Getting to Know Your Auto Insurance Declarations Page

Every auto insurance policy comes with a declarations page. This is the first page of your policy and basically sums up your coverage all on one page. A new declarations page is issued every year when your policy is renewed, or anytime you open a new policy with a new company. It's a good idea to become familiar with yours and today is your lucky day, because I am here to walk you through it. So, grab a cup of coffee and join me on a journey through your policy.

Every company issues theirs slightly differently, but they should contain the same information no matter the order. We'll use mine as a road map since I have it right here and well, it's my article. Buckle up - here we go!

The first thing we encounter is the year, make, and model of the car. In my case it's my beloved 2007 Buick Rendezvous (but you can drive whatever you like). The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the insured car is also provided. Next we see the insured drivers covered by the policy. In my house that's my husband and myself, although I know in much too short of a time it will also be my young children. Note to children: stop growing up so fast! Ok, moving on. The policy effective dates, coverage types and limit, and premium appear next. My declaration page also mentions the name of the company that we financed through and that I drive the vehicle for pleasure (although after 20 minutes with a screaming toddler I tend to disagree).

That is the standard declaration page in a nutshell. As I said, yours may differ in order but the basic information should be there. Now is a great time to go over it carefully and be sure that the information they are listing matches what you believe to be true. If not then call them right away, because it could be affecting your premium. If it does all match up file it away in a safe place and go do something fun with the rest of your day!