Building Inspectors
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What information do I need to provide for a quote as a Building Inspector?
Last Updated: June 3, 2025We can usually provide you with a quick premium indication based on a few key details, including your annual fee income, the type of inspections you perform, and the state in which you operate. To get a quick price indication for professional indemnity and public liability insurance, please complete your details in our quick quote form. For a full and accurate quote, we will ask you to complete a brief online proposal form. This form collects information such as: Your business name and contact details The types of inspections you perform Your annual turnover Whether you are registered or licensed in your state (if applicable) Any past claims or complaints Depending on your services and risk profile, we may ask for additional information such as a sample report or standard terms and conditions. We will guide you through this process and explain if anything further is required.
Are there minimum experience requirements for me to obtain cover as a Building Inspector
Last Updated: May 26, 2025Yes. Under the Building Inspector Insurance Scheme available through Webber Insurance, it is a mandatory requirement that all building inspectors have a minimum of five years’ experience specifically in conducting inspections. This requirement applies regardless of your broader experience within the construction or building industry. For example, if you have worked for many years as a builder or project manager but have only recently started undertaking inspections, you would not be eligible for cover under this scheme until you have completed five years of inspection-specific work. The insurer has set this requirement to ensure that those participating in the scheme have sufficient practical experience in the unique risks and technical responsibilities involved in professional inspections.
What are some common claims that Building Inspectors experience
Last Updated: June 3, 2025Claims made against Building Inspectors often arise from disputes after a property is purchased or when defects emerge that were not identified in a report. Common claims often include: Missed or overlooked structural issues Failure to identify termite or water damage Inaccurate or unclear report findings Incomplete documentation or inadequate photo evidence Disputes over who was responsible for reporting particular issues Claims of negligence or misrepresentation by buyers or property owners Even with a thorough inspection process, a dissatisfied client may still lodge a claim. Having Professional Indemnity insurance gives you access to expert support and protection in these situations.
Are there any Industry or Legislative Insurance requirements for Building Inspectors
Last Updated: June 3, 2025Yes. In some states, Building Inspectors must hold Professional Indemnity insurance to be registered or licensed. In Victoria, the VBA requires registered Building Inspectors to hold a compliant Professional Indemnity policy that meets the prescribed standards under ministerial orders. This includes minimum limits and policy wording criteria. In Queensland, building inspectors are required to be licensed with QBCC and hold professional indemnity insurance. Some associations, such as the Master Inspectors Association of Australia, may also recommend or require members to hold Professional Indemnity insurance. Even if not mandated by law, most real estate professionals, legal advisers, and clients expect Building Inspectors to carry professional indemnity and public liability insurance as part of best practice.
What services can I be insured for as a Building Inspector
Last Updated: June 3, 2025Professional Indemnity insurance for Building Inspectors can extend to a wide range of services, provided they are declared to the insurer. Webber Insurance can assist inspectors who carry out the following: Pre-Purchase Building Inspections Pre-Purchase Pest & Termite Inspections Handover Inspections (Post Completion) Pool Safety Inspections Asbestos Identification Building Defect / Dilapidation Reports Expert Witness Services General Building Inspections (Non-Certification Related) Pest and Termite Inspections It is important to declare all services you offer. This ensures they are considered by the insurer and included in your policy coverage, as undisclosed activities may not be covered if a claim arises. Unfortunately, Webber Insurance are unable to assist inspectors who carry out any: Mandatory Building Inspections, Staged Construction Inspections or Certification/Surveying Services.
What limit of Professional Indemnity does a Building Inspector require
Last Updated: June 3, 2025The appropriate level of cover depends on several factors, including the types of inspections you carry out, the frequency and complexity of your work, and any regulatory requirements or association standards that apply. In Queensland, certain types of inspections require professional indemnity insurance of $1,000,000 cover. More information can be found here. In Victoria, building inspectors need to be licensed and meet the VBA’s insurance requirements. This cover is either: $1,500,000 when defence costs are included in the limit of indemnity; or $1,000,000 if defence costs are in addition to the limit of indemnity Other states currently do not have mandatory insurance requirements for building inspectors. While not always mandatory, many Professional Associations and clients expect building inspectors to hold at least $1,000,000 – $2,000,000 of professional indemnity cover.
Aside from Professional Indemnity, what other Insurances should a Building Inspector consider
Last Updated: June 3, 2025Depending on the way your business operates and is structured, several additional insurance covers may be worth considering. Public Liability Insurance is essential if you visit client sites or enter private properties, as it protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged in connection with your work. Public Liability can often be combined with your Professional Indemnity coverage for a small additional cost. Business Insurance can cover tools, mobile devices, cameras, ladders and other essential equipment used during inspections. It can also include fire, theft and loss of business income if you have an office premises. Cyber Liability Insurance protects your business against cyber incidents such as hacking, phishing and data breaches, which can be a risk when managing client data or delivering reports online. Commercial Motor Insurance: If you use your vehicle for transporting tools or accessing inspection sites. Depending on the size of an inspector’s business, other insurances may also be required. These could include: Workers Compensation Personal Accident / Illness Management Liability Insurance Each business is unique and has unique exposures. For tailored advice, please speak to one of our qualified brokers.