Knowing Your Declarations Page: Your Homeowners Insurance “Cheat Sheet”

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When it comes to understanding your homeowners insurance policy, the Declarations Page is your best friend. Think of it as a quick, easy-to-read “cheat sheet” that summarizes your coverage, limits, deductibles, and premium—all in one place.

If you’re a VYRD policyholder, accessing your Declarations Page is even easier. You can view it anytime through the customer portal or mobile app (Apple, Android)  making it simple to stay informed about your coverage.

Let’s break it down section by section so you know exactly what you’re looking at.

Basic Coverage Information

This is the heart of your Declarations Page. It outlines what your policy covers and how much protection you have.

⚠️ Important reminder: Flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. Separate flood insurance is required for that protection. Your agent can assist you with finding flood coverage.

Dwelling (Coverage A)

Coverage A refers to your home itself—the physical structure. This includes things like the walls, roof, and built-in systems.

The key thing to understand:
This amount should reflect the cost to rebuild your home from the ground up, including labor and materials. It is not the same as your home’s market value (what you could sell it for). Market value includes factors like location and land, which aren’t part of your insurance coverage.

Coverages B–F

These additional coverages round out your protection:

  • Other Structures (Coverage B)
    Covers structures on your property that aren’t attached to your home, such as a detached garage, fence, or tool shed.
  • Personal Property (Coverage C)
    Protects your belongings—furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and even items like sports equipment.
  • Loss of Use (Coverage D)
    Also known as temporary living expenses. If your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss (like a fire or major storm), this helps cover hotel stays, meals, and temporary housing while repairs are being made.
  • Personal Liability (Coverage E)
    Protects you if someone makes a claim against you for injuries or property damage—whether at home or elsewhere. This can help cover legal fees and medical expenses.
  • Medical Payments to Others (Coverage F)
    Covers smaller medical expenses if a guest is accidentally injured on your property, regardless of fault. It’s designed for quick, no-fuss claims.

Deductibles

Your deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying before your insurance kicks in.

  • Hurricane Deductible
    In Florida, this is especially important. It’s usually shown prominently and is calculated as a percentage of your Dwelling (Coverage A). If you file a claim due to a named storm, this is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket.
  • All Other Perils Deductible
    This applies to non-hurricane claims, such as fire or theft.

Discounts

Your Declarations Page will also show any discounts applied to your policy—these can significantly reduce your premium.

  • Wind Mitigation Credit
    One of the most valuable discounts available. It’s based on features like your roof type, construction, and storm protections (such as impact-resistant windows or shutters). For more information, visit our Wind Mitigation webpage.
  • Additional Savings Opportunities
    Programs like VYRD’s free water sensor offering and other savings initiatives can also help lower your costs. For a complete list of VYRD’s discounts, visit the Ways to Save section on our website.

Coverage Options and Endorsements

This section highlights any endorsements or optional coverages that apply to your policy.

Examples may include identity theft protection, animal liability coverage, or our Protection Plus Ultimate Package, which includes higher coverage limits and water backup/sump overflow coverage.

These add-ons allow you to customize your policy based on your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Your Declarations Page isn’t just paperwork—it’s a powerful tool that gives you a clear snapshot of your homeowners insurance.

By taking just a few minutes to review it, you can:

  • Confirm you have the right level of coverage
  • Understand your financial responsibility in a claim
  • Identify opportunities to save

If you haven’t looked at your Declarations Page recently, now is a great time to revisit it—and make sure your coverage still fits your needs. Contact your agent if you have questions concerning your coverage.

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