What Is a Homeowners Insurance Declaration Page?
A homeowners insurance declaration page summarizes your policy, detailing your coverages, deductibles and endorsements. You can use your declaration page to provide proof of insurance or make a claim.
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By Mark Fitzpatrick
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Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
Edited by Casie McCoskeyCasie McCoskey is a professional editor passionate about providing people with accessible information on personal finance. Before MoneyGeek, she worked in the legal field, drafting and editing briefs and motions.
MF
By Mark Fitzpatrick
MF
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
Edited by Casie McCoskeyCasie McCoskey is a professional editor passionate about providing people with accessible information on personal finance. Before MoneyGeek, she worked in the legal field, drafting and editing briefs and motions.
Updated: May 22, 2024
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A homeowners insurance declaration page, often called a "dec page," is a document that summarizes your home insurance policy. This page typically outlines key details such as your policy number, coverage amounts, deductibles and the effective dates of your insurance coverage. You can obtain a declaration page from your insurance provider, usually by requesting it through their customer service or online portal.
A homeowners insurance declaration page summarizes your home insurance policy, outlining coverage, limits and other essential details.
A declaration page helps policyholders understand their coverage and provides a quick reference for filing claims or providing proof of insurance.
Mortgage lenders, homeowners, insurance agents and real estate professionals often require it for policy verification and transactions.
A home insurance declaration page offers a comprehensive overview of your policy, such as coverage limits, deductibles, premiums and more. This information may be handy when making a claim or updating your policy information.
The declaration page typically comprises the following essential components of your policy:
Page Component InformationThis section includes your name, contact information and address, establishing you as the policyholder.
Alongside your details, it may also list other individuals covered by the policy, such as family members or co-owners.
This identifier facilitates quick reference to your policy for you and your insurance provider.
The declaration page specifies the policy's effective and expiration dates, indicating the coverage period.
It outlines the cost of your homeowners insurance policy, including payment frequency (monthly, annually, etc.).
This section enumerates the types of coverage included, such as dwelling, personal property, liability and loss of use.
Any additional endorsements or riders appended to your policy are listed here, with descriptions and associated costs.
It defines the maximum amount your insurance provider will pay for each coverage type, ensuring you understand your policy's financial scope.
The declaration page details the deductible amount you're responsible for before insurance coverage applies. Opting for a higher deductible can lower premium costs.
Some declaration pages concisely describe your insured property, which helps with claims processing.
The page typically provides information on how and when to remit your premiums to ensure policyholders stay current with their coverage.
The declaration page is designed for clarity and accessibility, making it easy for policyholders to review and understand their homeowners insurance coverage at a glance. It not only identifies the policyholder and key insured parties but also outlines essential policy details.
Although the homeowners insurance declaration page shows you a summary, it only includes some of your policy details. You can view a comprehensive account of these other details in your full insurance policy document. Here are some items that your declaration page will typically not include:
The declaration page serves as a helpful summary. However, if you need more details about your homeowners insurance policy, refer to your full policy document and communicate with your insurance provider as necessary.
A homeowners insurance declaration page serves as a quick reference tool for policyholders. Its primary function is to provide a concise summary of your insurance policy, which is useful when making a claim or providing proof of insurance. It ensures you have all the essential details readily available to make informed decisions and effectively protect your home and assets.
Your homeowners insurance declaration page might come in handy in different scenarios, such as when filing a claim or when you have transactions involving your property. Here are people and institutions who might request your declaration page:
The policyholders or homeowners may need an insurance declaration page to keep on hand for quick reference.
Insurance agents and brokers may require the declaration page to assist clients with policy-related inquiries, updates or changes.
Real estate professionals, such as realtors, may request the declaration page when facilitating property transactions or verifying insurance coverage during the sale of a home.
In the event of a claim, insurance adjusters may need access to the declaration page to assess coverage and process claims accurately.
Some homeowners associations may request a copy of the declaration page to ensure homeowners meet insurance requirements stipulated in association bylaws.
Attorneys involved in property-related legal matters may request the declaration page to assess insurance coverage and liabilities in legal proceedings.
Contractors working on home improvement projects may request the declaration page to confirm insurance coverage before commencing work on a property.
Home inspectors may review the declaration page to check for evidence of insurance coverage and assess potential risks during property inspections.
A readily available homeowners insurance declaration page is helpful to ensure proper understanding, compliance and management of insurance coverage related to the property.
Requesting a homeowners insurance declaration page is simple. You can receive your declaration page by contacting your homeowners insurance provider and providing your policy details, including your policy number and property address. They usually have a copy of all your policy details and can send you a declaration page.
Once you receive the declaration page, carefully review it to ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Check that the coverage details match your expectations. We recommend keeping a digital and physical copy of the declaration page in a safe and accessible place.
Understanding the purpose of a homeowners insurance declaration page helps you have all your significant policy details in one place. Gain a deeper insight into it through our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is a homeowners insurance declaration page, and what is it for?A homeowners insurance declaration page, or "dec page," provides a concise overview of your policy. This document contains your policy number, the details of your coverage, the deductible and the effective date of your policy. Policyholders can use it for quick reference, helping you make informed decisions and file claims as needed.
What does a homeowners insurance declaration page look like?A homeowners insurance declaration page typically features essential details in a structured format. It includes policyholder information, policy details, premium information, coverage types and limits, deductibles, endorsements, property descriptions and payment instructions. The layout is designed for clarity, making it easy to grasp the coverage details at a glance.
Is a homeowners insurance declaration page the same as a home insurance binder?No, a declaration page is not the same as a home insurance binder. The declaration page is a part of your actual insurance policy document, providing a comprehensive summary of your coverage.
On the other hand, a home insurance binder is a temporary document issued by the insurance company that serves as proof of insurance until the full policy is finalized. It provides immediate evidence of insurance coverage but is replaced by the actual policy and its declaration page once the underwriting process is complete and the policy is issued.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
