GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

In a rapidly progressing world, it is paramount to stay fit and healthy. A balanced diet is extremely important to remain energetic, rejuvenated, and fresh throughout the day. It keeps your health in check. A nutritious and balanced diet, along with physical exercise, is enough to boost your physical health.

The presence of good physical health helps you in leading a stable life. It keeps you away from illnesses like diabetes, blood pressure, PCOD, PCOS, thyroid, heart disease, and mental problems like anxiety and depression. Hence, it is a known fact that a balanced diet is essential for your health and there is no replacement for that.

Regardless of everything, you must have health insurance to keep you covered against any medical emergency. You can search for online health insurance to explore different options and choose a policy that accurately fits your requirements.

Why is a balanced diet necessary?

Your body needs a balanced diet to function to its best capacity. Without a balanced diet, your body may become dysfunctional and invite problems like fatigue, infections, illnesses, etc.

A balanced diet is also necessary for children in their growing years. The foundation of a healthy life starts in childhood. And bad eating habits in childhood can be transferred to adulthood as well.

Most diseases are linked to a poor diet globally, and obesity is one such complex concern that can give rise to far more intense illnesses. A poor diet can lead to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, thyroid, and so on.

These are a few nutrients that can help you achieve a balanced diet:

● Minerals

● Vitamins

● Antioxidants

● Proteins

● Carbohydrates

● Healthy Fats

● Fibre

But which food items can help you replenish these nutrients?

For a balanced diet, you will need the following:

● Fruits

● Vegetables

● Legumes

● Nuts

● Grains

What are the foods to avoid?

Apart from the food items you should include, there are a few that you should discard. These are:

● Alcohol

● Trans Fat

● Processed food

● Too much red meat

● Refined sugar

● Canned food

● Overcooked food

● Refined grains

Let's understand in detail the dietary benefits of the food items that can maintain the balance in your health.

1. A bowl of happiness with fruits:
Fruits can be added to desserts or consumed as fresh juices. Although they contain sugars, it is not refined. They contain electrolytes and antioxidants, which are necessary for good health. One bowl of fruits daily corresponds to a bowl of happiness and health. However, health experts advise consuming fruits in their natural state rather than packaged drinks.

2. Veggies are must:
Green and leafy vegetables are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. To add to your balanced diet, you should add all types of vegetables. You can use them in salads, side dishes, soups, curries, etc.

3. Don’t miss out on the proteins:
Proteins are an integral part of the diet. Protein can be both plant-based and animal-based. Animal protein consists of red meat, chicken, mutton, and fish. You should always opt for fresh, unprocessed meat.
Plant protein consists of nuts, beans, almonds, peas, lentils, walnuts, and so on. If you're a vegan, these are some fantastic alternatives to meat. Protein is necessary for building muscle mass and fueling your body with energy to work the entire day.

It is important to always focus on staying healthy. And the first step towards staying healthy requires a balanced diet. It will keep you energetic and fit at all times. Moreover, you should always have a backup if things go wrong because we know health relies on several other factors, including heredity, age, hormones, and more. It is better to make provisions in advance and invest in insuring your well-being with online health insurance.

Click HERE to buy online health 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.

Health is an underappreciated asset we tend to overlook when pursuing our goals. What we fail to recognise is that restoring one’s health is not an easy or inexpensive process. Early risk assessment and purchasing the best health insurance in India are effective methods to minimise the risk and protect yourself from illness and medical costs.

Despite all the medical advancements modern science has made, it is inevitable to eliminate the risk of diseases such as diabetes. According to the WHO, 77 million adults in India have diabetes, while 25 million are pre-diabetics. Also known as a silent killer, the disease has multiple symptoms you can recognise early to prevent the problem from accelerating.

Read on to learn about the disease and some common symptoms in the early morning that may indicate your susceptibility to diabetes.

Let’s get to the roots first and understand what diabetes is.

Diabetes is a chronic illness due to the insufficient production or ineffective use of insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin is a blood sugar-regulating hormone, which, when imbalanced, affects the utilisation of glucose by the body. The multiple types of diabetes include Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, which are caused due to varied reasons and show varying symptoms. Irrespective of the type, diabetes results in high blood sugar, further causing ill-functioning of the heart, kidneys, vision, and more.

The severity of the issue.

Type 1 and 2 diabetes are chronic, while prediabetes and gestational diabetes are reversible. If not managed at the earliest, any of these types may result in fatal issues like a heart attack or failure, stroke, kidney failure, and continuing problems like weakened immunity, weakness, and slow recovery from wounds.

Early morning symptoms of diabetes.

Be watchful of these early morning symptoms of diabetes, which also can be associated with several other diseases. Suppose you experience some of these common symptoms of diabetes early in the day. In that case, it is recommended to consult a doctor to prevent diabetes. Also, purchase the best health insurance in India or take an add-on diabetes cover.

1. Excessive thirst:
Considered a tell-tale sign, waking up with a dry mouth and throat may require an urgent diagnosis. If you wake up thirsty continuously, checking your blood sugar right after waking up may help confirm the problem. Irrespective of the results, ensure that you visit a doctor for consultation.

2. Waking up with a full bladder:
In combination with the above symptom, excessive urination is a giveaway sign of diabetes if noticed frequently throughout the night. This occurs due to the slowdown of the kidneys, which causes the unusually high glucose to be excreted into the urine with tissue fluids, which leads to dehydration, excess thirst, and frequent urination.

3. Disorientedness:
While waking up frazzled seems familiar, coupled with the other symptoms on the list may indicate a more significant problem. If you are nauseous and dizzy immediately after waking up, it is best to consult a doctor.

4. Blurred vision:
Diabetes is known to cause enlargement of the eye lens over adaptable levels, which causes hazy vision. This occurs due to a sudden change in your blood sugar levels, making it crucial to manage and stabilise your blood glucose levels at all times to prevent permanent damage.

5. Numb limbs:
If the extremities of your hands or legs feel numb immediately after waking up and need some warming up before they stop tingling, it may result from damaged nerves due to high blood glucose.

These were a few evident signs that can help you understand if you’re at risk of diabetes and counter it at an early stage. Maintaining one’s health is a priority since you cannot eliminate the risk of diseases like diabetes, making it prudent to purchase the best health insurance in India to cover the financial burden of medical bills and keep the financial stress away.

Click HERE to buy the best health 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.

Buying a car is an exciting process that takes lots of planning, budgeting, and sacrifices to finally achieve your goal of owning a vehicle. Especially amid economic uncertainties, it becomes essential to maintain these high-value purchases to minimise the effect of depreciation.

While insuring your vehicle with the best car insurance India policy is one way, taking effective care is another to minimise wear and tear and keep your car in its best shape. This ensures its longevity and also yields a greater resale value for you.

Apart from regular maintenance, keep these lesser-talked-about tips in mind to increase your car's lifespan!

1. Inspect your engine light:
The engine is the heart of your car. The vehicle’s check engine light indicates potential problems that may require urgent inspection. Often, drivers do not heed the indication and allow the issue to persist for a while before they notice it and get it checked, by which the problem has already escalated.

2. Protect your car from the sun:
Just as harsh sun rays damage humans, cars that stay in direct sunlight are likely to suffer damage to the paint and interiors, resulting in increased maintenance costs in the long run. Ideally, park your car in a garage or shade. In case not possible, invest in a quality sun cover and interior shades that keep the cabin cool.

3. Organise your trips effectively:
This may come as a bummer for driving enthusiasts, but instead of multiple short trips for your daily errands, club your tasks together to reduce the wear of your engine.

4. Ensure you break-in properly:
After buying your new car, ensure you break in as per the manufacturer's guidelines in the manual. Generally, it is recommended to keep your speed under 80 kmph for the first 1600 km without excessive load.

5. Keep your car clean:
It may seem like a hassle to focus on keeping your car clean at all times, but we often underestimate the damage accumulated dirt, road tar, and rust can do to your vehicle's appearance. A quick cleanup once or twice a week with a car cover to protect it when parked can go a long way in maintaining your car after regular waxing and cleaning services.

6. Keep your keychain bunch light:
It may seem like an unrelated tip, but it is best to avoid linking other keys and accessories to your car key. A heavy bunch in the ignition will likely bounce around while the vehicle is in motion. The weight and movement together can wear out the ignition ridges and lead to ignition switch failure.

7. Choose a comprehensive insurance:
While buying car insurance India, make sure to check the features and ensure that the exclusions are minimal. It is ideal to purchase an add-on feature that covers any exclusions to provide complete coverage for any damages that may occur.

8. Prepare appropriately for long-term storage:
If you do not continuously use your car for more than a month, leaving it in the parking may not be the best option. Fill up fuel and consider adding a stabiliser after consulting an expert. Ensure to disconnect and remove the battery when discontinuing use for long periods to prevent draining.

Good maintenance is key to increasing the longevity of your car. By following appropriate driving guidelines and the manufacturer's instructions with regular servicing supplemented by purchasing comprehensive car insurance India, you can ensure that your vehicle stays in its best form for long periods!

Click HERE to buy a reliable car insurance India policy.

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

With the onset of the New Year, travel experts predict a significant increase in tourism despite the possibility of an incoming recession. As the covid-19 has restricted travel for a long time, travel enthusiasts view their hobby not just as a leisurely interest but as a priority. Before making your travel plans in 2023, renew or purchase general insurance that covers travel-related losses and makes your journey less worrisome and more enjoyable.

Check out these forecasted trends before planning your perfect vacation in 2023!

1. Growth of ecotourism:
Ecotourism focuses on observing natural habitats of flora and fauna and untamed wildlife with the intent to preserve and appreciate it. Also known as nature tourism or wildlife-watching tourism, the activity is expected to become popular with the constantly increasing interest of nature enthusiasts.
Several travel agencies now organise such tours and curate itineraries in well-preserved habitats with ample support from local experts and communities to educate tourists and display a side of nature beyond standard safaris.
Before going on such trips, consider the allied risks of the activity and ensure that you have appropriate insurance, like general insurance, that covers any potential accidents and costs you may incur.

2. Focus on sustainable travel:
Sustainability is no longer just a passing phase but an aspect of travel that is expected to stay for years. With Millenials and Gen Zs showing an interest in minimising their travel impact, the tourism industry is adapting to their preferences.
While itineraries in the past used to be all about extravagance and fancy travel without a care for its impact, the effect of travel on the local economy, environment, and community are factors that tourists now keep a check on. The sustainability movement is set to grow in the year and will directly impact travel.

3. Domestic destinations to win favour:
With soaring inflation and the incoming recession, prudent decisions are the need of the hour. Despite the rising costs and uncertainties about the future, travel enthusiasts are not settling for another year of staying cooped up at home.
Instead of cancelling or postponing plans, travellers are altering their plans to stay within their budget while deriving the greatest value. Local destinations are predicted to see a significant rise in footfall in 2023 with their relatively lower accommodation costs and other expenses.

4. Business travel and remote working:
Despite the relaxation of restrictions, many companies are choosing to allow remote working as an option for employees to reduce office expenses and provide flexibility of working from anywhere.
In the last two years, several employees have spent their time working from a remote destination while on vacation, allowing them to travel while working. The trend is expected to continue with a rise in business trips, retreats, and recreational events.

5. Unique experiences to take centre stage:
Almost 75% of responders to a survey focused on Indian travellers' preferences indicated their intention to savour out-of-the-box experiences. While domestic travel is set to be significantly high due to budget constraints, expenditures on experiential activities are not left far behind, with the desire to explore offbeat cultures and cities to gain unique experiences.

6. Focus on savings:
Travellers are focusing on mindful budgeting to prepare for their upcoming travel plans, and most of their travel fund is set to come from their savings. Budget-friendly destinations with affordable transport, accommodation, and plenty of attractions are vital factors that tourists are looking for while planning their trips.

With careful research and planning, it is easy to successfully plan your trips in 2023, despite the expected economic slowdown. By keeping track of budgets, loyalty programs, off-season activities, and purchasing general insurance, you can make the most of your trip while staying within your budget!

Click HERE to buy the best general insurance in India before your next travel trip.

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.

In a high-population nation like India, pedestrian deaths from road accidents are alarming. Drivers should be fully aware of pedestrian behaviour and the dos and don’ts of driving to avoid accidents with pedestrians. This would make pedestrians feel safe and secure while walking on the roads.

Here are some practical tips for drivers to avoid pedestrian accidents.

1. Control your speed:
Proper control of your car’s speed is the key to ensuring that you don’t get involved in pedestrian accidents. You need to drive slowly where the density of pedestrians is high. Often in a crowd, people tend to move quickly on the roads without bothering much about the approaching vehicles.
Lower speed will give you ample time to react and apply brakes if someone suddenly turns up in front of you.

2. Patience:
Patience is the key for any driver while dealing with senior citizens and children on the roads. Senior citizens may walk slowly on the roads, while children may do the exact opposite and rush. Also, while senior citizens may not see any approaching vehicle clearly due to poor vision, children may completely ignore looking at the vehicles on the road and just run here and there.
The same applies to dealing with people with disabilities on roads. A blind person will not be able to see the traffic on the roads, while a disabled person may be trying to go from one place to another in a wheelchair slowly. The drivers must drive patiently around such people. They should let them pass through first to avoid any accidents with them.

3. Do not drink and drive:
The worst thing to practise is drink and drive as it hampers your senses and decision power. You will not be able to react in time which may cause a serious accident with the pedestrians. Drinking and driving also attract punishment under the law. Never let someone innocent be a victim of your carelessness.

4. Look carefully before overtaking:
A driver should always be extra cautious while overtaking a stationary car in the middle of the road or at crossroads. There is a high chance that a pedestrian might be crossing the road.
The pedestrian may suddenly appear in front of you while trying to overtake the car from the right at high speed. Hence, be cautious while overtaking, as you might hurt pedestrians or risk their lives.

5. Keep away all distractions while driving:
Nowadays, a common cause of road accidents is talking on a mobile phone while driving, texting, eating, adjusting the stereo, etc. Drivers lose focus on the road, resulting in an accident with pedestrians or other vehicles.
Never take your eyes off the road while driving, be it for any reason. If you are getting a call on your phone and it is urgent, stop your car on the side and then take the call. Do the same if you want to send a text, take a small eating break, or if you have to adjust your car’s music system. This will ensure that you drive attentively and are in total control of your car while driving.

Drivers should never drive rashly nor give pedestrians a sense of danger or fear while accessing the roads. Roads are public property, and every citizen has the right to use them without fearing an accident. Drivers should follow the above tips and ensure the safety of pedestrians on the roads.

Motor insurance does the same for drivers and vehicle owners. It gives a sense of safety and security from the probable perils on the roads and provides protection even when the vehicle is stationary and parked somewhere. Moreover, it is also mandatory under the law. Hence, go for the best motor insurance company and choose the right policy offering you maximum benefits with an attractive premium.

Click HERE to buy reliable motor insurance for your car.

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.

Certain privileges become accessible only after attaining a specific age. In India, the legal age to drive motorised vehicles is 18 years. If you have recently become eligible to drive legally, congratulations! Driving is one of the first activities that excite youngsters.

However, you must be extremely careful with your first vehicle. Reckless driving puts your life, car, and third parties in danger, so you must always practise safe driving and purchase the best car insurance in India to safeguard your finances. Regular car servicing is crucial to prevent frequent breakdowns and costly repairs.

Here are some essential car maintenance tips that all teenagers must follow if they have already obtained a driving licence.

1. Keep the manual accessible:
Four-wheelers are complex vehicles with several parts that require specific maintenance. Unless you are an automobile professional, it is unlikely to know every part's specifications. Do not shy away from using the manufacturer's manual as a guide to understanding details about your car. You can also find solutions to common problems like changing flat tyres and tips to jumpstart your car.

2. Don't neglect the battery:
An often overlooked auto part, your car's battery can leave you stranded when neglected. Dragging engine sounds are an early sign of a drained battery. Ensure to pay attention to such signs and turn off the engine, radio, cabin lights, etc., when not in use to prevent battery drain.
While most batteries claim to have a life of up to 6 years, they usually wear out within three years, depending on use, making it necessary to keep a check and replace it when you notice early signs of voltage drops.

3. Replace your windshield wipers:
Visibility is crucial to driving safely. Before turning on the ignition, ensure that your side and rear mirrors and windshield are clean. This ensures proper visibility of the incoming and surrounding cars to make appropriate judgements on the road.
Wiper blades enable the windshield to stay obstruction-free. Since they are made of rubber, they may wear out and leave streaks on the glass, making it challenging to drive confidently. Therefore, ensure that you periodically inspect the state of your windshield wipers and replace them when worn.

4. Pay attention to engine oil:
It is essential to pay attention to the heart of your car- the engine. The engine's functioning depends on the seamless working of several parts facilitated by the lubrication provided by the engine oil. If you do not replace your engine oil periodically as per the manual, excessive friction and contaminated oil may damage the engine parts. Leave this task to professionals to identify any issues simultaneously.

5. Check your tyres:
Irrespective of terrain, maintenance of tyres is an essential aspect of car upkeep that you must consider. It is critical to do so to ensure proper gripping and weight balancing to prevent accidents. Ensure you periodically rotate your tyres and check the air pressure, tread depth, and wheel alignment.

6. Replace your pedals:
The ABCs in a car- Accelerator, Brake, and Clutch are primary necessities that must function properly to ensure a smooth driving experience. However, frequent use leads to the wearing out of the ceramic pads over the metal discs that engage the systems. Therefore, keep track of the pedals' sound and thickness when your car is inspected to identify signs that the pedals require replacement.

As beginners, it is challenging to keep track of every minute detail. However, with time and relying on expert guidance and the car manual, it is easy to maintain your car's prime state. Ensure you regularly service your vehicle and purchase the best car insurance in India to take your mind off the safety aspect and allow you to focus on driving safely!

Click HERE to buy best 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.

Nothing represents India better than big fat Indian weddings! Vibrant colours and never-ending streams of ceremonies are giveaway signs of a wedding-in-planning. However, while guests only see the wedding as well-planned, the staggering costs of planning a wedding in India have only grown over the years.

A wedding is a significant decision that impacts your finances. Irrespective of the size of the event, it involves extensive planning to design and execute that one special big day. Selecting a wedding destination is one of the first steps to facilitate the process. It is best to contact a general insurance company and take out a policy that covers potential financial losses against any substantial risks.

Choosing a perfect venue may seem like a challenging task. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can find the destination of your dreams without any hassle and future regrets!

1. Organise your requirements:
It is easy to get overwhelmed and do things out of order as they please you. However, without careful consideration, you are bound to make regretful choices. Before looking for destinations, make a physical list of some points to remember.
This includes the estimates of guests, the budget set aside for the venue, the kind of location you expect, and the sequence of activities and ceremonies. This will help you consider the site while keeping the facts in mind, making it easy to imagine whether or not the choice is right for you.

2. Pictures are only references:
Starting your hunt for the perfect venue a few weeks or months before the date is an absolute nightmare waiting to happen. However, if you choose purely based on images on the internet, the result is bound to be a disaster. Make sure you check the venue in person to ensure that it satisfies your criteria.
Booking in advance is a recommended step that allows you to avail of discounts and avoid settling for the substandard alternate after finding out that your ideal destination has already been booked.
If cancellations and uncertainties hold you from booking your venue in advance, consider discussing wedding insurance with your general insurance company that compensates in the event of cancellation.

3. Consider the distance:
While it is your wedding, you must consider the travel to the venue to ensure that it is convenient for your guests. Ease of accessibility and nearby or on-site accommodations are vital factors when choosing the wedding venue.

4. Check the venue rules:
Venues often have non-alterable rules. Carefully consider their policies before committing to the site, only to discover that the location does not allow any of your planned activities. If it is non-negotiable for you, ask for their adjustment. In case it is approved, ensure that you have it in writing as proof in the future.

5. Don't hold back your queries:
Asking too many questions may feel like a nuisance but clarifying everything is best rather than being confused. Do not shy away from asking all about the duration that the venue is let out for, accessibility, amenities, and other facilities. Make them aware of any special requests at the earliest to ensure that the organisers have enough time to accommodate your needs.

6. Consider the weather:
An outdoor wedding may be your dream, but it may not be feasible during the monsoon. Ensure that you consider the forecasted weather conditions' compatibility with your venue. Indoor weddings in elegant halls are highly preferred backup options that save the day.

Most importantly, avoid individually taking the responsibility of choosing the venue. It is ideal to delegate the task to a few close friends and family members who can help you find the perfect destination that satisfies you and is practical. You may even decide to hire professional wedding planners to make the occasion an exceptional one. It is also ideal to purchase a prudent cover from a general insurance company while planning your big day.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best general insurance company.

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.

Buying a car in India is seen as more than just a mode of convenient travel. It is seen as an investment and a status symbol too. In such pursuits, people spend way more on their vehicles than they should.

However, considering the income disparity, uncertainty of economic activity, and rising costs in the current scenario, purchasing such high-value assets without security is not feasible. This makes car insurance a necessity.

Despite the benefits of car insurance, there are several things a policyholder has to consider while going through the buying process. It is essential to remember the policy period and renew it before it lapses. Read on to learn all about a car insurance lapse.

What is a policy lapse?

Car insurance is an annual mandatory policy as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. The policy document needs to be renewed within the date mentioned, after which it becomes due and expires—failing to renew it before its expiry is called the lapse of a car insurance policy.

Need to prevent lapse.

A policyholder cannot claim damages incurred after the policy has lapsed since it is no longer valid. Such expenses have to be borne by the policyholder himself. Hence, to protect yourself from getting into such a situation, it is essential to renew your insurance before it lapses.

Effects of a lapse.

Apart from bearing the entire cost of damages by oneself, several other problems arise from allowing your car insurance to lapse, including:

1. Vehicles with lapsed insurance policies must undergo the inspection process, which is rather tedious and time-consuming.

2. After your policy lapses, the premium amount on your policy may be revised and will likely be greater than the amount you were previously paying.

3. Fines and penalties are often inescapable while renewing a lapsed motor insurance policy.

4. If you are found to be driving a car without valid insurance, you may have to shell out a fine of up to INR 2000 as per the present rules in case of your first offence. For repeat offenders, the penalty amount increases, and you may be imprisoned for up to 3 months.

5. Since your insurance is no longer valid, you lose out on the accumulated amount of the No Claim Bonus.

Renewing car insurance after lapse.

Depending on the duration after the lapse, you can proceed with the steps stated below:

1. Within the grace period: Insurance companies usually offer a grace period of up to 90 days post-lapse. If you renew your policy within this period, you may avoid paying additional fees altogether or only have to pay a nominal amount.

2. Post-grace period lapse: If the grace period window has passed, immediately contact your insurer. While some may still allow renewal, be prepared to purchase a new policy if your insurer rejects your request to renew the policy.

3. Post-permanent lapse: If it has been a long while since the expiry of the policy, including the grace period, purchasing a new car insurance policy is the only route remaining. It is inevitable to undergo a car inspection for this process. Ensure you keep track of the policy duration and expiry to prevent making the same error again.

Keeping track of minute details can be challenging amid hectic schedules. Therefore, insurers do their part by sending electronic notifications through texts or emails to alert you about the upcoming renewal of your car insurance. While it is an aid you can benefit from, it is ideal to set self-reminders or set up automatic payments with your bank to stay on top of all things related to car insurance.

Using effective self-reminding mechanisms makes avoiding the consequences of a car insurance lapse easy. Ensure that you compare policies and keep track of periods each time you renew your policy.

Click HERE to buy the best 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.