GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Car insurance is mandatory by law for every car owner in India. Also, it provides us adequate protection against accidents and third-party cover. However, some exclusions or incidents are not covered under a standard car insurance policy. Some insurance agents might not tell you about them explicitly to sell more policies, but you need to be aware of all the essential terms and information at the time of purchase of the policy.

Let us go through some of the key exclusions.

1. Damages to tyres and electrical components:
A car insurance policy does not cover the tyres of your car. They are bound to wear and tear with regular usage and time. Also, your insurance policy will not cover any damage to your car's electrical components and wiring. These include lights, music system, central locking system, etc. Damages can occur because of mishandling, rough weather, short-circuiting, pests, rodents, etc., but you have to vent your pockets to cover these damages on your own.

2. General wear and tear:
Your car insurance policy will not cover your car's general wear and tear that happens with time, usage, and weather conditions. Hence, the policy will exclude damages such as scratches and dents, rusting of the body, etc.

3. Damages caused by man-made events such as war:
Your car insurance policy will not cover damage to your car because of man-made events such as a war. It will also exclude damages from a nuclear explosion, chemical attack, terror attack, etc.

4. Driving under the influence of alcohol:
Your insurance company would not be liable to accept your claim if you or your driver were driving under the influence of alcohol or any other toxic substance such as drugs at the time of the accident. We advise you not to drive after drinking. Instead, take a cab to your destination and stay safe.

5. Ape hangers:
Half of the bike enthusiasts consider these the most comfortable set of handlebars available in the market. For tall riders, these can be the most comfortable, while for others, if it is not set according to their height, the hands and back would go numb. These give a more upright position and eliminate the need to hunch over. These are supposedly the best handlebars in the market for long road trips.

6. Intentional damage:
Your car insurance policy will exclude any claims against damages to the car or any property caused intentionally by you.

7. Expired policy:
Always renew your car insurance policy well in time because your claim will not be passed if the accident occurs after the expiry of your policy. The insurance company will reject your claim even if you have applied for renewal, but your policy was not active at the time of the accident.

8. Oil leakage:
Your car insurance excludes damage to your engine due to leakage of oil.

9. Pledging of car:
If you have pledged your car to someone else, and the person meets with an accident, the insurance company will not pass your claim.

10. Invalid driving licence:
An insurance company does not cover you if you were driving without a valid driving license at the time of the mishap. It is recommended to have valid documents handy while driving a car.

11. National territory:
An insurance company is liable to pay for your damages only if you sustain them while driving in the national territory of India. Any damage outside India, say Nepal, will not be covered under the policy.

12. Re-appeal clause:
You have 12 months to appeal to the court if you feel that the insurance company has wrongly rejected your insurance claim. After this time period, you cannot appeal against the insurance company's rejection.

One must always be aware of the above situations under which your car insurance policy will not protect you. However, protection against some of the above incidents can be bought by buying a zero-depreciation policy instead of a regular car insurance policy.

You can also buy separate covers and add-ons such as an invoice cover, engine protector cover, etc., which will give you added protection. Always ensure that you go for the best car insurance company in India that gives you a clear picture of all the inclusions and exclusions right at the time of purchase of the policy.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best car insurance company 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.

Research states that over one third of vehicles on the road are motorcycles. Found to be cost-effective, easy to ride, and convenient, motorcycles are used extensively in rural and urban areas. They can tackle rough roads and get you to your destination while skillfully getting you out of traffic.

While motorcycles have a significant user base in India, they also have their fair share of problems. The lack of safety is a primary concern with these vehicles. Riding at high speeds on under-maintained roads in a country where traffic rules are not strictly followed has resulted in hundreds of road accidents daily.

This alarming information should be enough to prompt you to purchase online motor insurance if you do not have one already. It is necessary to have insurance to cover any possible losses from damages to you, your vehicle, and third-party property.

While online motor insurance can protect your post-accident damages, here's a quick guide to prevent and tackle motorcycle wobbling when riding at high speeds.

What causes motor cycling wobbling?
Your motorcycle can wobble due to many reasons, even when not at high speed.
1. Defective tyres – Ensure you evaluate the tyres' pressure and build before taking your motorcycle for a ride.
2. Worn equipment – Motorcycles used at the wrong tyre pressures or overused bearings that are worn out are potential causes for wobbling. You must check the parts of your motorcycle and ensure that they are in perfect condition to facilitate long-running and prevent mishaps.
3. Irregular road surface – A sudden change in the road surface in the form of an irregularity such as a pothole while in acceleration is likely to cause your handlebar to shake.
4. Rapid acceleration – If you consecutively accelerate the bike, it cannot keep up with the rapidly changing speed and may wobble violently.
5. Instant slowing – You may also experience shimmying while decelerating from a high speed. This is caused due to the instantaneous changes in speed.

What you shouldn't do when your handlebar wobbles?
If you feel a slight shimmy and are sure it is not due to any motorcycle defect, do not grip harder onto the bar to stabilise it. Continue holding on in the same way and allow it to adjust to the surface. Do not let your eyes stay on the road beneath. Instead, look straight and assess the road ahead and the vehicles around to keep yourself at a safe distance from others.

Tips to ease out the wobble safely:
Assessing the situation is key in such a situation. If it is a well-maintained motorcycle on an irregular patch of road, do not worry. Do not tighten your grip on the handle and allow your bike to balance itself on the surface. The wobble, in this case, would be slight and can be easily overcome by the motorcycle in a few seconds.

If it is a motorcycle issue, the wobble will be much stronger. In such a case, here are some tips for riding out the wobble:
1. Slowly engage the rear brakes – At no cost should you use the front brakes, which will cause an accident. With applying rear brakes, your bike may wobble more at first, but it will slow down.
2. Lean forward – While it may not solve the problem alone, it increases resistance and may help slow down your bike.

These are the only ways to slow down your vehicle. Assess your possible options based on the road ahead. If there is a greater obstacle that your motorcycle is bound to crash into, it is best to abandon the vehicle. Your online motor insurance can cover any damages to your bike. However, if the road ahead is straight, keep your calm and engage the rear brakes slowly. You will eventually be able to decelerate and get out of the wobble and regain control.

While bikes are convenient vehicles, we strongly recommend riding motorcycles at acceptable speeds where you can easily control them to prevent mishaps. Online motor insurance is a must that can prevent any potential financial burden and have your back during emergencies.

Click HERE to buy an online motor insurance policy for your motorcycle.

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.

A keyless ignition system is an electronic access system that allows us to enter the car and start/stop it without the physical metal key. It is operated through a device known as the key fob or the smart key. The car verifies the key electronically and gives access to the driver.

Keyless ignition was introduced in the 1990s. It was a special feature in high-end cars until a few years ago. Now it is gaining popularity and can be found in the standard variants of several cars.

Let us go through the keyless ignition system in detail and the facts we need to know about it.

How does it work?
A keyless ignition system works through a key fob which is a radio transponder. It sends a radio signal to the car, signaling it to unlock the doors and give access to the car. We can then start or stop the car by pushing a button or turning a switch. The system also acts as an immobilizer to protect your car from thieves. The system works if you are within the car's range, usually 10-15 feet. A corresponding RFID chip in the car identifies the correct key fob electronically and gives access.

What is the importance of keyless ignition?

1. Convenience:
The foremost importance of keyless ignition is the convenience that it provides. Every driver would love to walk to his car and access it without fumbling for keys in his pockets. Your car will start and stop with the push of a button, and you no longer need to turn the metallic key or face an unpleasant ignition experience.

2. Style:
The key fob is a symbol of style and elegance. You don't need to take out the car keys to enter the car.

3. Security:
The keyless ignition system provides security to your car. Thieves cannot open the car and start it as you cannot do it without having the key fob with you.

What are the disadvantages of keyless ignition?

1. Chances of malfunction:
A keyless ignition system is eventually an electrical system that can sometimes fail. If your car battery dies, the system will not work, and you will get stuck.

2. Expensive to repair:
If your key fob gets lost or stops working, the service or changing the components is costly and time-consuming.

3. Risky:
The system can be risky as kids can easily switch on your car if you leave the key fob inside the car and go away, even for a minute. Moreover, there is a high risk of a person leaving the engine running and walking away when he forgets to push the "stop" switch. Your car engine will keep running until it runs out of fuel.

We cannot deny that the keyless ignition system is a fad we all love. It can be very convenient and useful if we use it carefully and keep constant track of where our key fob is. Always watch your car if you are moving out but are still in the radius. Your car's safety is your responsibility, and a car insurance policy provides us with similar safety and convenience as a keyless ignition system.

Gone are the days when you had to run behind an agent to get the car insurance policy of your wish. You need to go online, choose the best policy from a variety of available options, fill out the required details and buy car insurance policy online!

Click HERE to buy car insurance policy online.

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.

Due to heavy downpours every year, the Indian roads are severely hit and damaged. The potholes and cracks make the roads less motorable, and vehicles have to find their way safely by tackling them.

Potholes are dangerous for driving during the monsoon and rainy seasons, especially for bikers. Alongside this, the extra danger of your bike's wheels slipping on roads adds to the stress of accident possibilities.

Riders must exercise extra caution for a safe ride during the monsoon season. If you drive a two-wheeler in the rain, you should keep the following points in mind.

1. Do not disregard tyre health:
Before riding a bike or scooter in the rain, remember to check the tyres. Your bike might easily skid on the road if the traction in its tyres is worn down. Therefore, change the tyre right away.

2. Attentiveness:
Riding safely in the weather largely depends on being aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for potholes and puddles since they can be deeper and bigger than you expected, or there might be an open manhole beneath the water. Stay away from slicks of oil on the road that can be very slippery.

3. Slow down:
Speeding your two-wheeler is strictly prohibited when it rains because it affects your ability to see through and impairs your vision. In addition to the poor vision caused by rain, driving slowly will also give you better control and allow you to brake effectively in an emergency. Your scooter or bike may skid if you apply the brakes suddenly. Potholes are frequently obscured by water and are difficult to see. Take complete judgement of the road and maintain a steady speed to get enough time to tackle the potholes without losing balance.

4. Keep a safe distance:
Keep a safe gap between your two-wheeler and other vehicles on the road, whether in front of you, behind you, or even on the sides. You run the risk of hitting other vehicles when your vision is poor.

5. Using brakes correctly:
When it's raining, it's usually preferable to use the back brake so that your bike stops gradually rather than abruptly. Avoid applying sudden brakes as it might make the vehicle behind ram into you.

6. Stay off flooded roads:
In addition to causing you to veer into potholes, water exposure can harm your scooter or bike's exhaust.

Riding gear –
Investing in good waterproof riding gear can keep you dry. Your riding gear will protect you in an accident. These gears are
● Waterproof riding jacket: Invest in a waterproof riding jacket. To ensure that other road users see you, ensure the jacket has adequate reflective stripes.
● Waterproof riding pants: Wear waterproof riding pants to protect your lower body from the water.
● Gloves: Waterproof riding gloves keep your hands safe and grip tight on the handlebar.
● Helmet: Purchase a full-face helmet with a transparent visor. Immediately replace the scratched visor. To increase visibility, apply reflective tape to the front and back of the helmet.

The water puddles well conceal potholes. The bike's rapid movement and imbalance from riding over these puddles could cause you to lose traction. No matter how skilled a rider you are, a lack of traction and visibility can significantly damage your bike and cause you injuries.

Another crucial safety measure is an insurance. It is preferred to have robust bike insurance to protect your asset from unfortunate damages and repair and maintenance costs. A bike insurance equips you to deal with any accident on the road.

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles when you are riding. Look out for potholes and avoid over speeding your bike. Always remember to accelerate gradually and brake gently to prevent any jerky movement, and never miss having bike insurance.

Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance policy.

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.