GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Problems come uninvited, so do thieves. While modern technology makes it safer than before, no homes can be declared as "burglar-proof". The skills of burglars are advancing too with time. So, to avoid clever thieves from attacking your house and stealing valuables, you need to take considerable precautions. Below are the twenty-one tips to prevent burglary at your home so that you feel guarded.

1. Get a pet dog to guard your home: Most common and convenient option is to get a pet and train it to safeguard your home. Believe it or not, most thieves are badly scared of dogs!

2. Keep your spare keys in a place known only to you: Unlike old times, you cannot keep your spare key under a flowerpot or doormat. Unsurprisingly, invaders are aware of this trick. So, it is advisable to keep your keys at some safe place, or you can hand them over to your trustworthy neighbours till you return home.

3. Keep your car keys accessible to you: At the time of intrusion, you can make them scared by pressing the car alarm with your keys.

4. Always use the peephole before opening the door: Use the peephole to see who's outside, confirm the unknown person's identity, and then only open the door.

5. Draw curtains and blinds: Surely you won't like to give some stranger an option of window shopping to your home. To ensure privacy inside your house, make a habit of drawing curtains and blinds.

6. Be a friendly neighbour: A neighbourhood watch is one of the best ways to protect your home. Protect their home when they are not around and request them the same when you are away for a long period.

7. Install security cameras for surveillance: Make this one-time investment in installing CCTV outside your home premises. No invader will break in quickly.

8. Keep your valuables safe: Considering the worst case, even if the intruder breaks into your house, make sure that your valuables, essential documents, and ornaments are in a fireproof and password-protected safe or locker.

9. Hide expensive items: Don't keep your expensive items like jewellery, watches etc., at bay where everyone can see them. It's easier for visitors and strangers to scan through while you open the door for them.

10. Install a video doorbell camera: It is a modern-day alternative to the peephole, providing a better and broader view and a clear channel for communication.

11. Keep multiple layers of defence: Using a single door is not safe. Keeping fences, external gates on the entrance further prevent invaders.

12. Shift your door hinges: Doors having hinges outside are highly vulnerable. Anyone can break in with simple tools. So, make sure hinges are inside the home.

13. Shine a light of security: Having a light outside the home and keeping the gate well-lit makes burglary less possible. Burglars usually try to avoid attacking homes that have lights on!

14. Keep the external switches and wires covered: The invaders will likely break in after cutting the cables and CCTV camera connections. So, ensure that all the cables are covered safely and not visible to intruders.

15. Timely update and upgrade doors and locks: Old doors and locks are easily breakable and cannot provide durability. Update your locks and doors from time to time.

16. Use multiple locks: Like multiple doors, use multiple locks for additional protection.

17. Secure the windows: The window is a familiar and most found intruding means by which burglars break-in. Make it safer by using good quality windowpanes, glasses, and handle locks.

18. Declutter your door: When you are not at home, ask your neighbours or inform some friend to empty your garbage bin, collect your daily newspapers or any parcels and packages dropped at your doorstep.

19. Keep security signboards: 'This property/home is under the surveillance of CCTV.' Such signboards will easily break the will of an intruder, preventing them from entering your house.

20. Don't overshare or overexpose: Make wise use of social media. And don't overshare your personal information, things about the home, or any upcoming events and trips too. It might risk your home and privacy in the first place.

21. Get a home insurance plan: A good house insurance India plan guards your house against losses in case of a burglary. Your insurance company will reimburse the value of the lost items.

Phew! Many of the above tips will save your home from burglary and make it secure inside out in your day-to-day life. The future of safe homes lies in home automation or smart homes. If you have a reasonable budget, you can also opt for such options. However, thinking of additional protection for a home is not a wrong thought. So, always invest in home insurance that provides you additional protection.

Click HERE to get the best home insurance India for your home.

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.

Technology is undoubtedly a key driver for the economic growth of a country. Fuelled by the revolution in internet connectivity, it has evolved over the years and made many advancements. As a result, it plays a significant role in improving people's lives in every field, including the transport industry. Truck drivers encounter multiple issues in their day-to-day life, but the latest introduction of technology in truck drivers' lives has made things smoother for them. In this post, we share how technology is making the life of truck drivers easy on the wheels.

1. ELDs – Electronic Logbook Devices:
Truck drivers are required to manually fill forms or papers to enter the number of hours they drive. To avoid this hassle, ELDs are attached to the engine, which automatically calculates the number of driving hours. Besides, ELDs also assist in helping the truck driver with fuel consumption by the truck. Another perk of these devices is that it monitors the driving route and thus helps the truck driver's safety. Furthermore, if truck drivers encounter accidents, ELDs play a crucial role in proving the evidence.

2. Load boards:
Load boards are another vital tool used to find new shippers who need to haul their loads. This is widely used by truck drivers, owners, freight brokers, and more. You can go to load board sites and enter all the necessary information, including types of loads you can haul, weight allowance, and currently available destinations. Once you fill up all this information, shippers can contact you.

3. GPS systems for truck drivers:
GPS units are a standard device that assists truck drivers to reach their destination quickly with the shortest route. It avoids unnecessary travelling for them and results in efficient delivery. In case of traffic jams and bad weather conditions, the drivers can avoid those routes and save fuel and time.

4. Best use of smartphones:
Smartphones are excellent technology examples that are helpful for truck drivers. Through smartphones, truck drivers can communicate seamlessly and share their exact locations. This is also crucial for knowing how long the truck driver will take to reach their destination. Additionally, you can use smartphones to check out the nearest gas stations, accommodations, and more. During the breaks, truck drivers can use their phones for entertainment, such as listening to their favourite music or watching shows and movies.

5. Hands-free communication:
Voice assistant devices and other hands-free communication devices serve great purposes for truck drivers. Using hands-free communication devices ensures their eyes are on the road while informing people about their route. Since we all are aware of the consequences of holding a phone while driving, truck drivers can use hands-free communication devices and stay in contact with the dispatcher. This is also essential when the driver is confused about the exact route and needs guidance.

It is no surprise that technology innovation is pushing the limits and changing how the transport business functions and improving life on highways. However, as the industry evolves and expands, it also requires safe cover for efficient operation through motor insurance. Good motor insurance addresses the worry of mishaps on the road and puts you away from unwanted risks. Thanks to the technology, you can have online motor insurance renewal even on the move from your smartphone. So, use the technology advancement to your advantage and remain ahead in the business!

To know more about motor 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.

In the developing world, with growth comes the need for constant construction of infrastructure. But construction projects at the cost of human life can be risky for any developer. Just like any other office, a safe environment is required at a construction site too. Safety rules serve a purpose at construction sites. Still, every year, many fatal accidents occur at construction sites.

So, how do we secure a safe construction site for everyone? In this article, we have put together eight safety measures that need to be followed at a construction site.

1. Check your tools and equipment:
Examine all the tools and equipment that you often use. Check them all before starting to work and ensure that they don’t need repair work. Even a slight fault can cost massive damage when operating them.

2. Training is the key:
The company’s responsibility is to hire trained and qualified workforce for working at a construction site. Even though most people learn things during the job, safety is a skill that is better to know before starting the job. Regular instructions and safety drills should be given to the workers and everyone to be adequately trained on security procedures.

3. Proper supervision can be a guiding hand:
Every construction site should appoint a person capable of enforcing discipline and proper safety standards with no exceptions. The supervisor should be responsible for checking on every person present on-site and also check if the safety protocols are correctly followed or not.

4. Proper signs to stay alert:
There are multiple possible hazards at a construction site for the workers and others. Therefore, it is necessary to caution people of potential dangers like the falling of heavy objects or the presence of gas or chemicals. Signs and posters are the most effective and affordable way of reducing accidents by making people alert when they are close to the site.

5. Communicate regularly on safety:
Communication is not confined just among the selected group of employees. The employer is also responsible for talking to the workers about safety or taking all precautions to avoid accidents. Often minor occurrences of miscommunications lead to severe accidents. So, it is crucial to ensure proper and clear communication on safety rules at the construction site by the authorities.

6. Be careful about the scaffolding:
When erecting scaffolding, ensure that every worker has enough training on creating scaffolding and working on it. It should be constructed firmly on the ground with the support of solid footing to avoid it from collapsing.

7. Beware of surroundings when using heavy equipment:
Caught in between and run-over accidents are the most common occurrences at a construction site. Therefore, stay away from blind spots of any heavy equipment. Always maintain a safe distance while working on heavy equipment.

8. PPE:
Provide personal protective equipment to every worker. Ask them to wear a reflected vest, safety goggles, head and fall protection gear, and safety gloves at all times. The safety of workers should be taken care of at all levels because they are the ones who face the maximum risk of getting injured.

To avoid any casualties, provide a set of safety rules for everyone to follow. But still, unfortunate accidents can happen, and there is a need for extra prosecution. So, another step that construction companies oblige is to buy 'public liability insurance India.' This insurance offers cover for third-party liabilities that adds to an extra layer of protection.

Click HERE to get the best deals on public liability 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.

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 makes it mandatory for two-wheeler riders to wear safety helmets. According to the law, the helmet must also have a thickness of 20-25 mm and be made of high-quality foam. It should also be ISI-certified and adhere to the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Now the question you ask: Do helmets save lives?
According to recent research published by the United Nations, at least four out of every ten motorcyclists killed in road accidents might be spared if they wore proper helmets. The UN Motorcycle Helmet Study further points out that two-wheelers are one of the most dangerous modes of transportation, stating, "Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a traffic collision than drivers of passenger vehicles. Wearing a proper helmet increases motorcyclists' chances of survival by 42 percent and prevents almost 70 percent of injuries."

In India itself, effective helmet use can save at least 15,000 motorcyclists in India each year. The traffic discipline on Indian roads is annoying to most good commuters. Even though you follow all the rules, lack of lane discipline, over speeding and jumping the red signal light by the defaulters around you cause a higher risk of accidents. So while you are cautious on the road, getting an extra layer of bike insurance protection is always recommended. If you haven't bought one, purchase bike insurance online for your vehicle to remain extra safe on uncertain roads.

Why don't riders wear helmets?
Despite these facts, people neglect to wear a helmet citing the many excuses such as; heaviness of it, narrowing view, neck pain, or hair loss because of it. But they should understand that the advantages surpass the disadvantages in these cases. Some individuals avoid wearing helmets in their community by lanes, but they fail to realize that accidents do not always happen at high speeds. People have died from severe head injuries after falling off a two-wheeler at low speed. Furthermore, several incidents have occurred when bikers met with accidents due to potholes on the roads. Also remember, not everyone travels at 20-25 kph.

Quick tips before you buy a helmet?
By now, you've probably recognized that wearing a helmet is an essential part of your safety routine. So here are recommendations to help you to get the appropriate helmet:

• When purchasing a helmet, look for one that has the ISI mark on it.

• The ISI marking on a famous helmet brand assures that it can withstand the forces generated by accident and protect your head from damage.

• Only buy helmets from well-known manufacturers.

• The helmet's fit is essential, so get a helmet that fits your head tightly

• Ensure the protective padding within the helmet, which absorbs the power of an impact.

With a good helmet, a good bike insurance plan is what you also need to have. You can go for bike insurance online and select the best one with an attractive premium and features. You always look fabulous on the bike, but safety comes first. So, be cool, wear your helmet!

To view the best bike insurance online, 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.