What Is a Declaration Page (Dec Page)?
A Declaration Page (commonly called a “dec page”) is a summary document that outlines the essential details of your homeowner’s insurance policy. It lists your coverage amounts, deductibles, policy period, insured property, and premium costs—all condensed into typically 1-3 pages.
Think of your dec page as your policy’s quick-reference guide. While your full insurance policy may be 50+ pages of legal language, the declaration page provides the critical information you need to understand your coverage at a glance.
Why Your Dec Page Matters for Roof Claims
When you file a roof insurance claim, your declaration page contains several pieces of information that directly impact your settlement:
Coverage limits: The maximum amount your insurer will pay for dwelling repairs, including your roof.
Deductible amounts: What you’ll pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins.
Coverage type: Whether you have Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage.
Special endorsements: Additional coverages like ordinance or law coverage that may affect roof repairs.
Policy effective dates: Confirms your coverage was active when damage occurred.
Understanding these details before meeting with adjusters or contractors helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises during the claims process.
Key Information on Your Dec Page
Named Insured
What it shows: The person(s) legally covered under the policy—typically the homeowner(s).
Why it matters for roofing: Only the named insured can file claims or authorize repairs. If multiple people are listed, all may need to sign claim documents or contractor agreements.
Policy Number
What it shows: Your unique policy identifier.
Why it matters for roofing: You’ll need this number for every interaction with your insurance company, from filing claims to scheduling adjuster inspections.
Policy Period
What it shows: Start and end dates of your current coverage period.
Why it matters for roofing: Damage must occur during an active policy period to be covered. If you discover old damage, proving it occurred during your coverage period becomes critical.
Property Address
What it shows: The location of the insured property.
Why it matters for roofing: Confirms which property is covered. If you own multiple properties, ensure you’re referencing the correct policy when filing claims.
Coverage A: Dwelling
What it shows: The maximum amount your insurer will pay to repair or rebuild your home’s structure, including the roof.
Why it matters for roofing: This is your roof’s coverage limit. A $300,000 dwelling limit means your insurer won’t pay more than that for all structural damage, including the roof. Most roof replacements use only a fraction of this limit, but major storm damage affecting multiple structures could approach these limits.
Typical amounts: Usually set at the estimated cost to rebuild your home (not its market value).
Deductible(s)
What it shows: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage applies.
Why it matters for roofing: Your deductible directly reduces your claim payout. Common types include:
- Flat deductible: A fixed dollar amount (e.g., $1,000, $2,500, $5,000)
- Percentage deductible: A percentage of Coverage A (e.g., 1% of $300,000 = $3,000)
- Wind/Hail deductible: A separate, often higher deductible for wind or hail damage (commonly 1-5% of dwelling coverage)
- Hurricane deductible: Special deductible for named storms (in coastal areas)
Example: If your roof replacement costs $15,000 and you have a $2,500 deductible, you’ll receive $12,500 from insurance (minus any depreciation if you have ACV coverage).
Coverage Type: RCV vs. ACV
What it shows: How your insurer calculates claim payouts.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV):
- Pays full replacement cost without depreciation
- Requires you to complete repairs to receive full payment
- Most policies pay ACV initially, then recoverable depreciation after completion
Actual Cash Value (ACV):
- Pays replacement cost minus depreciation
- Single payment with no additional funds after repairs
- Significantly lower payouts on older roofs
Why it matters for roofing: This single detail can mean thousands of dollars difference in your settlement. A 15-year-old roof might have 50-60% depreciation, dramatically reducing an ACV payout.
Additional Coverages and Endorsements
What it shows: Optional coverages you’ve purchased beyond standard policy provisions.
Common roofing-related endorsements:
Ordinance or Law Coverage:
- Pays for upgrades required by current building codes
- Standard policies often exclude code upgrade costs
- Critical if local codes have changed since your roof was installed
Equipment Breakdown:
- May cover HVAC units damaged in the same storm event
- Relevant since rooftop HVAC units often sustain hail damage
Water Backup:
- Covers damage from sewer or drain backups
- Can be relevant if roof damage causes drainage issues
Increased Dwelling Coverage:
- Extended replacement cost (e.g., 125% of Coverage A)
- Protects against construction cost increases
Why it matters for roofing: Without ordinance or law coverage, you may have to pay thousands out-of-pocket for code-required upgrades during roof replacement.
Premium Amount
What it shows: Your annual or semi-annual insurance cost.
Why it matters for roofing: Understanding your premium helps you evaluate whether filing a claim makes financial sense. Small claims may not be worth potential rate increases.
Mortgage/Lienholder
What it shows: The bank or lender with a financial interest in your property.
Why it matters for roofing: Your mortgage company will be named on insurance settlement checks and must endorse them before you can access funds. This can delay the payment process and requires coordination with your lender.
How to Read Your Dec Page
Declaration pages aren’t standardized—each insurer formats them differently. However, they typically follow this general layout:
Top section: Policy number, named insured, property address, policy period
Middle section: Coverage amounts (A, B, C, D) and limits
Deductible section: All applicable deductibles clearly listed
Bottom section: Premium breakdown, endorsements, mortgage information
Additional pages: May include lists of scheduled personal property, special endorsements, or coverage explanations
Pro tip: If anything on your dec page is unclear, call your agent before you need to file a claim. Understanding your coverage now prevents surprises later.
Common Dec Page Mistakes That Affect Roof Claims
Outdated Dwelling Coverage
The problem: Your home’s value increased, but your Coverage A didn’t.
Why it matters: Insufficient dwelling coverage can leave you underinsured. If reconstruction costs exceed your limit, you’ll pay the difference out-of-pocket.
Solution: Review and update coverage amounts annually, especially after home improvements or in periods of rising construction costs.
Not Understanding Your Deductible
The problem: Homeowners don’t realize they have a percentage deductible instead of a flat amount.
Why it matters: A 2% deductible on a $400,000 dwelling means you pay $8,000 before insurance covers anything—much more than expected.
Solution: Review your deductible annually and consider adjusting it based on your financial situation.
Missing Ordinance or Law Coverage
The problem: Your policy doesn’t include this endorsement.
Why it matters: Building codes change over time. Without this coverage, you’ll pay for required upgrades like enhanced ventilation, fire-rated decking, or structural improvements.
Solution: Ask your agent about adding ordinance or law coverage, especially if your roof is more than 10 years old.
Incorrect Property Address
The problem: Typos or outdated addresses on your dec page.
Why it matters: Coverage only applies to the listed property. Address mismatches can complicate or delay claims.
Solution: Verify your property address is correct each time you receive updated dec pages.
Unclear Wind/Hail Deductibles
The problem: Not realizing you have a separate, higher deductible for wind or hail damage.
Why it matters: Wind and hail are the most common causes of roof claims. A separate 2% wind/hail deductible instead of your standard $1,500 deductible can be a costly surprise.
Solution: Clearly identify all deductible types on your dec page and budget accordingly.
Using Your Dec Page During Roof Claims
Before Filing a Claim
Review your coverage: Confirm your policy was active when damage occurred.
Calculate your deductible: Determine if the damage cost exceeds your deductible enough to justify filing.
Check coverage type: Know whether you have RCV or ACV to set realistic expectations for your payout.
Identify special coverages: Look for ordinance or law coverage or other endorsements that might apply.
When Meeting with Adjusters
Bring your dec page: Have it available during the adjuster’s inspection.
Reference specific coverages: If the adjuster questions coverage, point to relevant sections on your dec page.
Clarify limits: Ensure the adjuster understands your coverage type and any special endorsements.
When Hiring Contractors
Share relevant sections: Contractors need to know your coverage limits and deductible to provide accurate estimates.
Discuss coverage gaps: If your dec page shows ACV coverage or missing endorsements, discuss how this affects your project budget.
Verify mortgage requirements: If your lender is listed, explain that they’ll need to endorse payment checks.
What Your Dec Page Doesn’t Tell You
While your declaration page provides essential information, it doesn’t include:
Exclusions: Specific types of damage your policy doesn’t cover (these are in the full policy document).
Claim procedures: How to file claims, required documentation, or time limits.
Coverage details: The full legal language explaining coverage terms and conditions.
Definitions: How your policy defines terms like “sudden and accidental,” “wear and tear,” or “named storm.”
Sublimits: Some policies have separate, lower limits for specific items like roof age or cosmetic damage.
For complete information, always review your full policy document in addition to your dec page.
Updating Your Dec Page
Your declaration page changes when:
Policy renewals: Annual or semi-annual renewals may adjust coverage amounts, deductibles, or premiums.
Coverage changes: Adding or removing endorsements updates your dec page.
Property changes: Major renovations may require dwelling coverage increases.
Refinancing: New mortgage companies need to be listed.
Claim history: Some insurers note recent claims on dec pages.
Always review new dec pages carefully when you receive them. Changes can significantly impact your coverage.
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent
When reviewing your dec page, consider asking:
- Do I have RCV or ACV coverage for my roof?
- What is my exact deductible for wind and hail damage?
- Do I have ordinance or law coverage? If not, should I add it?
- Is my dwelling coverage sufficient based on current construction costs?
- Are there any roof age limitations or sublimits in my policy?
- What would my premium increase be if I lowered my deductible?
- Do I qualify for any discounts (impact-resistant shingles, new roof, etc.)?
- Are there any cosmetic damage exclusions that would affect roof claims?
Dec Page vs. Full Policy Document
Your declaration page is NOT your complete policy. It’s a summary that references your full policy form for detailed terms and conditions.
When you need your dec page:
- Quick coverage verification
- Filing claims
- Meeting with contractors or adjusters
- Applying for mortgages or refinancing
When you need your full policy:
- Understanding exclusions
- Researching specific coverage questions
- Disputing claim denials
- Learning claims procedures and requirements
Best practice: Keep both documents easily accessible. Store physical copies in a fireproof safe and digital copies in cloud storage.
Finding Your Dec Page
When you receive it:
- At policy purchase or renewal
- After making coverage changes
- Upon request from your agent or insurer
Where to find it:
- Email from your insurance company or agent
- Online portal (most insurers offer digital access)
- Physical mail (typically sent at renewal)
- Through your agent
If you can’t find your dec page:
- Log into your insurer’s online portal
- Call your insurance agent
- Contact your insurer’s customer service directly
- Check your mortgage company (they often keep copies)
Related Roofing Terms
- Claim: Formal request for insurance coverage of roof damage
- Adjuster: Insurance professional who evaluates your claim
- RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Full replacement cost without depreciation
- ACV (Actual Cash Value): Replacement cost minus depreciation
- Deductible: Amount you pay before insurance coverage begins
- Depreciation: Reduction in value based on age and condition
- Ordinance or Law Coverage: Insurance for code-required upgrades
Professional Guidance on Insurance Coverage
Understanding your declaration page is the first step in protecting your roofing investment. As professional roof consultants, we help homeowners:
- Review dec pages before filing claims
- Identify coverage gaps that could affect roof repairs
- Explain technical insurance terms in plain language
- Advocate for proper coverage during adjuster inspections
- Ensure you receive all benefits your policy provides
Have questions about your roof insurance coverage? Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your declaration page, assess your roof’s condition, and help you understand exactly what coverage you have before you need to file a claim.
