A-Z Insurance | Checked October 21, 2026 | For Ontario homeowners, condo owners and tenants
Could you describe what was in every room if a fire or theft happened tomorrow? A household inventory gives you a practical starting point for reviewing contents coverage and documenting a loss. Make it before you need it. This is an everyday preparation guide, not a new insurance rule.
1. Start with one room
Record the item, location, make or model, serial number when available, purchase date and price. Add a photograph and link the receipt or appraisal. Aviva’s inventory guide recommends these kinds of details. A simple spreadsheet is enough to get started. [1]
Our suggestion: choose one room today, photograph its contents, and complete the missing details later. Clearly label estimated prices, and do not present them as amounts supported by receipts.
2. Review today’s replacement cost
Include everyday items such as clothing and kitchenware, not just electronics. Intact recommends considering current replacement prices rather than only original purchase prices when estimating contents needs. [2]
Ask your broker how that estimate compares with your contents limit and settlement terms. The federal consumer agency distinguishes replacement-value settlement from actual cash value, which accounts for depreciation. An inventory total is not a guaranteed payout. [4]
3. Flag valuables separately
Jewellery, art and collections deserve a separate conversation. Aviva’s quotation checklist notes that valuable items may have sub-limits and may need additional insurance. Tell your broker about important new purchases, and ask whether an appraisal or itemized coverage is needed. [3]
Record the answer beside each item: the applicable limit, any extra coverage arranged and the date it was confirmed. Do not assume a photograph alone changes the policy.
4. Keep the records usable
Aviva suggests keeping digital backups and updating the inventory as belongings change. [1] Our practical recommendation is to keep one protected copy you can access if your home computer is damaged. Limit access, avoid public sharing links, and do not store passwords in the inventory.
Bring three things to your next review
- Your current policy and contents limit.
- Your inventory with labelled replacement-cost estimates.
- A short list of valuables and unanswered coverage questions.
A-Z Insurance can help you discuss these questions. Coverage and payment depend on the actual policy, endorsements, deductibles, exclusions and the insurer’s assessment. Public guidance does not replace your Ontario policy terms.
Related services
Public sources and dates
Rechecked October 21, 2026. Dates below are displayed source-page dates, not this article’s publication date.
- Aviva Canada: Protect your valuables: How to create and maintain a detailed home inventory (2024-09-04)
- Intact: What is contents insurance and what does it cover? (2026-03-26)
- Aviva Canada: What documents do I need for home insurance? (2024-10-11)
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Home insurance (2025-10-16)