IRDAI has issued guidelines pertaining to ‘Distance Marketing of Insurance Products’ which says that distance marketing includes every activity of solicitation (including lead generation) and sale of insurance products through (i) voice mode, which includes telephone calling (ii) Short messaging service (SMS); (iii) Electronic mode which includes e-mail, internet and interactive television (DTH), (iv) Physical mode which includes direct postal mail and newspaper and magazine inserts, and (v) Solicitation through any means of communication other than in person. These guidelines cover distance marketing activities of insurers/brokers and corporate agents (with specific approval of insurers) at various stages including offer, negotiation as well as conclusion of sale. IRDAI guidelines include adherence to various aspects related to pre-recruitment training and passing of exam by the specified persons, selling insurance through tele-calling and maintenance of records as well as adherence to the provisions of Telecom IT Act, 2000, TRAI Act, 1997, The Telecom Unsolicited Commercial Communications (Amendment) Regulations, 2008, etc.