How to Submit a Domestic Building Insurance Certificate in Victoria

How to Submit a Domestic Building Insurance Certificate in Victoria

Learn how to submit your Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) Certificate of Insurance application in Victoria. As an authorised distributor of the Building & Plumbing Commission (BPC), HIA Insurance Services explains how to generate, purchase, amend or cancel your DBI Certificate of Insurance, including when and how to use the BuildVic portal, and what information may be required by the BPC. Requirements and processes may change - always refer to BuildVic and BPC guidance for the latest information.

Understanding Your Letter of Eligibility

• Your Letter of Eligibility will state all your limits along with your Registered Building Practitioner information.
• You may download your Letter of Eligibility directly from the BuildVic portal and manage your BPC DBI and purchase Certificate of Insurances online at www.buildvic.vic.gov.au.

Purchase and Manage DBI Through BuildVic

BuildVic is the BPC’s online portal used by builders to purchase and manage Domestic Building Insurance.

Through BuildVic, you may:

• Generate and download your Letter of Eligibility
• View your total construction limit and category limits
• Purchase DBI Certificates of Insurance
• Request a review of (subject to BPC criteria):
  • Your overall construction limit
  • Your individual job limits

Purchasing a DBI Certificate Outside of BuildVic

If you choose not to purchase Domestic Building Insurance through BuildVic, you may:

1. Complete a Certificate of Insurance Application Form
2. Submit the completed form to HIA Insurance Services for processing in accordance with BPC and insurer requirements. Approval and issue of the certificate is subject to BPC and insurer assessment.

Important things to remember:

• All fields must be completed
• Information must exactly match the signed building contract
• The application must be signed by the Registered Building Practitioner or a nominated employee

Incomplete or incorrect applications may delay processing.

Certificate Amendments or Cancellations

Amendments to a Certificate

An amendment may be required to correct details such as:

• Owner name spelling
• Site address spelling

To request an amendment, the BPC requires evidence supporting the change. One or more of the following documents may be requested. The BPC may also request additional documents depending on the circumstances:

• Certificate of Title (dated within the last 6 months)
• Signed and dated building contract
• Approved variation
• Variation

Cancellations of a Certificate

To cancel a DBI Certificate of Insurance:

• A BPC Cancellation Form must be completed
• The form must be signed by the Registered Building Practitioner or a person nominated in writing and approved by the BPC
• The form must also be witnessed by an authorised witness as required under Victorian law—refer to the current BPC cancellation form for specific witness requirements.

The cancellation form must:

• Match the certificate details exactly
• Include a clear reason for cancellation
• Be fully completed to avoid delays

Where DBI is required for your project, submitting your Domestic Building Insurance Certificate of Insurance correctly is an important step in meeting your obligations as a registered builder in Victoria. Understanding how to use the BuildVic portal, reviewing your Letter of Eligibility, and ensuring all information matches your signed contract will help avoid delays and unnecessary amendments.

Whether you choose to purchase your DBI Certificate through BuildVic or via an application form, taking the time to complete the process accurately will help your project proceed smoothly and in compliance with BPC requirements. If you need assistance at any stage, HIA Insurance Services is here to support you understand the steps and submit the required paperwork.