HBCF Changes

Home Warranty Insurance Scheme (HWIS)

The Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) changed its name from the Home Warranty Insurance Scheme (HWIS) in January 2015. The name change was considered to better reflect the HBCF's role as a safety net for homeowners.

HBCF Reforms

Key HBCF reforms include:

• Digital self-service model: From 1 September 2026, the previous broker/distributor panel model no longer applies. Builders can manage their HBCF requirements directly through the HBCF Portal or nominate a Service Provider to assist them.
• Expanded Automated Scorecard Review (ASR): The ASR process provides an automated approach to assessing eligibility for qualifying builders, using an Eligibility Score based on commercial credit bureau information.
• Eligibility assessment: For builders who qualify for ASR, eligibility is assessed using information from a credit reporting body, including relevant personal, director/proprietor and business trading history.
• Service Provider support: Builders can choose to manage their HBCF requirements themselves or nominate a Service Provider, such as their broker, to assist with eligibility, Certificates of Insurance and other HBCF requirements.

Find out more about what the reforms will mean for you by contacting our team or by visiting the iCare HBCF website.