Your declarations page (often called the “dec page”) is the summary at the front of your policy. It’s the single most useful document for understanding what you have, and it’s what we ask for when we do a policy review.
Where to find it
It’s usually the first page or two of your policy packet, and most carriers also post it in their online account or app. It’s also what your mortgage lender or landlord asks for as proof of insurance.
What’s on it
- Named insured and address. Make sure names, spellings, and the property or garaging address are correct.
- Policy period. The start and end dates. Your renewal date is when the policy ends.
- Coverages and limits. Each coverage you have and the most the policy will pay for it.
- Deductibles. What you pay out of pocket on a claim before coverage kicks in.
- Endorsements. Add-ons or changes to the standard policy, often listed by form number.
- Premium. What the policy costs for the term, sometimes broken down by coverage.
- Lienholders or mortgagees. Lenders with a financial interest in your car or home.
What to look for
- Limits that haven’t kept up. If you’ve renovated, or rebuilding costs have risen, your home’s dwelling limit may be too low.
- Liability limits. Low liability limits on home and auto policies can leave your savings exposed. Higher limits, or an umbrella policy, are often inexpensive.
- Deductibles that don’t fit your budget. A higher deductible lowers the premium, but only if you could comfortably pay it.
- Missing endorsements. Water backup, for example, is often not included by default on home policies.
Want a second opinion?
Send us your dec page and we’ll go through it with you. Upload it for a free policy review, and we’ll tell you honestly whether a change makes sense.