Perth Construction Firm Penalised for Insurance Lapse

⚠️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.

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

The Financial Perils of Travelling Uninsured: A Wake-Up Call for Australians

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent research has unveiled a concerning trend: 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic is even more alarming among younger travellers under 30, with nearly one in four opting to travel uninsured. Such decisions expose individuals to significant financial risks, especially when unforeseen events occur abroad. - read more

IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions and a reduction in claims. Despite this positive financial performance, IAG's CEO, Nick Hawkins, has indicated that insurance premiums are expected to continue rising, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. - read more

ICA Unveils Strategy to Combat Rising Motor Insurance Costs

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has released a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the systemic cost drivers behind escalating motor insurance premiums. The report highlights that comprehensive motor insurance premiums have increased by 42% since 2019, reaching an average of $1,052 per year in 2024. - read more

APRA Data Reveals Steady Performance in General Insurance Intermediaries

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest bi-annual report on intermediated general insurance, providing insights into market activity for the six months ending June 2025. The data indicates a stable performance among general insurance intermediaries, with total premiums invoiced through intermediaries reaching $21.5 billion. Of this, $17.6 billion was placed with APRA-authorized general insurers, $2.6 billion with Lloyd’s underwriters, and $1.3 billion with unauthorized foreign insurers. - read more

ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums

12 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years. These outdated laws are contributing to significant increases in public liability insurance premiums, affecting a wide range of businesses across the nation. - read more

Click for more Insurance News