After you buy a car insurance policy, you’ll receive many important documents. One of these documents is the declarations page. What does this page do and why is it important? Here’s what you need to know about a declarations page for car insurance.
What is a declarations page?
An insurance declarations page is a document that summarizes your insurance policy. The declarations page is an overview of your policy contract for that coverage period. You will receive a declarations page when you buy a new car insurance policy, renew an existing policy or make changes to your policy.
What information is on an insurance declarations page?
The declarations page outlines various important details of your car insurance policy. It covers almost everything you need to know about your policy at a glance. Here’s what an insurance declarations page may include:
Policy details
Information about your policy will typically include your policy number and the period your policy is in effect.
Named insured
The named insured is the person who is the primary policy holder as designated by the policy contract. This is different from an insured driver- the named insured can modify the policy, while insured drivers on the policy cannot.
Company/agent information
Your insurance company or agent’s contact information will be listed here, as well as important numbers for claims reporting or customer service.
Vehicle details
Covered vehicles will be listed, along with their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). Loss payees for each vehicle will also be listed, if applicable.
Lender/Loss payee
A lender/loss payee is an entity that is entitled to payment if there is a claim. This will be the lienholder if you’ve financed your car, or the lease company if you’re leasing it.
Insured drivers and household members
These are the members of your household who have access to the insured vehicles, including yourself. The listed people are covered drivers under your policy. It’s important to disclose all drivers in your home to your insurance company to maintain accurate coverage.
Discounts and credits
These are the discounts and credits applied to your policy, if any. If you see that you’re missing a discount you believe you’re eligible for, let your insurance company know!
Driving history
Accidents and violations will be listed here. This can include claims, violations and tickets incurred by household members.
Endorsements
Endorsements are changes to your policy, like modifications or additions to your policy.
Coverage details
Coverage information for each insured vehicle will be listed here. This includes the types of coverage, their limits and deductibles, and any enhancements to your coverage.
A limit is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay in the event of a claim. A deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage starts paying. Enhancements are any optional additional coverage types you may have purchased.
The coverage details will also break down the individual costs of each coverage for each vehicle.
Total premium
This is the total amount your insurance policy costs for the stated period. Keep in mind that the declarations page is not your insurance bill.
Difference between declarations page and proof of insurance
In most states, you must be able to provide proof of insurance when operating a vehicle. This will typically be in the form of an official insurance card provided by your insurer. In some states, a digital card will suffice.
While the declarations page indicates that you have an active policy, it should not be used as proof of insurance. Instead, use your insurance card or a certificate of insurance. The declarations page contains personal information that is irrelevant to a third party.
Uses of a declarations page
The declarations page can be used as a handy reference for your insurance policy. Here are a few situations where you may need to have your declarations page handy:
Check accuracy of your policy
The declarations page reflects what’s on your car insurance policy. You can use this as a quick reference to see what coverage you have, and if you have all the coverage you intended to purchase. If something on the declarations page is incorrect, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Provide lenders with proof of coverage
If you have a loan or a lease, you may be required to carry collision and comprehensive coverage as a condition of the contract. These coverages help pay for damage to the car. A declarations page can show the lender or leasing company you have these coverages. An insurance card will not typically list the types of coverage you have on a policy, but a declarations page will.
Switching insurance providers
When shopping for insurance, you should use the same coverage and limits to compare quotes. Lower prices can mean less coverage, so use your declarations page to check that your coverage types, limits and deductibles are the same.
Filing a claim
When contacting your insurance company or agent about a claim, the declarations page is a quick way to check and confirm your coverages. Have the declarations page with you when you file a claim.
Conclusion – What is a declarations page?
The declarations page is an important car insurance document that summarizes your policy. It is a handy reference that contains information like insurer contact information, coverage types and covered vehicles and drivers. You can look at the declarations page when you need to reference your policy and coverage.
Now let’s talk about you
Do you have the right coverage for your vehicle? We’d love to chat with you about it. Call us at 800-516-9242 or speak to a local agent.
If you’d rather not talk, you can get a quote quickly and easily online. Just enter your ZIP code to get started and see how much you could save!
