GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Modern problems require advanced solutions. If you've been on the internet for a while, you've heard about cyber-attacks. With the increased dependence on digitalisation, cyber-attacks are an enormous threat to the growth of any business. Cyber-attacks affect the devices on the company's network and infringe on its data reserves. It puts the organisation at the mercy of hackers who can gain control over its valuable digital assets.

A conservative cover like a public liability insurance policy may not suffice in such instances. Commonly known to cover any physical injuries and third-party damages on owned property, a general liability insurance policy is necessary for every business. However, it does not cover cyber-attacks, making it essential to purchase an individual plan.

This blog discusses the correlation between rising cyber-attacks and the recent hikes in premium rates.

Understanding cyber insurance:

The recent Covid-19 pandemic highlighted a business's digital presence like never before. With many risks like malware attacks, compromised emails, and attacks on software and hardware devices, insuring a business is crucial. Cyber insurance is the perfect tool to combat such contingencies to prevent sudden operations interruptions from manufacturing up to the delivery stage. Cyber insurance is a rapidly growing segment of the Indian insurance sector.

Insurance premiums and assets covered under the policy:

The potential of digital assets is unimaginable. They are highly valued compared to physical assets like machinery. The insurance segment presently covers a small percentage of businesses, including banks, non-banks, and information technology services companies that comprehend the need for the cover. These organisations are heavily dependent on their pool of digital assets.

The high premium amount is a distinguishing factor that sets cyber insurance apart from most insurances. While common insurances like health, motor, or fire insurance are significantly low compared to the cover value, cyber insurance has a very high cover, up to 200 crores depending on the industry and the valuation of the business.

These high premium values are marginal compared to the asset valuations covered under the insurance. Typically, the assets covered under the policy are 50-100 times the value of the annual premium paid. The premium amount is determined after studying multiple factors like the company's turnover, cyber-attack risk, and availability of backup infrastructures.

Insurance premium trends:

As the demand for the product increases, so does its price. With reputed insurance providers stating that the Indian cyber insurance market has a projected growth of 35-50%, the rising trends in premium amounts do not come as a surprise. The high rate of uncertainty and dynamic environment with new cyber threats frequently emerging has caused a steep increase in premiums.

While some reports and insights by experts suggest that the increase is by 50%, there is reasonable evidence to believe that the growth may be closer to 100%. Despite the exponential increase in premium amounts backed by expansion in demand, the need for cyber insurance continues to grow. While the policy was taken by only big corporations earlier, smaller businesses of varying natures are assessing the risk of being unprotected in such volatile conditions and are willing to pay the high premium amounts, which do not seem to stabilise or decrease any time soon.

While the penetration rate of cyber insurance policies is not as high as any general public liability insurance policy, the need is bound to continue creating a demand for the insurance and fuel higher premium rates in proportion to the risk shouldered by the insurance providers.

Click HERE to buy the best public liability insurance for your business.

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 train rides offer you to experience India's great culture and heritage as you cross stations and states. The Indian Railways has always been working at the forefront to bring the best of incredible India to citizens and visitors by connecting the nation's glory and heritage landmarks. And all this is achieved with the strong network of railways, which is indeed the lifeline of India. The Railways operates special heritage trains and tours to bring people and experiences together.

Among the excitement and thrill of heritage train riding that you may undertake soon, let's not forget the importance of insurance. As an individual, you never know when uncertainties can kick in, so better always to stay prepared! And general insurance is the best and safest way to make your experience less stressful and more enjoyable, knowing that your travel is safeguarded by reliable insurance coverage.

Here are a few top heritage trains in India that one shouldn't miss.

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR):
One of India's best-known and most popular trains is the toy train, which runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The journey takes you through hills and dense forests, with views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on clear days. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) toy train trip is akin to a soothing lullaby in the middle of a fantastical environment.
A cheerful train ride over the foggy lines from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri would undoubtedly restore the romance in a person. If you didn't already know, UNESCO designated and recognised this Toy Train as a World Heritage Site on December 5, 1999.

2. Deccan Odyssey:
Modelled after the royal carriages of ancient India, the iconic and luxurious Deccan Odyssey offers top-of-the-line amenities and services. It features a library, Ayurvedic massage centre, beauty salon, gym, business centre, and a conference room.
A Deccan Odyssey train journey is a wonderful way to learn more about the ancient folklore of civilisations and the reigns of dynasties that made their remarkable imprint in India's history. It offers comfortable and spacious cabins, dining and sightseeing facilities. You'll stop at cities such as Mumbai, Badami, Hospet, Bijapur and Hyderabad. Upon arrival in each of these destinations, you'll have a chance to explore the places.

3. Golden Chariot:
The Golden Chariot is a luxury train that offers its passengers the best immersive experience of South India. It features a lounge bar, LCD television, DVD player, Wi-Fi, and central air conditioning. It also features a variety of therapeutic massages onboard. From the cultural extravaganza of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the adventure hotspots of Goa, Golden Chariot travels down the enchanting routes of Southern India. The cabins reflect the rich heritage of the erstwhile Dravidian era and are furnished in a modern manner. Don't miss the opportunity to witness cultural and heritage magnificence with the taste of luxury with the Golden Chariot.

4. Ramayana Express:
Under the excellent initiative of "Dekho Apna Desh" of the Indian government, the Ramayana Express is not just a train but a treasure trove of knowledge and heartful experiences that will take you back to the mythological era.
This divine train originates from Delhi Safdarjung and covers all the major destinations related to Ramayan and Lord Rama, like Varanasi, Nasik, Chitrakoot, Rameswaram, and more. The entire tour duration is 17 days, and it is a fantastic opportunity to discover more about the colourful culture and the influence of the many miracles of Ramayana.

Heritage trains in India are not just tourist attractions but also an immersive way to experience the history and culture of the region. Though many of these trains have undergone changes over the years for the safety of travellers and technical advancements, they still maintain the charm and nostalgic feel of bygone eras. Still, for your safety and assurance, you may always opt for general insurance as a backup to cover your finances in case any damages are incurred during your trip.

Click HERE to buy general insurance to make your travel safer than the rest.

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.

If you want to do something good for humanity, you do not have to deal with arduous tasks. You can reach a blood donation camp and donate your blood. A drop of your blood can be life-saving for others. A report claims that India requires five crore units of blood daily. The same report also reflects that someone requires blood every two seconds.

Since there is no substitute for human blood, donating it is essential for everyone and the only option. Nevertheless, blood donation has a few surprising physical benefits, which we will cover further as this blog progresses. Staying fit is not an illusion. One can achieve and manage it by indulging in regular exercise, a proper diet, and sound sleep. Along with occasional blood donation, every health-conscious person should focus on health insurance policy renewal.

In the following section, find some surprising health benefits of donating blood.

1. A free health screening:
Blood donation ensures a free health screening for the donors. Routine tests have become costly in private laboratories in India. As a result, people do not undergo frequent health check-ups to save money. Not doing this can lead to non-identification with various complex diseases. Diagnosing such diseases early can help in better management and quicker treatment.
A blood donor undergoes a mini-physical examination before the donation process. For example, the screening test includes checking pulse, haemoglobin level, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. The screening test is free, and the test helps to know a few physical complications that were not known to you earlier.

2. Reduce the harmful iron storage in your body:
According to research, one out of two people are vulnerable to hemochromatosis, a physical condition due to iron overload. Most of the time, it is a genetic disease, but you can prevent it from happening by giving blood regularly.
Hemochromatosis patients need to undergo a treatment that removes additional red blood cells from their bodies. Instead of undergoing such a treatment, you can easily reduce iron storage by donating your blood regularly.

3. Reduce the risk of heart diseases:
Donating blood might lower the chance of heart disease, but it doesn't mean that regular blood donors will never get heart disease. According to the studies, a regular blood donor can reduce heart attacks by 80% through blood donation. Various medical research teams have noted that excessive iron in the blood increases the risk of heart attacks. As stated above, donating blood reduces excessive iron storage in your blood.
As a result, donating blood can prevent the risk of heart attacks. But it doesn't give you any guarantees this way, and you still need to stick to your workout and diet plans to avoid heart attacks. People with good heart conditions can obtain low-cost health insurance policy renewal deals.

4. Prevent the risk of cancer:
Cancer is one of the diseases that are fatal and difficult to deal with. A large number of people develop blood cancer. But did you know that you can reduce the risk of blood cancer to some extent through regular blood donation?
Various studies have revealed that blood donation can reduce the risk of blood cancer since it reduces the risk of hemochromatosis. Patients with the peripheral arterial disease have the highest risk of developing blood cancer, and donating blood regularly can lower this risk.

5. Psychological and social benefits:
Many researchers have also found psychological benefits of donating blood. Donating blood is a noble thing, and it can bring mental satisfaction. Many people want to work in favour of humanity, but they cannot find ways of helping others. Donating blood is the best way of helping others, as it can save a life in an emergency.

Keeping the body and mind healthy is the best way of living, and blood donation impacts both body and mind. You will feel healthier and mentally happy after donating blood. You should consider various other ways to keep your health in good shape. One way to do so is by investing in reliable health insurance. Always remain up-to-date regarding the health insurance policy renewal and avoid it from lapsing.

Click HERE before you miss out on your health insurance policy renewal.

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

The honeymoon is one of the most important and beautiful periods of marital life. It gives the couple a chance to enjoy each other's company, spend time in beautiful destinations, and make the most of marital bliss. Choosing one of the best destinations for your honeymoon is important so that you enjoy a good time and understand each other well as a married couple.

Many romantic destinations in India can cast a spell over you. They are synonymous with romance, love, and bliss. Since India is such a diverse country, there is no lack of such travel destinations. Whether it is Udaipur's royal palaces or Shimla's snow-covered mountains, there is beauty in every nook and corner of India.

Whenever you take these journeys, you must have an estimate about the general insurance online quote so that you have everything under control and enjoy a safe trip.

If you're looking for the best honeymoon destinations in India, you're at the right place. Following is the list of places that bloom love and entice feelings.

1. Shimla:
If you and your partner want to spend a memorable time on the snow-clad roads of Himachal Pradesh, then Shimla is the ideal destination. It speaks of beauty in every possible way. You can visit the popular Mall Road here and enjoy the aesthetic appeal of this beautiful town.
Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and is easily accessible by road from Kalka and Chandigarh. To make the journey more exciting, you can opt to travel from Kalka to Shimla through the scenic route on a toy train.

2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of India's most popular tourist destinations for adventure enthusiasts looking for an island paradise. It provides an enthralling experience that will leave you asking for more.
You can relax with your partner on the golden sands of the beaches or watch the mesmerising sunrise sipping hot coffee together. If you're interested in water sports, you will love this place. From scuba diving to parasailing, there's a lot to explore here. You can easily reach here by air to Port Blair airport.

3. Dalhousie:
Known as the "Little Switzerland" of India, Dalhousie is a beauty in itself. With its lush green valleys and serene surroundings, this town will urge you to stay a little more. The surroundings are so beautiful that you will click many pictures with your loved one here. You can also indulge in hiking, trekking, and camping while you are here.

4. Darjeeling:
Located in West Bengal, Darjeeling caters to the largest tea plantations in the country. It is also home to the largest toy train service in India. Newlyweds can enjoy a blissful evening with their partners in the lush green valleys of Darjeeling. There are also many monasteries to add to the serenity of this town.

5. Udaipur:
If you're a history, royalty, and culture fan, you should visit Udaipur on your honeymoon. It is bestowed with the beauty of several lakes, forts, and palaces. The architecture of the palaces here is not only magnificent but rooted in culture. You can watch the sunset from Fateh Sagar Lake as you spend quality time together.

India offers a lot of options in terms of honeymoon destinations. Couples can never get enough of these breath-taking locations. They have beauty, culture, history, nature, and above all, love. They are perfect for newly married couples who want to experience marital bliss.

Safety is the most crucial aspect, especially when travelling with your partner. Ensure you have a good idea about the general insurance online quote in India and invest in a plan that provides an all-around travel insurance for you.

Click HERE to get the best general insurance online quote.

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

India is known to be a country full of diehard sports enthusiasts. Indians have a massive fanbase for cricket, badminton, tennis, and hockey players, to name a few. Over the years, as interest in sports has picked up, so has the interest in participation. While our international representation in renowned championships has grown, so has the focus on sports in schools. Presently, there are several opportunities for people of varying ages to explore various sports at their convenience and budgets.

One common risk in most sports is the occurrence of accidents. While sports require a certain level of competitive spirit and fierceness, it must be done carefully to avoid injuries. Be it minor or significant- an accident can alter a sports person's life and future opportunities. Besides the fun and excitement, safety is the most crucial aspect of sports.

Since accidents can occur to people involved in sports, purchasing a personal accident cover is advisable. In addition to it, sports players should put in extra effort to find the best personal accident policy in India to cover any costs allied with accidental injuries or death.

What is covered under personal accident insurance?

A personal accident policy covers medical costs that arise due to accidents. Accidents in sports are inevitable and often result in high medical expenditure. Purchasing a plan that covers the cost of hospitalisation and compensates the insured or the legal heirs in case of partial or permanent disabilities is prudent. While the formerly stated patients receive periodic pay-outs, the policyholder's family who dies due to an accident is entitled to a lump sum payment.

It also covers medical bills for frequent accidents like burns and fractures, legal processing, funeral, and child education expenses if opted for as an add-on to the policy.

Insurance policies have evolved over the years to include injuries occurring due to sports, except for adventure sports, which have more significant risks and mortalities. Upon closer observation of the fine print of the best personal accident policy in India, you may find that participating in any dangerous sports activity is not covered under the policy. Therefore, sportspersons need to raise questions and get clarity regarding what is included and what is not in their accident cover to ensure that their claims do not get rejected.

The need for sports players to purchase personal accident insurance:

With the increasing interest in sports over the years, especially after the pandemic, more people are inclined towards pursuing sports as a fitness hobby or career. Being fit is the new trend, and the easiest way to do so is by engaging in a sport you like as a hobby. Whether you are a newbie to the activity or an experienced athlete, the risk of accidents is ubiquitous for all sports persons engaging in strenuous sports

Since accidents come unannounced, sports enthusiasts must research and find the best personal accident policy in India to derive the most significant benefit. If selected right, there are several benefits of an accident insurance policy. It provides coverage against any liabilities arising from the accident in the form of hospitalisation costs and loss of income for a stipulated period. It may even cover your children's education fees if provided. A key feature is the provision of compensation for disabilities, in which case the insured is entitled to receive a lump sum amount.

Therefore, with due diligence, sports persons can easily discover the best personal accident policy in India to cover potential accidents and compensate them or their families for damages arising from such accidents. Injuries are a part of the journey of a sportsperson. Rather than running away, they must face it and conquer every fall to achieve success one day!

Click HERE to buy the best personal accident policy 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.

Winter brings with it a change that most people welcome. The cold temperatures and delightful food choices make it a pleasant period of the year. Despite the enjoyable climate that makes one seek warmth and comfort from cosy cafes and piping hot winter delicacies, it is a time that you must watch out for health issues.

The drop in temperatures and shortened daylight leads to frequent sickness. In such times, taking good care of your well-being and purchasing a health insurance policy is key to saving on medical costs that may arise due to contingent illnesses. If not taken good care of, health in winter can take a toll and become frustrating due to the uninvited expenses.

While maintaining good health, purchasing or renewing health insurance online is the most important tip for preparing for a healthy winter. Here are a few tips you can follow throughout the upcoming winter months to stay fit while enjoying the season the most!

1. Practising good hygiene:
While this may seem like a no-brainer, good hygiene is the easiest way to prevent catching even the most insignificant cold. The low temperatures and damp environment facilitate microbial growth that can lead to compromised immunity, leading to falling sick often. Wash your hands regularly, especially when you visit public spaces and restaurants, use public transport services and washrooms, etc.

2. Focus on your food intake:
Healthy food has been considered preventive medicine and fuel for one's body, especially in the Indian culture. We usually emphasise immunity-boosting foods like ginger, turmeric, etc. Coupled with fresh produce, these foods rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C are sure to reduce your susceptibility to illness during the cold months.

3. Stay active:
Bundling up in your most comfortable blanket with a hot beverage to combat the cold is highly tempting. While your food choices can provide you with most of the required nutrients to keep you healthy throughout the season, some requirements, like Vitamin D, can only be supplied by exposing yourself to sunlight. Even a short walk in the early morning will improve your mood and keep you active and warm.

4. Ensure adequate sleep:
Sleep is an essential factor that is often overlooked when discussing health. It not only helps fight tiredness and stress but also allows you to wake up refreshed and ready to take on another day with new energy. Adults require a minimum of 7 hours of sleep daily. Provide your body with enough rest to recover and rejuvenate to ensure that it can function effectively and keep you healthy.

5. Dress appropriately:
In recent times, it has been noticed that winters aren't as chilly as they used to be. While present temperatures are noticeably less cold than previous trends, it is still necessary to keep yourself warm. Sometimes, our body does not recognise a cold draft, and staying exposed to it without enough clothing is bound to result in health issues.
In these situations where the weather doesn't warrant wearing heavy winter wear, simply layer on a few lightweight fabrics. These will keep you warm against a slight chill without being too heavy.

6. Quit smoking:
For smokers, foggy winter mornings may seem like an invitation to smoke to keep themselves warm. Smoking suppresses the immune system's normal functioning, which puts smokers at greater risk of falling ill in winter. It is best to quit smoking early and keep chest and lung-related problems at bay.

The cold climate makes one feel lazy and dull, but take the time to keep yourself in the best shape possible. Engage in light exercise daily, dress warm and ensure that you consume fresh food that will boost your immunity. While these tips can help prevent diseases, we encourage you to check your health insurance and purchase or renew health insurance online with just a few clicks so that winter doesn't get harsh on you!

Click HERE to renew health 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.

Critical illness insurance covers serious health conditions that require expensive and long treatment. Such illnesses include cancer, paralysis, stroke, organ transplant, heart attack, coma, etc. The treatment for these illnesses can drain your savings and negatively impact your financial condition.

The recovery is time-consuming, beginning from the detection phase to a myriad of medical tests to surgery and then gradually returning to normalcy. All this will cost us much more than any normal health insurance coverage. This creates the need to have dedicated insurance cover for critical illnesses that are affordable and provide robust protection.

Let us look at the best tips for affordable health insurance plans for critical illness.

1. Comprehensive critical illness insurance policy:
A comprehensive critical illness insurance policy gives us a lump sum amount after we submit the required documents to the insurance company. You can use this sum to pay for the treatment cost, including diagnosis, hospitalisation, any surgery in the process, and the doctor's fees. The sum assured under such policy is fixed. Hence, you can plan your insurance coverage as per your specific needs.

2. Buy it as a rider:
You can buy a critical illness insurance policy as a rider to your existing health insurance policy. Hence you will not need to buy a new insurance policy to get this cover. Also, try to get this additional coverage in the health insurance policy provided by your employer to save money.

3. Low cost:
A critical illness insurance policy does not cost us a very high premium. The premium for such policies is much less than that for your regular health insurance. However, these covers provide us protection only for specific situations. Hence, they should never be used as a substitute for your regular health insurance policies.

4. Compare the premium charged:
Always compare the premium charged for critical illness insurance policies of different companies and select the most affordable one. You can do a detailed online search instead of visiting every insurance company's offices individually.

5. Check for the exact inclusions:
Always check the features and the exact inclusions of the policy because they may vary with every insurance company. Do thorough research and list what the policy does not cover. For example, your policy may state that it covers cancer. But it may also be mentioned in the fine print that it will provide a cover for cancer only after it reaches a certain level of severity.

6. Waiting period:
Look for a policy with the least waiting period. Usually, you can raise a claim for a critical illness after 90 days from the date of commencement of your policy. If you have a pre-existing major disease, the cover may start as late as 48 months from the commencement of the policy.

7. Age limit and benefits:
Always ensure the age limit until your policy provides you with insurance coverage. This will be helpful to you when you cross 60 years of age. There are some companies that provide a lifelong cover. Hence, it is advisable to choose such plans. Also, you should assess the benefits of your policy, such as NCB (No-claim bonus), in case you do not make any claim in a year.

Critical illnesses can result in the loss of your job, partial or permanent disability, and leave you with no source of income. The high cost of treatment can result in draining your pockets as the coverage provided by standard health insurance policies is insufficient for such misfortunes. The solution is to go for the best critical illness insurance policy available. The above tips can help you to choose the most affordable health insurance plans for critical illness upon which you can rely in times of actual need.

Click HERE to buy the best affordable health insurance plans in India.

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

Learning a new skill and mastering it can be challenging and time taking. The same applies to car driving. Beginners first need to understand the various functionalities of a car. Then they take time to build and sharpen their road sense. Furthermore, they need to constantly practice to hone their driving skills.

However, driving on a single road can be a new game for many. Beginners will especially face challenges adjusting themselves to the single road. If you are a novice driver and wish to learn the tips to drive efficiently on a single-lane road, here's our guide to help you get started.

1. Acquaint yourself with the car:
The first thing any beginner should do is thoroughly acquaint himself with his car and its features. Cars have different gear patterns, and the responsiveness of the clutch and brakes also differ from one car to another.
Single roads usually have much heavier traffic than double-lane roads. A beginner should understand how his car responds with the press of the accelerator, brake, and clutch. Applying all three must happen in a rhythm. This understanding is essential to help beginners drive and maneuver their cars effectively through the traffic and potholes on single roads.

2. Traffic rules and road signals:
A beginner should familiarise himself with the prevalent traffic rules. This will help you save money by way of fines and penalties. You should also be familiar with the different signals and signboards put along the roads and indications used by other drivers. If speed breakers are approaching, you should lower your car's speed by seeing the board of "speed breakers ahead" on the roadsides.
Also, you should know that if a vehicle approaching you on a single road is flickering its headlights, it means that the driver wants to pass first. These factors will avoid unnecessary traffic jams, inconvenience, and the possibility of an accident.

3. Correct seating position:
You should adjust your driving seat according to your height and comfort. You should be in a comfortable position to easily access the car's pedals. Also, the seating position should help you maintain good posture so that you do not develop strains or backaches while driving through the busy single lane.

4. Slow speeds:
As a beginner, you should avoid driving fast or carelessly. Slow driving on a single road will ensure you fully control the car. Generally, the traffic in peak hours on a single lane is heavy, so drive with caution. Always Keep your eyes peeled to help you reach your destination safely.

5. Maintain safe distance:
Maintaining a safe distance from the car or vehicle in front while driving on a single road is essential. Due to the heavy traffic, vehicles brake suddenly on such roads. There will be no space to swerve and change lanes on a single road. Hence, the chances of an accident increase.

6. Take a double-lane road where possible:
As a beginner, you should always look for an alternative way to reach your destination by taking double-lane roads wherever possible, even if you have to cover a few extra kilometres.

7. Avoid driving at night:
Beginners should avoid taking a single road at night unless it is very necessary. This is so because the beam light of the car coming from the opposite direction often makes it difficult for beginners to see clearly. This problem is more severe on single roads as the space between cars is very less.

Summing up the entire discussion, we conclude that beginners should tread with extra caution while driving on single roads in India. People tend to drive as closely as possible to other vehicles in traffic, which can be troublesome for beginners. Fret not! Follow the above tips and be confident in your driving skills, practice traffic rules, and maintain lane discipline.

It is also essential for you to have valid car insurance as it is mandatory by law. Secondly, a good car insurance India plan will protect you against any possible damage while driving and compensate you for the repair and maintenance of your car.

Click HERE to buy a reliable car insurance India policy.

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