News Items
Master Builders Donates $150,000 To Bushfire Relief 12/01/2020
Master Builders Australia last week announced that it donated $150,000 to support those communities affected by the devastating bushfires and the tireless and courageous efforts of those who are fighting them. Read more
MBAIS NSW Bushfire Emergency Claim Number 18/12/2019
Along with the rest of Australia, we are hoping that the bushfires no longer continue to cause damage and devastation across NSW, however we are also aware that we are coming into seasonally hot and dry weather and the likelihood is that the situation may worsen before it improves. Read more
MBAIS Christmas closure 11/12/2019
MBA Insurance Services will be closing for the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Our final working day for 2019 will be Friday 20th December. All offices will re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2020, except for our Perth, Canberra and Adelaide offices which will re-open on Monday 6th January 2020. Read more
MBAIS Habitat Heroes 27/11/2019
MBAIS CEO Luke Hueston announced at the recent MBAIS staff conference, our corporate partnership with Habitat for Humanity. This partnership will see MBAIS support Habitat for Humanity in a number of ways including financial support and having our staff volunteering onsite with Habitat for Humanity. Read more
Conference Closure 03/10/2019
All MBA Insurance Services (MBAIS) offices will be closed from Thursday 10th – Friday 11th October (WA will be closed from 2pm Wednesday 9th October) for all staff to attend our first national staff conference in Victoria. Read more
VMIA Premium Increases 20/09/2019
VMIA have advised that there will be increases to premiums effective 1st November 2019. Read more
MBAIS Braves the Ice! 14/08/2019
MBA Insurance Services was proud to sponsor a night at the Canberra Braves game on the weekend. Our invited guests enjoyed a thrilling and fast paced game with the Canberra Braves defeating the Sydney Ice Dogs 12-5. Read more
AIMS YOUNG BROKER WINNER! 28/06/2019
We are thrilled to announce that Olivia Lewis of our Melbourne office has been announced as the IBNA winner of their Young Broker Competition. This competition was open to brokers with less than 5 years in the insurance industry. Read more
Delivering Exceptional Client Outcomes 20/06/2019
Our National Home Warranty Administration Team enjoyed an afternoon of training with Customer Service superstar Monique Richardson this week. The session focused on Managing Challenging Conversations and the team was equipped with tools and strategies to help them in their day to day conversations. Read more
Habitat for Humanity Home Handover 29/05/2019
Joe Keiper and Alison Duke were at the handover of a new Habitat for Humanity Home in Doveran Park (SA). Joe described it as being really rewarding to see first hand what Habitat for Humanity contribute, and took pride in being there to represent MBAIS’ contribution to the new home... Read more
2019 AIMS Conference - Perpetual Action 20/05/2019
Luke Hueston (CEO) and Michael Wood (CFO) recently attended the 2019 AIMS conference in Pasadena, Los Angeles. MBAIS has attended these conferences for a number of years now, and they continue to deliver excellent speakers, networking opportunities and world class events. With the conference theme of Perpetual Action, Luke and... Read more
Working Together To Support The Kids 08/04/2019
MBAIS is proud to be supporting Fairmont Homes NSW for the second year running, by covering the cost of the DBI certificate for the build of a new home in Oran Park, NSW. This house will be auctioned upon completion to raise much needed funds for Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation. Read more
MBAIS helping build Habitats 21/02/2019
We have recently been in a fortunate position to be able to help out a fantastic charity group, Habitat for Humanity South Australia. Some great work from our staff in Alison (SA) and Damien (Home Warranty – Vic/SA) initially helping them out with an urgent Builder Indemnity review, we were... Read more
MBAIS Christmas Closure Dates 05/12/2018
We wish to advise that our final working day for 2018 will be Friday 21st December Read more
MBAIS Abroad 12/11/2018
MBAIS Southern Region Manager, Joe Keiper has attended the IRMI Construction Risk Conference in Houston this month to hear from industry leaders on trends and emerging risks in the construction insurance industry. Read more
MBAIS - Your Specialist Building & Construction Broker 18/10/2018
As a specialist building and construction broker, MBAIS staff regularly visit residential and commercial building sites to enhance their understanding and knowledge of the industry, including areas such as: Read more
MBA Awards Season! 02/10/2018
MBA Insurance Services has a proud history of sponsoring and supporting a number of MBA events around the country each year. Read more
Planned HBCF Builder Self Service Portal outage 21/05/2018
icare HBCF have advised that the Builder Self Service Portal will not be available between 9.00AM to 1.00PM, this coming Saturday, 26 May 2018. Thank you for your patience during this time. Read more
Planned HBCF Builder Self Service Portal outage 17/04/2018
icare hbcf have advised that the Builder Self Service Portal will not be available on Saturday, 21 April 2018, from 9.00AM to 4.00PM. Read more
Planned HBCF Builder Self Service Portal outage 27/03/2018
icare hbcf have advised that the Builder Self Service Portal will not be available Thursday 5 April 2018 from 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm. Thank you for your patience during this time. Read more
Planned HBCF Builder Self Service Portal outage 16/03/2018
icare hbcf have advised that the Builder Self Service Portal will not be available between 10.00 AM to Read more
NSW Small Business Stamp Duty Exemptions Announced 05/12/2017
From 1 January 2018, small businesses in NSW will be exempt from paying stamp duty on certain types of insurance. Read more
NSW Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) reforms take effect on 3 October 2017 05/09/2017
In November 2016, the NSW Government made an announcement outlining reforms to the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) over the next 12 to 18 months to ensure its financial sustainability and ability to protect homeowners now and into the future. Read more
Victorian Domestic Building Insurance changes - Past, Present, Future 04/09/2017
Domestic Building Insurance (DBI, also known as Home Warranty Insurance) in Victoria has changed significantly over the past few years, with the landscape again recently changing, and for the better. In 2010 the numerous private insurers in the market all exited in quick succession, citing profitability concerns caused by escalating... Read more
Important Announcement - Western Australia Home Indemnity Insurance 03/08/2017
In Western Australia you need to have in place Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) prior to undertaking any residential works including renovations in excess of $20,000. Read more
Changes to Building Indemnity Insurance - South Australia 20/06/2017
Significant changes are coming to Building Indemnity Insurance in South Australia from 1 July 2017. Read more
Upcoming Building Indemnity Insurance changes in SA 09/06/2017
The South Australian Government Financing Authority (SAFA) has recently announced a number of changes to Building Indemnity (BI) Insurance which come into effect on 1 July 2017. Read more
Major changes announced to Victorian Domestic Building Insurance 07/06/2017
At 3pm today, the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) announced a major change to their Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) service model. Read more
Important Domestic Building Insurance Changes for Victoria 31/05/2017
The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) has recently announced pending changes to their Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) service model. Read more
Product Recall – Eaton Industries Pty Ltd – Eaton Quicklag ELQ Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker 09/05/2017
MBAIS has been made aware of a product recall by Eaton Industries Pty Ltd. The recalled product is the Eaton Quicklag ELQ Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker, manufactured between 1 April 2004 and 15 December 2016. The affected models can be identified by the presence of a green test button. Products... Read more
MBAIS (ACT) is 'Open for Business' 08/03/2017
Following the recent decision by Master Builders ACT to join forces with MBAIS, we are delighted to announce the opening of our ACT office, housed within the Master Builders ACT offices in Fyshwick. MBAIS (ACT) officially opened for business on Tuesday 14th March. Read more
SA Building Indemnity Fee Changes with effect 01/01/2017 22/12/2016
MBA Insurance Services would like to thank you for your ongoing support of our business, and MBASA. Read more
Home Warranty - Generational Change 20/12/2016
In November 2016 the NSW Government announced changes to the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) that constitute a generational change to the home warranty system in NSW. Read more
Cut off date for DBI / Home Warranty certificate applications! 13/12/2016
To ensure your DBI / Home Warranty certificates are issued prior to Christmas, please have completed applications submitted by Sunday 18th December 2016. Please ensure applications are submitted with all the required supporting documentation by the 18th to avoid any potential delays to your certificate/s being issued. For any queries... Read more
MBAIS Christmas Closure Dates 06/12/2016
We wish to advise that our final working day for 2016 will be Friday 23rd December. We will re-open on Tuesday 3rd January 2017. We wish you a safe and happy festive season, and look forward to working with you next year! Read more
NSW Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) Generational Change 11/11/2016
On the 3rd November the NSW Government announced a significant overhaul of the HBCF that administers home owners warranty in NSW. Read more
Changes to the Victorian DBI Scheme 28/10/2016
Yesterday the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) made an announcement about future changes to the Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) Scheme, which are set to take effect on 1 July 2017. Read more
Storms in South Australia 29/09/2016
With yesterday's storms causing havoc across the state of South Australia, our team is pleased to be up and running again. However, with more storms expected today, there is a chance we may lose power again, so please bear with us and know that we will respond to you as... Read more
Recognising Women in the Industry! 22/09/2016
Congratulations to our very own Leeanne Farmer who recently won the Master Builders Newcastle 'Women in Building Recognition Award'. Read more
It's All About the Kids! 13/09/2016
MBA Insurance Services is proud to have supported a great community project coordinated by Fairmont Homes NSW. Read more
Weather Update - Above average rain for Eastern and Northern Australia 03/08/2016
Have you considered weather certificates to protect your business from losses due to adverse weather? Read more
Specialist Brokers in High Demand 25/07/2016
Customers demand better service and more accurate advice, whilst Insurers prefer to deal with more informed brokers, because their portfolios are consistently more profitable to them, than those of general insurance brokers. Therefore, apart from our ‘signature’ products such as Construction Works and Home Warranty, we’re building our expertise in other... Read more
MBAIS – Coming to a NSW office near you! 25/07/2016
To support this commitment to regional areas in New South Wales, MBAIS has recently promoted Dele Omisore and Joel Beater within our business, which sees them now regularly working from the Norwest and Wollongong offices respectively. Read more
When a cheap policy becomes an expensive claim! 25/07/2016
What is value? According to the online Oxford Dictionary, value is ‘the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something’. Read more
Celebrating our Staff 25/07/2016
As some of our younger staff members were taking their first steps in life, Gary Morris (pictured on the left with Victorian State Manager, Joe Keiper) was walking into the MBAV building for his first day of work, and last month we had the pleasure of celebrating his 20 year... Read more
Staff Profile: Quenten Watkins 25/07/2016
View Quenten's profile Read more
South Australia Building Indemnity Rate Increases - Act Now & Save ! 19/05/2016
The SA Government has recently announced premium increases, that will come into effect on 1 July 2016, for the following residential builder segments. Read more
MBAIS South Australia is Open for Business 01/04/2016
We’ve already received a flood of call and email enquiries from both existing and new clients. Our enthusiastic team of Quenten, Alison and Mardi have been really encouraged by your support. Read more
Snowed under by Home Warranty paperwork? 01/04/2016
We do our best to simplify your obligations under government legislation, however we too, are somewhat hamstrung by the process. Read more
Tips For Covering Your Tools and Equipment 01/04/2016
The typical construction site is an irresistible temptation for thieves. Security is often minimal, valuable equipment and materials are left unattended for extended periods of time, and it can be difficult for would-be witnesses to differentiate acts of theft from the routine movement of equipment on and off site. Read more
Protecting You and Your Loved Ones 01/04/2016
MBAIS receives regular enquiries about Life Insurance and Income Protection cover, with clients concerned with policy coverage limitations and unfair exclusions. Your future earning potential is your greatest asset, so it’s important to have the right cover in place to protect your future earnings and lifestyle. Read more
Staff Profile: Sally Martin 01/04/2016
View Sally's profile Read more
Infinity Cable Recall 25/02/2016
In August 2014 the ACCC made a mandatory recall for Infinity Electrical cables being “All sizes and configurations of the white TPS (thermoplastic-sheathed) and Orange Round mains power cables, branded Infinity and Olsent” Read more
MBA Insurance Services takes to the field! 16/02/2016
MBA Insurance Services was proud to partner with Master Builders Association of Victoria to participate in the Biggest Game of Cricket and raise funds for the Ponting Foundation which provides valuable supports young Australians and their families beat cancer. Read more
NSW Home Warranty - Your Business Structure. Are you considering changing your structure? 21/01/2016
The Federal Government recently provided draft legislation for small business to change their legal structure with no tax consequences, if they meet certain criteria. You may be in the process of discussing this legislation with your accountant or tax professional. Read more
Protecting Your Livelihood and Your Loved Ones 11/01/2016
MBA Insurance Services is pleased to have partnered with Wheeler Life Insurance Advisers in providing you with a solution for your Income Protection and Life Insurance needs. Read more
MBAIS 2015 Christmas Shutdown Period 15/12/2015
MBAIS Fact Sheets - simplifying insurance one fact at a time! 10/12/2015
We understand that insurance can be a little confusing at times, so we have developed a range of ‘Fact Sheets’ to make life easier for you! Read more
MBAIS Mo’s doing their bit for men’s health! 03/12/2015
MBA Insurance Services was once again pleased to support the Movember initiative, with a number of our staff across the country joining the MBAIS Mo’s to raise valuable funds to go towards research into, and raising awareness of men’s health issues. Read more
Home Indemnity Rate Increase - WA 20/11/2015
Since November 2013 the WA Government has provided 100% reinsurance for all Home Indemnity Insurance certificates issues by QBE and Calliden. To strengthen their underwriting, the Government has announced premium increases that will come into effect in January 2016. Read more
Workers Compensation NSW – Introducing icare 29/10/2015
From 1 September 2015, WorkCover NSW has been replaced by 3 new government agencies as part of the changes being made to the Workers Compensation system in NSW. Read more
Workers Compensation NSW – Changes to Benefits 29/10/2015
Following on from the recent restructure of the Workers Compensation system in NSW, changes are being introduced to benefits for injured workers. The reforms taking effect from 16 October 2015 are summarised below. Read more
Changes to Home Warranty NSW 21/08/2015
Dated: 21 August, 2015 Read more
MBAIS (SA) is 'Open for Business' 03/08/2015
NSW - Changes to HBCF effective 4th August 2015 22/07/2015
The attached .pdf document outlines Important Changes to the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) effective 4 August 2015. Read more
MBASA To Join Forces with MBAIS 23/06/2015
The Master Builders Association of South Australia has just announced a new partnership with MBAIS effective 20 July, 2015. Read more
NSW - Changes to HBCF 11/06/2015
Following the recent Press Release by Hon. Victor Dominello surrounding titled “Red tape reduction a boost for home building sector”, MBA Insurance Services are now able to provide the following clarification around changes being made to the Home Building Compensation Fund effective 4th August 2015. Read more
NSW - Victor Dominello MP - Media Release - Red Tape Reduction A Boost For Home Building Sector 10/06/2015
Changes to Home Warranty NSW - effective 4th August, 2015 29/05/2015
On the 4th August 2015, the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) framework will change, placing more onus on builders when finalising contracts. Read more
Victorian DBI Update - VMIA Initiatives (Amended) 27/05/2015
Last year on 4th June we advised you of some immediate changes, and potential changes, to the Domestic Building Insurance Scheme in Victoria. Read more
Another 5 Years To Celebrate! 13/05/2015
Following on from our trifecta of staff anniversaries last week, this week we celebrate the 5 year service anniversary of Adam Myers, an Account Executive in our Sydney office. Adam has seen a number of changes over his years with MBA Insurance Services, and has a great focus on client... Read more
Celebrating Our Staff 05/05/2015
This week we have celebrated three staff service anniversaries with MBA Insurance Services. In a world where tenures of 5 years are becoming increasingly less common, we take this opportunity to thank Kevin, Nick and Carmel for their respective contributions to our business over the past 5 years. Read more
Important Fact #3 - Professional Indemnity Insurance 12/03/2015
Excess - Costs Exclusive vs Costs Inclusive Read more
2015 Victorian Building Authority (VBA) Guide to Standards and Tolerances 03/03/2015
To view the 2015 Victorian Building Authority (VBA) Guide to Standards and Tolerances Read more
Important Fact #2 - Insurance for Hired-In Plant and Equipment 04/02/2015
When hiring in plant and equipment, builders often agree to the hire company insuring the items. The hire company passes on the cost of this insurance to the builder and a damage waiver applies. The limitations of the insurance are set out in the hire agreement. Read more
Important Fact #1 - Statutory Liability Insurance 12/01/2015
Builders usually buy Statutory Liability Insurance to protect against fines and penalties imposed for a breach of Workplace Health & Safety and Environmental Protection legislation. Read more
Changes to Home Warranty in NSW 07/01/2015
Important Announcement for Domestic Builders - Changes to Home Warranty in NSW Read more
MBA Insurance Services supporting the Community 23/12/2014
Closing date for Home Warranty / Domestic Building Applications for 2014 11/12/2014
In preparation for our Christmas shutdown period, we wish to advise that all Home Warranty / Domestic Building Applications must be submitted prior to 18 December to be processed before Christmas. Read more
Staff Appointments - MBA Insurance 17/11/2014
It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Sally Martin to the newly created role of National Retail Broking Manager. Read more
Things are getting hairy at MBA Insurance Services! 12/11/2014
MBA Insurance Services is proud to be supporting Movember again this year with staff in our Melbourne and Perth offices getting behind this great cause! Read more
Welcome Joe Keiper, State Manager - Victoria 29/09/2014
Joe Keiper joins MBAIS today in the role of State Manager Victoria, following Luke Hueston's recent relocation north to take on the role of State Manager NSW. Read more
NEW Home Warranty Application For Job-Specific Policy (VIC Only) 28/08/2014
The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) have introduced a new Job-Specific Single Application form for Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) in Victoria, in addition to the new application form the following pages of the building contract will need to accompany the application: Read more
Victoria Gash - Winner of CGU UBuild Competition 28/07/2014
During the last six weeks of the 2013/14 financial year CGU ran a competition to promote CGU's enhanced online Construction quote and bind tool. Read more
Home Warranty - (Update) - Major Builder Review Criteria (NSW only) 15/07/2014
The Home Warranty Insurance Fund (HWIF), the department of the NSW government that support Home Warranty have changed the criteria to be classified as a Major Builder.Effective from the 1st July 2014 a Major Builders is a builder that is: Read more
NSW Home Warranty Insurance 19/06/2014
- Change to Major Builder Eligibility Reviews -Please be advised that the NSW Home Warranty Insurance Fund (HWIF) has updated Fact Sheet 11 - Major Builder Eligibility Reviews, to take effect from 1st July 2014 (see attached_ Fact Sheet 11 - Major Builder Eligibility Review (effective 1 July 2014). Read more
Commercial Building Licence Reforms Update 12/06/2014
Minister Matthew Guy yesterday confirmed that mandatory Commercial Structural Defects Insurance will be abolished with effect from 30th June 2014. We have attached yesterdays media release for your reference. Read more
Changes to Home Warranty (Victoria) – effective 1 July 2014 12/06/2014
Please note that effective from the 1st July 2014, Home Warranty in Victoria will change as follows: Read more
Building Legislation Amendment Bill (Victoria) 04/06/2014
Building Bill takes aim at buildersThe State Government has proposed significant reforms that will impact builders across Victoria.In between political power plays on Spring Street, State Parliament is next week expected to debate the Building Legislation Amendment Bill. Read more
Aust Mens over 35's Hockey Team participant 29/04/2014
Our National Home Warranty Advisor, Greg Koster has recently returned from touring in Singapore with the Australian Men's over 35's Hockey Team. Greg was selected in a squad of 28 players from the National Titles held in Sydney last September, which was narrowed down to 18 for the trip. Read more
MBAWA - Ride Against Suicide on 3 May, 2014 01/04/2014
Get the bike out, dust off the leathers and hit the road with our WA State Manager, Nick Vernon as he joins Master Builders Association of Western Australia in the Ride Against Suicide on Saturday 3rd May. MBA Insurance Services is proud to have Nick help raise money for the MATES... Read more
Understanding Management Liability Insurance 24/03/2014
Management Liability Insurance protects you and the company against the risks and exposures of running the company (i.e. your liability for mismanagement).Without adequate protection you could risk losing, not only your business, but also your personal assets. Read more
Motor Fleet Insurance 28/02/2014
A company vehicle being off the road is an inconvenience and can quickly mean significant disruption and cost to a business. Motor Fleet Insurance is an insurance product designed to protect your business vehicles against losses stemming from the ownership and operation of a motor vehicle. Read more
MBAWA - Housing Excellence Awards 26/02/2014
MBA Insurance Services was proud to be a sponsor of the Master Builders Association of Western Australia's Housing Excellence Awards on the weekend.We would like to congratulate all award winners and finalists on their outstanding achievements. For all the details, visit the mbawa website here Read more
What Is The Role of an Insurance Broker? 18/02/2014
What is the role of an insurance broker?Insurance brokers are professional advisers who work on behalf of their clients. They help clients identify their exposures and risks by understanding their business, to determine what needs insuring and what can be managed in other ways. Read more
Public Liability – Essential for All Businesses 03/02/2014
All businesses must carry a current Public Liability policy, no matter what their size and no matter what their occupation. It doesn't even matter whether or not you are directly exposed to the 'public'. When a third party suffers 'personal injury' (a term that is extremely broadly interpreted by Courts)... Read more
Weather Derivatives 09/01/2014
Last week construction companies in and around Brisbane lost between 2 -3 days work due to the heat wave conditions where temperatures soared to 40º plus.An MBA Insurance Services / Celsius Pro inclement weather cover solution can assist.For further enquiries please email Richard Grounds in our Melbourne office: rgrounds@mbais.com.au Read more
NEW Multiple Building Works Application & Definitions 09/12/2013
MBA Insurance Services have been advised by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) they have introduced for Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) in Victoria a new Multiple Building Works application form (Supersedes current Multi-Unit development applicaton form).There are now three (3) scenario's where this form will be required and classified as... Read more
MBA Insurance Services In The Media 05/12/2013
Nick Vernon, WA State Manager recently featured on the Home in WA television show, focusing on Home Indemnity Insurance requirements in residential building. Read more
Home Indemnity insurance arrangement extended in WA 04/07/2013
The State Government has reached an agreement with QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited that will see the insurer continue to provide home indemnity insurance in Western Australia for the next three months. Building Commissioner Peter Gow said an extension of the previous terms and conditions up to 30 September 2013 had been... Read more
Home Warranty Premiums increases (VIC) 07/05/2013
MBA Insurance Services have been advised by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) that they will increase Home Warranty premiums in the coming month.The VMIA have advised that they will increase three classes of premium:• Category A Builders;• Builders that are not on the current variable rate premium (Flat Rate... Read more
Home Warranty Rates Increasing in WA and SA 05/02/2013
Due to the continued decline in residential building activity as a consequence of unfavorable economic conditions, there has been a significant increase in builder insolvencies and subsequently, home owner claims.As a result, from 18 March 2013, QBE will be making the following adjustments to the pricing of their Home Warranty... Read more
QBE to withdraw from Home Warranty market in SA
Following the recent 50% increase in rates on 18 March 2013, QBE has now advised the South Australian Government that it is withdrawing from the Home Warranty Insurance market with effect from 1 July 2013.QBE has reassessed their position and consider it no longer viable as further sizeable premium increases... Read more
Tradesman - Protecting Your Livelihood
There are many misnomers about insurance, particularly in the building industry where there can be many pitfalls for those obtaining incorrect advice, not reviewing documentation or seeking to minimise cost by reducing cover.This is due to a common anecdote that 'it will never happen to me', or 'I am a... Read more
Domestic Building Registration (VIC)
The 'General Declarations' statements previously offered by the Building Practitioners Board when renewing your building registration is no longer be available, having ceased from 1st April 2012.All registered Domestic Builders in Victoria are required to provide a Letter of Eligibility from their Domestic Building Insurer stating that they have current... Read more