4 Out of 10 UK brokers unaware of GDPR changes: DAS survey

A survey of 250 UK insurance brokers by DAS UK Group, the UK’s leading legal expenses insurer, has found that 39% are unaware of the European Union’s major data protection overhaul GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which comes into effect in May 2018.

The enhanced regulations, which will provide stringent rules regarding the use of customers’ data, will see companies facing potential fines of €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover (depending on which is bigger) for failing to comply.

The DAS quarterly ‘Market Barometer’ survey also found that, of those brokers that are aware of GDPR, just 57% believe they will be compliant with the new data protection regulations by the May 2018 deadline.

According to the DAS survey, brokers from larger national firms were more knowledgeable of GDPR, with 72% being aware of the new rules, followed by 62% of the smaller provincials. However, brokers from super-regional firms were the least knowledgeable with only 42% responding positively when asked whether they were aware of the new regulation.

James Henderson, Managing Director Insurance UK & Ireland, DAS UK Group, said: “It’s concerning to note the apparent unpreparedness of brokers given the deadline is less than eight months away. With potential fines of €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover – depending on which is bigger – awareness should be far higher.

“It is vital that UK brokers have a stronger grip on the new regulations as the implications will have a major impact on their businesses.”