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Insurance companies must now use only 1600-series numbers for service and transaction calls to customers.
The move aims to cut spam, stop fraud, and help identify real calls. (representative image)
The insurance regulator has asked all insurance companies and intermediaries to change the way they call customers. Going forward, service and transaction-related calls must come only from numbers starting with the 1600 series. This move is meant to make it easier for people to identify genuine calls from insurers.
The change follows directions issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in December 2025. Insurers have been given time until February 15, 2026, to fully shift to the new numbering system and stop using regular phone numbers for such calls.
Why IRDAI Issued This Instruction
On December 16, 2025, TRAI asked all entities regulated by IRDAI to use only 1600-series numbers for service and transaction calls. IRDAI later shared this direction with insurers and insurance intermediaries, asking them to follow it strictly.
The main aim is to cut down spam calls and reduce fraud. Many people receive fake calls claiming to be from insurance companies. Using a separate number series will help customers know which calls are real.
What Insurers Must Do Before February 15?
IRDAI listed clear steps that insurers and intermediaries must follow. All service and transaction calls must come only from 1600-series numbers by February 15, 2026. After this date, no such calls are allowed from any other number, even if the customer has given consent.
Entities that do not follow the rule may face action under TRAI’s rules for unregistered telemarketers. IRDAI also asked insurers to send regular status updates, as required by TRAI. The regulator advised companies to work closely with their telecom service providers to get the new numbers activated on time.
“Insurers and Insurance Intermediaries may coordinate with their respective Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for timely allocation, activation and operationalisation of the 1600-series numbers,” IRDAI said in a circular.
How The 1600-Series Plan Started
TRAI has been pushing this system across the financial sector. Similar rules were earlier introduced for entities regulated by RBI, SEBI and PFRDA. After TRAI’s direction, the Department of Telecommunications assigned the 1600 numbering series to organisations in banking, finance, insurance and government sectors.
The Ministry of Communications reportedly said this step helps clearly separate official service calls from regular commercial calls. TRAI has been working with telecom companies and financial regulators to ensure smooth adoption.
How This Helps Customers Spot Genuine Calls
Once the system is fully in place, customers can trust that any service or transaction call from an insurer will start with 1600. This makes it easier to ignore suspicious calls from regular mobile numbers.
The government reportedly noted that around 570 entities have already moved to the 1600 series, using more than 3,000 numbers. It added that making this change mandatory and time-bound will reduce the risk of fraud and misleading calls made in the name of trusted financial institutions.
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January 11, 2026, 09:00 IST
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