GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

The changing season affects our health, especially when it is winter. The chilly days are known for causing flu, cold and inviting other viral infections and allergies. There is not much we can do to prevent outdoor allergies, but we can take steps to stay safe indoors and keep our home allergy-free!

To help you with it, we have made a list of important tips for each area of your house to keep them allergy-free. Follow these steps to create a healthy environment for you and your family.

Bathroom:

Your bathroom is the most prone to mold due to the high moisture present. And the key to preventing this fungus is proper ventilation and regular cleaning:

1. Install and use an exhaust fan while showering to let out as much moisture as possible.

2. Remember to wash your towels regularly.

3. To prevent mold growth, it is best to clean your showerheads, sinks, bathtubs, and other faucets with bleach every once in a while.

4. Stagnant water can be problematic even in the bathroom, so empty your bathtubs, buckets, and sinks of any standing water and clear the drain blockage.

5. Avoid wallpapers; instead, paint your walls as mold grows under the wallpapers.

6. Cleaning is a priority; make sure to scrub the toothbrush holders, soap containers, and shelves too.

Living room and general tips:

The living room is where your guest usually hangs out the most. Therefore, it is even more critical to create a safe, comfortable, and allergy-free space for them:

1. Manage indoor plants properly. Please keep them in a dry place, check for mold growth, ensure good airflow by placing them at a proper distance and spray the soil with fungicide.

2. Pay attention to the décor. Reduce the amount of dust collecting things like stuffed animals, heavy curtains.

3. Keep your pets in a confined region and bathe them once every week.

4. Keep wall decorations to a minimum.

5. Air conditioners are perfect dehumidifiers, and they also filter out pollen and discourage cockroaches.

Bedroom:

It is our favourite huddle zone. Therefore, it is necessary to take extra measures to keep this place allergy-free:

1. Periodically wash your pillowcases, bed sheets, linens, floor mats, and curtains.

2. Try to vacuum at least once a day and use a hose to reach every corner.

3. A bed is a heaven for dust mites; it is warm, relatively humid, and has a lot of food in the form of dead skin cells; therefore, clean your bed every day and consider buying dust mite-proof covers.

4. Wash your comforters and pillows regularly.

5. Do not forget to clean your windows. Vacuum your window sills and use cleaners to wash the glass.

6. Use air filters if there is no proper ventilation through windows.

Kitchen:

Most of the allergens and diseases are born in the kitchen. But, by maintaining a clean, ventilated, and dry space, we can control the growth of allergens:

1. Do not leave the dishes uncleaned overnight. It is best to wash them instantly after use. Also, dry them; never put wet dishes in the cabinet.

2. Please do not allow the food to go down the drain, as it will block the drain, leading to mold and stinking sinks.

3. Clean your refrigerator and try to consume leftover food as soon as possible.

4. Only cleaning the countertops after cooking is not enough. Regular mopping and dusting are essential to maintain proper cleanliness.

5. Take the trash out every day as garbage bins can spread way more germs than you think.

6. Make a note of the food allergies you or your family members have. And avoid buying such food.

Considering the above tips, you will manage your home’s health and keep the spaces free from allergens. Financially safeguarding your insured belongings is never a bad idea. So, think of investing in a house insurance plan to protect your home with a promise of trusted safety.

Click HERE to know more about the house insurance plans best suited for 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.

The returning riders, also known as the born-again riders, are folks who previously rode motorcycles and want to get back into it. No matter how professional you were in the past, continuing something after a break has some adverse outcomes. Therefore, if you have given up riding for any reason and wish to reclaim it with your two-wheeled companion, there are a few risks you need to keep in mind.

This article will thoroughly guide you with the best tips to avoid mishaps for returning riders. We suggest investing in bike insurance for your two-wheeler before you restart your lost desire to ride a bike again. In case you already have one make sure it is up-to-date.

1. Begin slowly and safely:
Returning riders should take it easy at first and gradually gain confidence while riding. Start your first few trips with short distances and ideally in minimal traffic conditions. Do not push your limits and end the journey whenever necessary.

2. Know which bike to start with:
If you have not hit the road for a long time, consider going for a moderate bike at the beginning. Compared to the bikes you rode in your days, the current models can be overwhelming for you. For example, if you decide for high horsepower and remain unsuccessful in handling it, your motivation will hit the ground. It will leave you disappointed and undermine your confidence. Hence, go for a manageable bike at first, and once you've acquired confidence and improved your road sense, you may always upgrade.

3. Consider taking a refresher course:
Although this sounds a bit unnecessary, basic training at a motor learning school helps you regain control of the two-wheeler and understand the updated traffic. Even if you can't seem to find a physical course, the internet will never let you down. Numerous articles, podcasts, videos, vlogs, and blogs regarding this subject will guide you in the right direction.

4. Learn and adapt to what has changed:
Regardless of the gap in your riding, the technology and regulations would be different when you start over. The machines used in today's bikes are advanced, tyres have anti-skid grips, and the braking systems have improved. Try to acquire the knowledge of up-gradation as much as possible to avoid facing issues about adaptation to new things.

5. Don't skip the riding gears:
Never neglect your safety gear. If your gears from earlier do not fit you anymore, get new ones right away. There is no acceptable reason to skip wearing your riding gear for any occasion.

6. Learn how to unlearn:
The future is for those who can learn to unlearn numerous times throughout their lifetimes. This should be a motto for born-again riders. Forget all the myths and misleading facts from the old days and make space for new logic and learning. Technology progresses every day, and so does the experience based on it. Gain knowledge of it prior and incorporate it into your riding style as often as possible.

We hope to assist you in making your transition easier than possible. The above-compiled tips will surely do the job. Also, having bike insurance will boost your confidence and ensure a happy return to biking. So, if you’ve made up your mind, then you’re set to dominate the roads again!

To get the best bike insurance, click HERE .

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.

How well are you prepared for a situation like a brake failure? Well, most people can't imagine the correct answer. Imagine you are driving comfortably, and your eyes are engaged on the road. Then, when you approach traffic or a speed breaker, you hit the brake pedal, but your car doesn't slow down. You repress harder this time, but you are still speeding. Are brake failures terrifying to even think about? It's best to prepare for such panic scenarios.

Brake failures usually are not recognized beforehand; they hit you when you are in motion. It can be a panicking situation leaving the driver clueless and inviting a potential threat to his life.

In today's post, we'll talk about the dos and don'ts to stop your car safely when the brakes fail.

What to do?

1. Don't lose your cool:
We understand it's easier said than done but try not to panic. This will only put you and the passengers in unnecessary danger at the time of an actual stressful situation.

2. Go easy on the throttle:
Immediately take your foot off the accelerator pedal. You don't want to speed up even by mistake as it can only worsen the situation and make the vehicle handling uncontrollable.

3. Pump the brakes:
Press the brake pedal multiple times to generate enough pressure in the hydraulic system of the brakes. This can miraculously work out, and you'll be able to halt your car even after brake failures.

4. Lower the gears:
If the pumping doesn't help, shift into a lower gear gradually. Doing this increases the mechanical resistance, referred to as engine braking.

5. Engage handbrakes:
Some cars can restrict you from shifting to extra-low gear until the car has slowed sufficiently. In such cases, handbraking comes in. When you engage the handbrakes, do so gradually. If you suddenly apply them, your car can go skidding to make the situation worse.

6. Turn on the AC to the maximum:
Turning the AC to the max will take a few kilowatts of power. Turning on all extras will cause resistance to the alternator that can help you slow down.

Other dos:

● Keep your vision on the road at all times.

● Turn on the hazard lights. This will notify other drivers that you're in an emergency.

● If you notice an uphill road, use it to your advantage. Taking your vehicle to it will help you curb the speed.

● Wear your seatbelt at all times.

● Follow the speed limits on all roads.

Now that you know what to do. Let’s discuss the don'ts real quick:

● Do not continue driving on cruise control.

● Do not cut the ignition or change the gear to neutral as you will lose the full control.

● Do not shift from higher gear to low gear drastically. The same goes for handbrake. Do not engage it at once. This can cause skidding.

● DO NOT shift to reverse gear. This will completely shatter the gearbox, and further will not allow you to downshift.

● Don't move sideways with a speeding vehicle. Yes, it increases friction, but you run the danger of spinning out.

● Do not run into a concrete wall or a block to crash stop; go for shrubs and bushes.

When such situations arise, you are in danger and the rest of the commuters around. Therefore, you must think rationally and make decisions. You and your car can sustain damage in such scenarios; having reliable car insurance at your disposal will help you recover from it. If you have one, check for your car insurance renewal before you hit the roads. Car insurance renewal is a ticket for extended protection of your prized possession.

Also, don't ever overlook the necessity of having your car serviced at regular intervals so that critical safety systems, such as braking, are well maintained.

Car insurance renewals are possible online now. Click HERE to do it right now.

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.

Tyre management has become a critical factor in maintaining the overall condition of cars. In contrast, we cannot control the factors such as weather and road conditions that affect the wheels. But we do have control over what goes inside them. And mind it, the type of air you choose to put in your tyres can have a significant impact. So, if you are in a dilemma about which air to put in your tyres, you are not alone. The most common argument in the debate ranges from nitrogen being the most prominent option.

Not sure! This blog guides you in choosing a side. We have put both the options under the test of several key factors and see how each one fits in. By the end of this blog, you will be able to decide which one is the right choice for you.

1. In terms of cost:
At most fuel stations you get free air refills and check-ups. In the case of nitrogen, it’s not free and will cost you around 40-50 rupees for a four-wheeler. Even if you don't get a free refill of air, it usually costs about 10-15 rupees making it cheaper than nitrogen.

2. In terms of availability and convenience:
Normal air is readily available. The infrastructure and storage systems required for nitrogen are not present in every region, thus bringing limitations in its availability in those areas.

*Pro-tip: If you have nitrogen-filled tyres and get a puncture on the road where there are no nitrogen filling stations. Inflate the tyre with air. Don't worry; it is entirely safe.

3. In terms of tyre pressure:
When inflating a tyre with nitrogen, 95% of pure nitrogen goes into it. Nitrogen offers more consistent tyre pressure because nitrogen molecules hardly ever pass through the small holes in the tyre's rubber, being heavier and bigger in size. A tyre filled with conventional air has approximately 20% less pressure.

4. In terms of fuel economy:
Consistent tyre pressure results in improved fuel economy. As we already know, the winner in terms of tyre pressure. It's clear that nitrogen is the frontrunner in terms of fuel economy.

5. In terms of weather conditions:
Water vapour in conventional air causes the tyre pressure to vary when the weather conditions change. When the temperature outside is hot, the air within the tyres expands, resulting in over-inflation. On the other hand, they get underinflated when the temperature drops.

Not only that, but water vapour in your tyre causes corrosion in the metal rim of the tyre. As nitrogen contains no water vapour, tyre pressure variations and deterioration are non-existent.

From all the above information, it is clear that nitrogen does hold superiority over conventional air. Conventional air is not a bad option either. Yes, if your car stays idle for a more extended period, using nitrogen will save you trips to the air refill station every time you take your car out.

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is a must whether you use nitrogen or air. Just like that, maintaining your car insurance is a must if you want to drive legally on the Indian roads. So before you even take out your car for a tyre refill, make sure you buy new car insurance and if you already have one, keep it up to date.

To buy new car insurance today, click HERE .

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.