From January 1, 2027, every proposal form, policy document and certificate of insurance in India must carry the identity of the authorised salesperson who solicited the policy — plus the phone number and email of the branch that sold it. The rule, notified under the IRDAI (Insurance Intermediaries) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, is the sharpest move yet against mis-selling.
What Changes for Buyers
When a policy is disputed or mis-sold, accountability now runs to the individual, not just the company. For digital purchases through an intermediary's platform, the Principal Officer's contact details must be disclosed instead. That means a permanent audit trail for every complaint — and, IRDAI argues, fewer instances of policies being pushed for commissions rather than need.
What Changes for Agents and Brokers
Three things stand out for distributors. First, registration becomes perpetual: instead of renewing every three years, intermediaries keep a certificate indefinitely by paying an annual fee — but existing holders must apply for a fresh certificate by January 31, 2027 (late applicants get until March 31 with reasons and a Rs 750 fee). Second, moving employers now needs an NOC — but if the old employer neither issues one nor objects within 30 days, it is deemed granted, protecting agent mobility. Third, solicitation records must be kept so that IRDAI can access them remotely.
The Bigger Picture
The tagging requirement is transaction-level, not calendar-level: it has to be captured at the point of sale and preserved for the life of the contract. That is a systems change for every insurer and distributor. It also pairs with IRDAI's new penalty framework and the Policyholders' Education and Protection Fund — enforcement, education and traceability arriving together.
Sources: Financial Express, ET Now, IRDAI (July 30 - August 1, 2026)