Creating a home inventory list

Can you rattle off a list of everything you own? Sure, the big things may come easily, like your fridge and lounge furniture. But it’s easy to overlook the smaller things, like those one-purpose appliances or once-a-year items like Chrissy decorations.

That’s where a home inventory list comes in handy.

Why you need a home inventory list

Accurate insurance cover

Choosing a dollar figure off the top of your head to represent what all your stuff is worth can be overwhelming. A home inventory list makes this easier – whether it’s just a jot-down of everything you own without detail, or a more in-depth document with things like receipts and photos.

Such a list helps you avoid becoming underinsured – which can creep up on you over time as you add items to your home.

If you’re unsure how to calculate how much insurance you need, AAMI’s Home Contents calculator can help.

Efficient claims process

Having a pre-prepared list of items, along with their value, can make the claims process more efficient. As long as the evidence of value isn’t out-of-date, using your list to help source replacements or determine the amount of a cash payment should be pretty straightforward.

Plus, having a home inventory list can help identify certain items that may have flexible limits – like a collection of old vinyl records. With AAMI, they have a limit of $1,000, unless you choose to specify the full amount on your certificate of insurance. For more info on limits, refer to the PDS.

Explore AAMI Contents Insurance

How to create a home inventory list

Categorise your contents

Whether you go room by room, by type of item, or on a collection-based system, you can categorise your list however suits you best.

You (most likely!) won’t have a receipt for everything you own, but don’t worry! You can still get an average value in categories where you may have loads of items – like a wardrobe. If you can collect receipts for a few different pants, shirts and shoes, you may be able to get a rough idea of the whole lot. Just make sure to note any valuable items, like an expensive suit or dress!

Pay attention to high-value items

For particularly valuable items like watches or jewellery, or even something like an old family heirloom for which you probably don’t have any receipts, getting in touch with a valuer may be helpful.

Having their value verified by an expert means you’ll both know exactly how much to insure them for, and make them easier to replace if necessary. Plus, it’ll be easier for you to know whether you need to specify items on your certificate of insurance.

Make notes of descriptions and values

Any added details can help demonstrate ownership, establish value and expedite claims. These can include:

• description
• date of purchase
• make, model or serial number
• place of purchase
• estimated cost of replacement
• receipts
• photos, and
• similar items' value for reference

Cover your items on-the-go

Be careful not to misplace items when you’re out and about – especially those that tend to come along with you, like a phone or wedding ring. If you want to cover your items for accidental loss or damage away from home, you’ll need to add optional Portable Valuables Cover for an additional premium. Read the PDS for details.

Explore Portable Valuables Cover

Storing your home inventory safely

Digital or physical

Now that you’ve got your list sorted, you’re nearly done. Don’t forget to store it safely!

It’s better to have more than one copy, stored in secure locations. That could be with a trusted friend or family member, or even a safe or a bank. Better yet, go digital and keep a copy in the cloud or on a storage device – whatever you choose, just make sure it’s safe!

Make regular updates

Okay, “nearly done” may have been a stretch – maintaining and updating your home inventory list frequently is a good habit. Regular updates will help you to keep track of new purchases and allow you to remove items you no longer own.

That way, your insurance – and its cost – can better reflect your needs.

Need to make a claim?

You can easily claim online or via the AAMI App:

1. Fill in your policy details.
2. Tell us when and where the incident occurred, and what happened.
3. Enter the details of any damaged items.
4. Upload any relevant pictures and documents.
5. Submit your claim.

Once your claim is submitted, a claims consultant will contact you to progress your claim and discuss any applicable excesses.

Make a claim

Related links

• Complete Replacement Cover Home Insurance
• Home and Contents Insurance
• Building Insurance