The WA Government will double the maximum payouts under its home indemnity insurance program in reforms to better protect property owners in cases of incomplete or defective building works.

The changes mean eligible homeowners may be entitled to up to $40,000 for lost deposits, and up to $200,000 for incomplete or defective works in the event their builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent.

“The changes to home indemnity insurance reflect current market values and challenges. We want to ensure that if a builder becomes insolvent, families are better protected and can finish their dream home,” Commerce Minister Roger Cook said.

“Improved home indemnity insurance coverage will give prospective home buyers the peace of mind and the confidence to build, knowing that if things do go wrong there will be a much better safety net.”

The level of insolvencies has been an issue across Australia given fixed price building contracts and as the pandemic has exacerbated supply chain issues and contributed to rising material costs and labour shortages.

Under the WA Home Building Contracts Act 1991, a builder must take out the insurance in the owner's name before accepting payment or commencing work for residential building projects valued at $20,000 or more.

In most cases, the policy must cover the construction period and six years from the practical completion date.

The Government says the scheme changes to provide greater protection will take effect as soon as possible.

WA home indemnity insurance providers are QBE and Australian Owner Builders Insurance Services (for owner-builders only).