Part of being a responsible driver is understanding the basics of auto insurance coverage. Comprehending the ins and outs of your coverage can give you the knowledge and confidence to handle incidents on and off the road. You may have heard of or received a form called a car insurance declaration page. Essentially this document will serve as an inventory of your policy. Follow along as we dive into what you can expect to see and learn about on your declarations page.
What is a car insurance "dec page"?
Your car insurance declaration page, or ‘dec page’ is an important document that offers a summary of the coverages you have. This could be a stand-alone document or be found at the beginning of your insurance policy documents. Generally, the declaration will be contained to one or two pages. Within these pages, you will find the pertinent information needed when asking questions or reporting a claim to your insurance company. While every insurance company organizes their dec page differently, you will most likely find data here that includes the policy number, period, and insured vehicle information. The declaration page will also detail the coverages, limits, and deductibles you have chosen to obtain. You should receive a new declaration page every renewal period, which is normally every six months.
Is a dec page proof of auto insurance?
Have you ever Googled ‘what is proof of insurance declaration?’ If you’ve been confused about whether a dec page is proof of auto insurance, let us clarify. A declaration page is an internal document that should be used as a reference for the policyholder. If you are pulled over, it is better to present your physical or digital insurance card to law enforcement. In situations where you need to show proof of insurance to the DMV or a lender, it is best to display a certificate of insurance, not your dec page. A certificate of insurance contains similar information but will omit specific details that third parties won’t need to see, like your auto insurance premium.
What information is included in an insurance declaration page?
Think of your insurance declaration page as the roadmap of your policy. When reading your dec page you can expect to see basic policy and personal information that includes the following:
- The name of the insured and primary driver, and any excluded drivers.
- Your policy number, every policy number is unique and will be utilized to file a claim.
- The policy period, typically policy periods are 6 or 12 months.
- Insured vehicle information includes your Vehicle Information Number or VIN, as well as the year, make, model, odometer reading, annual mileage, and safety features of your vehicle.
- Coverages and premiums, this section will give an overview of what your policy covers. Please note that if a coverage has no premium next to it, there is no coverage.
- A summary of your driving history including tickets, accidents, and any other violations.
- Deductibles, or the amount you could be liable to pay out of pocket for damage to your vehicle after an accident.
- Depending on your policy you could have a section that requires special forms, e.g., proof of home ownership.
- Any discounts applied to your premium for your current policy term.
What information may not be on my declarations page?
Wondering what you will not see on your dec page? As previously stated, your car insurance declaration page is simply a summary of your policy. As a result, you will not find detailed information about your coverage here including the policy’s inclusions and definition of terms. A more comprehensive explanation of your coverage can be found in your actual policy documents or by contacting your insurance company.
How to find my car insurance declaration page?
Usually, your insurance provider will mail or email your declaration page when you sign up for a new policy or renew/change an existing policy. You can also easily locate your declaration page by logging into the insurance company’s website or mobile app and checking the documents section.
What if I want more information about my auto insurance policy?
If you are still unsure about how to locate your car insurance declaration page, or simply want more information about your auto insurance policy, don’t hesitate to contact your agent. Here at Infinity Insurance Agency (IIA), we have a skilled team of Spanish-speaking bilingual representatives available to cater to all your auto coverage needs.
The world of car insurance can seem tricky with its unique language and terms. However, your car insurance declaration page offers a great starting point for understanding the basics of your coverage.
If you are curious about the details of your policy or want to receive a free personal auto quote call IIA today at 1-855-478-3705.