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 Ayranci’s registration as a builder has been revoked, and he has been disqualified from the industry for three years - the maximum duration allowed under current legislation.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

Swiss Re Suspends New Life Insurance Operations in Australia
Swiss Re Suspends New Life Insurance Operations in Australia
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Swiss Re Life & Health Australia has announced a suspension of new life insurance business activities in the country, effective October 2025. This decision stems from concerns over the sustainability of Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance products, which have seen a significant rise in claims, particularly those related to mental health. - read more
AIA Australia Highlights Structural Shifts in Life Insurance Industry
AIA Australia Highlights Structural Shifts in Life Insurance Industry
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu has cautioned that the life and health insurance industries are facing structural changes driven by mounting mental health claims, rising premiums, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Speaking during the company's online Thrive for Life presentation, Mu highlighted that economic volatility, regulatory changes, and affordability challenges are rendering current life insurance models unsustainable. - read more
Regulators Assess Life Insurers' Progress on Premium Practices
Regulators Assess Life Insurers' Progress on Premium Practices
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have released an update on the progress life insurers have made in addressing issues related to premium increases, product design, and disclosure and marketing materials. This follows previous notifications amid growing concerns that frequent, large, and unexpected premium increases may not have been applied in accordance with policy terms and may not have met reasonable policyholder expectations. - read more
Australia Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
Australia Prohibits Use of Genetic Test Results in Life Insurance Underwriting
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for the Australian life insurance industry, the Parliament has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Act 2025. This legislation, enacted on 1 April 2026, prohibits insurers from using genetic test results to influence underwriting decisions for life, income protection, or trauma insurance policies. The ban is set to take effect on 8 October 2026. - read more
Rising Mental Health Claims Reshape Australia's Life Insurance Landscape
Rising Mental Health Claims Reshape Australia's Life Insurance Landscape
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian life insurance industry is witnessing a significant increase in mental health-related claims, with recent data indicating that these claims now account for nearly one-third of all total and permanent disability (TPD) claims paid. This trend underscores the growing impact of mental health issues on the workforce and the broader community. - read more
AIA Australia Highlights Need for Structural Reforms in Life Insurance Industry
AIA Australia Highlights Need for Structural Reforms in Life Insurance Industry
24 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu has raised concerns about the sustainability of the current life insurance model, citing rising mental health claims, increasing premiums, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures as key factors necessitating structural changes within the industry. - read more
Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a developing situation in south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a popular farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is facing potential eviction due to a dispute over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a significant increase in complaints against insurance companies, with an average of 100 complaints per day. This surge is primarily attributed to delays in processing everyday claims, affecting both home-building and motor vehicle insurance sectors. - read more
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has released a report indicating that climate change is increasingly influencing the rise in home insurance premiums across Australia. The report highlights that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as severe storms and hailstorms, are escalating, particularly in densely populated regions. - read more
Insuret and ATL Unite to Strengthen Truck Fleet Insurance Services
Insuret and ATL Unite to Strengthen Truck Fleet Insurance Services
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australia's transport insurance sector, Insuret and ATL have merged to create a unified platform dedicated to fleet and trucking insurance. This strategic consolidation under the Envest underwriting group aims to provide comprehensive coverage and innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the transport industry. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - read more
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
Farming is a vital industry in Australia, requiring significant investment in equipment, crops, livestock, and labour. As with any major investment, protecting it is crucial. That's where farm insurance comes in. - read more
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - read more
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Farming in Australia is more than just a way of life; it is a critical sector that supports the nation’s economy and food supply. However, managing a farm comes with its own set of unique risks. From natural disasters to equipment failures, farmers face numerous challenges that can impact their livelihood. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
In the dynamic world of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of farms. From tractors to harvesters, having the right machinery means managing your farm more efficiently. However, the high value of this equipment makes it essential to protect it adequately through insurance. - read more
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more


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

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Public Liability Insurance:
A very broad term for insurance covering liability exposures for individuals and business owners. It provides broad coverage, generally including all exposures for property damage and bodily injury.