Claims adjusters need structural calls that stand up to audit. When safety or compliance is in question, independent structural certification gives a clear line from on‑site evidence to a lawful repair outcome. MBC provides this nationally using registered engineers working alongside licensed building consultants so that occupancy and reinstatement decisions are based on facts.
Fairness and transparency in the claims process are explicit expectations under the General Insurance Code of Practice, which makes impartial engineering evidence central to complex files.
Independent structural certification for insurance files
Certification is a formal statement by a certified engineer that a structure is safe to occupy, or that defined works will restore safety and compliance. It goes beyond opinion to document loading, defects, test results and the code path for rectification.
Adjusters typically request certification when there is:
- conflicting contractor commentary after storm, impact or movement
- doubt about fitness for temporary reoccupation
- overlap between event damage and long‑term deterioration
- a requirement for a structural engineer report to proceed with works.
Where a broader evidence pack is needed, our building reports set out causation findings and an itemised scope for tender.
How expert evidence is used in decisions
Good instructions and independent methods reduce variance. The Insurance Council of Australia has outlined better practice for commissioning and managing experts so that assumptions, conflicts and limitations are transparent in the file, as set out in its expert report guidance.
MBC’s engineers record measurements, photographs, sampling and calculations so conclusions can be checked internally or, if required, in a tribunal setting. Our national team of registered engineers delivers that approach consistently across states and territories.
NCC compliance and jurisdictional requirements
Who can certify also depends on the state. In Queensland, professional engineering services must be performed or directly supervised by an RPEQ, as explained by the Board of Professional Engineers Queensland. In New South Wales, the Design and Building Practitioners framework requires registered design practitioners for regulated designs and declarations.
Using a registered engineer reduces the risk of invalid certificates, rework and disputes because the person signing is accountable under legislation and a recognised code of conduct, which strengthens the evidentiary trail for insurers.
Who can certify by state and territory
- Queensland: Professional engineering services in or for Queensland must be done by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland, including interstate work for Queensland projects.
- New South Wales: Design and building work on regulated buildings requires registration under the Design and Building Practitioners scheme.
- Victoria: Mandatory registration applies to professional engineers across civil, structural, electrical, mechanical and fire safety.
- Western Australia: Building engineering practitioners register by area and level under the Building Services Board.
- Australian Capital Territory: Engineering registration is now mandatory for civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire safety.
- Tasmania: Engineers require a licence for building services and civil work through Consumer, Building and Occupational Services.
- Northern Territory: Certifying engineers must be registered, with mutual recognition available for interstate registrants.
- South Australia: The government has proposed a mandatory registration scheme for engineers in building and construction, and consultation is ongoing.
Field guide for adjusters commissioning certification
- Define the call you need. State whether the brief is make safe, fitness for reoccupation, or completion certification with an as‑built check.
- Set the evidence plan. Ask for intrusive checks where safe, moisture mapping or level surveys through our site investigation services.
- Request clause‑based reasoning. Require the report to cite NCC provisions and relevant Australian Standards supporting the chosen repair path.
- Align to policy. Separate sudden event effects from progressive failure with time‑stamped photos and notes that can be traced in the file.
- Preserve the chain of custody. Retain samples and raw readings so the structural assessment can be audited later without rework.
Why partner with Morse Building Consultancy
MBC is an independent building consultancy that pairs engineering sign‑off with insurer‑grade reporting for claims teams. Our method emphasises measured evidence, clause‑based reasoning and an itemised scope that can be priced, which supports defensible decisions and shorter lifecycles. Our national capability and independence are detailed on About us.
If your file needs a certified engineer’s sign‑off or a targeted structural engineer report, contact us for a prompt, compliant response.