2024 New Zealand
Residential Contents Index

Sum Insured has just released the 2024 New Zealand Residential Contents Index (RCI), revealing critical insights for the insurance industry. The headline figure a 29.9% increase in home contents replacement costs since the index began in 2013.

What is the RCI?

The Residential Contents Index is a specialised tool designed to track the changing costs of replacing home contents. Unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which covers a broad range of goods and services, the RCI focuses specifically on items typically covered by home contents insurance policies.

Key Findings from the 2024 RCI

  1. 29.9% overall increase in replacement costs since 2013
  2. 1.9% increase in the past year alone
  3. Significant variations across different product categories
The correct insurance is a balancing act

How is the RCI Calculated?

The RCI is based on a comprehensive model of a typical New Zealand home:

  • Three-bedroom house
  • 13 functional areas (including bedrooms, living spaces, and outdoor areas)
  • Four occupants (2 adults, 2 children)

Our team tracks prices across three different standards (average, quality and prestige) for a wide range of household items, including:

  • Bedding/Linen
  • Women’s clothing
  • Computer/Communications
  • Decorator
  • Furniture
  • Kitchenware
  • Luggage
  • Window furnishings


Data is collected daily from a diverse range of retailers and suppliers through web research, phone calls, emails, and field visits.

Why the RCI Matters

For insurers and brokers, the RCI provides:

  1. A more accurate picture of home contents value changes than general inflation measures
  2. Data-driven insights to inform policy pricing and updates
  3. A tool to educate clients about the importance of regular sum insured reviews
  4. Support for conversations about underinsurance and the need for adequate coverage

Category Highlights

This year’s report shows above-average increases in:

  • Furniture
  • Energy-efficient major appliances
  • Home office equipment
  • Smart home devices

These category-specific insights can help insurance professionals tailor their approach to different client segments.

Illustration showing two methods of calculating home contents coverage: one using outdated manual estimates leading to insufficient coverage and another using the Sum Insured Calculator, resulting in accurate and sufficient coverage.

Access the Full Report

The complete 2024 RCI report contains:

  • Detailed breakdowns by product category
  • Historical trends and future projections
  • Analysis of factors driving cost changes
  • Strategies for applying RCI insights in client communications

Download the full report here.

Conclusion

The 2024 Residential Contents Index offers critical data for addressing underinsurance and ensuring appropriate coverage for New Zealand homeowners. By leveraging these insights, insurance professionals can enhance their service offerings, improve client relationships, and contribute to a more resilient insurance landscape.

For more information on Sum Insured, visit www.suminsured.com.au

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