What is a homeowners insurance declarations page?
By Allstate
Last updated: June 2022
If you've had homeowners insurance, you've probably heard of a declarations page (or "dec" page). You may have even provided it as proof of homeowners insurance at some point. But what is it and why is it useful?
Breaking down your homeowners declarations page
A homeowners insurance declarations page is a document provided by your insurance company that summarizes the coverage provided by your homeowners insurance policy. It contains all the most pertinent information regarding your home insurance. Understanding the details of your home insurance declarations page will help you get the most out of your policy.
Who is listed on the declarations page?
The declarations page lists the named insured (i.e. you and anyone else in your household insured under the policy), your homeowners insurance provider and your lender if you have a mortgage. It essentially lists all the parties that are involved in some way with your policy and typically includes their contact information.
What is listed on the declarations page?
Your policy number is typically included on your declarations page, as well as the limits you've selected for primary homeowners coverages like dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, liability coverage and guest medical protection.
You'll also see your deductible, the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance steps in to help pay the repair bills after a covered incident.
Your premium will also be listed on the declarations page in addition to any homeowner discounts that have been applied to your policy.
What address is listed on your declarations page?
Your declarations page will list the physical address of the insured property and your mailing address if it's different. If you have a homeowners insurance provider or lender, those addresses will also be listed.
When is the policy effective?
Your declarations page will clearly spell out your effective date (when your policy begins) and your expiration date (when your policy ends). Your policy "period" or "term" refers to how long your policy is in effect before you need to renew.
What's not included on my declarations page?
It's important to note that the list of coverages on your declarations page isn't necessarily all-inclusive. Optional add-ons may not be listed. Your declarations page is essentially meant to serve as an easily readable summary of your policy.
How to read your home insurance policy declarations
Look at the policy declarations below to learn where you can find important information about your homeowners policy.
Policy period
Your policy period is the length and effective dates of your policy. Your declarations page will clearly spell out your effective date (when your policy begins) and your expiration date (when your policy ends). Your policy "period" or "term" refers to how long your policy is in effect before you need to renew. Home policies typically cover a 1-year period.
Location of property
This is the address of your insured property.
Total premium
Your home insurance premium is the amount you'll pay for your property's insurance protection for a one-year period and includes all the coverage you've selected. It is listed on the declarations page.
Coverage
On your declarations page, you'll find a listing of the coverages included on your homeowners insurance. Be sure to review these carefully to make sure you have all the coverage you need to protect you from life's uncertainties.
Deductibles
Included with your insurance coverages and limits, you'll also see any applicable deductibles. Deductibles are the amount you agree to pay out of your own pocket when you file an insurance claim.
Discounts
On your home insurance declarations page, you'll see all the discounts applied to your premium for the current policy term. Most insurers offer discounts for everything from bundling with your car insurance to having a hail-resistant roof. Read through your discounts to make sure you're getting the best rate you can from your insurance company.
When will you need your homeowners insurance declarations page?
If you have a mortgage, your mortgage company will typically require you to provide an up-to-date declarations page for proof of your homeowners insurance about once a year to ensure you have adequate financial protection for your house.
If you don't provide this proof of insurance, your lender has the right to purchase homeowners insurance in your name and add the premium to your mortgage payments. This is called 'force-placed insurance'. It's generally much more expensive than your standard home policy, and often the coverage isn't as comprehensive — another good reason to make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date and meets your needs.