2024 Residential Contents Index Released
Sum Insured has just released the 2024 Residential Contents Index (RCI), revealing critical insights for the insurance industry.
The headline figure: a 15% increase in home contents replacement costs since 2020.

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. 15% overall increase in replacement costs since 2020
  2. 2.7% increase in the past year alone
  3. Significant variations across different product categories
0824 Same house 4 years apart sm

How is the RCI Calculated?

The RCI is based on a comprehensive model of a typical Australian 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 quality standards (average, quality, and prestige) for a wide range of household items, including:

  • Furniture
  • Major appliances
  • Electronics and communication devices
  • Clothing and personal items
  • Kitchenware and homewares
  • Sporting equipment and toys

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.

0824 Hidden cost of modernising sm

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 Australian homeowners. By leveraging these insights, insurance professionals can enhance their service offerings, improve client relationships, and contribute to a more resilient insurance landscape.

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