Simply put, the inception date of an insurance policy is the date the policy comes into effect. In essence, it points out when you become covered by the insurance policy. It is also called the commencement date and the policy start date. From the date of inception of till the date of cancellation, the insured is covered by the policy. However, how the inception date of a policy is determined varies across companies and even states.
How To Determine The Date Of Inception On Your Policy
The easiest way to check for the date of inception on your policy is to check your policy declaration page or insurance declaration page.
This document contains all vital information regarding your insurance policy with the insurance company. We would also advise you to check your policy’s expiry date; it is equally as important as the policy start date.
Knowing your policy expiry date will inform you of when your policy no longer covers you and when to renew it.
If you try to file a claim on your company after this date, they will refuse your claim because your policy is no longer active. They are leaving you to handle your liabilities out of pocket.
| Inception Date | The date when your insurance policy becomes valid or comes into effect |
| Effective Date | The date a specific policy becomes effective. This implies you have multiple policies with an insurance provider. |
| Expiry Date | This is also called the termination date. On this day, your policy is no longer valid. |
Why Is It Important To Know Your Inception Date?
The inception date on a policy is important for a reason. Its primary function is to let the insured and the insurer know when the policy takes effect. In a situation where either or both parties are unsure about this date, it could bring about a lot of confusion.
It is the obligation of the insurer to provide an inception date that is clear to both parties. Should the insured file for a claim before this date, the company will deny it as the coverage is not yet effective, and the insured will cover their costs of pocket.
For example, you approach a company to buy a car insurance policy against accidents and theft. After successfully meeting the company’s requirements, you are offered an insurance policy with the inception stated.
The date may be stated as a specific date “12-02-22” or “12th February 2022″. Your company may also state it by giving an amount of time that must pass first, for example, “in thirty days.” Whatever the case, the insurance company, will state a date.
Suppose this contract was formed in January and on 10th February you were involved in a minor accident. Because the event took place before the policy’s inception date, you cannot file for a claim on this event.
The second reason why it is important to know this date is that it guides the insured on when to start adhering to the insurance contract terms.
Every insurance policy comes with requirements specific to it. If the insured fails to adhere to these requirements when the policy is in effect, they risk not being fully covered by the company.
Here’s another example, you know you have an insurance policy with certain conditions that make you eligible for full coverage.
Let’s say you purchase renter’s insurance on your property, and your inception date is 14th January. Unfortunately, your house experienced some damage, I.e., sewer backup, and you reached out to your company to file a claim on the event.
Upon investigation, the company refused your claim for the event on the grounds that it occurred out of your negligence. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not cover damages that you could avoid had you been more careful.
Let’s assume you already had this piece of information, but the reason you had not begun conducting routine checks on your property is that you assumed you did not have to do so for another few months long after your policy has come into effect without your knowledge.
Finally, this date also marks when you will have to start paying your monthly premiums. Again, defaulting on these problems could cause issues for you with your insurance company, and it’s best to avoid that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Inception Date The Same As The Effective Date?
The date of inception and the effective date generally refer to the same thing. They point out when the insured’s policy comes into effect or when it becomes valid.
In some cases, they do not mean the same thing. For example, the inception date could also refer to the first time a client entered into a contract with the insurance company. In contrast, the effective date refers to the start of a specific policy with the company.
In other establishments, the inception date may also be referred to as the policy start date or the commencement date.
Where Do I Find My Policy Inception Date?
You can find your policy start date on your policy declaration page, usually on the first or second page. Your policy declaration page is a document that acts as evidence of your insurance. It contains vital information about your insurance policy, such as your policy number and what your policy covers.
Conclusion
Your insurance date of inception is the date that your policy comes into effect. It is important because it tells you when your policy becomes valid.
It is not always the same thing as your policy effective date since an effective date can also mean the day a specific policy with an insurer becomes valid.
The inception date also guides you on when to start making premium payments on your policy. Defaulting on these payments can create a bad impression, and it’s best to avoid it.