GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Travel has become more about exploration than just following the regular itinerary and checking off tourist spots. People have been curating their itineraries, inspired by travel vloggers, who have been popularising the lesser travelled locations and various affordable options across India. And whenever you think about high-altitude destinations like Ladakh, Darjeeling, Gangtok, etc., you picture a biking gang. Upon travelling, you will see several members of different biker groups taking frequent adventure tours.

And while some people are interested in riding their bikes alone and going on solo trips, the joy of motorcycle riding only increases in a group. We will discuss all that in this blog! Let’s get started!

1. The joy doubles:
We all have heard, “the more, the merrier.” The same goes for riding in groups. The happiness multiplies. The jokes, the moments, the pictures, and the memories double up. The joy increases significantly as people with different perspectives and opinions get together. You learn many new things and get opportunities to interact and diversify your knowledge base.
And riding a bike to challenging destinations through uneven routes creates a feeling of oneness. These biking groups become your family, and you and your biking brothers can forge lifetime connections that can prove fruitful in emergencies. And this extended family doesn’t always need to have a transactional relationship. You can share your highs and lows with everyone.

2. Create your brethren:
Along with diversifying your opinions, you also get to interact with like-minded folks who might have a larger perspective regarding your similarities. These people have the same routine as yours, face similar difficulties, and can provide a safe and judgement-free space to vent your frustration, speak your mind, and communicate about your daily personal and professional struggles. And while you might have specific differences since every individual comes with eccentricities, your love for bikes, adventures, and adrenaline unites you under one umbrella.

3. Introducing life-changing qualities:
Discipline, accountability, and responsibility are some of the most integral qualities one must inculcate to become an individual, leader, and member of society. All these qualities are developed when you are a member of a biker group. A team or group can only operate correctly with rules and regulations. You must follow a proper code of conduct and work together as a team to reach your destinations in an orderly fashion. This teamwork requires you to get over your feuds and prejudices, take responsibility, and ensure that the group does not fall apart during any difficulties.

4. Cannot forget about the safety:
Being part of a biker group indicates your shared love for motorcycle riding and adventure. Along with the other benefits of riding in a group, the most significant merit is safety. It ensures a higher level of protection than riding solo. You might receive the kindness of some stranger when you ride alone, but if you are in a group, you will be taken care of as other members also hold responsibility for looking after each other. These are rare opportunities where you can feel the “unity in group riding” and create a family away from home.

Some other reasons why the joy of motorcycle riding only increases in a group include enhancing your machinery and bike knowledge by exchanging information and tips with other professional riders.

You always need to ensure that you do not fall behind on the upkeep of your bike. But certain unprecedented circumstances can cause severe damage to your motorcycle, which might lead to heavy expenditure. To avoid the financial distress of such times, you need to purchase bike insurance. And to enjoy the comfort of your home while you explore all your options and arrive at a decision, you can buy bike insurance online before your next trip.

Click HERE to learn more about buying bike insurance online.

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

Ever since Covid brought the world to a halt, we have seen a rise in demand for healthcare assistance and services. We all remember the mass fear of getting trapped into health complications, even if people were not infected by the Covid virus strain. Every other day, you read headlines about the demise of highly fit people who had a proper workout regimen and cared for their health. However, life has its ways. While we might be powerless in front of our destinies, the least we can do is to stay fit. We need to take proper care of ourselves physically, mentally, and economically by making intelligent decisions like purchasing health insurance policies to safeguard ourselves during tough times.

We all have heard and read about health insurance and its benefits. But we are always on the lookout for something more. Something which can grant us more confidence and coverage to face unforeseeable circumstances with zero financial stress. Have you heard about super top-up health insurance? And, what should you consider before purchasing super top-up health insurance? You might have several doubts. This blog will discuss the answers to these vital questions.

1. Understanding super top-up health insurance in detail.
Just like the top-up plans we opt for while recharging our phones, a super top-up health insurance plan is the top-up for your policies. In addition, the term "super" brings many benefits, which take health insurance the extra mile beyond the limitations of a top-up insurance plan.
A super top-up insurance plan expands the coverage beyond your regular health insurance plan. It covers the medical expenditure after the limit of your primary health insurance policy is exhausted. In addition to expanding the coverage provided by your health insurance, a super top-up health insurance plan offers you coverage for more than one claim over your initial policy limit.

2. Who requires super top-up health insurance?
Senior citizens come first in the order of a super top-up health insurance plan requirement. Their frequent need for healthcare services suits this type of insurance plan, which would allow them to avail the benefits with no financial stress. People with severe health risks of hospitalisation can opt for super top-up health insurance to expand their coverage and avail successive medical benefits. To augment the benefits of group health insurance, a super top-up plan proves helpful and allows the policyholders to redeem the benefits beyond their insurance plan.

3. What should you consider before purchasing super top-up health insurance?
While the benefits of super top-up health insurance sound amazing and worth considering, you also need to be on the lookout for certain factors before buying a super top-up plan. Always choose the correct deductible limit, indicating the maximum extent of your primary health insurance policy.
You also need to cross-check the list of network hospitals that come under the super top-up health insurance so that you have complete clarity and verify whether the hospitals are serving your medical concerns, which is the primary reason for you expanding your coverage. A super top-up insurance plan can be customised. Therefore, you need to make sure that you read more about it and ask questions to be clear about its benefits and features before you insure a particular sum of money.

4. Other benefits of a super top-up insurance plan.
Some other benefits of a super top-up insurance plan include paying deductibles just once despite making multiple claims a year, accessibility to cashless payments at the network hospitals, eligibility for reimbursement post payment, coverage of Covid-19 treatment, tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax act on the premium paid for the super top-up health insurance policy, etc.

While we discuss expanding the coverage of your base policy through this top-up insurance plan, you need to understand the necessity of purchasing health insurance to combat medical emergencies and distress without worrying about the funds. Explore all available options and choose the best health insurance that caters to your needs optimally.

Click HERE to learn more about health insurance and its benefits.

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.

Safety is undoubtedly at the forefront of your mind when you plan to buy a new car. However, many other crucial factors come into play in this decision-making process. These factors include essential safety features, enticing designs, and performance. Remember also to consider purchasing online car insurance for added peace of mind.

To make your car-buying experience even more enjoyable and impactful, here's a list of these priorities, ranked in order of importance. Get ready to make an informed decision in 2023.

1. Price and budgets:
Every car buyer's #1 concern is cost. There is a set budget for everything, including purchasing a car or allied online car insurance. Everybody will work to maximise their car's potential while paying the least money. And because the transition to the BS6 emission standards resulted in a price increase. Carmakers know the purchasing power of their customers, hence offering the options of different variants and pricing accordingly.

2. Fuel efficiency:
When it comes to cars, mileage is a crucial factor, as any Indian car buyer would tell you. There have been old models that were strong and packed with best-in-class features but failed terribly due to their poor fuel efficiency. For Indian consumers, a low kilometre per litre is an absolute red sign.

3. Service and maintenance cost:
A buyer considers other factors outside of the car's initial cost. Adding to budget planning are the prices of routine services. Therefore, the car should become affordable over time. Because of their hefty service costs, certain brands lose their preferability. However, a reliable car care partner may help reduce those service fees.

4. Qualities and design:
For many Indians, cars remain an enviable luxury. Since cars double as a status symbol in India, regardless of their features or powertrain specifications, an unattractive vehicle will not sell. Despite the wide variety of aesthetic preferences, some people prefer their cars to be more understated and sophisticated, while others like them to be more showy and solid.

5. Transmission and performance:
While performance isn't a top concern for most car buyers, Indians want their cars to be quick enough. Because people love the power of such vehicles, turbocharged engines have recently become increasingly popular.

6. User protection:
Safety is essential when considering cars, especially since India experiences many fatal traffic accidents. Safe driving and general awareness regarding standard driving guidelines can help resolve this problem and minimise the risk of accidents and fatalities.
While the auto industry recognises the need for high-quality cars, it does not respond to such demand immediately since Indians are price sensitive and do not wish to extend their budget to factor in their safety. We must realise that the cost of cars will need to go up because of increased protection. A strict set of safety rules and regulations is utmost required in India.

7. Reduced wait period:
It is challenging to be patient when making a significant investment in a car that is not just a means of conveyance but a measure of comfort and a sign of material wealth. Post the global pandemic, supply chain disruptions led to shortages of highly customised components, stopping assembly operations of various goods, including cars. With more car manufacturing factories opening up across India, car buyers can expect some relief from long waiting periods to get their hands on the keys to take their new cars for a spin at the earliest!

An overview of the top 7 priorities for Indian car buyers shows that price and features continue to take primary importance in the checklist. The addition of safety characteristics indicates a shift towards safer cars. We encourage you to purchase online car insurance after careful consideration and comparison while purchasing your car to ensure that you have safe, stress-free driving experiences!

Click HERE to buy the best online car 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.

Telematics in car insurance is used by integrating telecommunications and informatics to understand a driver's risk profile and help create insurance plans in which the premium is charged according to the usage of the car.

Insurance companies consider several factors, such as the distance covered, frequency of vehicle use, average speed, driving style, etc., to arrive at the appropriate premium to charge for the respective customer. Let us understand telematics car insurance in detail.

How does it work?

Once a telematics device is installed in the car, it makes a complete note of the car’s movement and distance covered, when, and how it was driven. The device also tracks acceleration style and habits, braking patterns, average speed maintained, etc. The insurance companies analyse all this data and create the driver's risk profile. They then arrive at the fair premium that a particular person should be charged.

A boon for the insured?

Two cars purchased in the same month or a gap of a few days command the same premium for the regular insurance policies, even if the driver's driving style differs. Some drive cautiously and efficiently, while others may drive rashly and negligently. There is a need for rewarding good driving style. Insurance companies have developed a genius idea of telematics car insurance in which we have to pay the insurance premium according to our driving style.

Usage-based car insurance is a boon for the insured as it motivates the users to drive efficiently. They become aware of their driving habits and realise how they can improve.

Good driving behaviour is rewarded in such car insurance, and car users enjoy lower premiums on their policy. A good driving style will also help to achieve higher fuel efficiency, lesser wear and tear on the car, and lower maintenance costs for the owner. Moreover, a cautious driver is less likely to get into a car accident.

Telematics car insurance is a boon for the insured who use their car less and still have to pay high premiums. This helps them to pay a lesser premium as the premium also depends upon the distance covered under such policy.

A boon for the insurer?

Telematics makes the drivers drive at appropriate speeds and avoid indulging in high-speed and rash driving. This means that car accidents should go down considerably, resulting in a much lesser number of car insurance claims.

Therefore, the insurance company will stand to benefit from such car insurance. Lesser claims mean lesser expenses, resulting in higher profits for them. Also, such insurance will provide a lot of driving data to the insurance companies. They can analyse it and offer customised insurance policies to their clients. This will help them create an improved clientele and increase their market share and profits.

Car owners should consider several questions, such as the frequency of their car usage, driving style, and premium amount compared to their existing car insurance policy.
Such car insurance is a boon for both the insurer and the insured. Time is not far when technology, combined with telecommunications, will take over, and telematics car insurance will become the best choice among all the available options in the market.

*Telematics car insurance is not much prevalent in India as of now. It is just in the introduction stage, and the concept is new to most users. Hence, it will take some time to evolve and spread. Therefore, contact your insurance provider for further details.

Click HERE to buy a reliable 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.

Recent studies indicated a 0.4% penetration rate of health insurance in India in 2022. The true gravity of the situation is not felt when viewed in isolation but when compared to the 4.1% penetration rate in the US. Experts pin this lag on inaccessible insurance products and a general lack of awareness in the country.

Misinformation is undoubtedly the most significant concern that the insurance industry faces. An excellent example of misconceptions leading to losing out on benefits is unawareness regarding the restoration benefit offered under health insurance in India. If you have ever wondered about what happens when you need additional coverage after raising a claim and exhausting the insured sum within the policy period, here are all your answers about the restoration benefit, its advantages, and the types.

What is the restoration benefit?

A restoration benefit may be the most significant inbuilt feature insurers offer when purchasing the best health insurance policy in India. It is a benefit that is of greater significance in the case of family floater policies.

According to widespread misinformation, most policyholders believe they can no longer raise a claim in case of a second instance of hospitalisation against the same policy during the policy period. However, if your health insurance provides restoration benefits, you are insured for a greater sum than the insurance policy states. Your best health insurance in India offers a refill benefit, allowing you to claim up to 100% of the insured sum even after it is exhausted.

And, if your policy does not provide this feature, you can purchase a restoration benefit add-on to act as a security net in case of multiple occurrences of the event you are insured against during the policy tenure.

Types of restoration benefit.

1. Partial exhaustion:
As the name suggests, upon partial exhaustion of the insured sum, the restoration feature comes into play, renewing the insured sum to the maximum amount stated in the policy. If you have to purchase the add-on feature, it is preferred to have this type of restoration benefit.

2. Complete exhaustion:
The restoration feature only activates upon using the entire insured sum. Commonly, health insurance providers offer this type of benefit to policyholders since it minimises their exposure to risk by making restoration only applicable after the whole insured sum is exhausted.

Critical attributes of restoration benefit.

While the feature offers excellent benefits, you must not blindly purchase it or rely upon it without being aware of some of its essential characteristics:

1. The restored insured sum is not eligible for utilisation in the renewed policy period, irrespective of whether or not it is used in the relevant period.

2. Depending on your policy’s fine print, the restored amount may be up to 100-150% of the insured sum, depending on the cause for raising a claim.

3. The benefit does not apply to the first claim during the policy period but becomes applicable from the second claim onwards.

4. In the case of individual or family floater plans, multiple policyholders cannot enjoy the benefit of the restored insured sum simultaneously.

5. While it provides a backup in emergencies, it does not suffice as a replacement for increasing the insured sum in case of critical diseases or high-risk family members covered under the policy.

While purchasing the best health insurance policy in India, it is essential to check if the policy offers restoration benefits within the policy framework. Although it may not be a substitute for the need to increase your insured sum in your individual or family floater plan, it certainly provides a backup option to rely on in case of emergencies to cover insurance claims.

Click HERE to buy the best health 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.

Most investments are made to reap future benefits or protect yourself from contingent liabilities that may arise. Buying health insurance is one investment you must make to protect yourself financially in the present times. Even though several online health insurance companies deliver their services to your doorstep, buying health insurance has never been simpler. Surprisingly, about 30% of Indian households still do not have any health insurance coverage.

Experts believe that mass misinformation, complex policy wording, and the rising cost of premiums are to blame for the low figures. This requires the intervention of online health insurance companies to clarify and spread awareness among the public.

However, if the increasing cost of health insurance makes you think before purchasing or renewing your policy, read on to learn about the factors influencing the premium rates and whether you can manage them.

1. Inflation:
Unless you have been living under a rock, there is no way you could have missed out on the discussions regarding the skyrocketing rates of medical inflation globally.
The increased prices of healthcare services and consumables and an imbalance in demand and supply of equipment and professionals are also responsible for the rising costs of hospitalisation. This has directly increased premiums to minimise the risk online health insurance companies bear. But this trend is unlikely to settle, making premiums inevitably pricier each year.

2. Claim history:
Suppose you have raised frequent claims over the years. In that case, you are classified as a high-risk policyholder since renewing your policy will likely result in more significant payouts for the insurer. However, this does not apply to all online health insurance companies. Ensure you check the fine print of alternative policies and choose one that does not include a clause of increasing your premium with each claim you raise.

3. Age:
With age, one’s immunity weakens, making one susceptible to illnesses. Older people are at greater risk of diseases and hospitalisation, making them high-risk clients for health insurance companies, which is why they are charged higher premiums. Paying a higher premium means better coverage and a greater insured sum. Do not compromise on protecting your future by skimping on the premium, and ensure your policy provides comprehensive coverage against various illnesses and a sizable insured sum.

4. Policyholder’s medical history:
Online health insurance companies ask for a complete medical record of potential policyholders to assess the risk of insuring them. A health check-up before approving your policy informs them of general well-being and any pre-existing conditions that may lead to frequent hospitalisation, making you a high-risk client.

5. Add-on covers:
Depending on your age and medical history, you may purchase add-on covers that protect you against specific conditions or events. While they make your policy more comprehensive, they inevitably make it pricier.
However, it is best not to compromise your health needs and skimp on your health insurance coverage. Ensure you check your policy wording to purchase an add-on only when necessary.

Insurance buyers are advised to be alert and responsible while investing in health insurance. The rising premium is a concern, but a little alertness and awareness today can help in the long run. Here are a few key takeaways for managing rising health insurance premiums in India:

• Choose a comprehensive health insurance plan.

• Compare policies and opt for the best online insurance companies with the required features.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and use cashless facilities.

• Review coverage annually and look for discounts and special offers.

• Seek advice from a financial advisor.

Health insurance is an essential investment for your physical and financial well-being. While renewals may get pricier annually, a prudent policyholder can always get the most significant value from his premium payment by doing due diligence. Ensure that you initiate the policy renewal process before it is slated to lapse. Review the offerings of multiple online health insurance companies before choosing to renew or porting it.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance plan with an attractive premium.

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.

Tobacco has been killing people for centuries, but people still don't consider it one of the biggest public health dangers the world has ever faced. Smokers are susceptible to various chronic and fatal diseases such as lung cancer, respiratory diseases, asthma, heart diseases and stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and osteoporosis. Moreover, female smokers may also face complications in pregnancy.

Hence, it is imperative that smokers should opt for the best online health insurance to ensure the right coverage during an emergency. Here's all you need to know about health insurance for smokers.

1. Need and importance:
India has a large population of around 120 million people that smokes. Moreover, smoking kills over 8 million people every year. They are also prone to various fatal diseases that need expensive long-term treatment.
Therefore, smokers should opt for a good health insurance policy. It will help them protect their hard-earned money and prepare them financially for the enormous hospital expenses they may incur because of illnesses caused due to their smoking habit.

2. Premium:
Health insurance policies for smokers usually command around 30%-40% higher premiums than other regular health insurance policies. This is because a smoker is more susceptible to diseases and gets hospitalised than a non-smoker. Many risks are involved in providing a health insurance policy to a smoker. Insurance companies offset this risk by charging a higher premium for covering a smoker's health.
The premium also varies according to the number of cigarettes a person smokes in a day or a week. A smoker who smokes more will have to pay a higher premium than a smoker who smokes fewer cigarettes in a day. Also, insurance companies increase the premium on a smoker's policy if he suffers health problems later on due to smoking.

3. Disclosure requirements:
A smoker must disclose his smoking habits and the number of cigarettes he smokes in a day when he buys the health insurance policy. Even if a person smokes just one cigarette daily, he should disclose it to the insurance company. An insurance company can reject the claim on the grounds that vital information relating to health was wilfully non-disclosed at the time of buying the online health insurance policy. They can also declare the policy null and void.
If a person turns a smoker after buying a health insurance policy, he should inform the insurance company about the same. This will make his claim settlement process hassle-free. The insurance company may modify and increase the premium and ask for a medical test too.

4. Benefits:
A health insurance policy for a smoker has numerous advantages. Smokers can need expensive treatments as they can catch diseases fatal to life, such as cancer. The policy will keep them financially protected and cover their hospital bills in such a situation. Moreover, they can enjoy cashless treatment benefits with their policy. Such policies also come with tax benefits on a smoker's premium under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

A health insurance policy should be purchased as a shield by any smoker as there are high chances of them being diagnosed with life-threatening diseases of the lungs, chest, and even cancer at some stage of their life. Smoking kills people, and the policy can provide financial support to smokers in times of medical emergencies.

It is always good for smokers to become aware of the dangers of tobacco and quit smoking. In addition, they should do adequate research and opt for the best online health insurance policy. They should go through minute clauses and details of their policy that may be affected due to their smoking habit. This will ensure financial protection, stability, and hassle-free claim settlement at a later date.

Click HERE to buy an online health 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.

It is difficult for us to pick out the best insurance providers in the market without having in-depth knowledge about the company. You should not choose your insurance company by merely watching their advertisements in the media or by what your agent suggests. Always get in-depth knowledge about the credibility of the insurance company, its financial strength and stability, and the capability to support you financially in times of need.

Here are a few key ratios that will help you better understand an insurance company and which you should consider before buying insurance.

1. Claim Settlement Ratio:
This is the first and foremost ratio you should consider when choosing your insurance company. It denotes the number of claims settled by the insurance company per 100 claims it receives.
Even if an insurance company with a low CSR offers you a policy at a lower premium than others, you should avoid buying it. After all, such savings can be futile if your company rejects your claim during a medical emergency. The whole purpose of buying an insurance policy is forfeited in such a case. Hence, the company with the highest CSR should be given preference.

2. Liquidity ratios: Liquidity ratios tell you how capable the company is of meeting its financial obligations and claims raised by the policyholders. An insurance company should have good liquidity and be able to fulfill its payment obligations in case a huge number of unexpected claims come up suddenly at any point in time. This can happen in catastrophes such as floods and earthquakes when many people may raise insurance claims in a short period.
It also provides information on an insurance company's capability to meet its current liabilities from its liquid assets. A ratio of less than one will mean that the company may have to sell its long-term investments or borrow money to meet its current liabilities. This can be a worrying situation for the company and the people buying its insurance policies.

3. Solvency ratios:
Put theoretically, a company's solvency ratio measures its capacity to meet its debt obligations and other financial commitments. The current solvency ratio prescribed by the IRDAI for insurance companies is 1.5 in India. A ratio lower than 1.5 is a cause for concern for insurance buyers. It may result in bankruptcy risk if the company faces many sudden claims.

4. Earnings ratios:
The following two important earnings ratios ascertain the profitability of the insurance company and its competitive strengths.
Combined ratio:
There are several operating expenditures, commissions, and claims that an insurance company has to meet. Their cumulative total should be less than the total premium earnings for that period. A lower value of the combined ratio is advisable.
Return on net worth:
This ratio tells us the profit-earning capacity of an insurance company concerning its net worth. It considers the profit earned by the company after tax and indicates the overall return on equity of the insurance company. A higher ratio is better and preferable.

It is an arduous task to choose the best insurance company in the market, especially when so many big companies operate in the field of general insurance. A buyer should carefully review the above ratios and rate the available options accordingly. Before buying its policy, a good understanding of the insurance company is of utmost importance.

A policy buyer should be confident that his decision to choose one insurance company over another is sound and backed by statistics and numbers. After all, the insurance company should stand by his side and provide him hassle-free financial assistance in times of real need and emergency.

Click HERE to buy the best general insurance that keeps you financially safe.

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.