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 Ayranci’s registration as a builder has been revoked, and he has been disqualified from the industry for three years — the maximum duration allowed under current legislation.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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry
11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

According to Swiss Re’s latest Sigma report, the growth of property and casualty premiums is moderating in both Australia and globally. This moderation is primarily driven by a slowdown in rate hikes. Additionally, the Trump administration's America First trade policy is putting further pressure on the insurance sector. - read more
Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape
10 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The conversation on the shifting dynamics in Australia's life insurance advice sector featured Zurich Australia's head of adviser channel, Kieran Forde, and Hayes & Co director, Katherine Hayes. They engaged with editor Chris Dastoor to spotlight the current market conditions and future prospects for financial advisers in this domain. - read more
ASIC Challenges Federal Court's 'Fair Term' Ruling ASIC Challenges Federal Court's 'Fair Term' Ruling
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is appealing a Federal Court decision regarding the wording of a 'pre-existing condition' clause in certain HCF Life insurance products. The court previously determined that while the wording had the potential to mislead consumers, it did not constitute an unfair contract term under the current laws set out in the ASIC Act 2001. - read more
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reform in the ACT to Enhance Building Management ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reform in the ACT to Enhance Building Management
08 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is urging the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to adopt strata transparency regulations, aiming to enhance oversight of building repairs and maintenance by owners’ committees. This call was made during a parliamentary inquiry, where the ICA pushed for measures akin to recent legislative changes in New South Wales. - read more
Tasmanian Government Insurance Proposal Faces Industry Backlash Tasmanian Government Insurance Proposal Faces Industry Backlash
07 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Tasmanian government's recent proposal to establish a state-run insurance entity has drawn significant criticism from key players in the insurance industry. The plan, spearheaded by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, aims to expand the Motor Accidents Insurance Board into a broader service named TasInsure, offering products including home and contents insurance, small business coverage, and more. The RACT, a major player in Tasmania's insurance sector, expressed considerable concern, labelling the initiative as a simplistic answer to complex problems. - read more
Asbestos Scare Leaves Hospitality Business Uninsured Asbestos Scare Leaves Hospitality Business Uninsured
04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The discovery of asbestos-contaminated mulch in a Sydney park led to the cancellation of a festival, resulting in significant financial losses for a hospitality business. Despite these setbacks, the company's claim for coverage under its business interruption (BI) policy was rejected. - read more



Farm Insurance Articles

Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs
For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more
Livestock Insurance for Aussie Farmers: What You Need to Know Livestock Insurance for Aussie Farmers: What You Need to Know
Livestock farming is a significant part of the Australian agriculture industry. As with any business, farmers face numerous risks such as disease, death, theft or extreme weather events, which could cause damage or loss to their livestock assets. Livestock insurance provides cover against these risks, ensuring that farmers are financially protected from any potential financial losses, which could devastate their livelihoods. - read more
Secure Your Farm's Future: Understanding the Importance of On-Farm Risk Assessment Secure Your Farm's Future: Understanding the Importance of On-Farm Risk Assessment
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, the security and stability of a farm hinge on thorough preparation and strategic foresight. A pivotal component in safeguarding a farm's future lies in the critical role of on-farm risk assessment. This process provides a structured approach to identifying potential risks that could affect a farm's operations, financial health, and overall sustainability. - read more
Investing in Cybersecurity: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Farming Investing in Cybersecurity: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Farming
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. In the context of agriculture, it involves safeguarding the digital solutions and technologies that have become intrinsic to modern farming operations. As technological advancements continue to revolutionize the farming landscape, the importance of cybersecurity in securing farm data and operations has become more pronounced. - read more
The Impact of Weather on Farm Insurance Rates: What You Should Know The Impact of Weather on Farm Insurance Rates: What You Should Know
Farming in Australia is a dynamic venture that requires careful planning and management. One of the crucial aspects every Australian farmer should consider is farm insurance. It provides a safety net against potential financial losses arising from various risks. These include natural disasters, damage to crops, livestock issues, and accidents on the farm property. - read more
When the Rain Doesn't Come: Financial Planning Tips for Persistent Drought When the Rain Doesn't Come: Financial Planning Tips for Persistent Drought
For farmers across rural Australia, the unyielding dry spells brought on by persistent drought conditions are not just an environmental concern but a significant financial challenge. Effective financial planning becomes a cornerstone strategy for ensuring the resilience and longevity of these crucial agricultural businesses. The prickling heat and parched earth serve as stark reminders of nature's capacity to impact livelihoods, especially when the rain doesn't grace the farmlands for extended periods. - read more
Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy Is Your Farm Under-Insured? Tips for Assessing Bushfire Insurance Adequacy
The threat of bushfires looms large over the vast expanses of rural Australia, shaping the reality of farming in this sunbaked landscape. The risk, always present, escalates as the climate warms and dry conditions persist. It's not a matter of if, but when the land will be tested by fire's wrath. In this environment, the armor of insurance isn't just recommended; it's critical for survival. - read more
How to Choose the Right Farm Insurance Policy for Your Needs How to Choose the Right Farm Insurance Policy for Your Needs
Farm insurance is a type of coverage designed specifically for the unique risks and operations involved in farming. It encompasses protection for farm dwellings, equipment, livestock, and crops, offering a tailored approach that reflects the diverse needs of farm owners. This coverage can help safeguard your livelihood against unforeseen events that could disrupt farm operations or result in significant financial losses. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: What Rural Australians Need to Know Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: What Rural Australians Need to Know
Farm equipment insurance is crucial for rural Australians who rely on their machinery for agricultural productivity. This insurance provides a safety net, helping to mitigate the financial risks associated with equipment loss or damage. - read more
Common Myths About Farm Insurance Debunked Common Myths About Farm Insurance Debunked
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, understanding farm insurance is crucial. It's more than just a safety net; it's a way to ensure that your farming business can withstand unforeseen challenges. By safeguarding your livelihood, farm insurance offers peace of mind amidst uncertainties. - read more
The Impact of Weather on Farm Insurance Rates: What You Should Know The Impact of Weather on Farm Insurance Rates: What You Should Know
Farming in Australia is a dynamic venture that requires careful planning and management. One of the crucial aspects every Australian farmer should consider is farm insurance. It provides a safety net against potential financial losses arising from various risks. These include natural disasters, damage to crops, livestock issues, and accidents on the farm property. - read more
Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs
For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

Knowledgebase
Grace Period:
A time period after the premium is due during which an insurance policy remains in force even if the premium has not yet been paid.