GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

India's railway network is the fourth largest in the world after the USA, Russia, and China, with over 22,593 operating trains. Train journeys are exciting and add many experiences to our lives. Have you ever wondered what happens if your luggage gets lost or stolen from your seat or the railway station itself? Are you eligible to get compensation from the Railway authorities in such cases?

The answer is "yes". Let us go through how we can get compensation for lost or stolen luggage from the railway authorities.

1. File an FIR:
The first step that you should take once you discover that your luggage is lost or stolen from a running train is to file an FIR by approaching the train conductor, attendant of the coach, TTE, or any guard or GRP escort in the train. They will provide you with an FIR form in Hindi, English, or the regional language. You will have to fill it up and give it back to them. They will register a report at the upcoming railway station.
You do not have to pay any charges for this service. Also, you don't have to break your journey by getting down at the upcoming railway station to fulfil the above formalities. However, you can take help from RPF Assistance Posts present at major railway stations. This same process is to be followed in case of loot by dacoits in moving trains.

2. Post FIR:
Once you have filed the FIR for your lost or stolen luggage, the railway authorities will try to search and locate your luggage. If they are successful in doing so, they will contact you and give it back to you. If they cannot trace it within 6 months of lodging the FIR, they will have to compensate you for your lost luggage. They will do a fair assessment of the value of your luggage and compensate you accordingly.

3. Is ticket reservation compulsory:
No, you don't need to travel only in the reserved class to claim compensation for the theft of your luggage on the train. As per the direction of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), Railway authorities are liable to compensate you for the theft of your luggage even in the general compartment where you do not have any reservation but hold a valid ticket.

4. Case of booked luggage:
When you book your luggage with the Railways while travelling on a train, you can declare your luggage's true value. You will have to pay a prescribed percentage charge of the value of the goods as luggage handling charges to the Railways. In such a case, you are entitled to get the full value of your luggage as compensation in case it gets lost or stolen en route.
However, suppose you did not disclose the true value of your luggage while booking it. In that case, the monetary liability of the Railways for compensation is limited to INR 100/- per kilogram of goods booked.

Travelling by train is inevitable for most of us in our regular lives. Hence, it becomes crucial for us to safeguard our luggage during train journeys. We should be clear about the compensation policy of the Railways in case of lost or stolen luggage so that we can follow it and not suffer losses in case of theft or loot of our luggage.

General insurance India is also important to cover your luggage during your travel. Remember to add travel insurance to your safety while making railway bookings. Taking this small precautionary step can keep you in a relaxed state of mind and protect you from unexpected financial losses. You can also claim for mishaps while travelling, and your insurance provider will compensate you for the damage caused.

Click HERE to buy a general insurance India policy to cover your travel plans.

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.

There is no denying that health is one’s greatest asset. While health insurance policy renewal and purchasing a new policy can protect yourself from health contingencies, you can do plenty to maintain your overall health. Well-being professionals have come up with the key trends impacting how we live, heal, and flourish in 2023, such as the rising significance of rest or treatment to treat migraines and mood disorders.

1. Greater emphasis on purposeful actions and well-being:
Prioritising your overall well-being, which includes your physical, mental, social, and the well-being of the community and the planet has recently been recognised as a global trend. Research indicates that people will sensibly spend more time and money on how their actions affect their surroundings and the earth.

2. Teenagers and 20-somethings to appreciate immersive and healing sounds:
In 2023, it's anticipated that sound therapy will become more popular. Binaural beats, 3-D spatial audio, and isochronic tones are types of soundscapes that can stimulate and entrain the brain to reduce anxiety, induce relaxation and concentration, and speed up the healing process.
Therapeutic playlists are being created for use in clinical and hospitality contexts. ASMR is a spontaneous physical-emotional experience that causes a strangely pleasant feeling of relaxation and a tingling sensation at the back of the scalp and from there it moves down to the body. It has taken the world by storm and is continuously evolving.

3. Mind-body therapies for mid-20s to 40s:
Some ways to calm the body and mind are focusing on something, controlling your breathing, and moving around. Athletes have long utilised ice baths to treat muscle pain and inflammation. These treatments are known as cryotherapy and cold-immersion therapy.
Recent research has shown that they can also help lower blood pressure, regulate blood flow, and the rate at which tissues break down food. Migraines, mental problems, dementia reduction, and immune system stimulation are all treated by cold immersion therapy.

4. Taking ample rest is a priority for those in their 50s:
The theme of 2023 will be pausing and slowing down. People will favour restorative yoga and calming sound baths over HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions and the hustle culture. Additionally, sleep is being increasingly emphasised as the best form of self-care.
If technology has stolen your sleep, sleep technology will help you get eight hours of undisturbed sleep with its aids and devices. Choose from a wide range of applications offering sleep stories and meditations and download them to rest, reset, and revitalise.

5. Senior citizens to focus on spiritual well-being:
Spirituality is something that experts say people in their 60s and older should do for their overall health. Studies have shown that the most effective modern therapies help people build social support networks and, often, a spiritual connection to something bigger than themselves.
This new take on the idea of wellness is at the heart of integrative and functional medicine practices like yoga and meditation. For many people worldwide, religion and spirituality serve as both a valuable health resource and a means of community building. Current studies on meditation and well-being emphasise the importance of our spiritual welfare.

Wellness trends serve a greater purpose than just being a global movement. They can help you live better with aim and purpose. Ensure well-being your top resolution for 2023, and see how your life changes. While these trends can help improve the quality of your life, purchasing and ensuring health insurance policy renewal continues to be a non-negotiable to protect yourself from rising healthcare costs.

Click HERE to get your health insurance policy renewal before it lapses.

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.

Millions worldwide suffer from back or neck pain occasionally or regularly. A healthy spine is as essential for our body as oxygen is for living. Poor spine health can result in strained muscles, spinal ligament injury, ruptured discs, or spinal stenosis, generally caused by age-related wear and tear.

It can cause severe pain in the back and make you unfit to do your daily activities properly. In the long run, poor spine health can make you depressed and downhearted and cause immense psychological distress.

Hence, it is vital to maintain optimum spine health. Here are a few tips for doing the same.

1. Exercise:
Proper and regular exercise is essential for optimal spine health. Create and follow a simple exercise schedule every morning or evening as time permits. The exercises should stretch and strengthen your back, hamstrings, and abdomen muscles.
Targeted exercise under proper supervision can also reduce inflammation. It will accelerate your healing process and rehabilitate your injured spine.

2. Sitting and standing posture:
It is essential to maintain the correct sitting posture for optimal spine health. Your sitting posture should support the arches of the natural curves of your spine. Failure to do so can damage your sensitive spinal nerves and cause pain. Get a proper adjustable chair at the office and home to help you maintain the correct posture.
You should take regular breaks and stand several times daily to maintain a neutral spine alignment. Keep your back straight while standing. A slumped posture can hurt your spine in the long run. Also, frequent breaks will keep your spine in motion, keeping it flexible and limber.

3. Correct sleeping posture:
It is vital to maintain correct posture while sleeping as well for optimal spine health. Ensure that you have proper lumbar support with a good mattress and supportive pillow so that your back and neck are not strained while sleeping. You should also avoid sleeping on your tummy as it can strain your spine and cause injury and pain in your back.

4. Lift heavy objects properly:
It is important to lift heavy objects with proper caution and care. When you lift a very heavy object, you put tremendous pressure on your back and spine. It may lock your spinal joints or rupture your spinal discs. You should keep your back straight, bend down on your knees and use the power of your legs and abdomen muscles to lift a heavy load. This will reduce the load on your spine.

5. Do not over-exercise:
Do not over-exercise or engage in any activity or rough sports activities that can put unwanted pressure on your spine and hurt it. Consult a doctor immediately and take expert guidance if such a situation arises.

6. Yoga:
Performing yoga can be an excellent way to maintain optimal spine health. Several yoga asanas help to stretch and strengthen your back muscles, helping to keep your spine in good shape.

7. Massage and heat therapy:
Massage relieves back pain by improving blood circulation, restoring spinal motion, increasing endorphin levels, and boosting happiness. Also, massage helps to cure insomnia. You can also go for heat therapy for your back muscles. It increases blood flow and reduces muscle and joint pain around your spine.

Optimal spine health is a must for your fitness and overall well-being. If not maintained, it can lead to several back and neck-related problems resulting in difficulty while performing routine activities. Follow the above tips to maintain optimal spine health.

Other than the above tips, health insurance is a must to protect you from health hazards. It will give you comprehensive coverage and security if you require medical assistance and hospitalisation due to spine and back-related problems. Go for the best health insurance plans in India to enjoy the best medical treatment with hassle-free insurance coverage and protection.

Click HERE to invest in the best health insurance plans 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 season has its own character and is anticipated to practically play a hot-and-cold game with us. The seasonal changes sometimes make us feel a little under the weather. More illnesses, particularly colds, are frequently associated with this unpredictability of the temperature and weather. The main reason is that individuals often make the rookie error of becoming overly impatient and slipping into summer mode too quickly!

While there is no way to prevent falling sick during seasonal transitions, opting to buy health insurance online India and taking a few precautions can help you minimise the chance of developing common illnesses.

Five considerations as the weather begins to change are listed below.

1. Drink enough water:
Commonly prescribed for most health issues, drinking adequate water is essential, especially for staying healthy during the changing seasons. If you consume enough water, you can remove all the toxins from your body. It keeps your throat and nasal passages wet, preventing bacteria from having a chance to survive. To clear mucus from your body, you must also maintain a very high level of hydration. Therefore, consume at least eight glasses of water daily to maintain good health.

2. Avoid immediate cooling or air-conditioning:
Want to do it? It could feel warm sometimes in the middle of the season, and you might want to turn on the fan or use A/C. Subjecting your body to such abrupt temperature shifts can make you ill. A simple flick of the switch might result in several issues, ranging from a headache to a dry and scratchy throat.

3. Keep clad in cosy attire:
Giving up your cardigans and sweatshirts just yet isn't the best option, but losing a few layers is perfectly acceptable. Dressing in woollen clothes provides warmth and protection throughout the winter. Exposure and diseases like the flu might result from not wearing warm clothing. Even though the weather may be warm during the change of seasons, you need to keep yourself warm. It could make you sick to switch to summer attire so quickly.

4. Continue your exercise regimen:
Regarding exercise sessions, there are no excuses at all. You may have been sluggish throughout the winter, but you must start working out again, especially when the seasons change. Exercise enhances the immune system and promotes blood circulation, which can help you avoid illnesses. Physical activity can shorten the duration of the common cold, one of the diseases most closely related to the change in seasons. Consequently, put on your athletic shoes and get moving!

5. Keep harmful substances at a distance:
To deal with your flue like feelings, refrain from using harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Although these could appear to make you feel better in the short term, they can make you feel worse over time. These substances increase your risk of getting sick.

Medical crises can happen at any time. You should immediately seek medical attention if you or any family member exhibit any sickness symptoms. Many symptoms, especially in youngsters and the elderly, are frequently dismissed as minor. This often leads to a minor issue snowballing into a significant illness that could have been prevented with immediate medical intervention. Instead of shying away from medical facilities due to the high healthcare costs, buy health insurance online India for yourself and your family to cover medical expenses.

Click HERE to buy health 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.

Hectic schedules have evolved into the new normal over time. The constant pressure to excel in various dimensions of life makes it challenging to take a moment out for yourself with an occasional break. For working professionals, no period is cherished more than a long weekend. The joy of a prolonged break from the monotonous daily life is a welcome change, during which many people plan to travel.

Long weekends allow you for short getaways with just enough time to visit places and plan shorter itineraries. Consider these quick tips to plan your solo adventure or family trip on the upcoming long weekends in 2023.

1. Identify a key interest:
Identifying purpose is an essential step in planning for any holiday. Due to time restrictions, satisfying some of your travel bucket list goals may only be possible. Therefore, pursue the top interests from your priority list. This may be nature observation, seeking the thrill of adventure, or a leisurely getaway. Identifying the purpose of the trip helps plan efficiently and narrow down choices of the destination and itineraries.

2. Plan your trip loosely:
We tend to do excessive planning to experience a perfect holiday. While that may help for more prolonged travel plans, tightly packing your schedules on long weekend trips often leads to disappointment. It is ideal to choose a couple of destinations or popular attractions to explore per day instead of allocating timelines to each activity.

3. Travel light:
Short trips often call for impulsive decisions on the move. Travelling with required luggage instead of excess will help you travel quickly at the spur of the moment without considering modes of transportation. Consider choosing backpacks instead of conventional trolley bags.

4. Make reasonable budgets and plan accordingly:
Travellers often underestimate the expected expenditure of trips, irrespective of duration. Analyse your finances before making decisions and set clear limits for budgeted costs. This way, you can plan accordingly without letting your finances take a hit and don't have to compromise on the experience!

5. Consider immersive travel:
Experiencing an unknown culture is the best break from your routine. Immersive travel is slowly gaining popularity as tourists shift their priorities from extravagant, luxurious trips to authentic, local exposure. These trips do not require excessive planning or budget and will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Additionally, ensure to get a general insurance online quote if you don't have the policy to cover any accidents that may occur while travelling.

6. Explore your alternatives while booking:
We advise planning for your long weekend trip in advance to avail the best deals on accommodation, commute, and activities. Booking facilities at the eleventh hour often means paying inflated prices due to the high demand for hotels. Use online price comparisons for hotels and excursions to get the most significant value for the cost.

7. Make use of your time efficiently:
We get it; being on vacation means steering clear of routines and alarms. However, wake up early to experience destinations around nature, outdoor activities, and local explorations to make the most of your long weekend. But if you're on a leisurely break, feel free to sleep and replenish your energy!

The perfect long weekend trip does not require excessive planning. Consider the above tips, and get a general insurance online quote to protect yourself and your loved ones to plan the most rewarding weekend trips. With multiple long weekends coming in 2023, get ready to ignite the traveller within you. Create a flexible itinerary focused on your interests without stressing over time- and you have an ideal travel plan customised just for you!

Click HERE to get the best general insurance online quote.

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 passenger-automotive industry was valued as the third-largest globally in 2022. While the market for new cars is predicted to grow at a higher rate in 2023, not all Indian consumers are covered under this segment and belong to relatively lower economic strata characterised by lower disposable incomes. Such buyers drive demand for second-hand or used cars.

Expected to grow at a CAGR of 15%, the Indian used car market is not to be undermined. With global economic conditions' uncertainty, making prudent choices such as buying second-hand cars and purchasing online car insurance is expected to continue. While you can derive significant value from pre-used vehicles, the chances of getting scammed are also higher in case of negligent inspection. Odometer tampering is a prevalent form of cheating that you must beware of while purchasing a used car.

Here’s all you need to know about tampered odometers and tips to detect them.

Defining mileage tampering.

An odometer is a device that measures the usage of a car in terms of the distance it has run. It is calculated based on the wheel's rotation, which depends on its perimeter.

Mileage tampering, or odometer fraud, is a common trick car dealers use to persuade buyers to purchase old and well-used cars. Practised for various reasons, rolling back an odometer is an illegal act done to get a better price by selling a used car.

The issue with odometer fraud.

1. The inflated price of used cars:
By misrepresenting the car’s present condition, car dealers trick buyers into believing that the vehicle is relatively unused and sell them the used car at a higher price.

2. Safety issues:
Apart from the price of the vehicle, it also raises safety concerns. A car that has been used for a long while is sure to have accumulated miles and been through its fair share of harsh weather, rough terrain, and occasional accidents. All these factors are likely to adversely impact the vehicle's internal components and body frame, making it unsafe in the long run.

3. Insurance fraud:
Buying a used car with a rolled-back odometer may put you at risk of online car insurance fraud. While you may not have intentionally misrepresented facts and may be the victim of a tampered odometer, insurance companies see facts at face value and do not consider earlier activities. Therefore, it becomes essential for you to declare genuine and accurate mileage figures related to your car while buying online car insurance to ensure raising a successful claim when needed.

Tips to avoid odometer fraud.

1. Check the service records:
Before committing to purchase an old car, ensure that you check the maintenance records. Missing entries and figures that don't match are a sign to look out for.

2. Inspect the car body:
Check if the car's physical condition aligns with the story represented by the odometer. A worn-out, dent-ridden, paint-scratched vehicle is bound to have been on the roads for longer than one in pristine condition.

3. Look under the steering:
What are some key giveaways of a well-used car? It's the accelerator, brake and clutch! The groove depths of the pedals can indicate the usage of the vehicle and help detect odometer fraud.

4. Check the odometer:
While there are no tell-tale signs, the naked eye can identify a poorly done tampering job. This could be in the form of ill-fitted modifications and off-sounding odometer mechanisms.

5. Experts know best:
If you're sceptical, asking for an expert’s evaluation is best. This way, analogue or digital odometers can be thoroughly inspected for tampering attempts.

Odometer tampering is widespread and spares neither digital nor analogue devices. In such cases, one must always exercise caution and take necessary precautions to detect issues before signing the dotted line. Additionally, continue your prudent streak and purchase online car insurance to protect yourself from the financial losses from car accidents.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Owning a car is a huge responsibility, and one should take all the necessary measures to make it as easy as possible. One such important requirement is to get car insurance as soon as you purchase a car.

Getting car insurance is necessary, as it protects you from various damages caused to the car, such as repairing a broken windshield or paying high mechanical costs due to an accident. To get car insurance, one should complete all the necessary procedures, like KYC which stands for Know Your customer.

What is KYC?

Know Your Customer (KYC) is the process of discovering and authenticating the basic credentials of customers by financial establishments like banks, insurance companies, stockbrokers, etc. KYC is typically performed before or during the handling of financial transactions with customers. For example, when applying for car insurance, a KYC is mandatory.

IRDAI-accepted KYC procedure types.

KYC in insurance has become a mandatory requirement by the IRDAI due to the increasing number of insurance-related frauds.

IRDAI has authorised the following KYC methods for the insurer:

● Aadhaar-based KYC

● Digital KYC

● Video-based identification

● By KYC identifier

● Pan card

Depending on the type of car insurance, the insurance company chooses the appropriate KYC method.

Why has KYC compliance become mandatory for car insurance?

As mentioned above, due to the rise in insurance-related frauds, the government of India has made regulations to make KYC mandatory for every type of insurance, be it car insurance or life insurance.

KYC is necessary to ensure the authenticity of the investments and the insurance policy purchased by the individual. It ensures that the insurance coverage is received by the family of the genuine policyholder and not by an imposter.

Insurance companies are required to verify a customer's identity before proceeding with the insurance registration procedure. Strict implementation of the KYC process is an efficient method that allows the banks to authenticate the identity of the customers.

If you plan to purchase a car, the first step should be buying car insurance using the KYC procedure.

KYC documents required for car insurance:

● Passport

● Aadhar card or Voter ID card

● Pan number

● Driving licences

● Bank Statement—not more than six months old

● Verified copies of an electricity bill, a telephone bill, and registered lease and licence agreements

● A letter from the National Population Register containing name and address information

The insurance company will inform you beforehand if any other document is required. Collect all the required documents and get your insurance without any trouble.

Prevent the misuse of your KYC documents.

Submitting your KYC documents is a necessity that brings with it the threat of identity theft. Here are three simple steps to prevent the misuse of self-attested KYC documents:

● Clearly state the date and intended purpose for submitting the documents.

● Similar to the crossing of cheques, specify that the documents are ‘To be used only for the specified purpose’.

The recent wave of digitalisation has made it possible to keep track of all financial products including investments, insurance policies, etc. Regular inspection of such KYC documents makes it easy to detect the mishandling of important documents that may have been used by an imposter.

Purchasing car insurance may appear to be a time-consuming process, but it is a necessity that everyone should obtain for their vehicle's safety. During unprecedented situations where the outcome is unpredictable and could lead to hefty damages to the car, car insurance would act as a rescue and help you steer clear of the monetary stress. As a result, you must investigate your options and purchase the best car insurance for your needs.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of 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.

Have you ever been driving around and seen someone cutting it too close to your car's bumper? If yes, you are familiar with tailgating. For those unaware of the term, tailgating happens when there is insufficient space between your car and the one in front of you or behind you.

The likelihood of a collision increases with just one forceful brake from the vehicle in front. Tailgating increases the risk of accidents, making it essential for car owners to protect their vehicles. Also ensure that you avail of online motor insurance renewal services offered by your preferred insurer.

While insurance can help you safeguard your vehicle and yourself from financial contingencies, here are some tips to prevent tailgating.

What are the risks of tailgating?

A significant risk of tailgating is that drivers do not provide adequate space to stop if the vehicle in front suddenly decelerates which more likely makes a rear-end collision. A multi-car pileup that starts with one rear-end accident is expected to spread. Accidents involving a rear-end often result in neck and back injuries.

Another risk of tailgating is that it can create pressure on the vehicle's driver in front to apply the brakes to dissuade the tailgater. When the front driver performs what is known as a brake check, an impending collision may result if the foot is held down for even a brief period. In the worst case, brake inspections can also spark road rage among tailgaters.

Ways to prevent tailgating.

Driving too close to the car in front is the main reason for tailgating. Maybe you're upset or impatient and hurried. Whichever one it is, tailgating puts you and other drivers in danger every time.

Here are some tips to help you maintain a safe distance.

1. Understand the distances you often stopover:
The variation depends on how quickly you're moving. You might get into problems if you can't stop in this amount of time. Remember that stopping distances increase in wet circumstances, so be cautious and give the car in front of you enough room. You should raise the spacing by up to 10 times on slippery roads and at least double it in wet conditions.

2. Maintain your calm:
Avoid venting your frustration to other drivers if you feel irritated, furious, or exhausted. Stay at home until you feel better, or pause to unwind and regain focus before resuming your driving. It costs nothing to drive courteously and makes everyone's journeys safer.

3. Make use of your car safety features:
Nowadays, many vehicles feature collision warning systems that warn drivers if they approach the car in front too closely. Utilise such devices, but don't entirely depend on them. Always follow the road regulations rather than pushing your car's technology to its limit.

Driving is a skill that requires significant experience to master. Keeping calm and efficiently managing situations like tailgating is an indicator of an experienced driver. While you may not be able to control other drivers and their behaviour on the road, you can always ensure your vehicle's safety by following the above tips. Also, remember to avail an online motor insurance renewal service or purchase a new motor insurance policy to protect yourself from financial losses due to an accident.

Click HERE to proceed to online motor insurance 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.