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Understanding the different types of domestic building insurance certificates in Victoria

To successfully operate as a domestic builder undertaking residential construction in Victoria, you are required to have a sound knowledge of your domestic building insurance legal obligations. This includes the associated process to secure DBI eligibility and how to take out DBI certificates.
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Understanding the eligibility process is the first step. Once you have DBI eligibility approved, the next step is to apply to take out a DBI certificate for your project. The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) offers six types of certificates, each catering to a specific type of construction or renovation project. It is essential for builders to understand these different categories and choose the correct one for their project at the time of applying to take out a certificate. 

Certificate categories and definitions

1. New Single Dwelling Construction (C01)

  • This certificate applies to the complete construction of a new residential building, from start to finish.
  • It can also cover the takeover of a project if no work has previously been done on the site.
  • This certificate is also applicable to the construction of up to two units; however, if there are three or more units, please see below.

2. New Multi-Dwelling Construction (C03)

  • This certificate is used for the construction of three or more residential units at the same site, from start to completion.
  • It is like the C01 certificate but specifically designed for multi-unit projects.

3. Alterations/Additions/Renovations – Structural (C04)

  • This certificate is for projects involving structural work such as decking, roof installation, fencing, retaining walls, patios, bathrooms, and kitchens (involving wet areas).
  • It also includes projects like rewiring and electrical work.

4. Swimming Pools (C05)

  • This certificate is for projects specifically focused on building swimming pools and direct additions such as pool fencing.
  • If a swimming pool is being built as part of a complete house construction, the C01 certificate is the appropriate choice.

5. Refurbishment – Non-Structural (C06)

  • This certificate covers non-structural works such as cabinet joinery, wardrobe fit-outs, painting, plastering, carpeting and tiling.
  • It is the counterpart to the C04 certificate, which is used for structural renovations.

6. Other (C07)

  • This category is for projects that do not fall into the other certificate types, such as landscaping. However, works in this category typically do not exceed $16,000, meaning that a certificate may not be required in many cases.

Builders must select the appropriate insurance certificate for their project based on the scope and nature of the work. Choosing the correct category is essential for compliance with legal requirements and ensuring the safety and quality of the construction project. By understanding the specific criteria and categories, builders can navigate the process more efficiently and provide better protection for their clients. 

Next steps

To learn more about DBI, feel free to contact the BRIC team at www.bric.com.au. BRIC is an insurance broker specialising in builders warranty insurance, committed to providing expert advice and tailored solutions to help clients safeguard their investments.

This publication is not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable, but we make no representation or warranty as to its accuracy. BRIC shall have no obligation to update this publication and shall have no liability to you or any other party arising out of this publication or any matter contained herein. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. Any modelling, analytics, or projections are subject to inherent uncertainty, and any analysis could be materially affected if any underlying assumptions, conditions, information, or factors are inaccurate or incomplete or should change.

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Bovill Risk & Insurance Consultants Pty. Ltd. (BRIC); ABN 78 072 412 474 is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Honan Insurance Group Pty Ltd (AR 1308194), a part of the Marsh Group of companies.

This website contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and may not suit your personal circumstances. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers and before making any decision about whether to acquire the product, refer to the specific policy wordings, product disclosure statements and/or target market determination (TMD) available from BRIC on request.

LCPA 25/939