We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance
Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance
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 Ayranci’s registration as a builder has been revoked, and he has been disqualified from the industry for three years — the maximum duration allowed under current legislation.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
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| Insurance Crunch: Broadening Underinsurance Dilemma 26 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori The risk landscape for homeowners in Australia is shifting, with increasing concerns over the trend of underinsurance. Financial Services Minister, Stephen Jones, highlighted this issue while addressing the National Insurance Brokers Association Convention in Adelaide recently. - read more |
| ASIC Challenges QBE Over Discount Discrepancies 24 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori In a significant development, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against QBE Insurance Group. The move comes over what ASIC describes as serious issues with pricing discounts offered by the insurer that may have impacted over half a million policyholders. - read more |
| Transformation Needed in Life Insurance Sector for Customer Satisfaction 23 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori Insurance companies in Australia and other developed economies are grappling with meeting the evolving demands of clients, reveals a recent report by Capgemini. - read more |
| Insurance Industry Arms with AI to Outpace Scams 17 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori In an evolving battle against growing fraud, the insurance sector is turning to advanced technology as a solution. Despite the continuous advancements in fraud prevention, the creativity of scammers puts pressure on insurers to leverage smarter resources. - read more |
| Insurance Challenges Loom for Property Owners with Faulty Infrastructure 15 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori In a troubling situation affecting many Western Australian families, defective plumbing is creating significant financial and emotional distress, as insurers increasingly shy away from covering homes plagued by repeated water leaks. - read more |
| Why Every Australian Entrepreneur Needs Income Protection Insurance Entrepreneurship in Australia - a landscape overview: The allure of entrepreneurship in Australia is undeniable, with the promise of innovation, personal autonomy, and potentially limitless earnings. However, the path of an entrepreneur is often unpaved and unpredictable. Without the safety nets traditionally provided by corporate employment, Australian entrepreneurs must proactively safeguard their personal finances against the capricious winds of business fortune. - read more
|
| Understanding the Process: A Beginner's Guide to Income Insurance Claims Income insurance, an often-overlooked component of financial security, is gaining traction among Australia's burgeoning self-employed population. In an economy where traditional employment is no longer the sole path to success, this form of insurance has become a cornerstone for proactive financial planning. Touted as a safety net, it ensures that personal livelihoods and business operations remain secure in the face of adversity. - read more
|
| Income Protection Insurance: Balancing Cost with Adequate Coverage Income protection insurance is a critical safety net for anyone who relies on a steady paycheck to meet their financial obligations and maintain their lifestyle. It offers a replacement income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, ensuring that your financial responsibilities can be met even when you're not at your earning best. In today's fast-paced world, income protection has become an essential consideration for the modern working individual. - read more
|
| Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: Why You Need Both Insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding our financial future. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that we can manage unexpected events without severely impacting our financial stability. For Australian adults, having the right types of insurance coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial security. - read more
|
| Income Insurance: The Safety Net for Your Financial Goals in Australia Financial security is pivotal for anyone striving to meet their life goals, be it owning a home, educating children, or ensuring a comfortable retirement. In Australia, where uncertainties can disrupt our best laid-out financial plans, having a safety net in place is essential. Income insurance offers just that—protection against the unforeseen events that could impact your income earning abilities. - read more
|
|
|
Income Insurance: The Safety Net for Your Financial Goals in Australia Financial security is pivotal for anyone striving to meet their life goals, be it owning a home, educating children, or ensuring a comfortable retirement. In Australia, where uncertainties can disrupt our best laid-out financial plans, having a safety net in place is essential. Income insurance offers just that—protection against the unforeseen events that could impact your income earning abilities. - read more
|
|
|
Income Protection vs. Life Insurance: Why You Need Both Insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding our financial future. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that we can manage unexpected events without severely impacting our financial stability. For Australian adults, having the right types of insurance coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial security. - read more
|
|
Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For Income protection insurance serves as a financial safety net for countless Australians, offering a replacement income when unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury impede their ability to earn. For the self-employed and entrepreneurs who may not have the safety nets offered by corporate employment, such protection is particularly important. - read more
|
|
Preparing for the Unexpected: Why Income Protection is Essential for Financial Security Life's unpredictability can often bring unforeseen challenges, particularly when it comes to our finances. One day you might be climbing the career ladder, the next you could find yourself unable to work due to illness or injury. This is where income protection insurance steps in, serving as a financial safety net that ensures you can continue to meet your living expenses, even when the unexpected happens. - read more
|
|
Understanding Income Protection Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide for Australians Income protection insurance is an essential component of financial security for Australians, designed to provide a safety net by replacing a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Despite its critical role in safeguarding livelihoods, it's often overlooked in personal financial planning. - read more
|