GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

People are emotionally attached to their car so much that even a small scratch or dent woes their heart. What bothers them more is when the car makes strange noises. This situation sometimes leads to trouble. So instead of panicking, you need to understand the underlying cause and take your vehicle to a mechanic if required.

We've created a list of seven common car noises to listen out so that you identify and then fix them at the early stage itself.

1. Squealing sound:
One of the most frequent noises is a screeching sound from under the hood. It hints that the rubber belts that drive accessories such as AC compressor or power steering pump have either slipped off or worn out. If the screeching originates from the wheels when you use the brakes, it might indicate that your brake pads are weary or have faults with the braking system. On the other hand, if the squealing comes from your tyres, it may be due to a loose wheel cap or rims.

2. Hissing sound:
This sound underneath the hood indicates a fluid leak onto a hot engine component—for instance, radiator coolant seeping onto the engine block or exhaust manifold. If the hissing occurs while you accelerate, it might result from a vacuum leak from one of the small hoses around the engine's air intake.

3. Rattling sound:
Rattles suggest that something is loose or has stuck itself in an inappropriate place. For example, a component of the exhaust or suspension might have been broken loose. Mind it; this one needs attention as soon as possible. Remember, if you need an expert mechanic to ensure preventative maintenance, suitable car insurance helps you with your costly repair bills.

4. Whistling sound:
Whistling sounds are disturbing and might indicate a vacuum leak in one of the hoses around the air filter, which can be challenging to locate but is typically straightforward to fix.

5. Clunking sound:
If you hear a clunking sound when you apply the brakes, it might reflect that the braking discs or pads have severe wear or damage. If the clunk occurs when driving over bumps, your car's suspension may be faulty, or an exhaust section may be loose. If your automobile clunks when turning corners, it might be due to a problem with the steering or a worn-out wheel bearing.

6. Roaring sound:
When you accelerate, a roaring or noisy exhaust indicates that the existing exhaust system has eroded to the point that the silencer is no longer keeping the car quiet. Although an exhaust problem is unlikely to cause your automobile to stop or cause more damage, it may be allowing carbon monoxide fumes into the cabin, which is hazardous. Get it fixed ASAP!

Next time when you're out for a drive, apart from listening to the music, make it a point that you hear your vehicle first. You won't want to experience an awful drive with crazy noises that result in the breakdown of your car midway.

Few noises may indicate possibilities of damages. It is, therefore, important to get your car inspected at a service station to address the issue. Additionally, with time, the repair cost will also keep on increasing. So, reduce dependencies on the additional expenses, and consider purchasing car insurance to add value to the life of your car. With the best car insurance protection, give your four-wheeled companion the strength to drive more miles together.

Click HERE to know about the best car insurance plans in the market in 2021.

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.

In a busy and constantly moving country like India, most of the population uses two-wheelers as the daily mode of transportation. Regardless of whether you ride your two-wheeler every day or just a short trip to a grocery store, it is a good idea to carry some essential items in your two-wheeler riding kit. This includes everything from motorcycle replacement parts, first aid kit to important documents and 2 wheeler insurance.

In this article, we'll tell you exactly how to put together a riding kit that will be an excellent aid in chaotic situations.

1. Keep the basic spare parts:
You should always have some vehicle spare parts and equipment handy so that you can be the mechanic of your two-wheeler during an emergency. A few extras to have in your tool kit are a screwdriver, a headlight bulb, and battery fuses.

2. First-aid kit:
First-aid kits have always been prioritized when driving vehicles, but how many of us religiously carry them? If NO, then pack one today and take it the next time you leave your home on your two-wheeler. Some fundamental essentials must be an antiseptic solution, bandages, pain relief sprays, and painkillers. However, this kit is to be used only on minor injuries like cuts and scratches. In case of significant damages from accidents, approach for assistance and go to the hospital right away.

3. Accessories for personal protection:
Riding on a bike is not a fun game each time. It can get tougher with distance and situations. It is dangerous to ride a two-wheeler without wearing a proper helmet. A full-face helmet should always be part of your riding kit. Also, ensure to kit up appropriately with something that is breathable and will keep you at ease. Hence, have a decent quality sunscreen or scarf to protect your skin from exposure to the sun, dirt, and pollution.
Besides, staying hydrated throughout the day is important and neglecting it while riding isn't an option. So, having a water bottle on your bike is always a good idea.

4. Necessary documents and paperwork:
Traffic police regularly drive campaigns of checking the legal papers. If found riding without legitimate documents, you can face the consequences by the authorities. Therefore, when travelling on your bike, it is mandatory to have a Rider's Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, PUC Certificate, Fitness Certificate and a valid 2 wheeler insurance policy.

It is believed that 'life is always better on two wheels'. However, in a country full of turns, traffic congestion, narrow lanes and potholes, the possibility of vehicle breakdown is a prime concern among two-wheeler riders. So, if you think that you're a pro rider, you're also not completely safe on the roads. The above essential items are for your convenience on the road and quick-fix minor issues when they arise. Keeping these points in mind, put together your necessary bike riding equipment, ensure your bike papers, including valid 2 wheeler insurance before you kick-start the bike next time.

Want to know more about our best two-wheeler insurance policy? 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.

Overthinking is a thief of your energy. It takes away your peace and composure of mind. It is an art of creating problems that don’t even exist. Unfortunately, some individuals can’t seem to stop their minds from wandering with many thoughts. It’s like running a marathon each day mentally.

You invest your time, attention, and energy in thinking about situations and issues that are irrelevant, hypothetical, or baseless. Breaking this toxic habit will help you with extra mental energy to get the express ticket to happiness. Follow our brief guide about reducing and eventually stop worrying and overthinking.

1. Don't be mind-full; instead, be mindful:
Whenever you catch yourself overthinking, take a moment to reflect on your thoughts. Breathe and acknowledge the present moment. Then, challenge your thoughts and try to be aware of what's happening around you as much as possible.

2. Focus on solving problems and not amplifying them:
Overthinking about a problem will only lead to more problems. When you're actively investing your mind into problem-solving, you're using your best asset (the brain) positively.

3. Change your perspectives on things:
Stanley Gordon West once said, "Smile, and the world smiles with you". Changing your point of view can provide you with a completely different way of thinking and feeling about yourself. Moreover, changing your point of view might lead to a whole new universe of possibilities and ideas.

4. Diet plays a vital role than you think:
As Ayurveda rightly says that Medicine is not needed if the diet is correct; healthy food improves brain function, regulates blood circulation, reduces blood pressure, and eliminates toxins from the body. These aspects can directly impact your pattern of thinking and help positive outputs throughout the day.

5. Stop being a perfectionist. Even the almighty isn't:
It is a double-edged sword. Sometimes being a perfectionist is like being your enemy. Rather than assisting you in achieving success, it works against you. So next time you're worrying and overthinking about making a presentation perfect, consult your colleague. It can turn out that your existing one is already good.

6. Take out time to reflect at regular intervals:
Whether daily, weekly, or once a month, take out some time for reflective thinking. This task will assist you in examining your assumptions and making connections between different bits of information systematically.

7. Techniques to cope:
Try these techniques mentioned below to bring your attention back to the present whenever you feel overwhelmed.

You can follow these tips anytime and anywhere:

• Meditation: The best escape to calmness is meditation. Getting answers to unsolved questions becomes easy when your mind is free from junk thoughts. So invest 10 to 15 mins of your day into a peaceful meditation session and see the magic start happening.

• 5-4-3-2-1 Rule:
- Look for 5 things around you.
- Feel any 4 things you can touch.
- Recognize 3 things you can hear.
- Acknowledge 2 things you can smell.
- Become aware of 1 particular taste in your mouth.

Overthinking is not an illness, but research reveals that it can pose severe consequences to your health if continued for a long time. It can hinder your social, personal and professional life due to mental discomfort. To overcome this, you will need to shift your perspective and make a concerted effort to dismiss any thoughts that lead you towards wrong assumptions. Along with all the above practices, get yourself health insurance covering all your needs for perfect well-being. It's also one less task to think about!

Click HERE to know more about health insurance to keep you financially fit.

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.

According to the World Health Organization, around 57 million Indians suffer from some sort of depression. Depression takes a considerable toll on your health. It can make you feel physically weak and mentally drained, challenging your desire to seek treatment and get rid of it.

We've curated a list of ten beneficial tips to manage depression without the need for medicines and improve the quality of your life.

1. Follow a routine:
When circumstances become unpredictable, a routine can help you feel organized, minimize stress, and cope with change. When you stick to a schedule, you prioritize self-care activities which you often overlook when life gets complicated.

2. Value yourself:
Take out time for your interests or extend your skillset. Cook your favourite dish, go dancing with your earphones on, learn a new language. Do what pleases your mind and soul, and treat yourself with compassion and respect.

3. Consume healthy food:
Diet can affect your mental state in ways that you can't imagine. Make sure you consume a well-balanced diet that's low in saturated fat and rich in nutrients. A nutritionist or dietitian can assist you in analyzing your eating habits and identifying any dietary deficiencies that may be contributing to your mental health.

4. Exercise:
Exercise stimulates those chemicals in your brain which are in short supply due to the depressive phase. Studies show workouts help you boost your endorphins and truly make you happier.

5. Meditate:
Mindfulness can help you change how you react to negative sensations. Meditation teaches the brain to maintain continuous attention and focus when unpleasant thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations enter.

6. Change drinking habits:
Alcohol is a depressant, so that's already a big NO while combating depression. Coffee has proven to have adverse effects when combined with sugar. Try to lower down your consumption of coffee as a whole, and if you decide to have it, have it unsweetened. Strongly linked with depression are sweetened drinks, so it's a better option to distance yourself from them.

7. Socialize with people with a positive mindset:
Interact with people who lift your spirits. While it's OK to spend some time alone, strike a balance and avoid isolating yourself; otherwise, the sadness will persist.

8. Music therapy:
Music improves the mood and general well-being of a person. Music therapy involves playing music using various instruments, singing, dancing to music, or simply listening to it.

9. Get inspired by motivational content:
It can change negative thoughts and make a depressed person feel better. Depression-fighting literature, quotes, movies, and posters differ from person to person. Go online and read reviews to get a sense of what could work best for you. You can listen to podcasts or watch videos of motivational speakers.

10. Volunteer:
Volunteer for acts of kindness, donate for a good cause or commit a random act of kindness. Presenting or performing acts of charity can have comparable mood-lifting and well-being benefits.

Sadness is a complex emotion to deal with; these ways are only supposed to act as your support in the tough times. If you have chronic depression symptoms, always seek professional help. Understand that depression is just a bad phase in life that will eventually go away if you stay positive and strong.

By taking too much stress, you will affect today's strengths by worrying about future. One way you can avoid the additional worries of tomorrow and make your future secure is health insurance. Health problems due to depression involve medical expenses that may drain your pockets. So, consider buying health insurance to cover the losses. To simplify this, online Health Insurance provides you with a suitable plan to protect you from any impact on your financial plan.

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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.