GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Road accidents can be dangerous, not just physically but mentally as well. The trauma of post-accident can be devastating and scare a person for life. Since an accident can involve a lot of gore, and even casualties, sensitive and weak-hearted people can take years to get over post-accident trauma.

Witnessing or even hearing of a road accident involving the loss of life or even injury to a close one is a disturbing experience. One can be too scared to drive again and may develop a phobia of sitting at the wheel. Vehophobia is the fear of driving that can take place after a road accident. It can significantly affect a person mentally and physically.

Knowing the effects on your life and vehicle, you should always buy motor insurance online to avoid problems later. While such measures are modern introductions, you can now seek help to overcome your fear of driving after an accident. You must take baby steps toward recovery and gradually return to the steering wheel.

This article will help you do that at the earliest with the following steps to overcome fears to drive again confidently.

1. Therapy:
Psychotherapy can help you a lot if you are dealing with accident trauma. Accident trauma can manifest itself as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It can prevent you from driving again. Your therapist can help you get to the root of your problems. They will also use coping mechanisms to help you drive again. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is the most effective tool to help with your recovery. It can help you move past your trauma and anxiety.

2. Be a passenger:
To help you get used to driving again, start as a passenger first. You must get in a vehicle first. It will help you adapt to the look and feel of a moving car again. Ask a trusted friend or family member to take you along for a ride. You can also play some music to keep the ambiance lively and help keep your mind away from negative emotions.

3. Don't drive solo:
Do not go solo as soon as you think you are ready to return to the wheel again. Start diligently from a quiet area with no traffic. You can start in a parking lot or open ground before getting ready for the road again. You should also ask a trusted friend to accompany you at all times. If anything goes wrong, they can take charge.

4. Employ a driving instructor:
A driving instructor can do wonders in a situation like this. They not only teach you to drive but also help you get over your fears. The instructors will help you take the much-needed baby steps in overcoming your fear of driving. They can also help you with defensive and more careful driving tactics. By this, you can avoid accidents in the future.

5. Be kind to yourself:
The whole process of recovery can be frustrating. You will feel like giving up many times, but you must fight the urge to do so. As recovery is a long process, you should be kind to yourself. Let yourself heal at your own pace.

You need to remember these things before returning to the road after an accident. Recovering from a road accident is difficult but not impossible. Give yourself ample time to heal and grow out of it. During this chaotic time, you can stay financially secure. Buy motor insurance online to protect your vehicle from unexpected expenses due to damages.

Click HERE to buy motor 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.

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.

If you don't drive often, you could believe you don't need the competence to change a tyre and may leave it to the mechanic. However, the "flat tyre" problem can happen to anyone at any moment, whether you're driving your car around the block or through highways. The process of changing a tyre is more straightforward than you may imagine. It is better to fix the flat tyre issue immediately before it results in an accident.

Also, remember another best practice to follow is to buy new car insurance. This will provide a considerable financial benefit if your vehicle meets with an accident and causes loss or damage to any third party's property.

Here are some of the most frequent problems encountered while changing a tyre are listed below.

1. Shifting while on an incline:
Get to level ground before pulling the jack out of the car and changing the tyre. If you try to replace the tyre while on a slope, the car can slide off the jack. Before you jack up the car and steady it, set the emergency brake. To prevent rolling, put wheel wedges in front or behind the tyres.

2. Lacking the required tools:
Most individuals don't examine the vehicle jack kit when they acquire a car and undermine the importance of a complete kit. Ensure you check the jack kit thoroughly before driving.

3. Having passengers in the car:
Consider the situation when you have to repair a flat tyre quickly, and you have located a suitable location to do it. Before the tyre-changing procedure begins, ensure all passengers, including pets, exit the car. This can help change the tyres easily as you remove obstructive weight from the vehicle.

4. Stuck alloy wheel rims:
Even seasoned drivers can get caught off guard by this one. Due to rust, alloy wheel rims that haven't been removed for a while may end up attached to the hub immediately behind where the tyre is located. You might need a hammer in the car, which you can use to hit the centre of the wheel covering the tyre. However, it is recommended to take the help of a professional mechanic.

5. Incorrect use of jacking points:
Every car has a few places on the underside that are intended to be used with a jack. Neglecting this part of a flat tyre replacement could cause damage to the automobile or cause it to fall off the jack. The owner's manual for your particular car model will include the proper jacking points. Always use those points to secure the jack.

6. Forgetting about your spare tyre:
Some vehicle owners heed it. An easy maintenance task is to check the spare tyre's condition every few months. If you need to put the spare tyre, do ensure that it is adequately filled and in good condition. If it's flat, weak, rotten, or fractured, it is of no help.

7. Impossible to unscrew wheel nuts or studs:
Even people with well-developed biceps may struggle with this. It might be relatively easy to manually free wheel nuts if they were excessively tight the last time you visited the workshop. Additionally, overtightening has the potential to harm threads permanently.

A flat tyre is a common occurrence that causes stress levels to soar. Take a deep breath and ensure you exit the road safely to prevent the risk of accidents. While there is no way to avoid a flat tyre, you can prepare for such situations by knowing basic car know-how. We also urge you to buy new car insurance since it covers the costs of an accident and financially protects your vehicle against the damages.

Click HERE to buy new car 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.

Insurance is a financial product like no other. Upon payment of a meagre premium amount, it protects the insured person or asset against a contingent event involving a risk to its present or future value. While general, health and life insurance are relatively common products with a higher penetration rate in India, personal accident insurance online lags far behind.

While this may be attributed to the lack of awareness, it is straightforward why the product is required. Accidents are uncertainties that can occur in any setting, whether travelling, commuting, or at work. Since you cannot eliminate the risk of accidents, purchasing personal accident insurance online is essential to protect yourself against hospitalisation costs and other expenses resulting from an accident.

The limited awareness regarding personal accident insurance is also only partially reliable due to the misconceptions surrounding the product. While its coverage to the extent of travel accidents is commonly known, there are several questions surrounding its scope of coverage for adventure sports.

Find out whether adventure sports are covered by personal accident insurance online.

Defining adventure sports.

Adventure sports are easy to define in lay terms but are described differently by every insurer. It includes sports that involve contact, extreme speed, technical gear, and extremely high levels of risk. As the name states, these sports have a considerably high-risk grade, making most insurers hesitant to cover them. Common extreme sports include skydiving, skiing, rappelling, mountaineering, etc.

Generally, irrespective of the type of insurance- general or non-general, most insurers do not offer coverage for adventure sports due to the intensity of the activities.

Why should you check for adventure sports inclusion before participating?

The thrill of adventure is second to none, and the addition of multiple uncontrollable factors only adds to the experience for those who seek an adrenaline rush. However, one must always ensure to protect themself from potential accidents before participating in such sports for the following reasons –

1. Hospitalisation coverage:
With medical inflation on the rise, covering any possible medical expenses, including those arising from adventure sports, is prudent. Considering the high-risk profile of these sports, it is always better to be ready for the worst and prepare a financial net that shoulders the burden of such costs.

2. Allied perks:
Personal accident insurance online offers related allowances such as a daily cash allowance, transportation, and more. This reduces the strain on your finances during your period of hospitalisation or any inactivity as an earning member.

3. Mental peace:
The most significant benefit of inclusion is the peace of mind to engage in activities of your choice. You don’t have to worry about the consequences due to the existence of a safety net for your finances.

Does personal accident insurance online cover extreme sports?

At face value, one may assume that personal accident insurance online would offer extreme sports coverage. Most insurers in India presently do not include accidents caused while engaging in such sports within the scope of the policy.

However, if you want coverage against such risks, some insurance companies offer comprehensive accidental coverage across all terrains and destinations. It may take additional effort to discover such insurers amid all those that exclude such accidents. Here are a few factors you should consider before purchasing a policy from such a provider:
1. The extent of sports covered- land, air, water, etc.
2. Provision of immediate medical assistance
3. Customisation of a plan as per your adventure needs
4. Active policy period

Despite the exclusion of extreme sports by most insurers, personal accident insurance online is an essential requirement that provides financial assistance when you are only partially covered by your term or health insurance policy alone. We encourage you to consider purchasing personal accident insurance online to cover the other form of accidents and your risk exposure.

Click HERE to buy personal accident 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.

Driving can be an overwhelming experience, at least when learning the basics of safe driving. While not difficult, it is a task that requires the presence of mind, effective judgement, and, most important of all, confidence. The more you know and the further you drive, the better driver you become.

Sitting in the driver's seat can be confusing initially, as various components are essential to the smooth functioning of a car, and it is impossible to know their importance and how to operate them instantly. While no manual can replace regular practice, you must brush up on the car's know-how to become a confident driver. Having complete knowledge of car features makes you enjoy driving your vehicle.

One such important section is the bonnet of your car. Located at the front of the car, lifting your bonnet will open up a whole new world. Most people need to learn about the components of a bonnet and the functioning of each part. While it may seem complicated, it is advised to know the basics of the workings of the machinery. Since breakdowns don't occur post-announcement, awareness of its working can resolve the breaking of your machinery.

You should also check under your bonnet regularly to avoid problems later. Also, you should buy car insurance in advance to avoid hassles later. Review the car insurance price in India before you invest in any.

For now, let's look at the basics of what lies under your bonnet.

1. Engine:
The engine is the most critical component located under your bonnet. The extensive working of the engine can be complicated. You don’t need to understand the work in detail. You just require to have a basic knowledge of the same. Here, the fuel consumed by your car is turned into power to run the vehicle. You should look for signs of wear and tear here. A professional inspection may help identify the same and point out any cause for concern. Frequently check for the level of different fluids like engine oil, coolant, etc., especially before planning a long trip.

2. Battery:
The batteries are surrounded by a protective shield and are easy to spot under your bonnet. The rectangular battery box has terminals on both ends, which are differently coloured. Red indicates a positive terminal, while black indicates a negative one.

3. Alternator:
Alternators are responsible for powering up the batteries, which keeps the car up and running. If it breaks down, it can lead to significant problems, including affecting the engine's functioning. The alternators resemble a wheel with slits on the side.

4. Radiator:
This is an essential component of the car that helps maintain the ideal temperature of the car engine. It regulates the temperature extensively. You should not interfere with the radiator much as it can be highly hazardous.

5. Engine coolant:
This fluid is responsible for keeping the engine's temperature in check and preventing it from overheating. You should check the fluid level regularly. It should lie between the minimum and maximum levels. You can easily spot the coolant tank upon opening the bonnet. The coolant should combine water and antifreeze.

Other important components that lie underneath include brake fluid, dipsticks, oil, crankshaft, belts, and cylinders. They have a distinct functioning of their own. You need to know the basics of the major components of your car's bonnet before you start driving a car. It always comes in handy, mainly when your car breaks down midway. You should also have suitable car insurance that protects it financially. However, before buying, you should know the car insurance price in India to understand various options and invest in the best one.

Click HERE to buy the best car insurance to protect your valuable 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.

Most of us have invested financially and emotionally in our automobiles, making them more than just a convenience. While cars are undoubtedly a long-term asset, the associated expenses can often amount to a large sum that many may hesitate to bear.

Apart from the regular fuel and maintenance, another necessary cost is your car insurance. Despite being mandated, many find loopholes to escape the law due to the rising cost of premiums annually. Instead of evading the process, find out why your car insurance premium is rising and whether you can manage it.

1. Vehicle inspection:
Your insurer may inspect the vehicle if there is a considerable lag between the policy expiry date and the intended policy renewal date, which may result in a higher insurance premium. You can prevent such costs by renewing your insurance on time as per the due date.

2. Brand and model:
The price of the car relies on its model, due to which different models have different premiums. A vehicle with a lower Insured Declared Value (IDV) will have a lower premium than one with a high IDV.

3. Advantage of NCB:
No-claim bonus is the primary element of a car insurance policy that lowers the premium and promotes careful driving. It rewards car owners for not filing a claim with a discount of up to 20% while renewing the policy. By applying the claims, you risk losing this advantage and could pay a more significant premium than necessary.

4. Driving habits:
Defaulting on laws, failing to use a seatbelt, etc., could get you into difficulty with law enforcement and your insurance company. If any traffic violation is made in your name, your premium will likely go up.

5. Purchasing insurance from the dealer in a hurry:
Explore various car insurance options and evaluate the offering, premium, and coverage to find the best option. A hastily purchased car insurance is a bigger expense than an asset. Additionally, dealers have a restricted area of competence, offer fewer options, and seek direct profits from the sale, so they may offer a policy that is more expensive than you need.

6. Claim history:
You may be a risky policyholder if you have a history of making frequent claims. Your profile might be deemed dangerous if your claim is denied due to factors like illegal vehicle use or involvement in filing fake insurance claims. As a result, you may be charged a more significant premium since the higher the risk, the higher the premium.

7. Vehicle and driver age:
The older the car and the younger the driver, the higher the premium. An older vehicle is more prone to wear and tear, and a novice or inexperienced driver needs to gain the knowledge of an experienced driver. You can lower your rate by choosing a zero Depreciation cover for your insurance plan.

8. Lack of awareness of deductible's effects:
An expense that the owner of the car bears when filing a claim is deductible or voluntary deduction. Making a proper deductible decision is crucial. If you are a seasoned driver who doesn't need to file claims frequently, you can select a greater deductible to lower your cost. However, if you leave it at zero, you will receive your entire claim payment but will have to pay a higher premium.

9. Locality analysis:
The insurer may raise the cost of insuring cars from a particular location if data indicates, for instance, that there has been a significant surge in flooding or car theft in your area.

A closer inspection is all it takes to identify why your car insurance premium increased, even if it may appear unclear initially. Some factors are uncontrollable, while others can be managed by a potential policyholder who has done his research. We encourage readers to check and compare car insurance prices online before purchasing a policy to avail themselves of the best offer.

Click HERE to buy reliable car 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.

Whether you own a two-wheeler or a car, you should always ensure that you know everything about its maintenance and insurance. Getting insurance for your vehicle is of utmost importance. It protects your vehicle from severe damages by giving you compensation and solves third-party disputes.

However, just getting insurance for your vehicle is not enough. You also need to check out the various additional services offered by the insurance. This way, you can choose the most comprehensive insurance for your 2 wheeler. You must also inquire about all the essential terms relevant to your insurance. One such term is a constructive total loss. Although the term sounds complicated, it is not.

This article will help you to understand various aspects of a constructive total loss.

What is a constructive total loss?

You will likely file a claim for your 2 wheeler insurance only when your vehicle has suffered severe damages. Once you have filed a claim, the insurance company will inspect all the damages and reimburse the amount accordingly. Either you will get cashless compensation or money for the repairs. The damage is assessed well, and only compensation for the damages is provided.

If the vehicle is in dire need of minor repairs or servicing, the insurance company will reimburse that. It can also refund the amount for the replacement of bike parts. However, reimbursement only occurs after all the deductibles are assessed carefully. No matter the damage's severity, you will only get compensation up to the Insured Declared Value or IDV. You will not get any claim money that exceeds the IDV value.

There is also a major catch here. For instance, your two-wheeler undergoes irreversible damage. In such a case, the bike will be beyond repair. The insurance company can then declare it as a total loss. In other words, if the repair cost for the vehicle far exceeds its value, it results in total loss.

It is said that when the repair cost is more than 75% of the IDV, it is impossible to reimburse it. The constructive total loss takes place here.

Let's assume that your two-wheeler gets stolen. Then what will happen? In such a case, your insurance company will reimburse you for the IDV of your vehicle. The claim for theft of your bike will be treated as a total loss claim. The reimbursement amount will be sans the deductibles and depreciation.

How do you apply for a constructive total loss claim?

Now that you are familiar with constructive total loss let's look at the various steps to file a claim. They are:

● Go to the official website of your insurance company

● Look for the claims process tab or page

● You will see blanks to fill in your information

● Provide all the necessary information carefully

● After that is done, verify the self-inspection of your bike through the link sent to your mobile number

● A surveyor or inspector may be sent to get your vehicle inspected. Cooperate with them

● Once everything is done, you can submit all the required documents and forms

These easy steps can get you a total claim from the comfort of your home. You need to keep all these things in mind before you file a claim for your 2 wheeler insurance under constructive total loss. Once you give the correct information and abide by the guidelines, you can access the claim amount.

Click HERE to buy 2 wheeler insurance to protect your motorcycle from unexpected damages.

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 Government of India presented the union budget on 1st February 2023. It has provided incentives for the people to move from the old tax regime consisting of deductions and rebates to the new tax regime. This, in turn, will affect the insurance sector as well.

While there were a few surprises here and there, it has proposed a significant change by taxing maturity proceeds of insurance policies commanding an aggregate premium of over Rs.5 lakhs in a financial year. Such high premiums usually occur in the case of money-back insurance plans that require one-time premium payments or endowment plans.

Here are some of the key recommendations that would impact life insurance sector.

1. No change in Section 80C and 80D:
Insurance premium amounts paid for insuring the life of self, spouse, or child are presently eligible for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act up to Rs.1.5 lakhs per annum. This is irrespective of whether our child is minor or major, dependent or independent. Also, individuals, as well as Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), are both eligible for claiming this deduction.
Similarly, Section 80D allows a person to claim a deduction for health insurance premiums and expenses incurred towards preventive health check-ups for self, spouse, children, and even parents up to Rs.65000/- per annum, subject to certain conditions.
The budget of 2023 could have been better for the insurance sector of the limits under Sections 80C and 80D. The industry expected a raise in the limits under these sections to boost consumer savings and investment. However, these limits have been left untouched in the budget of 2023.

2. The choice between the old-tax regime and the new-tax regime:
Till now, there was an option to choose between the old-tax regime that allows for several deductions and rebates and the new tax regime that taxes your income at a flat rate. You could choose either of the two and enjoy the above deductions under Sections 80C and 80D by choosing the old-tax regime.
There has been a shift in policy in this regard in the budget of 2023. The new tax regime is the default setting for individuals, under which you cannot enjoy these rebates. If you still want to enjoy deductions under Sections 80C and 80D, you will have to choose the old-tax regime specifically.

3. Aggregate premium clause:
According to the budget of 2023, if the aggregate premium paid by an individual is over Rs.5 lakhs in a financial year starting 1st April 2023, he will have to pay tax on their maturity proceeds. However, if such a policyholder dies, the nominee's maturity proceeds will be tax-free.
Maturity proceeds or income from insurance policies having an aggregate premium of less than Rs.5 lakhs in a financial year will be exempted from taxation. However, the introduction of this clause may discourage consumers such as High-Net-worth individuals (HNIs) from buying big-ticket insurance products to save taxes. As a result, the revenues or top-line of the insurance companies are bound to suffer and go down.

The Insurance industry plays a vital role in the overall financial growth of the country, and as such, the sector is undoubtedly not very encouraged with the budget for 2023. There was a general expectation of an extension of the Rs.1.5 lakhs deductions allowed under Sections 80C and 80D, which still needs to be met. Moreover, taxing the maturity proceeds of policies commanding an aggregate premium of Rs.5 lakhs or more in a financial year will further dampen the sales of high-value insurance policies.

However, insurance buyers need not be worried as the prevalent deduction limit is still the same and has not gone down. Also, a very small percentage of Indians buy high-value insurance policies, and the changed clause is unlikely to affect most Indian residents. Online general insurance policies continue to offer the same ease, protection, and security, and individuals can continue to enjoy its benefits.

Click HERE to buy online general insurance plan to safeguard your valuable assets.

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.