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

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

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

Insurance News

Victoria’s Apartment Defect Insurance Shift Raises the Bar for Builders
Victoria’s Apartment Defect Insurance Shift Raises the Bar for Builders
26 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Victoria is moving ahead with a decennial insurance framework for apartment building defects, adding another important signal that construction quality, documentation and insurability are becoming inseparable issues for builders, developers and project teams. - read more
New Draft Insurance Code Puts Motor Claim Delays in Focus
New Draft Insurance Code Puts Motor Claim Delays in Focus
25 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s general insurance sector is facing a proposed step-up in accountability, with the Insurance Council of Australia opening consultation on a new draft General Insurance Code of Practice on 24 June 2026. For truck owners, small fleet operators and transport businesses, the most relevant shift is not just the wording of the code, but the possibility that parts of it could become contractually enforceable for the first time, subject to ASIC approval. - read more
Income Protection Demand Rises as Australians Revisit Personal Cover
Income Protection Demand Rises as Australians Revisit Personal Cover
24 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
New market data points to a meaningful lift in Australians taking out individual income protection insurance, suggesting more households are reassessing how they would manage financially if illness or injury interrupted their pay. - read more
Claims Delays Put Life Insurance Service Standards in Focus
Claims Delays Put Life Insurance Service Standards in Focus
24 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent sanction against an unnamed life insurer has put claims handling back under the spotlight, particularly for Australians who rely on personal insurance as a financial safety net. The Life Insurance Code Compliance Committee found that the insurer failed to request required information from claimants at the earliest available opportunity, contributing to significant delays for some customers waiting on claim decisions. - read more
Draft Insurance Code Puts Claims Standards Back in Focus
Draft Insurance Code Puts Claims Standards Back in Focus
24 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia has released a draft General Insurance Code of Practice for feedback, marking a significant step in the industry’s push to strengthen customer protections. Released on 24 June 2026, the draft is open for consultation until 21 July 2026 and is designed to make key obligations legally enforceable through insurance contracts. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Business Insurance Articles

Understanding the Key Factors Influencing Your Liability Insurance Premiums
Understanding the Key Factors Influencing Your Liability Insurance Premiums
Liability insurance is a form of coverage that protects businesses against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. It provides crucial peace of mind, ensuring that your business is shielded from potentially devastating financial losses due to lawsuits or claims against it. - read more
Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses
Key Benefits of Comparing Public Liability Insurance Rates for Australian Businesses
As an Australian business owner, you face numerous financial risks daily. Accidents can happen at any time, whether it's a slip and fall on your premises or damage caused by your products or services. These incidents can lead to costly legal actions that may put significant strain on your business finances. - read more
Q&A: Common Questions Australian Business Owners Have About Public Liability Insurance
Q&A: Common Questions Australian Business Owners Have About Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is a crucial aspect of managing risk for businesses in Australia. This type of insurance covers costs associated with claims made against a business for property damage or personal injury caused during business operations. - read more
Insurance Essentials: Protecting Your Small Business with Public Liability Coverage
Insurance Essentials: Protecting Your Small Business with Public Liability Coverage
Running a small business in Australia comes with its own set of challenges and risks. One crucial aspect that should never be overlooked is insurance, particularly public liability insurance. The reason is simple: it offers essential protection against claims of property damage or personal injury caused by your business operations. - read more
Public Liability Insurance for Events: What Organizers Need to Consider
Public Liability Insurance for Events: What Organizers Need to Consider
Public liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses and individuals from the financial fallout associated with claims for injury or damage caused to third parties. It is particularly crucial for event organizers, who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of attendees, vendors, and participants. - 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
Copayment:
A fixed amount you pay for a covered healthcare service, usually when you receive the service.



Quick Links: | Liability Insurance Australia | Public Liability Insurance | Professional Indemnity Insurance | Business Liability Cover | Small Business Liability Insurance | Liability Insurance For Trades | Liability Insurance Quote | Corporate Liability Insurance | Liability Insurance For Professionals | Best Liability Insurance Australia
| HOME | RATES | CALCULATORS | NEWS | ARTICLES | ABOUT | CONTACT | PRIVACY | BROKERS | AFFILIATES | SITEMAP |
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised Financial Services Representative of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services License 509434. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.
powered by Financial Services Online | Copyright Clark Family Pty Ltd A.C.N. 010 281 008 - all rights reserved
IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party intermediaries, insurers and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for vaidating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.