How to Read a Florida Homeowners Declarations Page

Learn how to read your Florida homeowners declarations page line by line. Know what every coverage letter means and spot gaps before a claim hits.

TL;DR:** Your declarations page ("dec page") summarizes your homeowners policy in one or two pages. It lists your coverages, limits, deductibles, and premium. Reading it now, before a storm or fire, is one of the most useful things you can do as a Florida homeowner. What You Need Before you sit down with this guide, grab a few things: Your current homeowners declarations page. It comes with your policy packet and is usually emailed as a PDF at renewal. A highlighter or a way to make notes. Last year's dec page if you have it. Comparing them side by side reveals any coverage changes your carrier made quietly at renewal. If you cannot find your dec page, call your agent. At B & B Insurance Agency we send a copy any time a client asks, no waiting. Step 1: Confirm the Basics at the Top of the Page The very top of your dec page has housekeeping information. Do not skip it. Named insured.** This is who the policy covers. If you recently married, divorced, or added a co-owner to the deed, make sure the name matches. A mismatch can complicate a claim. Policy period.** Two dates: the start and end of coverage. Florida homeowners policies typically run 12 months. If you are looking at this during hurricane season, verify the policy has not lapsed. Property address.** Obvious, but check it. Typos happen. A wrong zip code can affect your rating territory and your wind deductible calculation. Carrier name and policy number.** Write both on your phone. You will need the policy number the moment you call to report a claim. Mortgagee clause.** If you have a mortgage, your lender is listed here as an additional interest. This is normal. It means claim checks over a certain amount are made out jointly to you and the bank. Step 2: Understand the Coverage Letters This is the section most…