your needs. If you find that you need to change the types of coverage included in your policy, coverage limits, deductibles, or any other factors, contact your insurance company to make changes to your policy.
Can the insurance declaration page change during the policy period?
A home insurance policy declaration page can change during the policy term, but only if you agree to the changes or the changes are directly allowed by pre-existing policy language. For example, you may get a new declaration page if you add a new endorsement prior to the expiration date.
How to obtain a copy of your insurance declarations page
Your insurance company likely sent you a dec page when you bound your policy. However, if you don’t have one you have a couple of options:
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Go online. Many insurance carriers offer their customers an online portal where you can usually download the documents you need. (Kin customers can check out our article on how to access your declaration or policy packet for detailed instructions).
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Check your email. Chances are that if you didn’t receive a hard copy of your dec page, your insurer sent it to your email address. Search all your email addresses for communication from your insurance company, and don’t forget to check your spam folder.
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Call your agent. If all else fails, reach out to your insurance agent. After all – their whole job is to help you!
Once you have a copy, be sure to save it someplace safe. In fact, you might even want to make a digital copy so you can access it wherever you are.
