Articles

Guides to reading your policy

Practical walk-throughs of the documents you already have.

5 min read

How to read your declarations page in five minutes

A section-by-section walk through the one page that summarizes your entire auto policy.

Start with the policy period

Confirm the effective and expiration dates. Coverage questions always depend on whether an event happened within this window.

Check names, vehicles, and drivers

Make sure every named insured, listed vehicle, and household driver is accurate. Vehicle identification numbers should match your registration.

Read the coverage table

Each row is a coverage. Look for the limit column and the deductible column. A blank or a dash usually means the coverage is not included.

Scan the endorsements list

Endorsements are form numbers that change the base policy. If something looks unfamiliar, the full policy packet explains it.

4 min read

Split limits explained: what 25/50/25 really means

Three numbers, three different jobs. Learn how per-person and per-accident limits work.

The first number

The maximum for bodily injury to one person, in thousands of dollars.

The second number

The maximum for bodily injury for all people in a single accident.

The third number

The maximum for property damage you cause in a single accident.

Why it matters

Costs above a limit are not paid by that coverage. Understanding the numbers helps you ask your insurer informed questions.

4 min read

Lending your car: what to look for in your policy

Permissive use, excluded drivers, and why the owner's policy often comes first.

Find the permissive use language

Most policies describe how coverage applies when someone borrows your vehicle with permission. The wording lives in the definitions and liability sections.

Watch for excluded drivers

Some policies name drivers who are specifically excluded. Coverage generally does not apply when they drive.

Regular use is different

Occasional borrowing and regular use are often treated differently. Regular drivers are usually expected to be listed.