Understanding Your Auto Policy Declarations Page

Your auto policy declarations page is a comprehensive overview of your auto insurance contract with your insurance company. It is often the first page of your contract and is usually followed by attachments including auto policy information on conditions and exclusions, detailed explanation of terms of the policy, state specific information, etc.

The auto policy declarations page lists every detail pertaining to your contract. It should include the following:
• Name of insurance company
• Name(s) of the policy holder or the insured party
• Address of the policy holder and where the vehicle(s) will be parked.
• Policy number
• Date of issue of your policy
• Date of expiry of your policy
• Description of included vehicles (Make, model and vehicle-identification-number)
• Coverage (including limits and deductibles) and premiums for vehicle(s)
• Total premium (typically 6-months or annual)
• Lien holder of the vehicle(s) if owned by a leasing company
• Discounts if applicable - typically for good driving record, anti-lock brakes, etc.

The coverage and premiums section of the policy declarations page will include many of the following items. Usually an attachment in your contract will explain in detail the meaning of each of these terms and the state specific minimums required for coverage.

• Bodily injury and property damage liability - insures you against injuries caused to another person or property
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist damage - covers you and passengers for bodily injuries and damages
• Collision - covers damage to your car when in an accident
• Comprehensive coverage - insures your vehicles from losses due to fire, flood, etc.
• Emergency road service
• Rental reimbursement
• Mechanical breakdown

It is very important to understand the auto policy declarations page to know your coverage and your rights to claim in the event of an accident or damage. Your insurer should issue a declarations page when you sign up for a new policy or renew your auto policy. Always review the declarations page for accuracy. At the time of registering a vehicle, you have to provide this page as proof of having insurance.