Under what conditions is an individual considered a consumer of a licensee?

An individual is considered a consumer of a licensee primarily because they provide nonpublic personal information. This definition arises from regulatory frameworks that protect consumer information and privacy. When a person shares nonpublic personal information, it indicates an engagement with the licensee's services—typically as part of an insurance transaction or inquiry.

This connection creates a relationship where the individual is entitled to certain protections and disclosures regarding their personal data, thereby affirming their status as a consumer. This recognition is significant in the context of the legal and ethical obligations placed on licensees to handle personal information responsibly and transparently.

In contrast to the other options, simply purchasing a policy one time does not inherently establish the consumer relationship in legal terms—it’s the exchange of sensitive information that solidifies this status. Being referred by a friend or being part of a social group does not automatically involve the provision of personal information to the licensee, making these scenarios less relevant to the definition of a consumer in this context.