GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Theoretical and practical knowledge are like two parts of a scale, equally important to make a balanced driver. In recent years theoretical knowledge has been bashed on as ‘bookish’ and ‘old fashioned, and more emphasis is being given to practical lessons. While practical lessons impart a major chunk of knowledge, such as how to react to real-life situations on the road, theory imparts domain knowledge, forming the base of learning how to drive.

Driving instructors at reputed driving schools impart practical knowledge with a robust theoretical base, such as traffic laws and road signals. This makes you aware of the legal aspects and repercussions of disobeying specific rules and become a more knowledgeable driver.

This blog aims to convince you of the importance of theoretical knowledge while learning to drive.

1. Structure of a car:
It is only possible to know the complete anatomy of a car purely based on practical knowledge. Driving instructors usually introduce aspirants to various components of the car on the very first days of driving learning. This is to build a holistic understanding of the car to gain more confidence and learn how to respond to critical situations calmly. They teach you about the various parts of a car, including the brakes, clutch, car engine, fuel supply system, cooling system, lubrication, gears, battery, etc. This increases your understanding of the car so you can perform minor repairs independently without rushing to the mechanic.

2. Covers the legal aspects of driving:
Driving is a great responsibility for every person out on the road. Trainers let learners know the rules and regulations before they set out on the road. There are also a lot of legal requirements needed before driving on the roads, such as the registration process, the process of acquiring a driving licence, and getting acquainted with parking rules, traffic laws, car insurance documents, etc. Professional driving schools will also make learners aware of road hazards, road signs, and other aspects not covered in practical lessons.

3. Building confidence:
Although practical lessons provide real-life experience to the students, theoretical input gives them the confidence to take that first step into driving that many lack the courage to take. Experts in the field can communicate the basic theory to every student with special emphasis on questions posed by students, which will further clarify their doubts. This will give them the confidence to drive professionally in all traffic situations.

4. Good theoretical backing encourages being safe on roads:
Staying safe on the road is a conscious choice a citizen makes daily. Safety is the top priority, and this is emphasised by theoretical knowledge. Along with knowing the rules and regulations to follow on the road, they also double down on the legal implications of reckless driving, drunk driving, and other risky activities.

Managing a car in critical conditions, such as a punctured tyre, or the case of an accident, is the knowledge that is best learned theoretically. These are important aspects of driving that instructors emphasise and should be carefully absorbed by the students, as this information comes in handy at some point.

However, no matter how much training a driver goes through, they are bound to be stressed about the risks and complications of having road accidents. This is an important concern that should not be neglected. Car insurance is necessary for every car owner to remain calm in the event of an accident.

Click HERE to know more about car insurance.

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

All your bike's parts are crucial, but one of its most essential parts is the clutch. In addition to assisting you in changing gears, the clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission. For a safe and comfortable riding experience, you must always ensure the clutch is working properly. Immediately take your bike to the closest garage if you notice any concerns so that they can be rectified.

But sometimes, it takes time to identify the issue. You might only be able to detect a failing clutch on a bike if you know a lot about how the bike and its components operate. It is always important to understand how to keep the bike's clutch in good condition.

We are here to help you with this concern! To maintain the clutch's optimal performance, consider these key points:

1. Proper lubrication of the chain:
Various motorcycle parts require lubrication to function efficiently. The clutch and chain are no exception. They need appropriate lubrication to be in their optimum working condition. If left unattended for too long, these can dry out and cause your bike’s gear to become rigid. The clutch faces significant damage, making it difficult for the rider to change the gear smoothly.
The only way to fix this issue is by regularly lubricating the chain and the clutch. Watch out for the amount of oil in the bike; if it appears low, then refill it to the appropriate level. Also, clean the chain thoroughly and later add lubrication to reduce friction.

2. Check the oil in the clutch:
The clutch needs lubrication, especially wet clutches like the ones on most high-end motorcycles and dirt bikes. The clutch oil does this to keep the clutch lubricated, control the friction, and to make it easy for the clutch plates to move. The oil also helps keep the clutch compartment cool, improving the clutch system's functioning and running the bike perfectly.

3. Sprockets:
Pull the chain away from the rear sprocket. Inspect the teeth for wear and rust. If you must replace the chain sprocket, see a professional. If you decide to replace it yourself, make sure you put everything back on the exact way you took it off.

4. Clutch cable:
Apply grease to the clutch cable stopper regularly to prevent cable breakage. In case you need to change the cable, you'll require tools, cable lube, and a new cable. To change it:

● Take off the flares and seats.

● Turn the adjuster screw down to get the clutch cable out of the clips.

● Take the cable off the handlebar as well as the engine.

● Take out the cable all the way.

● Grease up a new cable.

● Change it in the same way.

● Put the screws and covers back on.

Keep referring to these tips to spot the issues and know more about typical clutch faults and how to rectify them. Additionally, to keep your bike safe and protected from mishaps, you can purchase or renew bike insurance online if you have already had it. Remember that you can increase the longevity of your bike and ride it safely for years if you take good care of it.

Click HERE to renew bike insurance online.

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

Are you a pet lover who wants to take your pet dog out for an adventure? With pets becoming closer to hearts than ever before, it's understandable to take your puppy with you for a motorcycle ride. This idea no doubt excites all dog lovers, but can this endeavour be a safe thing to do?

Let's understand why taking your tailed friend on a bike ride cannot be a good idea even though you might feel like trying it.

1. Determining the best way to take your pup on the motorcycle:
Motorcycles are risky machines if not driven with care. Even some human beings are skittish on them; similarly, only some dogs will be comfortable on a bike. After checking with your vet about any health conditions that might be aggravated by your pup being on a bike, use all resources to learn about whether your furry friend can be on a bike or not.
Consider the personality and temperament of your dog, as well as its age. If your dog is prone to startling you by jumping at the nearby cat it saw, it is probably not a good idea to take it out on a ride.
Also, bikes were never designed to fit the purpose of pet travel. Although, several bikers find locations on the bike that seems perfect for lodging their pet dog. Understand that fuel tanks or handlebars are not the places to make your dog sit and ride with you. You might also think of attaching a side carrier, but know that sidecars or carriers are open, and what if your dog tries to escape from it midway?

2. Training it to be comfortable around and on a bike:
Most dogs are nervous around loud noises. You must have observed how your dog hides under the bed in the event of firecrackers bursting or thundering. Most motorcycles also have a startling sound that might scare your dog. Although, you can fix this by making your dog accustomed to the sounds and vibrations the bike produces. Still, even a slight discomfort or frustration during the ride can make things challenging. Your dog can get panicked and angry. This can be daunting for you to handle your dog and avoid any chaos on the road or disturb others.

3. Overloading the bike:
Bike journeys are always an adrenaline booster and a good stressbuster and travelling with your pet might elevate this to the next level. But what might seem an exciting thought might turn into a disaster due to the unpredictability of your dog's nature and the lurking possibility of an unexpected incident.
Also, you will have to plan everything your dog might require for the ride, such as its bowl, food, a leash, treats to keep it satiated, and a warm blanket in winter. Knowing that your bike can withstand a limited load and burdening it with your and your dog's essentials will impact the performance of your bike throughout the trip.

It is crucial to understand and accept that bikes are not dog-friendly machines. Building a strong bond with your pet is a nice gesture but not this way! This act can put several lives in danger.

Planning a bike trip with your pet might take a lot of effort, but you can live your passion for bike riding by frequently setting out on bike tours, either alone or with your other biker friends. But ensure that you have the safety gear and essential documents handy before planning your trip. Check out for your 2 wheeler insurance renewal or buy a new 2 wheeler insurance online if you don't have one. Making the right purchase will handcraft you a safer and more immersive riding experience!

Click HERE to know more about 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.

Owning a business is a challenge, but with the right mindset and efforts, you can make the most out of it. Whether a small store in a quaint locality or a well-known brand with multiple branches, it takes time, capital, and decision-making to scale a business and generate profits. Irrespective of the nature and size of the business, an essential feature is customer service for its growth.

Whether a service provider or goods dealer, most of the business' work relates to relations with outsiders. Whether directly or indirectly, most businesses benefit from strong connections with suppliers, dealers, and customers. Since these stakeholders frequently visit your business premises, it is necessary to make your store safe.

Purchasing public liability insurance in India is a practical investment to prevent your business from shouldering the burden of injuries and damages to third persons on your business premises. Coupled with our tips to make your shop safe, you can guarantee the safety of customers visiting your office or store.

1. Security supervision systems:
Installing an effective and advanced security system is key to securing a store. This includes CCTV cameras outside to capture the exterior for any suspicious movement and abnormalities. Inside the store, these cameras should be placed at junctions to give a complete view of the shop. This prevents burglary attempts and also helps identify mishaps at the earliest.

2. Automated door and window sensors:
Automatic sensors on or near entry points like doors and windows are necessary to prevent unnoticed entry into the store. Additionally, they also help limit access to risky areas within the store. For example, specific storage space or cold room should be out of bounds for non-employees. The easiest way to ensure this policy is by setting up systems that instantly alert the proprietor.

3. Practical stocking of goods:
If you run a store dealing in goods, displays are essential to your store layout. If stocked improperly, customers risk getting injured due to falling goods. You must settle these cases at the earliest. Ensure your employees are well-trained to prevent such situations.

4. Hazardous goods in the store:
Depending on the nature of the business, you may have to store some hazardous substances like chemicals, manufacturing, or electrical parts intended for sale but of risky nature. It is essential to place them at a height that is not accessible to children. For added security, take cautionary notice around such goods to alert customers of potential risks.

5. Maintaining hygiene:
Keep your stores safe for customers. This includes regular cleaning to prevent slipping, sanitisation to avoid infectious diseases, and to provide a safe experience for them. Wherever required, ensure that anti-slip mats are placed and that any wet aisles have precautionary notice boards nearby.

6. Parking and storefront safety:
Parking areas and storefront space are also included within the limits of your place of business. While the above mentioned methods can keep customers safe inside the store, these external areas should also be accounted for. Ensure that the parking space is well-lit with clear directions. Wherever possible, use tactile pavements instead of smooth pavements or slopes to prevent customers from slipping in unfavourable weather conditions.

While there are some tips you can follow as extra precautionary methods to make your store safe for customers, the first thing you must consider is purchasing public liability insurance in India. It covers damages and injuries caused to a third-party or third-party property on the insured's business premises. It eliminates the liability on a business to compensate for accidental mishaps, which may take up huge bills. Public liability insurance in India is a valuable option that limits a business' liability to outsiders when damages happen by accident.

Practice these tips and make your shops a convenient and safe place for customers to enjoy shopping while being at peace. The better you serve your customers, the best outcomes you will get from your business.

Click HERE to buy public liability 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.

As winter marks its arrival in India, planning trips with your friends becomes exceedingly essential. India is a country with diverse landscapes, sceneries, and cultures. This makes it exciting for bike trips, and there can be no better season than winter to explore. Bike trips give travellers a chance to discover the unknown.

The lush green surroundings, mountain passes, or scenic landscapes are perfect for exploring via bike. These trips become fun and safe if you've good company and reliable bike insurance.

Can you imagine where to set off this winter? Here's a list of the best biking destinations in India during winter to get you started.

1. Guwahati to Tawang:
Renowned as one of the most beautiful biking tours in the northeast, the Guwahati to Tawang route is a thrill in itself. The route is stretched over 500 km and becomes all the more scenic during winter for biking. Tawang is famous for its Buddhist monasteries and distinctive culture. On the other hand, Guwahati is beautifully cuddled between the Shillong Plateau and the Brahmaputra River.
The surroundings are breathtaking, with mesmerising valley views. The lush green landscapes of Tawang form a beautiful yet intricate contrast with snow-covered mountains encompassing the biking route.

2. Mumbai to Goa:
Goa always tops the winter bucket list of travellers and adventure junkies to explore its vibrancy, especially during the famous Goa Carnival and Christmas. And there can be no better way to travel to Goa than a bike trip with friends. The route through the Western Ghats and the scenic roads of the Malvan region is a delight to experience.
The gentle wind softly kissing the cheeks and mesmerising views taking your breath away are some common experiences you will enjoy on your trip to Goa. The distance from Mumbai to Goa is nearly 590 km, and it may take around 12-14 hours to reach there. If you love nature and beaches, this biking trip in winter will touch your heart and soul.

3. Bengaluru to Kolli hills:
The panoramic hill station will take your breath away while moving from the Western to Eastern ghats. The road from Bengaluru to KolliMalai is both adventurous and heartwarming, with around 70 continuous hairpin bends and the serene sight of the Agaya Gangai waterfalls and historic temples on the way. The distance from Kolli hills to Bengaluru is roughly 287 km, and the journey is worth experiencing.

4. Jaipur to Jaisalmer:
A bike trip to Rajasthan during winter can be a good exploration. The weather is favourable for the bikers to drive continuously for hours without any fatigue. One such route to explore in Rajasthan is from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. From the heart of the Pink City to the charm of the Golden City, this bike ride offers various offbeat experiences that are one-of-a-kind.
The distance is roughly 558 km, and the time taken is around 11 hours. From surpassing beautiful local villages, expansive desert views, and long roads to discovering the colourful Rajasthani culture along the way, this bike journey should be on your wishlist for winter travel.

There are myriad options to consider if you want to take a biking trip during winter in India. These trips become all the more fun when you are in the company of your friends. With India's diverse landscapes, you will surely have the best time of your life.

You must take the journey only if you are an expert driver, as these roads can be tricky. Additionally, you should also have bike insurance so that you have it all covered even if things go wrong. Ensure that your bike is serviced thoroughly before setting off on your trip. The bike’s performance gets impacted, and the mechanical parts jam in extreme winter conditions. Regularly check your bike’s condition during your trip to ensure its smooth working. Also, invest in good quality safety gear and helmet to stay safe while touring rugged terrains. Lastly, enjoy every bit of the journey and conquer new milestones.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance before planning your next winter 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.

India is a diverse nation with many beautiful surroundings, sceneries, and landscapes. Due to this spellbinding canvas of experiences, it has a flourishing tourism industry to make every occasion come alive. People from far and wide visit India to witness its monuments, lakes, forts, palaces, mountains, valleys, and cultural bliss.

Many terms are going the rounds for Gen Zs and Millennials who have a zest for travelling in and around India. The words like backpacking and flashpacking are thrown around like confetti. But what exactly do they mean? More and more travellers are turning towards flashpacking with time. If you're also one of them, this article is for you.

Amidst all this, you must have personal accident insurance India to help you stay secure and safe when you travel to explore new destinations and discover rare experiences.

What is flashpacking?

Flashpacking is one of the most travel-related terms in fashion and making the news right now. You may be familiar with backpacking which deals with travelling to far and wide places on a budget. It is usually done solo to explore more areas of the country. Backpackers mostly stay at hostels and enjoy the local street food. Everything is done keeping a tight budget in mind.

On the other hand, flashpacking is described as backpacking on a better budget. It refers to solo or independent travellers with more money to spare on their travels. Unlike backpackers, this expenditure is spent on the best food chains and boutique hotels. They want to explore every nook and corner of the country with added luxury and comfort.

What are the pros of flashpacking in India?

There are a variety of advantages of flashpacking in India. Since you will not have a tight budget to adhere to, you can enjoy it to the fullest. Some of the widely known advantages are:

● You can stay at the best, most comfortable, and luxurious hotels that offer magnificent views. For instance, if you're in Udaipur, you can book a hotel overlooking Lake Pichola.

● You will get a peaceful sleep in your comfortable bed. You will not share a room or stay in the dormitory, which can disrupt your sleep and cause other distractions while you try to enjoy your solitude.

● Since you'll be exploring the best food joints in the place, you'll never sleep on an empty stomach. Further, the options are deemed to be delicious as there is no shortage of funds.

● You can also travel comfortably in cabs or motorbikes without having to hitchhike or wait for your next ride.

Tips to make flashpacking trips memorable:

There are many tips and tricks that you can consider while flashpacking as an independent tourist in India. These are:

● Make sure you research and plan before embarking on your flashpacking trip to India. You can consult a travel agent or company that has enough resources for the same.

● Book your flight or train tickets in advance to avoid problems later.

● Do not force too many places in a single day. With no budget limitation, you can prolong your trip as long as you want without any worries.

● Ensure that you have enough information about the entry time, fees, and mode of travel for a particular place you want to go to.

● Carry all the essentials like medications, sunscreen, masks, sanitiser, snacks, and so on.

● Book the best hotels with a view well in advance, so you do not have to worry about having a luxurious stay.

● Choose the best and most well-researched places to stay in the city.

You should consider many things before you plan a flashpacking trip in India. You should take all the necessary precautions and also have personal accident insurance India to cover the medical expenses in case of emergency. India welcomes several once-in-a-lifetime experiences and moments you can cherish by setting out on tours to the country's diverse retreats.

Click HERE to buy personal accident insurance 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.

Directors and officers of a company are vulnerable to being sued by several disgruntled entities, such as shareholders, employees, vendors, creditors, investors, etc., due to wrongful acts or misdeeds while managing the company. Directors and Officers (D & O) liability insurance protect against such lawsuits. The legal environment is complex, and such insurance helps to cover the high cost of lawsuits.

The policy protects the personal assets of the Directors and their spouses. It also protects the company by covering the legal fees, settlement costs, and any other costs that the company might incur while defending the lawsuit.

Reason for suing:

The directors and officers can be sued for several reasons while performing their company duties. Some of the common reasons are:
● Misuse of company assets and funds

● Misrepresentation

● Financial loss to a stakeholder due to a breach of fiduciary duty

● Errors in reporting

● Violation or theft of Intellectual Property Rights

● Lack of corporate governance

● Poaching of customers/ employees of the competitor

What acts are not covered under the policy?

Such policies generally do not cover acts of fraud, criminal activities, and illegal profits made by the directors and officers while performing their duty and acting on behalf of the company.

The process:

An unhappy person or company may decide to sue the director or officer of the company in court if they fail to perform their duty. This will generally happen when someone suffers losses due to their conduct or action.

The company's manager and legal/ risk department will be informed of the case, which they will forward to the insurer. The insurer will cover the claim if it meets all the terms and conditions of coverage. The defence costs, as well as the financial losses, will also be covered if they lose the case.

Exceptions:

The insurer will deny settling the claim if the company does not disclose material information or provides inaccurate facts.

Most of such policies contain a clause known as 'insured vs. insured exclusion'. Under this clause, the insurer will not settle a claim if the directors and officers sue the company. This ensures that the company cannot profit from deceit or conspiracy.

Coverage:

A Directors and Officers liability insurance policy protects the personal assets of the directors and officers in case a stakeholder or a third party sues them. Their company may not be in a position to indemnify them if the claim amount is big and it does not have the required resources. In such a situation, the insurer will pay the litigation costs and protect the personal assets of those involved.

The insurer will reimburse the company for the legal costs if it has already granted indemnification to its director or officer. Such a policy provides coverage to the company, too, in case it is sued.

These policies usually cover the company's present, past, and future directors, managers, and officers.

The dilemmas:

This is a typical type of insurance coverage and generally comes with a long list of terms and conditions. Hence, it brings with it a lot of questions and dilemmas for the buyer. The company has to decide how much should be on the cover, what deeds of its employees are included under the cover and what is excluded, whether it is a good option for a Small-to-medium sized company (SME), etc.

A Directors and Officers liability insurance policy has become very common with big multinationals in India. Every sector is opening up to such policies- public, private, or not-for-profit. This is why public liability insurance India is gaining importance. Policies are being tailored for small and medium enterprises as well because of their huge number in India.

The cost of litigation is very high, and one court case can cripple an organisation's financial resources. However, the penetration is still low at present, and a huge potential exists in this sector.

Click HERE to buy public liability insurance 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.

Drivers and front-seat passengers must wear a seatbelt when the vehicle is running according to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). Not complying with this rule can lead to a fine of 1000 INR. Surpassing the fine should not be the motive for wearing a seatbelt. Other than the fine, it can be a big life saviour in times of an accident. There is also a rule that the passengers in the rear seat should wear a seatbelt. But, as per the reports, most passengers avoid wearing a seatbelt in a running car.

It is crucial to understand that it just takes a few seconds to buckle the seat belt, which can protect you and your passengers from severe bodily damage in case of an accident. Also, as per a poll, wearing a seatbelt by a co-passenger had shown a reduced risk of being heavily injured or killed by 25% and 75%, respectively. Not just this, did you know that your motor insurance company can reject your claim if it finds that you weren’t wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident?

Let us go through the details of the coverage of damages under motor insurance policies to passengers not wearing seatbelt.

1. Not wearing a seatbelt:
Technically speaking, if you are driving without wearing a seatbelt and you meet with an accident, the insurance company should not be liable to pay for any damages. One can argue that the person could have been saved or suffered much lesser damages during the accident if he had been wearing the seatbelt.

2. Lower compensation:
The main motive of all insurance companies is to make profits. Hence, if they find out that either the front-seat passenger or even the rear-seat passenger was not wearing a seatbelt, they may approach insurance tribunals and file a contributory negligence plea against the insured to lower the compensation or reject it fully.
The courts or the tribunal can lower the compensation claim to some extent. The claim is not rejected just because the insured was not wearing a seatbelt during the mishap. However, lowering the claims is possible since it is a form of non-compliance.

3. Personal accident cover:
Under the motor vehicle act, an individual must take a personal accident cover along with vehicle insurance. It also applies to third-party insurance. Even if the passenger is not wearing a seatbelt, the personal accident cover will pay for the compensation in case of death, injury, or permanent disability due to the accident.
By buying a passenger add-on cover, you can buy similar coverage for up to three co-passengers sitting in your car. This will cost you some extra premium but will provide effective cover to all the passengers in the vehicle.

Driving your vehicle without wearing the seatbelt puts a lot of lives in danger, be it you, your co-passengers, or the vehicle or person with which you have met with the accident. Passengers in the front seat and the rear seat must follow the rule of wearing seatbelts and save penalties and lives.

This is why even the Government of India has announced that it will soon be mandatory for passengers sitting in the back seat to wear the seatbelt when the vehicle is in motion. Even the motor insurance company cannot reduce your insurance claims if you start following this.

There are no shortcuts to safety, and negligence can cost you not just money but even life! Press the accelerator only when your seatbelts are on, drive under the speed limit, follow traffic rules, avoid lane cutting, and make optimum use of all safety equipment installed in your car.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best motor 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.