GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

When switching to a sustainable energy source like solar, it is wise to conduct a careful study because this is an expensive purchase you will have to live with for 25 years. In this post, we will provide essential questions so you can learn everything you need to know before installing solar panels on your home. These solutions will simplify your solar journey.

1. How much can solar power reduce your household electricity costs?
The monthly savings from solar for household electricity users can be as much as 80%, and in certain circumstances, even more. Before ordering a solar system, determine how much money you will save.

2. Can you utilise net metering at your house? When should you apply if the answer is yes?
Savings from solar can be maximised using a net metering feature in conjunction with an on-grid or hybrid solar system. In exchange for payment, you can export the extra electricity your solar system produces to the grid.
Now, homeowners in all of India's states can use the facility. However, the advantages may vary based on the tariffs established by the individual states. Before and after your solar PV system installation, you can apply for net metering. Nonetheless, we advise you to apply for net metering before the system is installed for your convenience.

3. How much would it cost for your rooftop solar system?
Over the past ten years, solar system prices have decreased significantly. A typical 1 kilowatt (kW) solar system, which cost about INR 145 per watt (Wp) in 2000, is now available for about INR 35 per Wp. However, the final price varies according to the project's size, the skill level of the solar installer, and component quality.
Residential solar systems are often smaller than commercial or industrial ones, and because of the smaller scale of operations, the cost per KW tends to be more significant. The essential thing in this situation is not to hold back on the components' quality or the installer's knowledge.

4. When will your solar system reach financial stability?
With a properly installed household solar system, you should reach your breakeven point in about three and a half years. However, the system size and the state's DISCOM tariff rate affect the breakeven point. The critical thing to remember is that since solar energy returns come in the form of savings, they are guaranteed. You can use a solar calculator to determine your expected payback period and return on investment.

5. Is the rooftop of your house a suitable location for solar panel installation?
It is crucial to examine the capacity of your rooftop. Your rooftop needs to support the combined weight of the mounting structures and the panels. A rooftop must be free of any shadows cast by surrounding structures or objects because most homes in India are constructed too close to one another.

6. Are there any tax benefits for your residential solar investment?
Household electricity is not currently eligible for any tax incentives. However, the investment is worthwhile, though, because the savings on electricity bills alone are substantial.

After investing in such sophisticated technologies and energy sources, it becomes crucial to protect your home against any unforeseen contingencies. In such cases, the best home insurance in India can also assist you in significantly reducing your financial outlay by protecting your home, its structure, and content from unexpected loss or damages.

Click HERE to buy the best home insurance in 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.

Accidents, unfortunately, happen far too frequently. They cause vehicle owners to pay for auto repairs, treating injuries, and increased insurance premiums when accidents occur. A small error might lead your car to be totaled in an instant. Purchasing a policy from a reliable motor insurance company in India secures you and your vehicle from various hazards and damages that could cause financial losses.

We repeatedly observe the same trends that lead to collision incidents. To decode this most common issue, we're presenting the most typical crash types and accident-prevention advice to make the roads safer.

1. Front-impact collisions:
When the front of your vehicle collides with another car or object, it is called a front-impact accident, accounting for 54% of all auto accidents. It can result from wrong-lane driving or a poor indication by the approaching vehicle from the front, especially while making turns.

How to avoid them:
Modify your driving according to the circumstances, such as slick roads or other weather-related issues. Give yourself more time to react and take control by driving more slowly in the rain and using indicators while taking turns. Keep your focus on the road and avoid any distractions.

2. Rear-end collisions:
Heavy commuter traffic on roads and thoroughfares, over-speeding, aggressive driving, and leaving insufficient room for the car in front of you are the common causes of rear-end collisions.

How to avoid them:
Driver distraction accounts for 89% of rear-end collisions. Avoid being distracted by putting the phone down, even in driving mode, and adjusting your audio. Additionally, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid tailgating by not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

3. Parked-car collisions:
In crowded parking lots, bumper dents are all too typical. They occur when several vehicles travel in various directions or while reversing out of a parking space.

How to avoid them:
Parking lots can make viewing your surroundings challenging, especially when reversing. Before leaving a parking space, survey the area and use your rear-view mirror effectively. Park a bit further away from other vehicles.

4. Side-impact collisions:
Side impacts between cars travelling in different lanes parallel to one another are the norm in cases of sideswipes. This kind of accident accounts for 27% of fatal passenger crashes.

How to avoid them:
Refrain from speeding to beat the yellow light. Instead, be extra cautious and always check both ways at stop signs and traffic lights. Check your blind spot before changing lanes, and watch for sudden lane changes from other motorists.

5. Hydroplaning collisions:
Since the tyres can't touch the pavement when you hydroplane, you have little control over the direction of the automobile, which almost definitely results in a collision. More than 10% of car fatalities yearly are related to wet roadways.

How to avoid them:
Stop accelerating, and don't stamp your foot on the brakes if your car does hydroplane. Instead, keep the pressure constant and let the automobile slow down. Make sure the tread on your tyres isn't too worn out. When driving through significant road puddles, proceed slowly.

Although there are many steps you may take to lessen the risk of accidents, theft, injuries, or damage to your car, it's not always possible to avoid the unexpected. In road accidents, collisions are a significant factor in injury and fatalities. We recommend purchasing a comprehensive auto insurance policy from a trusted motor insurance company in India. This will protect you and your vehicle against various damages and provide monetary compensation for expenses resulting from theft, fire, natural disasters, third-party liabilities, accidents, and other tragedies.

Click HERE to learn more about the policies offered by the best motor insurance company in 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.

After purchasing your home, maintaining and protecting it becomes the highest-ranked priority. Keeping a clutter-free home helps you bring positivity and a better sense of well-being. While buying the best home insurance policy in India can help shift the burden of contingencies like burglary, vandalism, etc., how do we safeguard our homes from habits like hoarding and stockpiling?

If you find it challenging to keep your home clutter-free, here is a short guide to maintaining and optimising your space.

1. Identify clutter:
Our physical, mental, and emotional lives can become cluttered with irrelevant items. But what appears to be clutter may be an extraordinary item for you. Physical clutter usually occurs when we have too much stuff and no orderly mechanisms to store them. Owning less stuff makes your home clutter-free and more accessible. Having less material also positively affects our time, lives, and energy.

2. Get rid of the extra:
Eliminating the surplus items that consume our lives, time, and energy is the first step in keeping your home clutter-free. Clutter can be described as having too much stuff in a limited space, resulting in a disorganised home. Slowly navigate from room to room while using this filter to weed out items that are not required.

3. Avoid acquiring too many possessions:
Clutter can be efficiently managed by effective space management. You need to understand that the goods cost more than what is listed as their final retail price. We must alter our perspective and assess our purchases differently to stop the accumulation of goods in our houses. Start by asking yourself these questions before making a purchase –
● When I get it home, will there be a place to store it?
● Exactly why am I purchasing it?
● What value does it bring to our home and well-being?

4. Establish routines to manage your clutter:
Finding and creating routines to effectively manage your belongings will be the easiest way to remove the surplus. After removing the excess, it will be easier to identify the practices that keep your living environment clutter-free. Also, you'll find it simpler to adopt these habits once you've experienced the independence and stress-free lifestyle that comes with living clutter-free.
Clutter draws more clutter, and it needs to be eliminated. Create healthy habits for your family to control how your home's possessions are used regularly. They will be simpler to apply once you've identified them.

5. Plan decluttering maintenance times:
The most crucial step is to make a timetable and follow it. You can do this daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or seasonal. Remember, you need to declutter and organise regularly.
You'll feel better about your clutter-free home if you're disciplined about following through with your maintenance program. The more time passes between your regular sessions, the more you'll notice that your house could be cleaner and more orderly.

Building habits around clearing up excess clutter should be prioritised in your daily routine. The critical components to living in a clutter-free environment are recognising and knowing what to do with it and having the discipline to carry it through.

The beautiful thing about decluttering your house is that your efforts will have a long-lasting good impact on your sense of self-worth and how you regard your living space. While this will help protect the area inside your home and make better choices as per your tastes, buying the best home insurance policy in India provides the safety of external protection for your house.

Click HERE to buy the best home insurance policy in 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.

Motor insurance is a boon that provides vehicle owners security against the financial burden of mishaps that occur to their cars. While it offers several inclusions, acts classified as contributory negligence do not fall under the policy's scope of coverage.

One such act is misfuelling your vehicle, which unfortunately happens frequently. If you find yourself in such a situation, here's all you need to know.

Case 1: Potential dangers of petrol in a diesel car.
Gasoline in a diesel car is a solvent for low lubrication and could damage the fuel pump. Metal pieces from the broken pumps could cause more problems with the fuel delivery system.

What to do: Avoid turning the key and igniting the engine.
The tank must be emptied, with all tainted fuel removed and replaced with a new charge. You can only turn it on after that.

Case 2: Threats of diesel in a petrol car.
Because the diameter of the diesel fuel filler cannon is often larger than the slot of petrol cars, refuelling a petrol car with diesel fuel is uncommon. However, in such situations, the engine doesn't start, and the exhaust severely smokes while running.
The spark produced by spark plugs is what drives a petrol-powered car. Diesel can clog the candles and the fuel system when you fill it up and start the vehicle. It can lead to misfires, smoke, and possibly even a motor failure.

What to do: Don't turn on the ignition and refuel the tank.
Use a specialised additive that clears diesel traces from the fuel system if you fill the petrol tank with diesel in any amount. Furthermore, it matters how much diesel has dispersed throughout the car's internal components after entering the gasoline tank.
It is advised to do a complete tank drain and then fill the entire tank with gasoline. If less than 2 litres have been added, there will be no issues. Obtain assistance from a professional who can remove and clean the gasoline tank if the diesel content exceeds 5% of the tank capacity. Once completed, you can start the car and drive it further.

If your car is already running.
It is advised to drain the fuel tank and refill the fuel system with fresh gasoline before starting the car. If you're driving when you realise, stop as soon as possible. To eliminate the contaminated fuel, it is imperative to flush the tank. Replacement of the gasoline filter is essential in each scenario.

How can the risk be reduced?
No one purposefully fills their tank with the wrong fuel, yet many individuals do so even though the filler size varies for the two fuel types. The type of fuel used on each car is noted, typically on the tank cap and the filler cap as well. Before beginning to refuel, always double-check the type of fuel!

The repair cost may increase depending on how much-contaminated fuel is in the fuel system. You should always be careful to avoid such incidents, and if it does, you could incur significant repair costs.

One of your most valuable possessions, your car, needs to be protected because repairs are expensive. The best way to protect yourself is to purchase motor insurance, which offers several advantages that can increase your safety and safeguards your finances in the case of an accident.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance.

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.

Bikes are nothing short of an adventure on two wheels. While they have always been highly preferred in the Indian market due to their convenience, relative inexpensiveness, and ease of learning and riding, bikes are also doubling as a means of thrill providers over the last few decades.

With the varied topographical diversity in India, adrenalin seekers that enjoy motorbiking have found new joy in off-roading. While taking your bike on the road not commonly taken may give you momentary exhilaration, keeping your safety in mind before taking on such adventures is essential. Purchase a bike insurance policy that covers accidents resulting from such extreme sports.

Before getting started on your off-roading journey, consider purchasing these add-on covers to your bike insurance –

1. Engine protection:
The bike's engine is quite literally the heart of the machine. Ensuring it is in excellent condition is essential, especially when taking on challenging terrains. Since off-roading involves steep and rocky inclines, it puts tremendous pressure on your bike's engine. This makes it more likely to break down and leads to high engine repair costs. This add-on provides coverage for all expenses allied with engine repairs and maintenance.

2. Zero depreciation:
Wear and tear is a natural occurrence, and your bike is no exception. Usually, in case of raising a claim, the insurance company only admits a partial amount of the insured sum after factoring in the depreciation costs of the bike parts. However, buying a zero-depreciation cover can help you receive a higher claim amount than in the absence of such cover, making it easier to finance the cost of replacing bike components.

3. Theft of personal belongings:
Unlike regular riding, dirt biking requires special equipment that enhances the rider's safety. Such personal belongings are often expensive and require additional care to maintain. In case your riding gear gets stolen, a personal possessions cover can help you recover the insured sum or the cost of the stolen assets, providing peace of mind and financial security.

4. Roadside assistance:
Breakdowns may be frequent, even for regular bikes used for standard conveyance purposes on paved roads. Harsher terrains inevitably lead to greater chances of bike breakdowns due to multiple uncontrollable factors and mechanical failures. In such emergencies, it is necessary to have a backup plan to rely on. A roadside assistance cover provides reassurance of help in unforeseen conditions, making it a key requirement to purchase.

5. Outstation emergency cover:
The outstation emergency cover is necessary for off-road biking enthusiasts who enjoy long-distance biking adventures away from their residences. Generally, most bike insurance companies state the scope of coverage to be outside a 100-kilometre radius from the place of residence stated in the policy papers.

Can you buy specific bike insurance for your dirt biking adventures?

If you are a beginner to the sport, you may think of purchasing the above-stated add-on covers as a hassle and wonder why not buy an all-inclusive dirt biking insurance policy to protect your bike. Whether you intend to use a regular motorcycle for adventure sports or own a dirt bike, most insurance companies in India do not offer specific off-roading bike insurance. However, you may get comprehensive bike insurance that provides extensive coverage for your bike.

As the activity gains popularity, we expect the Indian insurance industry to adapt to the changing demand and provide suitable security cover for adventure activity. Until then, if you wish to take on the thrilling activity, we urge you to purchase the requisite add-on covers to make your bike insurance policy's coverage comprehensive for your needs.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance.

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.

Climate change is the shift in the temperature and weather patterns over a long period. It affects the entire planet by causing abnormally cold conditions in some parts of the earth, while some areas witness extreme heatwave conditions. Some regions are experiencing long dry spells, while others are experiencing devastating floods.

Human activities are primarily responsible for the rapid climate change across the planet. Excessive burning of fossil fuels like oil and gas and irresponsible exploitation of natural resources result in climate change. If you wish to buy home insurance online India to deal with damages due to untimely incidents, here’s how this may directly impact you.

1. Increase in premium:
Some regions of the planet are witnessing a higher impact of climate change and increased natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, deep freeze, rise in sea level, etc., than others. Home insurance premiums have shot up at an alarming rate in such regions. It is becoming very costly for homeowners to buy home insurance online India policy in such areas.
This is logical as the risk of insuring houses in these places and the number of claims is rising. Hence, it is becoming financially unsustainable for insurers to provide insurance services at the prevailing rates. Home insurance premiums have increased by around 10%-12% on an annual basis. This rate varies and is even higher for houses in heavy disaster-prone areas.

2. Rise in the number of inhabitants:
Disaster-prone areas offer inexpensive land, which increases their demand. This results in the increasing population and limited availability of land in disaster-prone areas. However, houses in areas prone to flooding or nearby forests always have a higher risk.
Houses near a forest always pose a higher chance of starting a wildfire by accident. More house inhabitants mean more damage during severe flooding or other natural disasters. These factors influence home insurance policies, their terms and conditions, and premium in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.

3. Difficulty in getting home insurance:
Residents in regions that are witnessing disasters due to climate change are finding it difficult to get their homes insured easily. The probability of damage to their houses is very high because of the topography of their area. For example, rising sea levels due to climate change threaten the existence of dwellings close to the sea shores. Several cities in the world face the risk of extinction by submerging in seawater due to rising sea levels.
Insurers are not interested in insuring houses in such high-risk areas. This makes it difficult for people to get their homes insured, even after shelling out high premiums, which are often unaffordable for the middle & low-income strata. This increases the risk of complete financial ruin in the event of a natural disaster.

Abrupt climate change is catastrophic. It can cause extreme heat or cold conditions, floods and droughts, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Moreover, it can also result in biodiversity loss. Although climate change is inevitable, we can control the pace with which it changes. With the risk of abrupt climate change looming on our heads, the wisest decision in these times is to buy home insurance online India. Opt for comprehensive coverage against damages to the home structure and contents, loss due to short circuits, fire, floods, etc.

Click HERE to buy home insurance online 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.

A home is so much more than just a shelter. It is where you create memories, watch your family thrive, and compound your wealth. Considering the constantly increasing prices of homes, buying one is a dream that not many accomplish easily. Recognising the monetary and perceived value associated with the asset, it becomes essential to protect your home and personal belongings from unforeseen circumstances like burglary and vandalism by buying home insurance India.

While home insurance India is a periodic investment that satisfies your safety requirements for a specified tenure, the interiors of your house do not fall into the same category. With changing trends, tastes, and preferences, it is inevitable to wish to renovate and alter the aesthetic appeal of your home. However, you may not have the finances to avail the services of professional designers to bring your vision to reality and design your ideal space.

In such a case, fret not! Here are some inexpensive and easy DIY tasks you can take on the weekends to give your home a new look!

1. Entryway systemiser:
The area that greets a visitor upon opening the main door is the easiest way to build a great impression and set the tone for the decor used in the rest of the house. While you may customise it as per your tastes, it is essential to keep it organised to give your home a put-together look. Revamp your entryway with a compact organiser that stores all your keys, sunglasses, and bags. While you may purchase separate hooks, boxes, or frames for this area, consider arranging existing sturdy holders to create a sustainable assorted organiser.

2. Foyer frames:
The room that the entryway leads into, often known as the hall or living room, is the most used space in all houses. It is also the best place to display valuable memories such as photographs, achievements, and sample works of your hobbies and interests. The possibilities for this idea are endless, ranging from minimalistic matching frames to vibrant and funky options in different sizes and shapes.

3. Create an accent:
Often, homeowners feel the need to refresh their homes to complete renovations. However, if you wish to see immediate results and are working on a tight budget or with limited time, an accent wall or furniture may be your ideal solution. Identify a complementary colour to the current colour palette of your home’s interiors and consider options ranging from artwork, accessories, upholstery, furniture, or a wall.

4. Refresh your accessories:
Sometimes, small changes go a long way in creating the desired results. Consider changing minute details in a themed manner to achieve a cohesive effect. This may be by changing your lights to similar-toned ones to set the mood or switching your furniture’s hardware.

5. Switch things up with contact paper:
Contact paper is your rescue if you’re looking for a quick fix to alter your furnishing and flat surfaces’ visual appeal. You can achieve this without fundamentally altering their surface by using contact papers. These decorative materials come in several trending prints and are available in the length you require per your project’s needs.
Simply peel away the backing and stick it to the desired surface. It makes changing the look of your home effortless since it is easy to remove and reuse, making it perfect for renters who wish to personalise their rented homes without going against the rules laid by the homeowner.

When facing time and budget constraints, hanging lights and getting plants are only some of the makeover options available. With creativity and consideration of functionality, you can efficiently use your time, resources, and space to create beautiful additions to your home’s appeal. As you invest your time and energy in home renovation projects, we encourage you to consider purchasing home insurance India, which is an investment in securing your home from external contingencies and protecting your finances.

Click HERE to buy home 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 first impression your house has on the visitors can be everlasting as they leave. It is a huge deal to keep your home tidy, chic, and beautiful. It can make you garner a lot of accolades from your fellow friends and family members.

However, the whole process can be tedious as the remodelling or redesigning can take time and effort. What if we tell you that you can make your house look appealing in a few hours? As shocking as it may sound, we have curated a list of the best ways to spice up your home’s aesthetic appeal. These ways are innovative, easy, and do not require much time or money.

Also, your house has a high perceived value and should be well protected. Hence, you must consider purchasing home insurance to keep your home and belongings safe from contingent events like burglary, vandalism, natural calamities, property destruction, etc.

However, if you are planning to make your home look better and more appealing to the guests or want to refresh the look of your home as per changing trends or your taste, then take a closer look at the following points.

1. Make your lighting better:
Lighting can make a big difference to your home appeal. You must have bright, chic, and charismatic lighting around your house. You can also spice up your bedroom lights by adding a touch of fairy lights or mood lighting. An addition of golden-hued lights to the dining area and living room adds to the ambiance.

2. Conceal the garbage bags and dustbins:
Nobody likes to see trash lying around in their homes. It can create a terrible impression on your visitors. When guests come over, you must thoroughly scan your house and conceal your garbage bags. Put them in a place that is not easily visible to your guests. A permanent solution could be to switch up your interiors to create a covered dustbin storage section.

3. Trim your lawn:
If you have a lawn, you must trim the grass before guests visit. You can also discard the weeds and pull them out from the yard. Additionally, spray fertiliser all over the lawns. A gentle trim can make a lot of difference to your home’s appeal in minutes.

4. Create symmetry:
Who does not like symmetry? You must follow a symmetrical pattern while displaying accessories, decorative pieces, and even lights. From your door frame to the lights on the lawn, make sure everything is balanced. It can thoroughly elevate the visual appeal of your home by manifolds.

5. Elevate your front door:
The front door is the first thing every visitor sees before entering your house. You can make it look more appealing by adding simple door decor to it. You can hang a wreath of pastel colours or any floral designs you like. Do not overdo it. Keep it simple yet elegant.

These simple yet effective tips can spruce up your house's visual appeal in minutes. You do not need much money, effort, or even skills to complete it. These quick, effortless tasks bring about a significant change around your home. You will surely get a lot of appreciation from your fellow visitors.

While considering the options for revamping your home’s aesthetic appeal, we also urge you to consider purchasing home insurance to rely upon if things go wrong.

Click HERE to buy the best home insurance in 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.