Liability Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse

Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

A construction company in Perth has been penalised for initiating building works without securing the legally-required home indemnity insurance, resulting in a $3500 fine and an additional $736 in costs.

In Western Australia, legislation mandates that builders obtain a Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) policy for any residential construction projects exceeding $20,000 prior to receiving payment or commencing with construction.

This insurance offers homeowners a safeguard against financial setbacks should a builder be unable to finish or rectify construction due to reasons such as death, disappearance, financial insolvency, or the revocation of the builder's registration due to financial reasons.

The Armadale Magistrates' Court heard the case where DBD Developments had proceeded with laying the concrete foundation and other preliminary installations for a client's two-storey home in January 2022. However, the requisite HII was not procured until six months later, in July.

Saj Abdoolakhan, the Building Commissioner, highlighted the homeowner's dilemma, noting that two interim payments had been made in the absence of insurance protection.

He stated, "The builder was eligible for this insurance and should have obtained it before commencing work, rather than six months later. This conduct undermines the protections provided by WA’s home building contract laws and the overall integrity of the building approvals process."

This incident resonates amidst ongoing reviews in the construction sector focusing on enhancing compliance and safeguarding consumer interests, as highlighted in the original report from Armadale News.

Instances like these underline the crucial importance of transparency and adherence to legal obligations in the construction industry, particularly in protecting homeowners from potential financial vulnerabilities.

The case serves as a potent reminder for builders across the region to prioritise due diligence and adhere to statutory regulations to maintain trust and uphold industry standards.

The penalty not only enforces existing laws but also signals to other builders the serious repercussions of bypassing essential mandates that protect both builders and clients alike.

Published:Tuesday, 11th Feb 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC Insurance
ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC Insurance
08 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed the proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance by Insurance Australia Group (IAG). This decision stems from concerns that the merger could significantly reduce competition in Western Australia's insurance market, potentially leading to higher premiums for consumers. - read more
New AI-Powered Cyber Insurance Launched for Australian SMEs
New AI-Powered Cyber Insurance Launched for Australian SMEs
08 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Cowbell, a cyber and specialty insurance provider, has partnered with Zurich Australian Insurance to introduce 'Prime One'. This AI-driven cyber insurance product is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by SMEs in the digital landscape. - read more
Australian Insurers Face Market Pressure Amid AI Disruption Fears
Australian Insurers Face Market Pressure Amid AI Disruption Fears
08 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked concerns about potential disruptions in the insurance industry, leading to notable declines in the share prices of major Australian insurers such as Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Suncorp, and QBE. Investors are increasingly wary of how AI technologies might reshape traditional insurance models, potentially affecting profitability and market dynamics. - read more
Softening Trends in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market During H1 2026
Softening Trends in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market During H1 2026
08 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian commercial insurance market has experienced a notable softening in the first half of 2026, characterised by increased competition and stabilised premiums across various lines. This trend offers both opportunities and challenges for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking office insurance solutions. - read more
Vero's 2026 SME Insurance Index Uncovers Critical Risk Management Disparities
Vero's 2026 SME Insurance Index Uncovers Critical Risk Management Disparities
08 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Vero's 2026 SME Insurance Index has unveiled significant disparities in risk management practices between small and large Australian businesses, raising concerns about insurance preparedness among SMEs. - read more


Business Insurance Articles

How Public Liability Insurance Can Save Your Business During a Crisis
How Public Liability Insurance Can Save Your Business During a Crisis
Public liability insurance is designed to protect your business from financial loss if you are found liable for causing injury or property damage to a third party. This type of insurance covers legal costs and any compensation claims that might arise from accidents or incidents involving your business operations. - read more
Understanding the Role of Public Liability Insurance in Business Disaster Planning
Understanding the Role of Public Liability Insurance in Business Disaster Planning
For Australian business owners, planning for unforeseen disasters is not just prudent; it's an essential aspect of sustaining operations amidst challenges. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive strategies, including robust insurance cover, can make all the difference in business longevity and legal protection. As we navigate the complexities of running a business, it's imperative to have a safeguard against mishaps that could otherwise jeopardize our hard-earned success. - read more
The Smart Business Approach: How to Effectively Compare Public Liability Insurance Rates
The Smart Business Approach: How to Effectively Compare Public Liability Insurance Rates
Running a business comes with inherent financial risks. Whether you own a small café or a large construction company, unforeseen incidents can lead to significant financial losses. - read more
Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals
Reducing Your Risks: Public Liability Coverage Tips for Trade Professionals
For tradesmen and trade professionals, venturing into the world of business comes with its set of challenges and risks. Among the myriad of precautions to consider, one critical safeguard stands out for its ability to protect both the tradesperson and their clients: Public Liability Insurance. This form of coverage is not just a safety net; it is a cornerstone of a responsible business practice within the trade industry. - read more
5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia
5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia
Liability insurance is a crucial form of protection that offers coverage against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. Within the bustling landscape of Australian businesses, possessing this form of insurance is key to financial security and continuity. It acts as a safety net, ensuring businesses can manage risks without bearing the full brunt of potentially costly legal claims. - read more


Start Here !

Start here!

Cover Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance:
A form of life insurance that is a pure protection policy with no cash or maturity value which lasts for a specific length of time, called a term.