How to Read Your Homeowners Declarations Page
The declarations page, or "dec page," is the summary at the front of your policy. It shows who and what is covered, for how much, and what you pay before the insurer does.
The basics
- Named insured and address. Check spelling, the property address, and that every owner is listed.
- Policy period. The start and end dates of coverage.
- Mortgagee. Your lender, if any, listed so they are protected too.
The coverages
| Coverage | What it generally covers |
|---|---|
| A — Dwelling | The house structure. Should reflect rebuild cost, not market value. |
| B — Other structures | Fences, sheds, detached garages. |
| C — Personal property | Your belongings. |
| D — Loss of use | Extra living costs if you cannot stay in the home after a covered loss. |
| E — Personal liability | If you are legally responsible for injury or damage to others. |
| F — Medical payments | Small medical bills for guests hurt on your property. |
Deductibles
Look for at least two: an "all other perils" deductible, often a flat amount, and a separate hurricane deductible, usually a percentage of Coverage A. Find the dollar figure and make sure you could pay it. Use the hurricane deductible calculator.
Florida details worth checking
- Roof terms. Some policies pay older roofs on a depreciated or scheduled basis rather than full replacement cost.
- Water damage limits. Some policies cap certain non-weather water damage at a fixed amount.
- Ordinance or law coverage. Helps with code-required upgrades during repairs; see what percentage of Coverage A applies.
- Sinkhole coverage. Often optional or limited. Confirm what you have.
- Flood. Not on a standard homeowners policy. See flood insurance basics.
Endorsements and discounts
Endorsements are add-ons or changes to the base policy. Read them. Also confirm that wind mitigation credits, if you qualify, are applied; see wind mitigation inspections.
A five-minute checklist
- Names and address correct?
- Coverage A near your rebuild cost?
- Hurricane deductible in dollars, and can you afford it?
- Roof, water damage, and sinkhole terms understood?
- Discounts applied?
General information, not insurance advice. Policy language controls, and every insurer words things differently. Ask your agent to explain anything unclear.