What is a “dec page”?
The declaration page or “dec page” of your car insurance policy is the first and one of the most important pages on the document. It provides a detailed summary of the specifics included on the document and has most of the information that you would need when asking questions or reporting a claim to the insurance company.
Read dec page carefully, as you would any contract, to make sure that you understand the contents. We’ve put together a guide to help navigate it and better understand your policy.
Here’s a rundown of the sections you should review to make sure all the data is correct:
- Name – First item should be the name and address of the insured and primary driver (usually you) of the insured vehicle.
- Agent – The name and contact information of the insurance agent and/or company that issued the policy.
- Policy Number – Each policy number is unique and will be needed whenever a claim is initiated.
- Policy Period – The time period that the policy is active if premiums are paid: most often 6 or 12 months. Note that policies normally expire at 12:01 am on the date listed (i.e. coverage is in force until the midnight hour on the expiration day).
- Drivers Listed and Excluded – All licensed drivers in the household should be listed under Additional Drivers. People in your household who have a driver's license but are not covered are listed as Excluded Drivers. As a policyholder, you may choose to exclude drivers who no longer drive, have their own separate coverage, or who represent a high risk such as teenagers or anyone with a bad driving record.
- Insured vehicle information – The section includes Vehicle Information Number (VIN), year, make, model, odometer reading, annual mileage and safety features in the vehicle. Make certain all details are correct. If you have a lienholder, it should be listed here along with the value of the car.
- Coverages and Premiums – The section lists what the policy covers. It is important to note that if a coverage has no premium next to it, there is no coverage: premium and coverage go hand in hand.
- Forms/Endorsements – Some policy selections require special forms (e.g. proof of homeownership). Any such forms along with a record of any changes to your original policy are found in this section.
- Miscellaneous Notes – If notes on the policy or car are needed, they will be in this section.
Although each company organizes its declaration page differently, all the items listed above should be on it. If in the future, you have questions about what address is on file with the insurer, who is covered under the policy, what coverage you selected, which vehicles are covered, or simply want to know your policy number, all you have to do is refer to the declaration page.