GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

As per an official report released by the government, an astounding 469,910 road accidents were reported in 2017. Even though the number of accidents have been steadily declining over the past few years, an estimated 53 people get injured on Indian roads every single hour! Accidents are unfortunate, and there is no way to be prepared for them. However, while a personal accident cover (PAC) can’t alleviate the risk of accidents, it definitely covers the financial risk arising out of death, permanent or partial disability.

What does it cover?

A PAC covers any physical injury from a road, rail, air incident, burn injury, animal bite, injury due to collision or fall, drowning, poisoning, etc. It is available as an add-on option from insurance providers such as Magma HDI.

What are the types of PAC?

There are a few different types of PACs. While you can purchase a stand-alone policy, usually the coverage comes bundled as a rider with a life insurance plan. You could also buy limited period PACs when booking air or railway tickets. However, in the case of auto insurance, availing a PAC is mandatory as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

What are some advantages of a PAC?

1. It helps your insurance portfolio: Many health insurance plans do not cover accidental medical emergencies. As an add-on cover to your health or motor insurance, a PAC helps you cover all bases. As far as add-ons are concerned, a PAC truly helps make your plan comprehensive.

2. Cost-effective: The premium for a PAC is minimal and affordable for all. For example, a 30-year-old male would have to pay less than Rs 1000 per annum for a Rs 10 lakh coverage. Thus, it gives you essential coverage without the hassle of a hefty additional fee.

3. Ease of availing: A PAC only needs your basic personal information. There is no need for a medical check-up or follow up documentation. It can be availed in a matter of minutes as it is simply added to your new/existing policy.

4. Hassle-free claim settlement: If you ever need to avail the benefits of PAC, all you would need to do is inform the insurance company of the time and date of the accident, your policy number and contact details. The claim settlement process is initiated immediately after that.

5. Children’s education benefit: For families, a major concern is taking care of our children in our absence. Some insurers also cover the education of dependent children, in case of death or permanent disability of the insured person to ensure a secure future for them.

What should you keep in mind before purchasing PAC?

Personal accident covers are also subject to exclusions like your insurance policy. Some of these are losses arising out of acts of war or terror, injuries resulting from participation in adventure sports etc. Make sure you read your plan's policy wordings thoroughly for a smooth experience if you ever do need to make a claim. When looking out for a PAC, choose one that offers worldwide coverage and other add-on benefits like Magma HDI’s individual personal accident cover.

Things change. It is the law of the universe, and we, along with everything that we do, are a part of it. To resist change is to combat the natural phenomenon of things. When you accept change and plan things in accordance with it, then things have a habit of place. Otherwise, things may just fall apart. Indeed, no one can stop the changes in life, and the same applies to the insurance sector as well. There has been a lot going on in the insurance industry in the past ten years. According to the data provided by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the insurance industry in India is expected to $280 billion by FY2020. The overall penetration of insurance policies in India increased from 2.71 percent in 2001 to 3.69 percent in 2017. The gross insurance premiums that were collected in India during FY19 reached Rs 5.78 trillion (US$ 82.8 billion). In this, 4.08 trillion (US$ 58.5 billion) came from life insurance whereas Rs 1.69 trillion (US$ 24.3 billion) came from non-life insurance.

Ease in the insurance process

One of the highlights of the changing insurance industry has been the ease of access. Now, everything can be done online, and the data is available at disposal, thanks to the growth and penetration of technology. The internet has created a trusted business model that provides value to all stakeholders. You also get free online support if you face any queries while exploring your insurance options.

Paperless process

The general insurance in India has become entirely paperless. From buying the policy to paying the premium — everything can be done online with nos risks at all. Since the whole insurance industry has taken an online shift, it is much easier to compare insurance policies and choose the best option. Now, it has become easier to explore deals across insurance companies and choose the one that fits your interest the most.

Low risk

With things going paperless, there are no risks involved. Even if you lose your insurance documents, you can easily claim them back by filing your issue online. Earlier, it was difficult to keep track of all the documents physically. However, with the onset of smartphones, everything can be accessed online without any hassle and the need of carrying physical files. The facts and numbers of general insurance prove that the insurance industry is booming. As a customer, it becomes crucial that you get access to the best insurance service. If you are looking for general insurance in India that comes with online support, then Magama HDI general insurance could be the answer. Magma HDI insurance provides you with the option to buy insurance online, and it also comes with the option to file claims online — all at your fingertips.

Having a basic third-party insurance is a must as per the law, however, it only covers the risk of harm or damage to a third party, leaving you high and dry in the event of an accident. So, if you love your ride and your peace of mind, you need to go beyond the basics with a comprehensive motor insurance. Not only does it cover you and your car, but also offers an array of add-ons to truly protect your car.

What are add-ons?

Just as you get to choose from a range of toppings for your pizza to make it better, you can pick and choose from a multitude of add-on benefits made available to you by motor insurance companies in india . It offers additional coverage in return for a little extra premium. Here are some great choices to help you build your ideal plan.

1. Engine protection: If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider getting an engine protection add-on cover that allows you to get your engine repaired or replaced in case of water ingress. This benefit also applies to instances of leakage that could eventually harm your engine. Your insurance provider will cover the costs of repairs or replacements as long as they fall under coverage mentioned in the policy wordings.

2. NCB retention:  You take extra care of your car and even bear small costs yourself to save your NCB. Imagine after 4-5 years of carefully increasing the discount percentage, a small accident compels you to make a claim. You'll lose all the time and effort you had put into increasing your NCB because of a small mistake. This is where the NCB retention add on comes in which helps you protect your NCB even after you make a claim.

3. Zero depreciation: The depreciated value of your car refers to the regular wear and tear that decreases the value of your vehicle. In fact, even if you ensure not a single scratch comes to your car, it'll still lose value with time. So when you make a claim, it'll be settled keeping the reduced value of the parts in mind. Well, unless you have zero depreciation add on that helps you retain the value of your car even with time. This means you get the complete coverage for your claim with no out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Road-side assistance: If you fear anything going wrong on the roads such as a flat tire, dead battery etc., this add-on guarantees you assistance on the spot and is covered by your insurance provider. You can even get coverage against additional circumstances such as overnight expense coverage in case your car breaks down with Magma HDI's additional road-side assistance cover.

5. Invoice value: In the event of total loss, constructive total loss or theft of the insured vehicle, your insurance provider will pay the invoice value or even replace your vehicle with a new one if you opt for this cover. It will also apply to additional charges that may come with your vehicle such as customs duty, registration charges etc.

6. Key replacements: Losing your car key is probably one of the most common car mishaps. With this add-on, get reimbursed for getting a duplicate key or replacing your car lockset in case of a burglary.

7. Loss of personal belongings: In the event of an accident or burglary, you undergo tremendous amounts of stress as you can never fully recover the belongings. However, with this cover, you can put your mind at ease as it can reimburse the cost of your valuable belongings such as your laptop, phone etc.

8. Inconvenience allowance Motor insurance provides you with financial coverage in case of accidents or any other damages. Inconvenience allowance is a daily cash benefit that you are entitled to if you file a valid own damage claim. It can go for as long as ten days to cover all the repairs that your insured vehicle needs. Thus, leaving you prepared for any unforeseen damages no matter how big they are.

The key is to identify your needs and choose the add-on benefits accordingly while buying/renewing your insurance. Most of these add-on covers come at a nominal charge but are well worth the extra buck. For these add-on covers and much more, have a look here at what Magma HDI has to offer.

A health insurance policy is meant to save you from the financial impact of a sudden illness, accidental injuries, and critical diseases. It also works as a legal contract between you and the health insurance provider to bear the costs of hospitalization, doctor’s fee, and other medical expenses.

But, there are many unique provisions of general insurance in india that can be difficult for a layperson to grasp. But thanks to the internet, it's simpler now to understand many confusing concepts.

You can explore and browse through YouTube videos that lucidly explain every important term at your own convenience.

If you're left wondering which videos to watch, here are our top five picks:

1. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=W4ZWXBQRO-I

This is a video from Indianmoney.com, where they explain the best methods to find a suitable health insurance plan. The video tells you how to look for the maximum coverage on your insurance policy and how add-ons can help you in the future.

They also inform you about other important things like clarifying with your insurer about coverage for certain pre-existing diseases when taking a policy with a lesser waiting period to ensure you go in completely informed while buying your first policy.

2. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=X86NLVV6ERE

This link from My Insurance Club talks about the different types of health insurance policies available to us. It broadly divides all health insurance policies into two and then further talks about plans specific to your needs such as critical illness plans.

The video explains the type of policies with the help of examples that relate to real-life scenarios.

3. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=DBTMNM8D-84

This video from Consumer Reports explains the costs related to health insurance. Here, they explain deductibles, premiums and out-of-pocket maximums which are applicable to various health insurance plans.

You must have read or heard about these terms with regard to medical insurance policies. In this video, you can understand them better with in-depth explanations and visuals. It helps you to make better sense of health insurance in India and how your plan helps you.

4. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9H-VSFU_B_Q

This is a YouTube video from Consumer Reports which is a quick guide to picking the right health insurance for you. The video tells you factors to look for while looking for health insurance. These may include services such as OPD or even ambulance fees. 

5. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ZZAYPKW6W-G

This video from My Insurance Club talks about the major benefits of buying health insurance. These include cashless services, hospitalisation coverage etc. Check out this video to make sure that you are making the best of your plan.

These are some of the best YouTube videos related to various concepts of health insurance. Go through them to know your options better when choosing a plan for you and your family.