What is a home insurance declarations page?

A home insurance declaration page is a brief document containing important, high-level details about your homeowners insurance policy. It includes information about your property, coverage limits, deductibles, and endorsements, among other details. 

This document can come in handy when you submit a claim, shop for a new policy, or need to provide proof of insurance to your mortgage lender. When you buy home insurance, you’ll typically receive a copy of your declarations page with the rest of your policy documents. You can also usually locate it by logging into your insurer’s online portal or app. 

What does an insurance declarations page include?

A home insurance declaration page includes key information about your policy for quick reference. The information provided can vary based on your insurance company and the state where you reside. Still, it generally contains the following information: 

• Name(s) and contact information for the policyholder(s) 

• Property address 

• Mortgage lender, including name and address

• Policy number and start date/expiration date

• Coverage details, including limits and deductibles 

• Endorsements or policy add-ons, such as animal liability or water backup coverage 

• Policy premium, or the total price for the coverage term

• Discounts applied to the premium

• Claim filing information, such as the phone number for claims services 

What does an insurance declarations page not include?

The declarations page doesn’t contain everything you need to know. You likely won’t find information about: 

• Comprehensive details about covered perils

• Exclusions, or events and circumstances not covered by the policy

• Your responsibilities and obligations when filing a claim

• Comprehensive policy information, including legal terms and definitions

Why do I need an insurance declarations page?

Insurance policies are long documents that contain complex legal language. Your insurance declarations page summarizes the most important information for easy access. Declaration pages can come in handy in the following scenarios: 

• You need to submit a claim. The declarations page contains a lot of the information you need to submit a claim, including your insurer’s contact information and your policy number, coverage limits, and deductibles. 

• You’re shopping around for a new policy. If you’re looking for a new insurance company, your declarations page can help you get and compare home insurance quotes for the same type and amount of coverage.

• You’re switching insurance companies. When you switch insurers, the new insurance company may want to see that you already have coverage. You can provide proof of coverage using your existing declarations page. 

• Your mortgage lender needs proof of insurance. If you finance the purchase of a new home, your mortgage lender will likely require a declarations page to provide proof of home insurance. You also may need to provide a copy of your declarations page if your lender requires annual proof of coverage or if you change insurers while you have a mortgage.   

What should I pay attention to on my insurance declarations page?

There are many essential pieces of information on your insurance declarations page. When you receive it, check that the following are correct: 

• Your name and address

• Coverage limits

• Deductibles

• Endorsements

• Premium

• Discounts 

In addition, you can typically refer to your home insurance declaration page to find your policy number, coverage types, and insurer's contact information as needed.

How often should I review my insurance declarations page?

When you buy your policy, familiarize yourself with the insurance declarations page. Make sure the details are correct to avoid surprises when you need to file a claim. 

You may also want to review your declaration page under the following circumstances: 

• You made major changes to your home. You should review your policy if you complete a major home renovation, add a structure to your property, update or add security or safety features, or make other improvements that affect your home’s value. 

• You have a new, high-value asset. If you purchased or received a valuable item, such as artwork, jewelry, or firearms, review your declarations page to ensure you have sufficient personal property coverage for the new item. 

• You experienced lifestyle changes. You should check your policy if you got married or divorced, your kids moved out (or back in), or there was a death in the family. As people come and go from your home, the amount of personal property coverage you need could change. 

• Your property value increased. The value of your property can change over time, especially as labor and material costs change. Periodically check your declarations page to ensure your dwelling coverage accurately reflects the cost of rebuilding your home.

• You made a policy change. If you added or removed coverage, changed coverage limits or deductibles, or made any other updates to your home insurance coverage, review the new declaration page to ensure it accurately reflects the change. 

Can the insurance declarations page change during the policy period?

If you make or consent to a policy change, your insurance declarations page will likely reflect that modification. For example, if you increase coverage or add an endorsement during a policy term, your insurer will likely issue a new declaration page reflecting the change.

However, outside those circumstances, your declaration page should not change during a policy period. 

How to obtain a copy of your insurance declarations page

Home insurance companies generally send you a copy of your declarations page when you purchase a new policy, make policy changes, or when your policy renews. Outside of that, you can usually access your declaration page in the following ways: 

• Online platforms and apps. Many insurance companies give policyholders access to documents through an online portal or mobile app. Simply log in and download the documents you need. 

• Check your email. If you didn’t receive a paper copy of your policy, your insurance company may have emailed you the document. Look for email communications from your insurer around the time you bought the policy. 

• Call your agent. If you can’t find your declarations page, you can contact your insurer to request that they mail or email you a copy. 

Once you get a copy of your insurance declarations page, it’s helpful to keep it in a safe place so you can reference it when necessary.