Our Tips
Submitting a complete project application
All project applications require:
- completed project application lodged via either:
- Builder Self Service Portal; or
- Project Application form (provided to us by email); and - Signed, dated copy of the building contract (in full).
Some projects will also require some additional information including (not limited to) plans, proof of building class, scope of works, BCRP Component 1 2 3 Report, proof of funding, proof of ownership etc.
To avoid delays:
- Refer to Table 18 (Section 20 of the HBCF Eligibility Manual v11.2); or
- Contact our Job Specific team prior to lodging a multi-dwelling, retrospective or speculative application so we can advise you on what additional documentation could be required.
Use the Builder Self Service Portal
Using the icare HBCF's Builder Self Service Portal (BSSP) eliminates the need to scan and email documentation to lodge your project applications.
As you progress through the application on the BSSP, it will prompt you for the required information. It is also more efficient and reduces likelihood of human error as the information is only entered into the system once.
Once submitted, our Job Specific team will review it before either submitting to icare HBCF for review or issuing your quote for payment.
We endeavour to respond to all queries within 48 hours!
Importance of the Net Contract Price
One of icare HBCF’s requirements that causes the most additional information requests is the need to confirm the Net Contract Price of your project.
What is the Net Contract Price?
When we ask for the Net Contract Price, what we mean is the contract value including GST but excluding any allowance made within the contract for the cost of HBCF insurance.
Why is it important?
The reason we ask this question is because we want to avoid calculating the cost of the HBCF Premium on a contract value that already includes an allowance for the cost of HBCF insurance.
(including the premium, taxes and any insurance intermediary fees).
How do I know what the cost of HBCF is before I receive the quote?
The HBCF Premium Calculator (available both on the HBCF website and within the BSSP) allows builders to input basic details about the project and it will provide an estimated cost of the HBCF Premium.
Please remember that our broker fee should be added to this figure.
To avoid delays:
- Complete all three contract value fields on Page 3 of the application form
- Ensure that your building contract includes confirmation of Net Contract Price (for example, MBANSW contracts provide fields for the contract price, the cost of HBCF insurance cover and whether that cost has been included in the contract price)
- On the BSSP, make a note in the description of works field whether an allowance for HBCF Premium has been included or excluded from the Net Contract Value and, if so, how much.
More tips
Keeping an eye on your available limits
You've got the contract signed.
You've completed the application.
You've sent it through to our Job Specific team
Come to find that your available limits do not accommodate the project and you'll need a Builder Profile Change.
If your Construction Type profile limits need to be increased, you'll need a Non-Financial Builder Profile Change application which should take around 10 business days.
If your Open Job Value needs some work, it could take up to 20 business days which is going to delay your start date.
To avoid delays:
- Keep in touch with our Eligibility team to stay ahead of the game when it comes to your pipeline
- Don't forget to mark projects as complete as you go so that your limits can be replenished
Come directly to the experts
Master Builders Insurance Brokers has two Warranty teams:
- Our Eligibility team (that look after your Certificate of Eligibility limits)
- Our Job Specific team (that assist you with individual project applications)
Coming directly to our teams eliminates unnecessary delays and ensures the most efficient response.
Our Eligibility and Job Specific teams can be contacted:
Eligibility team
Ph: (02) 8330 2540
Email: CLICK HERE
Job Specific team
Ph: (02) 8330 2505
Email: CLICK HERE
Our Team Leaders can assist if needed – just ask the team to put them in touch!
Finding the correct construction code for your project
In 2022, icare HBCF reduced the number of construction codes from nine to five.
This change was made following a review into the scheme and brings the codes in line with the National Construction Code.
It included the merging of structural and non-structural categories and land title no longer being used as the basis for determining the correct construction code.
The Construction Codes are:
H01: New Dwelling Construction
H02: Building Work to an Existing Residential Apartment Building
H03: New Residential Apartment Building Construction
H04: Building Work to an Existing Dwelling
H05: Swimming Pools
Getting the correct construction code on your project application will reduce the amount of correspondence between you and our Job Specific team.
To avoid delays:
- Refer to the HBCF Construction Types | Quick Reference Guide which sets out the scenarios why apply to the each code
- Providing plans and confirmation of building class with your project application will assist our Job Specific team to verify that you are on the right track
- If you are still unsure, reach out to our Job Specific team to discuss
Download the HBCF Construction Types | Quick Reference Guide
Final quick tips
1. Getting in early
We will always process your application and issue your quotation for payment as soon as we possibly can. Your Certificate of Insurance will be issued via email once we receive confirmation from our accounts team that the payment has been received (please note that we are no longer able to issue the Certificate with a remittance notice or proof of payment).
The best way to avoid the stress of having a start date held up is to get in touch with us as soon as the contract is signed so we can get the application moving.
2. Meeting your BCRP obligations
Some builders have a condition of eligibility that they participate in the Building Contract Review Program (BCRP) for all projects of a certain type or over a certain contract value.
Where BCRP is required on a project, we require the Components 1 2 and 3 Report to be provided by your BCRP provider before we can issue your quotation for payment so please arrange this promptly and provide a copy to us.
Don’t forget to contact our Eligibility team once you have 3 x Component 5 Final Reports so we can apply to have the BCRP Condition removed from your eligibility profile.
3. We're here to help
If you find yourself struggling with the project application process or even think your team would benefit from some training, please reach out.
We would be happy to sit down with you and your team, go through any questions you have around the process and work together with you to find the best path to get your Certificates of Insurance issued as efficiently as possible.
