How to Analyze Insurance Documents in a Fire Investigation:
Declarations Page (Declarations Sheet)

by
Joseph Toscano
VP, Fire Investigation Specialist
American Re-Insurance Co.

The basic information about the policy coverages can be found on the face of the policy or the "declarations page". This is also called the "dec page" or "cover sheet" of the policy. While the main body of the policy is usually a series of printed forms which are compiled to make the complete policy, the declarations page is specially prepared with the specific information about the coverage under that particular policy.

Annotations are found below the form. You may click on any number on the form to hop directly to its annotation.

1. The name of the producer is the insurance agent who sold the policy. This is the contact person for information about the circumstances of obtaining the policy.

2. This is the identifying number of the policy assigned by the insurance company.

3. If the policy has been in existence more than one policy term (usually one year), it will be a renewal of a prior policy. If the policy is newly issued, it will indicate the policy is new.

4. This identifies the person or company actually insured under the policy.

5. The policy period or policy term shows the beginning and ending dates of the coverage.

6. The form of business identifies it as an individual, proprietorship, partnership, corporation or other legal entity.

7. The type of business operated at the insured location is indicated here.

8. The various types and amounts of coverage are shown.

9. The policy forms applicable to the insurance policy are listed, as well as any endorsements changing or supplementing the basic coverages.

Reprinted with permission from the author.