Every homeowners policy comes with a declarations page, often called the "dec page." It's the summary at the front of the policy that lists who and what is insured, the coverage limits, the deductibles and the endorsements that modify the standard policy. Most people glance at the premium and file it away. But the dec page is where many coverage problems can be spotted before a loss. This guide walks through it section by section.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a consumer guide to homeowners insurance: NAIC – Homeowners insurance. The California Department of Insurance has a residential guide: CDI – Residential insurance guide.
Section 1: Named insured, address and policy period
- Named insured: make sure everyone who owns the home is listed. If the home is held in a trust or LLC, the entity should be correctly named. A mismatch can complicate claims.
- Residence premises: the insured address. Confirm it's correct, including any detached units.
- Policy period: the start and end dates, usually 12 months.
- Policy form: for example HO-3 (special form for the dwelling, named perils for contents), HO-5 (open perils for dwelling and contents), HO-6 (condo) or HO-4 (renters). Dwelling fire forms (DP-1, DP-2, DP-3) are used for rentals.
Section 2: Coverages and limits
Standard homeowners policies use lettered coverages:
- Coverage A – Dwelling: the house and attached structures. This limit should reflect the cost to rebuild, not market value or purchase price.
- Coverage B – Other structures: detached garages, fences, sheds and similar structures, often 10% of Coverage A by default.
- Coverage C – Personal property: your belongings, often 50% to 75% of Coverage A by default.
- Coverage D – Loss of use: additional living expenses or fair rental value if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.
- Coverage E – Personal liability: claims for bodily injury or property damage you cause to others.
- Coverage F – Medical payments to others: small medical bills for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault.
Section 3: Valuation
Look for how losses are settled:
- Replacement cost on the dwelling pays to rebuild with materials of like kind and quality, without depreciation, usually after repairs are made.
- Extended replacement cost pays a percentage above Coverage A (for example, 25% or 50%) if rebuilding costs exceed the limit.
- Actual cash value deducts depreciation. Some policies pay ACV on contents unless you add replacement cost.
- Building code upgrade (ordinance or law) coverage pays for code-required upgrades, often as a percentage of Coverage A.
Underinsurance is common after major disasters. Review it whenever you renew or remodel.
Section 4: Deductibles
- All-peril deductible: applies to most claims.
- Separate deductibles may apply to wind or hail, hurricanes, or wildfire in some areas, often as a percentage of Coverage A. See our hurricane deductibles guide.
- Earthquake deductibles are separate and usually percentage-based on earthquake policies.
Make sure you understand any percentage deductible in dollars.
Section 5: Endorsements and forms list
Endorsements change the standard policy, adding, removing or limiting coverage. Common ones:
- Water backup coverage
- Scheduled personal property for jewelry, art and collectibles. See our valuables guide.
- Increased limits on special categories such as money, firearms or business property
- Home business coverage
- Equipment breakdown and service line coverage
- Identity theft coverage
- Earthquake endorsement (or a separate policy)
- Exclusions or limitations, such as roof surfacing limits or wear-based roof settlement
Read the forms list for anything that limits coverage, such as an actual cash value roof endorsement, which may reduce payments for older roofs.
Section 6: Discounts and premium
The dec page or premium summary often lists discounts, such as protective devices, multi-policy, claims-free or new home discounts. In California, ask whether wildfire mitigation discounts under the Safer from Wildfires framework are applied. See our wildfire mitigation guide.
Section 7: Mortgagee and additional interests
The mortgagee (your lender) is listed so it's included on claim payments for the dwelling. Other additional interests may include a trust, an HOA or a co-owner. Make sure these are current after refinancing.
Questions to ask at every renewal
- Is Coverage A enough to rebuild today, including code upgrades?
- Do I have extended replacement cost and replacement cost on contents?
- What are my deductibles in dollars, including any wind, hail or wildfire deductibles?
- Is my liability limit adequate? Should I add an umbrella? See our umbrella guide.
- Do I need water backup, scheduled valuables or home business coverage?
- Are all owners, trusts and LLCs correctly named?
- Have I made improvements, such as a remodel, ADU or solar, that should be reported?
- Are earthquake and flood addressed? See our flood guide.
Keep a copy of the full policy
The dec page is a summary. Coverage is determined by the full policy, including forms and endorsements. In California, you can request a complete copy of your policy from your insurer (Insurance Code §2084). Keep digital copies off-site, along with a home inventory. Our free home inventory template makes it easier.
Declarations page checklist
- ☐ Named insureds and address are correct
- ☐ Policy form fits your home
- ☐ Coverage A reflects rebuild cost
- ☐ Coverages B, C and D are adequate
- ☐ Liability and medical payments limits reviewed
- ☐ Valuation terms understood
- ☐ Deductibles known in dollars
- ☐ Endorsements and limitations reviewed
- ☐ Mortgagee and additional interests current
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545 for a declarations page review.
Frequently asked questions
What is a declarations page?
The summary at the front of your policy listing the named insured, address, coverages, limits, deductibles, endorsements and premium.
What is Coverage A?
Dwelling coverage for the house and attached structures. The limit should reflect the cost to rebuild.
What's the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?
Replacement cost pays to repair or replace without deducting depreciation. Actual cash value deducts depreciation.
What are endorsements?
Changes to the standard policy that add, remove or limit coverage, such as water backup or scheduled jewelry.
Can I get a full copy of my homeowners policy?
Yes. In California, Insurance Code section 2084 requires insurers to provide a complete copy on request.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.