The declaration is a statement on any insurance proposal form signed by the person applying for insurance, certifying that all information supplied to the insurer in the proposal is truthful, complete and accurate. If any of the information on the declaration page is found to be false, it will render the contract null and void.

The declaration refers not only to the statement signed at the bottom of the information but to all the actual information declared, it is therefore referred to as a declaration page. The information supplied on the declaration page is crucial as it will form the basis on which the policy is issued. It also determines the premium amount that will be asked.

With reference to a car insurance declaration form the following information will be required:

• Full names, identity number, age, gender and address details of the person applying for insurance, this will include residential and postal address details;
• Contact details: telephone numbers at work, home and cellular phone, fax number and e-mail address;
• Details of the property that is being insured—the make, model, registration number, engine number, security fittings;
• Location and use—where is the car kept at night, i.e. a locked garage, is it used for private and/or business use;
• The type of car insurance applying for;
• The amount of insurance coverage;
• The policy period.

The type and amount of information can vary from one insurer to the next but the above will usually be included.