Are your home contents protected? A simple inventory can change everything

Credit bureau data shows that the majority of South Africans who have car insurance also have life (79%), funeral (78%), and medical (72%) cover – but just 47% have home contents insurance. One of the biggest reasons for this protection gap is that many people don’t believe they need it and, even those who do have cover are at risk of being under-insured.

Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance, says that under-insurance remains one of the biggest causes of reduced or rejected claims. “Most households can’t list everything they own, or they underestimate what it would cost to replace their belongings,” he explains. “And, the worst possible time to try to remember is when you need to claim. Maintaining a home contents inventory is one of the most effective ways that you can protect yourself financially.”

Although insurers encourage policyholders to ‘list what they own’, few explain just how easy and impactful this habit can be. The truth is, keeping an up-to-date home contents inventory has quietly become one of the most important parts of modern financial planning.

Van Vuuren breaks down why this simple habit matters more than most people think:

1. Make sure you aren’t under-insured

Many households unknowingly insure their belongings for less than their actual replacement value, and the impact can be severe. If the contents of your home are worth R400,000 but your insured value is R200,000, your claim will be paid proportionately – in this example, only 50% of the loss.

Crucially, an item’s insured value must reflect what it would cost to replace it today, not the price you paid when you bought it.

2. Prove that you own what you’re claiming for

When you claim for high-value items like electronics, jewellery, or collectibles, your insurer may ask for proof of ownership. Fortunately, gathering this proof is simpler than ever. Policyholders can:

Do a video walkthrough of each room, or use an app or AI tool to scan and list items.Store photos, and copies of receipts and valuation certificates online.Keep list of serial and IMEI numbers for devices.3. Simplify your claims

Trying to remember every appliance, tool, item of clothing, or piece of furniture after a traumatic event is nearly impossible. Having a home contents inventory on hand helps assessors to confirm losses quickly, thus speeding up the claims process, and ultimately protecting policyholders from unnecessary financial strain and emotional stress in an already difficult time.

4. Keep your cover accurate through life changes

A home evolves constantly… Families grow, children and elderly parents move out or return home, you renovate, upgrade furniture, buy new tech, or receive valuable gifts. Without an inventory, it’s easy to become under-insured without realising it, or to continue paying for cover on items you no longer have.

An updated list makes it much easier to adjust your policy so that it reflects the life you’re living now.

5. Keep track of what you own

Most people can list their TV, fridge, and laptop, but forget the hundreds of smaller essentials that quickly add up: bedding, clothing, crockery, baby gear, sporting goods, power tools, décor, outdoor furniture, and even pet accessories. A proper inventory ensures that nothing is overlooked.

Van Vuuren puts it plainly: “As we face rising theft incidents, unpredictable weather events, and frequent power-surge-related damage, an up-to-date home contents inventory isn’t a nice-to-have. It protects your finances, your claims, and your peace of mind. And, with today’s digital tools, there’s no easier way to help make sure you’re always properly insured.”