diff --git a/hooks/python-hooks/rds-encryption-verify/src/awssamples_rdsencrypt_hook/models.py b/hooks/python-hooks/rds-encryption-verify/src/awssamples_rdsencrypt_hook/models.py
index 859bc48..aeca013 100644
--- a/hooks/python-hooks/rds-encryption-verify/src/awssamples_rdsencrypt_hook/models.py
+++ b/hooks/python-hooks/rds-encryption-verify/src/awssamples_rdsencrypt_hook/models.py
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ class HookHandlerRequest(BaseHookHandlerRequest):
 
 @dataclass
 class TypeConfigurationModel(BaseModel):
-    excludeDBInstanceClassList: Optional[Sequence[Any]]
+    excludeDBInstanceClassList: Optional[Sequence[Any]] = []
 
     @classmethod
     def _deserialize(