How to read and understand your car insurance declaration page

A car insurance declaration page is an essential part of your policy, outlining key coverage details. It can typically be found on page one of your documentation, which an insurer will send you whenever you buy a new policy or update existing coverage.

“A declaration page is essentially a summary of your car insurance policy. It includes crucial details such as the types of coverage you have, your policy limits, deductibles, and the specific vehicles insured,” says Rob Macoviak with Oyer, Macoviak, and Associates, an insurance agency in Boynton Beach, Florida. “Think of it as a snapshot of your insurance contract, useful when assessing your coverage during claims or when comparing policies.”

Reviewing the declaration page is important because errors can lead to issues when filing a claim. It’s also important to review your coverage before policy renewal or when you’ve experienced a significant life change, added or removed drivers, or changed vehicles. Let’s look at what information you can find on a declaration page and why it’s important.

Key highlights

• A car insurance declaration page breaks out your coverages, deductibles, discounts, premiums, and other important information in an easy-to-read format.
• Your insurer will mail a copy of your auto insurance declaration page as part of your policy documentation when you buy a new policy, renew your current one, or change your existing coverage.
• If you lose your declaration page, you can request a new copy from your local insurance agent or a company representative, or you can download it from your online account.

What is a car insurance declaration page?

Whether you’re buying auto insurance for the first time, switching insurers, or renewing your current coverage, your carrier will mail you a copy of the new policy. The declaration page can be found on the first page of the policy and should be clearly labeled as such. While declaration page details vary between insurers, it should include the following:

• Insurer contact information. This includes your carrier's phone number and mailing address, as well as contact information for a local agent if you have one.
• Policy number 
• Coverage period. This spells out the duration or term of your policy. The most common car insurance terms are six and 12 months.
• Endorsement effective date. This is the day when the policy goes into effect, which may be different from the date when you purchased your coverage.
• Personal information. This will include your name, address, and policy number. It will also list the names of all licensed drivers in your household who are covered by the policy. 
• Insured vehicles. This section lists the cars covered by the policy, including year, make, model, and VIN. If you have leased or financed your auto, the lienholder's name and contact information will also be listed.
• Schedule of coverages. This section details the coverage amounts, limits, deductibles, and the premium you pay for each vehicle on the policy.
• Discounts. This section lists any savings being applied to your policy, such as for bundling your auto and home or renters insurance policies or maintaining a clean driving record.
• Surcharges. These are financial penalties applied to a policy for issues such as being cited for speeding, a DUI, or for causing an at-fault accident. Surcharges usually drop off your policy in three to five years, depending on the infraction.
• Other policy information. This section will outline important exceptions to your coverage, such as travel to Mexico, and any recent changes you may have made, such as adding or removing a vehicle.

What does an auto insurance declaration page not contain?

Think of the declaration page as a summary of your car insurance coverage that only touches on the highlights of your policy. It won’t contain more detailed information, such as exclusions. It also won’t include terms and conditions that govern how your policy works. If you have detailed questions about your policy, your best option is to speak with a company representative or your local agent.

How often should you review your car insurance declaration?

Keeping your declaration page in a handy location is a good idea because you may need to refer to it, especially if your coverage needs have changed or you’re filing a claim.

“Review your declaration page once a year or if you make major policy changes such as purchasing a new vehicle, adding a new driver, or moving. Regularly checking your declaration page can also help you verify that your coverage levels still meet your demands,” says Erin Kemp, consumer advocate at Bumper.com, a website that caters to car owners, buyers and sellers.

You should also review your car insurance declaration after making any changes to your coverage, such as raising or lowering your deductible. Your carrier will send a new copy of the declaration after you make any changes to an existing policy. Review the new paperwork as soon as you receive it to make sure all updates have been made and are accurate.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a copy of my insurance declaration page?

Your insurance company will mail you a copy of your policy, which includes the declaration page, whenever you buy a new policy or renew your current coverage. If you’ve lost or misplaced your car insurance policy, you can call your insurer or local agent to request a new copy be mailed to you, or you can download and print a PDF file from your insurer’s website.

How do I correct errors on my car insurance declaration page?

As you review your declaration page, note any mistakes, such as misspelled names, incorrect contact information, missing coverages, incorrect limits or deductibles, etc. Contact your insurer’s customer service department or a local agent immediately. Be sure to review the replacement declaration page to make sure the errors have been corrected.

Is a declaration page the same as proof of insurance?

While a declaration page is not technically the same as a proof of insurance card, it can be used as proof of insurance if you are pulled over. The declaration page spells out the coverages you are carrying and the effective coverage dates, which is sufficient proof of coverage.

When do I need to use a declaration page?

In most cases, you will not need to refer to your declaration page unless you need to confirm the details of your policy, such as before filing a claim or when shopping for insurance and comparing coverage details. It is also a good idea to review your coverage levels on a yearly basis or after a major event, such as buying a new car, moving, or adding a new driver to the policy.

What is a car insurance deductible?

A car insurance deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your coverage takes effect. It typically applies to collision insurance, which covers physical damage to your vehicle if you’ve been involved in an at-fault accident, as well as to comprehensive insurance, which applies to damage caused by non-collision events such as backing into a wall or vehicle theft.

You must choose a deductible amount when you purchase a new policy, but you can adjust it anytime. Common deductible amounts range from $250 to $2,000 but may be higher or lower, depending on the carrier.