GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Indian roads witness several incidents of massive accidents and crashes of vehicles every year. According to a report, the number of deaths per thousand vehicles in 2021 has risen from 0.45 to 0.53, meaning around 426 people die each day in road accidents. The main reason for road accidents is bad driving habits and negligence in following the traffic rules.

Bad driving habits also have an impact on your driving record, which can have a significant effect on your car insurance claim. Having a clean driving record is beneficial when making claims or buying insurance for your car. You should learn about all the lousy car driving habits and eliminate them to protect yourself and other drivers on the road.

Here are the most annoying driving habits that many drivers have.

1. Not driving in lanes:
It is a common car-driving habit seen in Indian drivers. Drivers lack lane discipline because they get improper training at car driving schools about the leftmost and rightmost lanes.

2. Tailgating:
Most drivers habitually fill the gap between their car and the car in front of them. Driving closely to another car is the most annoying as your car may hit other vehicles and cause traffic jams.

3. Wrong side driving:
Drivers often drive on the opposite side of the road when they find crowds or traffic on their side of the road. Driving on the wrong side of the road is a risky move to practice as it involves heavy chances of collisions.

4. Riding the clutch:
Feathering the accelerator while keeping the clutch pressed will damage the car's clutch cables, clutch plate, and pressure plates. You should avoid riding a clutch when you are on a busy road.

5. Not following traffic signals:
Most people skip the red light to reach their destination a minute earlier. However, hurrying for a minute can cost you a lifetime. Violating a traffic rule can get you into trouble, like getting a fine or challan and, worst case, your licence being suspended.

6. Not giving proper signals:
Some drivers need to consider giving indicators or hand signals more importance while making a turn or a forced stop. They suddenly take turns and put the vehicles from behind in extreme danger.

7. Using a phone while driving:
Texting or talking on mobile phones distracts drivers from the road, which causes them to meet catastrophic consequences. If you urgently want to talk to someone, then use the speaker and AUX facility of the car's music system.

8. Not wearing seatbelts:
Most people understand the importance of seatbelts, but some drivers don't wear seatbelts while driving on the road.

9. Driving under influence:
Alcohol and other toxic substances impair the driver's judgement and slow down the necessary responses for safe driving. Many drivers create a nuisance and chaos on the road due to intoxication and are the reason for choking the traffic.

10. Losing your composure:
Most road accidents happen because drivers lose their calm when they get stuck in traffic or encounter harsh driving by other drivers. Getting frustrated while driving can weaken your judgement, and you'll make wrong choices that might elevate your problems.

It is necessary to become responsible on the road and spread awareness about the annoying habits of drivers that may turn into fatal accidents on the road. You should also maintain a proper driving style to avoid paying higher premiums for car insurance. Follow the traffic rules and regulations to avoid putting your life and others in danger. It also helps you keep your driving record clean.

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.

Everyone from all ages and walks of life enjoys exploring new places, and there can be no better way to discover the best of India's exciting destinations than a road trip. Have you ever wondered why?

From city commutes to long-distance planning vacations, travelling by road has a special sentiment that binds travellers to its charm. After the restrictions for the pandemic have been lifted, travel by road has become all the more prevalent.

There are many reasons why road trips are considered the best way to travel. However, it is also important to prioritise your safety when taking up a road journey. Investing in personal accident insurance plans is the best way to do this. Go through the terms and conditions and understand the benefits offered if you ever find yourself in a problem and decide to claim your insurance.

Let's look at some of the perks of travelling by road to explore places.

1. It is more convenient and less stressful:
When you travel by road, you can connect with the quaint interiors of the country and visit offbeat places that can only be seen by road. Road journeys are convenient and hassle-free as you get the luxury to take as many pit stops as you want and enjoy your trip.

2. There will be no baggage issues:
When you're on a road trip, you will have the complete freedom to choose the luggage you carry with you. You will not be restricted to any limited baggage size or weight and can pack a significant amount of your wardrobe in your car.
This way, you do not have to repeat the same shirts on vacation. You can also carry things like a mini fridge or a large bag full of snacks and make your vehicle appear as a cool campervan.

3. It provides flexibility:
With road travelling, there is a lot of room for flexibility. You will not be restricted to any timings or protocols you must follow. The restrictions can take the fun out of travelling. But, when you have a personal vehicle at your service, you do not have to wait for public transport to take you to places. You can venture into the unknown without any questions asked.

4. They are easy on the pocket:
Road trips are easy on your pocket, especially when travelling with a group. As the pandemic restrictions are lifted, the cost of travelling by air or train has increased significantly. Although the fuel prices are high, they can still be lower than the cost of travelling by other means. Apart from that, the fuel cost will be equally divided when travelling with friends.

5. An immersive experience:
Travelling by road offers a myriad of experiences that are second to none. The long stretch of national highways, good inter and intra-state connectivity, plush food and shopping options, thrilling countryside roads, mountains, etc., make road trips exciting. Watching the sunrise next to the highway and sipping tea as you move towards your destination is a fantastic feeling that only road journeys can offer.

You should plan at least one road trip a year to better understand what makes exploration by road unique. Road journeys, rather spontaneous than planned, are one of the most memorable experiences. Take your friends or family along or plan it solo, just pick a destination and set off to discover places where roads lead to perfect moments.

No matter where you travel, you should always abide by the traffic rules, wear seatbelts, and carry all the essential documents. It is advisable to ensure your safety on roads and invest in personal accident insurance plans that can cover your medical expenses if ever you meet with an accident. With all this said, get ready to conquer the roads and absorb the vibrancy of places to make unforgettable memories.

Click HERE to know more about personal accident insurance 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.

One adorable aspect of motorbikes is the sense of excitement that quickly emerges once you start riding. By sharing this passion for bikes, scooters, or both, you may instantly connect with other riders you've never met before from all walks of life.

Riding with a group of passionate bikers is a mesmerising experience, and it never fails to give you the kick you always expect from touring in a group. Staying connected and ensuring clear communication while riding is crucial to keep the entire group organised with proper coordination. Well, this can be achieved by a few basic hand gestures and signals that riders use to communicate their message to the group.

As we know, action speaks louder than words. Similarly, communicating through actions or gestures is the best way to interact with the group while on tour.

Here are some basic motorcycle hand signals commonly used by the bikers.

● Increase speed: Swinging your left arm up and out straight.

● Slow down: Swing your left arm to your side with the palm facing down, straight out in front of you.

● Right turn: Right arm extended, bent at a 90-degree angle, and clinched.

● Left turn: Left arm and hand extended, palm downward.

While not the most thrilling signs, it's important to understand these basic gestures and use them wisely.

Newest rider in the group:

You might have little riding experience if you recently bought a bike or scooter and joined a biker's community. It becomes daunting at first to create bonding and synergy with the group, but as time goes on and with every new trip, you start vibing with the gang.

But as a new two-wheeler owner, you may have little riding experience and fear the chance of accidents. Therefore, when you purchase a new bike or scooter, be careful to choose a comprehensive bike insurance policy to safeguard your asset. You can also select specific add-ons to strengthen the coverage, providing peace of mind while riding.

Easy-to-Use group ride signals:

● Follow me: Straight up from the shoulder, left arm, palm outward.

● Road hazard: Use your left hand to indicate the left side and your right foot to indicate the right side.

● Fuel: Left arm extended, pointing to tank with extended finger.

● Stop: Left arm down, and palm turned back.

● Comfort stop: Extending the left forearm, clenching the fist in a quick upward and downward motion.

● Refreshment stop: thumb to mouth, fingers closed. Particularly during long-distance trips, where frequent rest stops are necessary.

A few less common hand signals used by the riders:

● Pull off: Pull off with the left arm set up for a right turn and the forearm angled toward the shoulder.

● Come: Swing in an arc from the back to the front with the left arm extended 45 degrees upward, palm forward pointing with the index finger.

● Single file: Straight up the index finger and left arm.

● Double file: Left arm with the index and middle fingers extended straight up.

If you want extra points, use these signals to organise your group or to impress your fellow riders. Although these signals aren't quite as amazing as the "wave," which make your group rides more entertaining and safer. Please heed the following advice and don't worry.

But before you head out on a bike trip, it is important to thoroughly get your bike serviced and fix the problems, if any. Validate all your essential documents like driving licence, PUC, and bike insurance. If your bike insurance has expired, immediately renew it to get reliable coverage for your bike throughout your trip.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance for your new bike.

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.

Motorbikes have been an essential mode of travel for decades now. They are not only cost-effective but also justify the style quotient. Most people like customising their motorbikes and replicating their creativity on their bikes. And, welding is one of the best ways to make customisation easy.

If you like customisation, welding is an activity you can enjoy. Instead of toying around with your motorbike to the garage, you can do it yourself. You'll not only save a few bucks this way, but you'll also have a chance to design your bike in the way you want.

If you are a beginner, fret not! Follow this article to learn more about welding. We have listed all the information that will help you get the best results for your motorcycle welding. Additionally, you should also keep in mind that your motorcycle is precious to you, and you should have bike insurance that secures it at all times. This way, even if something unexpected occurs, you'll have something to fall back upon.

What is motorcycle welding?

Welding typically refers to the fusion or culmination of two materials. Either plastic or metal can be used for welding purposes. Metal is used most commonly.

The popularity of motorcycle welding has reached new heights in recent years. Most customised bikes that grace the roads have some modified motorcycle frames created through welding. Nowadays, most people have also taken it up as a hobby to get their hands dirty and give their motorcycle a fresh look.

Tips for effective welding:

The various tips and tricks that you can follow for effective motorcycle welding are as follows:

1. Manage contamination:
The surface plays a crucial role in welding and should be prepared in advance. You should ensure that it is free of contamination, like dust, dirt, or rust. Contamination can hinder welding quality, and many issues can occur if the weld penetrates the base material altogether.

2. Heat management:
Heat management is crucial for effective welding. The thinner materials or panels can be greatly affected by heat. It can even distort several frames if they're too thin. All in all, the heat levels should be checked at all times. If the welds are out-of-position, you should weld in the uphill direction. Due to this, the heat will be distributed evenly without any issues.

3. Be prepared for pipes:
If you're a beginner at motorcycle welding, you'll probably not know about welding pipes. Pipes are used majorly for all the frames used in motorcycles. However, it is noteworthy that welding a pipe is tricky and cannot be treated like a normal weld. It is difficult to fully weld around the circumference of a pipe without committing a mistake. You can try welding the pipe separately a few times to tackle this problem. Another way is to find equipment that will rotate the pipe while your welding machine stays in place. Either way, you'll be able to tackle the pipe welding problem.

If you're a fan of experimentation, welding can work wonders for you. It is important to have a clear idea about motorcycle welding before diving into it. You should remember all the tips and tricks to derive the expected outcome. Stay alert and ensure your and your bike's safety during welding parts. Always wear gloves and a face shield to protect yourself from getting injured. You should also look after your bike's safety and ensure that you don't damage any part of the internal machinery while welding. Purchase bike insurance to compensate in case of damages done due to accidents.

Click HERE to buy reliable bike insurance to provide the best coverage to your bike.

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.

Many young bikers love to install pressure horns and modified silencers on their bikes to show off, seek attention, stand out in a crowd, and make their presence felt. It is their style statement and a way of saying they have arrived.

However, people around you can get distracted and panicked when you suddenly blow your high-decibel pressure horn in a crowded street. They may lose their balance and control, may swerve, and meet with an accident.

Here are the consequences of installing pressure horns and modified silencers on your bike.

1. Fines:
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 is an act that consolidates and amends the laws that govern motor vehicles and their running in India. According to the amendment of section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act in the year 2019, causing air and noise pollution by installing pressure horns and modified silencers on your bike can attract a penalty of up to Rs.10000/- and imprisonment of up to six months. This fine will be imposed if your pressure horn or modified silencer produces more than 80 decibels of noise.

2. Functioning and mileage:
Other than attracting fines and penalties, we should also consider the consequences of installing pressure horns and modified silencers on the functioning of our bikes. Pressure horns create undue load on the battery of our bike. It can make it weak and damage it in the long run. If we have not used the bike for long and the battery is not charged, using the pressure horn in stationary mode can kill the battery. You will not be able to use the self-start option in this case and get stuck.
Installing modified silencers may sound cool, but it can worsen the mileage of your bike by around 15%-20%. Modified silencers directly impact the engine pulling capacity of your bike. You may need to go for an engine tuning too. An acceleration tuning setting of your engine due to a drop in its pulling power can lower the mileage of your bike.
Modifying silencers will also involve changing the original angle of the exhaust opening. This may increase the total length of your exhaust pipe and the number of bends in it. Both cases lead to a lowering of the velocity of gases movement in the exhaust, resulting in a higher generation of emissions. Higher emission means higher fuel consumption.
Hence, be ready to shell out more on your fuel cost with modified silencers. Also, it can damage your bike engine too in the long run.

3. Drain on your wallet:
No modification to your bike comes for free. The same applies to installing pressure horns and modified silencers on your bike. A pressure horn can cost double the regular horn in a bike or even more. Garages charge hefty amounts starting from INR 2500 and above for silencer modification of your bike.

Installing pressure horns and modified silencers on bikes is usually a style statement for the young generation. Bike enthusiasts love to fiddle with their bikes and make them look fancy. Customising the bike can make you stand out in the crowd. However, such modifications pose a negative impact on the environment and people. We should understand that high noise emission often leads to nuisance creation on the roads and disturbs people around us.

As a responsible driver and law-abiding rider, always follow the traffic rules and avoid the above modifications, which may land you in trouble. Also, be sensible to have two wheeler insurance online India to avoid any financial hassles against mishaps and accidents. Premium amounts can be easily compared between various policies and involve no paperwork. Also, it secures and covers you like any other offline policy without compromising quality.

Click HERE to buy your 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.

Maintenance workers are a highly underrated and neglected section of any organisation until a problem arises. Their day-to-day work requires many risky tasks as they have to come close to machinery or processes and repair them.

Such activities may include the disassembly and reassembly of complicated machinery. The chances of accidents are always high for them as maintenance activities are usually unplanned and involve the possibility of human error.

Let us learn about the best tips for ensuring the safety of maintenance workers.

1. Plan and stick to a schedule:
Maintenance activities should always be planned in advance so that workers get time to do a risk assessment and be mentally prepared for it. A regular safety check schedule should be put in place so that the maintenance workers know in advance the potential hazards of the task.
The tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be checked for safety on a routine basis. Proper planning and making a schedule for safety checks will also help the maintenance workers to sharpen their work skills according to the specific needs of the task.

2. Authorisation:
The proper authorisation should be in place for the operation of critical machinery. Only a few should have authorised access to critical work areas or permission to go near critical and complicated machinery. Power should be turned off when the machines are not working. The proper authorisation will ensure that no one turns on machinery or part of it while the maintenance workers are working on it.

3. Appropriate equipment:
The management should ensure that the maintenance workers have the appropriate equipment to perform their tasks. The workers should also consistently check on their equipment, whether a small drill machine or a welding machine. It should not happen that equipment fails to operate while performing a maintenance process and puts the worker and his team in danger.
The management must also ensure that they constantly upgrade and modernise the equipment to match the need of the hour and are not obsolete.

4. Working as a team:
Maintenance works are usually sudden and critical in nature. They come up when something important, such as the main production process, has stopped. The maintenance workers should work as a team because a lack of coordination in maintenance activity may lead to accidents and injuries.
The team should follow all the required safety processes and protocols. Also, they should do a thorough after-use check of all the critical equipment and tools they use. This will ensure the tools are fit for the next maintenance assignment.

5. Final checks and inspection:
The maintenance workers should thoroughly inspect the repair work they have performed. They should do a trial run of the machine only after they are fully satisfied with their work and are sure that everything is back in order. This will ensure their safety as otherwise, they may meet with an accident in case of incomplete repair work.

Maintenance workers are an essential part of an organisation's workforce. They put their lives at risk to fix the errors and bring back life to the stopped processes. While ensuring the safety of the maintenance workers, any company must also go for public liability insurance. It will protect the company if any third-party liability arises from accidents, injuries, or property damage.

Public liability insurance prices vary with a business's individual needs and the scale of its operations. One should compare the prices of policies available with different service providers and then make the purchase decision accordingly.

Click HERE to learn more about public liability insurance prices 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.

Have you ever taken a long bus journey and gotten bored? Long bus journeys may sound exciting but are extremely challenging as you need to sit in the same position for many hours, causing boredom and fatigue. Hence, you should be prepared to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable in every possible way. If you're looking for tips to do that, this is an article for you.

*Pro-tip
Looking for good general insurance plans to improve your traveling experience and safer than usual should always be a priority. It will also keep everything in check and provide seamless benefits to protect your belongings while travelling.

A few tips to make the bus journey more enjoyable and less troublesome are as follows:

1. Opt for a night bus:
A night journey is far more comfortable than a morning one. Bus journeys at night are better due to less traffic and noise, and most importantly you save one whole day.

2. Choose comfort:
Make sure you wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move around in. If it is summer, opt for cotton clothes. During winter, make sure to wear enough warm clothing to keep yourself protected. If you're travelling in an air-conditioned bus, ensure you have blankets or shawls ready in your bag.

3. Keep things handy:
Some essentials like medicines, water, tissues, neck pillows, and socks, among others, should always be accessible to you. Quick munchies or snacks like biscuits, chocolates, dry fruits, etc., can be a great relief to withstand hunger during long bus journeys.

4. Keep an eye on your belongings:
It is extremely important to keep a good eye on everything you carry. Make sure that all your cash is not stored in the same place. Do not keep your handbag away from your eyesight.

5. Entertainment to pass the time:
Long bus journeys can take a big toll on your mood and mental peace, and only keeping yourself entertained and engaged can be the best resort. You should have all the entertainment devices packed beforehand. If you're into reading, carry your favourite book with you. You may also plug in your headphones, get lost in the musical nirvana, and feel every beat excites you as the bus moves.

6. Keep your composure:
Many things at play in a long bus ride can disrupt your peace. For instance, a crying baby, loud music, people, etc. The frustration of a tiring journey can outburst if you feel irritated by these disturbing noise sources. You need to find ways to remain calm and sane.

7. Stay hydrated:
It is essential to keep yourself hydrated throughout the long bus journey. Do not consume a lot of caffeinated drinks, as it can lead to discomfort later. Drinking enough water will help you stay fresh and energetic.

8. Book a sleeper coach bus if possible:
It is preferable to book a sleeper coach bus rather than a seater or semi-sleeper. Sleeper seats are convenient for passengers to travel with comfort and put less stress on their bodies. You can enjoy your small private cabin space in a sleeper bus and feel at home, especially when covering longer distances.

Although a bus journey can be very difficult to sit through, with proper planning, you can make things fall in your favour and, indeed, have a pleasant journey. The roads to beautiful destinations like mountains or countryside, among others, are magnificent in every possible way.

Sitting for long hours can develop boredom, health issues, and fatigue, but with the above tips, you can overcome all the stress and stay enthusiastic until you reach your destination. In all the hassle, it is crucial to prioritise your safety while travelling. As discussed earlier, purchase a good travel insurance by looking for general insurance plans to safeguard you and your belongings during the journey.

Click HERE to look for the best general insurance 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.

Having your vehicle is the best way to reach your destination, commute to work, or go on a trip, but sometimes the road traffic conditions become unfavourable. These situations arise for various reasons, such as traffic jams, accidents, faulty traffic signals, etc., and it's impossible to dodge such traffic woes.

But, as a result, some intolerant drivers display aggressive behaviour on the road and risk the safety of pedestrians and fellow drivers. Road rage is a common incident experienced daily, which is a serious issue to resolve.

Road rage can pose a threat to you, and you must follow various prevention tips to avoid it and drive safely. Also, you can save yourself from car damage costs by insuring your vehicle with the best motor insurance company in India.

Here are some of the best ways to avoid road rage and drive your vehicle peacefully and efficiently.

1. Follow road safety rules:
One of the main reasons for road rage is that people ignore road rules and regulations. Jumping signals, avoiding indicators while driving, or wrong-side driving can result in vehicle collisions. It also increases the chances of road arguments, fights, and sometimes worsening situations.
However, you must remember that you are not the only one driving on the road. When you take charge of the steering, you become responsible for your co-passengers and fellow drivers' safety. Even if another negligent vehicle is coming your way, you must let them go. Avoid trying to overtake them by keeping your ego aside and maintaining your cool.

2. Stay calm while driving:
Some drivers become aggressive while driving, leading to road rage and chaos. So, you need to know how to remain calm in such situations. If you stay composed and focused, it also helps to reduce panic and accidents. If you get trapped in a tricky situation, try not to get stressed or hyper. Refrain from getting into arguments with other drivers. Instead, try to handle the situation peacefully.

3. Maintain a safe distance from fellow drivers:
You must know the correct distance between your vehicle and others. Sometimes people ignore the safe distance and drive very close to other cars. When the vehicle in the front applies sudden brakes, and you do not maintain a safe distance, it will cause you to collide with them.

4. Manage your time:
You must know the importance of your time and manage it wisely to avoid the last-minute hassle. If you leave your home late to go to the office or anywhere, you will be in a hurry and drive very fast. Over-speeding and rash driving are leading causes of accidents and road rage. So, it would be best if you moved early to your destination to avoid the rush.

5. Ignore the person who tries to fight:
Some people on the road are short-tempered and always try to argue with other drivers. If you come across such a person, avoid road rage by ignoring him. Stay calm, have a smile on your face, do not get out of your car to settle the matter, and try to resolve your issue with apologies and move on.

6. Get your insurance:
It is mandatory to have motor insurance for every vehicle owner in India. It will protect you from car damage, mishaps, and undesirable situations. If you do not have a car insurance policy, you must buy one from the best motor insurance company in India.

Everyone wants to drive safely, but sometimes people misunderstand the right way of driving and engage in road rage. You must follow the tips mentioned above to avoid such situations and travel to your destination without chaos. Also, educate others with these tips to minimise the rising cases of road rages in India. Lastly, ensure that you purchase reliable insurance coverage for your vehicle from a trusted motor insurance company in India.

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