Understanding Your Insurance Policy Declarations Page
Read more → is a one or two page summary of your entire coverage. It tells you exactly how much coverage you have for your dwelling, personal property, liability, and 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 →. Understanding this page is the first step in knowing what your claim should pay.
What is the declarations page?
The declarations page (often called the 'dec page') is the summary page at the front of your insurance policy. It lists the named insured (you), the property address, the policy period, your premium, your deductibleUnderstanding Your Insurance DeductibleYour deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. Deductibles can be a flat dollar amount or a percentage ...
Read more →, and the coverage limits for each category. It also lists any endorsements (add-ons) to your policy.
This single page tells you almost everything you need to know about your coverage at a glance.
Key coverage categories
Coverage A is your dwelling coverage, which pays to repair or rebuild your home. Coverage B covers other structures like detached garages, fences, and sheds. Coverage C is personal property (your belongings).
Coverage D is Additional Living Expenses. Coverage E is personal liability. Coverage F is medical payments to others.
Each has a specific dollar limit listed on your declarations page.
Understanding your deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. It is listed on your declarations page and may be a flat dollar amount ($1,000, $2,500, $5,000) or a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Percentage deductibles are common in coastal areas for wind or hurricane damage.
A 2% deductible on a $400,000 dwelling policy means an $8,000 deductible. Know your deductible before filing a claim.
Endorsements and exclusions
Endorsements are additions to your base policy that add, modify, or remove coverage. Common endorsements include water backup coverage, scheduled personal property (for jewelry, art), identity theft protection, and equipment breakdown. Your declarations page lists all active endorsements.
Read through them because they often provide valuable coverage that you might not know you have.
What to do
Find your declarations page. It is usually the first or second page of your policy document. If you cannot find it, call your insurance agent and request a copy.
Review the coverage limits and deductible before you have a claim so you understand your protection. Make sure the dwelling coverage is sufficient to rebuild your home at current construction costs. Keep a copy of your declarations page in a safe, accessible location outside your home.
See how this applies to your property
Upload photos of your damage and get a detailed analysis showing exactly where your estimate may fall short.