Reading Your Auto Insurance Declarations Page

Your insurer mails or emails a declarations page — commonly called a dec page — each time a new policy is issued or an existing one renews. Check your email inbox, insurer's online portal, or physical mail for a document labeled "Declarations" or "Policy Declarations." It is typically one to two pages long and appears at the very front of your policy packet.

At the top of the dec page you will find the named insured — the person (or people) the policy is issued to — along with the policy number and the policy period, which shows the exact start and end dates of coverage. Verify your legal name is spelled correctly and that the policy period matches what you agreed to when purchasing or renewing.

Every vehicle covered under the policy will appear in a vehicle schedule, usually showing the year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Cross-check each entry against your registration or title. If you have added, removed, or replaced a vehicle since the last renewal, confirm those changes are accurately reflected here.

The dec page lists rated drivers — household members and regular operators whose driving history was factored into your premium. Check that all regular drivers in your household are listed. An unlisted regular driver may create a coverage dispute if they are involved in an accident.

This is the most detailed section of the dec page. Each coverage type appears alongside its limit — the maximum your insurer will pay for a covered loss. Common entries include:

• Bodily Injury Liability — expressed as split limits (e.g., $100,000/$300,000) or a single combined limit
• Property Damage Liability — covers damage you cause to others' property
• Collision — pays to repair your vehicle after a collision, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive — covers non-collision events like theft, weather damage, or fire
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist — protects you when the at-fault driver carries little or no insurance
• Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — covers medical costs for you and passengers

For a plain-language explanation of what each type actually protects, see our coverage types guide.

Next to collision and comprehensive coverage, you will see a deductible — the dollar amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible generally means a lower premium, and vice versa. Confirm the deductible amounts shown match what you selected, and make sure you could realistically cover that amount if you needed to file a claim tomorrow.

The dec page shows your total premium for the policy period, often broken down by coverage type and by vehicle. It also lists any endorsements — add-ons or modifications to the standard policy, such as rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, or gap coverage. Review endorsements to confirm you are paying only for what you have chosen, and that nothing is missing.