GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

An automobile comprises interconnected mechanical elements and complicated electrical wiring technologies. While we may enjoy contemporary comforts such as stereos, interior lighting, and even hologram speedometer readings as long as the electrical systems function correctly, all systems and components come to a standstill on account of short circuits.

A short circuit is a wiring fault because of a loose or defective wire that shunts electricity between courses before it hits its target. Although the signs of a short circuit are similar to those of an open circuit, the diagnosis is somewhat different. A short circuit may happen in various ways, and it's not always straightforward to locate and fix.

However, to understand how to discover a short circuit, we must first grasp how a perfectly working circuit operates. So here are a few tips for locating a short circuit in your car.

1. Make a map of your vehicle's circuit:
Remove the wire harness from your vehicle and turn to your Early Warning Device (EWD) to start diagnosing the circuit. Identify the various cables and circuits you're inspecting so you know where to go next. Wire colours should match the colours specified in the EWD. However, this may differ based on where you obtained your EWD.

2. Examine any exposed wiring:
One may also save time and effort by inspecting any exposed wires first. You may find a damaged or chafed wire that you can immediately begin mending. However, since most automobiles' wiring is tightly wrapped, you'll almost certainly need to try a few boards to figure out where the issue is.

3. Inspect all wires for faults:
If you feel a specific wire causes the problem, you may detach its connection at either the sensing or loading ends. Check your test indicator to see if it fades out or your multimeter to check if it stops buzzing. Next, you may remove your car's panelling and inspect the wires to see if you can pinpoint the problem.

4. Testing the 5V circuit:
In case the short is a 5-volt circuit, the Engine Control Module utilises it to regulate the gearbox and engine. You may unplug the battery first, then the ECM. It'll also enable you to identify electrical oscillations and approximately pinpoint the location of the short circuit.

5. One-by-one assess all the fuses:
Check the fuses and look for any easy, quick short circuits. Take a fuse at random and attach your testing indicator to its socket terminals. If a current is detected, the test LED will light up. If the test light does not ignite, it may suggest that electricity is not flowing to that fuse. This indicates that the damaged wire is along that route.

Knowing how to detect a short circuit may save you a lot of time and money while ensuring that your car is safe and perfectly operational. While it might be time-consuming, utilising the approach mentioned above should provide you with the knowledge you need to detect and fix any short circuit in your vehicle.

However, if you still face difficulty identifying the origin of the short circuit, visit the nearest garage. It is ideal to have your vehicle backed by insurance for even minor expenses like these. Search for the best car insurance in India and get yours right away to cover your vehicle against damages caused due to unexpected short circuits.

Find the best car insurance India for your vehicle HERE .

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

Be it the summer season, winters, or heavy monsoon, you need to take care of a few things to ensure your car's proper functioning and longevity. While external servicing and maintenance of your car are crucial, some particular factors ensure that your vehicle is up and running.

The summer season brings in good weather. But the drastic temperature rise can harm your car. In this space, we will discuss tips for caring for your vehicle during the summer season to keep it in good condition.

1. Cooling your engine:
Engines getting heated due to high temperatures are one of the significant causes of car breakdowns in summers. You can cool off the engine by using cooling systems in your car as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Coolant refill:
To keep your cooling system in excellent working condition, make sure to refill the coolant according to the overflow status. According to most manufacturers, the cooling liquid mixture usually contains a fifty-fifty water to coolant ratio.

3. Inspect your car:
Some parts of your car are susceptible to heat damage and may deteriorate in high temperatures. Examine your vehicle, and replace any wear and tear or other damages as soon as possible. Also, keep an eye on the coolant leakages due to fuel expansion in summers.

4. Tyres:
Take a close look at your tyres. If they appear to be more inflated than required, get them checked. It's necessary to regularly monitor the air pressure levels in your tyres during the summers.
Failing to do so might risk a tyre blowout which can be a considerable safety risk, especially if you're on the road, examine your car tyres for signs of wear and tear and replace them if you find any damages.

5. Corrosion:
Once your vehicle reaches a specific limit, it is recommended to check your ignition system. The electrodes might corrode or wear out, so replacing the spark plugs is the solution to combat any ignition issues.

6. Air conditioning:
Examine the air conditioning of your car, especially in the summer season. Any defects leading to the disruption of the air conditioner can cause massive discomfort during your travels in such rising temperatures. Also, ensure that you inspect the compressor clutch while checking the air conditioning system.

7. Wipers:
The wipers of your car play an integral role while you're driving. They clear the windshield, making it easier to see while you drive. Replacing the wipers for the summer season with new ones would prepare you for the storms or rainy downpours midseason.

These were a few expert car care tips you will need to take care of your vehicle during the summer season. Apart from these tips, consider protecting your car against unprecedented circumstances. Emergencies like road accidents or damages to different parts of your vehicle can lead to heavy monetary expenses. To avoid paying a massive sum of money in such unforeseeable situations, you can explore various options and purchase car insurance online in India.

Click HERE to know more about how you can get car insurance online 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.

Every one of us has once had a dream of flying. As kids, we have looked at birds and planes and wished for the ability to fly. Today, we have various ways to live this dream. Different adventure sports like sky diving, hang gliding, and paragliding have created opportunities where people can enjoy a safe yet thrilling experience of being in the air.

India proudly displays unique landforms, making it one of the most enjoyable places for such activities. Paragliders have referred to paragliding as one the most unforgettable experiences of their lives. Being up in the air and away from the ground is sure to be one of the most humbling experiences of your life.

Today we will look at a few places in India that offer this experience.

1. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh:
Situated near Kangra Valley, Bir is a beautiful village in Himachal Pradesh. It has over 11 paragliding options, giving it the name of the 'Paragliding capital of India'. Bir promises you the spectacular views of lush green mountains and the beautiful sunsets that paint the sky in all shades of orange.

2. Panchgani, Maharashtra:
Panchgani is a small hill station in Maharashtra that offers training as well as flying for all paragliding enthusiasts. The landscapes of Bilar, Khinger, and Tapola are arguably one of the best locations for flying. The best time to visit Panchgani is between November and February.

3. Arambol, Goa:
Goa is famous for its beaches, food, and party life. But Arambol promises priceless views of the Arabian Sea and beautiful arrays of palm trees. Choose the evenings for your paragliding adventure to watch the sunset while you sail over the blue waters reflecting its golden shine.

4. Nandi Hills, Karnataka:
Situated close to Bangalore, Nandi is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies, as many tourists choose it for camping, trekking, and paragliding. People here are mostly seen enjoying paragliding in the day and camping at night.

5. Gangtok, Sikkim:
The land of magic, monasteries, and mountains, Gangtok is a must-visit for anyone who wants to combine adventure and spirituality on their trip. Paragliding in Gangtok promises you a bird's eye view of the unexplored places in Sikkim and a beautiful view of the mighty Kanchenjunga.

6. Shillong, Meghalaya:
The Scotland of the east, Shillong, has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Paragliding here is sure to be a cathartic experience. Shillong is a canvas of dense, lush forests and beautiful waterfalls. Visit during the summer months to ensure the magnificent view that this palace has to offer.

These are a few of the best places in India that offer you a safe and fun paragliding experience. Over the years, adventure sports have become more prevalent in India. While well-trained and licensed professionals are always there to guide you through the process, invest a fair amount of time researching the best paragliders in the area to ensure maximum safety. Add to this a personal accident insurance policy to help you evade any expense that you might incur in case of an accident.

Click HERE to know more about personal accident insurance 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.

Using your private property for commercial purposes may seem like a fantastic way to grow your business if you have an office at home. It has been common practice to convert a residential property for commercial use to increase income. However, housing societies usually don't appreciate it when a whole residential unit is used for business.

Owners are permitted to use a portion of the property for commercial purposes. However, there are several restrictions and legislations that you must be aware of to use your apartment as an office space. In addition, getting the best home insurance policy in India can help you save money when you rent or buy a business space.

Is there a regulation in India that governs how residential property is used and rented out?
Across Indian cities, the zoning law is enacted by the local municipal government or authorities. It governs the use and allocation of land to different services and purposes. According to the legislation, commercial activity should be kept out of residential areas for the benefit of residents and to encourage the growth of the proper commercial regions.

What exactly does the law state?
It is essential to note that different states have different levels of leniency when it comes to commercial use. In some states, professional service providers such as doctors, lawyers, and chartered accountants are permitted to use up to 30% of their homes for business purposes. But in other states, they are not.

Before converting a residential property into commercial space, ensure that it's permitted. You must get clearance from the local housing authority. Once a property has been officially considered for retail space, it will be regarded as such for all purposes, including paying a higher property tax rate than a residential property.

Things to keep in mind when turning a residential property into a place of work.
Commercial activity is any activity related to the buying and selling of merchandise. Most housing societies allow the operation of businesses such as professions, services, and the teaching of specific art forms.
Activities such as yoga classes, tuition classes, or the services of chartered accountants, doctors, and lawyers are not considered as commercial activities. Commercial activity within residential properties may not be authorised due to security concerns as they create a significant traffic hazard for the neighbourhood.

For those who are willing to use their home for commercial purposes, here are a few considerations to bear in mind:

1. Before making an application, make sure you know exactly how much space you'll need and what kind of business you want to start.

2. Obtain a permit to operate a business from the local municipality.

3. Ensure that your clients are not using communal spaces such as the parking lot or other amenities.

4. If your home is turned into a business, you may have to pay more property taxes.

Many people find that running a business from home is an excellent way to save money since the cost of rent and transportation are significantly reduced.

Before starting a business in a residential space, get approval from the housing society, local councils, and zoning authorities. Also, get the best home insurance policy in India so that you can keep your apartment safe as you turn it into a business.

Click HERE to get 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.

Owning your own home is an extensive process. You explore hundreds of houses, put a lot of thought into remodelling and painting, and invest a ton of money in furniture and appliances that match your home's feel.

The walls of your house hugely contribute to the decoration and the aesthetic you want to create. They bring out the vibe you want your home to radiate. And while you can do many things to decorate your walls like hanging art, using textured paints and patterns, adorning them with home decor items, etc., a recent trend of adhesive wallpapers has garnered people's attention.

Adhesive wallpapers are easily accessible, come in various designs and colours and embellish the decoration of your home within a friendly budget. But applying these wallpapers can be a tricky and messy process.

This blog will discuss the best tips to use adhesive wallpaper for better results.

1. Wipe your walls:
It is good to clean the walls first with a microfiber cloth before applying the adhesive wallpaper. This will remove the dust on your walls and make the surface smoother for better application.

2. Move your furniture:
For correct measurement and easy installation of adhesive wallpapers, move all the furniture, switch covers and other removable outlets. You should make sufficient comfortable space to conduct the wallpaper work efficiently.

3. Layout:
Planning and jotting down the layout makes it easy to understand the space and the amount of wallpaper required to cover the area. You can either start by measuring the length and width of the walls and stick the stripes from left to right or by beginning at the centre, marking the left and right extremes and working your way, one direction at a time.

4. Check:
Once you stick the outline stripes, inspect the walls to check whether they are aligned and distanced equally. Overlapping might result in messy wall decoration.

5. Paint your walls:
Smooth wall paint works well with adhesive wallpapers if you apply satin-type primers. Matte paint becomes challenging due to its firm texture, thus making it difficult for adhesive wallpapers to stick.

6. Tools:
Using the right tools will help you in making the process of applying adhesive wallpapers easy. You can use a cutting knife to cut tricky corners and edges and a ruler to smoothen the rough edges and measure the intricate spots. You can also use a needle for popping the bubbles while sticking the wallpaper.

7. Peel properly:
Peeling the wallpaper must be done correctly. If you peel off the back paper in haste, you risk tearing the wallpaper and messing up the whole pattern and decoration. You can start from the top and work your way down slowly as you apply. Maintaining a steady flow of action and focusing on just your movement is essential.

Now that we have discussed the best tips to apply adhesive wallpaper for a better feel and appearance, it is also necessary to think about the safety of your house. Protect your home against unprecedented situations like fire, theft, or natural disasters, and avoid unwanted monetary stress. You can explore different options and choose the best house insurance in India, which caters to your needs and offers exclusive benefits.

Click HERE to know more about house 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.

Driving a lorry at night can have several advantages, including reduced traffic, availability of parking spots, and a magnificent night sky. While nighttime lorry driving may be relaxing, it is critical to practice safe night driving to avoid mishaps. According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways of India, road deaths increase three folds at night.

As human eyes have poor night vision, with decreased depth perception and peripheral vision, it is no coincidence that the highways are dreadful and dangerous after the sun sets.

The best safety tip would be to not drive after dark, but if your schedule mandates you to do so, here are some tips that will help keep you safe on the roads.

1. Adjust the headlights:
Check that your lorry's headlights are correctly set. When it's dark, use upper beams whenever it's safe to do so. Uppers beams can see twice as far ahead as dipper. Switch back to dipper when you're within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

2. Follow speed limits:
It's a fundamental reality that humans can't see as clearly during the night as in the daytime, no matter how excellent their vision is. So, driving slow at night helps you see the warning signs or other vehicles better. Slow down even more during severe weather and foggy conditions due to less visibility.

3. Reduce glare:
Maintaining a clean windshield is vital to reduce the blindness that an approaching vehicle's headlights may cause. Furthermore, replace your wiper blades regularly to maintain a clean windshield.

*Additional tip – Staring at an approaching vehicle's beams can slow your response time. When you see such lights, gaze toward the center or right side of the highway until traffic passes. Moreover, adjust your mirrors so that headlights from vehicles behind you do not blind you.

4. Beware of your limitations:
As per the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways of India, most police-reported truck collisions are caused by sleepy driving each year. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep before you get behind the wheels. If you ever start experiencing fatigue, pull over right away and rest or refresh.

5. Be responsible:
Do what you expect of others, don't use upper beams unnecessarily, don't drink and drive, always use your side indicators while driving, flash your lights before overtaking, etc. Remember, even a small thing can trigger a severe collision and lead to an accident, so be a responsible driver.

Additional Tips:

• Maintain the health of your truck by carrying a routine maintenance

• Cover the truck with motor insurance. You can also buy motor insurance online now

• Overloading is illegal as well as causes much trouble while driving

• Never forget to wear your seatbelt

• Turn on the mp3 player to avoid feeling drowsy but ensure you don't keep the volume too loud as it might prevent you from listening to the vehicles outside

• Take periodic refreshments breaks

Whether you're a novice or an expert, the roads are uncertain. As we earlier said, the best tip is to drive during the daytime, but if night driving is inevitable, these tips will surely benefit you in driving safely.

Visit HERE to buy motor insurance online now.

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

Asthma is a health ailment that can take a severe toll on your health. In this condition, the air passage observes inflammation, and the bronchioles of the lungs swell, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma affects the functioning of your lungs and can lead to various long-term diseases as well.

While you can control asthma most of the time, it can affect your daily activities and may even be fatal. If not addressed correctly, the symptoms can worsen over time and lead to severe asthma attacks.

Today we will look at a few ways you can control your asthma.

1. Identifying triggers:
Almost all cases of asthmatic attacks arise due to a triggering agent or underlying factors. It could be pollution, smoke, allergies, exercise etc. Identifying what triggers your asthma is essential to prevent attacks as much as possible. One handy way of doing this is by keeping notes for a few weeks. Take into account all environmental and emotional things that affect you.

2. Avoid allergens:
Once diagnosed with asthma, you can do allergy tests to learn what you are allergic to. A comprehensive understanding of what causes allergies can help you prevent them in the future. Contact with allergens can cause inflammation which may block your airway and worsen your condition due to poor respiration.

3. Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy or Allergy shots are injected to help mitigate allergic symptoms. Over a period of time, these small doses of specific substances allow the body to adjust to them and become less reactive in the future.

4. Avoid smoke:
If you are asthmatic, you should avoid smoke from vehicles, incense sticks, and cigarettes. Even passive smoking can be a deadly trigger for your asthma. Always carry masks, inhalers, and your asthma medication wherever you go. When stuck in situations where you're unable to avoid the smoke, use masks to cover your face thoroughly. Protecting your air passage should be a priority when you're in crowded places.

5. Take medications:
Even if your asthma has been under control for a while, never skip your medications. Asthma medications are designed to help to prevent symptoms and attacks over time. Skipping on your medications can be dangerous.

6. Keep your environment clean:
Sometimes the bare minimum can go a long way. Regularly vacuuming your couches and floor can help keep dust at bay. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the air's moisture and prevent mold growth. Install air purifiers to get rid of dust mites. Lastly, don't forget to change your bedsheets and liner every week to ensure maximum protection from dust and allergies.

These are a few ways in which you can prevent an asthmatic attack. However, in case of a severe asthma condition, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Having medical reports handy at all times is a good idea to give the doctors a better understanding of your medical history.

We are often not prepared for the expenses we might incur during visits to doctors. Costly medical bills should be the least of your worries in such times. Having the backing of an insurance provider is especially helpful. Consider this a reminder of your health insurance policy renewal and prevent it from lapsing.

Click HERE to know more about health insurance policy 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.

India's vast network of national highways is usually busy with trucks carrying hefty cargo across the states. Transportation of heavy-duty materials and goods is majorly carried out by trucks. Their labour happens to be an essential work that contributes to the entire country's economy and aids multiple industries in flourishing and growing.

As essential as the transportation of the loaded cargo is, it can be a complex process to manage. Hauling loaded shipments for kilometers at a stretch is a strenuous activity and can become dangerous. Due to their massive size and load, several rules and regulations are levied upon the lorries. There are standard weight limitations to be followed to avoid any road accidents. All shipment companies and truck drivers must follow these safety provisions.

What are the basic truck requirements to keep in mind?

1. The weight of the load or cargo must be evenly positioned in the vehicle. Distributing the weight evenly throughout the truck ensures that its balance is maintained while driving. It also guarantees that no part of the truck is heavier than the rest so that it drives safely across the distance.

2. The cargo must be positioned and secured firmly in its place. If any items of the shipment move with the truck's movement along the road, it can cause the lorry to tip over or fall while making a turn. This can cause major road accidents and distract the driver from driving.

3. The regulatory bodies imply a standard weight limitation depending on the truck's size. The driver must ensure that these weight limitations and norms are adhered to before setting off on their journey. Not only can they be heavily fined for disregarding these rules, but they can also cause significant weight displacement of the vehicle, leading to severe accidents.

What are the risks of overloading the trucks?

1. The mechanical components of the truck are proportional to its smooth functioning. The weight limits are placed to protect the vehicle's mechanical parts from the damage caused by overloading. Parts like the suspension and engine can be easily damaged.

2. Heavy loads cause high amounts of pressure on the vehicle's braking system. The driver is forced to push harder on the brakes to stop sooner, impairing the system. Extreme pressure on the brakes can significantly increase the possibilities of brake failure.

3. Like the truck's mechanical parts, tyres can also deteriorate due to truck overloading. It causes a significant chance of them blowing out. A tyre blowout can cause the cargo to shift, displace its weight and lead to accidents. If the driver is unable to steer the truck to safely move out of the road, it may cause a major road collision and pose a threat to other vehicles on the road.

Understanding the risks of overloading trucks is essential to securing yourself, people, and vehicles. Following the safety protocols and driving with alertness and lesser (permissible) load is key to avoiding landing into unwanted mishaps. Investing in a motor insurance scheme can ensure your truck's safety at all times and get you compensated in case of damages. A good motor insurance can help you secure your finances and make your journeys stress-free.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance to safeguard your truck.

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.