We have introduced a more flexible DBI distribution model for Victoria. Using a new system will help to streamline the process of purchasing the insurance, provide better access to information, reduce red tape, offer a better deal for builders and increase certainty for regulators and consumers.

A new portal called BuildVic provides online access via multiple devices, and builders will benefit from faster and easier access to DBI certificates and related DBI documentation.

Builders will have more choice. The new panel of DBI Distributors will use our new system to process and administer DBI. A new online portal called BuildVic will offer builders the opportunity to directly purchase DBI online (including via their mobile device) by accessing the portal via their preferred DBI Distributor. In addition, builders who wish to continue to purchase and manage DBI through their insurance broker will still have the option to do so. The DBI Distributor panel are:

DBI distributor	Contact number	Email
Arthur J Gallagher & Co (AUS) Limited	1300 300 115	builderswarranty@ajg.com.au
Bovill Risk & Insurance Consultants Pty Ltd	1800 077 933	dbi@bric.com.au
CCM Insurance Group Pty Ltd	03 9853 4688	dbi@ccminsurance.com.au
HIA Insurance Services Pty Ltd	1800 633 467	hiaisdbi@aon.com
Insurance House Pty Ltd	1300 305 834	builders@IHGroup.com.au
MBA Insurance Services Pty Ltd	1800 150 888	dbi@mbais.com.au

There are clear benefits of the new approach. Builders are able to purchase DBI online directly from their preferred DBI Distributor via a computer or mobile device, or they can choose to purchase DBI via their broker who will work with their nominated DBI distributor.

Builders will also experience less paperwork and a quicker response to securing DBI certificates.

These changes will reduce process duplication and red tape.

These benefits, combined with better information, will ultimately help to reduce DBI premiums, provide faster and easier access to DBI certificates and related documentation, and deliver a modern, flexible and efficient DBI service model for Victoria.

From 1 July 2017, the newly appointed panel of DBI Distributors provides access to VMIA DBI, via the BuildVic portal.

The panel of DBI Distributors are:

DBI distributor	Contact number	Email
Arthur J Gallagher & Co (AUS) Limited	1300 300 115	builderswarranty@ajg.com.au
Bovill Risk & Insurance Consultants Pty Ltd	1800 077 933	dbi@bric.com.au
CCM Insurance Group Pty Ltd	03 9853 4688	dbi@ccminsurance.com.au
HIA Insurance Services Pty Ltd	1800 633 467	hiaisdbi@aon.com
Insurance House Pty Ltd	1300 305 834	builders@IHGroup.com.au
MBA Insurance Services Pty Ltd	1800 150 888	dbi@mbais.com.au

VMIA’s existing arrangement with QBE ended on 30 June 2017.  QBE no longer provides access to VMIA DBI.

From 1 July 2017, VMIA’s panel of DBI Distributors provides builders with access to VMIA DBI. Builders must choose a DBI Distributor from which to obtain VMIA DBI, or work with their current broker to choose a DBI Distributor.

At this time, some builders will already be aligned to a DBI Distributor via their existing broker and will automatically be assigned to them, while other builders will need to choose a DBI Distributor. Builders wanting to purchase VMIA DBI using an insurance broker who is not a DBI Distributor can still do so, however, they must nominate a DBI Distributor for their broker to deal with.

There is no impact on existing certificates.

If you had current eligibility, this was not impacted.

No.

The new process gives builders more choice when it comes to DBI. Some builders will already be aligned to a DBI Distributor via their existing broker, while other builders need to choose a DBI Distributor. Builders wanting to purchase DBI from VMIA using an insurance broker will still have the option to do so, however, they must first nominate a member of the DBI Distributor panel for their broker to deal with.

A builder may request their existing broker, who is not a DBI Distributor, to perform activities on their behalf. The role and function of a broker would be determined by the builder. If authorised to do so by the builder, the broker may access BuildVic, issue the DBI certificates and also deal with an appointed DBI Distributor on their behalf, in the same way that the builder would otherwise deal with the DBI Distributor.

The panel of DBI Distributors is below. Builders were required to nominate their DBI Distributor before 30 June 2017.

DBI distributor	Contact number	Email
Arthur J Gallagher & Co (AUS) Limited	1300 300 115	builderswarranty@ajg.com.au
Bovill Risk & Insurance Consultants Pty Ltd	1800 077 933	dbi@bric.com.au
CCM Insurance Group Pty Ltd	03 9853 4688	dbi@ccminsurance.com.au
HIA Insurance Services Pty Ltd	1800 633 467	hiaisdbi@aon.com
Insurance House Pty Ltd	1300 305 834	builders@IHGroup.com.au
MBA Insurance Services Pty Ltd	1800 150 888	dbi@mbais.com.au

The process for making a DBI claim has not changed, nor did the criteria for eligible claims. Homeowners wishing to make a claim should follow the procedure outlined on in our claims area.

Any DBI certificates issued prior to the roll out of the new process remained valid for the period of time stated on the certificate.