What is an auto insurance declaration page?

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When basic questions about your car insurance policy come up, you may think that you need to contact your insurance agent to get answers. That isn’t always the case, though. There are other ways to answer questions about your specific insurance policy, and the information may be right at your fingertips via your car insurance declarations page.
If you have a car insurance policy, you have a car insurance declarations page, which contains most of the basic information about your policy that you need to know. By understanding what this page is, what the page includes and how to find it, you may have an easier time finding the policy information you need when you need it.
What is an auto insurance declarations page?
An auto insurance declarations page is a document that contains important information that pertains to your car insurance policy. In essence, a car insurance declarations page is a summary of your policy.
You can find details about your coverage and policy limits, discounts, what vehicles and drivers you have insured, as well as your insurance agent’s contact information on your declarations page. The declarations page, which is commonly abbreviated as the “dec page,” is typically found in the front of your car insurance policy documents.
What does an auto declarations page contain?
Your auto insurance dec page contains information about your policy. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, you may find the answer on the declarations page. Although each auto insurance company has its own format for declarations pages, some of the most common information found on this document includes:
Your name and vehicle information
If you are the main policyholder, you will find your personal information and vehicle information listed on the dec page. This section will include your name and the address the car is registered to. You can also find your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) and make/model/year.
Company or agency contact information
If you purchased your policy from a local agency, or if there are local agents in your area, your car insurance declarations page should include the name, address and phone number of your agent’s office. If you purchased your policy online and there are no agencies near you, your auto insurance declarations page may list your company’s toll-free contact numbers.
Lender information
If you have an auto loan or you drive a leased car, your lender or lessor will be listed on your declarations page. You should see the name of the financial institution, as well as an address. Your lender or lessor gets a copy of your policy mailed to the address on file each year, so that it can confirm you are still carrying the required coverages. After you pay off your loan, or if you make changes to your lease, notify your insurance company so it can update the policy.
Policy details
You should also find the details of your policy on your dec page. This section will include your policy number and the renewal date of the policy. Your coverages, limits, and endorsements will also likely be listed.
Premium
The amount you pay for your insurance will also be listed on the declarations page. The format of this information will vary by company. You may see the total policy premium, or, if you insure more than one car, you might see your price broken out by vehicle, or both.
Discounts
Any discounts that are applied to your policy will also likely be listed on your declaration page. Some companies also list available discounts that are not applied to your policy. By reviewing your declarations page, you might be able to identify additional ways to save.
Who needs an auto declarations page?
Every driver who has an auto insurance policy should have a copy of their declarations page in their records. If you get into an accident or need to file a claim, referring to your dec page can help you determine what will or will not be covered. It also shows you what your coverage limits are, including for add-on coverages.
Most insurance professionals recommend that you review your car insurance policy at least once a year and make sure that everything is accurate. For example, if you pay off a car loan, you need to notify the insurance company so the lender can be removed from your policy. If you think you are paying too much for insurance, you can look at your dec page to see where you might be able to adjust your coverage or add discounts.
You can also safely assume that the information listed on your car insurance declarations page is the same information that the insurance company has in its files. So if your name is misspelled, or your vehicle’s VIN is incorrect, you should let your car insurance company know. Your policy should be kept as accurate and up-to-date as possible to ensure you are properly covered.
How do you get your insurance declarations page?
When you purchase an auto insurance policy or make changes to an existing policy, you will receive a copy of your declarations page. Every driver should have a copy of their declaration page either in hard copy or electronic format.
If you misplace your dec page, you may be able to download your policy documents from your insurance company’s online portal or mobile app. You could also contact your agent for a new copy. Having a copy of your dec page, whether physical or electronic, can help you when you need to attain basic information about your policy.
Frequently asked questions
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The best car insurance company will differ for each driver, as each company has pros and cons that will appeal to different drivers. In addition, rates, discount opportunities and other perks will vary between insurance companies. That’s why it is important to shop around and compare several quotes from different insurance companies to find the best option for you.
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Your declarations page is typically comprehensive, but it may not show certain coverage types that come standard with your policy, like identity theft protection. If you pay extra for additional or optional coverage, that coverage should be listed on the dec page. Your Social Security number is also not listed on your declarations page, as most companies omit this information.
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A declarations page is meant to reflect what is already listed on your auto policy. If you review your declarations page and find that the information on your declaration page is incorrect, you typically need to contact your insurance company immediately. Or, if some of your personal information changes, like your last name, or if you get a new car or need to add a driver to the policy, you will be sent an updated declarations page with the changes reflected.
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