Experian Mortality File
The Experian Mortality File is an essential suppression file, which includes names, addresses, and details about the individual’s death, and is designed to help companies keep their contact lists up to date by identifying and suppressing records of deceased individuals from their databases, ensuring respectful and compliant communication. As of June 2024, this file contains data of over 15 million records of deceased individuals.
The use of the Experian Mortality File is not legally mandatory, but utilising this file is highly recommended and considered best practice for businesses that engage in direct marketing to use such services to maintain data accuracy and ensure they maintain respectful and accurate information for their contacts, preventing the distress caused by sending communications to the deceased or their families.
Introduction
What it is:
The Experian Mortality File is a data suppression file that enables a company to identify and suppress records of deceased individuals from their databases. This service ensures that communications are not mistakenly sent to deceased individuals or their family, maintaining respectful and accurate contact lists, thus reducing the likelihood of causing distress by contacting the deceased or their families.
The specific data available within the Experian Mortality File typically includes:
Full Name: The complete name of the deceased individual.
Address: The last known address of the deceased individual.
Date of Death: The exact date when the individual passed away.
Other Relevant Information: Additional details that might be relevant, such as the source of the data or the deceased’s age at the time of death.
Legal Compliance
Relevant Regulations:
Utilising this source ensures companies comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it is important for businesses to ensure that the personal data they hold for their customers is accurate and relevant and that their databases do not include outdated or irrelevant personal data, such as the records of deceased individuals. This helps minimise potential breaches of data protection laws and protects the company from legal challenges or reputational damage.
Compliance Benefits:
By utilising the Experian Mortality File, companies can avoid potential fines and legal issues associated with holding outdated or inaccurate data, while respecting the privacy and dignity of deceased individuals and their families.
Benefits for Businesses
Operational Benefits:
It improves data accuracy by identifying and suppressing records of deceased individuals, minimising the risk of causing distress to families with unwanted communications.
Reputational Benefits:
Maintaining respectful and accurate contact lists ensures that communications are not sent to deceased individuals, preserving a company’s professional image and customer relationships.
Financial Benefits:
By removing the costs associated with undelivered mail and improving the effectiveness of marketing and communication campaigns, companies can achieve a higher ROI and reduce operational costs.
Data Collection
Sources of Information:
The Experian Mortality File is maintained and supplied by Experian and the data is collected from multiple reputable sources, including:
- Government Records
- Hospitals and Hospices
- Funeral Directors
- Probate Registries
- Direct Registrations from Bereaved Families
Data Accuracy and Updates:
The Experian Mortality File is updated regularly, typically monthly, to ensure that the information available is as up to date as possible and relevant. Regular updates ensures that contact lists are current and reliable.
Data Collection
Sources of Information:
The Experian Mortality File is maintained and supplied by Experian and the data is collected from multiple reputable sources, including:
- Government Records
- Hospitals and Hospices
- Funeral Directors
- Probate Registries
- Direct Registrations from Bereaved Families
Data Accuracy and Updates:
The Experian Mortality File is updated regularly, typically monthly, to ensure that the information available is as up to date as possible and relevant. Regular updates ensures that contact lists are current and reliable.
