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

What Rising Insurance Complaints Mean for Truck Operators
What Rising Insurance Complaints Mean for Truck Operators
06 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest insurance complaint trends are a timely warning for Australian truck owners, owner-drivers and fleet operators: the quality of a policy matters, but so does the way a claim is handled once something goes wrong. Across the general insurance sector, complaints continue to point to recurring pressure points such as delays, disputed decisions, communication gaps and confusion about policy terms. - read more
Why AI dash cameras are becoming an insurance issue for truck fleets
Why AI dash cameras are becoming an insurance issue for truck fleets
05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest fleet technology coverage points to a clear shift in Australian transport: AI-enabled dash cameras, telematics and connected maintenance platforms are moving from optional extras to everyday risk-management tools. For truck operators, the insurance implications are becoming harder to ignore. - read more
NSW Workers Compensation Pressure Puts Tradie Employers on Notice
NSW Workers Compensation Pressure Puts Tradie Employers on Notice
05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh attention on New South Wales workers compensation pricing is a timely reminder that insurance costs are not moving evenly across Australia. While some trade employers in other states have recently gained breathing room, NSW businesses are still operating in a market where scheme sustainability, claims duration and workplace injury trends remain under scrutiny. - read more
What Genetic Testing Reform Could Mean for Income Protection Applicants
What Genetic Testing Reform Could Mean for Income Protection Applicants
05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s move to restrict the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting is an important development for people who have been hesitant to explore personal cover. While the reform is usually discussed in relation to life insurance, it also matters for income insurance because many retail policies sit within the broader life insurance framework. - read more
Claims Handling Scrutiny Offers Income Protection Lessons
Claims Handling Scrutiny Offers Income Protection Lessons
05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent industry attention on insurance claims handling has put a practical issue back in front of Australian households: a policy is only as valuable as the support it provides when a claim is made. For income protection insurance, that moment often arrives during illness, injury, stress and reduced cash flow, so clear communication and timely assessment matter enormously. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Business Insurance Articles

Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?
Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?
Public liability insurance is an integral safety net designed to protect businesses from the financial risks associated with lawsuits or claims. It provides coverage when a business is found legally responsible for personal injury to a third party or damage to their property. This form of insurance can significantly reduce the burden of legal fees, compensation claims, and other associated costs that may arise from unforeseen incidents. - 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
 Why Every Business Needs Public Liability Insurance
 Why Every Business Needs Public Liability Insurance
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on public liability insurance. If you run a business, you've probably heard this term thrown around quite often. But what exactly is public liability insurance? - read more
Public Liability Insurance Claims: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Public Liability Insurance Claims: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Public liability insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for businesses and individuals against claims made by third parties for injuries or damages sustained while on their property or as a result of their activities. - read more
Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?
Understanding The Costs: How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Typically Cost?
Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection for both businesses and individuals, safeguarding them against potential claims for personal injury or property damage that occur as a result of their operations or services. In an increasingly litigious society, having this coverage can mean the difference between staying afloat financially and facing business closure due to unexpected 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
Replacement Cost:
The amount it would cost to replace or rebuild an insured asset with one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.



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.