GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

If you are a car owner, it is mandatory to have valid car insurance before driving on roads. Purchasing a one-time car insurance policy is insufficient since the annual renewal is equally important. As a responsible car owner and a policyholder, you are accountable to keep track of your car insurance's renewal.

To save money on premiums, many car owners choose the basic insurance plan with minimum benefits. This, in fact, during an unfortunate incident, gives more trouble than any advantage to them. However, there are better ways to reduce the cost of insurance without sacrificing good coverage and features.

To help you with that, we've put down some tips for you to save money on your next car insurance renewal:

1. Always compare:

There are more than a dozen companies out there that offer car insurance. Compare them and understand the clauses of each. Doing full-proof research work is essential to draw maximum benefits from your car insurance plan. You may also do an online evaluation of insurance companies to assist you in selecting the most economical coverage.

2. Opt for online mode:

Purchasing and renewing car insurance online is more economical than the traditional offline method. A vehicle insurance company's overall operational costs reduce when it operates online as it eliminates the funds that go into a mediator agent, paperwork, and other factors. Moreover, car insurance companies believe that online customers are more aware and offer some discounts.

3. Look out for deductibles:

Almost all automobile insurance policies include deductibles. It is the percentage of the claim amount that the automobile owner agrees to pay if a claim is filed due to damage to their car. By agreeing to pay a portion of the claim amount, you lessen your motor insurer's liabilities, and hence you get the car insurance at a more economical rate.

4. Save using your No-Claim Bonus (NCB):

You are eligible to earn a No-Claim Bonus if you do not file any claims during the policy year. The discount rises after each subsequent policy year (for a total of five years). At the time of renewing your car insurance, keep the NCB bonus offer in your mind. You may utilise this to get a reduction on your renewal premium.

5. Always renew your policy before it lapses:

Always ensure you renew car insurance annually on time. If you let the claim expire, it will make the insurance company consider you as an irresponsible person. In addition, the company has the authority to deny you any discounts or additional advantages at the time of renewal. It may even cost you the No-Claim Bonus.

6. Go for long-term insurance policies:

Various insurance companies provide attractive discounts, particularly on long-term vehicle insurance policies. Long-term vehicle insurance plans lower administrative expenses, and these savings are passed on to policyholders in the form of incentives and discounts.

On a conclusive note, insurance renewal is an important exercise that no policyholder can give a miss. So getting preliminary information about renewal tips will be beneficial to maintain a positive track record. So follow the above tips and save some amount on your next car insurance renewal.

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We all can debate if mental health is as crucial as physical health. Because of our stressful lifestyles, it is necessary to stay both mentally and physically fit. Nowadays, doctors, fitness and wellness experts recommend equal attention to a person's mental health, which seems reasonable.

Is mental illness covered in health insurance? Any person who is buying health insurance would have this query in mind. The answer is "yes". The IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has also made it mandatory for insurance companies to have policies with mental illness coverage. Every insurance company has to keep coverage for treating a mental illness in the same way they cover physical ailments.

We explain in this article how a health insurance policy can take care of financial emergencies arising out of any mental illness.

What are mental health and mental illness?

Characteristics such as psychological wellbeing, behaviour, emotions, cognition, and socialising make up a person's mental health. Each of these influences how we act, think, respond and feel. It also plays a role in our decision-making, interactions, and other functional activities. Mental illness refers to the situation when at least one of the characteristics mentioned above falls short in performing their role, and an imbalance occurs in a person's mind. It affects their thinking ability, decisions, behaviour, grasping, responses, memory, and the like.

Facts to know about mental illness coverage in health insurance.

Here are some factors you should know about mental illness and how it is covered in a health insurance policy:

- Just like any physical health insurance, mental health insurance covers your expenses of treatments, hospitalisation, medications, etc.

- Any person suffering from overthinking, moodiness, anxiousness, depression, loss of memory, coordination inability, and the rest is considered mentally ill and can opt for a mental health insurance policy

- Mental health insurance also gives you cashless services like comprehensive insurances

- Unfortunately, mental health insurance does not cover retardation

- The benefits and claim process may differ from one patient to another

- Illnesses resulting from the consumption of drugs or alcohol are excluded from the coverage

- It is more advisable to include mental health insurance in the initial stage with health insurance

Final thoughts:

As we lead a stressful lifestyle, investing in mental health insurance is undoubtedly a wise decision for every health insurance policyholder. We spend a lot of time discussing our physical wellness and weight loss plans, but not nearly enough about our mental wellbeing. Every third person you come across may be suffering from some kind of mental issue. Although there is still a taboo of mental illness being inferior and shameful, it is remarkable how IRDAI acknowledges this concern and makes it compulsory for insurance companies to cover mental disorders.

Though the policies have some exclusions and restrictions, it is only equitable for the insurance companies to provide you with the best available facilities even in emergency.

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With all types of car insurance available out there, which one should you go for? Many vehicle owners get confused by unfamiliar terms and calculations. Buying car insurance is undoubtedly necessary as it protects you from financial trouble. However, selecting it based on lower premiums and skipping other important features about car insurance may not be a good option; if you don't know some lesser-known yet important facts.

So to help you with decision-making for the best car insurance or car insurance renewal, here are seven things you should know about car insurance.

1. Factors that determine your premium:

Although every insurance company applies its own formula for calculating premiums, there are some basic factors used by all of them. The list includes the model, engine, type of your car, current condition of the vehicle, Insured Declared Value (IDV), your age and marital status, etc. This information helps the insurer to evaluate risk and computing the premium for your car insurance.

2. You can save on your insurance premium:

Yes! You heard it right. And this might get you a considerable discount on the insurance premium that you have to pay. You may be eligible for discounts if you have anti-theft devices installed, buying insurance online, or applying for multi-year coverage, among others. There are several ways to lower your insurance premium. Double check with the insurance company on discounts available to you or when to use your no claim bonus.

3. Zero depreciation on damage:

When you make a claim, your car insurance company subtracts the depreciation costs from the cost of the components even before the determination of the claim amount. If your policy includes a zero depreciation cover, your insurer reimburses you for the cost of the components, including depreciation. Purchasing a zero-depreciation policy would raise your premium slightly, but the added coverage is well worth it.

4. Get rewarded in the form of No-Claim Bonus:

Did you know that you are eligible for rewards in the form of bonuses for not using your insurance? For example, insurance companies will offer you a No-Claim Bonus if you do not file a claim during the policy period. It's a premium discount that works as an incentive for improved driving and prevents individuals from claiming tiny amounts.

5. Insurance is transferable:

If you're the second owner of a car and the vehicle's insurance is in the first owner's name, you need not buy a new one. All insurance companies offer car insurance renewal and transfer of insurance to the second owner. All you need to do is to provide the transfer forms with the relevant document to the insurance company, and it's done.

6. The insurer can cancel your insurance:

If you break one or more of your policy's rules during the policy period, your insurance provider has the right to cancel your coverage at any time. The same is true for non-renewal. Failure to pay your premium on time, losing your driver's license due to suspension or revocation, filing too many at-fault claims, or lying about your driving history or prior insurance claims might be grounds for cancellation or non-renewal.

7. All insurers have different premiums:

While the insurance regulation sets the prices for third-party liability insurance, the premiums for all other types of coverage vary between insurers. Therefore, before settling on a vehicle insurance cover, always compare among the available options.

Always make an informed choice about where to cut corners on your insurance features and where no to. Also, remember to choose an insurance company with a good rating and high claim settlement record.

WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE BEST CAR INSURANCE RENEWAL PLAN FOR YOUR VEHICLE. CLICK HERE…

People suffer from obesity disorder worldwide because of their hectic lifestyle and inactive fitness routine. Obesity is nothing but the accumulation of excess fats in the body that negatively impacts a person's health. Factors like genetics, overeating, no physical movement, psychological factors, and side effects lead to the cause of obesity.

Being obese puts you at a greater risk of developing potentially severe health problems, including – diabetes, heart disease, stroke, breathing disorders, fatty liver disease, and lot more.

You might be aware that obese people are more likely to pay a higher insurance premium than other healthy policyholders. This is because obese people are prone to illness and are likely to make more claims than normal policyholders.

But obesity can be brought under control with the help of dieting, daily exercise, weight loss, and many other disciplines in our everyday routine.

In this article, we give you some handy tips that are useful to control obesity.

How to know if you are obese? If your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is commonly used to determine obesity, turns out to be higher than or equal to 30, it classifies you as an obese person.

There is a thin line between being overweight and obese; if your BMI measures between 25 to 29, you are overweight and not obese. Therefore, the formula to calculate Body Mass Index is the weight (kg) divided by Sq. of height (m).

Practical health tips to control obesity.

Here are five tips weight-loss experts recommend to assist in keeping obesity under control.

1. Personalized diet plans:

You must have read a lot that a few minutes of daily exercise are the key to controlling your weight. But, cutting calories and reducing junk food intake is better than increasing your exercise time to achieve weight loss. Overeating and consumption of more calories than needed is one of the primary reasons that cause obesity. Customize your diet plan to ensure calorie intake and the proper nutrients that your body demands.

2. Exercise can help you to stay fit:

Daily exercise and fitness schedule is vital for controlling your weight, and physically inactive people are more likely to gain extra kilos. If you are already maintaining a healthy diet, plan a perfect workout routine or join a gym. Regular exercising helps you burn calories and lose fats.

3. Set up a strong will for an active routine:

You have to work harder than many other people – possibly for a long time if you are overweight. For instance, taking the stairs instead of the elevator will make a significant difference. By changing your detrimental habits, you will cultivate an active and fit lifestyle. Remember, losing weight requires patience and discipline, which does not occur overnight.

4. Eat more healthy snacks between main meals:

You read it right, eat more – just not at your mealtimes. Diet experts recommend keeping many healthy snacks like sunflower seeds, almonds, whole wheat crackers, sliced apples, and other fruits and eating small portions every couple of hours. If you wait until you're starving, you generally tend to eat more.

5. Maintaining a sleep hygiene:

The importance of good sleep in overall well-being cannot be ignored. It works wonders for your goal of preventing obesity, too. There are studies confirming that people who get too little sleep have a greater risk of weight gain and obesity than people who practice seven to eight hours of sleep per day. Sleep hygiene includes a proper sleep schedule and a bedtime routine like reading or listening to some good music.

Obesity, if it gets serious, can take a toll on your pocket. Although there are no policies especially for obesity yet, insurance companies protect obesity in exchange for higher premiums. Therefore, it is always advisable to secure your health insurance at an early stage of life to save you from that extra premium.

TO KNOW ABOUT THE HEALTH INSURANCE THAT GIVES THE BEST BENEFITS, CLICK HER

Bike riding by teens is becoming one of the most common sights nowadays. Many teenagers feel independence and pride as they no longer depend on their guardians to drive them to places. As a result, adolescents have the irresistible urge to flaunt their expensive bikes and lethal driving skills in front of their peers.

You will come across many road accidents reported on the news channels every day. According to research, a person travelling in a commercial plane is less likely to die than riding a motorcycle on Indian roads.

Unfortunately, minors don't take into consideration the consequences of mindless driving. Even some parents allow their kids to drive because they think the worst that could happen is receiving fines from traffic police. However, outcomes can be much severe. Also, your bike insurance won't help you in case of death due to underage driving.

In this article, we share five reasons why parents should not give in to children's demand for bikes.

1. Legal consequences:

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 states that the guardian or the vehicle owner shall be held liable for the infringement and shall be punished accordingly. Imposition of a fine of Rs. 25000 with three years of imprisonment will be made if your ward drives in an illegal driving age. The minor may have to go to court as well and face trials under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act resulting in the cancellation of the vehicle's registration.

2. They are not yet matured:

An individual needs to be cognitively mature to drive fast cars and bikes. For example, adolescents may feel the thrill of getting an adrenaline rush when riding a motorcycle at high speed. But, what they don't understand is that their brains are not yet mature enough to handle it.

3. Road accidents:

According to International research, the possibility of underage drivers being involved in a road accident is four times more than adult drivers. Road accidents are among the top causes of death and injury for people between the age of 16 to 20. Reasons are inexperience, distraction, poor driving judgment and decision making, alcohol consumption, and lack of adequate driving skills.

4. Financial drain:

Financial drain is not seen as a problem by many. But believe it, accidents can take a toll on your life savings. In some cases, insurance does not cover the cost of the damage or third party insurance. Plus, if the crash leads to any chronic health problems, then you will keep drowning in the hospitalization bills for the rest of your life.

5. Physiological trauma:

We often overlook the matters of mental health. But unfortunate events like this can be very traumatic. If you or your dear ones have been in an accident, you will likely have anxiety and panic attacks in the future. The memories of tragic accidents can cause mental health problems to the young, and the memories are enough to last you a lifetime.

Prepare yourself for your teen to take the wheel:

If you have a teenager in your family who will be of legal age to drive soon, distance your kids from any such bad experience. Being a good driver and role model, you can instil safe driving habits in your teen. For example, you can re-familiarize yourself with your vehicle's safety features and discourage phone use while driving.

Safe driving has an immediate payoff to you and your teenager by keeping accidents and violations off a teen's driving record.

TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT BIKE INSURANCE, CLICK HERE…

Whether you decide to buy 2 wheeler insurance online or otherwise, many myths and misconceptions are associated with it. It is important to have all the information about the insurance policy that addresses your requirements before buying two-wheeler insurance.

Having a two-wheeler insurance assures you to handle whatever the road throws at you, giving you peace of mind and letting you enjoy riding without a worry.

Please also remember that as per the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), every two-wheeler owner must buy a third-party liability insurance for the vehicle.

Here we bring five common misconceptions that often lead you to settle for something less worthy.

1. It is risky and complicated to buy 2 wheeler insurance online:

We agree that buying insurance online can be tricky sometimes. But, not if you purchase insurance from a recognized company that has a good market reputation. It is advisable to do some research on the company, check the credibility and Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) before purchasing. It is easier to buy two-wheeler insurance online; all you need to do is log on to the insurance provider's website, fill in your and your vehicle's details, select your plan, and you will get a quote for the premium amount. Make the payment through the secure payment gateway provided by the company and receive your policy document online.

2. Third-Party liability cover is enough for insurance:

As mentioned earlier, third-party liability insurance is mandatory in India. However, it does not mean that having only third-party liability insurance is sufficient. It only covers the losses of the third party. Accidents can cost you much more than you can think. Therefore, it is advisable to go for a comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan not only covers the third party but also the damages to your two-wheeler and your hospitalization costs in case of an accident.

3. The pillion rider is covered under insurance:

People often assume that the co-passengers get protection by the policy too. And it's one of the biggest misconceptions. In case of an accident where the pillion rider faces injuries, their hospitalization charges are rarely covered under insurance. However, there are many add-ons available for personal accident covers to resolve the issue of pillion riders.

4. You can cancel your insurance policy without any consequences:

To some extent, it is true. You can certainly cancel your policy, but some additional cancellation charges/fees apply to it. Also, note that it is illegal to ride a two-wheeler on Indian roads without an active and valid insurance policy.

5. Premium depends upon your credit score:

Many owners feel the need to maintain a good credit score to bring down the premium, which is not true. The credit score is not a criterion as there are many other factors like age, make and model, IDV, previous insurance records to determine the premium rate. So, even if you have a low credit score, you can still get a reasonable low premium.

It is advisable to research on your own before buying any policy. Steer clear of such misconceptions that lead you to make bad decisions.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE FEATURES OF 2 WHEELER INSURANCE ONLINE. CLICK HERE…

The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 requires all vehicles to be insured by adequate insurance coverage before they are driven on the road. As the country advances digitally, it is more obvious now than ever to purchase insurance or get a car insurance renewal with just a few clicks online.

At the same time, the increasing number of insurance rejection cases has become a serious concern to both insurance companies and policyholders. Many policyholders fall victim to a riptide of errors by selecting the wrong car insurance giving them more headaches than benefits.

In this space, we will talk about some common mistakes that you can avoid while renewing your car insurance or getting a new one.

1. Don't forget to compare policies:

There is an array of companies that provide car insurance services, and each has its own features and benefits. Take the help of web tools to compare the regularly purchased policies in the market and choose the one that offers the best benefits for your vehicle.
And, it doesn't end there. Do more study and read the terms and conditions of the policy document. Consider all the hidden charges and provisions before you purchase it.

2. Showing your back to online insurances:

By not doing so, you will prevent any unnecessary payments such as fees of intermediary agents, paperwork, etc. Insurance firms are encouraging insurances at reduced prices to online consumers since they believe they are informed and cautious. The online method simplifies the customer's buying experience with multiple plans focusing on the requirements, efficiency and attractive pricing.
If you are looking for a convenient and user-friendly method of buying car insurance, online is always a good option.

3. Avoid opting for basic third-party insurance:

Many car owners decide to get car insurance just to comply with the government rules and hence simply end up purchasing third-party insurance to save money on the policy premium. But, unfortunately, these insurances only cover the third party's injury and not the policyholder or the vehicle.
Given the hefty repair costs or total loss, it is logical to get comprehensive vehicle insurance covering all hazards. Make sure you do not choose only "third-party insurance", as it will get you in more trouble than convenience.

4.Right choice of add-ons:

Adding the add-ons isn't all of it! Maintaining a proper add-on balance is essential to enjoy maximum benefits with a long-term perspective. Adding excessive add-ons will cost you a hefty premium, whereas not including any add-ons will result in inadequate coverage.
You should be sensible to leave the add-ons that are not serving your purpose. It helps save you a handful of money on an annual premium.

Here is the list of some of the add-ons that you must have:

● Zero Depreciation

● Road Side Assistance (RSA)

● Engine protection cover

5. Read the insurance documents carefully:

A vehicle insurance policy paperwork may appear to be exhausting and requires immense reading. Many automobile owners feel it irrelevant to read the entire document and thus ignore reading the policy papers. However, they are unaware of how necessary it is to verify specific things mentioned in the policy.

Even if you do not read it word by word, it is imperative to confirm the features promised by the insurer. This will go a long way toward avoiding issues during a claim.

Here are few of the details that are important to verify in any policy document:

● Policy holder's name and contact details

● Vehicle registration number

● Engine and chassis number

● Insured Declared Value (IDV) of your car

● Policy coverage

● No claim bonus

● Other T&Cs

Final Thoughts:

Be a responsible buyer and go into the depths of every insurance policy that you may deem fit for your valuable vehicle. Making quick decisions is worth it only if your decision is a smart one. Insurances are meant to provide financial security to your belongings, so you should avoid making blunders while buying them.

READ MORE ABOUT THE BEST CAR INSURANCE RENEWAL POLICIES ONLINE HERE…

Two-wheelers like scooters and motorcycles are the most commonly used vehicles due to their fuel efficiency and ease of use on congested roads and streets. As a result, the number of two-wheelers sold is several times that of cars. But, at the same time, more two-wheelers fall prey to numerous road accidents daily.

Two-wheeler owners must get their vehicles insured as it protects them financially against any accident. Unfortunately, people always assume that insurance is an expensive liability as it drains the money in premium and is rarely used. People fail to understand the importance of having insurance cover for those unfortunate events.

Whether you just have basic liability insurance or comprehensive coverage, it's important to ensure that you're getting the best deal possible. In this article, we bring seven strategies to reduce the premium of your two-wheeler insurance.

1. Compare policies:

Start by comparing different policies and their features. It makes sense to examine two or three companies, just in case, there is a better policy with lower prices out there. There are many policy comparing tools available online to help you estimate the insurance premium. You can also find multiple plans directly from the websites of reputed insurance companies that come with the best features and premiums.
But remember here, a lower premium doesn't always mean a good deal, and going with the lower-quoted company isn't always the sensible decision.

2. Add-on covers:

Add-on covers are great to increase coverage without buying multiple policies at a time. However, be wise with the add-ons you choose. You may not need all of them in a policy, withdraw unnecessary ones as they will only increase the premium. Read your policy document line by line and ask your insurer to remove anything you don't need.

3. Claim loyalty points from the existing company:

If you have bought your other insurances like health, home, travel, from a particular company, there are chances to get a loyalty discount coupon from the existing company. In addition, several insurance companies offer bonus points to loyal customers and support them with additional benefits for their future purchases.

4. Try negotiations:

There is no harm in asking for an additional discount. Companies with an aim to promote their policies often give in to such negotiations. So give it a try and test your luck. More often, you will succeed in bargaining.

5. Maintain a good driving record:

Many insurance companies look into your past driving records to determine the premium. If you drive safely and do not raise any claims during the policy period, you are rewarded with No-Claim Bonus points. Maintaining a good track record is key to getting a lower insurance premium. In addition, driving safely is always a good thing to secure you and others on the roads.

6. Pay a higher deductible:

In case of any mishaps, if a policyholder pays some amounts from the total repair cost during claim settlement, this is called deductible amount. The deductible is inversely proportional to the premium. Therefore, the 2 wheeler insurance premium lowers if you choose to pay a higher sum as deductible.

7. Additional discount to 32 to 60 years age group:

Companies offer more discounts to responsible drivers. People in the age group of 32 to 60 are considered responsible drivers. If you meet this age criteria, ask for a possible discount on your premium for the policy.

Auto insurance prices are likely to continue increasing in the future; however, you can apply many smart tips to reduce the sting. These 7 tips should help you cut-cost to a great extent on your premium.

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