Declarations Page
A declarations page (dec page) is the first page of an insurance policy that summarizes essential coverage information including the named insured, policy number, coverage limits, deductibles, premiums, and effective dates.
Exam Tip
Declarations page = FIRST page with SUMMARY info. Contains: named insured, policy number, limits, deductibles, premium, dates. Does NOT contain exclusions or detailed terms!
What is a Declarations Page?
A declarations page (commonly called a "dec page") is a summary document that appears at the beginning of an insurance policy. It provides a snapshot of all the key policy information in one convenient location, making it easy to quickly verify coverage details.
Key Information on a Declarations Page
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Named Insured | Person or business covered by the policy |
| Policy Number | Unique identifier for the policy |
| Policy Period | Effective and expiration dates |
| Coverage Types | Types of coverage included (liability, property, etc.) |
| Coverage Limits | Maximum amounts the insurer will pay |
| Deductibles | Out-of-pocket amounts before coverage applies |
| Premium | Total cost of the policy |
| Property Description | For property policies, what is covered |
Declarations Page by Insurance Type
| Insurance Type | Key Information Included |
|---|---|
| Auto Insurance | Vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year), drivers listed, liability limits |
| Homeowners Insurance | Property address, dwelling coverage, personal property limits, liability coverage |
| Commercial Insurance | Business name, locations, coverage types, additional insureds |
| Life Insurance | Insured's name, face amount, beneficiaries, premium schedule |
Declarations Page vs. Full Policy
| Declarations Page | Full Policy |
|---|---|
| Summary of key terms | Complete terms and conditions |
| Usually 1-3 pages | Multiple pages with endorsements |
| Quick reference document | Legal contract details |
| Shows what is covered | Explains how coverage works |
| Lists coverage limits | Defines exclusions and limitations |
Common Uses for a Declarations Page
- Proof of Insurance - Quick verification of coverage
- Lender Requirements - Mortgage companies require proof of coverage
- Lease Agreements - Landlords verify tenant insurance
- Business Contracts - Clients verify contractor coverage
- Vehicle Registration - DMV verification of auto insurance
What the Declarations Page Does NOT Include
| Not Included | Where to Find |
|---|---|
| Exclusions | Policy conditions section |
| How claims work | Claims procedures section |
| Definitions | Definitions section of policy |
| Policy endorsements | Endorsement pages |
Reading Your Declarations Page
| Section | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Named Insured | Correct spelling of name/business |
| Address | Correct property or mailing address |
| Coverage Limits | Adequate for your needs |
| Deductibles | Amounts you agreed to |
| Policy Period | Coverage dates are correct |
| Premium | Matches your payment expectations |
Exam Alert
The declarations page is the FIRST PAGE of an insurance policy and contains the SUMMARY of key policy information. It includes: named insured, policy number, coverage limits, deductibles, premiums, and effective dates. It does NOT include policy exclusions or detailed terms - those are in the policy conditions. Know that the dec page is a quick reference, not the complete contract!
Study This Term In
Related Terms
Binder
InsuranceA binder is a temporary insurance contract that provides immediate coverage until the formal policy is issued, typically valid for 30 to 90 days and containing the essential terms of the future policy.
Premium (Insurance)
InsuranceAn insurance premium is the amount paid by the policyholder to the insurance company for coverage, typically paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.