GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

A two-wheeler insurance policy covers the cost of repair and replacement for your bike or scooter. It includes theft of the two-wheeler and damages to the bike that involves paid repairing. The insurance can also provide personal accident coverage, including accidental death and partial or total disability due to the accident. You can also opt for personal accident coverage of the pillion rider if you often ride with a pillion rider. Personal accident coverage can also include paid riders if the bikes are used for commercial purposes.

Here we talk about what all is insured if your bike encounters an accident, if you have existing two-wheeler insurance for your bike:

• Accidental death –

Accidental death coverage takes care of the financial difficulties that the surviving family faces in the event of the policyholder’s demise. This coverage is extremely beneficial for families where the policyholder is the sole bread-winner, and the family is financially dependent on him/her. The accidental death coverage acts as a supplement to the term insurance policy that the policyholder may have purchased.

• Disability compensation –

A disability to the policyholder also affects the financial position of the policyholder and his or her family. The earning capacity of the policyholder may get compromised in case of a partial or total disability. This part of the two-wheeler insurance coverage addresses these concerns by earmarking a sum assured for disability.

• Hospitalization Expenses –

Many two-wheeler insurances provide a cash allowance to meet hospitalization costs in case of a two-wheeler accident. This cash allowance can also be claimed if the policyholder is required to stay at the hospital to recuperate from injuries sustained in the accident. Most insurance companies offer cash allowance for a specific number of days that is stipulated in the policy.

• Own damage coverage –

A basic third party coverage will not cover the damage to your bike. However, comprehensive two-wheeler insurance covers any type of damage that can happen to the policyholder’s bike in the event of an accident or a natural calamity. This policy covers all man-made and natural damages to the bike, along with third-party coverage. Insurance companies also provide cashless repairs facility and maintain a network of garages where you can avail of this facility. If the bike has been in a road accident, the policyholder can make the claim through traditional paper mode or opt for a video claim facility if provided by the insurer. The policyholder can make reimbursement claims even if repairs are carried out in a non-network garage.

• Third-party insurance –

Two-wheeler accidents can damage not just your own vehicle but also damage or injure a third party. This is why insurers provide coverage of a specific amount in case of damage to a third party. Besides, the disability and death of a third party are also covered in most third party insurance.

Do note that personal accident coverage is compulsory for all Two-Wheeler Insurance policies. Therefore, any harm to self in case of a motorcycle accident is sure to be covered under your existing policy. On the other hand, not all types of two-wheeler accidents are covered by a typical motorcycle insurance policy. These are unusual causes such as self-inflicted injuries, riding without a driver’s license, riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, riding as a part of hazardous or criminal activities, riding outside geographical limits of the policy, and so on. In other words, a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance with a reliable insurer covers all the possible damage and harm resulting from an accident.

As large scale infections sweep the nation, there is a massive demand for COVID-19 related medicines and vaccines, apart from the surge in demand for Health Insurance Online . Strong immunity is vital for keeping COVID-19 successfully at bay. Luckily, apart from Zinc supplements and Vitamin C tablets, there are several readily available food items with which you can build immunity.

Here are some foods that will help strengthen your immunity to fight everything from a common cold to more concerning ailments:

1. Tulsi – Also known as holy basil, Tulsi is a highly regarded herb in Ayurveda. It is a rejuvenating herb that enhances your respiratory system and has expectorant properties that help keep your lungs clean. You can chew a few Tulsi leaves every morning or mix them with your cup of morning tea.

2. Garlic – The spice trinity of the Indian kitchen - garlic, ginger and turmeric - all find a place in our list of immunity boosters. Garlic has been used to fight infections for ages. It is known to prevent artery blockages and helps prevent cold. Garlic contains the compound allicin, which in turn contains Sulphur that is an effective immunity booster.

3. Ginger – Ginger is commonly used for inflammatory conditions, nausea and sore throat and is a well-known antioxidant. Apart from its popularity as a spice, ginger is also popular as an additive in tea.

4. Turmeric – The presence of curcumin makes turmeric a great candidate for antiviral immunity boosters. Turmeric has been used through the ages for muscle damage and inflammations from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Luckily for Indians, we consume sufficient turmeric in the form of a powdery additive in our curries, vegetables and gravies.

5. Citrus fruits – An umbrella term for oranges, tangerines, limes, lemons, grapefruits and pomelos that we are so fond of, citrus fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells, which help the human body fight infections. Vitamin C is not produced by the body, nor can it be stored. Regular consumption of rich sources of Vitamin C (or citrus fruits) can also speed up recovery from cold and flu.

6. Broccoli – Most children would not be happy about this, but broccoli is a rich source of Vitamins A, C and E, folic acid, fibre, minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants like sulforaphane. Easy to consume and digest, broccoli is one of those versatile vegetables that help build immunity, reduce the risk of heart disease, promote stronger bones, and better eyesight.

7. Spinach – Spinach is an excellent source of beta carotene, which helps our body fight infections. It contains Vitamins C and E which help strengthen immunity. It contains flavonoids which are known to be effective in fighting the common cold.

8. Green tea – Flavonoids are also found in green tea and black tea. Additionally, green tea contains the powerful antioxidant Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, which is highly effective in boosting immunity. Green tea helps in the production of germ-fighting compounds due to the presence of amino acid L-theanine in it.

9. Ghee – This is one of the most easily available items in the list. Ghee can be spread generously on chappatis or added to rice and curries. Although many people think of it as fattening, ghee is actually a good source of healthy fats, aids digestion, and is excellent for skin and hair. It contains Vitamins A, E and K, and omega-3 and omega-9 essential fatty acids.

10. Indian gooseberry (Amla) – Amla is a powerhouse of nutrients and is loaded with health benefits. It contains 20 times more Vitamin C than oranges and is an excellent aid for digestion and colon cleansing.

Our health insurance takes care of us when we fall sick (check for health insurance online today). But our food habits can ensure that we rarely fall ill. Luckily, our world is filled with fruits, vegetables and natural foods rich in nutrients, which offer an organic way of strengthening our body. In these tough times, let us embrace nature and enrich ourselves with its goodness.

India has some of the harshest summers for any country in the world. Temperatures can routinely touch 50°C in several parts of the country, and the need for air conditioning or any form of cooling is fairly consistent throughout the year. But humans aren’t the only ones who suffer in these harsh summers. If you drive a car, the summers can be hard on your car as well. Driving in the summers often means having to turn the air conditioning (AC) on full blast for long periods, which can bring down your fuel economy considerably. Here, we cover some tips that will help you manage your fuel economy even in the summers.

Slow Down:

Regardless of the season, but especially in the summer, with the AC on, it is much better to drive within a certain range of speeds for optimized fuel economy. In general, the bracket between 40 km/h and 80 km/h will serve you best, irrespective of whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway. With fuel costs soaring by the day and the traffic on Indian roads only getting worse, it is wise to save fuel costs by driving at slower speeds. This also allows you to use the AC for longer durations.

Use the AC Intermittently:

The crippling summer of India often makes you want to use the AC for long periods without a break. However, the AC of your car is not as well equipped at handling long usage hours as your average domestic or industrial AC. Using the car AC for long periods can increase the load on the system and decrease its cooling efficacy. This can lead to damage in the long term and increases the chances for repair in the middle of the season. Hence, it is important to use your AC only intermittently, even on long trips. Make sure to turn it off when your car has cooled down sufficiently and turn it back up only when you feel the need for it again. Also, make sure that your AC is covered for damage when you buy your Car Insurance Online.

Turn Down the AC:

Apart from using it continuously, the summers are also when you are most likely to use the AC at its maximum capacity. There is hardly a standard flow rate at which your vehicle will blow air towards you, and hence the performance of different ACs at full blow will generally be different. Similarly, the performance of ACs will differ according to the age of the vehicles. The higher the level at which you operate your AC, the lower your mileage is likely to be. As enticing as it might be to get the most out of your AC in the summer, it is much more prudent with respect to mileage to slow down the AC.

Don’t Idle:

Depending on the model of the car you drive, it might be possible to leave the AC on while the engine is off. Even if your car has this feature, make sure to not idle your engine just so that you can leave your AC on. Idling the engine can reduce your mileage by several percentage points and generally wastes a huge amount of fuel. Instead of idling, if you get to your destination early, simply get out of the car and start walking to your destination. Similarly, if you are at a long signal, switch off your engine to save fuel and don’t worry about losing an extra few seconds of cool air.

Indian summers are perhaps when the greatest amount of fuel is lost due to the above factors. Following best practices associated with fuel mileage can help you save fuel and generally ensure a long life for your car. To add an extra layer of security, make sure that you buy car insurance online so you won’t need to pay out of your pocket if a summer breakdown occurs.

So you are just a few steps away from owning your dream car. But have you thought of the insurance process yet? Insurance is something that must be planned in advance as it cannot be purchased in a rush. One must research thoroughly before buying any car, whether it is a new one or an old one. This article will take you through everything you need to consider before purchasing a new car.

Insurance Types

Before purchasing a private car insurance, you need to be aware of all the available policies and what cover they offer. Car insurance policies vary between private and commercial vehicles, so you will need to buy insurance that suits your vehicle usage.

There are two basic types of insurance policies. They are:

1. Third-party Insurance –

Third-party insurance is compulsory for all vehicles on the road. In case of an accident, it covers any damage to the third party. But it doesn’t cover any damage that occurred to your car. To cover damage to your car, you will need to buy comprehensive insurance (explained below). The third-party policy is a relatively more affordable kind of insurance.

2. Comprehensive Insurance –

In case of an accident, a comprehensive insurance policy covers the damage to your car as well as to a third-party car. It can also cover any accidental damage or theft of the car. This policy also covers damage caused by natural disasters. This is the highest form of insurance policy you can get for your car.

Buy Add-ons based on your risk profile

Based on your risk profile, you can opt for some add-ons like roadside assistance, engine replacement, etc. For example, if you enjoy riding at odd hours or for long distances, then opting for roadside assistance as an add-on can be useful. In case of a vehicle breakdown, you will get assistance, and the vehicle will be moved to the service center.

Compare the dealers

Most car dealers offer insurance policies at the time of buying the car. But those policies may not meet your requirements. Make sure to compare the policy prices among different dealers and then make an informed decision. It is tempting to buy the cheapest policy, but choosing a suitable policy after thorough research of the dealers will help you in the long run.

Don’t neglect the policy terms

Most car owners read only what is included in the insurance policy and ignore the part that talks about what is not included. This is a very common mistake among most insurance buyers. Ensure that you go through the policy carefully and understand both inclusions and exclusions in your policy before finalizing.

Know about the claim procedure

Inquire about the claims procedure before purchasing a motor insurance policy. The process should be simple and reliable. Test the insurer's claim payment percentage as well. The claim payout ratio of a corporation indicates how many policies are settled per year by settling back claimants. You can use the claim payout ratio to gauge the reliability of the insurer.

Understand Insured Declared Value (IDV)

The Insured Declared Value or IDV, vehicle size and other variables are used to determine the premium of a private Car Insurance . As a result, knowing a car's IDV is important. In case of complete loss or burglary, the IDV is the highest amount you can collect on insurance. The IDV of a vehicle decreases as it gets older because a relatively new car has a higher IDV than a car of the same type that is a year older. In easy terms, we can say IDV is the current market value of your car.

Over the past year, the importance of living a healthy lifestyle free of diseases and morbidities has become exigent. People have begun to understand that healthy practices improve longevity and help tackle threatening diseases more effectively. Let’s take a look at four different steps you can take towards a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your family:

1. A Healthy Diet –

The first and perhaps the most important step towards a healthier lifestyle is to improve your diet. When our diet is significantly centered around junk and processed food, the intake of unhealthy fats and excess carbohydrates increases, leading to heart problems and problems such as high blood pressure and obesity. A well-balanced diet that includes appropriate proportions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber can significantly reduce these risks. Include vegetables and fruits in your diets as often as possible, ideally every day, alongside pulses and grains. Even with these ingredients, you can have delicious meals all three times of the day that are also healthy for your body. Indian cuisine contains mainly these ingredients and offers immense variety as you go from the north to the south, alongside great nutritional value.

2. Exercise –

If you exercise about an hour every day, the impact of physical activity on your body will be visible and evident in about six to eight weeks. Exercise does more than just keep you in shape. It stimulates your body and, if you are involved in a vocation that requires sitting all day, then it provides the essential elements of physical work. Exercise also reinvigorates the flow of blood in your body and keeps the heart healthy by improving circulation. This improved circulation further helps reduce the risk of heart diseases. Regular exercise is also known to lower blood pressure as well as triglyceride levels. If you do not wish to exercise, simply taking a brisk walk every day can also help you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce body fat. It also strengthens your bones and improves blood circulation throughout the body.

3. Get Apt Sleep –

Sleep doesn’t just provide rest but also helps your body recover from a hard day’s work by repairing your muscle fibers. If you exercise regularly, the exercise results will be much more evident if you get an appropriate amount of sleep during the day. Sleeping for about eight hours a day also reduces the chance of depression and several other problems associated with mental health. It boosts your immune system and improves your cognitive abilities through better memory assimilation and retention.

4. Find Solace –

Along with physical health, mental health is something that cannot be neglected. One way to ensure a sound state of mind before starting your day, carve out 10 minutes and sit for meditation; check-in with yourself. Many yoga asanas provide similar benefits as meditation. If you find it difficult to meditate, you can always find solace in prayer. These practices help put your mind at ease. When you start your day with a calm, well-rested mind, it ensures a good day not only for yourself but also for those around you. And no doubt, being in a sound state of mind certainly has a positive impact on your physical health as well.

Adopting these steps can help you on your journey to living a healthy lifestyle and improve the quality of your life significantly. One practical way to tackle any unforeseen health issues is to buy Health Insurance Online . Insurance acts as an essential safety net to ensure that you don’t have to bear a large financial burden in an unexpected disease.

It is known that COVID-19 infections spread faster in places where people come in proximity to one another. Therefore, one would need to be cautious about the threat of infection, especially in offices and other closed workplace settings. There are many commonly used areas in the office like canteens, conference halls, meeting rooms, elevators, parking lots etc., where the chances of infection are much higher. That is why every office-goer needs to consider these risks and exercise utmost precaution while in office.

While health insurance (check for health insurance online today) stands out as a basic personal precaution, there are many precautions one can keep in mind to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in office spaces. It includes general precautions like:

● Maintaining a minimum distance of 2 yards or 6 feet from others.

● Wearing a face mask or cover at all times to cover your nose and mouth. Also, remember to avoid touching these areas of your face with your fingers.

● Washing your hands with soap or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly, particularly after touching foreign objects and common surfaces.

● Covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. Spitting should be avoided altogether.

● Monitoring health and reporting it timely whenever required.

● Using the Aarogya Setu app for timely medical response and COVID-19 awareness.

Here are some precautions that can help prevent infection in office premises:

● Mandatory hand hygiene and thermal screening should be installed at entrances. Employees or visitors with suspected medical conditions should be barred from entry.

● Work-from-home should be permitted for people living in containment zones.

● Service providers such as transport and housekeeping should maintain similar rules regarding containment zones.

● Office vehicles should be disinfected at least twice a day with a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution or spray.

● Aged and pregnant employees and employees with medical conditions should not be exposed to front line work.

● Officers, staff, visitors, valet parking personnel and all other support staff should be wearing masks at all times. Valet parking personnel must also wear gloves.

● Keys, steering wheels, door handles etc. of all office vehicles should be disinfected.

● Proper permission and screening of visitors must be made compulsory.

● Meetings must be conducted over video conferencing as far as possible.

● Awareness of COVID-19 should be promoted through standees, posters and audio-visual presentations

● Crowd management within and outside office premises should be ensured, with adequate physical distancing norms.

● In case of queues, physical distancing norms and marking signs should be put in place.

● Washrooms must have an adequate supply of sanitizers, soaps and running water.

● Restrictions on the number of people using elevators at the same time must be adhered to.

● A temperature of 24-30 ℃ and relative humidity of 40-70% should be ensured in office air conditioning.

● There should be adequate cross-ventilation within the office.

● Large physical gatherings should be avoided.

● Sanitation should be maintained in washrooms, drinking water stations, and hand wash points.

● Commonly used places like doorknobs, elevator buttons, benches, handrails, and bathroom fixtures must be regularly disinfected with a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution or spray.

● Cafeterias and canteens should have their staff checked for temperature and respiratory wellness. Crowd and queue management should be ensured with adequate social distancing, including seating arrangement.

In case health issues or signs of infection become apparent, the office should:

● Facilitate isolation for the unwell person till medical attention is available.

● Inform the nearest medical facility, and confirm availability of cashless Health Insurance Online , if possible.

● Disinfect the places used / visited by the infected person in the last 48 hours, in case of one or two cases of infection.

● Disinfect the entire building or block in case of a large number of infections.

While making efforts to control the possibility of infection, offices should also work to dispel social stigma and show consideration towards the mental health impact of isolation and infection on their employees.

Oral health is not only important to keep cavity and gum disease at bay, but it also plays an important role in keeping you fit. With the mouth being the entrance to what you eat and drink, there is a strong correlation between your oral hygiene and overall health. Gum issues and tooth decay can cause pain, tooth loss, and reduced appetite and might affect your self-confidence if not treated on time. This can further lead to undernourishment and speech issues, causing strain on your personal and professional life.

It’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth. Below are 5 tips you should regularly follow to keep your teeth healthy:

● Avoid sugary food and drinks –

Do you find your teeth unclear and uneven? This could be due to dental plaque on the surface of your teeth. Plaque is caused by the sugary substances we eat, producing cavity-causing acid. So, whenever you eat sugary foods, a layer of plaque might get coated on the teeth. To reduce the occurrence of plaque, limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Additionally, always check the labels and ingredients of packaged foods for sugar content before buying. For e.g., many yogurt flavors and sports drinks contain a high quantity of sugar, which might affect oral health.

● Brush your teeth twice daily –

Brushing your teeth two times a day helps in removing plaque and germs. This becomes more effective if done with the appropriate technique. Always brush the front, back, and top properly in small round movements. This process would take around 2-3 minutes; avoid moving the brush backward and forward. Hard brushing can cause damage to tooth enamel and gums that affect tooth sensitivity. If you see blood in your gums while brushing, then try gentler movements. It has been recommended by dentists to use a soft-bristle brush and change it every 3 months.

● Floss your teeth once a day –

Flossing helps to get rid of plaque and food stuck in the teeth, which cannot be removed while brushing. These stuck food particles, if not removed, get disintegrated by bacteria, leading to bad breath. The stuck debris can also affect your teeth, which might require treatment, such as a root canal to be fixed. Push the floss into the gum line before embracing the side tooth. There would be no pain while moving it up and down and removing the plaque effectively.

● Use mouthwash –

Always use mouthwashes recommended by dentists for good oral health. Mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, which is an antibacterial ingredient, helps in preventing plaque and gingivitis. It also contains essential oils that aid in oral health. Mouthwash cannot be a replacement for brush and floss but can enhance your teeth-cleaning practice.

● Visit the dentist regularly –

You should go to see the dentist for a regular check-up once in 6 months. They will examine your teeth to remove plaque, germs, and hardened tartar. The dentist will do a visual check for oral health problems, cavities, disease in gums, and mouth cancer. Cavities can be checked through dental x-rays. If adults take care of dental hygiene daily, then the frequency of visiting the dentist for oral health problems could be lesser.

Dental treatments are often not covered by your Health Insurance. Thus, various medical procedures performed by a dentist can be an expensive affair. Hence, it’s recommended to follow good oral habits for a healthy body and less medical expenditure.

Following good dental care from childhood helps keep the mouth healthy, even till later stages of life. Healthy oral habits protect you from various diseases and keep you fit throughout life. Follow the steps mentioned above as part of your routine to improve your smile and oral health.

If any pain or discomfort presents and persists, always consult with your dentist.

As millions of people have learned over the past year, time spent in quarantine can be an absolutely harrowing experience. While your physical health may not be impacted if you’ve not been infected or had a mild version of it, it can have a tangible and perceivable impact on your mental health. Human beings are inherently social animals. We love talking to each other and being in each other’s presence. Our survival depends on the cooperation between other humans and ourselves. So, when we are suddenly reduced to being in the company of nobody but ourselves, surely the effects would be felt.

If you and your family are in quarantine or any of your family members are isolated, here are some ways to support them and take care of their mental health:

Stick to a Timetable –

Even though we know the benefits of having a timetable, we are not used to adhering to these timings. Although many aspects of our lives depend on these routines, it is easy to allow mundane, every day things to get in the way of these schedules. However, the importance of a timetable cannot be understated when you are in quarantine. Having a timetable gives you something to look forward to for the entire period of your isolation. Try to pack your timetable with many fun activities to keep you engaged every day, such as reading, painting, playing an instrument, etc.

Inculcate Physical Activity –

Your physical health has a definite and perceivable impact on your mental health.

 This is why when you build a timetable, it is a good idea to include some kind of physical activity into it. Since you would mostly be confined to a room, make time for some light exercise once or twice a day. This does not need to be high-intensity exercise; just enough to keep your blood circulating and limbs moving. Exercise helps release endorphins, a very important hormone that keeps your mood up throughout the day.

Communicate Frequently –

Being in quarantine means you cannot step out of the house. Kids cannot go out to play, and you cannot go out for work or even to meet your friends and relatives. However, not being able to meet others in person doesn’t mean you cannot communicate with them. Make sure to call your loved ones frequently over video calls as well as phone calls. Quarantine can often make one feel like the distances between people are increasing. Relationships can be brought closer together simply through regular online interactions.

Limit Consumption of News –

News today is full of distressing stories of people getting infected, suffering, and losing the battle with the pandemic. Following the news closely for extended periods, especially if there are kids in the house, can be a bad idea. Negative news tends to make one feel morose and drastically reduces productivity. It is important to have an atmosphere of positivity in the house, especially during these days. One simple step is to reduce the amount of time spent watching or reading the news, and only follow it on your personal device. Let communal devices such as the television be for entertainment with the family.

Along with the above steps, to maintain your mental health, it is important to guard yourself against the virus. It would be wise to buy Health Insurance Online to ensure that you have additional cover in case the virus enters your bubble.