GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

As the world revolutionises and turns towards more eco-friendly options, the emergence of Electric Vehicles, or EVs, has also come to the limelight. They are not only cost-effective but a good eco-friendly riding option. They help in the reduction of harmful gases in the atmosphere. It keeps the balance of the environment intact. This, in turn, helps maintain the balance of global warming. The Indian Government has also prioritised shifting all vehicles plying on Indian roads to electric vehicles or EVs by 2030.

To make this possible, a lot of steps have been taken. The government wants to make EVs affordable, usable, and accessible to all. Are long charging hours stopping you from buying an EV? Batteries make up 40-50% of the cost of every EV right now. Additionally, battery charging can also take long hours. Hence, battery swapping was established as a plausible solution.

The battery-swapping policy was introduced in the 2022-23 budget. Let's find out more about it.

What is the new policy of the Indian Government?
The Indian Government has released a new policy focusing on two and three wheeler vehicles with electric-powered engines. The main purpose behind the policy introduced by NITI Ayog focuses on swapping the batteries instead of charging them. It is not only cost-effective but also ensures good time management.

How is swapping batteries better than charging?
There are a variety of merits that you can derive by swapping the batteries instead of charging them. These are

● Time management:
It is a known fact that charging batteries can be an extremely tedious process. It takes approximately an hour or more to charge a battery completely, which can be a waste of time if you are in a hurry. Instead, if you swap the battery, it will only take you a few minutes. It is because the batteries will already be charged.

● Space management:
The chargers that are present at the charging stations are furiously slow. Moreover, they can only charge one vehicle at a time. Instead, if you swap the batteries with a pre-charged one, you need not wait for your turn to charge. All the discharged batteries can also be charged once and used when ready.

● Cost-effective: Batteries can be costly, which limits the consumers to buy an EV. With the swapping of batteries, the batteries will be available on a subscription basis. This was done to make batteries and EVs affordable to all.

● Less anxiety:
One major issue with EVs is running out of charge before the destination. If the battery swapping stations are set up successfully, this will not be an issue anymore. You can easily swap the batteries in minutes and go to your destination without hassles.

These are some clear pointers on why battery swapping is a game-changer for EVs. The Government is trying its best to establish EVs as the future of India. We should also do our share in making the world free from pollution and carbon emissions. With methods like battery swapping, EVs can be more accessible and affordable. Make sure to buy car insurance policy online to keep your EV safe and sound. Contact your insurance provider to understand the terms and conditions better while covering an EV.

Click HERE to buy car insurance policy online for your EV.

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.

RT-PCR Means Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction. RT-PCR one of the type PCR which the RNA template is first converted into a complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcriptase. The cDNA is then used as a template for exponential amplification using PCR. Enabled sample amplification and eliminated the need for abundant starting material required when using northern blot analysis.

RT-PCR has been used to measure viral load with HIV and may also be used with other RNA viruses such as measles and mumps.

Advantages of real-time PCR test-

1. Amplification and detection occur in a single tube, eliminate post PCR manipulation.

2. An increased dynamic range of detection.

3. Ability to precisely measure the amount of amplicon at each cycle which allows highly accurate quantification of the amount of starting material in samples.

4. Ability to monitor PCR reaction in real-time.

Real-time PCR steps-There are mainly 3 steps involved in real-time PCR Reaction. Reactions generally run for 40 cycles -

1. Denaturation-High temperature incubation is used to melt double standard DNA into single standard DNA and loosen secondary structure in single standard DNA. The highest temperature use for Denaturation is 95 degrees.

2. Annealing-Complementary sequences have an opportunity to hybridize.

3. Extension-At 70-72ºc the activity of the DNA polymerase is optimal, and primer extension occurs at the rates of up to 100 bases per second.

TWO STEP qRT-PCR-Reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) starts with the reverse transcription of either RNA or poly (A)+RNA into CDNA.

ONE STEP QRT-PCR-First-strand cDNA synthesis reaction and real-time PCR reaction in the same tube, simplifying reaction setup and reducing the possibility of contamination.

WHAT IS RT-PCR FOR nCOVID-19

The Health Ministry has announced that the real-time reserve transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR is the gold standard frontline test for COVID-19.

One is more accurate called RT-PCR which is extracting RNA from the nasal or mouth swab. Because of Genome sequencing technology, we have the sequence of SARS-COV-2 and RNA of the swab is checked whether virus and RNA share the same sequence. Because of proper research and Genome sequence projects going around the world, RT-PCR tests are considered more accurate and reliable.

DISADVANTAGES OF RT-PCR-

RT-PCR Technology is a relatively expensive method. It requires RNA extracting machines, a laboratory and trained technicians. Minimum of 30 samples is needed to make it economically viable.

Two-wheelers are the most convenient mode of transport in India. They are budget-friendly, easy to handle, and come with multiple features and various designs. This makes them a popular choice amongst Indians to travel on narrow, inadequately maintained roads with constant traffic due to poor driving etiquette.

While vehicles are no longer designed to fit the fancy of a specific gender, it is easier for women to choose the suitable model, manoeuvre it and ride on the road.

If you are a woman or even a beginner looking to buy a new two-wheeler, here are some features you should look for to find your perfect ride.

1. Budget:
It is only possible to purchase after deciding the budgeted expenditure. Keep in mind the expected utility, life of the vehicle, and additional expenses of fuel, maintenance, and insurance while fixing a budget. With the plethora of options available, it should not be difficult to find a 2-wheeler within your budget, which can range upwards from ₹50,000. However, fixed expenses like 2 wheeler insurance online and servicing are additional costs that are often overlooked.

2. Build and size:
Of the multiple brands in the market, it is challenging to differentiate between models since they are built similarly. Riding comfort is highly dependent on the size of the two-wheeler. Make sure to sit on a stationary model and check if your feet touch the ground, which is a must in situations where sudden brakes are to be applied.

3. Vehicle weight:
Choosing a two-wheeler heavier than you can handle is the worst mistake a rider can make. A test ride and a general inspection will make you aware of its weight and your capability to handle it. By ensuring you can control its weight, you can prevent accidents, put the vehicle on and take it off the centre kickstand easily.

4. Mileage:
Two-wheelers usually provide a mileage of upwards of 35 kmpl. The higher the mileage, the greater the value derived. The advertised mileage is to be considered only when driving on highways. For congested cities, most two-wheelers provide a 35-50 kmpl mileage.

5. Engine capacity:
The power of the engine or engine capacity determines the fuel efficiency and smooth running of the vehicle. Scooters with an engine capacity of 110cc to 150cc are popular for city rides or short-distance travel for women to work and visit the supermarket.

6. Storage capacity:
Unlike a car, a two-wheeler is relatively compact, providing less storage space underneath the seat. Usually, the under-seat storage accommodates a helmet and a few other things. Presently, the largest under-seat storage available is 32 litres. While no additional designated storage space exists, you may have a top storage box fitted at your back seat.

7. Auto start:
Just like automatic transmissions are preferred over manual transmissions in cars, a two-wheeler can have a kick-start or an auto-start. Auto-start is a convenient way to start the two-wheeler by engaging the brakes, accelerating, and using the auto-start button. Kick-start requires physical effort to run the vehicle and is generally not preferred. However, purchasing a two-wheeler that provides both options is best in case one of the mechanisms fails.

Considering the ease of riding a two-wheeler, it is accessible to women of all ages in different economic strata. By following traffic rules diligently and purchasing the best-suited two-wheeler along with 2 wheeler insurance online, you can ensure safe driving and fewer accidents and allied financial burdens.

Click HERE to buy 2 wheeler 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.

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, every vehicle owner in India is legally required to purchase insurance. It is a compulsory prerequisite that serves as a preventive mechanism to protect the owner from losses from accidents and damage to the bike. Despite the mandate, many two-wheeler owners shy away from purchasing a policy due to the lengthy process and inspection.

While it may seem like an additional step in the process, inspection is an essential part of the conventional insurance procedure that makes the insurer fully aware of the bike’s condition before accepting to insure it. However, two wheeler insurance online India has become a popular and convenient alternative that facilitates comparison between different policies and allows one to skip the inspection altogether.

Why is an inspection necessary?

Buying an insurance policy is a prudent move on the owner’s behalf. It protects them from any financial losses due to accidents or damages. However, insurance companies also require comprehensive information about the insured vehicle. A physical inspection helps identify the present state of the two-wheeler and whether it complies with Government issued legal guidelines.

The process scrutinises the physical condition of your bike and its documents like PUC certificate, service records, etc., to prevent insurance fraud. This helps the insurer gauge its value and expected life, which helps determine whether they should insure your vehicle and the premium amount.

The inspection may also discover unnoticed issues with your vehicle that you can resolve before it leads to an accident.

Is inspection before insurance mandatory?

Although important, inspection is not a mandatory process. If you buy two wheeler insurance online India, you can skip the inspection by providing basic details of your twowheeler on your preferred insurance company’s website. Usually, it takes a little while postapplication for them to send your bike insurance policy.

Requisites for an inspection-less insurance.

When applying for two wheeler insurance online India, you may notice that different insurance providers have different procedures. While some may use factors like brand, period of use, model, etc., others may only ask for registration details. Typically, the process involves declaring details such as:

● Period of use

● Place of registration

● Record of previous claims

● PUC certificate

● Vehicle registration number

● Maintenance records

● Previous policy details

Circumstances when an inspection is unavoidable.

While two wheeler insurance online India is convenient, requires minimal effort, and eliminates the need for inspection, in some situations, it is inevitable to go through a check, such as

● When your previous policy lapses:
2-wheeler owners need to renew their insurance before the policy lapses or the 30- day grace period expires. During this time, when the vehicle is not insured, accidents or damages may have gone unrecognised, due to which insurers compulsorily inspect the vehicle before approving its insurance.

● When modifications are made:
Ideally, the vehicle should be left untouched without any aftermarket modification to its factory-fitted components. When modified, it becomes necessary to inspect the 2-wheeler to ensure that the additions do not adversely affect the basic functionality of the bike, which can lead to mishaps in the long run.

● When the 2-wheeler is second-hand:
Second-hand vehicles, while being cheap, are essentially weathered vehicles. They possess greater risk than new bikes and therefore need to be inspected after the ownership is transferred before altering the existing policy or purchasing new insurance.

● When the 2-wheeler has been in a recent accident:
For vehicles that have recently been in an accident, it becomes necessary to survey the extent of damage to determine its cost of repairs, current value, and insurable value.

Two wheeler insurance online India is a hassle-free way of protecting your 2-wheeler without having to go through an inspection. By following the general guidelines for safe driving and renewing your policy in time, you can easily avoid the inspection procedure

Click HERE to purchase two wheeler 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.

Preferred amongst different economic strata, scooters and bikes help manoeuvre through tight-packed traffic and poorly maintained roads with precision. However, the lack of an effective safety system makes them a risky option, so buying the best two wheeler insurance in India is necessary to protect your two-wheeler against damages and allied losses.

While damages from accidents and maintenance costs of the 2-wheeler are covered by insurance, does the same apply to its additional fittings of glass, fibre, silicon, etc.? Read on to find out if such depreciable parts are covered by your two wheeler insurance policy.

What are depreciable parts?

With consistent use, the value of any vehicle is bound to depreciate. In two-wheelers, the primary function is served by the engine and mechanical parts. However, there are smaller parts made using relatively weaker materials, like silicon, rubber, etc., that inevitably depreciate sooner

Are depreciable parts covered under comprehensive insurance?

A third-party insurance policy is often lacking to provide coverage for depreciable parts. You may have to purchase an add-on cover for several of its excluded items, and depreciable fibre parts are one of the many partial exclusions. Generally, two wheeler insurance only partially covers the repair and replacement costs of the depreciable parts alone. Instead, they cover a marginal percentage of the expense, leaving you to shoulder the burden of the rest of the amount.

The general depreciation cost percentage.
Most two wheeler insurance applies the following depreciated cost percentages on fittings based on their material:

● Fibre: 30%

● Glass: 0%

● Nylon, Plastic, Rubber: 50%

● Battery, Tube, and Tyres: 50%

This implies that the insurer assumes the above-stated depreciation rates to affect the part and only pays the depreciated cost percentage of the repair or maintenance cost. The remaining amount is borne by the insured, which is often a significant portion of the expense.

Additionally, the vehicle’s age also determines the following approximate rate of depreciation:

● Up to 6 months: 0%

● Up to 1 year: 5%

● Up to 2 years: 10%

● Up to 3 years: 15%

● Up to 4 years: 25%

● Up to 5 years: 35%

● Up to 10 years: 40%

● Above ten years: 50%

However, an alternative is available to ensure that your insurance provider bears the expense.

Zero Depreciation Add-on Cover.

In case you have a standalone own-damage insurance or comprehensive insurance, you are eligible to purchase an add-on zero depreciation cover for your two-wheeler. By purchasing this add-on, you can claim the entire cost of repairing or replacing depreciable parts from your insurer.

Check the inclusions of policies when comparing alternatives to find the best two wheeler insurance in India that covers fibre, glass, rubber parts, etc.

Exclusions under zero depreciation add-on. Even after purchasing the add-on to the best two wheeler insurance in India, there remain some exclusions that you will have to bear, including:

● Vehicles older than five years

● Costs of over two claims during the policy period

● Machine-driven breakdown damages

● Damages due to uninsured risks

● Depreciation due to general wear and tear

When to buy zero depreciation add-on. While it is a beneficial facility, consider purchasing a zero depreciation cover if:

● You own a limited edition or premium 2-wheeler

● You live in an accident-prone area with heavy traffic

● Your vehicle is not older than five years

● The cost of individual repairs of depreciable parts is estimated to be greater than the cost of the add-on

Depreciation is an inevitable loss of asset value. Although most insurance covers do not provide for expenses relating to depreciable parts, an add-on zero depreciation cover can convert your preferred insurance into the best two wheeler insurance in India.

Click HERE to buy the best two wheeler 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.

The cold weather in the winter is a welcome change in most parts of the country that usually experience blazing heat. While Central and Southern India witness pleasant climates with a slight nip in the air, the upper Northern part experiences snowfall. However, getting safely on the roads in vehicles is challenging due to the intense fog and constant snowfall.

Many people avoid driving, especially motorcycles, in snowy terrains. However, it is possible to safely ride on snow with the proper gear, technique, and tips. While following these steps can better prepare you to handle the terrain and climate, taking precautionary methods is the first step you cannot skip at any cost.

Ensure that you have active bike insurance, or renew your bike insurance online to get the best quotes and compare policies from the comfort of your home. Now that we've set the base, here are some steps you must follow to guarantee a comfortable motorcycle ride in the snow.

1. Get your riding gear right:
Not having the essential requisites gear can invite discomfort and troubles for the rider. After taking the necessary steps to buy or renew your bike insurance online, check your riding equipment. While a helmet is all that is mandated in different climates, you need to be prepped for enduring the harsh cold.
Ensure that you wear adequate layers of well-fitted insulating barriers. The outermost layer should be water-resistant but breathable. Gloves and ridged boots are other necessities during the winter.

2. Prep your motorcycle:
A quick wipe-down may be sufficient in other conditions, but you need to snow-proof your vehicle. Switch to all-weather tyres to ensure better grip, and check your bike's mechanics before each ride. This will expose any issues beforehand and prevent accidents on slippery roads. Anti-fog visors are an example of winter-centric riding essentials that can help manoeuvre over the snow.

3. Stay seated at all times:
Bike stunts can be risky at all times, so it is best to avoid them in uncertain conditions like snow. Follow basic protocol and do not overload the bike to maintain proper balance, and be able to take charge of the situation if the motorcycle begins to slip and slide.

4. Focus on posture:
Relaxed posture is key to maintaining balance even in normal conditions, but even more in snow. Ensure that your shoulders are pushed back and loose while keeping your elbows steady instead of holding them at a 90-degree angle. This has a direct impact on the control over the bike.

5. Pay attention to the road ahead:
While this may seem obvious, it is challenging to take a call when all that's ahead of you is snow. If it is snow with evident traces of a road underneath, ride straight forward. The snow will compress underneath the tyre and fill the grooves.
If there are some tracks in the snow, it may be best to ride on the untrodden path instead of exploring new trails. If you encounter wide tyre tracks that have left the snow in a slush, riding on the slush may be your best bet, as your bike's tyres will touch the road, providing grip. However, if you see signs of ice underneath, steer clear.

While these tips can help you keep your bike upright in the snow and reduce the risk of accidents, it is best to seek shelter in case of heavy snowfall. Ensure that you drive slowly and make decisions ahead of time, as it takes longer to break in the snow. Don't forget to purchase or renew bike insurance online that covers any accidental damages to your bike due to the adverse impact of the snow.

Click HERE to invest in bike insurance online for your two wheeler.

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.

Even though we all know that eating fresh fruits is good for our health, are you aware of the magical benefits of drinking papaya water on an empty stomach in the morning? Papaya water has vitamins, helps digestion, eases menstrual pain, protects the kidneys, and reduces headaches and arthritis pain. It also helps fight cancer.

Regular consumption of papaya water can do wonders for your body. Let's understand the detailed benefits.

1. Positive effects of papaya water:
Now is the time to add papaya water to your daily diet to lose weight. The high fibre content facilitates smooth bowel movement, avoids constipation, and keeps you fuller for longer.

2. Immunity booster:
Boost your immunity with a glass of papaya water. It provides 200% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake, enhancing immunity and resistance to various infectious diseases. Develop a habit of drinking it every morning and give your body the day's immunity shot.

3. Eyesight improvement:
To get a clearer, brighter vision, eat papaya daily, whether raw or ripe. Papaya water is highly suggested for kids with eyesight problems because it is a powerhouse of vitamin A. Additionally, it prevents older persons' age-related macular degeneration from progressing as quickly.

4. Eases menstruation cramps:
Papaya is well-known for its characteristics in reducing menstrual pain. In addition to controlling menstrual flow, the fruit's papain enzyme instantly relieves discomfort for ladies with unbearable menstruation cramps.

5. Reduces stress:
According to studies, vitamin C deficiency significantly contributes to extreme stress and mood changes. Papaya water is a natural stress reliever that helps control mood swings and restore hormonal balance.
The antioxidants included in papaya water help fight free radical damage, a significant cause of cancer. Breast, colon, and prostate cancers can all be avoided by drinking papaya water regularly.
Dead skin cells are removed by vitamin A in papaya water, giving the skin an immediate moisture boost and a healthy glow. The potassium found in the fruit acts as a moisturiser and dullness remover. To notice results, spread a thin coating of papaya water mixed with honey on your skin and wash it off after 15 minutes.

6. Removes suntan:
Papaya has several enzymes that help treat sunburn and lighten skin. To fight microorganisms and get an instant glow, blend papaya water with a small amount of fresh lemon water and apply it to your skin. You will notice a sparkling effect of tan removal.

7. Works as a conditioner:
Thanks to its enzymes, papaya water naturally conditions the skin. To keep the keratin levels in the hair stable and the scalp free of dandruff, combine it with equal amounts of olive oil.

Though papaya may be consumed in various ways, drinking it as water is largely preferred since it tastes better. With the many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that papaya contains, it is a gift from mother nature that can have a surprising impact on your well-being. Include it in your diet daily to increase immunity and combat severe health conditions. However, papaya consumption is not recommended for pregnant ladies, as it can cause uterine contractions and abortion-related complications.

Along these lines, always buy health insurance online India to keep a protective cover on medical expenses during any emergency. The expense of medical care resulting from a disease, illness, or accident is covered by health insurance, making you feel stress-free and offering comprehensive protection to your loved ones. So, consider this most significant opportunity to protect the entire family and buy health insurance online India with a wide range of insured possibilities.

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.

Planning family vacations is a daunting task that requires lots of research, budgeting, and scheduling to ensure everyone's availability. While adults' travel options are virtually unlimited, a lot must be considered when you have kids in tow. The climate, accessibility, activities that engage kids, and safety provided by the destination are the usual criteria that parents look for while planning family vacations.

Regardless of the destinations you consider, you must pay attention to purchasing general insurance that covers accidents while travelling. Especially when travelling with kids, it is necessary to be prudent, for which we recommend checking general insurance online quote, which makes the process easier, comparable, and faster.

With the increased means of living and accessibility to foreign countries, there is an increase in outbound vacations. Of the myriad options available for outbound tourism, the European destinations are the most-liked of them. Europe offers charming sceneries, stunning architecture, bustling cities in contrast to the peaceful countryside, and local cuisines palatable to kids. Here is a list of ideal European destinations that make for the perfect family vacation.

1. Rome:
Italy experiences long summer months and short winters, giving tourists plenty of time to explore the country. May to September is the peak tourist season for visiting its beautiful beaches. We recommend visiting Italy between April to May when the weather is pleasant and not too hot. The Colosseum, Spanish steps, and Gladiator Lessons are some of the experiences your family will surely enjoy. The city's delectable gelato, pasta, collection of cheeses, and freshly baked items in bakeries should not be missed.

2. Paris:
Popularly known as the city of love, it is home to gorgeous monuments. However, the city accommodates kids and offers much more to keep them engaged. Jardin du Luxembourg, built by Napoleon, is a 23- hectare park offering activities like sailboating, pony rides, carousels, and marionette shows that will thrill your kids and make for a perfect day out coupled with a picnic.
The city also has several museums dedicated to art, culture, science, and architecture for indoor activities. A magical day at the Disneyland Resort will be the perfect end to your stay in Paris.

3. The Algarve, Portugal:
The Algarve is your best bet if you're looking for an adventurous vacation with plenty of bonding time. Visit its magnificent sandy beaches to lounge, marvel over the natural beauty of the Benagil cave, or participate in surfing, jet boating, or dolphin-watching boat tours. You can also enjoy off-roading, go-karting, and horse riding or visit Zoomarine, Slide, Splash, or Aquashow, some of the region's best water parks.
Considering the risky nature of activities despite the safety of the Algarve, it is essential to have general insurance for your family that covers any accidental mishaps that may occur. Ensure that your insurance covers travel accidents, or consider purchasing one by comparing the general insurance online quote offered by insurance companies.

4. Corfu, Greece:
The famous island offers adventure, expansive pristine coasts, multiple museums, and archeological sites, making it a perfect destination for a family vacation. If you are seeking to lounge and relax, the East coast resorts offer just that and a selection of the finest restaurants and fun activities within the resorts.
The western coast has shallow beaches and sea caves that are a must-visit for adventure seekers. Rent a car and drive around the island while exploring the ruins of castles, museums, and picturesque villages.

Europe offers several destinations that make for ideal family vacations. Valid documents and a passion for exploration are all you require to make the most of your next European family vacation! Get ready to make a plan this holiday season. Also, remember to look for general insurance online quote before you plan your trip.

Click HERE to get a 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.