GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Every legitimate and eligible citizen of India is supposed to pay Income Tax regularly within the specified time limit as per the government regulations and norms. The taxable amount is based on an individual’s annual earnings. There are different tax and income slabs defined respectively by the Indian government. One must consider their earnings and calculate their taxes accordingly. These taxes are righteously used for the benefit and progress of the country.

But amidst all these details, were you aware that insurance, apart from protecting you and your assets against various risks, also is a substantial tax-saving benefit? This important question may give you a broader perspective on the insurance and tax-paying correlation. We have all the information you will need to understand the perks of insurance and how it can be a tax-saving choice. Let’s dive deeper into the facts!

Which policies help you fetch tax benefits?

Insurance options that will help you avail of full benefits along with tax-saving options include:
● Retirement plans and policies
● Health insurance policies
● ULIPs-Unit Linked Insurance Policies

All these insurance policies can be categorised under similar yet slightly different sections of the Income Tax Act regulated by the Government of India.

Understanding the tax deductions.

Various types of deductions can influence the tax benefits you can get on your health insurance. Let’s understand what 80C and 80D tax deductions are. Tax deduction can be claimed on your taxable income on premiums valuing around Rs. 1.5 lacs.

These premiums are supposed to be paid for insurance policies in your name, spouse’s name, or your children’s/child’s name/names. If you are someone who has paid their premiums, you can avail of 80C and 80D tax deductions annually.

The 80D deduction.

The 80D deduction dictates that if you have a health insurance policy in your name or the names of your spouse and children, the tax-deductible income can be Rs 25,000 on the insurance premiums.

According to section 80D, there are various other prospects for this deduction, but we will now consider this information to discuss the tax benefits further.

The 80C deduction.

According to section 80C of the Income Tax Act, the tax-deductible you can claim is worth Rs 1.5 lacs of insurance premiums. If you purchase a single premium policy, you can only claim the tax benefits under section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Under section 80D, if you have a health insurance policy under your name along with a dependent with the minimum age of 60, you can claim a tax deductible on the dependent’s health insurance.

Protecting your financial assets against unprecedented situations and getting compensation for your financial losses is essential. Times can be very unpredictable, and you might never know when you will need a lot of money. Exhausting your savings is not a wise option here. You need to think beyond and try to avoid burning a hole in your pocket.

While being mindful of your expenses and determining a budget is one of the top solutions here, insurance is another way you can stay secure about your assets. It is vital to purchase the right general insurance after exploring the market and determining the one that can cater to your needs in the best way possible.

Click HERE to know more about general 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.

Exploring the novelties and embarking on new adventures is what travelling is all about. From dingy roadside motels to premium five-star hotels, travel experiences make you more confident and better prepared for everything. To some people, it is a much-needed respite from the mundane routine of everyday life; for others, it is a way of life. Some people believe in setting aside a part of their earnings for annual family trips, while others earn to travel. Common among all these lifestyle choices is the desire to explore newness and the different versions of the planet.

There are multiple ways in which you can explore a city. You can accompany a tour group, walk around, and indulge in local life. But, in this article, we will discuss why public transport is the best way for you to enjoy your vacation.

1. Closer to the local life:
Cabs and rentals will ensure an easy commute, but if you want to indulge in the lifestyle of the locals, using public transport is a must. The locals frequently use public transport to carry out their day-to-day chores. Interacting with them will not only help you gain a better insight into the culture of the place, but it will also help you figure out where the untouched locations are. Many local restaurants and establishments are unexplored by the tourism industry. Local knowledge about these will help you explore the unexplored.

2. Cheaper:
People often complain about being scammed by taxi services and other car rentals. However, with public transport, you can avoid being scammed altogether. Since locals frequent this mode of transportation, they can't charge you extra. Some governments facilitate subsidised public transport rates, so the overall cost of your daily commute becomes considerably inexpensive.

3. Time to relax:
If you intend to book a car for yourself, be prepared to stress out about directions constantly. You might also be stuck in long traffic jams if you decide on exploring the city. Opt for public transport like trains to escape heavy traffic and the tiresome drive. During your commute, you can either look out of the window and enjoy the views or catch a nap before reaching your next location. This small break will help you be rejuvenated for the next part of your trip.

4. Personal health:
Public transport is a boon for you if you are a fitness enthusiast and cannot squeeze in the time for your workout in your jam-packed itinerary. Opting for public transport indicates that you will need to walk between stops, stations, or ports, depending upon the location and the type of transport. Not only does it prompt you to walk more, but it also helps you build an appetite so that you can eat more of the local cuisines guilt-free.

5. Responsible towards environment:
Public transport saves a considerable amount of fuel as compared to personal vehicles. The stark increase in carbon dioxide emissions has resulted in a rapid rise in global temperatures. Opting for public transport is a small contribution you can make to the environment and a better future.

These are a few reasons why public transport is the best option for you while travelling. Interact with the locals and explore the city's novelties while taking public transport. Remember that no trip is complete without travel insurance. Any risks you can incur during your vacation, including theft, financial losses, injuries, etc., will be taken care of by an insurance policy. To protect yourself and your family against such expenses, do not forget to buy insurance policy online. You can compare multiple policies, analyse their benefits and premiums, and choose from several online options.

Click HERE to buy insurance policy 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.

The career prospects for IT professionals in the post-pandemic recovery provide immense opportunities in the fields such as eCommerce, Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality, and many others.

But with such a promising career option, IT professionals have high stress because of their work-related anxiety, strict timelines, night shift, and overwork load. It has become more about surviving as an employee and earning enough. And as a result, there are different impacts of such long work hours on their lifestyle. You begin to compromise on your health which is not a wise option. Being mindful of your health and preparing for the inevitable consequences would be best. Are you an IT professional? Let’s understand why it is essential for you to invest in a comprehensive health insurance plan.

1. Impact on your lifestyle:
We have seen multiple headlines about people getting heart problems, backaches, constant headaches, eye problems, and joint pain at a young age. While some of such cases can be due to underlying genetic conditions and other reasons, a significant chunk of youth is still at risk due to developed lifestyles. The stress levels you operate at, the pollution, the food you eat, work schedules, sleep cycles, undisciplined workout routines, excessive gadgets use, etc., are a few causes of your sedentary lifestyle.
Getting health insurance will allow you to cope with any repercussions you might face due to such a schedule. It helps you stay prepared and cover all costs of routine health check-ups. This way, you can stay informed about the fluctuations in your body and take appropriate and informed measures to solve the issue.

2. Fluctuations in the medical industry:
Inflation comes in all forms, and its effects do not spare any particular industry. The pandemic was an evident example of how the medical industry was on its toes and the primary source of survival. The advancement in technology has brought several developments in the medical world.
But this also ensures that the costs of treatments will rise depending on the level of equipment and machinery, accessibility, and the procedures involved. Even the basic expenses such as tests, consultation charges, ambulance costs, etc., will rise significantly. Getting health insurance will help you cover these costs for a more extended period to avoid the financial burden of being a salaried employee. This way, you can efficiently manage your finances and control your expenses simply by investing in a reliable health insurance plan.

3. Taking a step forward from the employee’s health cover:
Most companies offer insurance coverage for their employees and their immediate dependents, which assures that the employee has something to fall back on in case they find themselves in such medical emergencies.
But often, these insurance coverages are insufficient to cover terms of critical illnesses, the sum insured, add-on coverage options, or the time. In such cases, it is advised for you to purchase health insurance that has been customised according to your needs and provides coverage in every which way possible. This will always help you avail the benefits entirely at the right time.

Health insurance helps you safeguard your savings, and the earlier you get insurance, the more you can stay secure and ahead of such unfortunate situations. Explore all your options and purchase the best health insurance which caters to your needs in the best ways possible. Smart investments made during your 20s will help you reap the benefits at the need of the hour.

Always keep your policy up-to-date and adapt to practices like consuming a healthy diet, having at least seven hours of sleep, regular exercise for 10 mins, and meditating at home. At the workplace, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated to feel active and energetic throughout the day.

Click HERE to know more about the benefits of health 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.

Getting energy from food may sound like a straightforward process. But during this process, you must ensure that your dental health stays at the top of its game. Healthy teeth are very crucial. Lack of a proper dental hygiene routine can lead to bad breath, gum bleeding, swollen gums, infection, yellow and brittle teeth, ingesting bacteria and germs, and much more.

What if your teeth are not growing in the regular order they should? There is nothing to worry about. This phenomenon of unorderly growth of the teeth or zigzag pattern of developing teeth is more common than you think. And braces are the best solution to this problem. It is a relatively expensive process. So, you need to be aware of this orthodontic process before you invest your money and go ahead with the rest of the procedure. Do you have doubts about whether or not you should go ahead and get braces? This blog is a complete guide on getting your dental braces done. So, let’s get started.

1. Understanding the purpose of braces:
Braces are one of the most convenient solutions when your teeth are out of their normal alignment. These braces are wrapped around the bone structure of your teeth and apply pressure on them. Eventually, the continuous pressure due to the braces changes the position of your teeth, bringing them into proper order.

2. Criteria for getting braces:
Do you need braces? Your orthodontist determines the answer to this question during your regular check-ups. They will answer all your queries and tell you if you require braces and what problems regarding your teeth the braces would sort out. They will perform a deep examination and inform you about your options, the type of braces that would fit your teeth conditions, and your budget. You can then have a clear conversation with them and determine the option which suits you the best.

3. Are there different types of braces:
To your surprise, yes! There are four significant braces: metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign. Metal braces are the most basic and standard braces which fix your teeth with the help of dental cement. Ceramic braces are a little more convenient and pleasing to look at when compared to metal braces. These braces can be altered to the colour of your tooth enamel, making them less visible and helping you avoid being too conscious about them.
Lingual braces are hard to spot as they are attached to the backside of your teeth which also cause discomfort. But these help if you are too concerned about your appearance. And lastly, Invisalign is customised according to the size, shape, and structure of your teeth and jaw for the perfect fitting. These can help you escape the usual hassle of other types of braces during eating.

4. Frequency of check-ups:
While the whole process can take an hour or two but can differ depending upon the condition of your teeth. You will have to visit your orthodontist frequently to ensure that the braces are functioning correctly, adjusting well on your teeth, not causing any infections due to the material, etc.

Sorting a minor health issue can take considerable money and consume much of your time. But what happens when you land in situations beyond your control and can potentially hurt your health? How will you manage your physical health, mental health, and financial stress?

Getting health insurance is the solution to ensuring that you stay sane enough to manage the whole situation. And you can now do so from the comfort of your home and buy health insurance online. Look for dental insurance under the category and research the plan that will provide the best benefits.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Train journeys can be quite a daunting experience for inexperienced travellers. From bustling crowds on the train, the noisy co-passengers, and the hustle of vendors, it is an adventure all in itself.

The style of travel in the Indian railways greatly differs from other countries such as Spain and Japan since these trains cover longer distances with many stations to halt. Due to this slow nature, train journeys can sometimes get stressful and monotonous. This blog aims to change just that and show you how to make this journey exhilarating and cheerful.

1. Stunning views:
Going for a long journey across the country by railways gives you a glimpse of the best interiors of India. The extraordinary views of mountains, valleys, rivers, and deserts are all sceneries you might not get to see elsewhere. Even the stark differences between the noisy cities and the calm villages can be a mesmerising experience. Try to get a window seat to experience the countryside landscape.

2. Show off your photography skills:
If you're someone who loves to capture moments on camera, train rides are the perfect opportunity to take some swoon-worthy photos. With so many people around and several activities going on, train journeys have so much to offer. Make sure you keep the camera in an accessible range not to miss any memories.

3. Treats and snacks:
Flavourful food is part and parcel of India, and train rides should be no exception. Although the railways have their canteen, the food there might not be up to the mark in terms of taste. It's best to try out different snacks from each state you stop at. It is advisable to trust your instinct with the food, though, because having food while travelling doesn't suit all. Stomach problems are extremely uncomfortable during a train ride, so eat light and less oily. If you have a sensitive stomach, it's best to bring snacks from home to munch on.

4. Be prepared for friendly conversation:
Indians are some of the friendliest people on the planet. One of the most heart-warming experiences is to share life stories with varied people from all different cultures, states, and walks of life on the train. A quick game of cards or other fun activity can help you be friends with your co-passengers and pass your time cheerfully.

5. Books:
If you're not much of a conversationalist, it will be more enticing to take a book with you on the journey and read it as the train is hurtling down the tracks. Looking at the beautiful scenery outside and reading a book can be a meditative experience.

6. Carry your gadgets:
If talking to random strangers about their life does not sound like your idea of fun, you could plug in your earphones and get lost in that movie that you have been meaning to watch for a long time but couldn't get the time. Or you may close your eyes and listen to music that will keep you energetic and sane throughout the journey.

7. Catching up on sleep:
Sometimes, the one thing that gets ignored in the hustle of travel is a good night's rest. Get a comfy pillow and blanket with you and get your sleep. Better the sleep, the better you will be the next morning.

8. Have you thought about insurance:
Although train rides are safe to travel, emergencies and mishaps come uninvited. Investing in personal accident insurance plans is advisable to add a protection layer to your train travel.

Any traveller can attest to the fact that travel is an eye-opening experience. It allows you to broaden your mind and makes you privy to many new experiences. But safety should always be the topmost priority of any traveller. As the uncertainty can be stressful, rest assured by researching suitable personal accident insurance plans and travel without worries.

Click HERE to know more about personal accident insurance plans.

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

Yoga is considered one of the oldest forms of physical exercise in the history of the world. While its origins seem Indian, yoga is practiced globally by people of different ethnicities and cultures. It helps you keep your body flexible, develop a more robust immune system, and bring a certain sense of discipline to your life. The various asanas and forms in yoga ensure that your body and mind work synchronously. It also regulates low-stress levels, induces better sleep quality, decreases blood pressure, heals current ailments, and benefits mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and much more.

There are many advantages of inculcating the habit of practicing yoga daily in your lifestyle. But everything comes with its risks. You must strictly adhere to the methodologies and procedures while performing various asanas to avoid unwanted accidents. Lack of proper understanding and implementation of the instructions can cause more harm to your body than expected.

Here are some common yoga injuries and the ways to fix them.

1. Be careful about your shoulders and knees:
Some of the most frequent yoga injuries include repetitive stress in the shoulders resulting in strain, chronic pain, or dislocation (ball and socket joint issues). Although the latter happens in extreme cases, strain and chronic pain can cause massive discomfort in your day-to-day activities. The muscle injuries in the shoulder area can be caused by overstretching too.

2. Neck pain can be frustrating:
Yoga postures like headstands and shoulder stands can cause severe neck injuries if not performed carefully or under supervision. Such poses can even put your vertebrae under extreme pressure, eventually leading to excruciating pain, compression, and flexibility issues. You might also face joint issues and muscle spasms, which can cause soreness and problems with your neck movement.

3. Save yourself from back problems:
When done incorrectly, yoga can cause discomfort in your lower back. You might stress your back even more while performing your daily chores. This might substantially elevate your back issues, leading to pain, spinal cord problems, movement restrictions, hip issues, disc problems in worse situations, etc.
Since your lower back is connected to significant movements in your upper or lower body, even the slightest task, such as stretching, can become a huge pain point in case of lower back troubles due to yoga injuries.

Now that we have discussed some common injuries, let’s discuss how we can fix them. Avoid putting excessive pressure on your body to perform a particular yoga posture. While it is essential to push your body to its limits, you need to draw a line and understand when it’s time to pull back. Use blankets or a yoga mat to significantly reduce the pressure from your lower back during seated yoga positions.

Perform the yoga postures in stages, so you don’t end up overstretching your shoulders. Avoid pulling too hard and take a breather whenever required. You can wear kneecaps to support your knees while performing the asanas. Again, perform such postures in stages. Make your body familiar with the pressure you might experience. Always ensure to let your body a little loose once you are done with your yoga session. You should include warm-down exercises to relax your body after heavy yoga/workout.

We all understand the importance of yoga and how it helps us stay fit and healthy, thus paving the path for a smoother life. But certain situations are out of your control and can endanger your or your loved ones’ health. Purchasing health insurance is crucial to safeguard yourself against such circumstances and face the problem instead of worrying about financial distress. You can explore all your options available in the market from the comfort of your home with an array of digital options. You can buy health insurance online India to cater to your needs in the best way possible.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy health insurance online India.

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

Recent years have seen a rising number of women actively contributing in every sector. Whether police services, office-goers, or cab drivers, women are stepping out of their homes to build a future for themselves. Even with the ever-growing numbers of women workers, only fifty percent of women invest in general insurance as opposed to seventy-two percent of their male counterparts.

Why are the numbers so different? Although there has been a progressive shift in women's lives, general insurance was conventionally associated with the household males. During the earlier days, men were the sole breadwinners of the household and handled all monetary transactions. So, it was usually considered the males' responsibility to ensure that the family remained financially covered. This lifestyle trend has not been seen as evident as the societal change that women have faced.

This article will examine why general insurance is essential for women and how it paves a path to financial freedom.

1. Financial security:
It is important to remember that general insurance is an essential resource for the family. With more women actively contributing financially to their respective households, general insurance becomes an irreplaceable asset. It not only acts as a backbone to the family's financial stability but also provides tax benefits, adding more value.
In addition, general insurance covers many things, including travel, medical, artificial disasters, theft, etc. Therefore, general insurance is necessary for women to ensure their families' financial security if they become the household's sole breadwinner.

2. Financial independence:
Statistics show that most women, even when earning, depend on their spouses or family for financial knowledge. This is surprising in consideration of the rapid growth of women in all sectors of life. To combat this dependency and to be able to handle their own money, investing in general insurance is the first step. Taking care of your finances makes you confident and in charge of your own money without having to depend on anyone.
Having your finances sorted at every step will ensure that your children, parents, or spouse can have a comfortable lifestyle, safe and enjoyable vacations with no worries about lost luggage or cancelled flights, or you can visit the best hospitals without worrying about the bills going through the roof. There are so many advantages and benefits to favouring you.

3. Loans and debts:
Most households must rely on loans to pay for their houses, vehicles, and other significant expenses. In case of a mishap, general insurance will be able to help you cover the loss and ensure that you won't fall behind on your loan payments due to the distress of any emergencies.

4. Critical illness benefits:
Certain health conditions are specific to women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, etc. With an unhealthy lifestyle and heavy amounts of impurity in the food and drinks one consumes, these diseases have become a part of one in eight urban women populations. Comprehensive health insurance and critical illness protection can help you rest assured in case of such illnesses and cover the cost of the treatment.

These are just some of the many reasons women should invest in a general insurance policy. As mentioned, not only is it an intelligent way to secure your family's future, but it is also a way to ensure your financial liberty. General insurance is imperative to add value to your life and secure financial independence. As a responsible citizen, you should encourage fellow women to invest in general insurance India as the first step to their financial freedom and security. More power to every woman!

Click HERE to know more about general 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.

Let's say you're a washing machine manufacturer. Due to some defect in the formulae of chemicals used in the hose pipe of your washing machine, it is more likely to burst. The product has already hit the shelves, and you're receiving massive backlash for the damaged goods and might be at risk of a few customers suing you. This event can potentially shut down your business as you don't have enough capital to pay for the legal fees. You are incurring huge losses now as you have to take down the products from the shelves.

The only way-out would be an insurance covering you against these unforeseeable liabilities. The insurance that is suitable for this situation is product liability insurance. Product liability insurance protects manufacturers, wholesale and distribution businesses, and retailers against claims that the product they have sold has caused harm to a customer, including either bodily or property damage.

This insurance is helpful for all kinds of businesses. Taking the above example of the washing machine, the company should be insured with this type of insurance. This is because when a lawsuit is launched, an enquiry is made on all the companies involved. Small businesses need it more than others because they usually don't have the capital to pay the customer and can quickly go bankrupt.

This blog explains why product liability insurance is a must for your company.

Coverage for design defects:
Design defects can bother customers long after the product has been manufactured and sold off. The customer, in most cases, can still sue the organisation which manufactures the product. Product liability reimburses you for the expenses incurred due to such design errors.

Coverage for manufacturing or production flaws:
The most crucial feature of product liability insurance is that it provides coverage for any manufacturing defects that might cause harm to a customer.

Protection against packaging concerns:
Sometimes the manufacturer does not provide an adequate warning on the product package, such as potential defects, instructions for properly using the product, or some allergenic substances. One example is how beverage companies have to warn if it is hot and not to be liable if the hot drink is spilled on a customer. Additionally, if there's some substance like peanuts or other common inflammatory substances in the product and it's not mentioned clearly, the manufacturer might be prosecuted. Product liability insurance provides coverage for all these situations.

Supplemental commercial general liability coverage:
Product liability policies generally work along with commercial general liability coverage to provide the company with insurance against such claims by customers.
There are several reasons to take product liability insurance as a business owner. But the payout certainly depends on which kind of policy you've chosen. The insurance cost depends on various factors, including your industry, the potential risks associated with that industry, your business's claim history, and the insurance company's policy limits. For example, getting cover for risky businesses like alcohol, tobacco, and contraceptives is challenging because of the high rate of lawsuits that are usually launched against them.

Insurance companies may charge you a higher premium for such kinds of businesses. It's always best to be insured to remain stress-free. Business owners should also invest in public liability insurance policy to provide the best coverage to third parties in the event of financial loss, injury or death due to an accident.

Click HERE to know more about public liability insurance 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.