FAQs

For Landlord Insurance and Holiday Rental policies renewing on or after 10th August 2024, what is a summary of the new PDS changes?

To continue to provide a high level of cover for landlords, our landlord insurance policies (listed below) have had an uplift to include some increased policy limits.

Here’s a quick overview of the improved benefits:

Landlord Preferred Policy & Scheer Short Stay Policy

• Weekly Rent covered up to $1,500 for no extra cost
• Included Contents Cover increased from $60,000 to $70,000 (combined with building damage)
• Removal & Storage of Goods increased from up to $500 to up to $5,000
• Pet Damage increased from up to $2,500 to up to $5,000
• Rent Reduction for Building Damage increased from up to 6 weeks to up to 52 weeks

Landlord Preferred Self Managed Policy

• Removal & Storage of Goods increased from up to $500 to up to $5,000
• Pet Damage increased from up to $2,500 to up to $5,000
• Rent Reduction for Building Damage increased from up to 6 weeks to up to 52 weeks

These changes are effective for new policies or policies renewed on or after the 10 August 2024 and more details can be found in the new PDS.

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When is the best time to start cover?

Cover can be started at any time (but cannot be backdated). If you have just purchased a property, the best time to start is straight away – especially if the property is vacant and being advertised for rent. As a landlord, you have a liability exposure from the moment you or your agent begins showing potential tenants through the property.

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Do the Landlord Insurance policies cover the building?

Only for damage to the building caused by damage and theft by the tenants or people they invite into the property. The landlord should also consider having Building Insurance, which covers a broader range of damage to buildings, including flood and storm damage. Our Residential Building Insurance Policy combined with Landlord Insurance provides a more complete package of cover.

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How do I determine the right sum insured for my home and contents?

To avoid being underinsured, your landlord and building sum insured should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your house or replace your contents at today’s prices.

To help you estimate the rebuild cost of your residential building you can use the Terri Scheer Building Calculator. Please note that the calculator is intended as a guide only and not intended to be relied on for the purpose of making a decision in relation to purchasing our products. Consider whether you need a professional valuation from an architect, builder or other valuation expert.

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If the landlord moves into the property does the policy have to be cancelled?

Yes, the cover is no longer valid when the landlord takes up permanent residence at the insured property. The landlord or property manager should advise us if this occurs.

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Do changes to or cancellation of the policy need to be in writing?

No, most requests can be processed over the phone by the insured policy holders. Email instructions from the landlord are also acceptable. Call Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016 or email customerservice@terrischeer.com.au.

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My tenant is on a periodic lease. Am I still covered?

Yes. Both fixed term and periodic leases are covered, including any continuation of a lease.

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Are there excesses on the Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance policies?

Yes there are. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement together with the Additional Information Guides for the policy you are considering.

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Is there a difference between ‘Public Liability Insurance’ and ‘Legal Liability Cover’?

There are no established definitions of ‘Public Liability Insurance’ or ‘Legal Liability Cover’ and every insurer’s policy may be different.

Terri Scheer policies include ‘Liability to others’ cover, which insures your legal liability as the landlord and owner of the property for death or bodily injury to other people or damage to other people’s property up to a maximum of $20,000,000. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for full details.

Terri Scheer’s ‘Liability to others’ cover may be considered as equivalent to what other insurance policies may call ‘Public Liability Insurance’. You should read and compare the information in the product disclosure statements to find out what each insurer’s policy covers.

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How to contact us with a complaint

If you experience a problem, are not satisfied with our products or services or a decision we have made, please visit our Customer Relations page to access more information.

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What is an Emergency Services Levy (ESL)?

We (and other general insurers) collect ESL to help pay for the NSW Emergency Services, including Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Services and the NSW State Emergency Services.

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How does Terri Scheer develop and distribute its insurance products?

Each of Terri Scheer’s insurance products utilise a five-stage product lifecycle (Design, Delivery, Review, Enhance/Modify and Decommission). This approach allows us to put you, the customer, at the centre of our product development and distribution. Product Development and Distribution Policy

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