From July 1 2017, the administration of Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) is changing and it is important to be aware of how this affects you and your construction business.
Background
In Victoria, it is mandatory for builders to purchase DBI (previously known as Home Warranty or Builder’s Warranty Insurance) for all domestic building projects where the contract price is over $16,000.
DBI provides cover for homeowners where their building project is incomplete or defective and it cannot be rectified as their builder has:
– Died, disappeared or become insolvent; or
– Failed to comply with a Tribunal or Court Order where DBI was issued by VMIA on or after 1 July 2015
Homeowners must be provided with a copy of the Certificate of Insurance and policy wording that applies to their building project.
IMPORTANT
You need to choose a DBI distributor if you are intending to continue building homes and purchase DBI from the VMIA to be covered for your projects.
What changes are occurring?
The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA), risk and insurance services provider for the Victorian Government, announced it is making changes to how DBI is being purchased and managed in Victoria. These changes include the appointment of a panel of distributors who will give builders access to the online portal BuildVic and act as a point of contact for DBI-related matters.
The DBI product is remaining the same, however the DBI service model and purchasing portal will change as well as how DBI is currently administered on behalf of the Victorian State Government. The VMIA have appointed a small panel of distributors who will use a new online portal called BuildVic to process and manage DBI as of 1 July.
Cursio Group will be able to assist with obtaining DBI certificates on your behalf or we can support you in using the BuildVic online portal.
Currently brokers have been issuing VMIA DBI certificates via QBE. As of 1 July 2017, QBE will cease the issuing of certificates and DBI distributors will deliver certificates directly via the VMIA BuildVic online portal.
Why are these changes occurring?
The VMIA have indicated that the new online portal is intended to streamline the DBI process of purchasing insurance and will allow builders to obtain DBI quickly and easily, reducing red tape and enabling improved access to information. The online portal is device friendly and can be easily accessed via computer, tablet or mobile. We expect that most builders who already pass on their insurance sourcing and claims management to brokers will also pass this responsibility on and focus on building.
How do I appoint a distributor?
Depending on the arrangements you had prior to 30th June 2017, you may automatically be assigned to a distributor. If not, you will need to make an urgent nomination to choose a distributor.
Cursio Group can assist you to choose and appoint a DBI distributor and manage the ongoing review process each year on your behalf to ensure you are compliant by completing the DBI distributor nomination and authority forms.
If you would like to learn more about the DBI changes please contact Cursio Group on (03) 9481 2222, email insurance@cursio.com.au or simply fill out the form below and we will be in touch.