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 Ayranci’s registration as a builder has been revoked, and he has been disqualified from the industry for three years - the maximum duration allowed under current legislation.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

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Medical Timing Decides Travel Insurance Claim Dispute
Medical Timing Decides Travel Insurance Claim Dispute
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent travel insurance dispute reported by Insurance News has put a spotlight on one of the most important parts of any cancellation claim: timing. The case involved a policyholder who argued that a doctor’s declaration that he could not travel overseas was the relevant claimable event, rather than the earlier appearance of illness. The policyholder was successful, reinforcing that the way a medical issue is documented can be just as important as the condition itself. - read more
Why the General Insurance Code Review Matters for Real Estate Agencies
Why the General Insurance Code Review Matters for Real Estate Agencies
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s general insurance sector appears to be moving closer to a major update to the General Insurance Code of Practice, with Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino signalling that the long-running review should make visible progress soon. For real estate agencies, this is worth watching closely because the code influences how many insurers communicate, manage claims and resolve disputes. - read more
General Insurance Code Review Puts Service Standards in Focus
General Insurance Code Review Puts Service Standards in Focus
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s general insurance sector is edging closer to a significant reset of its customer service rulebook, with Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino indicating he wants meaningful progress on the long-running review of the General Insurance Code of Practice. A draft of the revised code is expected to move towards consultation shortly, following a review process that began in November 2023 and produced more than 100 recommendations in late 2024. - read more
Victoria’s Strata Commission Debate Moves Into a New Phase
Victoria’s Strata Commission Debate Moves Into a New Phase
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Victoria’s strata reform agenda has taken another important turn, with consumer advocates continuing to push for a ban on insurance-related commissions paid to owners corporation managers after the state government chose to defer immediate action on the issue. - read more
Insurance Code Rewrite Could Lift Standards for Tradies
Insurance Code Rewrite Could Lift Standards for Tradies
21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian tradies could soon see an important shift in how general insurers are expected to communicate, manage claims and resolve disputes, with the industry’s General Insurance Code of Practice moving closer to a major rewrite. - read more


Household Insurance Articles

Household Insurance for Australian Renters: What You Should Consider
Household Insurance for Australian Renters: What You Should Consider
Household insurance is a type of coverage that protects you against financial losses from events such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. It typically includes two main components: building insurance, which covers the structure of the home, and contents insurance, which covers personal belongings within the home. - read more
Tips and Tricks for Fitting Insurance Premiums into Your Monthly Budget
Tips and Tricks for Fitting Insurance Premiums into Your Monthly Budget
Understanding the significance of insurance in managing your finances is crucial. It acts as a safeguard, providing a buffer against unexpected losses or damage to your most valuable possessions. However, the costs associated with this necessary protection can be challenging to manage, especially when it comes to fitting insurance premiums into a monthly budget. - read more
10 Tips for Lowering Your Home and Contents Insurance Premiums
10 Tips for Lowering Your Home and Contents Insurance Premiums
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
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
Protecting Your Home: The What, Why, and How of Home Insurance
Protecting Your Home: The What, Why, and How of Home Insurance
As Australians, our homes are often at the heart of our livelihoods and hold significant emotional and financial value. Protecting this important asset is more than just a precaution; it's a necessary step in safeguarding our future. Home insurance acts as a shield against unpredictable events that can have devastating effects on our property and peace of mind. Whether it's from natural disasters or unforeseen accidents, the significance of home insurance cannot be understated. - read more

Knowledgebase
Surrender Value:
The amount of money an insurance policyholder will receive if they voluntarily terminate the policy before it matures.