Understanding Your Declarations Page and Auto Insurance Coverage

by: Nicole T. Sanzo

Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC, covers personal injury matters in both Virginia and North Carolina. This year, a few changes have been made to both Virginia and North Carolina’s minimum limits required for auto insurance policies. As of January 1, 2025, Virginia transitioned to policy minimums of 50/100/25. This means $50,000 per injury claim but no more than $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 minimum for property damage. As of July 1, 2025, North Carolina also transitioned into policy minimums of 50/100/25. (Please read additional articles written by Mr. Lupton to get a full understanding of these policy changes.)

These new limits, as well as other essential information about your coverage, are detailed in your declarations page. Understanding your insurance policy’s declarations page is key to knowing how you are protected.

What is a declarations page?

The declarations page is the summary page of your policy. It shows your coverage limits, deductibles, premiums and policy endorsements. Declaration pages can look different depending on your insurance provider, so read closely and make changes based on your lifestyle and needs.

What type of coverage do you have?

Your insurance packet coverage page goes into more detail of the specific types of coverage you’ve purchased, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and more.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage includes bodily injury and property damage liability. Bodily injury liability may help pay for costs related to another person’s injuries if you caused an accident. Property damage liability may help pay for damages you caused to another person’s property while driving.

This is mandatory in both Virginia and North Carolina.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is when the other party is at fault and uninsured; your insurance may step in and pay your recoverable benefits up to the limits of your policy. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is when the other party is at fault and has insufficient insurance coverage; your insurance may step in and pay your excess recoverable benefits up to the limits of your policy.

This is mandatory in both Virginia and North Carolina if you have liability coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

This covers damage from theft, fire, floods, hail, or vandalism.

This is optional.

Collision Coverage

This covers damage to your car from a collision, or if you hit an object such as a fence or pole.

This is optional.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage may help pay for medical and hospital expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.

This is optional.

What are some other types of auto insurance coverage?

Below is a list of optional coverages that your insurance provider might offer:

• Towing and Labor Cost Coverage: This can provide you with towing, battery replacement, or gas service if you are stranded on the side of the road.
• Glass Coverage: Some policies include non-deductible glass coverage that covers your windshield, windows, and glass sunroofs.
• Wage Loss Coverage: If you miss time at work due to injuries from an accident. Your insurance may compensate you for lost earnings up to the limits of your policy.

This is your reminder to review your auto insurance policy regularly. Make sure your coverage is specific to you and your needs. Slaughter & Lupton’s personal injury team is here to guide you through your insurance claims and assist you if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or need assistance with another personal injury matter. Contact us today at 757-999-1111.

Nicole Sanzo is a personal injury attorney at Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC. Trust her to take your injury case to the next level. Learn more about Nicole on her Attorney Profile.