GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Every legitimate and eligible citizen of India is supposed to pay Income Tax regularly within the specified time limit as per the government regulations and norms. The taxable amount is based on an individual’s annual earnings. There are different tax and income slabs defined respectively by the Indian government. One must consider their earnings and calculate their taxes accordingly. These taxes are righteously used for the benefit and progress of the country.

But amidst all these details, were you aware that insurance, apart from protecting you and your assets against various risks, also is a substantial tax-saving benefit? This important question may give you a broader perspective on the insurance and tax-paying correlation. We have all the information you will need to understand the perks of insurance and how it can be a tax-saving choice. Let’s dive deeper into the facts!

Which policies help you fetch tax benefits?

Insurance options that will help you avail of full benefits along with tax-saving options include:
● Retirement plans and policies
● Health insurance policies
● ULIPs-Unit Linked Insurance Policies

All these insurance policies can be categorised under similar yet slightly different sections of the Income Tax Act regulated by the Government of India.

Understanding the tax deductions.

Various types of deductions can influence the tax benefits you can get on your health insurance. Let’s understand what 80C and 80D tax deductions are. Tax deduction can be claimed on your taxable income on premiums valuing around Rs. 1.5 lacs.

These premiums are supposed to be paid for insurance policies in your name, spouse’s name, or your children’s/child’s name/names. If you are someone who has paid their premiums, you can avail of 80C and 80D tax deductions annually.

The 80D deduction.

The 80D deduction dictates that if you have a health insurance policy in your name or the names of your spouse and children, the tax-deductible income can be Rs 25,000 on the insurance premiums.

According to section 80D, there are various other prospects for this deduction, but we will now consider this information to discuss the tax benefits further.

The 80C deduction.

According to section 80C of the Income Tax Act, the tax-deductible you can claim is worth Rs 1.5 lacs of insurance premiums. If you purchase a single premium policy, you can only claim the tax benefits under section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Under section 80D, if you have a health insurance policy under your name along with a dependent with the minimum age of 60, you can claim a tax deductible on the dependent’s health insurance.

Protecting your financial assets against unprecedented situations and getting compensation for your financial losses is essential. Times can be very unpredictable, and you might never know when you will need a lot of money. Exhausting your savings is not a wise option here. You need to think beyond and try to avoid burning a hole in your pocket.

While being mindful of your expenses and determining a budget is one of the top solutions here, insurance is another way you can stay secure about your assets. It is vital to purchase the right general insurance after exploring the market and determining the one that can cater to your needs in the best way possible.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Plastic bags have become a necessary evil in today's day and age. Everything from the packaging of everyday items to utensils, we have seen a massive increase in plastic usage across households. However, plastic has dire effects on the environment. Polluted rivers, channel blockage, pollution, and animal choking are some of plastic's environmental hazards.
Looking at the various damaging implications of plastic usage, activists and other environmentalists have raised their voices against the excess and single use of plastics.

In response, many governments have banned the manufacturing and usage of plastic. Even after the ban on single-use plastic, the complete absence of plastic is impractical. The ease and efficiency of plastic packaging are seldom matched by anything else. This makes plastic an almost irreplaceable part of our lives.

But if you are a responsible human being and want to make a small contribution to the environment, this article will help you reduce plastic waste in your home.

1. Use jute or cotton bags:
Plastic is one of the most convenient options when it comes to shopping. Opting for a plastic bag at the counter is more convenient than carrying cloth bags. By carrying your bags, you are not only saving the environment, but you are also avoiding the excess charge levied on plastic bags. Cloth bags or jute bags are better alternatives to plastic bags. They are reusable, washable, and durable. Consider carrying your carry bags for your next grocery run.

2. Avoid plastic utensils:
Want to carry a tiffin to your office or college? Are you reaching out for the fancy plastic containers? Then you need to reconsider your choice. Plastic utensils such as lunchboxes and water bottles release toxic chemicals into the food, and when consumed, these can cause serious health issues like cancer and heart problems. Storing food in plastic containers can have dire health effects on your body and affect the food's composition.
It is best to opt for steel tiffin to keep your food fresh for longer. People also use microwavable plastic dishes to reheat their food. This can be highly toxic. Switch out the plastic vessels for glass containers. Instead of storing the spices and pulses in plastic boxes, reuse the glass containers you already have. Various pickles, jams, and oils come stored in glass packaging. Remove the sticker and reuse it. This helps you save money and keep yourself and your family healthy.

3. Replace your bathroom essentials:
There are many options available in the market that are more eco-friendly. Opt for locally sourced soap and shampoo bars instead of purchasing a new bottle. Buy refill packs for handwashes and invest in ceramic soap dispensers instead of plastic bottles. Choose wooden toothbrushes and combs as these are eco-friendly and healthier options for your teeth and hair.

4. Change your grocery habits:
People find it more convenient to buy packaged food, be it fruits and vegetables or meat and other farm products. Most of these packaged foods are frozen and lose their nutritional value after some time. Instead, explore your nearest local markets and buy fruits and vegetables from local vendors. By doing this, you are helping the locals while reducing plastic use.

These are some ways in which you can ensure that your home reduces the use of plastic. Being mindful is a small step towards making the planet a better place for your children and the future generations to come.

The above measures can help your home get rid of plastic, but have you considered its safety? Safety is paramount, and when it comes to assets like home, then it is a necessity. To add more value to your homes, invest in home insurance India. Home insurance is a safety net against any expenses incurred due to damage, theft, and other accidents. In case of any mishap, you can be assured that your insurer can make up for your expenses and loss.

Click HERE to know more about home insurance India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

With today's working culture and daily hustle, travel is one way to unwind and relieve stress. Considering the various travel destinations and experiences, it is no surprise that people want to leave the comfort of their homes at least once a year to explore exotic places. However, you must have faced instances where you have fallen prey to common ailments on a trip, ruining your whole stay while your loved ones had the time of their lives.

It is very taxing to hunt for medicines in a place where you don't know the language and are a stranger. So, it is wise to make a medical kit where you keep medications for the most common ailments. This blog gives you a list of medicines you must consider carrying on a trip.

1. Antacid:
With a new, exotic cuisine to try, no one plans to walk around the trip with a stomach burn from acidity. So, an antacid is extremely important to carry on a trip to remain tension-free about all the new food you will savour.

2. Diarrhoea medicine:
Travellers often visit new and exciting places in remote areas to absorb fresh perspectives and quaint experiences. However, they face health issues while adapting to the food and water in these unfamiliar regions, creating an uncomfortable situation with diarrhoea. Carry anti-diarrhoea medicine in all of your travels to get rid of this problem.

3. Fever medication:
No tourist wants to lie in bed with a headache and fever instead of exploring a place's attractions, cultures, and heritage. Take a paracetamol pill and get going with your day as a quick fix to a jet lag-induced headache or joint pain.

4. Cough syrup:
Cough syrups are essential while going on a trip. No one likes a scratchy and congested throat while moving around the city, asking for directions, or ordering food. It's best to take one that does not make you sleepy to enjoy your trip to the maximum.

5. Laxative:
With all the new types of food you will be trying out, it's best to keep a laxative handy for the trip to avoid any complications with your digestive system.

6. Diabetic supplies, including insulin:
If you have diabetes, ensure to take all the medicines prescribed by your doctor along with you. It's best to make a separate package for all your medication for diabetes. If you take insulin subcutaneously, it is best to store it in a cold place.

7. Motion sickness medication:
Motion sickness is a problem that ails the majority of travellers. Take some over-the-counter medication with you just in case it decides to make an appearance.

8. Antihistamines:
Allergies can spring up on you at the worst of times, leaving you with itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. It's better to be safe than sorry and pack mild histamine for these issues.

9. Sleeping pills/mild sedative:
If you have trouble falling asleep in new places, consider taking some mild sedatives with you just in case. Ending up sleep deprived on a trip certainly reduces the magic of it, so it's best to have your beauty sleep and be active during the day.

Sickness during a trip is highly uncomfortable and can significantly spoil the trip's fun. And there might be complications that can leave everyone frustrated. Carry the medicines above with you and avoid health ailments affecting your vacation.

These were a few ways to keep your health sound, but what about the safety of your belongings during travelling? It's best to research travel insurance and get general insurance online quote to be stress-free during the trip and protect your travel with the best protection.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance online quote.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Cycling is not just a sport. It is also one of the healthiest habits one can develop, to keep one's mind and body in good shape. It's no wonder that cycling is a prevalent pastime among people after all these advantages. This way of travel is steadily gaining popularity among people of the new generation.

It is also a feeling that gives us nostalgic moments from our childhood. Cycling is an excellent way to spend time with yourself. Who doesn't want to cycle through the beautiful, frosty Himalayas, Meghalaya's lush green forests, or Udaipur's rich cultural city?

This blog has curated the perfect list of cycling tours in India to give you information on planning your next cycling trip!

1. Mangalore to Goa:
This scenic stretch of road along the coast of the Arabian Sea is one of the most breath-taking sites to see in the world. The quaint villages of the south will amaze you with the beauty in their simplicity, the waterfalls, temples, and national parks in the area are a bonus. Don't stop when you reach Goa. Visit all the key tourist sites on your bicycle to get the full experience of the trip.
This 350-kilometre trip might seem difficult, but with the right company for motivation, it will prove to be one of the best experiences of your life. This trip, on average, takes 06 days to complete.

2. Puducherry:
Going further south, there's nothing like cycling through the picturesque city of Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry). Dotted with the best of the post-colonial architecture of the French, this vibrant city has beautiful cathedrals, coffee shops, and, most importantly, the famed town of Auroville. Don't forget to book your ticket to Auroville in advance to gain a different perspective on spirituality in this renowned town of devotees from all around the globe.

3. Manali to Leh:
The stretch between Manali and Leh is the perfect route if you're looking for more of a challenge and less of a holiday. This endurance test will give you one of the most life-altering experiences. Manali is a charming city, popular among nature and adventure lovers alike. The way to Leh is the famed Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13000 feet. The majestic mountains and the scenic lakes are something to experience once in a lifetime. It is imperative to know that this trip pushes your limits and will require your full physical fitness. These are difficult roads to take, and it is best to research general insurance companies in India before planning your trip.

4. Shillong to Cherrapunji:
Moving to the beautiful northeast, Meghalaya is a mesmerising monsoon destination. With the drizzling rain pattering on the rich flora and fauna of the forests, it's a nature lover's dream come true. Meghalaya is a gorgeous yet primarily unexplored part of the northeast that should be on every cyclist's list. It is the perfect ride for the curious traveller with bountiful greenery and terrains. This 60-km journey might be difficult, but it is worth.

These cycling trips will surely be enjoyable and eye-opening experiences for individuals. It is worth riding up the hills, the jungles, and the cities' interiors. Before hopping on the seat, it is essential to wear all necessary safety gear like helmet, knee and elbow guards, and most importantly, do the servicing and maintenance of your bicycle.

It is stressful when there is uncertainty of an accident. Research the best general insurance companies in India for buying a travel insurance cover to stay protected and enjoy your trip without any worries of mishaps. You are now all set to get the wheels moving.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance companies in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.