How to Read Your Insurance Declarations Page
Read more →, and what your settlement should look like.
Where to find your declarations page
Your declarations page is typically the first page of your insurance policy document. If you have a digital copy, it is usually a separate PDF or the first section of the full policy file. You can request a copy from your insurance agent or download it from your insurer's website or mobile app.
Keep a current copy somewhere accessible outside your home, such as email, cloud storage, or a safe deposit box.
Named insured and property information
The top section lists the named insured (you and any co-insureds), the property address, the policy number, and the policy period (effective and expiration dates). Verify that the property address is correct and that all property owners are listed. The policy number is what you need when filing a claim.
If any information is wrong, contact your agent to correct it before you need to file.
Coverage limits explained
The coverage section lists each type of coverage with its dollar limit. Coverage A (Dwelling) is the maximum the insurer will pay to repair or rebuild your home. Coverage B (Other Structures) covers detached structures, usually set at 10% of Coverage A.
Coverage C (Personal Property) covers your belongings, usually 50-75% of Coverage A. Coverage D (Loss of Use/ALE) covers additional living expensesAdditional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage in Your Insurance ClaimWhen your home is uninhabitable during repairs, your insurance policy typically covers the additional costs of living elsewhere. This is called Add...
Read more →, usually 20-30% of Coverage A. Each has a separate limit.
Deductibles and endorsements
Your deductible amount is listed clearly, and you may have separate deductibles for different perils like wind, hail, or hurricane. The endorsements section lists all add-ons to your base policy. Common endorsements include water backup coverage, scheduled personal property for valuables, equipment breakdown, and identity theft protection.
Read through every endorsement because you may have coverage you did not know about.
What to do
Pull out your declarations page right now and read through each section. Confirm your dwelling coverage is sufficient to rebuild your home at current construction costs, not just your purchase price. Note your deductible amounts for each peril type.
Review your endorsements to see what additional coverage you have. If your dwelling coverage seems low, ask your agent about increasing it. Bring your declarations page to any meeting with a contractor or public adjusterWhen Should You Hire a Public Adjuster for Your Insurance Claim?A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you, the homeowner, in your insurance claim. Unlike the company adjuster who works for ...
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