What is a renters insurance declaration page?

While it’s common knowledge that homeowners require insurance, did you know that renters also have the option to insure your space and belongings, too? It can cover theft, water damage, medical payments to others injured within your space, and more. Renters insurance can give you peace of mind.

When you purchase this type of policy, you’ll typically receive a document confirming your coverage. In that document, you’ll find what’s known as a renters insurance declaration page.

What’s a declaration page for renters insurance? It’s a summary of the coverage within your renters insurance policy. As the name suggests, this document is a declaration of the elections you made while setting up your policy.

Why do you need a declaration page?

Have you ever gone to the doctor and wondered if your visit was covered? Well, the declaration page for your renters insurance answers the question of what is covered. So, in the event you need to activate parts of your policy, you can quickly reference this page.¹

Typically, you’d need to reference this page when filing a claim, as it’ll have your coverage limits and deductibles listed.

For example, if someone is injured while visiting your apartment and you’ve purchased bodily injury overage, the declarations page will summarize how much of their medical bills are covered.²

It also serves as proof of renters insurance if you live in an apartment where insurance is required.

How do you get a renters insurance declaration page?

If you’re wondering how to get a renters insurance declaration page, it’s much easier than you think. Download or pull out your policy and you’ll often find this document is the first page of the policy.

In instances where it isn’t, you can often easily find the page or outline in your insurance company’s mobile app. If not, you can contact your insurance provider and request a copy of the declarations page. Whenever you make changes or updates, your provider will send you a new page to confirm your coverage and limits.

What information is in a renters insurance declaration?

• Who’s covered: known was the “name insured” in the policy documents, this refers to the policyholder (in this case, you) and includes your name, date of birth, address, and age.
• Anyone else who’s covered: you’ll see this as “additional insured” and refers to anyone else living in your apartment who’s also covered.
• Interested parties: Occasionally, your landlord may ask to be included in your policy as an “additional interested party.” In these cases, the landlord will be advised of any changes to the policy or coverage (without being covered or added to the policy).  Note, Nationwide does not allow landlords to be added as an additional interested party.
• Your insurance provider: Your carrier or insurance provider name, address, and phone number are typically found on the declarations page.
• Your insurance agent: If an agent or representative from the carrier helped to put together your policy or is managing it on your behalf, that person’s name, office address, and contact information might be listed.
• Coverage: Your declarations page will include the types of coverage within the policy. This can range from theft to bodily injury to personal liability, depending on your election.
• Coverage Limits & Deductibles: Often, your coverage doesn’t kick in until you’ve satisfied your claim deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket. That amount is listed on the page along with your coverage limit, which is the maximum your carrier will pay for a claim that’s covered in the policy.
• Premium: This is how much you need to pay, on a monthly or annual basis, to maintain coverage and keep your policy active. Typically, the more coverage you have, the more your premium costs. You can learn more about how much renters insurance typically costs.³

What does a renters insurance declaration page look like?

While your renters insurance declaration page may look different based on the state you live in or the provider of your policy, the type of information found within the page is generally the same. The design of the page may vary, as might the order of coverages, premiums, policy period, limits, and deductibles.⁴

The declaration is an important part of your renters insurance

While all pages of your renters insurance policy are equally important, the declaration page is crucial. It serves as proof of all the coverages available, so you know what’s covered, who’s covered, and the limits and deductibles within your policy. Homeowners also have a declaration page, which provides similar information.

Whether you own or rent your home, knowing you’re protected can give you peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

That’s why it’s important to have a comprehensive renters insurance policy that covers your specific needs. Get your renters insurance quote from Nationwide today.

[1] https://www.policygenius.com/renters-insurance/what-is-a-renters-insurance-declarations-page/, Accessed October 2021.
[2] https://www.valuepenguin.com/how-to-give-proof-of-renters-insurance, Accessed October 2021.
[3] https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/declarations-page, Accessed October 2021.
[4] https://www.effectivecoverage.com/10807/declarations-page-landlord-want/, Accessed October 2021.