What the declarations page is
It is the personalised front section of your policy that names the insured, the property or vehicle, the policy period, every coverage limit, every deductible, and each endorsement by form number. The policy booklet explains the rules; the declarations page sets the numbers those rules apply to.
The five figures that matter most
Everything else is secondary to these.
- Coverage A dwelling limit on a home policy, or the liability limits on an auto policy.
- Every deductible, including separate wind, hail, or named-storm deductibles expressed as percentages.
- Personal liability limit, and whether it meets your umbrella's underlying requirement.
- The settlement basis: replacement cost or actual cash value, especially on roofs and contents.
- The endorsement list by form number — this is where water backup, sump pump, and scheduled items appear or fail to appear.
Reading the endorsement codes
Endorsements appear as form numbers such as HO 04 95 or CP 00 10. Each one adds, removes, or modifies cover. A form that removes cover — a cosmetic damage exclusion or an ACV roof endorsement — looks identical on the page to one that adds cover. If you cannot identify a form number, ask the insurer in writing what it changes.
Have it read for you
Upload your declarations page to PolicyPal and we translate every line into plain English, flag endorsements that reduce cover, and tell you which limits look low for your situation.
Frequently asked
- Is the declarations page the whole policy?
- No. It is the summary of your specific terms. The policy booklet contains the conditions and exclusions that apply to them.
- What if the dec page and the booklet conflict?
- The declarations page and any endorsements generally take precedence over the base form, because they are specific to you.
- How often should I read it?
- Every renewal. Insurers change forms at renewal and the change is often disclosed only by a new form number appearing in the list.
Your policy is the only source of truth
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