GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

A motorcycle helmet is one of the essential pieces of a rider’s protective equipment. Helmets reduce the risk of death by protecting the rider from the severity of head injuries. When purchasing a motorbike helmet, giving safety priority over looks is the best approach.

While there are a variety of helmets available, we'll talk about the two specific ones, i.e., Full face & Modular. In this article, we share the plus and minus of each to help you decide which one to go for.

1. Full Face Helmet: A full-face helmet entirely covers the head. It has two openings: one at eye level and one at the neck. It is shielded by a movable, clear visor. The chin bar is the band that wraps around the bottom of the visor. The part of the shell covers over the lower portion of the rider's head.

Pros:

● The chin bar integrates with the rest of the helmet's body. This makes the full-face helmet stronger than the modular type.

● Riding with a full-face helmet gives you the best shot at escaping severe injuries.

● Modern-day full-face helmets include a visor that can be lifted to clean it or get some ventilation.

● These helmets don't have visor lifting mechanisms, thus making them lighter.

Cons:

● They lack ventilation. In hot conditions, riders can find this a significant minus point as it can make them sweat extensively and cause itching.

● Some riders, especially claustrophobic ones, find the full-face helmet inconvenient.

● Full-face helmets have visor fogging problems during cold or humid conditions. As the lower part of the full-face helmet cannot move, it’s difficult to wipe the fog.

● Riders with glasses can have difficulty finding a full-face helmet that fits properly around the face.

2. Modular Helmet: A modular helmet is a kind of similar to a full-face helmet at first glance. But upon looking closer, you will spot a movable chin bar. This is useful when riders want the protection of a full-face helmet when riding but prefer the flexibility of opening the helmet up at any time without taking it off completely.

Pros:

● It protects like a full-face helmet and has the breathability of an open-face helmet.

● Riders get the option to open the front portion of the helmet to enhance ventilation, especially if they ride in hot conditions.

● Very helpful for those whose job requires communicating at frequent stops, like food delivery and courier people.

● Riders who use glasses find modular helmets more comfortable.

Cons:

● As the chin bar is not part of the body, it’s not very sturdy. A modular helmet will not provide the same facial protection as a full-face helmet in an accident.

● They are heavier and bigger due to a visor lifting mechanism.

● If your visor is lifted, strong winds while riding can take off your helmet if you haven’t buckled it tightly. This can cause catastrophic scenarios for you and others around you.

Now that you understand the pros & cons of each type, consider the safest two-wheeler helmet that protects you from possible impact. Choose the one that fits your needs and go for it. Just relying on helmets and safety gears for protection is not sufficient. Buying bike insurance further protects you from financial worries during a fall or collision. Buying bike insurance online is most convenient as the process involves minimal paperwork and gets you a lower premium.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance online today!

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.

Self-driving automobiles, previously thought to be a sci-fi fantasy, are now cruising the streets in some parts of the world, but there's a catch. They are not yet capable of reaching the benchmark of human drivers. Using the most sophisticated 3D imagery and Artificial Intelligence, car manufacturers want to provide users with a hands-free experience without jeopardizing personal safety. In today's post, we speak about the technology behind these cars and how they influence the future of mobility.

How exactly Self-driving automobiles work?
When the driver selects a destination into the car's navigation system, the software determines a route and drives the car towards it by tracing the route map. A revolving sensor mounted on the roof monitors a 60-meter radius surrounding the vehicle and generates a dynamic 3-D representation of the surroundings.

A sensor on the left rear tyre detects lateral movement to determine the vehicle's position to the 3-D map. Another couple of radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers calculate obstacle distances. The car's AI software is linked to all sensors and receives data from Google's Street View and integrated video cameras. Artificial Intelligence then mimics human perception and handles driving systems like steering and braking.

The vehicle's software constantly checks Google Maps & built-in GPS to be aware of landmarks, road signs, and lights. An override feature allows the drivers to take over the control of the vehicle whenever they want.

Now that you know how a self-driven car works. Let's look at its possible impact on our future.

1. Settlements:
People generally settle near their workplaces to avoid spending the time commuting daily. However, with self-driven cars, people will have extra time for other activities and personal leisure time as they won't have to drive, which means that they will no longer need to settle as close to the workplaces as before.

2. Fewer Accidents:
We know most accidents occur due to human errors. With no humans behind the wheels, there's no possibility of human error resulting in fewer accidents.

3. Mobility for disabled and elderly:
Differently abled people and the elderly will no longer have to depend on others to drive for them. They can just hop in and start navigating.

4. Fewer traffic jams:
Most traffic jams occur due to the congestion of the vehicles on the roads. Everyone wants to get ahead and, in the process, disrupts a free flow of traffic. Self-driving cars can cut down traffic by multiple folds. Sophisticated software and radars will have a sophisticated driving pattern.

5. Less human touch:
A self-driven car is all about software and sensors. They can never be 100% accurate and lack emotions and feelings. The inability to adapt quickly combined with a lack of emotions can have adverse impacts.

The possibilities for driverless cars are endless, and the imagination is at the top among car manufacturers. However, self-driving technology is not yet fully developed. It will take up a significant amount of time, and legal obligations before autonomous vehicles dominate the roads.

Till then, it's time to focus on what we have at hand. May it be a self-driven car or a non-autonomous car, safety always remains an important aspect for both the categories. And, when the safety of assets is concerned, insurance is the solution. So, as we talk about future technologies, why not consider purchasing online car insurance by making the best use of the internet and online resources for a hassle-free buying experience.

Click HERE to know more about online car insurance plans.

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.

Whether you are driving a motorbike or car, having a valid licence is mandatory. Most driving licences are issued for approximately 20 years or until the driver turns 50 years (whichever is earlier). Therefore, you need to renew your licence once it expires. Note that your driving experience and capabilities during your previous licence will not be considered for the renewal of it. Additionally, if you do not renew your licence until a year after the licence’s expiration, you will have to go through the entire process of getting a licence again.

Moreover, your driving licence is valid up to 30 days from expiration. Gone are the days when you had to stand in a long queue at the RTO’s office for the renewal of your licence. Due to covid’s second wave, the government issued a hassle-free way to apply for the renewal online in just a few simple steps.

No matter which state you reside in, you can easily apply for renewal from the comfort of your home. Continue reading the blog to discover all the vital steps you can take to get your licence renewed.

Steps to renew your driving licence online:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan Sewa Portal of MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) by clicking HERE
or head to HTTPS://SARATHI.PARIVAHAN.GOV.IN/.

Step 2: Next, enter your state’s name on your screen.

Step 3: You will now be redirected to the page with various options. Select “apply for DL renewal.”

Step 4: Now, a page with instructions will appear. Carefully read each instruction to avoid committing any mistake.

Step 5: Click on “continue” at the bottom of page and proceed further to the application form.

Step 6: Now, fill your application. Enter your previous driving licence’s number and date of birth and click on “continue.” Fill all the details and provide information as asked on your screen.

Step 7: Depending on your state, you may also require to upload your signature and photo.

Note: If you need to make changes to your medical certificates, you may have to book a time slot to undergo the RTO test.

Step 8: Now, the site will take you to the acknowledgement page, where you can see your application ID. Additionally, all the application details will be sent to you through SMS on your registered mobile number. Make sure you print out the acknowledgement for future reference.

Step 9: The final step is to make the payment and verify your payment status. You can pay through a debit or credit card. Usually, the fees may vary from one state to another.

Simply follow the above steps to renew your existing licence in a fast, convenient, and hassle-free way. Never drive a vehicle without a proper licence. If you are caught driving without a licence and valid insurance papers, you will be fined with penalties. Be a responsible driver; keep all your essential documents ready with you at all times, including your car’s insurance papers. If the insurance is due, make an online motor insurance renewal to ensure the benefits of your policy and protect you against any mishaps.

Click HERE to get the best quotes for online motor insurance renewal.

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.

Following year-long debate and discussions, the Indian government finally allowed CNG kits for two-wheelers as well. Interestingly, CNG kits can efficiently be installed even in mopeds with about 81.75 cc to 136.25 cc capacity. However, there are some restrictions on the installation of CNG kits in two-wheelers. ICAT and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) respectively approve only Euro-III-type automobiles to install these CNG kits.

CNG costs much cheaper than petrol or diesel and gives clean fuel to two-wheelers. This suggests that converting your two-wheeler into CNG will prove to be economically practical.

Advantages of installing CNG conversion kits:

• Natural gas is a cheaper alternative to petroleum as it costs almost one-third of petrol in some states of India. Natural gas is as cheap as 49.40 rupees per Gasoline Gallon Equivalent (GGE).

• CNG is less harmful to the environment than petrol. Compared to petrol and diesel, natural gas emits much less hazardous pollutants and hydrocarbons, thereby reducing the adverse effects of harmful emissions on the environment and human health.

• When compared to gasoline, CNG produces fewer toxic carbon deposits when burned. As a result, the engine is cleaner and more efficient. It removes the carbon deposits that taint the oil, reducing the need for oil changes.

• India has a well-developed pipeline network and abundant natural gas reserves. Switching to CNG fuel can help our nation to be less reliant on the import of oil.

• CNG can save your bike from getting green taxes. Vehicles that pass the automated fitness centres test are given a green tax at the time of registration. However, vehicles with CNG kits are exempted.

Disadvantages of installing CNG conversion kits:

• CNG tanks require more space. As a result, you may have to give up some room off your two-wheeler. In addition, a CNG cylinder can be a little heavier, which can be a difficulty in the handling of the two-wheeler.

• There are a limited number of CNG filling stations. Therefore, people who live in places with no easy access to CNG filling stations won't find CNG conversion the most efficient option.

• The cost of a CNG kit and the initial installation is high that refrains a decent population from installing these kits on their two-wheelers.

Experts believe air pollution will substantially decrease if more two-wheelers owners decide to switch to the CNG option. With global environmental issues bringing new challenges time and again, finding greener solutions and implementing them is a need of the hour.

Installing a CNG kit in your two-wheeler is not enough to improve the mileage and save additional expenses. Another thing to consider about CNG fitted two-wheelers is the expensive repair cost in case of an accident. Therefore, you require extra protection of a 2 wheeler insurance. Check out Magma HDI’s 2 wheeler insurance online and make your journeys stress-free and financially safe against adverse situations.

Environment-friendly and sustainable practices can be our first step towards a secure future. If you’re ready to compromise with the minor discomforts and consider pollution as a bigger threat, then switching to natural alternatives is the best choice that you can make!

Click HERE to get your 2 wheeler insurance online with us.

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.