Household Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance

Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance

Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance?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.

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 Ayranci’s registration as a builder has been revoked, and he has been disqualified from the industry for three years - the maximum duration allowed under current legislation.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

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

Rising Claims Challenge Australia's Compensation Scheme of Last Resort
Rising Claims Challenge Australia's Compensation Scheme of Last Resort
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) is facing significant pressure due to a surge in claims linked to failed financial products. This uptick has led the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) to call for structural reforms to ensure the scheme's sustainability. - read more
Escalating Professional Indemnity Claims in Australia's Financial Services Industry
Escalating Professional Indemnity Claims in Australia's Financial Services Industry
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's financial services sector is currently experiencing a notable increase in professional indemnity (PI) claims, driven by intensified regulatory scrutiny and recent legal actions. This trend has significant implications for professionals and insurers operating within the industry. - read more
NSW Builders Required to Obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance by July 2026
NSW Builders Required to Obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance by July 2026
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Effective 1 July 2026, all registered building practitioners in New South Wales (NSW) will be mandated to hold professional indemnity (PI) insurance, as stipulated by the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020. This legislative change aims to enhance accountability and protect clients from potential financial losses due to professional negligence or defects in construction work. - read more
NSW Productivity Commissioner Advocates for Immediate Ban on Strata Manager Commissions
NSW Productivity Commissioner Advocates for Immediate Ban on Strata Manager Commissions
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for New South Wales' housing sector, Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat has called for the prompt elimination of commissions received by strata managers. This recommendation aims to bolster transparency and affordability within the state's burgeoning strata housing market. - read more
CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report: Stability in Strata Insurance Amid Rising House Insurance Costs
CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report: Stability in Strata Insurance Amid Rising House Insurance Costs
22 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In its recently released 2025 State of the Strata Market report, CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, provides an insightful analysis of the current landscape of strata insurance. The report underscores a notable stability in strata insurance premiums, which have seen a modest increase of 2.8% over the past year, rising from $954 to $981 per lot annually. This increment is significantly lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period. - read more


Household Insurance Articles

How to File a Home Insurance Claim in Australia - A Step by Step Guide
How to File a Home Insurance Claim in Australia - A Step by Step Guide
Experiencing damage or loss to your home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, having home insurance provides a safety net for homeowners who need to file a claim. - read more
Building Your Safety Net: Understanding Total Replacement Cover
Building Your Safety Net: Understanding Total Replacement Cover
For many Australians, their home is their castle, their sanctuary, and most significantly, their largest investment. Safeguarding this asset against unpredictable events is not merely a consideration—it's a necessity. That's where Total Replacement Cover comes into play. But what does this term really mean, and why is it paramount when it comes to choosing a home insurance policy? - read more
How Often Should You Review and Update Your Household Insurance Policy?
How Often Should You Review and Update Your Household Insurance Policy?
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
The Essential Guide to Comprehensive Household Coverage in Australia
The Essential Guide to Comprehensive Household Coverage in Australia
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
10 Common Household Insurance Policies: What Aussie Families Need to Know
10 Common Household Insurance Policies: What Aussie Families Need to Know
Household insurance is an essential aspect of financial planning for Australian families. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events such as natural disasters, theft, or accidents. Given the unpredictable nature of life, having the right insurance policy can safeguard your home and its contents, ensuring that you are not left in a financial bind when disaster strikes. - read more

Knowledgebase
Subrogation:
An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party.