IRDAI has recently issued a master circular titled, “IRDAI (Protection of Policyholders’ Interests, Operations, and Allied Matters of Insurers) Regulations, 2024”. The circular has directed insurance companies to take various initiatives in collaboration with the government platform, Digilocker, to help policyholders. Let us find the details of this circular.

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What Is The Recent Master Circular By IRDAI For Insurance Companies?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed various insurance companies to enable their IT systems to align with Digilocker to allow policyholders to use the service effectively.

What Are The Objectives Of The Recent Master Circular By IRDAI For Insurance Companies?

The Insurance regulator, IRDAI, seeking to improve consumer experience for insurance policyholders, has released a Master Circular with the following objectives:

• The insurance regulator clubbed policyholder rights into a single reference document and emphasised measures towards providing a seamless, faster, and hassle-free claims settlement experience to a policyholder.

• It also asked the companies to allow the interaction between Digilocker and their IT system to take place to enhance service standards to foster a climate of trust and transparency within the insurance sector.

IRDAI released these through its Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders’ Interests under the IRDAI (Protection of Policyholders’ Interests, Operations, and Allied Matters of Insurers) Regulations, 2024, replacing 30 circulars.

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What Are The Details Of The Master Circular By IRDAI For Insurance Companies?

The details of the Master Circular for insurance companies are given below:

• The circular mandates life and general insurers to provide an essential summary of important information at different stages of the insurance contract.

• The summary must also include guidance for prospects, policyholders, and customers before sale, at the proposal stage, upon receiving policy documents, during the policy’s term, and at the time of claim for all insurance segments.

• Insurers have to provide a customer information sheet (CIS) for all insurance segments, outlining key policy features, benefits, and exclusions. The proposal form and CIS must be made available in regional languages upon the customer’s request.

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• The insurers will have to provide policyholders with a 30-day free look period to review the terms and conditions of the policy.

• The circular has barred insurance companies from accepting premium proposal deposits on life or health insurance policies along with the proposal form, except in cases where risk cover begins immediately upon receipt of the premium.

• Insurance companies must provide a search tool on their website to enable the verification of authorised distribution channels that can sell their insurance products.

• An assessment of suitability for life insurance is required for savings-related life insurance products and annuity products, excluding annuities purchased from the proceeds of the NPS and employer-offered superannuation funds.

• Insurers must collect nominee details, including bank account details, to facilitate prompt settlement of claims in case of the policyholder’s death at the proposal form stage itself.

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What Is The Importance Of IRDAI In India?

The IRDAI has been a ray of light for policyholders as it regulates the industry and protects their rights. The following are some major functions of IRDAI:

• Protection of Policyholders’ Interests: Ensuring that insurance companies treat policyholders fairly and settle genuine claims promptly.

• Promotion of Industry Growth: Towards growth of this sector in an organised manner that benefits the public at large.

• Provision Of Long-Term Funds: Making long-term funds available to support the economy for Indian citizens.

• Ensuring High Standards: Setting high standards through monitoring fairness, integrity and stability among insurers

• Curbing Malpractices: Establishing a grievance redressal forum to deter fraud and increase transparency in the insurance industry.

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Conclusion

The new master circular by IRDAI, issuing IRDAI guidelines for insurance companies, is directed to bring about facilitation and convenience for policyholders. IRDAI releases notifications and guidelines from time to time to curb all the concerns in the industry and maintain a healthy environment.

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Important Links

Master Circular: https://irdai.gov.in/document-detail?documentId=5625747

Official Website: https://irdai.gov.in/home

Contact Information:: https://irdai.gov.in/web/guest/contact-us and 914020204000.