How to Read an Auto Insurance Declarations Page

What's on a typical declarations page

When you receive a declarations page

Insurers issue a dec page when you first buy a policy, when you make a mid-term change (adding a driver, changing a vehicle), and at every renewal. Each new dec page supersedes the previous one. If you receive a new dec page that looks different from what you expected, contact your insurer immediately — it is easier to correct an error before a claim than after.

Line-by-line breakdown

Policy information

At the top of the page you'll find your policy number (needed for any contact with the insurer), the policy period (the exact dates coverage is active — note whether it runs 6 or 12 months) and the issuing insurer (can differ from the brand name if the parent company underwrites through a subsidiary).

Named insureds and covered drivers

This section lists the policyholder and all drivers covered. Only listed drivers have coverage. If a household member who regularly drives the car is not listed, a claim involving them may be denied. Review this list every time someone new begins driving the vehicle — or stops.

Covered vehicles

Each vehicle is identified by year, make, model and VIN. Cross-check the VIN against the sticker on your dashboard (bottom-left corner of the windscreen, visible from outside). An incorrect VIN is rare but has led to claim denials. Check that the vehicle's current primary use (personal, commute, business) is correctly stated.

Coverage types and limits

This is the most important section. Common items:

1. Bodily injury liability (BI): Written as 100/300 — $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident. Pays for injuries you cause others.
2. Property damage liability (PD): Pays for property you damage (typically the other driver's car).
3. Collision: Pays to repair your car after an at-fault accident. Listed with your deductible.
4. Comprehensive: Pays for theft, weather, fire, animal strikes. Listed with its own deductible (may differ from collision).
5. Uninsured / underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): Protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient cover.
6. Medical payments (MedPay) / PIP: Covers medical expenses regardless of fault.

Deductibles

Each applicable coverage shows its deductible. A common set-up is $500 for collision and $250 for comprehensive. Verify both.

Premium breakdown

The dec page itemises how much you're paying for each coverage on each vehicle. This allows you to identify coverages that cost disproportionately relative to their benefit — for example, $400/year for collision on a car worth $3,000. It also shows any discounts applied (multi-car, safe driver, telematics, bundling).

Endorsements and exclusions

Endorsements modify the standard policy — they add or remove coverage. Common endorsements: rideshare coverage (if you drive for Uber/Lyft), new car replacement, gap insurance. Read these carefully. Exclusions (listed in the main policy, referenced on the dec page) describe scenarios in which your policy will not pay.

What the dec page is not

It is not proof of insurance. Your insurer issues a separate insurance card (sometimes called a pink slip, certificate of insurance, or in the UK a certificate of motor insurance) for this purpose. Keep that card in your vehicle. In some US states and many jurisdictions, a digital copy on your phone is legally acceptable, but check your state's rules.