Glossary

Evidence of insurance

A short document from your insurer or agent confirming that a policy is in force, with its limits and the lender to notify. It is not the policy itself.

Also called: proof of insurance, evidence of property insurance, ACORD 27

Evidence of insurance is a one- or two-page document that proves a policy exists. It shows the insured's name, the property address, the policy number, the policy period, the main limits and deductible, and the lender or other party to be notified. For a residential mortgage the common form is the ACORD 27, Evidence of Property Insurance, though many insurers issue their own version or send the declarations page instead.

Lenders and closing agents ask for it before closing and again at each renewal or change of coverage. Your agent can usually produce one the same day, normally at no charge. Check the details before it goes out: the lender's exact name, loan number and servicing address must match the loan file. A wrong address is an easy way for renewal paperwork to go missing, and a lapse on the lender's records can lead to lender-placed coverage billed to you.

Evidence of insurance is a snapshot, not a contract. It creates no coverage, changes nothing in the policy, and does not replace a binder, the temporary contract used before the full policy is issued. For the sequence at a home purchase, see binders and proof of insurance at closing.

Last reviewed October 10, 2026

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Related terms

Binder A short-term written confirmation that coverage is in force while the full policy is being issued, often used as proof of insurance at a home closing. Declarations page The summary page at the front of a policy listing the insured, the property, policy dates, limits, deductibles, premium, mortgage lender and attached forms. Mortgagee The lender that holds the mortgage on the home, listed on the declarations page so it gets cancellation notices and shares in payments for dwelling damage. Named insured The person or people listed on the declarations page as the policy's owner, who hold the contract rights and receive notices and claim payments. Policy period The span between a policy's effective date and expiration date, usually 12 months, during which a loss must occur to be covered.

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