GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Driving is a skill that requires utmost responsibility while behind the wheel. While several uncontrollable factors cause accidents, motorists must always ensure they are non-negligent, careful, and alert while driving to minimise the risk of accidents.

One controllable factor that may lead to mishaps is drowsy driving. While sleep is uncontrollable, one must never drive in a dazed state of mind. While car insurance renewal may cover the loss to your vehicle, it does not suffice for the mental and physical trauma that results from accidents.

If you frequently feel drowsy while at the wheel, here are some tips to shake off the haze and drive alertly!

1. Break up your driving frequently:
Take a brief break from driving every 100 miles or two hours, regardless of how well you've slept the night before. Plan your route so that you may frequently stop to stretch, get some fresh air, and grab a snack or refreshing drink.

2. Drive cautiously at the drowsiest hours of the day:
Since your body's internal clock tends to make you sleepier between midnight and six in the morning and early afternoon, try to avoid driving during those times.

3. Sleep well at night:
A restful sleep of seven to eight hours is essential before a lengthy journey. When you feel drowsy, park at a safe spot and take a quick power nap.

4. Travel with a friend:
Bring along a passenger who can share driving chores and keep you awake because most drowsy driving occurs during a solo journey.

5. Avoid night-time driving:
Avoid driving at night if possible because it makes people sleepier and less aware. If you work a second or third shift, abstain from driving when your body is most used to sleeping.

6. Avoid using sedatives and alcohol:
Alcohol and other sedative drugs disrupt your sleep and make you feel sleepy the next day. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.

7. Consider your health:
If you frequently have difficulties falling asleep, speak with your doctor to see what the issue might be. As with sleep apnea or narcolepsy, modest signs of exhaustion can occasionally indicate more severe health problems.

8. Get a caffeinated drink:
Pull up to a petrol station and buy a coffee, tea, soda, or energy drink for a fast dose. Caffeine enters the system and starts its impact after a half-hour. So, if you regularly consume it, you might not get the appropriate benefit.

9. Be alert for cautionary signs:
Look for an instant opportunity to stop and relax if you have any drowsiness. Don't try to push through if you're exhausted. Always remember that it's better to be safe than sorry.

10. Engaging radio programs to hear:
Turn on an exciting radio program to keep your mind engaged and awake if you're travelling alone or your passenger's talk has run dry.

11. Watch out for sleep-inducing tricks:
Some individuals use their windows, air conditioning, or radio to make themselves more alert, but doing so can take your focus off the road. It is preferable to pause and give your body the rest it requires rather than using these tactics.

12. Do not rush things:
Give yourself some additional time to react on the impromptu roadside excursions. Being rushed increases your chance of an accident and injury and decreases your likelihood of taking the necessary driving breaks.

Getting enough sleep is the best defence against drowsy driving over the long term. Focusing on your sleep hygiene, which includes your routines and environment, can help prevent drowsiness while driving.

You can endanger yourself and others if you find yourself nodding off while driving. We encourage you to undertake timely car insurance renewal to minimise the risk of accidents and efficiently deal with damages due to mishaps.

Click HERE to get your car insurance renewal done.

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 private modes of transport becoming more popular, the number of vehicles on the roads and policyholders of car and 2 wheeler insurance is only increasing daily. While the automotive industry welcomes the increased demand, it is an exciting prospect for industry watchers. As consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable alternatives across all purchases without a massive increase in budgets, alternative fuel offerings have emerged in recent years.

Why are petrol two-wheelers with a spark-ignition internal combustion engine still seeing steady demand despite the trend? Read on to know why petrol continues to be the most preferred fuel for two-wheelers.

Petrol engine:
A petrol engine is an internal combustion device designed to transform thermal energy into mechanical energy by the spark ignition of gasoline.

The benefits of gasoline engines:
● The power output is excellent
● The cost of buying a gasoline engine is lower than a diesel engine
● Petrol engines burn gasoline more sustainably than diesel engines and have a better price-to-power ratio
● Petrol engines are quieter and vibration-free
● Petrol engines cost less to service and maintain
● Naturally, petrol engines gain from being simpler to adjust and tune up
● They are light and effortless to operate
● Despite being flammable and explosive, it is simple and safe to store the gasoline
● Almost no other source of energy has a higher energy density than gasoline

Reasons for not using diesel engines in two-wheelers:
● Comparing the two engines, the carbon-dioxide output from the diesel engine is roughly 13% more per 3.8 litres. As a result, it pollutes more than a petrol engine and is unhealthy for the environment.
● Fuel pumps, glow plugs, and other components are necessary for diesel engines, and their combined cost will raise the bike's overall price.
● Diesel engines have lower RPM than gasoline engines but provide higher torque. Therefore, it is not appropriate for motorcycles where we require great speed.
● Because diesel engine combustion occurs due to auto detonation, diesel engines vibrate more than gasoline engines.
● A diesel engine is heavier than a gasoline engine and cannot be used in a motorcycle or other small vehicle.
● The engine block must be more vital to resist more excellent compression ratios because they result in higher pressure applied to the cylinder. This makes the cost of diesel engines higher than that of gasoline engines.
● Diesel engines use fuel injector technology, which is more expensive than the spark plug technology used in gasoline engines, to pump fuel into the combustion chamber.

Petrol engines are used in two-wheelers because they are slick, lighter, quieter, better at picking up, and require less maintenance, among other reasons. Petrol is significantly easier to ignite than other fuels and burns more efficiently. Gas engines are lighter, stronger, and more responsive than diesel engines. Diesel engines often have a slower throttle response than gasoline engines, which makes them less ideal for bikes.

While petrol may be a better alternative than diesel, it is essential to consider its hazardous nature and use it accordingly. Practice recommended fuel-filling habits that preserve the longevity of your engine and purchase comprehensive 2 wheeler insurance to protect your bike from any contingencies.

Click HERE to buy 2 wheeler insurance 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.

The thought of getting a dent on your car doors while driving, parking, or simply due to external variables is upsetting. While door dings may not be expensive to repair, they diminish the car's value and make it an additional ordeal. Car Insurance renewal or purchase is the best way to protect yourself from the financial burden of repairs.

As preventive measures, here are some straightforward ways to avoid scratches on your car doors.

1. Test your defensive driving skills:
Along with following the fundamental traffic laws like wearing your seatbelt and obeying the speed limit, defensive driving also includes practical abilities like anticipating potential errors other drivers may make. You can reduce the possibility of car damage by maintaining a safe and appropriate distance from other nearby vehicles.

2. Install door edge guards:
Door edge protectors help to cushion your door from dents and scratches. You can DIY or get it installed by a local car accessories shop. They are available in adhesive and cling door variants and do not harm your car's paint when removed.

3. Pick your parking spots wisely:
Consider parking your car in a garage rather than on the curb or select a quieter location on the lot. Also, use a different mode of transportation while visiting crowded places like open markets to protect your car doors from scratches.

4. Door sill protectors:
The door sill area is vulnerable to wear and scratching because of constant contact. Door sill protectors almost eradicate this issue. The practical device is easy to install and cheap, making it the perfect preventive measure.

5. Regularly wash your car using the correct techniques:
Most minor dings and dents aren't due to collisions or bumps but usually happen while cleaning due to abrasive brushes used in automatic car washes that can easily scratch your paint. Consider going the manual route and ensure to rinse the dust and grime off before getting to work.

6. Avoid unnecessary contact:
Do not lean or sit on your car, put anything on it, or touch the painted surfaces excessively to prevent door scratches. Although it may seem unlikely, opening and closing the doors without using the handles could even cause scratches.
Using car covers is another habit you should break to avoid car dings. In addition to providing no defence against potential road scratches, they could do more harm than good. Along with probable paint damage from wind flaps, a similar outcome will also be anticipated each time you cover and uncover the car.

Although nobody wants their car's doors to get scratched, it occurs frequently. It looks terrible and can cause rust where the paint has chipped off. You may take preventative measures and exercise caution when handling your automobile doors to keep this from happening and the pricey paint repair. Car insurance renewal can help you avoid bearing the costs of the painting job in case the dents and scratches result from accidents. However, in all other cases, you will have to pay the expenses yourself, which is why you must practise preventive measures to maintain your car’s doors perfectly.

Click HERE to get car insurance renewal done.

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.

Can you imagine a car without a windshield or with a cracked windshield? A car windshield caters to various functions, such as keeping dirt and debris out of the vehicle, preventing the heat and glare from the sun, saving the driver from an impact, providing a clear front view to the driver, and much more.

Taking proper care of your car's windshield is not difficult or expensive. All you need to do is regularly check for any cracks and fix them as soon as possible. Proper care and maintenance make the windshield last longer and keep the passengers safe. Additionally, purchasing car insurance India can help shoulder the burden of replacing any car components due to an accident.

If you are planning a long trip, here are a few tips to ensure the safety of your car's windshield.

1. Review the condition of windshield:
Parking at the wrong spot, especially for long periods, can damage your car's windshield beyond repair. Due to extreme temperature exposure under direct sunlight, the windscreen gets stress cracks. Such stress cracks lead to an increase in windshield breakage risk. Moreover, such damages can get worse due to constant temperature fluctuations.
Whenever you decide to leave for a trip, ensure the windshield is in good condition to prevent glass breakage and maintain the glass's durability.

2. Fix every crack:
Before leaving for any trip, ensure your car's windshield is crack free. Ignoring small cracks or chips in their car's windshield can result in bubble formation between the cracked glass layers. Regardless of the bubbles' size, they can severely damage the windscreen if left unattended. It is essential to fix them immediately because if you don't, you might have to vent your pockets to replace the windshield after you return.

3. Replace the windshield wipers timely:
Some car owners don't know, but the windshield wiper affects the glass's health in many ways. Along with the windshield, taking care of the wipers is also essential. It is common knowledge that wipers have an internal metal structure with a rubber coating on the outside. The rubber coating wears off regularly, revealing the metal frame. Using metal on the glass can weaken it and lead to scratches. Therefore, check the condition of your wipers before leaving on your trip to prevent the exposed metal's pressure on the glass.

4. Windshield tinting:
The windshield is the largest glass surface of a car that facilitates proper traffic visibility for the driver. Since parking under shade may not always be possible, laminating your windshield may minimise the impact of harmful UV rays and block out sun glare to a certain extent to preserve the strength of the glass.
We recommend approaching a professional mechanic or your authorised car servicing centre to ensure that you adhere to the mandated visibility limit of applying laminated tints that allow a minimum of 70% light transmission. While car tinting kits are readily available, self-modification may result in your insurer rejecting your claim against car insurance India.

Considering the massive investment required to purchase and maintain your car and its components, it is essential to take preventive measures when leaving your vehicle unused for long periods. Your car demands regular care to be in its best shape and ensure effective functioning. Additionally, consider buying car insurance India to cover any replacement costs or damages that may arise from involvement in accidents.

Click HERE to buy car 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.