A declarations page provides a roadmap of some of the key parts in a homeowners insurance policy. It’s worth taking a few minutes to look over the declarations page of your home insurance policy to make sure you have the coverage you expect.
What is a homeowner declarations page
The declarations page of your homeowners insurance policy is a document that summarizes some key information about your policy. Also known as a “dec page,” it explains things like how much coverage you have, when your policy takes effect and how much it costs.
That’s just the start, though. This page also lists your name, address, policy number and a lot more. Put simply, it’s an overview of the key parts of your home insurance policy.
How do I get a declarations page?
A declarations page typically begins on the first page of your full homeowners insurance policy. Your insurance company or agent should mail or email you a copy of your policy after you sign up. You may also be able to access your policy online, either by logging in to your insurer’s website or their mobile app. If you can’t find your declarations page for any reason, ask your insurance company or agent for another copy.
If you make changes to your coverage during your policy term, your insurance carrier will update the declarations page to reflect any applicable changes.
What is included on a declarations page
In terms of design and layout, homeowners insurance declarations pages vary from one insurance company to the next. However, when it comes to content, they typically include much of the same information. Here is a rundown of information that might be included on your declarations page:
- Policy number
- Policy period
- Name of insured
- Location of insured property
- Coverage types and limits
- Deductible
- Mortgage lender (if applicable)
- Discounts
- Total policy premium
- Endorsements or riders
- Insurance company information
Policy number
This is the unique number assigned to your particular homeowners insurance policy.
Policy period
These are the dates that your home insurance policy begins and ends. Typically, home policies cover a one-year period.
Name of insured
This is the person who is listed on the first page of the home insurance policy—usually the legal owner of the home. They are also known as the policyholder or named insured. The dec page may also list anyone else who is entitled to the policy’s coverage.
Location of insured property
This is the address of the insured property under your home insurance policy. If your mailing address is different, it may appear on the declarations page, too.
Coverage types and limits
This section of your declarations page lists some of the coverages included in your policy, as well as the limits for each. Coverage limits are the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for each claim that is filed. A standard homeowners insurance policy generally contains the following six types of coverage:
| Standard Coverage | Description |
| Dwelling | Covers the structure of your house |
| Other Structures | Covers fences, garages or other detached structures |
| Personal Property | Covers your personal belongings |
| Loss of Use | Reimburses you for temporary housing, meals and other related expenses if your home is unlivable after a covered loss |
| Personal Liability | Pays for your legal defense and related costs if a court finds you responsible for a covered loss suffered by another person |
| Medical Payments | Covers limited injuries to others on your property regardless of fault |
Deductible
This is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage goes into effect. Your home insurance policy deductible may be a flat amount, such as $1,000, or a percentage of your dwelling coverage. If you have hurricane insurance, that deductible is usually higher than your home deductible.
Mortgage lender (if applicable)
If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender’s name and address will likely be included on your declarations page.
Discounts
Your declarations page will detail any discounts that have been applied to your home policy. For example, you could receive a discount if your home is equipped with a fire protection device, or if you are bundling your auto and home policies. Ask your insurer if you’re receiving all the discounts that you qualify for.
Total policy premium
Your premium is the total amount you are required to pay for your insurance coverage for one policy period. In addition to the cost of your standard home coverage, your dec page should list any additional fees and discounts. This way, you can understand how your insurance company arrived at the total premium amount. It’s important to note that a declarations page is not an insurance bill.
Endorsements or riders
These include the optional coverages that you’ve added to your policy. For example, if you purchased additional identity theft coverage, that add-on will likely be listed on your dec page.
Insurance company information
Your declarations page usually includes the contact information of your insurance company and local agent.
What is not included on a declarations page
Although a dec page contains a lot of important information, it’s still just an overview of your home policy. It does not contain every coverage detail—and when it comes to insurance, the details matter. Here are some examples:
| Your Dec Page Might Say… |
| You have $100,000 in personal belongings coverage. |
| But It Might NOT Say … |
| Your jewelry coverage is limited to $1,500. |
| Your Dec Page Might Say… |
| You have $100,000 in personal belongings coverage. |
| But It Might NOT Say … |
| The coverage doesn’t apply to damage caused by floods or earthquakes. |
To learn all about your home insurance policy’s special limits and exclusions, you should read your complete home insurance policy.
Why a declarations page is useful
Your homeowners declarations page is ideal for viewing key information about your policy at a high level. It helps you quickly understand all of your coverages, limits, discounts and more.
Additionally, your declarations page can be used as proof of insurance in some cases, since you won’t receive a declarations page unless you purchase an insurance policy. For example, your mortgage lender, if you have one, may ask to see your declarations page as proof that you’ve bought adequate insurance for your home.
Reviewing your home insurance dec page
It’s very important to look over your entire policy, including your declarations page, as soon as you get it for two reasons. One, you want to verify that all the information is accurate, including your name, address, discounts, coverages, etc. Second, it’s a great way to remind yourself what your policy will cover.
If you see any incorrect or missing information, or if you have questions, you should reach out to your agent or insurance company right away.
Where should I keep my declarations page?
You should keep your declarations page—as well as you entire home insurance policy—in a safe and secure place. This way, if you need to make a claim after a fire or some other disaster, you’ll have access to all your important coverage details. Keep in mind that your dec page may also be accessible via an online account with your insurer.
