How to Read Your Homeowners Insurance Declarations Page

Your declarations page, or "dec page," is the one- or two-page summary at the front of your homeowners policy. It tells you who is insured, which property is covered, how much each part of the policy will pay, what your deductibles are and which policy forms apply.

It is a summary, not the whole contract. The detailed rules live in the policy forms and endorsements it lists. This guide walks through each section in plain English so you know what to check before and after a loss.

What a declarations page is (and isn't)

The California Department of Insurance describes the declarations page as "usually the first page of an insurance policy" (CDI ↗). It pulls the key numbers into one place.

But the dec page doesn't explain what is or isn't covered. The Maryland Insurance Administration says the terms of the endorsements and coverages listed on the dec page are found in the policy forms, and you need to read those forms to understand what is and is not covered (MIA ↗). If the dec page and the policy wording ever seem to disagree, the wording usually decides the outcome, and that's a question for an attorney.

The top of the page: policy period, insured and property

Policy period

This shows the date your coverage starts and the date it ends. A loss generally needs to happen during this window. Check it at every renewal.

Named insured and property address

The dec page shows the insured's name and the insured location's address. Maryland's regulator tells consumers to check that both are correct (MIA ↗). If a spouse or co-owner is missing, ask your agent or insurer about it.

Mortgagee

If you have a mortgage, your lender is usually listed here. The MIA says a listed mortgage company is generally included on claim settlement checks, and that you should tell your insurer if you refinance, sell or pay off your loan so the record stays current (MIA ↗). See our guide on mortgage company insurance checks for what happens next.

Coverages A through F

Most homeowners dec pages list six coverages. The labels below follow the common format, but your policy may name or number them differently.

Coverage A: Dwelling

This covers your house and attached structures (CDI ↗). The MIA notes the limit should reflect the estimated cost to rebuild your home after a total loss, which is not always the same as its real estate value (MIA ↗).

Coverage B: Other structures

This covers structures not attached to the house, such as a detached garage, shed or fence (MIA ↗). The Insurance Information Institute says it is generally about 10% of the insurance on the house (III ↗).

Coverage C: Personal property

This covers your belongings, like furniture and clothing. The III says this coverage is "generally 50 to 70 percent" of the insurance on the house structure (III ↗). Valuables like jewelry often have lower sub-limits spelled out in the policy form, not on the dec page.

Coverage D: Loss of use

This helps with additional living expenses if a covered loss makes your home unlivable (MIA ↗). The III notes these limits are separate from the money available to repair or rebuild (III ↗). Our additional living expenses guide covers what to track.

The MIA points out that Coverages B, C and D are usually set as a percentage of Coverage A (MIA ↗). So if your dwelling limit is too low, the others may be too.

Coverage E: Personal liability

This protects you if you or a household member are legally responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property. The MIA says liability generally covers attorney's fees and settlements up to the listed limit (MIA ↗). The III says liability limits generally start at about $100,000 and suggests talking with your insurance professional about higher limits (III ↗).

Coverage F: Medical payments to others

This pays reasonable medical expenses for people accidentally hurt on your property (CDI ↗), without a lawsuit, up to the listed limit. It generally does not apply to people who live in your home (MIA ↗).

Deductibles: flat, percentage and wind/hurricane

Your deductible is the part of a covered loss you pay before the policy pays. The MIA describes three common setups (MIA ↗):

• Flat dollar, such as $1,000.
• Percentage of Coverage A. For example, 5% of a $200,000 dwelling limit is $10,000.
• A combination, such as a percentage for wind damage and a flat amount for other perils like fire.

Look closely for a separate hurricane, named-storm or wind/hail deductible. Hurricane deductibles apply only to hurricane damage, while wind/hail deductibles apply to any kind of wind damage (III ↗). Percentage deductibles "typically vary from 1 percent of a home's insured value to 5 percent," and the III says the details are spelled out on the declarations page (III ↗).

Rules on when these deductibles apply vary by state. See your state's page, such as Florida or Texas, for local details.

Endorsements and forms list

Near the bottom, most dec pages list form numbers and endorsements. These are the pieces of your actual contract. Endorsements can add or remove coverage (CDI ↗).

The MIA lists examples you may see, such as water/sewer backup, ordinance and law, mold and replacement cost endorsements, often with their own limits (MIA ↗). Write down every form number. You'll need them to request the full wording.

Clues: replacement cost (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV)?

Replacement cost coverage pays to repair or rebuild based on current costs. Actual cash value coverage pays less, based on age and condition, which is depreciation (TDI ↗). Our ACV vs. replacement cost guide explains the math.

The dec page rarely says it all in one line, but look for:

• A replacement cost endorsement in the forms list, which the MIA notes may appear there (MIA ↗).
• Words like "actual cash value," "ACV" or "replacement cost" next to a coverage line, especially Coverage C.
• Roof endorsements or roof schedules. The Texas Department of Insurance warns that "as roofs age, some companies will switch to actual cash value" and suggests checking roof coverage at each renewal (TDI ↗).
• Extended or limited replacement cost wording, which may pay a set percentage above your limits. California uses the term "Limited Replacement Cost Coverage" on its disclosure form (CDI ↗).

If you can't tell, ask your insurer or agent in writing. The MIA suggests asking for quotes on both ACV and RCV coverage (MIA ↗).

Get a complete, certified copy of your policy

Because the wording controls, get the full policy, not just the dec page. United Policyholders offers a sample letter ↗ asking for "a complete and certified copy" of your policy, including declarations, endorsements and changes.

Some states set rules for this. In California, after a covered loss the insurer must provide a complete, current copy of the policy free of charge within 30 calendar days of your request (Cal. Ins. Code s. 2071 ↗). Other states have different rules or none, so check your state's page or your insurance department.

When to get help

You can usually read your dec page on your own, and for a small or simple claim you may not need outside help. If a large claim is being underpaid, or the insurer reads your limits, deductible or RCV/ACV status differently than you do, a licensed public adjuster can review your policy and claim, for a fee. If the dispute is about what the policy wording means, or you're considering a lawsuit, talk to an attorney.

Get matched with a licensed public adjuster.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Policies and state rules differ, so read your own policy forms.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find my declarations page?

It's usually the first page or pages of your policy and is often included with each renewal. If you can't find it, ask your agent or insurer for a copy.

Does the declarations page tell me everything that's covered?

No. It lists limits, deductibles and forms. The Maryland Insurance Administration says the actual terms are in the policy forms and endorsements, so read those too.

How do I know if my deductible is a percentage?

Look for a percent sign or a deductible listed for wind, hail, hurricane or named storms. A percentage deductible is based on your dwelling limit, not the claim size, and the III says it typically ranges from 1% to 5%.

Why is my mortgage company on my declarations page?

Your lender has a financial interest in the home. When listed, the mortgage company is generally included on claim settlement checks, according to the Maryland Insurance Administration.

How can I tell if I have replacement cost or actual cash value?

Look for a replacement cost endorsement, ACV wording next to a coverage, or a roof schedule in the forms list. If it's unclear, ask your insurer in writing and request the full policy.

Can I get a copy of my full policy?

Yes, you can ask your insurer for one. Some states require it. California, for example, requires insurers to provide a free, complete copy within 30 calendar days of a request after a covered loss.