Role and Function of IRDA in the Insurance Sector

Role and Function of IRDA in the Insurance Sector
IRDA Insurance License

Role and Function of IRDA in the Insurance Sector

Registrationwala

Preface: This post was originally published in 2023 and has been updated on April 01, 2025, to provide you with the most current and accurate information.

IRDA full form is Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India. The IRDA Act 1999 established this authority for regulation and promotion of the Indian insurance sector, protection of policyholders’ interest and ensuring orderly growth. In this blog post, we will understand the duties and functions of IRDA.

About IRDA

IRDA is the insurance industry’s regulator in India. Its role is to supervise and make regulations for the insurance companies in India. All the different types of insurance policies come under IRDA, such as life insurance, general insurance, and health insurance. 

The government of India appoints various members to protect the interest of policyholders and ensure the insurance sector’s uninterrupted growth. 

Organization Structure of IRDA

The IRDA is a body that has 10 members, and these members are divided as follows:

Functions of IRDA in the Insurance Industry

The IRDA is a crucial player in the Indian insurance industry because it controls and monitors how insurance companies operate. The following are the functions of IRDA in the insurance sector:

To Create Rules & Regulations

The insurance industry of India is governed by the IRDA. It develops rules, regulations, and standards for insurance companies, intermediaries, and other insurance entities. It is the primary role of IRDA in the insurance sector.

Also, it guarantees that insurers conduct business in a fair, open, and responsible manner, safeguarding the interests of policyholders.

Protect the Interest of Consumer

The IRDA protects the rights of customers in the insurance industry by creating different standards, terms, and conditions regarding pricing and other things. It is one of the significant roles and functions of an IRDA. 

Similarly, it promotes a fair and efficient claims settlement process and resolves issues such as complaints, and disputes between the policyholder and insurance companies.

Make Policies for Insurance Industry

IRDA makes policies, rules, and regulations to facilitate the process of the insurance industry. These policies increase insurance coverage, encourage fair competition, and support new ideas for goods and services.

Also, it involves the creation of new Insurance standard products, a rise in insurance penetration among customers, and making access to insurance services easier.

Uphold the Registration and Licensing Process

The IRDA registers and provides a license to insurance companies, brokers, agents, and other intermediaries. Also, it sets standards and eligibility requirements for these organizations and makes sure they meet these requirements such as credentials, financial stability, and professional conduct.

Similarly, it upholds the process of the insurance market by controlling the licensing procedure and making consumers safe from unlicensed and dishonest businesses.

Keep an Eye on Financial Performance and Solvency

To check the stability and capacity of insurance companies, the IRDA keeps an eye on their performance to check their financial performance and solvency. To protect the financial stability of the insurers, and the money of policyholders, it keeps track of every step of company capital and risk management.

The insurance industry needs an IRDA's assistance to promote well-regulated, and customer-focused policies in the sector. Also, these policies help in increasing policy holders' trust and confidence which eventually promotes market expansion and safeguards the interests of everyone included in the insurance ecosystem.

IRDA License

Objectives of IRDA

The following are the objectives of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority:

  1. It promotes the interest and rights of policyholders.

  2. Ensures the growth of the Insurance Industry.

  3. Help in speedy settlement of genuine claims and prevent fraud and malpractices.

  4. Bring transparency and orderly conduct of financial markets dealing with insurance.

What Types of Policies are Regulated by IRDA?

IRDA regulates various types of insurance policies in India. So, these are some of the key policies that fall under IRDA's regulations:

  1. Life Insurance

  2. Health Insurance

  3. Motor Insurance

  4. Property Insurance

  5. Liability Insurance

  6. Other Insurance

Note: Every time when there is a need to bring some change in the policies demanded by policyholders or to reduce risk, IRDA updates and revises regulations. That’s why specific policies regulated by IRDA evolve over time.

Duties and Powers of IRDA

According to Section 14 of the IRDAI Act, 1999, the duties, and powers of IRDAI include the following:

  1. The issue to the applicant a certificate of registration, renew, modify, withdraw, suspend, or cancel such registration

  2. Protection of the interests of the policyholders in matters concerning assigning of policy, nomination by policy holders, insurable interest, and settlement of insurance, claim, surrender value of the policy, and other terms and conditions of contracts of insurance.

  3. Specifying requisite qualifications, code of conduct, and practical training for intermediary or insurance intermediaries and agents.

  4. Specifying the code of conduct for surveyors and loss assessors.

  5. Promoting efficiency in the conduct of the insurance business.

  6. Promoting and regulating professional organizations connected with the insurance and reinsurance business.

Conclusion

The IRDA objectives and functions are essential in regulating the insurance industry. As new insurance players are coming into the insurance industry, the role of IRDA becomes more crucial. Also, to keep peace in the industry, the development of different regulations is necessary. It ensures that players get a fair deal to grow in the market and customers will get complete benefits from the chosen plan.

If you want to secure an IRDA license, connect with Registrationwala for assistance! We’ll help you throughout the application process, and get the license delivered to you effortlessly!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the functions of IRDA?

A. The functions of IRDA are regulating the insurance industry, protecting policyholders' interests, promoting fair competition in the insurance market, approving insurance products and licenses, ensuring financial solvency, supervising insurers and encouraging sector growth among others.

Q2. What is the role of IRDA members?

A. IRDA members are responsible for setting insurance policies, regulating the insurance industry, ensuring companies follow the rules, protecting policyholders, and promoting growth in the Indian insurance sector.

Q3. What types of insurance policies are regulated by IRDA?

A. IRDA regulates various insurance policies, including life insurance (term/endowment/ ULIPs), health insurance, property insurance, motor insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and commercial insurance (fire/marine/liability insurance).

Q4. What are the duties and powers of IRDA?

A. According to Section 14 of the IRDA Act 1999, IRDAI's duties and powers include issuing and regulating certificates of registration, protecting policyholders' interests, setting qualifications and codes of conduct for intermediaries, and promoting efficiency in the conduct of insurance business.

 

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