GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Insurance policies, including non-general and general insurance plans, have gained popularity among Indians. While the increased penetration rate is a welcome change, protecting policyholders against potential fraud becomes essential. Insurance companies are taking adequate measures to spread awareness and educate potential policy buyers about possible crimes that involve fake policies, fraudulent insurance agents, mis-sold policies, etc.

This blog informs you about insurance traps you might be prone to and helps you elude them.

1. False alerts: reviving expired policies –
One of the many ways scammers trap innocent people is by calling them about policies that lapsed a while back due to payment failure. These dormant policies are then illegally accessed by telemarketers, who call up policyholders, informing them of good news. According to them, policyholders can now get a bonus on their policy, but you can only access it with a fee. They may also try to sell new policies. You can easily avoid this trap by being vigilant and reading the fine print of your policy.
To prevent scams and fraud, IRDAI is also regulating the insurance sector by digitalising it. An e-Insurance Account is a digital portfolio of all your non-general and general insurance plans, which helps keep track of policy tenures, switch, or buy policies at a single click without any hassle.

2. A guaranteed return providing investment sans market volatility –
The lack of financial literacy is mainly to blame for this misconception. As the uninformed public continues to hear of the short-term successes of a small section of well-informed investors who do due diligence before making their financial decisions, they crave similar results without putting in as much effort.
Taking advantage of the situation, insurance agents often pitch general insurance plans as alternatives to conservative investments like a fixed deposit and promise high returns. While the money put towards any insurance policy is a better investment than letting it sit idle, such claims are not backed by proof and must be avoided.

3. Getting pitched insurance policies as a tax-saving investment –
Tax planning is usually seen as a dreadful task that most individuals undertake only when essential. Therefore, some folks jump at it when the most effective sales pitch comes in, saying that an additional insurance policy would give you tax cuts (because of 80C) and would be a suitable investment. The tax-saving months before March are when these fraudulent pitches are made, and people need to determine whether the investment is necessary in the first place.

As the insurance sector evolves, insurers must make policyholders aware of the role of general insurance plans as a protective cover rather than a mode of investment to minimise your tax burden.

Your overall financial and tax planning for the following period should be done at the beginning of the current financial year. It is crucial to consider all factors, including your current investments, non-general and general insurance plans you might have taken, your kid’s school fees, and other expenses. Start early, and you won’t be in a hurry to reach the deadline, so you can read the fine print on all the documents and do apt research before signing on anything.

Click HERE to learn more about general 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.

Helmets are protective headgear that can save your life in case you fall from a running two-wheeler or collide with another vehicle. Also, wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler is compulsory under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Imagine if a helmet can detect drunk driving, location tracking, navigation, a hands-free device, and several other functions other than just protecting your head during a ride. Yes, this is all possible with the advent of intelligent helmets.

This article tells how smart helmets are set to change your riding experience.

1. Detecting a helmet:
Many two-wheeler riders do not wear a helmet intentionally. Also, some may forget to wear it while leaving home or the office. This can be dangerous to their lives in case they meet with an accident on their way. Smart helmets are equipped with Force Sensing Sensor (FSR) that detects whether the rider is wearing a helmet. It senses actual human touch. If it does not detect it, you will not be able to turn on the ignition of your two-wheeler.

2. Alcohol sensor:
Smart helmets can also be fitted with a gas sensor that can identify the alcohol content from your breath. It can be placed right in front of your mouth, detect if you are drunk, and prevent your vehicle from starting. This can be very helpful in avoiding an accident due to drunken driving.

3. Accident detection:
Smart helmets can detect accidents and alert a phone number by sending a message. It makes use of accelerometers and vibration sensors for this purpose. A free-fall sensing unit can detect when the two-wheeler falls freely and is not in control. Similarly, a vibration sensor senses signals and pressure and sends a message to the registered mobile number. This can be life-saving in times of an accident as the receiver of the message can instantly rush to the accident spot or alert friends, police, and an ambulance to reach the spot.

4. Over-speeding and rash driving alert:
Smart helmets can also alert you if you are riding above the speed limit fed into it or are driving rashly. Such alerts warn you to reduce your speed and drive carefully.

5. Bluetooth connectivity:
Smart helmets can be connected to your bike and mobile phone via Bluetooth. This can allow you to make calls or answer them safely while riding your two-wheeler.

6. Navigation, location tracking, and recording:
Smart helmets come equipped with a GPS device that can accurately tell the rider’s location. This can be useful in times of emergency or theft of your two-wheeler. Also, they can help in navigation while you are riding your two-wheeler.

You can also install hi-tech cameras on your smart helmets. They can record and store all the details of your rides, such as speed, distance covered, time taken, etc. This can be very helpful for bikers and racers.

Smart helmets are a world in itself, with numerous options for adding or removing applications and additional devices per rider needs. They can completely change how you have been riding your two-wheelers. They help to make your rides much safer and technologically advanced than a regular conventional helmet.

Why just rely upon a smart helmet to alert and protect you in case of an accident? Choose from a wide variety of 2 wheeler insurance online after comparing them thoroughly. Protect yourself from any sort of financial losses that you may suffer due to an accident or theft of your two-wheeler.

Click HERE to buy 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.

A bike drive chain consists of interconnected oval loops made of metal, forming a roller chain. The teeth of a sprocket gear mesh with the holes in the links of the chain. The mechanical force from the engine puts the bike chain in motion, which causes the bike's wheels to rotate. Hence, a bike's drive chain is an important part and must be handled properly.

A drive chain is usually the dirtiest part of our bike. It is oiled and greased, catching loads of dust and mud from the roads. Here are some tips for maintaining your bike's drive chain to ensure longevity.

1. Periodic cleaning:
Regular cleaning keeps it free from dirt build-up, rust, and breakage. You should regularly check your drive chain by lifting the rear wheel of your bike off the ground and manually rotating the drive chain. You should check every chain link and use a firm brush to clean them.
If you hear squeaking sounds from the chain while riding your bike, it is time for relubrication. Also, you should check for tight links that are not bending easily. Clean them properly and lubricate them to ensure their free movement. It will also prevent rust build-up.

2. Lubricant quality:
Always use a good quality lubricant to ensure its longevity. It should be specifically made for a bike's drive chain and should not be just any lubricant.
Dirt and mud damage the drive chain. The lubricant should be such that it should minimise the accumulation of dust and grime on the drive chain. Also, it should be long-lasting as the drive chain will wear down and get damaged if the lubricant is less or missing.

3. Do not over-lubricate:
Over-lubrication is harmful to the drive chain. It will attract more dust, mud, and concrete from the roads and damage the drive chain. To ensure smooth operation, you should always wipe off excess lubricants with a rag.

4. Thorough cleaning of the drive chain:
In case you ride your bike through muddy roads frequently or use it on rough terrains such as a mountain, you should remove the chain completely when it becomes excessively dirty. You can remove it yourself or seek the help of a mechanic.
Use a good quality chain solvent available in the market and soak your chain in it for the prescribed time. Then scrub hard to remove the dirty grime from the chain links. The solvent will do its job, and your chain will become clean and grime-free. Relubricate your drive chain once completely dry, and put it back in the bike.

5. Stretched chains:
Sometimes your bike's drive chain seems to stretch and become loose. This is because of normal wear and tear of the chain with usage. A loose drive chain cannot provide a good grip for the movement of the wheels and may even slip from its cog.
Check for a loose drive chain regularly, and get it fixed as soon as you find one. Ignoring it may cause further damage to the drive chain, and you will have to replace it.

The drive chain of your bike is a very important part of its smooth running. You must take good care of the chain to keep it in its best shape. Clean it regularly and keep it sufficiently lubricated to ensure its longevity.

Buying a good bike insurance policy for your bike is another important thing that you need to do to ensure a glitch-free ride. Buy bike insurance online after comparing it with the policies of several companies. You can do this from the comfort of your home or office without physically visiting any insurance company. Go for the best bike insurance policy as per your specific needs and enjoy complete protection, security, and peace of mind.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Human resources are the greatest asset for any company. A good workforce can make or break a company. Companies often offer group personal accident insurance to protect their workforce from the loss of income from any kind of accident and related disability or death. The employees feel protected against financial uncertainties of work-related hazards with such insurance. It benefits employees working in heavy industries with dangerous machinery and surroundings.

Group personal accident insurance India is an effective way for employers to attract and retain talent. As an employee, it offers protection against the financial distress of disabilities and supplements your existing insurance covers. Let us know more about it.

1. Coverage:
Group personal accident insurance provides comprehensive coverage to an entire group against accidental disability and even death. Policies are customisable according to the number of people in the group and their specific needs. Hence, you can be reassured if your group is too large or small. Such policies provide discounts on a higher number of members in the group.
● Permanent total disability – Insurance companies will pay you the total sum insured in case of permanent total disability such as loss of leg, limb, eyesight, etc.
● Permanent partial disability –You are eligible to get up to 50% of the total sum insured in case of permanent partial disability, such as loss of one foot, loss of hearing, damage to eyesight, etc.
● Temporary total disability – You will get a certain percentage of the total sum insured in case of temporary total disability from an accident, depending upon your policy terms and conditions.
● Medical care – The policy will also cover your medical expenses, even if you are admitted for one day in a daycare treatment. Moreover, it will also cover your cost of OPD treatment, physiotherapy sessions, and ambulance transportation.
● Education – Some policies also come with an education add-on cover. The insurance company will take care of the education expenses of up to two dependent children in case of the insured person's death.

2. Need and importance:
Several industries require their employees to work on heavy machinery and risky surroundings, including the iron and steel industry, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, etc. A work-related accident can cause temporary or permanent disability, causing a financial crisis and a lot of trouble for the employees and their families.
So, if you are an industry employee, group personal accident insurance India covers you against such unfortunate accidents. It takes care of the hefty hospital bills for your treatment up to the limit of the policy amount. It also provides financial assistance to the nominee in case of the policy holder's demise.
Therefore, such a policy will give you peace of mind and protect you against the monetary distress of disability or death, allowing you to work stress-free with greater efficiency. It also helps build trust with your employer and strengthens professional ties for a long time.

3. Exclusions:
Group personal accident insurance India does not cover pre-existing diseases when purchasing the policy, self-inflicted injuries such as a suicide attempt, mental disorders, non-accidental medical treatments, hospitalisation due to substance abuse, criminal activities, or war. Ensure to read the terms and conditions of the policy to know more about the details. You may contact your employer or the insurance company if you've any queries regarding your coverage.

Group personal accident insurance India offers coverage that regular health insurance policy does not provide and also compensates the nominee with a lump sum payment in the unfortunate event of disability or death due to an accident. This can be a great financial support to your dependent family members.

Choose the best personal accident insurance India to provide complete coverage, support, and protection during the time of need.

Click HERE to buy personal accident insurance India policy.

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 engine is often considered a two-wheeler's most crucial component. However, an experienced motorcyclist would tell you that well-maintained tyres are equally essential for a safe and enjoyable bike ride.

The various squeaks, screeches, and rumbles can tell you about a tyre's health. Since your contact with the road is made via tyres, they have a crucial role in defining your riding experience. Taking optimum care of your bike's tyres ensures longevity and a smooth ride. Buy 2 wheeler insurance online and get your bike serviced regularly to maintain your bike's safety.

Do tyres always make noise?

You cannot completely eliminate noise from your tyres. The rubber will make noise as it rolls against any surface. Natural rubber friction against the road will be the source of most of the noise your tyres make. Also, air flow through the moving tyre treads further increases the noise.

On the road, the sounds made by various tyre brands and products vary slightly. The sounds your tyres generate have a language, but translating them takes practice.

Let's now understand different screeches and how to care for them.

1. Squealing tyres:
The possibility of tyre squealing exists, especially while making sharp turns. You can hear this frequently in parking lots. Your front tyres may be underinflated if they appear to be making this squealing noise. You should check their pressure even if the tyres don't appear underinflated.

2. Squeaking tyres:
You need to pay immediate attention if your tyre makes a squeaking noise. Compared to a screech, it's riskier. The front tyres typically exhibit uneven tread wear, which a screech can indicate. You may feel some pulling to the left or right. Go to the tyre shop right away to have your wheels balanced, aligned, and tyres checked.

3. Grinding tyres:
The time to be afraid has come if you hear your wheels grinding. The most likely reason is your brakes' failure due to worn drums or pads. Get your two-wheeler inspected right away, wherever you are.

4. Rumbling and vibrating tyres:
Your tyres may rattle and tremble on some road surfaces, particularly ribbed ones. A worn wheel bearing may be indicated by rumbling and vibration from your tyres, especially if the noise gets louder as you go faster. It is a significant cause for worry since the wheel bearing holds the wheel in place.
Whether you are turning swiftly or braking hard to halt quickly, screeching tyres are to be expected. Low tread depth may be the issue, which you can resolve by taking your 2-wheeler to a tyre shop.

Dealing with unidentifiable sounds:
Sometimes you instinctively know something isn't right after riding on a pair of tyres for a while. When you hear a noise, you might not be able to place it in a certain category or even identify it, but you get the impression that it doesn't sound right. This might even happen if you stumble over a pothole. Other reasons might be the low tyre pressure, the tread may have worn down, or your bike's wheel may have fallen out of alignment.

Remember to pay attention to tyre sounds. Take a conservative approach if you are unsure of what it signifies. Check the two-wheeler and the tyres. Safety is the utmost priority for any rider on the road. The easiest way to prevent mishaps is to pay attention to your bike, regularly get it serviced, and purchase 2 wheeler insurance online as a prudent safety cover.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Hundreds of options are available for your bike insurance, both online and offline. You must have encountered tempting advertisements promising you the lowest premium with complete coverage for your bike. Also, we frequently receive calls from insurance companies or their agents with lucrative offers for buying our bike insurance from them.

But wait a moment. Are all these offers authentic? Will they provide you with complete protection, safety, and quick claim disbursal in the unfortunate event of your bike accident? You need to follow these steps if you have the slightest doubts and are concerned about the authenticity of your bike insurance.

1. Check with IRDAI:
The first step for checking the authenticity of your bike insurance is to check the website of IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) and search for your insurance company. The insurance company will probably be a fraud if its name is not on the IRDAI website.

2. Go for a brand:
Always choose a bike insurance policy of a reputed company or brand. An insurance company that is well-known and reputed in the market is less likely to cheat and issue a policy with false claims and promises. Also, the chances of a fake policy from such companies are almost zero.
We often buy a bike insurance policy on the advice of an insurance agent or by getting influenced by some advertisement. You should first call the customer care of such companies and verify the policy details being sold to you. Also, you may visit the nearest branch of the company and verify the details there. Check whether the policy contains the same IDV (Insured Declared Value) and all the add-ons promised earlier to you. Buy the bike insurance policy only after you are certain about its genuineness.

3. Premium receipt and other details:
A genuine bike insurance policy will always issue a receipt for the premium paid by you. Also, the policy document will contain all the details, such as your name, policy tenure, terms and conditions of insurance coverage, etc.
To ensure the authenticity of your bike insurance, always insist on a hard copy of your premium receipt. Review your policy document thoroughly and ensure it contains all the required details.

4. Mode of premium payment:
A bike insurance company will give you several options to pay your bike insurance premium. You can pay it online through its website or issue a cheque in the insurance company's name and hand it over to the insurance company’s office or your insurance agent.
If your insurance company or agent is insisting only on cash payment or payment by cheque/bank transfer in the name of a person, it should be a red flag for you. The insurance company or the agent in between might not be genuine and authentic.

5. Verification link:
Insurance companies nowadays validate a bike insurance policy on their official portal at the time of issue. You can check the authenticity of your bike insurance policy by checking whether this link redirects you to the official website of the insurance company or not. This is especially important if you buy your policy from a 3rd party vendor.

The digitalisation of insurance services has contributed greatly to the progress and development of the insurance industry. However, fraudsters find new ways to dupe you while selling you a bike insurance policy. You need to be vigilant to protect your hard-earned money. Always verify the authenticity of your new bike insurance policy and its details before paying for it.

Bike insurance is compulsory under the law, and you must buy it from one source or another. Visit the nearest branch office of bike insurance companies, or go through their offerings in detail on their website. Call their customer care and confirm the details. Buy a good bike insurance policy that is genuine and does what it promises to do.

Click HERE to buy reliable bike insurance for your valuable two-wheeled asset.

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.

As the pandemic's effects subside and we return to offices, the stress associated with commuting has returned. Every weekday, most office workers face a huge challenge in the morning of whether travelling upwards of an hour one-way is worth their compensation.

Whether you choose private or public modes of transport, here are some tips and tricks to relieve stress from your daily commute.

1. Prepare the night before and leave earlier:
Hectic mornings increase stress levels during the commute, which results in irritation and reduced productivity. Worrying about being late every day can be very stress-inducing. To combat this, start preparing for your day ahead at night. Keep your work clothes and meals ready, and finish all your work. This will lead to a less stressful morning, resulting in you leaving 10 minutes earlier and not worrying about delays in reaching.

2. Try to commute actively:
Commuting via personal transport, such as a car or bike, can cause health issues. The best way to go about this is to walk or cycle as part of your commute if your work location is not far. This is known as an active commute, and it will drastically change the way you travel. Exercising on your way to work releases endorphins and improves mental and physical health. If walking or biking is not possible, try to take public transport. It increases your activity and reduces stress levels significantly.

3. Detach from the digital world:
In the age of social media, it is increasingly challenging to focus on oneself rather than what people on the internet are doing. It is essential to go off the grid for your mental health.
Your daily commute could be your time to read a new book, watch the view outside, or focus on yourself with meditation. Meditation has been a proven method of giving the brain the rest it deserves, and whether it be guided meditation or simply focusing inward, it will surely benefit you.

4. Try getting flexible hours:
It makes absolutely no sense sometimes that everyone has the same office hours. This causes the "rush hour," which is impossible to tolerate five days a week. If this is an option, ask your office for flexible hours, so you can come in before the rush hour and leave earlier too.
If this is not an option in your company, find some activities around your workplace before leaving for the day, like working out or reading a book in a nearby park. This way, you'll be able to avoid rush hour.

5. Try to buddy up for a long commute:
If you find driving incredibly dull and tedious, one way to improve it is to find neighbours who go to the same area for work and carpool with them. This way, the pressure of driving does not fall on you every single day, and you can chat with people along the journey. Ensure that you purchase new motor insurance or avail of online motor insurance renewal facilities to protect yourself and your car against the financial burden of accidents.

6. Stretch it out:
Keep stretching those aching muscles! Even when you're the one driving, always keep adjusting your neck and back, so they don't cramp up and give you further pain.

In conclusion, since long-distance commutes are an inescapable necessity in the urban lifestyle, effective management techniques are becoming essential to prevent strain on your mood and physical well-being. We recommend alternative commute methods to private transport for the best impact on your health. However, in case of no option but to travel by vehicle, ensure that you protect yourself against accidents. Check for your insurance status and get online motor insurance renewal before the due date.

Click HERE to know more about online motor insurance renewal.

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.

Buying a house can be an expensive but gratifying event. It is an extensive process involving multiple options and intense decision-making to create your dream house. After spending massive amounts of money, effort, and resources on your home, investing in house insurance India is prudent to protect your home, belongings, and more from uncertainties.

After spending massive amounts on purchasing your home, consider these DIY for your home's interiors to save on additional expenses. Equipped with the right tools, creativity, and zeal, you can take on any home DIY project! A painting project is the ideal task to test your skills and is manageable. Before you start painting, here are some tips to enhance the outcome of your DIY house painting project.

1. Purchase premium paint:
Make sure to pay attention to the quality of the paint. Every room in your house deserves a different type of paint, so keep that in mind. Choose paints with minimal volatile organic compounds and odour to keep your family safe. For your favourite walls in your house, choose a standout colour to create an accent wall.

2. Remove the hardware:
Remove light fittings, doorknobs, electrical cover plates, window locks, and window lifts. Store the components in a bucket. Tape the screws to each piece of hardware, and identify each one with its location to simplify future reinstallations.

3. Identify the type of paint on existing walls:
Test a patch to determine what colour was used there. Apply alcohol-soaked cotton to a small section of the wall. The paint is latex if there is paint residue on the cotton ball. If not, the colour is oil-based.

4. Inspect and prepare the area:
Before applying new primer and paint, check for any cracked or peeling areas. These need to be carefully sanded or scraped, as the weight of the new layer will loosen the old paint. A small amount of soap and water, followed by a rinse with clean water, may be required for greasy stains, followed by a wipe-down.

5. Paint from top to bottom:
Use your brush to start with the edges of the ceiling. Then use the roller to apply an even paint coating from top to bottom. Once you're done with a patch of the wall, leave it to dry. Continue the same process for the remaining patch of the wall. You might notice colour marks and streaks on the already-done patch. Now, get ready for the second round of coating. Ensure that your application motion is the same as the first round of coating to get a bright and evenly looking finish.

6. Fill in fractures, voids, and holes:
Examine the walls and trim carefully for flaws. Fix any holes, dents, and dings with wood filler, caulk gun, or ready-mix spackle, depending on the situation.

7. Safeguard everything you don't want to be painted:
Protect your flooring, furniture, and hardware before starting a painting project. Drop clothes are essential. Protecting door knobs with small plastic sandwich bags is a simple solution.

8. Use a paint grid:
A paint grid is an attachment to the bucket's rim. It facilitates the removal of extra paint and uniformly distributes it across the roller cover for consistent paint application.

9. Apply primer:
Paint and primer combinations work well if the surface is clean and smooth. However, use a different primer if it has been over eight years since the last paint job or if the wall has dents and scratches. Use a bonding primer to cover a hard surface, such as glass or high-gloss paint.

Interior painting projects require time, effort, and skill. While you can take on this task by yourself, the same does not apply to protecting your home. Consider purchasing house insurance India to protect your home against irreparable damage and prevent the depletion of your finances.

Click HERE to buy the best house insurance India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.