Circular No. IRDAI/PP&GR/CIR/MISC/02/01/2026, Dated 06.01.2026
1. Introduction
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued a circular dated 06-01-2026 directing insurers and insurance intermediaries to adopt the 1600-series numbering for all service and transactional voice calls.
2. Regulatory Background
The directive is in furtherance of the mandate issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to standardise numbering for service-related calls. The move seeks to distinguish legitimate service calls from unsolicited commercial communication.
3. Scope of the Direction
The requirement applies to all insurers and insurance intermediaries making service and transactional voice calls to policyholders or prospects. Once implemented, such calls must be made exclusively using the designated 1600-series numbers.
4. Timeline for Implementation
IRDAI has mandated that entities complete the adoption of the 1600-series numbering on or before 15 February 2026. After this date, no service or transactional calls are permitted to be made from any other number series.
5. Conclusion
By mandating the use of 1600-series numbers, IRDAI aims to curb impersonation-based fraud, reduce unsolicited communications, and enhance consumer trust in insurance-related interactions. Insurers and intermediaries are required to ensure timely compliance with the directive.
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