Home Warranty premium and Notice of Cover

For eligible projects, the registered builder is responsible for paying the Home Warranty premium.

The premium must be paid before the earlier of:

• 10 business days after the building contract is signed
• the eligible domestic building work starting.

The cost may be reflected in the contract price. Check your quote and building contract so you understand what has been included.

When cover starts

For eligible work, Home Warranty cover starts from the earliest of when the builder:

• pays the applicable premium
• starts carrying out the building work
• signs the major domestic building contract.

If the builder does not pay the premium

Home Warranty is a statutory scheme. This means a homeowner may still be protected even if the registered builder does not pay the premium, where the work is eligible and the scheme requirements are met.

This does not remove the builder’s obligation to pay the premium, and failing to do so is an offence.

Notice of Cover

If BPC accepts payment of the Home Warranty premium, BPC will issue a Notice of Cover to the building owner.

Your Notice of Cover confirms details about the eligible project. You may need it if you make a claim or sell the property.

What to check on your Notice of Cover

When you receive your Notice of Cover, check that the details match your building contract.

Check:

• the builder’s name
• the builder’s registration number
• the builder’s ABN or ACN
• the building site address
• the work covered
• the assessed insurable value
• the premium paid
• when cover starts
• claim timeframes.

If the details do not match your contract, contact BPC as soon as possible.

Keep your Notice of Cover

Keep your Notice of Cover with your:

• building contract
• plans and specifications
• building permits
• payment records
• agreed variations
• emails, letters and messages with your builder.

You may need these documents if you make a claim or sell the property.

Buying or selling a property

If you are buying or selling a property, you may need to check whether BPC has issued a Notice of Cover for Home Warranty work at that property.

You can request an Insurance Information Statement if you are the homeowner, a prospective purchaser, an owner's corporation or an authorised agent.

An Insurance Information Statement can tell you whether a Notice of Cover has been issued for Home Warranty work at the property on or after 1 July 2026. It can also tell you when cover ends and the maximum amount of cover available.

You are required to pay a fee of $51.80 if you apply for an Insurance Information Statement. The fee payable is non-refundable, including if a Notice of Cover could not be found in relation to the property you requested us to search or the information you asked us to search is incorrect.