GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Routine oil change ensures that your vehicle’s engine is in good shape. Moreover, it guarantees that the machine operates on high-quality motor oil thus improving its performance and the engine’s life. But which oil is suitable for vehicles - regular or synthetic?

Most people believe that oil does not make a significant difference in the performance of your car, but that isn’t the case. The type of oil used for your motor impacts its well-being and durability. So, to secure your car’s engine, be attentive to the requirements regarding its oil.

Let's quickly look at the aspects that differentiate these two types of oils before you pick a side.

What exactly is Regular oil?
Regular oil or conventional oil is a blend of crude oils and additives that meets the minimum requirements for engines and is commonly used in older or low-mileage vehicles. Depending on the manufacturer and pricing, these oils can range from mediocre to excellent grade.

What is Synthetic oil?
Synthetic motor oil combines high-quality additives that provide the finest engine protection. It can help with engine cleanliness, heat prevention, and engine endurance. It is usually suggested for all current and new-age automobiles due to its benefits of providing the highest engine protection.

How to determine which oil is better for your vehicle?
The ultimate way to choose which oil to go for is by reading your vehicle’s user manual, which states the correct oil for your motor. However, other minor factors contribute to decision-making, such as the age of the vehicle, usage, way of driving, and so on.

Advantages of Regular vs. Synthetic oil

1. Regular (Conventional) oil:
• The most obvious advantage of choosing conventional oil is that it won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
• It is readily available and a good choice for drivers and mechanics to get their hands on.
• Well suited for older motors.
• Many motor companies and mechanics advise using traditional oil for older vehicles and low-mileage vehicles.

2. Synthetic oil:
• Synthetic oil is composed of homogeneous molecules that reduce friction in the engine.
• Synthetic oil is also more refined, resulting in fewer deposits in the engine. It is purer and has fewer contaminants.
• It is improbable to break down and hence has higher durability.
• It lasts longer; thus, your motor won’t need frequent trips to the mechanic for an oil change.

The decision between conventional and synthetic motor oil depends on where and how your vehicle is used. Consult the owner’s handbook to ensure you’re using the recommended oil for your car. It will also inform you of the proper distance periods between oil changes.

You should timely replace your motor oil, whether you use regular or synthetic motor oil. Like the oil for your engine, investing in good motor insurance is always the right thing for your vehicle. Using motor insurance with limited features will not provide you complete protection to your car against financial emergencies during any breakdown. Therefore, make sure to browse through the options before purchasing the best one for your vehicle.

Are you looking for a suitable 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 residential complexes or workplaces, fire situations are severe risks to the safety of people and assets. Understanding fires and putting best preventive policies are crucial for the administrative unit of the buildings. Knowing the different fire classifications will make selecting the best fire solutions much easier.

Water, carbon dioxide, foam, vaporizing liquid, and dry powder are the six primary varieties of fire extinguishers available in India. Remember that not all fires are the same, and not an extinguisher can put off all types of fires; therefore, it’s critical to know about their classes. In this space, we'll take you through the types of fire and the correct type of extinguisher needed to tackle them.

1. Class A (General Fires):
These fires are caused by common flammable materials such as wood, plastics, textiles, paper, and rubbish used in homes, workplaces, enterprises, and industrial settings. Class A fire flames are less damaging and can be put out quite quickly.

How to put out class A fire: The best way is to use a water or foam fire extinguisher. You may simply use tap water to put out this type of fire since it removes the fire's heat source.

2. Class B (Liquid Fires):
Combustible liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, kerosene, paints, and gases such as propane and methane are the most common sources of class B fire. Typically, these fires occur in industrial settings that deal with petroleum and gas products.

How to put out class B fire: You need to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply to prevent the fire from spreading rapidly. Carbon dioxide, Powder, and Foam based extinguishers work best to combat Class B fires.

3. Class C (Electric Fires):
The primary source for class C flames is electric components. Short circuits are frequently the cause. Industrial buildings with heavy electrical equipment that consumes a lot of electricity are prone to these hazards. They can occur in households and small businesses as well.

How to put out class C fire: Class C flames demand prompt power shutoff and the usage of non-conductive chemical fire extinguishers such as CO2-based. You can even opt for powder-based fire extinguishers.

4. Class D (Metal Fires):
Combustible metals such as aluminium, magnesium, potassium, and titanium are the principal source of Class D flames. The majority of Class D fires occur in laboratories. On the other hand, combustible metals are employed in various industrial manufacturing and production processes, which raises the risks of class D fires in those industrial premises.

How to put out class D fire: Powder-based extinguishers that absorb heat and suppress the flames are the most effective tools to put out the fire under this class.

5. Class K (Cooking Fires):
Class K fires are often confused with the class B fires. This is because they share the same fuel source, which is combustible liquids. However, class K fires are significantly distinct. These fires typically occur in kitchens during food preparation. Cooking ingredients such as cooking oils and vegetable/animal fats trigger and fuel the flames. Class K flames are deadly and may wreak havoc in a short amount of time. They are commonly seen in restaurants and houses but can occur anywhere there is cooking involved.

How to put out class K fire: foam-based, wet chemical extinguishers work best on class K fires.

Now that you completely understand the origins of all these different types of fires and how to put them off. You should determine which fire extinguisher to keep at your disposal at all times. And don't forget only to purchase an ISI-certified extinguisher.

As the famous saying goes, “hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” while you’re out there searching for the ideal extinguisher, protect yourself and your assets with general insurance. Get a general insurance online quote today and add value to your assets.

To get general insurance online quote, 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.

Two-wheelers are the most preferred travelling option for people from home to the workplace as they help your way through traffic smoothly. Moreover, as they have become daily support for middle-class families, many have dreamed of buying a two-wheeler, mainly since the pandemic emerged.

There are plenty of benefits to buying a second-hand two-wheeler. But before you purchase one, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best value for money. For example, you don’t want to buy a vehicle that troubles you with additional money on maintenance or repair.

Below are a few tips to help you get the best deals for your second-hand two-wheeler.

1. Understanding the purpose of your vehicle:
If you need a vehicle for long trips, you will have to search for a high-performance touring bike to make your journey pleasant. Similarly, if you need a two-wheeler for your daily use, you may look for a comfortable motorcycle or scooter with a decent average.

2. Finding where you can purchase two-wheelers:
There are plenty of resellers available, both online and offline. You can directly approach offline showrooms of used two-wheelers or ask your friends for referrals. You can also check for resellers online to find a credible seller. It always helps if you connect with them in person and understand all the details.

3. Check the two-wheeler thoroughly:
Sometimes what you see online can be deceiving. Therefore, it is essential to check the vehicle personally. When you check the two-wheeler in person, you can observe the minor details such as any scratches, dents, and how well it is maintained. No matter where you buy the vehicle from, there are two necessary checks:

• Mechanical check

• Paperwork

In mechanical check, always look out for any rust, scratches, engine check, oil check, oil leakage (if any), dents, mileage, accident damage, brakes, air cleaners, gears, clutch, how many kilometres it has run already, and more.
Similarly, you need to check for a PUC certificate, RC book, service history, tax certificate, NOC, and more for paperwork.

4. Ask for a test drive:
The best way to know if the vehicle works appropriately and suits you the best is to take a test drive. Taking a test drive will help you understand if you are comfortable with the bike’s performance and power. Even if your bike looks perfect, it may not be a comfortable ride for you. Therefore, ensure that you do not miss out on the test drive.

5. Know the market value and negotiate well:
Once you are satisfied with the vehicle’s condition and the documents, you can do thorough research online about the current market value of the two-wheeler you are purchasing. You can talk to the seller and negotiate for the final price you are willing to pay. Once you and the seller come to a final price, you can sign the official paperwork and make the payment!

The tips mentioned above can help you pick the best two-wheeler and ensure that you are getting the best deals! But remember that buying a second-hand two-wheeler is just the first step. You need to ensure its safety by adding a layer of protection in the form of 2 wheeler insurance. You may opt for 2 wheeler insurance online and avail exciting deals and lower premium options offering the best value-to-your-money.

Click HERE to buy 2 wheeler insurance online for your two-wheeler.

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.

Relocating to another state appears to be a daunting task if you’re experiencing it for the first time. There are multiple things to take care of while planning a relocation. From packing stuff and moving to another state to adjusting to the changing environment can irk you badly.

What worries you the most is the transfer of your bike registration that needs to be thoroughly examined during the entire relocation process. You need to acquaint yourself with the registration process of the new state and accordingly schedule your timelines for the same. This is indeed a cumbersome task, but we are here with our guide to make this process a swift one before it turns out to be a daunting task.

1. New state, fresh registration:
There are two scenarios that you need to understand. First, if you are relocating for less than a year, you don’t need to transfer the RC. But, if you’re planning to settle in the new state for more than a year, then you will have to go through a transfer process. Initially, you need to visit the RTO near your area and get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) as clearance for your bike. Then, after transferring to the new state, you will have to apply for fresh registration of RC of your motorcycle in the RTO of the new state.

2. What documents to carry?

Following is the list of documents required for the re-registration process.

• Original copy of Previous Registration Certificate.

• Three copies of Form 28 or the NOC issued by your local state’s RTO.

• NOC obtained from the local police station.

• NOC from Traffic police personnel.

• Form 20 as the application for the registration of the motor vehicle.

• Form 27 as the application for the assignment of a new registration mark to the motor vehicle.

• Attested copy of address proof.

• Attested copy of valid insurance.

• Attested copy of the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC).

• Copy of PAN Card or Form 60 and 61

3. Visit the RTO of the new state and complete the re-registration:
Visit the local RTO at your new location with all the above documents and fill your application for re-registration. Carefully provide all the essential information and verify all the documents thoroughly before submitting them to the officials. Once you fill the form and submit all your documents, you’re through your bike registration in the new state.

4. Fill the new road tax challan followed by vehicle inspection:
After completing the registration process at the new RTO, you will be asked to pay the required fees for that state’s new road tax challan issued by the RTO. Make the payment and collect your challan. The next step is the inspection of your bike. An RTO officer will conduct an assessment of your vehicle to check the condition of your bike and its parts. The primary purpose of the inspection is to ensure that your bike qualifies all the general safety requirements. All the collected data is stored for future reference along with the imprint of the chassis number.

5. The last step, and it’s done!
After completing verification, if your RC gets approved, you will be allotted a date to visit the RTO and collect your new RC.

To sum it up, make your relocation process manageable by following our guide. Follow all the steps mindfully and without any delays. Importantly, complete the entire registration process before your NOC expires. Considering all these factors, it is also essential to inform your bike insurance provider about your relocation. Provide all the details to the insurance company to verify your case and compute the insurance premium for your bike.

Click HERE to get the details about bike insurance to satisfy 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.

Imagine you are on a road trip, and suddenly you encounter a “flat tyre” situation. While you may think you should let a mechanic handle it, sometimes giving it a try on your own can be a much easier job to do. Changing the tyre is not challenging, nor does it need you to be “strong.” Just a few tips, and you are sorted to fix the issue all by yourself. In this blog, we have broken down the steps to learn how to change your tyre quickly!

Before you learn how to change the tyre, here’s something you should note:

Remember to keep a spare tyre in your car for emergencies. Moreover, pull over to a safe place and avoid parking on a slope or a dangerous road.

Furthermore, whenever you park, keep your parking lights on. This is crucial when it is dark so that the passing vehicles on the road will be aware of your car which reduces the chances of accident.

What are the tools you will need?

Before we begin with the steps, these are the tools you will need to change your vehicle’s tyre on your own.

● A spare tyre

● Carjack

● Lug wrench

● Wheel nut key

● Reflective jacket

● Car owner’s manual/handbook

Additional things you may need:

● Torch

● Gloves

● Warning triangle

● Wheel wedges

● Short plank of wood (optional)

Step-By-Step Guide to change your vehicle’s tyre on your own:

If you learn how to change your vehicle’s tyre once, you can easily do it whenever you need it next time.

Step 1: Pull over to a safe place and prepare for your tyre change. Pull the hand brakes and keep your vehicle in the first gear. Now, take out all the essential tools mentioned above. If you have an automatic car, put it in the “park” mode.

Note: If you have people sitting in your car, ask everyone to stand in a safe place. Avoid people sitting in your car until the tyre has been changed.

Step 2: Now, loosen all the nuts from the wheel by rotating them anti-clockwise. Note that you only need to loosen the nuts to a point where they are rotatable with your hand and NOT remove them altogether.

Step 3: If you are unaware of your car’s jack point, check out your car’s manual. Now, use your jack to uplift the vehicle. You can use the small wood of plank to keep the vehicle stable; this is crucial when the road is uneven. Raise the car 10-15 cms above the ground.

Step 4: Next step is to remove the loosened wheel nuts and remove the tyre using a cross-wrench.

Step 5: You can remove the dirt or rust in the vehicle hub and start placing your new tyre.

Step 6: Fit all the nuts into the tyre and tighten them with your hands.

Step 7: Use the jack to lower your car to the ground level again.

Step 8: Now, tighten the screws fully with the cross-wrench. Give a final check to the tightness and if needed, go to the nearby gas station to get the pressure level checked.

Take your punctured tyre for repair and later replace it with the spare one.

Since you know how to change the tyre of your vehicle, next time, you won't have to wait on a street for a mechanic or a passerby to come for your help. Besides learning the essential maintenance tips, it is also important to invest in the vehicle’s safety against heavy damages caused due to uninvited accidents. Buy motor insurance online and get useful coverage add-ons for your vehicle’s servicing and repair works.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance online.

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.

If you get to have a conversation with a motorhead, you'll probably hear them say that the joy of riding a motorbike comes second to none. A feast for the senses, riding is exhilarating and comforting to motorcyclists. It fosters joy, excitement, thrill, and pleasure. When you ride, you feel liberated, and there is always something new to discover and learn when you're on the roads.

Life throws a lot of experiences at you while on a motorbike trip. You can learn a lot about yourself and others while you are steering your way through the places and covering distances. Bike trips are much more than fun. Such trips can be a great way to connect to your deeper self and unravel fresh experiences and valuable lessons that may change your perspective towards life.

Here are a few life lessons that you can learn when you set out for a bike trip.

1. You’re a tiny but important part of this world:
As a motorcyclist, you share the road with fellow riders. It’s important to respect each vehicle on the road. So, consider yourself important as your discipline makes a significant contribution on the road.

2. Life is too short:
We all have witnessed reckless drivers—cutting into lanes without proper signals, speeding in single lanes, and whatnot. Viewing any mishap or accident is a terrible experience during your long riding trip, but you realize how suddenly things can change. It makes you more careful and appreciative of everything as they are here and now.

3. Focus on your goal:
While driving a car, drivers often engage in distracting activities like adjusting the AC knob and tuning to a radio station. But when you're riding, it's just you, your bike, and the road. There are no distractions, and you just concentrate on the road in front. Likewise, we must focus on what is essential in life. Concentrate on the future and don’t allow minor inconveniences to detract you from your ambitions in life.

4. You learn to let go your ego:
As we said, we've all seen our fair share of terrible drivers. Sometimes you are triggered and obliged to accept the situation because you cannot confront every other vehicle on the road. You learn to swallow your ego and remain patient to handle things maturely. Staying calm and tackling problems with patience is not less than any winning formula to live happily.

5. Practice makes an individual perfect:
No one is born perfect, but we can ace any talent with positive intent and dedicated practice. Every ride you take fills you with new experiences and learnings that you can ponder and do better on your next ride. Consistency and a positive mindset are vital to master your fears and weaknesses.

When you are riding, relax your soul and enjoy the present moment. There's plenty to experience even in the most unlikely locations. Hop on the motorbike and discover life like never before. Like life, the roads are uncertain; but something certain is ensuring safety. This is yet another lesson that bike trips teach us; to be responsible for your safety and possessions. So, be responsible and purchase bike insurance for the additional protection of your bike. You may surf through multiple bike insurance online and buy the one that assures value for money.

Click HERE to get bike insurance online.

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.

There is no denying that many outdated vehicles are still plying on Indian roads, causing massive pollution. Therefore, the Government of India has unveiled the Nation's new Vehicle Scrapping Policy. The main object of this updated policy is to get rid of old and unfit automobiles that produce pollution. The government aims to clean up the air, and the efforts are commendable.

If you have an outdated two-wheeler at home and are considering scrapping it, here are some things you should know prior.

1. Mandatory fitness examination:
The procedure of obtaining a fitness certificate would become significantly strict under the updated scrappage Policy. If your two-wheeler is more than 20 years old, you will have to take a fitness test for your vehicle.
Automobiles registered for business use are subject to the fitness standards once they go beyond the 15 years mark. Computerized workshops will be set up around the Nation. This will result in pinpoint accuracy and faster tests.

2. Compulsory end of life vehicle certification:
If your bike fails the fitness test, you will be required to get an ‘End of Life Vehicle certificate’. This is because used automobiles contain dangerous compounds such as lead-acid batteries, lubricating oil, coolant, braking fluid, and catalytic converters. If not disposed of properly, these compounds can contaminate the environment and risk human health and wildlife.

Benefits of scrapping your old bike:
If you're purchasing a new vehicle under the scrappage program, you will receive a 4 to 6% refund off the total price. In addition, state governments can recommend a road-tax credit of up to 25% for personal automobiles and up to 15% for commercial automobiles. In some cases, automobile manufacturers also offer a 5% discount to those who present the 'Scrapping Certificate,' and registration expenses will be waived when purchasing a new vehicle.

Additional pointers to know:

• The policy will not apply to vintage bikes.

• Hybrid and electric bikes are exempted.

• A bike that runs on alternative fuels like CNG is exempted.

When will the policy come into action?
The updated policy will come to force starting with large commercial automobiles, requiring mandatory fitness testing beginning April 1st, 2023. In a phased approach, all other vehicles will be subject to the fitness test starting June 1st, 2024.

Final Say:

The policy is set to come into action in the year 2022; the most crucial stage for the proposed program to succeed is to construct the necessary infrastructure across the nation immediately. As things stand, India has seven computerized fitness test facilities and two official scrappage sites. To meet the market demand, more such facilities are provisioned in coming years.

This policy will encourage the bike sale, benefit the environment, and a step towards a greener future. While benefiting from all the incentives when you dispose of your 2 wheeler, add an extra benefit of insurance to the bundle of happiness. Buy a 2 wheeler insurance online, customize your plan according to your needs, and include the add-ons that can help you when you plan to buy a new two-wheeler after disposing of the old one.

Click HERE to get 2 wheeler insurance online.

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 Indian government has recently stated that installing FASTag is mandatory for every vehicle. Various toll plazas in the country have already adopted it for toll collection. This initiative helps to make the cashless tax collection and reduce waiting time at the toll plazas.

FASTag comes in the form of a sticker or a tag that you need to stick on your car’s windscreen. You can recharge FASTag as per your requirement. When your car passes through a toll plaza, it automatically deducts a certain amount from your bank account or a prepaid wallet. FASTags are a step forward in making India digital. Following are some interesting facts and benefits of FASTag if you are still sceptical about installing it.

Interesting facts to know about FASTag.

1. Without FASTag, you pay double:
Although the authorities have made the use of FASTags compulsory for all vehicles, they are more than just mandatory. If a vehicle does not have it installed, they have to pay double what is paid through FASTag. This rule has been imposed to promote the use of the electronic chip and reduce waiting time and fuel consumption at the tolls.

2. RFID technology:
FASTag uses the RFID or Radio Frequency Identification technology for making payments directly when the vehicle is still in motion. The FASTag sticker is affixed on the vehicle’s windscreen and lets you make direct payments from your bank account or wallet.

3. FASTags are bank-neutral:
FASTags are available in most of the certified banks. They are also available at various toll plazas, digital wallets, and unified payment networks. Vehicle owners can simply visit any of these locations or visit these apps with the required documents to open their FASTag account and recharge it.

4. FASTags have validity:
FASTags have a validity of five years from the day of issuance. This means you will have to renew your FASTag account every 5 years. However, there is no expiry date on your recharge money, and you can use it as per your requirements. To check the validity of your FASTag, you can log in to the bank’s FASTag portal or mobile app.

5. Recharge as per your requirements:
There are two ways you can pay tolls using FASTag- by linking FASTag to your bank account where the money is directly deducted or by recharging your online wallet. If you choose to recharge, the minimum amount is Rs. 100. The recharge can only be done through online mode.

6. FASTags send you SMS alerts:
When you open your FASTag account and link your mobile number to it, you will be notified via SMS whenever there is a deduction from your account. You will also receive details regarding available balance, recharge confirmations, and alerts if you have a low balance.

Technological advancements have been shaping the future of India in various dimensions, and road transport has been receiving the optimum results. Severe commutation issues like long traffic jams, chaos at the toll plazas, and road accidents, have been brought under control with the wise use of technology.

FASTag has been a significant contributor to this movement, and it will show a massive positive impact in the coming years. Be a responsible driver and install FASTag in your vehicle to play your role in the initiative. Use these technology initiatives in your favour to have a comfortable and safe driving standard. And when safety is concerned, think of car insurance. Reduce dependencies on additional unwanted expenses and cover your car under the benefits of a comprehensive car insurance policy. Always look after your car insurance renewal to enjoy uninterrupted services for a long time.

Click HERE to know more about the best car insurance renewal options.

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.