Have You Reviewed Your Auto Insurance Declaration Page?
Plus what it is in the first place.
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Let’s say you’re shopping for car insurance and want a quick summary of your current policy. Or you renewed your policy and want to ensure it’s the same as last year’s. Maybe you just need temporary proof of your car insurance. In each case, your auto insurance declaration page is the answer.
While you may never read your entire auto insurance policy from beginning to end, you should review its declaration page. Here’s what it is—and why it matters:
It’s an easy-to-read summary of your insurance policy. A declaration page—also called a “dec page”—may be several pages long and is typically located at the beginning of your insurance policy.
In addition to containing information about you and your car—such as your name and address and car make and model—it also includes your insurance coverages, coverage limits, deductibles, discounts and other policy details, such as your policy number. Other options, such as a rental car coverage rider, may also be listed.
An auto declaration page is issued when you purchase a new insurance policy and every time you renew your policy.
Read it—carefully. Confirm that your coverage is exactly what you wanted, look for errors and ask your agent questions (you don’t want to find out after you file a claim that something was incorrect or misinterpreted).
Also make sure your declaration page is easy to find when you need it. Keep it handy, and also know you can likely find it online from your insurer and by contacting your agent.
Filing an auto insurance claim is less stressful when you know what to expect.
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Yes. Your home or renters insurance company will provide a similar declaration page at the beginning of each policy term. Review it carefully just as you would your auto declaration page.