How to Use Your Declarations Page to Compare Auto Insurance Offers
- Anthony. M
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Written by Anthony M., insurance research contributor focused on auto insurance at Insurance Policy Authority.
Most drivers compare auto insurance quotes by price alone. While price matters, it’s rarely enough to tell you whether two policies are actually comparable.
The declarations page — often called the dec page — is the document that shows what an auto insurance policy really includes. Learning how to read it properly is one of the most effective ways to compare offers and avoid accidental gaps in coverage.
This article explains what a declarations page is, what information it contains, and how to use it to compare auto insurance policies more accurately.
What Is an Auto Insurance Declarations Page?
The declarations page is a summary of your auto insurance policy. It is usually the first page (or first few pages) of the policy documents provided by the insurer.
Rather than explaining coverage in legal language, the declarations page lists:
The vehicles and drivers on the policy
Coverage types
Coverage limits
Deductibles
Policy period and premium
It is not a marketing document. It is a snapshot of what the policy actually provides.
Why the Declarations Page Matters When Comparing Offers
Two auto insurance quotes can look similar — or even identical — on the surface while being very different in practice.
That’s because:
Coverage limits may differ
Deductibles may not match
Certain coverages may be missing entirely
Valuation methods may not be the same
The declarations page is the only place where all of this information appears together in a standardized format. If you’re comparing policies without using the declarations page, you’re often comparing incomplete information.
Key Sections to Review on the Declarations Page
When comparing auto insurance offers, focus on structure before price. These are the most important sections to review.
1. Liability Coverage Limits
Liability coverage is usually broken into two parts:
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Each has its own limit.
When comparing offers:
Make sure the liability limits are the same across policies
Avoid comparing a low-limit policy to a higher-limit policy based on price
Confirm whether limits are split or combined, depending on how the insurer lists them
Price differences often come from liability limits rather than overall “value.”
2. Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
These cover damage to your own vehicle.
Key details to compare:
Whether both coverages are included
The deductible amount for each
Whether deductibles differ between collision and comprehensive
A lower premium may simply reflect a higher deductible, not better pricing.
3. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage protects you if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
When reviewing the declarations page:
Check whether uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is included
Compare limits carefully
Note whether coverage applies to bodily injury, property damage, or both
This coverage is often overlooked but can materially affect protection.
4. Additional Coverages and Endorsements
Optional coverages may appear as separate line items, such as:
Rental reimbursement
Roadside assistance
Gap coverage
Custom equipment coverage
When comparing offers:
Confirm whether optional coverages are included or excluded
Avoid assuming features are “standard”
Check whether coverage limits differ
Small add-ons can explain price differences that aren’t obvious at first glance.
5. Deductibles
Deductibles are listed separately from coverage limits.
Important points:
A lower premium may be tied to higher deductibles
Some policies use different deductibles for different coverages
Deductibles should be compared line by line
Price comparisons without deductible context are incomplete.
What Not to Compare Directly
Some items on the declarations page should not be compared in isolation.
Avoid focusing only on:
Total premium
Monthly payment
Number of coverages listed
These numbers don’t explain how or when coverage applies. Structural differences matter more than presentation.
How to Use the Declarations Page for Side-by-Side Comparison
The most effective way to compare auto insurance offers is to:
Gather the declarations page for each quote
Review coverage categories in the same order
Record limits, deductibles, and exclusions consistently
Compare like-for-like coverage before considering price
Using a structured comparison approach helps prevent accidental downgrades or misunderstandings.
New Buyers vs. Switching Drivers
If you’re purchasing auto insurance for the first time, the declarations page helps define what your desired coverage should look like.
If you’re switching insurers, it helps ensure:
You’re not losing coverage unintentionally
Limits remain consistent
Deductibles haven’t changed without notice
In both cases, the declarations page serves as the reference point for informed comparison.
Why Price Alone Is Misleading
Auto insurance pricing reflects:
Coverage limits
Deductibles
Risk factors
Policy structure
Two policies with different structures are not directly comparable, even if the premiums are close. The declarations page shows why prices differ — and whether those differences matter to you.
Final Thoughts
The declarations page is not complicated once you know what to look for. It exists to make coverage details transparent, not confusing.
If you’re comparing auto insurance offers, reviewing the declarations page is one of the most effective steps you can take to make a more informed decision. Structure first, price second.
Understanding what’s on the page — and what’s missing — helps ensure you’re comparing real protection, not just numbers.
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