GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

India has long been recognised for its illustrious past and imperial way of life. Its royal palaces were formerly the official residences of royal families but have since been turned into luxury historical hotels with old-world elegance and modern comforts.

Plenty of great palace hotels, particularly in the state of Rajasthan, are now open to visitors. You can visit these exquisite heritage hotels for your extended weekend plans and summer vacations. All of the listed hotels provide splendid service and a more personal experience.

Here are the four Indian palaces turned into hotels where you may indulge the maharaja inside you.

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur:
The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is a historic hotel with magnificent rooms and many grand suites. Its location on an island in the middle of the lake Pichola provides exceptional sights of the nearby Aravalli hills, City Palace and Jag Mandir from each room.
The breathtaking setting is ideal for the delicious cuisine served at Taj Lake Palace's fine restaurants, solely available to resident guests. Udaipur, dubbed as the Venice of the East, has a great deal to offer with its spectacular palaces, serene lakes, fascinating temples, and beautiful gardens.

2. The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar:
The hotel was designed and constructed by Maharaja Pratap Singh during the 1900s. It has witnessed significant events in India's history and proudly continues the royal lineage with elegance.
It maintains well-equipped luxury suites, including cottages with spectacular design, an ample dining space, and a retail arcade. This beautiful palace is surrounded by the Himalayan peaks and overlooks the gorgeous Dal Lake.

3. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur:
This piece of art built between the 1920s and 1940s is part of Rajasthan's legacy and a symbol of contemporary Jodhpur. The palace, formerly home to the royal family of Jodhpur, is now the world's 6th biggest private property.
One common feature that this property shares with Agra's Taj Mahal is the palm court marble used in its design. The palace is situated on Jodhpur's highest point, the Chittar Hills. Get impressed with unique views of the old Blue City, vast dunes, and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort as you stay here.

4. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur:
Rambagh Palace, established in 1835, was home to Sawai Man Singh II. This jewel of a hotel has magnificently refurbished big luxury rooms and suites that were the erstwhile Maharaja's bedrooms once upon a time.
The palace has been lavishly embellished with hand-carved marble and beautiful Mughal Gardens. Immerse yourself into the finest of Rajasthan's royal history within this splendid palace.

Heritage hotels in India provide a royal treatment to the inner maharaja inside you. They are as stunning, if not more so, than any of Europe's colossal castles or impressive palaces. These remarkable palaces ensure a great and unique holiday to be remembered for years to come. As you plan your visit to these genuinely magical places, make sure you add general insurance to your checklist. Get the best plans for yourself from the most trusted general insurance company and make your travel plans safe and stress-free this summer.

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

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.

Much like oil, the coolant in your car is a special fluid that can't be overlooked. Although, in comparison to oil, the coolant needs less attention. Car owners often tend to neglect it, which can severely damage the vehicle and potentially be life-threatening.

This post will give you a clear idea about what will happen if you drive with low or no coolant.

What is coolant?
Coolant is a combination of water and antifreeze. It has a greater boiling point than water, and works at higher temperatures and pressures to regulate the heat generated in the engine. It takes heat from the engine and radiates it back into the atmosphere via your radiator.

Here are the effects of driving with insufficient coolant.

1. Overheating:
The main function of a coolant is to extract heat from the engine. A shortage of coolant may cause your car engine to overheat. If you continue to run an overheated engine, there could be irreversible damage, such as pistons welding to the cylinders.

2. Engine cutoff:
Modern vehicles feature a safety mechanism that will turn off the engine if it suffers considerable damage due to a lack of coolant. Although this function can help you save on engine repairs, it can leave you stranded on the road.

3. Damage to the water pump:
The water pump’s function is to circulate coolant throughout the engine. The pump will continue to run dry if there is insufficient coolant. If the pump goes dry, racks and pockets of air will form in the coolant channel. This increases the pump’s burden and can destroy it permanently.

4. Damage to engine:
The engine blocks are not the only sections that can be damaged by overheating. Many other components can become exposed to heat.
Below is the overview of parts that may suffer the wrath of an overheated engine:

• Head gaskets

• Cams and pulleys

• Warped or bent connector rods

• Crankshaft

• Piston timing

• Connecting rod

5. Decreased mileage:
Your car's engine will be less efficient if you don't have enough coolant. Friction generates more heat, which means more energy is spent. As a result, the fuel efficiency is dismal.

How to identify low coolant levels?

1. Dashboard Warning:
The coolant warning light will light up on your dashboard when car sensors detect a low level of coolant. Keep an eye on your dashboard; it is essential to note that not all cars, especially the older ones, have this feature. Therefore, consider manual checking of the level periodically.

2. A.C. blows hot air:
If your AC unit starts blowing hot air, it is a sign of a lack of coolant.

3. Lower mileage:
Your car starts to consume more fuel per km and shows reduced engine performance.

4. Temperature gauge rise:
The temperature levels of internal components start showing an unexpected spike due to the low level of coolant.

It is vital to make regular coolant checks a habit. If your car's coolant runs out, pull over immediately. Let the engine cool to a safe operating temperature before going to the nearest garage.

If you're unable to drive to a garage, have your car towed to avoid the risk of further damages. Car insurance proves to be a valuable investment in such situations. So, purchase a car insurance policy that provides you with your desired benefits and adds value to your four-wheeler.

Click HERE to invest in ideal car insurance that meets all your requirements.

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.

Failure of brakes can be a terrifying experience for drivers and have life-threatening consequences. According to statistics, a significant number of road accidents occur due to failed brakes. But how can you avoid such mishaps?

Apart from getting your car checked and serviced periodically, one way you can save it from landing in such grave situations is by being aware of the signs of brake failure.

This blog will discuss the possible reasons for brake failure in cars.

1. Brake cylinder:
A damaged or rusted brake cylinder is one of the leading causes of brake failure in cars. The brake cylinder's function is to compress the fluid. It consists of a fluid reservoir, which has a connected steel tube. There are higher chances of fluid leakage in the rusted pipe or the cylinder. This leakage can lead to brake failure.

2. Brake pad:
Brake fade is the term used for overheating of the brake pads. The overheating is caused due to excessive usage of the brake pads forcing them to become hard or fragile. Due to this, brake pads lessen their grip around the rotor or the disk, resulting in the car covering a certain distance before coming to a full halt when you press the brakes.

3. Overloading:
Overloading your vehicle can reduce the power of the brakes and potentially damage the braking system. You need to ensure that you follow the manufacturer's loading capacity to avoid the malfunction of the car's brakes.

4. Proper replacement:
Many people ignore the importance of changing the brake pads after some time. Brake pads can wear out due to excessive usage and lose their grip causing the brakes to fail. To avoid any risks, you must replace the brake pads and get the brake system thoroughly examined by a mechanic.

5. Moisture:
Moisture in the brake fluid can potentially damage the braking system. When the car runs, the liquid temperature rises, and the moisture (water droplets) becomes steam. The steam upon transmission can cause a brake system failure. Therefore, it is recommended to change your brake fluid after a certain period as instructed in the car manual.

6. Brake booster:
A brake booster magnifies the force you put on the pedal to push it. The failure of the brake booster can significantly lessen the maximum amount of power you need to slow down or halt your car.

7. Auto parts:
Using bad quality auto parts in your car is one of the worst decisions you can make. Their poor quality makes them unreliable and can lead to the failure of the brake system.

Other reasons which could lead to brake failure in cars could be damaged brake hoses, driving roughly through mud or water, issues with rotor disks, improper lubrication, etc.

Some other signs that indicate a brake failure:

• Issues with the brake pedal

• Dark brake fluid

• The braking system warning light is on

• The vehicle takes longer to halt

• Burning smell

• The car moves to one side when brakes are applied

• Grinding noises

That's a wrap on the discussion about some reasons for brake failure in cars. We all have understood the importance of keeping the vehicle in good condition. Unexpected brake failures can be a nightmare and lead to adverse consequences. It would be wise to undertake all the above possible reasons with severity and periodically examine your car's braking system.

Another way to safeguard your car against damages and accidents is by investing in car insurance. Review various plans and select the car insurance offering maximum coverage to your vehicle.

Click HERE to know more about best car 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.

A car has become more of a need than a luxury in recent times. It makes commuting and travelling highly convenient. People invest their time, effort and capital while purchasing a car to ensure it is to their liking while meeting their requirements. Many factors influence their purchase, like the model, budget, convenience, features, etc.

Taking care of your vehicle is crucial. You need to ensure that your car is regularly maintained, cleaned and goes for servicing periodically, as instructed. Always use authentic auto spare parts and follow all the service standards recommended by the manufacturer.

There are also chances that many exterior parts might get damaged due to extensive use of the vehicle. The wheels face maximum wear and tear due to constant friction. Practice these care tips to keep your car’s tyres and rims in good condition.

1. Pressure:
It is essential to check the air pressure of your car’s tyres, preferably before you start driving. Suppose the pressure is below the recommended limit, then there is a considerable danger of a blowout that might disbalance your car. This condition can wreak havoc on your driving and risk your safety. In addition to this, low pressure also reduces your vehicle’s efficiency, mileage and affects the life of the tyres.

2. Inspection:
You need to deeply examine your vehicle’s tyres for unusual wear and tears, cuts, punctures or other damages. Get the car checked by an expert for repair or replacement if needed. In case of a puncture, replace the tyre with a spare until you get to a service centre and have it inspected by a mechanic thoroughly. Call a professional if you’re stuck with a damaged tyre in the middle of a long-distance road trip.

3. Rotation:
Maintain a rotational routine of your car tyres to ensure an even balance of tread wear. Ensure proper examination of the tyres by a professional during the rotation procedure. They can help you determine early or late wearing down and find the reason to save you from any further risks.

4. Curbs:
Bumping into or driving close to the curbs can damage or bend the rims. Try practising parallel parking with cones or other items that will not scrape off your rims if you bump into them.

5. Properly clean up:
Use standard quality products and cloth materials to clean the rims of the wheels. You can risk corrosion of the metallic coats and cause damage to the alloys if you use acid-based cleaners. Use a gentle soap and water mixture and rub firmly to make the rims shine.

6. Alignment:
Misaligned wheels can lead them to wear out unevenly. This ultimately causes loss of control, reduces their strength, and amplifies fuel consumption, reducing efficiency. Get your alignment adjusted whenever you get your car inspected by a mechanic.

Other tips to keep tyres and rims in good condition include maintaining good driving practices, avoiding overloading your car, inspecting the tread depth, ensuring that the spare tyre is in perfect state, accurate wheel balance, etc.

We covered one crucial aspect about taking proper care of your car. But to avoid any severe damages and monetary stress due to unprecedented circumstances, it is wise to get your vehicle insured. Purchase car insurance that caters to your needs and safeguards your vehicle from damages and financial loss.

Click HERE to know more about car 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.