Phone answered 24/7 · Sammamish, WA and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (425) 386-5713
Lake Sammamish Water Damage HelpSammamish, WA · Answered 24/7

How to Read Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Declarations Page

Last updated October 25, 2026

Call Now (425) 386-5713

The short answer

What Is on the Declarations Page

The declarations page, often called the dec page, is a one to two page snapshot of your entire policy. It shows your name, the property address, the policy number, and the dates your coverage starts and ends. This is the first place to look when you need a quick answer about your coverage.

It also lists the types of coverage you have, such as dwelling, personal property, and liability. Each coverage has a dollar limit, which is the maximum the insurance company pays for a covered loss. The page also shows your deductible, the amount you pay before coverage kicks in.

  • Policy number and contact details
  • Coverage start and end dates
  • Dwelling coverage limit
  • Personal property coverage limit
  • Liability coverage limit
  • Your deductible amount

How to Find Your Coverage Limits

Coverage limits are the heart of the declarations page. The dwelling limit should reflect the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. Personal property limits are usually a percentage of the dwelling limit, often 50 to 70 percent. Check whether that amount is enough to replace your belongings.

Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property or you cause damage to others. A standard limit is often $100,000, but higher limits are available. If you have valuable items like jewelry or art, look for special sub-limits or ask your insurance company about scheduled coverage.

Understand Your Deductibles

Your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance company pays for a covered claim. On a declarations page, you may see separate deductibles for different perils. For example, wind and hail might have a higher deductible than fire or water damage. Read the fine print to know what applies.

A higher deductible lowers your premium but means more out-of-pocket cost when you file a claim. Choose a deductible you can afford if you have a sudden pipe burst or a roof leak. If you live in Sammamish, keep a copy of your declarations page with your emergency supplies so you know your coverage details when you need them. The right deductible for you depends on your budget, your home's age, and the types of water damage most common in your area.

Check Endorsements and Riders

Endorsements are changes to your standard policy, and they appear on the declarations page as add-ons. Common endorsements include sewer backup coverage, water backup, and replacement cost for personal property. These add-ons can be critical for water damage claims, as standard policies often exclude certain types of water damage.

Read each endorsement carefully to see what it adds or removes. For example, a sewer backup endorsement might cover damage from a backed-up drain, but it may have its own limit and deductible. If you are unsure about an endorsement, look up the details in your full policy or call your insurance company for clarification.

  • Sewer backup coverage
  • Water backup coverage
  • Replacement cost on contents
  • Ordinance or law coverage
  • Scheduled personal property
  • Increased dwelling limits

What to Do If You Spot an Error

Mistakes on a declarations page can cause problems when you file a claim. Common errors include the wrong property address, an incorrect coverage limit, or a misspelled name. If you spot an error, contact your insurance company right away to correct it. Keep a written record of any changes you request.

Also check that the policy period matches when you expect coverage. If your policy lapses, you may have no coverage during that gap. Review your declarations page at least once a year and after any major home renovation. This keeps your coverage aligned with your current needs.

Talk to someone now

Call (425) 386-5713 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.

Call Now (425) 386-5713

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the declarations page and the full policy?

The declarations page is a summary of your coverage, limits, deductibles, and policy period. The full policy contains the detailed terms, conditions, and exclusions. Use the declarations page for quick reference, but read the full policy for complete information.

Why does my declarations page show a separate limit for other structures?

Other structures coverage applies to detached buildings like a garage, shed, or fence. It is usually a percentage of the dwelling limit, often 10 percent. Check that this amount is enough to cover all detached structures on your property.

Can I change my coverage limits after I buy the policy?

Yes, you can request changes to your coverage limits at any time. Contact your insurance company to adjust limits or add endorsements. Your premium will change accordingly, and you will receive an updated declarations page reflecting the changes.

Call Now (425) 386-5713