Your declarations page is a one-to-two-page summary at the front of your policy showing who is covered, what is covered, the coverage limits, deductibles, and the premium — it's the document you reference first for any coverage question or claim.
The declarations page — often called the 'dec page' — is the first page (or first two pages) of your insurance policy document. It summarizes the contract in plain terms. Every insurer formats it slightly differently, but the NAIC's consumer guidance identifies the same core sections across all personal lines policies.
The named insured is the policyholder — the person (or entity) the contract is with. For homeowners and auto, the insured property (address or vehicle VIN, make, model, year) is also listed here. If your name is misspelled, the property address is wrong, or a driver is missing from an auto policy, correct it immediately — errors here affect claims.
The effective date (start) and expiration date of coverage. Coverage does not exist outside this window unless renewed. Note the exact time — most policies start and end at 12:01 a.m. on the listed dates, not midnight.
This is the heart of the dec page. For auto: bodily injury liability (per-person / per-accident), property damage liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist — each with a dollar limit and deductible. For homeowners: dwelling (Coverage A), other structures (B), personal property (C), loss of use (D), personal liability (E), medical payments (F). The numbers here are the maximum the insurer will pay — not a guarantee.
The deductible is what you pay out of pocket before the insurer pays. Some policies have separate deductibles for wind/hail or hurricane (common in coastal states) that may be expressed as a percentage of the dwelling limit rather than a flat dollar amount. Read these carefully — a 2% wind deductible on a $400,000 home is an $8,000 out-of-pocket exposure.
The total annual premium and how it's being paid (annual, semi-annual, monthly). If you escrow homeowners insurance through your mortgage, the premium may be paid directly by the lender — but you still own the policy and are responsible for ensuring it's paid.
Endorsements are add-ons that expand or restrict standard coverage — jewelry floaters, sewer backup coverage, earthquake coverage. The dec page typically lists active endorsements by name and number; the full text is in the policy. Any exclusions specifically applicable to your policy may also be noted here.
If you have a mortgage or car loan, the lender is listed as an additional interest. If you file a claim and receive a structural repair check, it is typically co-payable to you and the lender. Keep lender information current — wrong lienholder information can create claim payment delays.
Browse all answers
More answers to common questions about financing, banking, and credit.