Terri Scheer is Australia's number one specialist landlord insurance provider with over 25 years of experience protecting investment properties. Underwritten by AAI Limited (part of Suncorp Group), Terri Scheer covers the risks that standard home insurance policies miss - including malicious tenant damage, loss of rent and legal liability.
In This Review
What is Terri Scheer Insurance?
Terri Scheer has operated as Australia's leading specialist landlord insurance provider since 1998, building a 25-year track record protecting investment property owners. Founded in Adelaide and now underwritten by AAI Limited - the insurance arm of Suncorp Group - Terri Scheer combines specialist landlord expertise with the financial backing of one of Australia's largest insurance groups.
The core value proposition is straightforward: Terri Scheer covers the risks that standard home and contents insurance policies typically exclude. Malicious tenant damage represents approximately 17% of all Terri Scheer claims, making it the single most common claim type that other insurers would reject. Loss of rent, legal liability and theft by tenants are additional risks that most standard policies do not address.
Terri Scheer offers a combined limit of up to $70,000 for tenant-related claims, which covers malicious and accidental damage by tenants, loss of rent, and legal expenses. Building and contents cover is available on top of this, along with standard insured events like storm, fire, flood and theft by third parties.
The insurer serves landlords with single or multiple investment properties and is commonly used alongside property management arrangements. Terri Scheer has built strong relationships with real estate agents and property managers across Australia, who frequently refer clients to the specialist insurer for its tailored coverage.
For Australian property investors, Terri Scheer fills a critical gap in the insurance market by providing specialist landlord protection that addresses the unique risks of renting out a property.
Terri Scheer Ratings Across Review Platforms
Disclaimer: Ratings are sourced from public review platforms and awards as of April 2026. Individual experiences may vary. Scores are aggregated for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Refer to ASIC's MoneySmart website for guidance on choosing insurance.
What Customers Say About Terri Scheer
Tenant left the property in a terrible state - holes in walls, broken fixtures, garden destroyed. Terri Scheer covered the entire $22,000 repair bill under the malicious damage provision.
Lost four months of rent when a tenant stopped paying and then abandoned the property. Terri Scheer covered the lost income which was around $9,600.
Have used Terri Scheer for all five of my investment properties for over a decade. The peace of mind is worth every dollar.
Premium increased by about 15% at renewal this year. The cover is good but the annual price creep is concerning.
Claim for accidental tenant damage was only partially approved. The assessor classified some items as wear and tear rather than accidental damage, which reduced the payout.
Disclaimer: Review highlights are sourced from public review platforms for informational purposes only. Individual experiences may vary and do not represent guaranteed outcomes. This content does not constitute financial advice. Visit ASIC's MoneySmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) for guidance on choosing insurance products.
Terri Scheer Insurance Products
Covers the physical structure of your investment property against insured events including storm, fire, flood and malicious tenant damage.
Comprehensive cover for both the building and any contents you provide as the landlord, including appliances, carpets and window furnishings.
Tailored cover for properties listed on short-stay platforms like Airbnb, Stayz and VRBO. Addresses the unique risks of holiday rental and short-term letting.
Terri Scheer Pros and Cons
Terri Scheer Insurance Pricing
Terri Scheer premiums vary based on property type, location, rental income, sum insured and coverage level. The following are estimated premium ranges based on publicly available data.
Disclaimer: All pricing figures are indicative estimates based on publicly available data and general profiles. They are not binding quotes. Your actual premium will depend on your property, location, rental income and cover options. Visit terrischeer.com.au for an actual quote or refer to ASIC's MoneySmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) for guidance on comparing insurance.
The type of property (house, apartment, townhouse), its construction materials, age and replacement value all directly impact the premium. Higher-value properties attract higher premiums.
Properties in areas with higher crime rates, natural hazard exposure or higher claim frequency will attract higher premiums. Location is one of the most significant rating factors.
The weekly rent determines the maximum loss of rent benefit. Higher rental income properties have more at stake and may attract a higher premium to cover this exposure.
Building only, contents only or combined building and contents cover affect the premium. The combined option costs more but provides the most complete protection.
A higher excess reduces the premium but means you pay more per claim. For landlords with multiple properties, the excess choice can have a meaningful impact on overall costs.
Terri Scheer vs Other Landlord Insurers
| Feature | Feature | Terri Scheer | AAMI Landlord | EBM RentCover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.1/5 | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 | |
| Specialist Landlord Insurer | Yes | No (general insurer) | Yes | |
| Malicious Tenant Damage | Yes | Limited | Yes | |
| Loss of Rent Cover | Yes (up to $70k combined) | Yes (limited) | Yes | |
| Theft by Tenant | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Short-Stay Cover | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Legal Expenses | Included | Limited | Included | |
| Online Claims | No (phone/email) | Yes | Yes | |
| Underwriter | AAI (Suncorp) | AAI (Suncorp) | QBE | |
| Canstar Award 2025 | Outstanding Value | No | No |
Disclaimer: Comparison data is based on publicly available information as of April 2026. Features and pricing may change. Verify details directly with each insurer before purchasing. This comparison does not constitute financial advice. Refer to ASIC's MoneySmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) for guidance.
Alternatives to Terri Scheer
Another specialist landlord insurer offering comprehensive tenant damage, loss of rent and legal expense cover. Underwritten by QBE.
General insurer with a landlord insurance product. Less specialist coverage but competitive pricing and the convenience of bundling with other AAMI products.
Global insurer offering landlord cover with strong building protection and optional extras. Good for landlords who value international brand backing.
Who Is Terri Scheer Best For?
With 17% of all claims related to malicious tenant damage, Terri Scheer is purpose-built for the risk that worries landlords most. The $70,000 combined tenant claim limit provides meaningful protection against severe damage scenarios.
Landlords with multiple investment properties benefit from Terri Scheer's specialist focus and established claims processes. The consistency of dealing with a single specialist insurer across a portfolio simplifies property management.
The dedicated short-stay accommodation cover addresses risks that platform guarantees do not fully cover, including guest damage, booking cancellation income loss and legal liability for guest injuries.
Terri Scheer's strong relationships with the property management industry mean streamlined processes for claims involving tenants managed through an agent. Many property managers actively work with Terri Scheer on claims.
Our Verdict on Terri Scheer Insurance
Terri Scheer has earned its position as Australia's leading landlord insurance specialist through over 25 years of focused expertise in the risks that property investors face. The coverage of malicious tenant damage - the most common claim type that standard home insurers exclude - is the fundamental reason most landlords choose Terri Scheer.
The Suncorp Group backing through AAI Limited provides financial strength and claims-paying confidence, while the specialist focus means the underwriting team understands the nuances of investment property claims in a way that generalist insurers often do not.
The main downsides are annual premium increases that have frustrated long-term customers and the lack of an online claims portal. For landlords who want maximum protection against tenant-related risks and are willing to pay a modest premium over standard home insurance, Terri Scheer remains the market benchmark.
Common questions about Terri Scheer Insurance
How we research and rate insurance companies
This review is based on data collected from the following sources, last verified in April 2026:
Our editorial scores (out of 10) are calculated using a weighted methodology that considers:
Disclaimer: Our review methodology is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Scores represent editorial opinion based on publicly available data. Individual experiences may vary. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing insurance. For independent guidance on choosing insurance, visit ASIC's MoneySmart website at moneysmart.gov.au.
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