GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

A motorcycle helmet is one of the essential pieces of a rider’s protective equipment. Helmets reduce the risk of death by protecting the rider from the severity of head injuries. When purchasing a motorbike helmet, giving safety priority over looks is the best approach.

While there are a variety of helmets available, we'll talk about the two specific ones, i.e., Full face & Modular. In this article, we share the plus and minus of each to help you decide which one to go for.

1. Full Face Helmet: A full-face helmet entirely covers the head. It has two openings: one at eye level and one at the neck. It is shielded by a movable, clear visor. The chin bar is the band that wraps around the bottom of the visor. The part of the shell covers over the lower portion of the rider's head.

Pros:

● The chin bar integrates with the rest of the helmet's body. This makes the full-face helmet stronger than the modular type.

● Riding with a full-face helmet gives you the best shot at escaping severe injuries.

● Modern-day full-face helmets include a visor that can be lifted to clean it or get some ventilation.

● These helmets don't have visor lifting mechanisms, thus making them lighter.

Cons:

● They lack ventilation. In hot conditions, riders can find this a significant minus point as it can make them sweat extensively and cause itching.

● Some riders, especially claustrophobic ones, find the full-face helmet inconvenient.

● Full-face helmets have visor fogging problems during cold or humid conditions. As the lower part of the full-face helmet cannot move, it’s difficult to wipe the fog.

● Riders with glasses can have difficulty finding a full-face helmet that fits properly around the face.

2. Modular Helmet: A modular helmet is a kind of similar to a full-face helmet at first glance. But upon looking closer, you will spot a movable chin bar. This is useful when riders want the protection of a full-face helmet when riding but prefer the flexibility of opening the helmet up at any time without taking it off completely.

Pros:

● It protects like a full-face helmet and has the breathability of an open-face helmet.

● Riders get the option to open the front portion of the helmet to enhance ventilation, especially if they ride in hot conditions.

● Very helpful for those whose job requires communicating at frequent stops, like food delivery and courier people.

● Riders who use glasses find modular helmets more comfortable.

Cons:

● As the chin bar is not part of the body, it’s not very sturdy. A modular helmet will not provide the same facial protection as a full-face helmet in an accident.

● They are heavier and bigger due to a visor lifting mechanism.

● If your visor is lifted, strong winds while riding can take off your helmet if you haven’t buckled it tightly. This can cause catastrophic scenarios for you and others around you.

Now that you understand the pros & cons of each type, consider the safest two-wheeler helmet that protects you from possible impact. Choose the one that fits your needs and go for it. Just relying on helmets and safety gears for protection is not sufficient. Buying bike insurance further protects you from financial worries during a fall or collision. Buying bike insurance online is most convenient as the process involves minimal paperwork and gets you a lower premium.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance online today!

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.

Self-driving automobiles, previously thought to be a sci-fi fantasy, are now cruising the streets in some parts of the world, but there's a catch. They are not yet capable of reaching the benchmark of human drivers. Using the most sophisticated 3D imagery and Artificial Intelligence, car manufacturers want to provide users with a hands-free experience without jeopardizing personal safety. In today's post, we speak about the technology behind these cars and how they influence the future of mobility.

How exactly Self-driving automobiles work?
When the driver selects a destination into the car's navigation system, the software determines a route and drives the car towards it by tracing the route map. A revolving sensor mounted on the roof monitors a 60-meter radius surrounding the vehicle and generates a dynamic 3-D representation of the surroundings.

A sensor on the left rear tyre detects lateral movement to determine the vehicle's position to the 3-D map. Another couple of radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers calculate obstacle distances. The car's AI software is linked to all sensors and receives data from Google's Street View and integrated video cameras. Artificial Intelligence then mimics human perception and handles driving systems like steering and braking.

The vehicle's software constantly checks Google Maps & built-in GPS to be aware of landmarks, road signs, and lights. An override feature allows the drivers to take over the control of the vehicle whenever they want.

Now that you know how a self-driven car works. Let's look at its possible impact on our future.

1. Settlements:
People generally settle near their workplaces to avoid spending the time commuting daily. However, with self-driven cars, people will have extra time for other activities and personal leisure time as they won't have to drive, which means that they will no longer need to settle as close to the workplaces as before.

2. Fewer Accidents:
We know most accidents occur due to human errors. With no humans behind the wheels, there's no possibility of human error resulting in fewer accidents.

3. Mobility for disabled and elderly:
Differently abled people and the elderly will no longer have to depend on others to drive for them. They can just hop in and start navigating.

4. Fewer traffic jams:
Most traffic jams occur due to the congestion of the vehicles on the roads. Everyone wants to get ahead and, in the process, disrupts a free flow of traffic. Self-driving cars can cut down traffic by multiple folds. Sophisticated software and radars will have a sophisticated driving pattern.

5. Less human touch:
A self-driven car is all about software and sensors. They can never be 100% accurate and lack emotions and feelings. The inability to adapt quickly combined with a lack of emotions can have adverse impacts.

The possibilities for driverless cars are endless, and the imagination is at the top among car manufacturers. However, self-driving technology is not yet fully developed. It will take up a significant amount of time, and legal obligations before autonomous vehicles dominate the roads.

Till then, it's time to focus on what we have at hand. May it be a self-driven car or a non-autonomous car, safety always remains an important aspect for both the categories. And, when the safety of assets is concerned, insurance is the solution. So, as we talk about future technologies, why not consider purchasing online car insurance by making the best use of the internet and online resources for a hassle-free buying experience.

Click HERE to know more about online car insurance plans.

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 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.

While being involved in sports is a pleasure, it also helps you achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Being an athlete or a player, you simply cannot keep away from your share of cuts and wounds. However, you can reduce the risk of severe injuries in a few ways.

One can never predict the severeness of an accident, and hence only staying cautious won't work. You further need to cover yourself with individual accident insurance to enjoy the sport stress-free. Let’s mitigate ways to tackle them and keep you from encountering any severe injury;

1. Stretch! Stretch! Stretch!
Regardless of the kind of sport you are up for, warming up with some stretches is vital in keeping your body elastic and relieving muscle tension. To perform stretching after the game is just as important as doing it before the game. Post-game stretches relax the muscles and eliminate the chances of muscle fatigue.

2. Maintain a healthy diet:
The ideal time to start maintaining a nutritious diet is at least two weeks before the big game or your practice sessions. Besides consuming a balanced diet every day, consult with a sports nutritionist for specific guidance. Since food plays an essential role in your overall strength formation, this is a crucial step to keep you healthy.

3. Make sure you stay hydrated:
Hydration is a must for every action you carry out in your day-to-day life; similarly, staying hydrated during the game is essential. Prevent cramps and tiredness by taking time to drink water in between and be sufficiently hydrated. Water will catalyze your metabolism, keep your brain and muscles alert and impart energy to you throughout your game. This will help lower your chances of injury since staying active will keep your focus.

4. Get ample sleep:
Inadequate sleep causes your reflexes to slow down, which might lead to disastrous mishaps. Getting adequate sleep is not only required for sports but also in our regular life. A clear mind is the ticket to attain focus. And that is only achieved by getting mental and physical rest.

5. It is obligatory to have protective gear:
Having the proper protective gear is just as crucial as anything else. You should wear appropriate gear for each sport you participate in. Also, the gear should be correctly fitted. Consult with your trainers to ensure that your equipment is properly-suited to you and meets industry standards.

6. Obey the guidelines:
Many sports-related injuries can be prevented if you follow the proper guidelines. Guidelines also make the sport more demanding and entertaining while ensuring that nobody gets hurt.

7. Consult Sports Physiotherapists before the big event:
Besides the above tips, a sport physiotherapist further helps you assess and treat injuries related to the sport. His recommendations help you to gain a perfect fitness level and, in the prevention of injuries.

Michael Jordan once rightly quoted – “Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” Our bodies have vulnerabilities that we do not always notice. But, what's more important than playing a sport is being a good sport while you are at it. Stay care-free and shield your dream of being a good sportsperson with individual accident insurance so that you focus on your training and not the injuries.

To browse individual accident insurance policies, 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.

Tattoos and piercings are one of the most common forms of art of self-expression. While some people do it for religious purposes, others do it as a gesture or just as part of a trend. Especially with the new designs and technologies, more youngsters are getting fascinated towards them.

While you may be shortlisting new tattoo designs for your body, it is essential to understand that tattoos and piercings come with various health effects. You may flaunt your new tattoo, but the side effects that it develops can be challenging to overcome sometimes.

In this space, we will discuss the potential health risks of tattoos and piercings so that you can make your decision wisely. With that, let us dive into the details!

Risks of tattoos:

A tattoo artist will usually use a machine with a needle attached to make the tattoo. The needle injects the ink into the second layer of your skin, the dermis (below the epidermis). While tattoos are popular for expressing your feelings and yourself through art, there can be various complications. Some include:

1. Skin allergic reaction: Tattoo dyes like yellow, blue, green, and red can cause various skin reactions, including itching, rashes, more near the inked region. Even after years of getting the tattoo, a person may experience skin reactions that get troublesome with time.

2. Burn or swelling: Everybody reacts differently to tattoos. It is observed that many people experience a burning sensation and swelling around the tattoo area that can even last for longer durations if you don’t receive proper treatment.

3. Bloodborne diseases: If the needle is contaminated through infected blood, a person may get different bloodborne diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, even AIDS. So, be careful regarding the sanitization of the needle and other equipment.

4. Inflamed tissues: A person can also experience nodules of inflamed tissue and may experience an overgrowth of scar around the tattooed area.

5. MRI test complications: Sometimes, a permanent tattoo on your body may interfere with the MRI test, disrupting the image's quality. In addition, burning or swelling can occur during MRI. However, this is rare but a possibility.

The long-term side effects of permanent tattoos are yet to be known. Although hundreds of ink are approved for cosmetic purposes, their side effects for injecting the skin are still not apparent. If you experience skin problems or allergic reactions after getting a tattoo, contact a doctor immediately.

Risks of piercings:

In certain parts of the world, piercings are a part of the culture. However, what most people do not understand is that piercings can cause various bacterial infections, development of an abscess. When it is left untreated, this puss-filled mass can develop a risk of blood poisoning and sepsis.

Since the nose and mouth area contain higher bacteria, the chances of infections are higher in these areas after a piercing. Additional risks include:

1. Keloid formation around the piercing area.

2. Swelling near the piercing site.

3. Bleeding due to damaged blood vessels.

4. Tongue piercing may cause damage to the teeth and gums in a few cases leading to difficulty in speech.

5. Swelling in the tongue after the piercing can cause blockage of the airway leading to difficulty in breathing.

Going with the tattoo and piercings trends can be a new experience that one does not want to miss out. However, it is essential to do extensive research on all the possible side effects and risks involved to ensure that these experiments do not affect your health negatively. Compromising health safety against excitement is not a wise thing to do. Therefore, guard yourself with health insurance before getting your favourite design inked on your body. Also, if needed, consult your family doctor, preferably a dermatologist, to get proper advice.

Click HERE to know more about health insurance plans for you.

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.