GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Do you think you find yourself mislead while purchasing car insurance? Most people lack knowledge of car insurance coverage, legal terms, and exclusions. While we understand the core concepts of it can be vague, it is essential to understand the advantages and limitations of the car insurance policy. So, the best way to get to the crux of this is to read this blog until the end.

First-time car insurance buyers have numerous questions bombarding their minds and leaving them clueless about making the right choice. In this space, we will be looking at the most frequently asked questions so that you can choose the best-suited policy.

1. Is it mandatory to take a car insurance policy in India?
Yes, it is indeed mandatory. As the days pass, we witness an alarming increase in road accidents. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is stated that while driving on Indian roads, it is essential to have a car insurance policy to drive legally. At the very least, you must possess a third-party car insurance policy.

2. Is it necessary to buy car insurance for old cars?
Whether old or new, you must purchase insurance for all types of cars. But the only thing that stands out when buying old car insurance is the premium amount. It is comparatively lower since the market value goes down as time passes.

3. What are various types of car insurance available in India?
At present, there are only two types of car insurance policies available. Third-party car insurance policy is most commonly in demand. It includes both third-party financial and legal liabilities that the policyholder is covered.
The second most popular, comprehensive car insurance, has more excellent coverage of damages. It is said to be the most efficient in terms of protection. The liabilities arising from vehicle damages of the driver/owner and third-party liabilities are covered.

4. What does no claim bonus mean in a car insurance policy?
Throughout the policy tenure, if a policyholder does not claim, then the respective insurance company issues an NCB (no claim bonus).

5. What are the additional covers?
To enhance protection, the insurance companies provide additional covers. These include engine protection, roadside assistance, and zero depreciation. This is entirely optional and, when chosen, needs an extra premium to be paid. Add-ons can be effective as an immunity booster for your insurance plans.

6. Do the online car insurance policy documents have the same validity?
Yes, both printed and online insurance policies have the same validity. You receive the documents through email if the policy is purchased online. You can save it or choose to download the same. Online car insurance has the massive benefit of having the freedom to purchase independently. You can directly visit insurance providers' websites and surf multiple options that suit your needs.
Technology is shaping the future of the insurance industry and is providing customers with the convenience and liberty of making purchases without the involvement of intermediaries. This significantly reduces the cost and makes the process hassle-free.

Investing in securing your assets is the intelligent choice to manage your finances and stay stress-free during emergencies. We are sure you have a basic idea of concepts in car insurance. And now, you can ask the right questions while you buy one upon your next renewal or new car insurance.

Click HERE to know more about the process of buying 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.

Nothing beats the peaceful enjoyment of a long solo drive. With the weather being nice and pleasing, it is the perfect time to plan a solo car trip to detox from the busy lifestyle and the city hustle.

But with the fun aspects of solo trips, it is also true that solo travelling is somewhat unsafe since you are going long distances all by yourself. It is crucial to acknowledge the perks of car insurance India can be beneficial during emergencies.

So, to make your travelling experience more enjoyable, here we have eleven safety tips for long-distance driving.

1. Remember to take frequent breaks:
A long drive can be entertaining but also exhausting. So, remember to take breaks from driving, get out of the car, stretch out your muscles, have quick snacks, and hydrate yourself.

2. Be careful with your luggage and cash:
When you're on a solo trip, you are basically on your own with the security of your belongings and valuables. Make sure you lock your car when you move out for a refreshing walk.

3. Interact with the local people:
Local people are the best way to know more about the place you are travelling to. Be kind and interact with the locals so they can help you have a safe journey while making your trip more memorable.

4. Have good knowledge of the policy of car insurance India:
Danger never comes with warnings. So always ensure that you cover your car under a legal insurance policy.

5. Be safe with your routes, but don't be afraid to explore:
When you're on a solo trip by car, you always have to be extra careful with the route you're taking for your adventure. While it is necessary to remain safe, don't be afraid to explore the local attractions of the places you travel and enjoy their authenticity.

6. Prepare yourself for anything unfortunate:
While travelling solo, you should always be prepared for the worst. Always carry pepper spray and/or a safety knife with you. Cases of solo travellers being attacked are common, especially in isolated places. Try staying in places where the network is working, so you can always contact the emergency services if you need to.

7. Educate yourself with the basic knowledge of the regional language:
If your destination has a predominant language, it is best to learn some basic phrases in their language so the local people can help you out in case you need them. Simple phrases like greetings, help requests, etc., should be in your vocabulary for a safe travelling experience.

8. Don't blindly trust strangers:
The age-old advice of not trusting strangers is a legitimate one. You can never predict people's true intentions, so while it is good to be nice in general, don't trust everyone you meet on your trip.

9. Don't eat or drink from unverified sources:
Being on a solo trip to foreign destinations will require you to be properly informed and careful with everything the place offers. So, for the sake of your safety, do not eat or drink from places that seem suspicious or unhygienic.

10. Follow a modest dress code:
While it may not be an issue in some places, it is always important to dress modestly if you plan to go on a solo trip somewhere unknown.

11. Have your entertainment sources with you:
While solo car travelling adventures are always fun, things can quickly get boring. So have a playlist of your favourite music to groove and enjoy your trip even more. Books and magazines are also a great way to entertain yourself during breaks.

We hope your solo travelling adventure is refreshing, entertaining, and safe. Prepare a quick checklist and note down all the crucial tasks to make your trip convenient. Start with taking your car for servicing. Pack light, do not stuff your bag with unnecessary things, and most importantly, carry a first-aid kit. Have all the required documents like driving licence, PUC, car insurance India, etc., handy with you. Keep these tips in mind for a better experience, and lastly, have a safe journey!

Click HERE to buy car 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.

India is a country with diverse topography, culture, and people. Since the urbanisation boom, most of our population has shifted from villages to cities in search of opportunities and better lives.

Recent trends indicate a welcome change as the increasing number of people are opting for village tours to experience rural life in stark contrast to the everyday bustle of the cities. These village tours help support the rural economy and boost tourism.

The unparalleled experiences in remote villages are an experience like no other. These tours provide a glance at everyday village life, including the local cultures, food, and lifestyle. These experiences can significantly change the way we perceive life.

What to expect from village tours?
Village tours are a great way to get an idea of what village life looks like for a short period. It is an immersive experience where you can interact with villagers and be amongst the common folk. You can feel the sense of community engagement while enjoying the pristine rural background.
Some tours also provide a luxurious experience through well-built camps equipped with all the requisite amenities. However, as you are stepping into a lifestyle unknown to you, it is best to be prudent and insure yourself and your fellow travellers. If you do not yet have a travel insurance policy, you can consider purchasing online general insurance that covers accidental mishaps.

Following are some of the best villages tours in India;

1. Kutch:
The white desert in Gujarat is home to several villages where they continue to preserve and exhibit their traditions, culture, and handicrafts. While the desert has plenty to explore, the villages provide an opportunity to live in clusters of mud huts and engage in the daily activities of the Kutchi people.

2. Punjab:
Punjab is an ideal place to experience village life. With a majority of people engaged in agriculture and allied activities, the hospitable villagers of Punjab are great hosts for facilitating this experience. One can experience tractor rides, farming activities based on the season, and learn more about their culture. All of this can be done in vast fields with clear skies in the backdrop- how much better can it get?

3. Wayanad:
The district at an altitude is home to some of the oldest tribal villages. The North Kerala cuisine, coffee plantations, bamboo handicrafts, and workshops are highlights of visiting the villages of Wayanad. Depending on the season, you can try your hand at working in the vast plantain orchards and coconut plantations.

4. Spiti Valley:
Spiti Valley is a cold desert in Himachal Pradesh with small villages spread over the region. Although the villages are sparsely populated and very remote, they provide a unique experience. The unfamiliar surroundings in the mountains may seem cold, but the warmth of the people makes up for it.
The locals are excellent guides to take you sightseeing and can help make the most of your trip while bonding with your hosts.

5. Sunderbans:
Known for being the land native to the Royal Bengal Tiger and swampy marshlands, several villages are located in the Sunderbans. Walks in the villages, exploring the mangroves, and basking in the humid climate are what your days would look like on a village tour to Sunderbans.

Irrespective of the village you choose to explore, you will be greeted by enthusiastic and hospitable hosts who will do their utmost to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Your hosts will ensure to engage you in a trip that will leave you feeling like you're amongst them without missing out on any luxuries or facing any inconveniences.

Our only tip to you before you book your trip would be to look into the terrain and climate and pack accordingly. Be aware of the risks associated with the area you're visiting and ensure that your insurance covers the same. If not, you can always buy online general insurance that can keep you protected at all times.

Click HERE to buy online general insurance plan.

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.

Road accidents continue to be the leading cause of death in India. In the metro cities, the need to ride at a blistering speed is overwhelming. In this process, you tend to slip the clutch while struggling to switch off the motorcycle. As the phrase goes, "Haste makes waste", it can't be more accurate. You not only risk jolting forward but also the likelihood of accidents is concerning.

As per the World Bank report, "India tops the world in road crash deaths and injuries. Around 11 per cent of all road crash deaths are witnessed in India, which corresponds to 53 accidents every hour; taking one life every 4 minutes".

By this point, you all must be wondering what can be an efficient way to eliminate this problem. The ideal solution is a kill switch to wind down a motorcycle.

This blog is a comprehensive guide to understanding the purpose of a kill switch.

With this emergency stop, you can rapidly turn off the bike without withdrawing your hand from the handle to reach for the key. To turn off the power, you just have to use your thumb. In short, this safety mechanism can save your life in an accident.

Turning off the motorcycle instantly seems like an unusual idea. But in general, while doing so, we put the bike’s mechanism at risk. The kill switch is designed in a way to mitigate this problem. It swiftly breaks the contact with the ignition coil. This is a very straightforward mechanism to shut the engine off. It is also convenient, considering how by keeping your hands on the handlebars, you can engage the kill switch more immediately during an emergency.

All in all, this is a simple, direct emergency shut-off switch that clicks the device off. It is an essential safety feature that enables the rider to turn off the motorcycle when it is impossible to do so manually.

All you have to do is press the red button. If you're a new rider, you probably spotted a scarylooking red switch on your bike's right-side handlebar. So, you now know how a kill switch looks.

In a heavier bike, the rumbling engine is silenced with this mechanism's help. It also aids in handling emergency situations without disturbing the bike's stability. You won't need to glance down to find it because it will be easy to operate after some experience. It is also a quick method to halt your bike for a brief period, to give directions, or in traffic.

Numerous motorcycles are designing advanced technologies to eliminate road accidents. While this is one way to make you feel secure, you should consider other options. In India, it is almost necessary to take insurance for your motorcycle. If it expires, you can apply for an online motor insurance renewal. It is another way to drive safely without worrying about financial losses against insured vehicles, including extensive damages and liabilities. Always keep your insurance policy up-to-date to avoid it from lapsing.

We hope the above information explains the importance of kill switch and online motor insurance renewal. It is always best to have complete knowledge about your vehicle, its parts and their use. This information can help you better understand your bike and stay protected during unfortunate events.

Click HERE to get online motor insurance 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.

Electric vehicles are all the rage right now. India will significantly switch from fuel-based to electric-based vehicles in the upcoming years. Countries like the USA have seen a significant chunk of their population switch to electric cars. Even in India, people drive electric scooters in metropolitan cities. Like every other vehicle, electric vehicles also require maintenance. Plus, you would need to ensure that you make the energy of your electric vehicle efficient and increase the capacity of the engines to give your vehicle a prolonged life.

Now, let's discuss the techniques and tips that can increase the range of your electric vehicle. Doing this will help you improve your car's battery life in the long run. So, let's get started.

1. Drive properly:
Sudden jerks and an increase in acceleration can adversely affect your battery as the increment would put pressure and end up draining the battery. Experimenting with your vehicle's torques and testing the high speeds sure seem very lucrative, but it will impact your battery negatively over time. You also need to ensure that you drive smoothly and operate your vehicle carefully to increase the battery's longevity and the overall functioning of your two-wheeler or fourwheeler.

2. Go easy on the air conditioners:
The usage of air-conditioners does impact the battery. Prolonged use of air conditioning depletes the battery power at a fast rate. But there are places and times when you cannot live without the air conditioner. How do you go about this issue? You can switch on the fan instead of amping up the compressor. This will help you conserve power and regulate the cool air inside the car. You can open the windows, but this slightly affects the car's aerodynamics, functioning, and operations.

3. Be careful on those brakes:
Your electric vehicle's regenerative braking helps you recover the energy lost during the sudden braking process. So, use that whenever there is a necessity for brakes. And make sure to avoid unnecessary braking as it stresses the battery into bringing the vehicle to a halt or lowering the speed out of the blue. So, take it a little easy on the brakes whenever you are driving. Also, ensure that you use the maximum regenerative setting of your car during the deceleration process. This option will help conserve all the extra power by directing it back to the battery and increasing its life.

4. Be mindful about charging your vehicle:
It would be best if you carefully charge your electric vehicle. Keeping it plugged in all the time while your car is idle in the garage is of no use. Instead, it will negatively affect the battery as it starts to self-discharge once it gets fully charged. Timing the charging of your electric vehicle's battery helps you to attain those few miles once your vehicle is fully charged and plugged out at the right time. Timing the battery charge also helps conserve electricity and increases your battery's longevity. So, it's easier on the pocket and the environment.

Some other ways to increase the range of your electric vehicle include figuring out an efficient route to your destination, packing and travelling light, keeping your tyres in check, etc.

Unprecedented circumstances indicate the level of uncertainties around our lives and possessions and how we must be careful and take mandatory steps to prepare for these situations in advance.

This is why you need to purchase motor insurance from the best motor insurance company to safeguard your vehicle in times of distress. Explore your options carefully and buy insurance from the motor insurance company, which promises to cater to your needs in the best ways possible.

Click HERE to know more about the insurance benefits provided by 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.

There are many instances when people overload their cars. It might be a fun road trip, a once-in-a-lifetime hike, or helping a relative or friend move. From clothes, shoes, and other accessories to the amenities like bicycles, coolers, mattresses, and more, it seems necessary to pack our whole house up before leaving for a road trip.

Similarly, when moving or helping a friend move, you try to take more and more stuff on one trip to reduce the number of rounds taken, often leading to overloading your car unnecessarily. This may result in car accidents and injuries, sometimes fatal for the passengers.

This blog tries to give you an argument against overloading your vehicle in the future.

1. Stress on the suspension:
When steering an overloaded vehicle, there's a high possibility of the weakest point giving out, thus resulting in a crash that endangers the passenger's lives and those with them on the road. It becomes increasingly difficult to steer the car in the right direction and turn safely on bends due to overloading. Your vehicle might face serious suspension issues, resulting in an unpleasant driving experience, especially on bad roads.

2. Instability:
Every vehicle is unique in how it reacts to excess weight. However, most vehicles become highly unstable as a result of excess weight. It becomes difficult to steer, and the stopping distance increases drastically, which can hamper the smooth running of your car. Sudden steering or manoeuvring is highly discouraged when a car is overloaded because it can result in a spinout.

3. Chance of blowing a tyre:
One of the biggest concerns while driving an overloaded car is that the tyres heat and blow up when they come across high degrees of pressure. There are increased chances of bursting, and at the very least, there will be increased wear and tear on the tyres, bringing maintenance issues.

4. Penalties:
You might be fined solely for the safety and well-being of fellow drivers and vehicles. After increased accidents in India due to overloading, stringent laws are being applied all across the country, and hefty fines are being imposed.

5. Compromised safety:
With an increased number of people and items in the car, it is improbable that any of the passengers will be able to put their seatbelts on. This is highly dangerous and can result in the compromised safety of everyone in the vehicle, especially if the car meets an accident.

6. Harder to apply brakes:
Brakes will take longer to stop an overloaded vehicle than a regular vehicle. This, in turn, makes it harder for the driver to react in case of emergencies and makes it highly unsafe for passengers due to the possibility of car crashes

7. Acceleration loss:
Acceleration is highly compromised when a car is burdened beyond its carrying capacity. It makes it harder for these cars to move smoothly between vehicles on a busy road, which can result in mishaps.

8. Reduced visibility:
Your rear vision will be impaired if items are packed on top of each other in the backseat. This reduces driver control and can lead to hefty fines if caught. Also, the cramped space that comes with riding with so many passengers aboard can severely hamper driver control.

9. More petrol consumption:
The engine demands more consumption of petrol to generate the power to drive the load in the car. While this may not seem like a high cost, it adds up to be a lump sum with time.

10. Discomfort:
Driving with such heavy equipment increases discomfort, and there's a high probability of a heavy object hitting your head if you apply the brakes too hard.

Although insurance rarely covers damages resulting from overloading a vehicle, it's best to research the best car insurance in India to be safe from heavy expenses if your car faces damages due to an accident. We advise you to avoid overloading your car in any case. It is not worth damaging your valuable asset and putting your life at risk for saving time and stuffing your car with excessive items. Safety should be your top priority. Therefore adapt to healthy driving practices to keep yourself protected throughout your journey.

Click HERE to know more about 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.

Crowded places are a feast for pickpockets. They can easily pick our pockets while we move in cramped surroundings such as a busy market amidst the constant crowd nagging of people around us. Pickpockets do this so skillfully and swiftly that we are left unnoticed and outwitted. Losing our wallet can be frustrating, especially when it is loaded with important documents such as the driving licence, Aadhar card, voter id card, and even credit or debit cards. Moreover, the loss of money can be very harsh and painful for most of us.

So how can we deal with such situations? Here are some tips for outwitting pickpockets and staying safe in crowded places.

1. Move your wallet to your front pocket:
Never keep your wallet in the back pocket in crowded surroundings. Pickpockets can easily pick your back pocket, and you will hardly know it amidst the crowd. Therefore, use the front pocket of your trousers to keep your wallet. Outwit the pickpocket by keeping only those articles in the back pocket that are not very valuable.

2. Multiple wallets and pockets:
You can keep two wallets/handbags rather than just one. Keep your valuables and documents in a wallet in your front pocket or a handbag that you can keep close to you. Keep the lesser valuable products in the 2nd wallet in your back pocket. The pickpocket will be outwitted when he finds that he has taken away some useless items from your back pocket while your valuables are safe. Also, you can use multiple pockets in your bag to hide your valuables and divide your risk.

3. Do not show off:
Do not flash your expensive laptop, phone, jewellery, cash, camera, etc., in a crowded public place. Take them out only when it is necessary.

4. Lock your bags:
Carry small locks with you and lock your bag while moving in a crowded place. The pickpocket will not be able to open it in the middle of the crowd, and you will be safe.

5. Hidden pockets:
Nothing better than a hidden pocket in the front of your trousers or jeans. Pickpockets cannot reach there, no matter how much they try. Also, buy goodquality backpacks and purses with multiple hidden pockets and good build quality. The pickpocket will not be able to determine which pocket carries your valuables.

6. Disguise and hide:
Use smart hacks and disguises to outwit the pickpocket. If you need to carry valuable jewellery while going through a crowded place, hide them in your bag inside a small cardboard box. A ring can go inside a matchstick box. You can take a used burger box if you need a bigger box! Moreover, you can use a file folder to hide your laptop.

7. Carry your backpack facing the front:
While going through a crowded area or using local transport, pull the front portion of the backpack with the chain facing the front. This way, the pickpocket cannot open it from behind you.

These were some hacks you can use to outwit a pickpocket in a crowded place. Apart from these, simply go the digital way! Carry minimum possible documents with you in hard copy. Rather, carry them in soft copy format on your phone or laptop.

In case a pickpocket picks up your wallet, you lose all the important documents along with it. Do not let this happen to your bike insurance policy. Ditch those lengthy insurance papers. Buy the best bike insurance online and save yourself a fortune. You will save money on agent commissions and have a soft copy of the policy on your mobile phone. Overall, it’s a win-win situation for you and us as the insurance provider. The only loser, in this case, will be the pickpocket!

Click HERE to buy 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 someone who loves visiting new places? Many of us love to treasure those memories we create on our vacation. As much as it feels tempting to capture moments, we can't brush off the mess of problems that come with travelling. From exploring the best sightseeing to learning more about the history and culture of a place, it can be daunting for travellers, especially firsttime visitors.

This can impact the fun of travelling as you might miss out on the best experiences on your trip due to incomplete knowledge about that place. And this is where the local guide comes into the frame, as no one other than them knows best about the local excursions of a destination.

First things first, local savvy guides are those who give homely experience even in unfamiliar places. Let's see how hiring a local guide when travelling to new places can make your trip memorable.

1. Hassle-free:
It can be challenging at times to explore the streets while visiting places. You don't know what to speak and often get lost in the big crowds. Private local guides make it hasslefree, giving you tidbits of inside information. In this nuanced world, they help you with dinner reservations, vehicles, hotel bookings, etc. No one can beat them when it comes to their places. So, no language barriers anymore!

2. Personalised tours:
Local tour guides know the places like the back of their hand. So, keeping your best interests in mind, they curate some of the top itineraries for you to take part. You would have missed many of these off-the-beaten-path spots otherwise. Even if you miss a booking, your tour guide is your lifeline. They can manage last-minute bookings and make your journey convenient.

3. Time and cost efficient:
You can vouch that despite the internet, we are not informed about a plethora of destinations. We are unaware of proper timings, directions, etc. With local contacts and tricks under their sleeves, local guides can make you skip the lines, book restaurants, give in-depth knowledge of places, and much more than you think. This reduces costs and time since you don't have to go for intermediaries for every trivial aspect.

4. Educate and engage:
Local tour guides are not just local people taking you through the city. They are highly educated, specifically in the areas of architecture, cuisine, history, and art. They are trained in many areas, from entertaining kids to catering to adults throughout the tours. They make travel more exciting and enjoyable. Their expertise makes complex destinations easy to navigate through. A tour guide is a must when you go sightseeing as everything seems different from their perspective.

*Important note:
When you visit a new country, you risk getting lost or, worse, might run into accidents. Safety should be at the forefront at all times. So, it is always recommended to purchase the best general insurance India. A general insurance policy covers the unanticipated costs and ensures your travel safety. These costs include misplaced checked-in baggage, lost connecting flights, missed passports, etc.

At the bare bones of it, travel guides are beneficial, especially in a crowd full of unfamiliar faces. So, no more hustle to find the best travel places, food destinations, etc. Your travel guide will make your journey exciting by adding traditions and historical information brimming in the amazing destinations.

Next time you visit any new destination, ensure to hire a local guide to savour the best local experiences that are sublime and enticing. Vacations are one of the best stress busters. Make the best use of resources to make your holiday unforgettable.

Click HERE to buy general insurance India before your next 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.