Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance
Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance
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.
On July 19th, 2024, in a significant crackdown on fraudulent building practices, Aycon Constructions along with its director, Seyit Ayranci, received a record-setting fine of $250,000 from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
The enforcement action came after the construction firm was implicated in the use of falsified insurance certificates to secure building permits.
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 Ayranci’s registration as a builder has been revoked, and he has been disqualified from the industry for three years - the maximum duration allowed under current legislation.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.
Australian businesses are currently grappling with a complex landscape of escalating insurance risks, driven by factors such as increased litigation, rapid technological advancements, supply chain disruptions, catastrophic events, and geopolitical tensions. These challenges necessitate a proactive approach to risk management and insurance coverage. - read more
In July 2025, Farmsafe Australia launched the 'Second Chances - Who Knows How Many You'll Get' campaign, aiming to transform near misses on farms into learning opportunities to prevent future accidents. This initiative underscores the critical importance of recognising and addressing close calls in agricultural settings. - read more
In October 2025, WFI Insurance unveiled its annual farm accident insights as part of Farmsafe Australia's 2025 Safer Farms Report. The findings paint a stark picture of the challenges facing Australian agriculture, with 2024 recording 72 farm-related deaths-the highest in over two decades. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of insurers' complaint handling processes, uncovering significant deficiencies that fail to meet regulatory obligations. The findings indicate that insurers are not adequately identifying and addressing customer complaints, with one in six complaints going unrecognized. Additionally, systemic issues are often overlooked, communication timeframes are missed, and existing systems fail to record outcomes such as compensation payments. - read more
Following a significant 12% decline in commercial insurance rates during the fourth quarter of 2025, industry experts anticipate that this downward trend will persist throughout 2026. The Australia-Pacific region has been at the forefront of this global decrease, with the recent drop marking the steepest since early 2024. - read more
Comprehensive household coverage, often referred to as home insurance, is a policy designed to protect your home and its contents against a wide array of risks. This type of coverage typically includes protection against natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and various unforeseen events. In simple terms, it's the safety net that ensures peace of mind should the unexpected happen to your property or possessions. - read more
One of the best ways to lower your home and contents insurance premiums is to shop around for the best deal. Insurance companies often have varying rates, discounts, and offers that could save you a significant amount of money. Start by researching different insurance providers and their policy offerings. Make sure to compare not only pricing but also features, coverages and deductible amounts. - read more
It’s easy to think of household insurance as something you purchase once and forget about. However, this approach can leave you vulnerable to unexpected risks. Your home and its contents change over time, and so do your insurance needs. - read more
Household insurance, commonly referred to as home insurance, is a type of policy that provides financial protection for your home and belongings against damage, theft, or loss. In Australia, this type of insurance is crucial for homeowners and renters alike, offering peace of mind in the face of unexpected events. It's designed to help you recover and rebuild without bearing the full financial burden yourself. - read more
Home and Contents Insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers any damage or loss that may occur to your property, as well as the contents within it. This can include damages caused by fire, flood, theft and other unforeseen circumstances. In Australia, Home and Contents Insurance is of utmost importance due to the increasing rates of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods. - read more
Knowledgebase
Occupational Hazard: A risk associated with the nature of a particular occupation, which may affect insurance premiums.