Review into Building Indemnity Insurance and related consumer protections

Consultation has concluded

We want to hear your experiences and perspectives on the Building Indemnity Insurance (BII) scheme.

What's being decided?

BII protects homeowners against losses relating to non-completion and breach of statutory warranty (defects) where a builder has died, disappeared, or become insolvent.

We are reviewing the scheme to understand if it is fit for purpose. This includes examining what is covered by BII, the minimum thresholds for cover, maximum cover limits, and addressing gaps in consumer protection and awareness.

Your feedback will assist us to:

  • develop a long-term solution for the administrative framework for BII; and

  • review and strengthen consumer protections.

Background

Under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 (SA) and Regulations (the Act), it is compulsory in South Australia for builders to take out a building indemnity insurance (BII) policy on all domestic construction projects that:

  • require development approval; and

  • have a value of $12,000 or greater.

The policy currently provides cover up to a maximum limit of $150,000 per project. It protects homeowners against a builder not completing the works and the subsequent defect liability period, which in South Australia continues for five years post completion.

We want to ensure the scheme meets the needs of industry and home builders into the future.

Get involved

Find out more

If you'd like more information, please contact us via the "Who's Listening" section.

Have Your Say

  • Complete the Survey

  • Complete the Online Submission form

  • Register your interest in a one-on-one interview to share your story; and / or

  • Register your interest in being part of a workshop, where you will be part of a stakeholder group and can discuss your experiences and perspectives on BII.

What are the next steps?

We will use your feedback to inform recommendations on amendments to Building Indemnity Insurance arrangements and related consumer protections.




We want to hear your experiences and perspectives on the Building Indemnity Insurance (BII) scheme.

What's being decided?

BII protects homeowners against losses relating to non-completion and breach of statutory warranty (defects) where a builder has died, disappeared, or become insolvent.

We are reviewing the scheme to understand if it is fit for purpose. This includes examining what is covered by BII, the minimum thresholds for cover, maximum cover limits, and addressing gaps in consumer protection and awareness.

Your feedback will assist us to:

  • develop a long-term solution for the administrative framework for BII; and

  • review and strengthen consumer protections.

Background

Under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 (SA) and Regulations (the Act), it is compulsory in South Australia for builders to take out a building indemnity insurance (BII) policy on all domestic construction projects that:

  • require development approval; and

  • have a value of $12,000 or greater.

The policy currently provides cover up to a maximum limit of $150,000 per project. It protects homeowners against a builder not completing the works and the subsequent defect liability period, which in South Australia continues for five years post completion.

We want to ensure the scheme meets the needs of industry and home builders into the future.

Get involved

Find out more

If you'd like more information, please contact us via the "Who's Listening" section.

Have Your Say

  • Complete the Survey

  • Complete the Online Submission form

  • Register your interest in a one-on-one interview to share your story; and / or

  • Register your interest in being part of a workshop, where you will be part of a stakeholder group and can discuss your experiences and perspectives on BII.

What are the next steps?

We will use your feedback to inform recommendations on amendments to Building Indemnity Insurance arrangements and related consumer protections.




  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey

    You can share your views on the Building Indemnity Insurance system in this survey. The survey should take between 10-15mins to complete.

    Consultation has concluded
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Submissions

    Submission Template Instructions

    This submission template is provided for consumers, builders, or other interested parties who want to provide more detail than that allowed through the survey form. 


    The template asks for 

    • Information about you or the organisation you represent 
    • Your views on the purpose of the scheme
    • What problems you have experienced or see with the system 
    • What works in the current system 
    • What you would most like to see improved as a result of the review. (responses to this question are restricted in length) 


    You cannot save your answers and return to them later. We recommend that you prepare your answers to these questions in Word and then copy and paste them into this template when you are ready. 

    We recommend limiting your answers to each of the questions to 300 words each. 

    There will be opportunity for us to explore these answers with you further at the workshops and potentially through interviews. 

    Consultation has concluded
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Registration of Interest - Interview

    In February and March, we will be conducting one-on-one interviews with consumers who would like to share their experiences and feedback on the BII Scheme. 

    Builders, developers, brokers, and local government are encouraged to register for the relevant stakeholder workshop by emailing BIIReview@sa.gov.au  

    Whilst interviews are primarily for consumers, other parties seeking to raise sensitive issues in a confidential environment can also register for a one-on-one interview.    

    If you are interested in registering for an interview, please provide your details here and engagement organisers will be in touch with further information.

    Registrations close Thursday 14 March 2024.

    Consultation has concluded
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Registration of Interest - Workshops


    In March, we will be conducting a series of workshops with builders, developers, brokers, local government, and other groups involved in the BII process, to delve deeply into the BII Scheme. 


    Workshop Schedule:

    Date of Workshop

    Time

    Stakeholder group

    Format

    Thursday 14 March

    9:00 am – midday

    Builders and developers – session 1

    In person

    4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

    Builders and developers – session 2

    Online

    Wednesday 20 March

    9:00 am – 11:30 am

    Brokers

    Online

    Thursday 21 March

    9:00 am – 11:30 am

    Local Government and private certifiers

    Online


    If you are interested in participating in a workshop, please register below.  Engagement organisers will be in touch with further information. 


    REGISTRATIONS CLOSE ON 7 MARCH 2024

    Consultation has concluded