Victorian Managed Insurance Authority

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Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) is a Victorian state government insurer that provides risk management and insurance services, including domestic building insurance, for the Victorian public sector and certain mandated schemes.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Owned by State Government of Victoria

About Victorian Managed Insurance Authority

Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) is the Victorian State Government’s insurer and risk adviser. Based in Melbourne, VMIA provides insurance and risk management services to Victorian government departments, agencies, public hospitals, and other public sector entities, as well as managing several mandated schemes. One of its best-known services to the public is Domestic Building Insurance (also known as builder’s warranty insurance) for registered builders and owner–builders working on residential construction in Victoria. VMIA does not operate like a retail insurer; most of its products are provided under legislation or government direction rather than through general consumer marketing.

A VMIA charge may appear on your bank or card statement when you or your builder arrange Domestic Building Insurance for a residential building project, or when you pay a premium or fee under one of VMIA’s mandated schemes. This might include cover associated with a building contract, owner–builder works, professional indemnity for certain regulated professions, or risk cover related to a Victorian public-sector organisation or project you’re involved with. Charges can be one‑off premium payments, scheduled instalments (if allowed under your arrangement), policy renewals, or adjustments where a building contract value or scope has changed. In some cases, you may also see a temporary card authorisation when you pay online to verify your card details, which should drop off after a few days.

If you’re unsure about a VMIA charge, start by checking any recent building contracts, owner–builder permits, or insurance documents linked to Victorian government or public-sector activities. Look for a certificate of insurance or schedule referencing “Victorian Managed Insurance Authority” or “VMIA”, and compare the policy or premium amount with the charge on your statement. You can access policy information or request copies of certificates by logging into any relevant online portal used to purchase the cover, or by contacting VMIA via the ‘Contact us’ page at vmia.vic.gov.au with your full name, address, project or policy details, and the exact charge amount and date. Common issues—such as duplicate payments, incorrect contract values, or cancelled projects—can usually be resolved by providing proof of payment and any updated building or contract documentation so VMIA can review and, where appropriate, adjust or refund part of the premium in line with policy and legislative rules.

Bank Statement Variations

2 known variations

These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Victorian Managed Insurance Authority.

  1. DOMESTIC BUILDING INS MELBOURNE AU
  2. DOMESTIC BUILDING INS MELBOURNE AUS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I get a charge from Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) after signing a building contract?

If you recently signed a residential building contract in Victoria, your builder is usually required to take out Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) for your project, and VMIA is the statutory insurer for this scheme. The premium for this cover may be collected directly through a payment link or portal and charged to your card in VMIA’s name, or it may be built into your contract costs. The charge typically corresponds to the DBI premium for your specific contract value and will match an insurance certificate issued for your property.

What are typical amounts VMIA might charge for Domestic Building Insurance?

Domestic Building Insurance premiums vary depending on the total contract value, the type of works, and legislative settings at the time of purchase, so there isn’t a single standard price. It’s common for DBI premiums to be a few hundred to several thousand dollars for larger projects, and the exact amount is shown on your certificate of insurance or premium notice. If the charge on your statement doesn’t match any VMIA documentation you have, contact VMIA with your property and builder details so they can confirm the amount.

Why do I see a VMIA card authorisation or small ‘pending’ amount on my account?

When you pay VMIA online by credit or debit card, your bank may first show a temporary authorisation or ‘pending’ charge to verify your card details. This authorisation is usually for the full premium or for a small test amount and should either convert to the final payment or disappear within a few business days, depending on your bank’s processes. If a pending VMIA transaction remains on your account for more than 7 business days, contact your bank first, then provide VMIA with your payment date, card type, and any reference number for further checking.

How do I cancel or change a VMIA Domestic Building Insurance policy and stop further charges?

Domestic Building Insurance is regulated, and cancellation or changes are only allowed in specific circumstances, such as a contract being terminated, reduced in value, or entered into in error. To request a change, contact your builder or the intermediary who arranged the policy, or reach out to VMIA via the contact details at vmia.vic.gov.au with your certificate number, property address, and reason for cancellation or amendment. If a policy is altered, VMIA will reassess the premium and may issue either an additional charge or a refund/credit in line with legislative and policy rules, which will appear as a separate transaction on your statement.

How can I request a refund or correction if I believe I was overcharged by VMIA?

Gather your proof of payment (bank or card statement), your VMIA certificate or policy schedule, and any updated building or contract documentation, such as a reduced contract value or project cancellation letter. Then contact VMIA through the ‘Contact us’ page at vmia.vic.gov.au or via the intermediary (such as your builder or broker) who arranged the cover, explaining why you believe the amount is incorrect. VMIA will review your policy, confirm whether a premium adjustment or refund is allowed under the scheme rules, and if approved, process the refund back to the original payment method or as otherwise advised.

How do I verify that a VMIA charge is linked to my property or project?

Check for a Domestic Building Insurance certificate (sometimes called a certificate of insurance) that lists VMIA as the insurer, along with your property address, builder’s details, and contract value. The premium shown on this certificate should match, or be very close to, the VMIA amount on your statement, accounting for any fees or adjustments. If you don’t have a copy, ask your builder, owner–builder consultant, or intermediary to provide it, or contact VMIA directly with your name, property address, and the date and amount of the charge so they can locate the relevant record.

How can I contact VMIA about a charge I don’t recognise?

Visit vmia.vic.gov.au and go to the ‘Contact us’ section to find current phone and email details for customer and policy enquiries. When you contact VMIA, provide your full name, any policy or certificate number you have, the last four digits of the card that was charged, and the exact date and amount of the transaction as shown on your bank statement. This information helps VMIA quickly identify the payment and explain which insurance policy or scheme it relates to, or advise you on next steps if the charge appears to be in error.

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