Changes to HBCF
icare and the NSW Government have made changes to the HBCF.
What is changing from 1 September 2026?
The current HBCF distributor model is ending and icare is moving to a digital self-service model that shifts day-to-day responsibility for managing HBCF from distributors to builders.
The changes come into full effect from 1 September 2026.
Why the changes are happening
The changes are driven by icare and the NSW Government. Master Builders’ position is that builders should have the option to use the HBCF Self-Service Portal and the services of an insurance broker such as Master Builders Insurance Brokers.
The changes mean that:
- Builders will be required to manage their HBCF activity directly through the icare HBCF Portal.
- Builders can apply for certificates, view policies, manage open jobs and access eligibility information in the portal.
- Builders can choose to manage HBCF themselves or appoint a Delegate or Service Provider to assist them.
- Service Providers sit outside the direct icare-builder relationship and cannot control icare systems, processing times, underwriting or decisions.
- The builder remains responsible for its HBCF relationship with icare, including monitoring portal notifications, underwriting referrals and icare decisions
Master Builders is here to support you
The HBCF model is changing, but our commitment to supporting our members isn’t.
Master Builders Insurance Brokers can support members whether you choose self-service and simply need some guidance, want assistance with your day-to-day HBCF administration, or need specialist advice on a complex eligibility matter.
Annual Support Plan
The Master Builders Insurance Brokers Annual Support Plan is an administrative support service. It is designed to help builders with routine HBCF tasks while keeping the builder responsible for its direct relationship with icare.
- Portal navigation and general administrative guidance.
- Routine Certificate of Insurance applications using information supplied by the builder.
- Uploading supporting documents supplied by the builder.
- Assistance with straightforward policy amendments.
- Assistance with closing completed jobs.
- Help locating certificates and policy information.
- Guidance on where to find icare information and how to direct issues to the right place.
Members benefit from the three-tier pricing model for the Annual Support Plan.
Tier 1
Builders that are general insurance (GI) clients of Master Builders Insurance Brokers receive the Annual Support Plan services free of charge.
Tier 2
Master Builders members can access the Annual Support plan for the discounted rate of $1,000 per year.
Tier 3
Non-members/Non-GI customers pay $2,000 per year.
Where the Annual Support Plan stops
Due to changes that icare is making to HBCF, Master Builders Insurance Brokers does not monitor the builder’s portal, Inbox, Notifications or application status. Once an application is referred to icare underwriting, the builder follows up icare directly for status, timing and outcome. MBIB does not chase underwriters or escalate routine processing delays.
***Volume builders are excluded from the prices set out in the above Annual Support Plan.
Specialist Eligibility Advisory Services
Separate from the Annual Support Plan, Master Builders Insurance Brokers can provide Eligibility Advisory Services. They are specialist professional services for builders who want assistance with more complex eligibility matters and fees are charged on the basis of complexity. The services include:
- Automated Scorecard Reviews (ASR).
- Full Financial Reviews.
- Non-Financial Reviews / profile changes.
- Special Eligibility Reviews (SER).
- Review of assessment outcomes and preparation of responses.
*Important*
The builder must initiate Master Builders Insurance Brokers (MBIB) for Eligibility Advisory Services. MBIB does not monitor the portal for upcoming eligibility reviews, review dates, notifications or assessment activity. Work only starts once the builder contacts MBIB and instructs us to proceed.
Don’t wait until you need your next certificate
We recommend logging into the new HBCF Portal now and making sure you can access your builder account. If you haven't registered, need portal access or are locked out of your account, you'll need to contact icare directly.
icare HBCF Support
Phone: 02 8378 0560
Email: enquiries.hbcf@icare.nsw.gov.au
Portal: https://portal.hbcf.nsw.gov.au/hbcfportal/
Master Builders Insurance Brokers
Phone: 02 8330 2500
Website: Master Builders Insurance Brokers