Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance
Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance
Investigations by the VBA revealed that Aycon Constructions had backed over 150 building permit applications with counterfeit domestic building insurance (DBI) records, performing building work without securing legitimate insurance policies. Builders in Victoria are legally obligated to obtain DBI for projects exceeding $16,000 to safeguard consumers and contractors alike.
The authority suspended Aycon’s operations in April after executing search warrants on multiple Melbourne sites, uncovering that the firm had been functioning without the essential DBI policies. The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) substantiated these findings, indicating that Aycon had not only bypassed obtaining insurance for several projects but had also replicated VMIA’s logo for these false certificates.
In response to these egregious violations, Mr. Ayranci’s registration as a builder has been revoked, and he has been disqualified from the industry for three years — the maximum duration allowed under current legislation. The VBA classified Ayranci as “unfit and improper,” also stating that his actions epitomize unprofessional conduct.
Anna Cronin, Commissioner and CEO of the VBA, emphasized the regulator's unwavering stance against disreputable builders. "This unprecedented penalty exemplifies our commitment to using every tool in our regulatory arsenal to protect consumers from unethical practices and ensure compliance in the building industry," remarked Ms. Cronin. "We urge consumers always to verify their builder’s registration and confirm the presence of a valid DBI policy, which is a legal necessity."
The VBA continues to engage with affected clients of Aycon, having noted a "relatively small" yet concerning number of complaints filed in May. The agency seeks to support these customers as they navigate the repercussions of Aycon’s malpractice.
Published:Saturday, 20th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information 24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more |
| Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured 24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travelers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted industry leaders to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before traveling abroad. - read more |
| Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance 24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travelers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more |
| Australian Homeowners Confront Steep Rise in Insurance Premiums 24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori Over the past five years, Australian homeowners have experienced a significant 51% increase in home insurance premiums. This surge has placed a considerable financial burden on property owners nationwide, with Darwin residents facing the highest costs. - read more |
| Top Strategies for Long-Term Income Protection in Australia Income protection is a safeguard that ensures you have a steady stream of income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance can be a lifesaver, providing peace of mind and financial stability during challenging times. - read more
|
| Life Insurance and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know Life insurance and estate planning are critical components of financial security. They ensure that your loved ones are protected financially when you are no longer around. By understanding these tools, you can take significant steps to secure your family's future. - read more
|
| Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them Income insurance is a critical component of financial planning, offering a safety net when life's uncertainties impact your income stream. It ensures that you can continue meeting your financial obligations even if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in an unpredictable job market. - read more
|
| Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: Why You Need Both Insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding our financial future. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that we can manage unexpected events without severely impacting our financial stability. For Australian adults, having the right types of insurance coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial security. - read more
|
An insurance professional who investigates and evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount the insurance company should pay.