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3. PP-DS-00

Personal Auto Declarations (PP DS 00)

The Personal Auto Declarations (PP DS 00) is a foundational component of a Personal Auto Policy (PAP). It's not a standalone coverage form but rather a summary document that personalizes the broader policy language found in forms like the PP 00 01 (Personal Auto Policy). The PP DS 00 typically outlines the "who, what, when, and how much" of the insurance contract. This includes identifying the named insured(s), the policy period (effective and expiration dates), a description of the covered autos (including Vehicle Identification Numbers - VINs), the specific coverages selected, the limits of liability for each coverage, applicable deductibles, the premium for each coverage, and a list of any endorsements that modify the standard policy terms.

Classes of Business It Applies To

The PP DS 00 is exclusively used for personal auto insurance policies. This means it applies to individuals and families insuring vehicles used for personal, non-business purposes. Examples include:

• Individuals owning or leasing private passenger autos, pickups, or vans for personal use.
• Families with multiple vehicles and drivers listed on a single policy.
• Individuals requiring specific coverages like liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for their personal vehicles.

It is generally not intended for commercial auto risks, such as vehicles used primarily for business, delivery, or livery services (though some incidental business use might be permissible depending on the policy and endorsements). For instance, while a salesperson using their personal vehicle for occasional client visits might be covered, a dedicated delivery van for a business would require a commercial auto policy.

Special Considerations

Several important considerations apply to the PP DS 00:

• Accuracy is Paramount: All information on the Declarations page, such as names, addresses, vehicle details (VINs), and listed drivers, must be accurate. Errors can lead to coverage disputes or even policy voidance. For example, failing to list a regular operator of a vehicle could jeopardize coverage in the event of a claim involving that unlisted driver.
• Policy Period: The effective and expiration dates clearly define the timeframe of coverage. It's crucial for the insured to be aware of these dates to ensure continuous coverage and timely renewal.
• Garaging Address: The primary location where the vehicle is garaged is a key rating factor and must be correctly stated. Misrepresenting the garaging address (e.g., stating a rural address when the vehicle is primarily kept in a city to obtain lower premiums) can be considered material misrepresentation.
• Endorsements: The Declarations page will list all endorsements attached to the policy. These endorsements can significantly alter coverage, so it's vital for both the agent and the insured to understand their impact. For example, an endorsement might add coverage for custom equipment or exclude coverage for a specific activity.
• Relationship to PP 00 01: The PP DS 00 customizes the standard policy language contained in the PP 00 01 (Personal Auto Policy form). The PP 00 01 provides the detailed terms, conditions, insuring agreements, and exclusions, while the PP DS 00 specifies the choices made by the insured within the framework of the PP 00 01.
• State Variations: While the PP DS 00 is a standard form concept, specific requirements for what must be included or how it's formatted can vary by state due to local regulations. For instance, New York has specific requirements for information that must be displayed on the declarations page.

Key Information for Agents and Underwriters

The PP DS 00 is a critical document for both agents and underwriters:

• Risk Assessment: Underwriters heavily rely on the information on the Declarations to assess the risk profile of the insured. This includes the types of vehicles, driver information (age, driving record – though often detailed elsewhere but linked to the named insureds), garaging location, and chosen coverages and limits. For example, high-performance vehicles or youthful drivers listed will trigger closer scrutiny.
• Pricing and Premium Calculation: The Declarations page explicitly states the premium for each coverage and the total policy premium. This information is derived from the rating factors detailed or referenced on the page, such as vehicle symbols, territory, driver classifications, and applicable discounts or surcharges.
• Coverage Confirmation: For agents, the Declarations page serves as a clear record of the coverages, limits, and deductibles selected by and agreed upon with the client. It's a key document to review with the insured to ensure mutual understanding and prevent errors and omissions claims.
• Identifying Coverage Gaps: By reviewing the listed coverages and limits, agents can identify potential coverage gaps for their clients. For example, if an insured has high-value assets but relatively low liability limits, the agent should discuss the advisability of higher limits or an umbrella policy.
• Underwriting Guidelines: Company-specific underwriting guidelines will dictate the acceptability of certain risks, required limits, or necessary endorsements, all of which are reflected or summarized on the Declarations page. For instance, some insurers may have stricter guidelines for vehicles with custom equipment, which would be noted via an endorsement listed on the declarations.
• Newly Acquired Autos: The Declarations page is central to how coverage applies to newly acquired vehicles, as defined in the PP 00 01. The existing coverages on the Declarations for other vehicles often determine the automatic coverage for a new car, and the timeframe for notifying the insurer.