How-to guide
How to read your declarations page.
The 1–2 page summary attached to every homeowners policy holds every dollar amount that matters at claim time. Here's what each line really means.
Coverage A — Dwelling
In plain English: The number that pays to rebuild your house's structure.
What to watch for: Compare to current replacement cost per square foot in your zip. If your limit hasn't moved in 3 years, you're almost certainly underinsured.
Coverage B — Other Structures
In plain English: Detached structures: garages, sheds, fences. Usually 10% of Coverage A.
What to watch for: 10% is the default. If you have a detached garage or workshop, that's often too low — raise it.
Coverage C — Personal Property
In plain English: Your stuff. Usually 50–70% of Coverage A.
What to watch for: Check the settlement type: RCV (replacement cost) or ACV (depreciated). RCV pays roughly 2x more on most claims.
Coverage D — Loss of Use
In plain English: Hotel and meals while your home is unlivable. Usually 20–30% of Coverage A.
What to watch for: Time-limited. Some policies cap at 12 months — not enough for a major rebuild that takes 18 months.
Coverage E — Personal Liability
In plain English: What the carrier pays if you're sued.
What to watch for: Default is often $100k. Raise to $300k–$500k, then add umbrella over the top.
Coverage F — Medical Payments
In plain English: Small medical bills for someone hurt on your property, no lawsuit needed.
What to watch for: $1k–$5k is standard. Cheap to increase.
Deductible
In plain English: What you pay before the carrier pays anything.
What to watch for: Look for percentage deductibles for wind, hail, hurricane, or named storm. They're calculated from Coverage A, not from your loss.
Endorsements & Riders
In plain English: Add-ons that change what the policy covers.
What to watch for: Look for: water backup, service line, ordinance & law, scheduled items (jewelry/firearms), and any roof-specific endorsement. The roof one usually means you've been downgraded to ACV.
Exclusions
In plain English: What the policy does NOT cover.
What to watch for: Flood, earth movement, wear-and-tear, and certain mold are standard. Some policies add cosmetic roof damage, animal liability, or short-term-rental use.
Mortgagee Clause
In plain English: Names your lender as a payee on large claim checks.
What to watch for: Must list your current lender. If you refinanced and the dec page still shows the old lender, fix it before a claim hits.
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