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.

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 Ayranci’s registration as a builder has been revoked, and he has been disqualified from the industry for three years - the maximum duration allowed under current legislation.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
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:

Insurance News

Clear

Netstrata Proceedings Put Strata Insurance Governance Back Under the Microscope

18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

NSW Fair Trading’s criminal proceedings against Network Strata Services Pty Ltd, trading as Netstrata, have pushed strata governance and insurance transparency back into the national spotlight. The regulator alleges the company and its director and licensee in charge breached statutory obligations connected with strata scheme management in New South Wales, including alleged failures around conflicts of interest, undisclosed financial benefits and information provided to the regulator. - read more

Broker Disclosure Debate Puts Small Business Questions Back on the Table

18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A fresh dispute over the proposed Insurance Brokers Code of Practice has sharpened the focus on transparency for Australian small businesses. Industry figure John Trowbridge has criticised gaps in the draft code, particularly around whether brokers should disclose commissions and other remuneration to all clients, not only those captured by narrower product or client categories. - read more

AFCA Income Protection Decision Highlights a Hidden Risk for Variable Earners

18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has put a spotlight on a detail that can be easy to overlook: how an income protection policy defines income. In the case, a policyholder receiving payments under an employer-arranged group income protection policy argued that regular sales commissions should be counted when calculating his pre-disability income. - read more

Broker Transparency Debate: What Personal Trainers Should Watch

18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A fresh dispute over Australia’s insurance broking standards has put transparency back in the spotlight for small business policyholders, including personal trainers, fitness instructors and studio operators. On 17 July 2026, several consumer and strata owner groups withdrew from consultation on the National Insurance Brokers Association’s rewritten Insurance Brokers Code of Practice, arguing that industry self-regulation does not go far enough on conflicted payments and commission disclosure. - read more

What New Regulator Guidance Could Mean for Cover

18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s life insurance sector has welcomed the Federal Government’s updated expectations for APRA and ASIC, a policy signal that could shape how insurers balance consumer protection, affordability and innovation. The new expectations ask the regulators to keep the financial system safe and stable while also supporting competition, productivity and proportionate oversight. For life insurance customers, the practical question is whether that balance leads to clearer products, better service and cover that remains within reach. - read more

Click for more Insurance News