IRDAI Mandates 1600-Series Numbers for Insurance Calls

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  • Last Updated on 9 January, 2026

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IRDAI 1600 Series Numbers Insurance Calls

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.

Click Here To Read The Full Circular

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Author: Taxmann

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that's easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied