Do Security Screens Save on Insurance & Add Property Value?
A data-driven guide to the financial benefits of security screens for Queensland homeowners.
Quick Answer
Yes to both. AS 5039-compliant security screens can reduce home insurance premiums by 5–20% ($100–$300/year) and add an estimated $10,000–$20,000 to your property’s value in Queensland. Over 15 years, a typical installation pays for itself two to three times over.
Insurance Premium Savings
Most major Australian insurers factor security screens into their premium calculations. When you apply for or renew home and contents insurance, your provider will typically ask whether your property has security screens fitted — and the answer directly affects your price.
RACQ, Queensland’s largest insurer, explicitly asks about security screens during the quoting process. Their system categorises your home’s security level, and compliant screens push you into a lower-risk tier. Suncorp, Allianz, and other major providers use similar risk models.
What Insurers Require
Not all security screens qualify for discounts. To satisfy insurer requirements, your screens typically need to meet these criteria:
- AS 5039 compliance — the Australian Standard for security screen doors and window grilles. This tests for knife shear, jemmy, impact, and pull resistance.
- Tamper-resistant screws — one-way or pin-hex screws that can’t be removed with a standard screwdriver.
- Triple-lock doors — three-point locking systems on all security screen doors.
- Professional installation — DIY-fitted screens rarely qualify. Insurers want proof of professional fitting.
- All accessible openings screened — partial coverage (front door only) usually won’t trigger the full discount. Ground-floor windows and all external doors should be fitted.
Insurer Comparison
| Insurer | Asks About Screens? | Estimated Saving |
|---|---|---|
| RACQ | Yes — explicit question during quote | 10–20% |
| Suncorp / GIO | Yes — security level rating | 5–15% |
| Allianz | Yes — security features section | 5–15% |
| NRMA / IAG | Yes — home security rating | 5–15% |
| Budget Direct | Yes — security features checklist | 5–10% |
Across these providers, the estimated saving ranges from 5–20% on combined building and contents premiums, which translates to roughly $100–$300 per year for a typical Brisbane home. Over 15 years of ownership, that’s $1,500–$4,500 in cumulative insurance savings alone.
Important: Always check with your specific insurer. Discount percentages vary by provider, policy type, location, and overall risk profile. Ask your insurer exactly what security features they reward before making decisions based solely on insurance savings.
Property Value Impact
In Queensland’s property market, security screens aren’t a luxury — they’re a baseline expectation. Unlike southern states where security screens are less common, QLD buyers expect them. This means homes without security screens get marked down rather than homes with them being marked up.
Industry estimates place the perceived value uplift at $10,000–$20,000 for a typical 3–4 bedroom home with quality security screens throughout. Given that a full-house installation typically costs $5,000–$15,000, the investment more than returns its cost at the point of sale.
REA Group (realestate.com.au) and Domain consistently list security screens among the top home improvements for Queensland properties. Real estate agents in the Redlands specifically report that buyers — particularly families and retirees — place high value on visible security features when inspecting homes.
The Redlands buyer demographic reinforces this. Capalaba, Cleveland, Victoria Point, and surrounding suburbs attract families with young children and downsizing retirees. Both groups prioritise safety, and both notice immediately when a home lacks security screens on its doors and windows.
Brisbane Break-In Statistics
Queensland records approximately 30,000–35,000 unlawful entry offences per year, making property crime a persistent concern for homeowners across the state. Understanding how break-ins happen helps explain why security screens are such an effective deterrent.
60–70%
of break-ins through doors
30–40%
of break-ins through windows
9am–3pm
peak hours for break-ins
Most residential break-ins occur during daytime hours between 9am and 3pm, when homes are most likely to be empty. Summer is the peak season: windows are left open for ventilation, and homes sit vacant during holiday travel. This is the core problem security screens solve — they allow full ventilation with security, letting you leave windows open year-round without creating an entry point.
While the Redlands has lower overall crime rates than greater Brisbane, it is not immune. Opportunistic property crime still occurs, and the visible presence of security screens on doors and windows serves as a powerful deterrent. Research consistently shows that would-be intruders choose the easiest target — a screened home next to an unscreened home is simply not worth the effort.
Total Return on Investment
When you combine insurance savings, energy efficiency gains, and property value impact, security screens deliver a compelling return. Here’s the full picture over a 15-year period:
| Benefit | Annual | Over 15 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance savings | $100–$300 | $1,500–$4,500 |
| Energy savings (ventilation + shade) | ~$120 | $1,800 |
| Property value increase | — | +$10,000–$20,000 |
| Total return | — | $13,300–$26,300 |
| Typical installation cost | — | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Net ROI | — | +$8,300–$11,300 |
These figures are conservative estimates. They don’t account for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is secured, the reduced stress after a neighbour’s break-in, or the avoided cost of replacing stolen goods and repairing damage after an actual burglary — which averages $2,000–$5,000 per incident in out-of-pocket costs even with insurance.
The bottom line: a quality security screen installation is one of the few home improvements that genuinely pays for itself and then some.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do security screens lower home insurance premiums in Queensland?
Yes. Most major Australian insurers, including RACQ, factor security screens into premium calculations. AS 5039-compliant screens on all accessible openings can reduce your home and contents insurance by 5–20%, saving approximately $100–$300 per year.
How much value do security screens add to a Queensland home?
Industry estimates suggest quality security screens add $10,000–$20,000 in perceived value to a typical 3–4 bedroom home. In Queensland, homes without them are often marked down by buyers rather than homes with them being marked up.
What standard do security screens need to meet for insurance discounts?
Security screens should comply with AS 5039-2008 (Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles). Insurers typically require tamper-resistant screws, triple-lock doors, professional installation, and all accessible openings to be screened.
What is the total ROI on security screen installation in Brisbane?
Over 15 years, the total return from insurance savings, energy savings, and property value increase ranges from $13,300 to $26,300. Against a typical installation cost of $5,000–$15,000, the net ROI is approximately +$8,300–$11,300.
Protect Your Home & Your Investment
Get AS 5039-compliant security screens professionally installed. Lower your insurance, boost your property value, and sleep better at night.
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