Your agent's phoneis part of your data estate.
Insurance data travels further than any other: agent, broker, insurer, TPA, hospital, reinsurer, and back.
In one line: When they collect and handle customer data on behalf of an insurer, they generally act as Data Processors, and the insurer remains responsible. Some brokers may act as independent fiduciaries for their own purposes.
The policy is yours. The proposal form is on someone's WhatsApp.
The scene
The proposal form was filled in at a customer's home, photographed by the agent, sent to a branch group chat, uploaded by an assistant, and emailed to underwriting. Five copies before the policy was issued. One company controlled one of them.
Where the thinking breaks
After the claim closes
Claims files carry diagnoses, bank details and family information. Retention should follow the law and the limitation period, then end.
The full Insurance briefing
3 deep divesFive copies before the policy issues.
The agent carries your brand and your liability in the same bag.
The claims file is the most sensitive file you own.
The Act has no ‘sensitive’ label. The Board will know sensitive when it sees it.
Collect for the risk, not for the file.
What you never collected can never leak.
Monday morning
- 01Trace one proposal form from home visit to policy issue.
- 02Count the copies.
- 03Close the channel with the most copies first.
Questions, answered plainly
Are insurance agents and brokers Data Processors under DPDPA?
When they collect and handle customer data on behalf of an insurer, they generally act as Data Processors, and the insurer remains responsible. Some brokers may act as independent fiduciaries for their own purposes.
Can insurers keep claims data indefinitely under DPDPA?
No. Data should be erased once its purpose is served, unless retention is required by law. Insurers should align retention with regulatory requirements and limitation periods.
Tell us where your data sits.We'll show you where the exposure is.
A partner replies within one working day, with a first view on your penalty exposure.
Speak to a partner