Policy records
Keeping your auto policy documents in order
Know which policy pages to keep, how to read them, and where to file them.
What belongs in your policy folder
Keep the documents that describe your current policy together so you can find them quickly.
- Current declarations page
- Full policy booklet or a link to the digital copy
- Any endorsements added during the term
- The most recent renewal notice
- Correspondence you want to keep for reference
Reading a declarations page
Start at the top with the policy period and named insured, then confirm each vehicle and VIN, then review the listed coverages and limits. If anything looks unclear, the issuing company named on the document is the right place to ask.
How long to keep old policy documents
Many people keep prior declarations pages for several years. A simple rule is to archive the old page in a dated sub-folder whenever a new one arrives.
Policy glossary
- Declarations page
- The summary page of a policy listing the named insured, covered vehicles, coverages, limits, and policy period.
- Policy period
- The start and end dates during which the policy terms apply, printed on the declarations page.
- Named insured
- The person or people listed by name on the policy document.
- Deductible
- The amount stated in the policy that the policyholder pays before coverage applies to a covered claim.
- Endorsement
- A written change added to a policy that modifies its original terms.
- Renewal notice
- A document sent before a policy period ends that describes the upcoming term.
- Proof of insurance card
- The identification card many states require drivers to carry in the vehicle.
- VIN
- The 17-character Vehicle Identification Number that ties records to one specific vehicle.