GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Accidents happen. Sometimes due to negligence and sometimes due to sheer bad luck.

What if a customer slips and falls at your premise and breaks a bone? Or purchases an electrical device from you which causes a short circuit at their home resulting in a fire? In either of these incidents, as a business owner, you can be liable to compensate for the loss/damage to life, property and the legal fees a third party incurs.

An Example

A famous incident that highlights the need for public liability insurance is the 'hot coffee lawsuit' of 1992. The plaintiff, 79-year-old Ms Liebeck accidentally spilt hot coffee on her lap, (while in her car) purchased from a renowned fast-food retailers outlet. She spent eight days in the hospital because of third-degree burns, had to undergo a skin graft and two years of follow up treatment. Her attorney argued that the coffee served at 82-88 degrees was significantly hotter than what other outlets served (60 degrees) and was a burn hazard even if consumed immediately.

The jury initially awarded Ms Liebeck US$160,000 as compensation and coverage for medical expenses in addition to US$2.7 million in punitive damages. After a prolonged court battle and multiple appeals, the parties settled out-of-court in 1994 for an undisclosed amount, said to be under US$600,000.

Most businesses do not have the time, resources and deep pockets to weather such lawsuits.

Thus, every business needs to protect its interests and that's what a Public Liability Insurance can help them do. Here are six things you should know about Public Liability Insurance (PLI) in India:

1) Who needs it

Enterprises that regularly entertain the public such as restaurants, shops, educational institutes, sporting areas, etc. should get public liability insurance. It also applies to businesses that work in public spaces or private homes such as building contractors, electricians, etc.

2) Scope of coverage

The insurance covers the cost of damage/medical treatment and legal fees if any third party sues your business. This includes customers, vendors, and general members of the public excluding your staff (that comes under workers compensation).

3) Domicile of coverage

The coverage is not geographically restricted. It covers incidents at your premises or those at a customer/ clients location.

4) Cost

The cost of your PLI depends on the nature, size and scale of your business. Enterprises that deal with hazardous substances or have multiple outlets/ franchisees, etc. will have to pay more due to greater probability of a mishap.

5) Customizations

You can customize the coverage after assessing your needs. For example, a small café would probably need a considerably lower cover than a 5-star hotel complex. You may also choose add-ons for extra protection. For instance, the act of gods covers situations such as floods, lightning etc. which end up being frequent causes of dispute.

6) Legal Requirement

Even though businesses are not legally bound to opt for a PLI, certain lease agreements or trade associations make it binding on the lessee/partner to obtain the insurance. Many private parties too may not contract services to a business or tradesman without a PLI.

7) Exclusions

Like any other insurance policy, Public Liability Insurance In India is also subject to exclusions. Some common exclusions of insurance providers in India are- disputes related to pollution, slander, fines and penalties. Please refer to your plan's policy wordings for a better understanding of the same.

Many-a-times businesses fail to realize the damage to goodwill due to an incident is greater than the cost of financially alleviating the situation. To know how you can secure your business and do right by all stakeholders, have a look at what Magma HDI has to offer.

Your car insurance comes with an annual premium, which helps you bear the financial losses that may arise due to an accident. While a claim-free year may seem like a waste of money since you paid the premiums but didn't really use the benefits, it's really not the case. Firstly, having insurance provides you with mental peace that in the case of any mishap, your finances will be covered. Secondly, your insurance provider offers you discounts on your next year's premium if don't make a claim in the previous year. This is what is known as a No-Claim Bonus (or NCB). Keep reading to find out more on how to maximize savings on your Private Car Insurance In India.

What should you know about NCB?

Car insurance companies reward vehicle owners who drive safely with no-claim bonuses. The bonus becomes applicable if you get through one policy year without making a claim. The company pays the discount on Own Damage (OD) premium for each claim-free year

Typically, the amount can vary from one insurer to another. But, discounts begin at 20% per year and can go up to 50% for five claim-free years or more.

How does NCB work?

When a policyholder does not file any claim in the past one year, a no-claim bonus is initiated by the insurer.

As a result of this, you’ll get a discount on your annual premium amount subject to increase with every succeeding year.

Things to remember about NCB in India

An essential feature of NCB is that it relates to the policyholder, not the vehicle as it rewards you for precautions taken on your end. So, you can retain your NCB even if you replace your existing vehicle. Other prominent features of a no-claim bonus are:

• Applies even when you switch the insurer

When you switch from one insurer to another, the no-claim bonus remains unaffected. For example, if you have a policy from company X for the last five years with no claims made and you shift to company Y later on, the company Y will give you a benefit of 50% discount on your annual premium as NCB.

• Bonus increases every year

The insurance companies calculate your no-claim bonus in the range of 20%-50% on an annual incremental basis.

• Doesn’t apply on third-party cover

Keep in mind that the no-claim bonus applies to the own damage or OD cover on your auto insurance. So, if you have only the third-party (TP) cover, you’re not eligible for NCB. However, if you have both OD and TP protection, you’ll receive the discount proportionately.

Protecting your NCB

As NCB policyholders, you are entitled to a maximum discount of 50% for five claim-free years. However, this discount expires if you make even a single claim. In such a case, to protect your NCB, insurers give you the option of opting for an add-on cover. It covers your claim in order to protect your NCB.

Another great hack to keep your NCB would be to avoid making claims for smaller damages.

Head over to Magma HDI to find out more about NCB available with your private car insurance in India.

Given the rising healthcare cost, a sudden medical emergency can put a significantly hole in your pocket. A health insurance policy, therefore, is an absolute must to get timely and expert medical help for yourself and your family. Plus, the added tax benefits help you save money.

Despite its popularity, there are certain common mistakes that people still make while taking health insurance. We list a few of those.

Depending solely on employer’s cover

Health insurance is a valuable form of compensation for companies, which is why a lot of organizations offer it to their employees. While it is convenient, it may not be enough to cover your entire family’s needs. Plus, the risk of losing insurance in case of quitting or termination is another reason why should also consider an independent medical cover.

Lowering premium by underinsuring yourself

While it’s prudent to look for practical ways to lower premium, it shouldn’t come at the cost of impacting the coverage. Decide on the right amount as insufficient coverage may force you to shell out more money in case of a medical procedure that’s not covered under your insurance policy.

Getting influenced by other’s policy choices

Different insurance providers offer different coverage, benefits, and premium amounts. While a certain plan may work well for your friends and relatives, your lifestyle, as well as your requirements, could differ from theirs. It’s, therefore, best to compare the various plans available and choose one suiting your needs.

Ignoring sub-limits

Most people don’t give sub-limits enough thought, but overlooking this could blow up your medical cost later despite having insurance. For instance, you may not be aware of the room tariff sub-limit under inpatient hospitalization coverage and may be presented with a much higher-than-anticipated bill.

Not considering the riders you can take on your plan

Opting for different riders hikes up the security coverage of your existing health insurance plan. Plus, it comes at a comparatively lower cost. Be mindful of all the riders that you can add on to the plan before signing the dotted line.

It may be tedious and boring to scan the entire insurance policy document carefully, but it's strongly recommended to read through all the details. Right from the exclusions to the terms and conditions, you should be aware of all the relevant aspects of your policy.

Not revealing correct information (Tell the Truth, always!)

Your policy premium amount heavily depends upon certain factors, such as your medical history and lifestyle choices. Smoking, for instance, can drastically affect the premium amount. Some people shy away from disclosing such information to lower the premium. Not only is it unethical, but it can also severely jeopardize your chances of claim approval. Always be honest and upfront about all the information requested for in the policy document.

Insurance is a subject matter of smart choice hence choose wisely!

Does your business rely heavily on machines and equipment? If yes, then you surely must’ve heard about machinery breakdown insurance. Even if you haven’t, worry not, we’re here to explain

Businesses that have machines running day-in-day-out are susceptible to loss if there is any physical damage to the machines or if they break down. Even if the daily wear and tear are monitored, it is impossible to predict a breakdown. But what you can do is be prepared for such situations by having a machinery breakdown insurance.

What is covered by this type of insurance?

Loss or damage due to:

• A mechanical breakdown
• An electrical breakdown 
• Accidental external factors

The cover is applicable:

• When the machinery is operating
• When it is at rest 
• When it is in the process of getting dismantled
• When it is being overhauled or subsequently being re-erected at the same premises.

The machinery breakdown insurance that we provide also has the following additional covers:

• Air Freight
• Express Freight
• Insured’s own surrounding property
• Third party liability
• Escalation
• Additional custom duty

What is not covered by this type of insurance?

Loss or damage due to:

• Natural calamities like lightning, flood, earthquake, landslides, etc.
• Burglary or theft
• Damage caused due to impact by land-borne/water-borne craft.
• Wear and tear, faults or defects that existed when the insurance period started and was either known to you or ought to have been known to you. 
• Faults or defects for which the supplier is responsible either by law or under contract
• War or war-like operations
• Wilful acts or gross negligence on your or your representative’s part
• Accidental loss or damage due to overload experiments or tests requiring the imposition of abnormal conditions
• Loss of or damage to the different types of belts, ropes, chains, and other exchangeable tools
• Loss of or damage to objects made of glass, porcelain, ceramics, all operating media, etc
• Flaws, defects, cracks or partial fractures that develop gradually in any part not necessitating immediate stoppage

Machines and equipment form an integral part of some businesses. If your business is one of them, then you definitely must own insurance that protects your machinery against unforeseen circumstances. Specific insurance policies such as this one are made to ensure that if something does go wrong, business owners have a reliable option to fall back on.

There’s an ongoing debate between the importance of health insurance and critical illness insurance. Most people either confuse health insurance with critical illness cover or consider it to be an option. While both insurance plans act as a financial cushion for health-related contingencies, let’s learn the truth about both:

So, now that you know the primary differences between health insurance and critical illness insurance, the question arises of choice. Which of the two should you choose to buy? The answer is that both health and critical illness insurance plans are important for you. Both the plans are recommended for anyone who wants to secure themselves against the financial implications of health issues.

However, if you have a history of critical illness in the family or have certain lifestyle habits that are known to result in certain critical illnesses, it is strongly advised to opt for critical illness insurance too. You can either take this as a cover or standalone insurance. You should have insurance against critical illnesses, such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, coronary artery bypass, paralysis, etc. Additionally, the chances of falling prey to critical illnesses increase with age and could also be triggered by certain other pre-existing diseases, such as diabetes can lead to heart attack and strokes by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the heart. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of all such factors that could lead to critical illness, and it’s prudent to take critical illness insurance along with your health insurance plan.

To Sum Up

The best way to secure your health is to opt for both, a health insurance plan and critical illness insurance plan too.  Magma HDI's OneHealth Insurance Policy is one such policy that can come handy for you. 

Have you thought of your insurance claim getting rejected? Scary is’nt it?

Any individual taking an insurance policy would never think about their claim not being approved, but there have been numerous incidents of insurance claim rejection. Some of the reasons could be due to negligence on the part of the policyholder, but sometimes, it could also be because of choosing the wrong policy provider who looks for loopholes to avoid paying claims.

Claim settlement becomes especially important in the case of life insurance policy, where an entire family’s short-term sustenance may depend upon the claim amount.

What is Claim Settlement Ratio?

As the name suggests, the Claim Settlement Ratio is the number of claims the insurance provider has settled up until now. For instance, if the company has a claim settlement ratio of 80%, then that means that the particular company has settled 80 out of every 100 claims that were filed by policyholders.

Magma HDI has maintained an exceptional CSR of 94.1% in FY 17-18 compared to the industry average of 87.2%. With our convenient and efficient claim settlement process, we were able to ensure less than 30-day claim settlement for almost 87.17% of the total claims made in the year. 

Why is the claim settlement ratio important?

It is essential to consider every aspect so you can take an informed decision before picking the right insurance provider and signing the policy papers. This becomes particularly important when taking life insurance, as, in the event of your untimely device, you will leave behind a financial security cushion for your dependents to fall back on.

The Claim Settlement Ratio is an indication of the likelihood of the policy provider to pay the claim. Companies that have a higher claim settlement ratio are automatically trusted higher as compared to companies with a lower ratio.

Few reasons for claim rejection:

• Withholding critical information at the time of taking the policy can seriously impact the likelihood of your claim getting settled as it affects the risk assessment – Can be written as tell the truth always! no matter what
• Not understanding or being unaware of the company’s terms and conditions could lead to complications or incorrect/incomplete information that could then lead to rejection. Therefore, make sure you understand the clauses and use the free-look period to ensure that you’ve made the right selection
• Faltering during the claim filing process is one of the key reasons for claim rejection. Therefore, you must thoroughly follow the process before filing your claim

Now that you know all about the Claim Settlement Ratio and how it impacts your chances of claim settlement, you can make an informed decision and choose the right provider. 

Connectivity has become the fourth pillar of our rations today. Each one of us, at least, own three gadgets, in which we store and share critical data. Whether it is business-related information or personal details, our gadgets hold a lot of information that, if leaked, could cause serious damage. Besides the implications of a security breach, these gadgets come at a high cost, and replacing a lost or stolen one may seriously burn a hole in the pocket.

Therefore, it’s prudent to secure your gadgets by taking Electronic Equipment Insurance (EEI). EEI extensively covers loss of electronic good, and subsequently, helps to meet unavoidable costs. Depending on the coverage that will be best suited for you, there are different types of EEI to choose from. Before we get into the different types, let’s take a true look at the scope of the cover.

What’s Covered?

• Damaged equipment coverage, including replacement expenses, such as freight, installation cost, customs duty, etc.
• Damaged data media coverage, including expenses incurred in restoring lost information, external data media, damaged/lost data media, etc.
• Increased cost of working, caused due to employing more manpower to substitute for the work that would have otherwise been done by the equipment.
• Any damage caused to the equipment’s software as a result of the damage to the hardware is also factored in.

Types of Electronic Equipment Insurance

All risks included

Give your gadgets complete protection from perils, including those caused by natural and man-made causes. For instance, damage due to natural calamities includes the ones caused by fire, landslide, or storm, whereas manual perils include terrorism, strikes, and riots.

External data media

This option covers the losses partly and includes expenses arising due to data loss on external media devices, such as hard discs, etc.

Increased cost of working

This type of EEI is usually taken by organizations that rely heavily on data processing units. In the event of any loss or damage to the unit, the expenses incurred to employ any additional/alternative tool or manpower, are covered by the insurance policy.

What are the types of electronic equipment that can be secured with EEI by Magma?

Electronic Equipment Insurance is suitable for a range of equipment, including, but not limited to:

• Computer and allied peripherals
• Audio visual equipment
• Auxiliary equipment, such as voltage stabilizer, UPS, etc.
• Electronic control panels
• Navigation equipment
• Telecommunications equipment
• Electronic equipment used for research and testing materials
• Medical equipment, such as MRI scan machines, X-Ray machine, ultrasound devices, etc.

Who should take an EEI by Magma?

Practically, anyone who owns and operates electronic equipment should secure their gadgets with an EEI.

• Owners and businesses owning electronic equipment
• Organizations that are involved in leasing electronic equipment
• Third-parties, such as financiers or bankers who ultimately bear the purchase cost of the equipment

While an Electronic Equipment Insurance secures your gadgets from multiple threats, note that there are certain cases, such as normal wear and tear that do not fall under the purview of the policy.

Insurance provides the safety net required to protect the financial integrity of your personal and professional needs. If you are in the business of sending or receiving physical goods from one destination to another, insuring your goods and business interests inevitably becomes your priority. 

Therefore, the simple answer to whether or not you need marine insurance is 'yes'. Read along to understand why that is so: 

What is marine insurance?

‘Marine’ insurance is a colloquially used term for any kind of transport insurance, not just restricted to waterways. Whether your cargo or goods are moving over land, railways, or a combination of multiple transport modes, marine insurance provides cover for any loss or damage to your goods while in transit from source to the point of delivery.

Marine insurance can be purchased by sellers, buyers, and even financiers of the goods. So, whether you’re a small trader, moving materials interstate or a manufacturer sourcing raw materials or a large import/export house, marine insurance can protect your stock against any unforeseen eventualities.

Why marine insurance?

Depending on the mode of transport, distance, size, and value, your cargo could take days or months to get from one point to another. In the interim period, your goods are at the risk of damage due to accidents, improper packaging/ storage, seepage of water, mishandling by personnel and natural disasters such as floods, fire, and storms. They could also be lost due to theft, piracy, or be lost at sea. The carrier, in most cases, cannot be held liable for any damage or loss either. Hence, it becomes imperative to opt for additional security.

All natural calamities and human errors can be covered by marine insurance. There are various types of policies such as valued, unvalued, floating, time, voyage, etc. that you can choose from basis your needs, irrespective of whether the cargo is moving for domestic trade or across international waters.

Magma, for example, provides comprehensive coverage through its Marine Cargo Open Insurance Policy. Whether you are sending a small parcel via airmail or a huge consignment via cargo, Magma has your peace of mind covered.

In some instances, taking marine insurance may be obligatory basis the terms of the shipping or business contract. This helps bring in clarity over service delivery and safeguards the interest of all parties. 

Alternatively, the insurance helps you gain a lot more control over the jurisdiction and language if in case the need for a claim arises. Imagine dealing with an insurer based out of Japan speaking a language alien to you while you are trying to get the information and paperwork through. It can be both time-consuming and exasperating.

In conclusion, marine insurance is extremely pocket-friendly. The premium depends on the value of the goods and the mode of transport. For a fraction of the cost of the shipment, you can secure your peace of mind. In case the need for a claim arises, a dependable insurer like us is just a phone call away.

We all know that setting up a business and buying an asset takes a lot of time and toiling, it may be a car, your dream house or simply a household item.

For many, work and business is a doppelganger of their personal identity. Your office could have cash, valuables, goods and raw material, critical documents or intellectual property that in an event of a theft or burglary can leave you financially crippled. 

Here’s what we have figured out through our truth lens!

Even though the crime rate in India is on the decline, it is still quite high at 379 crimes per lakh of the population as per data from NCRB (2016). Most urban business complexes now have better security systems and more personnel on board; however, most perpetrators in cases of thefts are known to be familiar faces. This makes it imperative for businesses to add a layer of security with a comprehensive burglary and theft insurance plan.

For the sake of insurance, theft and burglary are two separate categories, where burglary, unlike a theft, also accounts for forcible/ violent entry and/or armed robbery that puts the people, place and other valuables at risk. 

Why is securing yourself against theft and burglary important?

A comprehensive protection plan can be purchased for your home, office, factory, warehouse, etc. The compensation from the insurer covers for any item that is stolen from the insured premises and also makes good any loss or damage caused to the premises on account of the said theft or burglary.

Any stock of goods, furniture, computers and electronics and other assets within the business premises are covered too. In fact Magma Burglary Insurance Policy goes a step further and provides for reasonable coverage to clean up the premises and move any debris from the premises to the closest disposal site. It also reimburses for making good critical documents such as agreements and confidential business documents, on which sometimes the registration and stamp duty itself can run in to lakhs of rupees.

If you fear a repeated attempt at the theft or burglary, Magma burglary policy also covers for the cost of temporary protection incurred for the safety of your employees and assets.

The first thing you need to do is to ensure that there are reasonable safety and security systems in place so as to minimize the risk. This will also have a direct impact on the insurance premium you will incur. The better your preparation, the lower the premium. The insurance will not cover for any loss arising out of an ‘inside job’ unless through forceful means.

Review your insurance requirements periodically, especially if you have different value of cash, goods/ raw material moving in and out of your office, new equipment/ machinery, critical R&D technology, etc. The value of your stocks and assets have a direct correlation to your premium.

The cost of insurance is a small price to pay for ensured business continuity, protecting your family and employees and securing your peace of mind.

If you own a vehicle, most likely it’s a bike. A two-wheeler is most people’s first choice due to the low price and easier upkeep. The latter, however, is something that is not always true. Even a small accident, due to your or someone else’s error, can lead to a hefty bill. So, does that mean two-wheelers aren’t as economical as we thought?

It can be if you have the right two-wheeler 2 Wheeler Insurance In India.

Not only is a two-wheeler insurance mandatory by the government, it is also the best way to ensure owning and riding a motorcycle doesn’t become a burden. While breakdowns and accidents aren’t always avoidable, you can plan ahead for when you find yourself in a sticky situation.

Kinds of plans available 

To break it down, there are mainly two kinds of insurance plans available for two-wheelers. One is the third-party liability only insurance which is mandatory for all motor vehicles and the other one is thecomprehensive insurance which protects you and your vehicle as well.One should always go for the latter because not only does it cover your liabilities to the other party in case of an accident, but also your medical bills and biker repair costs.

How important is it?

You might be a terrific rider but can you be sure about everybody else on the road? A comprehensive insurance, in that case, is your best bet for protecting your finances.Your policywill not onlyhelp yourecover the costs of repair but also your medical bills. But the benefits of atwo-wheeler insurance don’t end here.It can also protect you against theft and send you help if your motorcycle breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

What does our truth lens say?

As mentioned earlier, you should always opt for a comprehensive insurance because it covers more than just the third-party liabilities. Apart from this, you should also check how extensive is the insurance provider’s network of service centres and garages.A large network means you are more likely to find one around you for cashless repair.

Another factor to keep in mind is to check the claims ratio of the company. It essentially means how many claims the provider has settled out of the total number of claims made. And of course, you should look for which plan offers most benefits. For instance, Magma HDI’s two-wheeler insurance covers your motorcycle against damage due to fire and explosion, damage in transit, natural disasters and even theft. 

Where to get it?

Congratulations! That’s a very smart decision you’ve made, having decided to get personal accident insurance for yourself. But what now? Not sure where to start or which insurance to get? Don’t worry, that’s why we are here – to help your find the right plan using our truth lens 

Accident insurance is a type of  personal insurance that protects from any unforeseen event listed in the policy. Though we know it is difficult to find the Best Accidental Insurance Policy In India, we have listed a few checks to compare Individual Accident Insurance Quote in India.

We’ve categorised the process of getting the right insurance into 5 simple steps. Here goes:

Prioritise your needs

Right now, the only thing you have considered is buying insurance to protect you in case of an accident. However, it would be helpful to prioritise your needs. If you want to secure your finances and save tax, keep that your priority. If you have a family, securing them becomes your priority. Understanding your priorities helps you figure out what kind of a plan you’d need.

Compare premiums and plans

While you know you need a policy that keeps you prepared for accidents, there are many other things to consider when it comes down to purchasing it. A common worry for most people is hefty premiums. Make sure you compare quotes from a couple of insurance providers before zeroing down on one. 

While most insurance plans offer the basic covers such as accidental death, total permanent disability etc. some providers may also offer additional benefits such as ambulance charge cover or education fund for your child. So, make sure you compare the offerings as well.

There are various covers for family as well as for individual health insurance offered by Magma

Research your insurer

Once you’ve figured out who you want to get the insurance from, it’s time to make sure it’s the right choice. Check out the provider’s claim settlement ration, which will tell you how likely they are to settle your claims if the occasion arises. For instance, Magma personal accident insurance is a policy with a claim settlement ratio of 91.85%. You should also check how extensive their network of hospitals is because a wide network means more options for you to get cashless treatment. 

Understand the limitations and exclusions

We have all heard of those cases where a lot of people find their insurance claims requests lost in the fine print. A good way to avoid that is by going through their policy wordings with a fine-tooth comb and to understand exactly what is covered and not covered. 

Figure out how to financially plan for it

Now, you can finally get to the purchasing part of the process. A common notion about insurance is that it is expensive but anyone who has ever had to pay hospital bills knows it’s not nearly as expensive. Having to pay these bills separately ends up costing even more than your premium. Premiums paid towards insurance also helps you save on taxes and hence, it makes for a great financial planning tool.

Now that you know how to get the right personal accident insurance, go ahead and secure your future right now. For comprehensive accident coverage take a look at our personal accident policy CLICK HERE.

Looking for Individual Personal Accident Insurance, you’ve come to the right place!

Someone has rightly said that siblings are your only enemies you can’t live without.

As you know, Raksha Bandhan is round the corner! And for the brothers who can’t figure what to gift your beloved sister, we suggest you do something different, something that guarantees long term happiness. We’ve thought of the following ideas that will help her achieve financial's.

If she has a financial liability pay it off!

What better gift can you give than to pay off someone’s financial liability (that is if she has one), so reduce her financial stress she will thank you for it.

Buy her an insurance plan

Look out for your sibling by gifting them the protection of our comprehensive motor and health policies.

Buying her health insurance will make sure her hospitalization expenses are taken care of. Buy a plan with adequate coverage and secure her health. In return for inexpensive annual premiums that you can pay on her behalf every Raksha Bandhan, she will stay protected from the unexpected hospital bills and medical treatments. To get a HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTE CLICK HERE.

Start a Systematic investment plan

A systematic investment plan will inculcate the habit of saving in her for her future goals.

Apart from that, money can also be invested in fixed deposits, public provident funds, pension funds to name a few. As a financial advisor to your sister, you can guide her about the market and towards resources so that she can start taking these decisions on her own. 

Help her plan for  taxes

Guide your sister through tax planning and take advantage of the investment options that reduce tax or help her complete the IT filing formalities.

Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration. –Charles Dickens

You’ve made the big decision to purchase a dream house: reality is finally sweeter than your dreams! Congratulations.

A house is a matter of pride and a big commitment for many many years. A house is probably one of the biggest investments you will ever make: a dream you would like to protect.

While there is little we can do against natural disasters, we can reduce some of the hardships by having home insurance, which protects against any damage to the house and valuables in it.

Home insurance is poorly sold in India; People are either not aware of home insurance or are reluctant to buy it. They don’t see the risk to their property—be it fire or an act of terrorism; and of course, it always happens to other people!

A lost life cannot be regained, but a lost house can be rebuilt and it doesn’t cost much.

Here is what our Truth lens tells us:

A good policy covers for financial loss arising out of various incidents such as fire, earthquake or burglary. It covers, not only for structural damage but also for all other assets and possessions you may have, right from a rug to a refrigerator.

Here are a few things to consider:

One, the Cover

At the basic level, a standard fire and special perils policy covers your structure and possessions from fire and other dangers such as earthquakes and storms. The second level of coverage protects against burglary or breakdown of mechanical and electrical appliances. The last one protects against minimal risks such as loss of rent, loss of important documents such as title deeds and passport, and provision for alternate accommodation.

Two, the Sum Insured

While the value of your house is based on three factors - land, cost of construction for the building and prevailing real estate prices – the insurance only covers for the building’s cost of construction. Most insurers will offer a standard rate per square foot multiplied by the carpet area of your house. The rate offered also considers depreciation. Therefore, it is important to go for a reinstatement cover. This covers for rebuilding your home from scratch, assuming the worst.

Three, Compliance

If you are living in an urban high-rise, your flat alone cannot be rebuilt in case a big calamity hits the locality. It is the housing society’s responsibility to insure the entire premise. Talk to the society management and figure the kind of insurance availed of and what supplementation you need. The insurer will not cover for poor or unauthorized construction and you don’t want to be left high and dry in the event something goes wrong. Taking 2 insurance policies for the same asset will not result in double benefits! [This is based on the principle of indemnity, and the more technical oriented amongst us can click here to read more about it]

Time period: Home insurance can be bought for a minimum of one year to a maximum of five years. Do remember to renew.

Fine print: Home insurance policies are worded differently. For example, structure insurance may only be for building and not land, or only jewelry kept in the locker may be covered.

Tenants: If you are living in a rented house, you can insure only the contents and not the structure as you don’t own it.

You’re driving safe. You’ve got your eyes on the road, and your seat belt on. But even if you do everything right, accidents well, they simply happen. While we know you’re doing your best to avoid accidents, here’s a list of essential tips to keep in handy in case you’re in an emergency:

• If you or any of your passengers are injured, medical help is priority. Get first aid immediately.
• Observe the site of the accident and note down all the details you can – from the location, to important number plates and names.
• If there are eye-witnesses to the accident, make sure you note down their contact details, so you can follow up with them later.
• Take pictures of the place where the accident happened. In times like these, every detail helps!
• If the police have registered a case, remember to note down the case number.
• Keep track of all the expenses you’ve had to undergo due to the accident. That means, don’t throw a single bill or receipt away!
• Lastly, make sure you file your insurance claim as soon as you can! Because the sooner your Insurance Company knows about the incident, the sooner they can help you out.

In case of an unfortunate incident on the road, our no. 1 tip for you is the simplest: don’t panic! Stay calm, and keep a level head.
No matter where you are, always keep the accident no. on speed dial
Here’s to many safe, stress-free road-trips!

The New Age Insurance is evolving and we are seeing a lot of new age insurers entering the game alongside the traditional players

Pricing:

Traditional – Expensive as you pay for the operational costs
New age – Cost effective when the company is going paperless
Ease of Dealing

Buying

Traditional - As complicated as buying a house
New age – As easy as placing an order online

Communication

Traditional - As complicated as reading a report
New Age - As simple as reading an article

Claims

Traditional - Hurdles and bottlenecks throughout the process
New Age - Smooth sailing

Paperwork

Traditional - Maximum paperwork, more hassle
New Age - Minimum paperwork, maximum ease and convenience

Buying insurance is not uncommon, one wants to secure the money involved in an asset and thus he gets it insured. But here is the funny part: people have insured things which are weird if not downright hilarious! So, without further ado, let’s jump on to 5 Most Strangest Insurance Policies Ever.

• Body Parts
  Insuring body parts has become a trend among celebrities. It started quite a while back and once the trend began, there was no turning back, Heidi Klum’s legs were insured for a whopping $2.2 million.
• Absconding Spouse
  Getting cold feet right before the wedding is a common occurrence. So, what happens to all the hard-earned money spent by your parents for the fancy wedding you wanted? To your relief, you can buy an Insurance Policy to recover the money spent if your partner decides to take off!
• Cigar
  Skansen museum in Stockholm exhibits a record-breaking cigar which is fully insured, for all the right reasons!
• Death By Laughter
  In the 1900’s, people were overly confident of their sense of humor. So much so that an insurer, Lloyd’s of London, had issued a $1m policy for film-goers, just in case they lose their life by laughing so hard.
• Alien Abduction
  Apparently, a lot of people have a huge fear of getting abducted by aliens. If you are one of those people, you can get an insurance from Lloyd’s of London,More than 20,000 Alien Abduction Policies have been sold till date.

Last but definitely not the least, if you planned for one child and got a surprise of multiple, you can get an insurance to pay for the expenses.

Your car gets you safely everywhere you want to go, but it requires that you take good care of it in order for it to keep running. Some of these simple maintenance issues can actually result in an accident or injuries. Take the time to make sure these 10 things are checked regularly and maintained as needed and avoid a potential accident or claim.

Tip 1: Change the oil. Neglecting oil level checks and fresh oil changes will not do your car any favours.

Tip 2: Change the oil filter. Check the oil level once a month and replace the oil filter regularly.

Tip 3: Check your brake fluid. Check when transmission fluid and power steering fluid need to be replaced as well.

Tip 4: Check the tyre pressure each month. You should check your tyres regularly by ensuring that they are properly inflated and that the wheels are aligned. Not only will you get better mileage, but your tyres will last longer too.

Tip 5: Check the windscreen wipers. Make sure they are not damaged and are in a good working condition, as driving without proper visibility is dangerous.

Tip 6: Change the air filter. Keep your engine clean by regularly replacing the air filter.

Tip 7: Check the windscreen. Inspect the windscreen for small chips and scratches. These are reasonably cheap to repair, while replacing an entire windscreen is expensive.

Tip 8: Check your lights. This means indicator lights, hazard lights and headlights. Replace burnt out bulbs immediately.

Tip 9: Check the dashboard. Don't ignore the dashboard if there are flashing lights or the temperature gauge is suddenly extra hot. Stop as soon as it is safe and read the manual to make sure it is safe to drive further.

Tip 10: Protect the exterior of the car. A coat of good quality wax will ensure that your vehicle paint is protected. Apply the wax every six months.

Keep your car in good running condition and it will keep you safe and in control on the road. It takes a short amount of time to check these important functions, but can save money, fuel, and even lives in the long run. Make sure the functions of your car aren’t the only thing you’re checking. Get Car Insurance at the best price and protect your prized possession!

When truth and transparency are the core of a general insurance company, you know you are in trustworthy hands. This is the way of life at Magma HDI, and the fundamental reason it has been able to sell 1 million policies in FY19, as on February 21, 2019.

Having started operations only in 2012, Magma HDI has managed to build a strong reputation as a key player in the Indian insurance industry in a short span of time. It has steadily climbed growth charts with close to 1,000 employees, 135+ branches and 5,000-plus partners from about 180 employees, 46 branches and 500 partners back in the year of its commencement.

So, what have been the key differentiators responsible for this success?

The foremost reason is the company's utmost focus on honesty and transparency. When you choose Magma HDI, you get exactly what you have signed up for.

What's more, your struggle with endless, incomprehensible TnCs is over. Magma HDI believes in minimal TnCs that have important clauses highlighted. There are no hidden charges, and all costs are revealed to you upfront.

The company has a wide range of retail and commercial products on offer that suit requirements of all kinds of buyers. It has over 50 products across categories to choose from and has issued more than 24 lakh general insurance policies till date.

The foundation on which Magma HDI has been able to build its standing is its high claim- settlement ratio. Magma HDI has settled 94.1% of claims generated in FY 17-18 compared to the industry average of 87.2%. Owing to this, Magma HDI has successfully settled more than 1.25 lakh general insurance claims till date.

Additionally, the claim settlement process is absolutely hassle-free. Almost 87.17% claims made in FY 17-18 were settled in less than 30 days compared to the industry average of 62.1%.

A good insurance provider must not only assure you and your loved ones of a safety net in times of need, but also offer you the much-needed peace of mind that the promises made to you will be kept. To check both these parameters off your list, go ahead with a trusted partner such as Magma HDI.

We understand your fears and apprehensions and here’s what we have done to put an end to them, Magma HDI General Insurance’s range of policies for your health and assets:

1. Insurance is no longer tedious

It’s as easy as shopping online. Get a quick quote for general insurance policies CLICK HERE

2. Claims settlement is now transparent

We ensure a fair, transparent, and convenient claim settlement process.

In FY 18-19, Magma HDI has maintained a claim settlement ratio of 91.85% as compared to the industry average of 87.2%.

Our customer service wing works round the clock to have your queries addressed irrespective of the time of the day.

3. Perplexing T&Cs demystified

We believe in highlighting the important clauses of the Terms & Conditions,

You deserve simple hassle free claims!

At Magma HDI, ”Truth must be told” is the foundation of everything we do. Magma HDI has always attempted to change the game through significant efforts in making the claiming process simpler and less tedious. Securing the things most precious to you has never been this stress-free.

Thanks to the technology, computers or the smart phone in your hand filing a claim has never been easier.

For instance in case your vehicle meets with an accident and when you make a claim, Magma HDI trusts you and lets you take charge of the process . You don’t have to fill lengthy forms, attach documents of proof, or undergo a tedious process in getting your claim registered. All you need to do is attach a soft copy of your request and documentation and email us, or better yet! Fill your claim form online.

You can simply conduct a quick self-survey by clicking pictures of the damage vehicle with your smartphone, send it to Magma HDI’s online ‘Claim Updation’, and before you get home, the customer support ninjas at Magma HDI would have begun actioning your request.

The support staff operates 24x7, 365 days a year, ensuring your insurance claims are processed faster and these minor mishaps don’t create roadblocks in your life’s plans.

Apart from your faith and testimonial, we also have numbers backing us, higher percentages just don’t make for an excellent report card! They also account for credible insurance providers., Magma HDI has been able to outclass general insurance industry average in claim settlements. While the general insurance industry averages 87.2%, Magma HDI notched ahead at 91.8% in FY 18-19, with only 8.15% outstanding claims. The extremely convenient and efficient claim settlement procedure at Magma HDI has ensured less than 30-day claim settlement for almost 87.17% of the total claims made in the year.

We believe that you should be in control when it comes to making a claim or registering a service. Insurance is built on trust, if there is a one-stop general insurance partner who understands your needs and empowers you with total transparency, look no further than Magma HDI.