# FAQ: Your Insurance Declarations Page
Your declarations page — the "dec page" — is the one-page summary at the front of your policy that shows what's covered, your limits, your deductibles, and what you pay. It's the fastest way to understand your coverage without reading the whole contract. Below are the questions we hear most often at BNW Services LLC (dba InsureToday24), a licensed independent insurance agency. Have a question that isn't here? Call or text Lucy, our AI receptionist, at (573) 594-5148, or send us your dec page for a free review.
What is a declarations page?
It's the summary page (usually page one) of your insurance policy. Behind it sits the full contract — often 40 or more pages of legal language — but the dec page pulls the parts specific to *you* onto a single sheet: who and what is insured, your coverage limits, your deductibles, any add-ons (endorsements), and your premium. If you read only one page of your policy, read this one.
Where do I find my dec page?
It's the first page of the policy packet your carrier mailed or emailed when you bought or renewed. You can also usually download it from your carrier's online account or app, or we can pull a copy for you if BNW services your policy.
What are the most important things to check?
Five things: (1) your name and the insured address/vehicle are correct; (2) your coverage limits — especially the Dwelling (Coverage A) amount on a home policy and your liability limits on auto; (3) your deductibles, including any separate wind/hail deductible; (4) your endorsements (the add-ons you asked for are actually listed); and (5) your premium and discounts.
What is a "Dwelling limit" and why does it matter?
On a homeowners policy, Dwelling (Coverage A) is the amount your insurer will pay to *rebuild* your home — not its market value and not what you paid for it. Because building costs have risen sharply, many homes are underinsured. If your dwelling limit hasn't been updated recently, a total loss could leave you paying the difference out of pocket. Your dec page shows this number in seconds.
What is a wind/hail deductible?
In storm-prone states like Missouri and Kansas, many home policies apply a separate deductible for wind and hail damage — often a percentage of your dwelling limit rather than a flat dollar amount. On a $300,000 home, a 1% wind/hail deductible means $3,000 out of pocket before coverage applies. Always check whether you have one and how it's calculated.
How often should I review it?
At least once a year, and after any big life change — buying a home, adding a driver, finishing a basement, buying a boat or side-by-side, or paying off a vehicle. Each of those should be reflected on your dec page. If it isn't, your coverage and your life have drifted apart.
Can BNW review my declarations page for free?
Yes. Send us your current dec page and we'll tell you plainly what's solid and where you have gaps. As an independent agency, we shop the carriers we represent to fit your situation — so a dec-page review is about making sure you're properly protected, not a sales pitch.
References
- Understanding your insurance policy | Insurance Information Institute
- Homeowners insurance basics | NAIC
- How much homeowners insurance do you need | III
- Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance
- Auto insurance basics | III