GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

As a motorcycle rider, you already know that wearing protective gear is essential while riding. One of the most critical pieces of equipment is motorcycle boots. They are designed to keep your feet and ankles safe in an accident. Are you a bike-riding fanatic and looking for the right boots? We'll review six pointers to help you purchase motorcycle boots to keep your feet safe.

1. Consider boots with additional safety features
When looking for motorcycle boots, it's essential to consider additional safety features that can help protect your feet in an accident. Some shoes come with reinforced ankle and shin protection, which can help prevent injuries in these vulnerable areas. Other boots may have toe sliders or reinforced caps, which can help protect your toes in a crash. These additional safety features can provide extra protection when riding your motorcycle.

2. Choose weather-resistant boots
Riding a motorcycle means encountering different weather conditions, from rain and mud to hot and sunny days. It's vital to choose weather-resistant boots that can withstand various weather conditions. Look for boots made of waterproof materials, such as Gore-Tex or other waterproof membranes, which can help keep your feet dry and comfortable during rainy rides. Additionally, boots with breathable materials can help keep your feet cool and dry on hot days.

3. Consider the cost and factor in bike insurance savings
Motorcycle boots can range in price from affordable to expensive, depending on the brand and features. While going for the cheapest option may be tempting, investing in a good pair of motorcycle boots can save you money in the long run.

4. Look for boots with sturdy construction
Look for boots made of durable materials, such as leather, or synthetic materials like Gore-Tex. The boots should have a sturdy sole and a solid toe box to protect your toes in case of an impact. The boots should also have ankle protection to prevent injuries in a crash.

5. Make sure the boots fit correctly
It's essential to get boots that fit correctly. Boots that are too tight can restrict circulation, leading to discomfort or even foot numbness, while boots that are too loose can be hazardous since they can slip off your feet while riding. Make sure the boots fit snugly and come with adjustable straps or laces to help achieve a good fit. It's also important to try on the boots while wearing the socks you usually wear while riding.

6. Choose boots with a good grip
Another crucial factor to consider is the sole of the boots. Look for boots with a good grip that can provide traction when walking or riding. The sole should be thick and sturdy to prevent slipping, especially on wet or slippery surfaces. A good grip can also help you maintain control of your bike while stopping or turning.

Investing in a good pair of boots is also essential to factor in the cost and potential savings on bike insurance premiums. Choosing the proper motorcycle boots and wearing them during your ride help prevent injuries and ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey. During unprecedented circumstances, such as an accident, a sturdy pair of boots can avoid or minimise injuries to your feet, saving you from expensive medical bills. It's a win-win situation, as you will protect yourself and potentially save money on bike insurance premiums by enjoying a no-claim bonus.

Click HERE to learn more about purchasing bike insurance and its benefits.

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.

Insurance is good financial security and comes to our rescue in an emergency. Also, these policies help us to save on taxes. The premium we pay on our insurance is deductible from our taxable income up to a specified limit. We can save on taxes for policies taken for ourselves, our spouses, and dependent children.

Buying health insurance plans in India at the beginning of a financial year is crucial to saving on taxes. Let us know why.

1. Sufficient time for planning
Paying premiums on the life insurance and health insurance policy not only gives insurance coverage to a taxpayer but also offers certain tax benefits. You can claim a maximum deduction of INR 1,50,000/- annually against the premium you pay for your insurance policy under Section 80 (C) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Health insurance policies allow for a tax benefit of INR 50000/- for senior citizens and INR 25000/- for others under Section 80(D) of the Income Tax Act.

Most people leave the important decision of buying an insurance policy to save on taxes for the last one or two months of the financial year. This forces you to make the purchase decision in haste without adequately understanding the terms and conditions of the policies.

Buying an insurance policy at the beginning of a financial year gives you sufficient time to plan properly on saving taxes by choosing the insurance policies most suited for you. After assessing your needs properly, you can buy the best-suited policy as you get sufficient time to plan and buy various insurance policies around the year.

2. Spare money for investment
Most of us receive our year-end bonuses in April or May every year. This will give you surplus funds to easily invest in various insurance policies without putting pressure on your finances. This will help to secure your future as well as save on taxes too. You may or may not have excess funds for investing in insurance policies at the end of the year and end up paying more taxes.

3. Informed decision making
The maximum workload with most insurance companies and their agents is in the last quarter of the year, i.e., from January to March. They do not have sufficient time to explain various insurance policies and their details to you. The agents try to sell you the most popular products without understanding your needs.

The beginning of a financial year is the best time to buy an insurance policy, as the workload with the insurance agents is minimal. They can give you sufficient time and explain the policies' nitty-gritty. Hence, you can make an informed decision and choose the best insurance product suitable for you.

Life is full of uncertainties, and insurance provides us the security to deal with them. It offers financial support in unfortunate events such as hospitalisation and even death as compensation to your dependents. Hence, choosing the best policy that is tailor-made for you and fulfills all your requirements is important. This can only be done when you buy insurance at the beginning of a financial year and save on taxes. But understand that opting for insurance policies to save on taxes should not be your only goal.

You should make health insurance policies a necessary part of your life and investment journey. Thoroughly research the different health insurance plans in India. Choose the best among them that provides you with a perfect match of security and affordability.

Click HERE to browse the best 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.

The trend of automobiles that exude luxury isn't on the decline anytime soon. With several unique yet functional features rolled out by top manufacturers to entice drivers, the automobile sector continues to evolve.

Sunroofs are one such feature that has been in the market for long enough but continues to catch the fancy of many automobile owners. While they let in the fresh air and natural light on the go, many owners avoid purchasing cars with sunroofs because they fear excessive maintenance.

If you feel the same, here are some tips to keep your car's sunroof in good condition:

1. Clean it frequently
Dust and debris can easily get lodged inside the sunroof due to its positioning. The component's performance will be compromised if it gathers trash and dust particles beside and within. It is essential to clean the sunroof from top to bottom, including the areas surrounding it. Your car's sunroof will remain spotless and operate smoothly with regular cleaning.

2. Annual deep clean
You should thoroughly clean your car's sunroof once a year with the following:

● Clean the sunroof properly
● Now pump low-pressure air through the drain tubes to clean the trough
● The last step is to insert a thin, flexible, non-puncturing wire into a drain tube, twist it anticlockwise, clockwise again, and gently push it farther into the line.

3. Use appropriate cleaning products
Never use any cleaning agent or solution to clean the sunroof. You can harm the quality of the rubber seal in the sunroof by using a harsh or improper cleaning agent. The best advice from professionals for cleaning a sunroof is to use warm tap water or isopropyl alcohol (IPA). 4. Set it free to move
Inspect the working parts of your car's sunroof if it sticks or seems to be moving slowly to look for cracked or stripped gears or a build-up of dirt and debris. To find the location of the issue, start your car and cycle the roof between the open, closed, and vent positions. After a few cycles, clean everything if it works more smoothly, and lightly lubricate all visible moving components with a mild, heat-resistant grease. If you hear a squeaking noise or see the sunroof not opening and closing correctly, visit an expert mechanic to rectify the problem.

5. Look for rust around the hinges
You should check the mounting hardware for any signs of rust or wear and tear if the sunroof in your automobile is manually operated. Moisture can also cause it to corrode. The hardware won't rust or sustain any damage if it is properly maintained. You should pay close attention to the mounting hardware and clean it properly when cleaning the sunroof.

6. Lubricate the moving parts
Lubrication is necessary for a sunroof's moving parts to operate effectively. But, using the proper grease is crucial to ensure efficient and trouble-free operation. Conventional mineral grease is inappropriate for lubricating components in a sunroof. For this, you must use heat-resistant grease. This grease is designed for high temperatures.

7. Pay close attention to any unusual sounds
Remember to listen for any odd noises from your sunroof while opening and closing it. When opened and closed, you must adequately clean the sunroof if it makes a scraping noise. The sunroof auto glass is likely to shatter if there is a popping sound. Consequently, before the issue worsens, it is critical to seek professional assistance.

The correct operation of a sunroof depends on regular maintenance. Your sunroof can get damaged due to improper care. Take your car to a service centre that fixes auto glass if the sunroof makes odd noises even after proper maintenance. While we are discussing your car's upkeep, it is also crucial to buy car insurance. Reliable car insurance can protect your asset from mishaps and monetary stress.

Click HERE to buy the best car insurance in India.

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

Numerous banks and financial institutions provide personal accident insurance as a perk for cardholders who use them frequently. In this article, we'll examine how banks and financial institutions offer personal accident insurance plans for their cardholders, how they operate, and their significance.

1. Personal accident insurance: What is it?
Personal accident insurance offers protection for an accident-related injury or death. In the case of a covered accident, these plans often provide a lump-sum payment to the insured or their beneficiaries. The coverage is usually offered for a predetermined amount of time, such as one year, and can be renewed yearly. The coverage can be used for medical bills, lost wages, or other accident-related charges.

2. How do personal accident insurance plans operate for cardholders?
Plans for personal accident insurance are frequently provided as an extra perk to people who actively use credit or debit cards. The coverage amount varies depending on the card issuer and your card type.

When you sign up for a personal accident insurance plan, you are protected for a predetermined time frame, such as a year. You or your beneficiaries may submit a claim for an accident-related injury or death to collect the coverage amount. The payment is usually made immediately to the insured or their beneficiaries after the claim has been processed.

3. What explains the need for personal accident insurance?
Accidents can happen to anyone, and the associated medical costs and economic loss can be substantial. In the event of an accident, having personal accident insurance coverage can provide you peace of mind and assist in reducing some of the financial strain.

Personal accident insurance policies are mostly less expensive than standard health insurance. They do not have the same level of coverage as health insurance because they are devised to provide coverage exclusively for unexpected mishaps. Yet, for people who wish to safeguard themselves and their families in the case of an accident, they are more affordable solutions.

4. How to invest in a personal accident insurance plan with your card?
You might be qualified for a free personal accident insurance programme if you often use your credit or debit card. To see if your credit or debit card issuer offers this advantage, contact them first if you're interested in signing up for a personal accident insurance plan. These policies are frequently provided free of charge to cardholders by banks and other financial institutions, while the details of the coverage and eligibility criteria may change.

You can enrol in the plan online or by contacting the card issuer's customer service to avail of personal accident insurance coverage. Your bank might ask for basic personal information, such as your name and contact details to verify your account with them. Also, it's crucial to carefully study the terms and conditions before enrolling. Ensure you know potential limits or exclusions and what is and is not covered.

You can also buy a stand-alone policy from an insurance company. These plans often have higher premiums but may provide more comprehensive coverage than card issuers.

It's always better to ask your credit or debit card provider whether they provide the option to enrol in personal accident insurance. But never get too excited! Read the terms and conditions thoroughly to understand the inclusions and any limits or exclusions that could be applicable. When you have the appropriate personal accident insurance plans, you can rest assured that you and your family are covered in the case of unforeseeable circumstances.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of 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.

Mental health has been a stigmatised topic in India for many decades. While in the cases of most physical illnesses, people are willing to consult a health professional as soon as they detect a disease, they find it challenging to do so in the case of mental health issues.

This is because of the widespread false notion that if you have a mental illness, it makes you a weak person or there's something wrong with you. It is not usually as easy to detect, so it often goes untreated. However, the recent interest in individuals' overall health and well-being has increased interest in purchasing the best health insurance policy in India, which also offers coverage for mental illnesses.

Ignoring your mental well-being can have several adverse impacts. Read the full article to understand the importance of mental health consultation for complete wellness.

1. Mental health affects your physical well-being
Mental health is often seen as something completely separate from physical health. However, we need to realise that the brain is the most essential part of the body. When it gets affected, it ends up affecting the whole body. If this seems too far-fetched, consider that poor sleep and insomnia are caused most widely by stress and anxiety. So are heart palpitations. In a way, the reverse is also true. Since problems in physical health can also cause mental health issues, people with chronic or life-threatening physical illnesses should be constantly monitored for mental health issues.

Trauma, such as head injuries, is the most common example of this. In these cases, it's best to consult a mental health professional immediately and buy the best health insurance policy in India that also covers mental illnesses.

2. Early detection makes a huge difference
As with any disease, early detection makes a world of difference. Symptoms worsen with time, and like physical illnesses, treating a mental health issue is easier when the symptoms are mild. Also, chronic mental issues significantly impact patients' daily lives and make regular routine seem more daunting. It may also cause strained relationships with family, friends, and co-workers, which is undesirable. Early treatment can avoid these complications.
 

Signs you might need to consult a mental health professional

● Sluggish feelings and declining physical health
Physical health is one of the most significant mental health indicators. Depression and anxiety cause many problems in the body, including headaches, fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and muscle aches. They also affect the endocrine and immune systems, affecting physical health adversely.

● Losing interest in hobbies
Depression and other mental issues can make you feel increasingly alienated from the hobbies and activities you previously enjoyed, whether gardening, a sport, or simply socialising.

● Withdrawal from previously fulfilling relationships
Isolation is one of the prevalent methods people use to deal with declining mental health. This can take a toll on your existing relationships and cause them to deteriorate, alienating the ailing person even further. A psychologist can be very helpful in these situations, as they can reinforce social skills and help you practise making healthy relationships again.

● Adverse impact on work performance
A decrease in work performance indicates declining mental health. When you start finding work extremely hard to do and feel lethargic all the time, it is essential to consult a mental health professional immediately.

There is no shame in seeking help when you need it. Taking care of your health's physical and mental aspects is of utmost importance. While consultations can help as a preventive measure, buying the best health insurance policy in India is an excellent way to protect yourself from rising medical costs.

Click HERE to know more about the best health insurance 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.

Driving is a task that entrusts the driver with the responsibility of passengers, pedestrians, and vehicles in their hands. This overwhelms most drivers, especially beginners learning how to drive.

In the beginning, when you take your grown-up child for driving lessons, you may find them nervous and frightened. This fear makes them attempt fundamental mistakes, like applying brakes while keeping their feet on the accelerator. You may get frustrated and scold your child for such silly mistakes. However, your actions can result in a loss of confidence and develop a greater fear of driving. Thus, it would be best if you become supportive of your child.

Making your child follow the traffic rules and scolding them to drive slowly will not make them great drivers. It would help if you built some qualities within yourself for your child to learn to drive. In addition to it, ensure that you buy new car insurance as a preventive measure.

Follow these tips to be a supportive instructor and a cheerleader by their side!

1. Make them drive
Your child wants freedom, primarily because they ask for a licence. You can make your child drive the vehicle during an outing at safer locations, especially in the daytime. Or you can make them your co-driver, so they get some experience. Moreover, encourage them to look at the mirrors and the incoming traffic and read the signs on the boards. It will enhance your child's understanding of driving.

2. Stay patient and calm
To teach your child to drive, you need to develop patience. Your child may get nervous while learning to drive, and shouting could worsen their practice. So, staying at ease and unstressed will make their learning experience enjoyable. Further, try to avoid conflict situations and take them to learn to drive when you are in a good mood. While you may get irritated with their learning practices, keep calm, and avoid disagreements.

3. Take the learner driver's insurance
Though you may have been driving for many years, ensure you abide by traffic rules before giving vehicles to your child. You are responsible for ensuring you have insurance covering your teenager's learning. Mistakes can happen at any time while your child is learning to drive. So, it is better to have insurance covering all mishappenings costs.

4. Become their mentor driver
Children often copy the driving habits of their parents. These include talking on the phone or drinking coffee while driving. Your children see you and will hold you accountable for such habits later in life. It will help if you become a role model for them in driving. They stay focused and try to avoid doing other things while driving. Therefore, developing such practices within you will be helpful for your kids.

5. Check that your child is prepared to learn
Even if your child has crossed the legal driving age, it doesn't mean they are ready to drive. Acknowledge your child's maturity and help them to handle pressure situations gradually. Also, assess the thinking and acting capacity to react to rough possibilities. Further, ensure your child is emotionally ready to take control of a vehicle at a certain speed. It will enhance your child's learning experience and show their willingness to learn.

Your child needs your maximum support when they learn anything. Driving is one of the most important activities your child should do calmly. Also, while teaching your child traffic rules and signs, ensure that you follow them correctly. Always buy new car insurance before your child starts learning to drive. It will ensure stress-free learning and make your child a great driver.

Click HERE to buy new car 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.

When your headlights give you a difficult time by going off, the instant reaction is to contact a mechanic. And why would you not? A broken headlight makes it feel like you are driving with one eye closed, causing night drives riskier. Also, what if a vigilant police officer stops you on the road? That generally means heavy fines, especially if a few things are wonky in your car. Additionally, the car now looks way less sleek than before. However, going to the mechanic proves to be costly and time-taking, which makes you delay the job unless there is a looming fine.

A one-stop solution to all these problems is just fixing the headlight yourself. This surprisingly easy task takes a few minutes to accomplish. It could be a fun DIY project which you undertake this season! This blog gives you the basics of replacing your car headlights at home!

Tool list: You might need the following tools to fix the headlights, so keep them handy: Screwdriver set, socket set, pliers.

Safety first!
There's nothing more important than your safety. Wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself, as you might have to reach some tight spots. Additionally, you'll hold sensitive bulbs throughout the process, which warrants protection.

Caution!
As a precautionary method to ward off DIY enthusiasts, most car insurance companies do not allow significant self-modifications to the vehicle's interiors or exteriors. While checking new car insurance rates, read the policy fine print to check if it permits such changes.

Step-by-step process on how to replace your car's headlights:

1. Check your owner's manual
This is to get specific instructions on replacing your vehicle's headlights and what kind of bulbs you should get (HID or LED). The general instructions are similar, but you may need specific tweaks to suit your car.

2. Power the car down
Turn off your car, let it cool, and park it in a clean area on your driveway.

3. Access the bulbs
This may be a tricky step. Sometimes, you may need to remove the battery to access the bulbs better. Or, you can pop the hood and locate the headlight holder near the front of the car.

4. Detach the headlight connector and disconnect the bulb
The base of the lightbulb is connected by three wires. Disconnect the plug that supplies power to it. Once you open the headlight, changing the bulb is child's play. However, be careful while unlocking the locked bulb out of its place. Try not to break the clips used in locking the bulb, as those are not easily fixable.

5. Screw the new light bulb in
Wearing gloves, carefully screw the new bulb without touching the glass of the bulb, as it may burst. Close the hood of your car, and the job is done! If one headlight is off, it's almost certain the other will go off in a few weeks. So, when replacing one, take some time and replace the other one too.

Headlights going off is a common problem. While it is usually from old age, there can be other reasons, such as extreme heat or cold, which affects the bulb's filament, causing it to go off. It can also be due to oxidation, common in modern-day halogen bulbs. Unfortunately, you might have to replace the whole headlight, not just the bulbs. In this case, taking the vehicle to a mechanic is best, as meddling with it too much might do more harm than good. To make this more pocket friendly, research new car insurance rates that also undertake your car's repair and maintenance costs.

Click HERE to know more about new car insurance rates.

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.

Unfortunate events are a constant risk that one must always be prepared for. While you may have an optimistic view of the future, the financial implications of a mishap are always too heavy to burden. Online general insurance is a financial product that comes in the clutch in such uncertainties to protect policyholders after paying a comparatively meagre premium. With the demand for insurance growing daily, the insurance sector constantly evolves to provide better services, more values, stringent regulations, and preventive mechanisms to tackle fraud.

Initially sold as a safety mechanism, online general insurance policies are now seen as more than they offer at face value. They are seen as investments, tax-saving opportunities, and more. However, some policyholders try to take advantage of loopholes in the policy wording to derive the most significant benefit by defrauding insurance companies by resorting to means like improper disclosure of facts, misrepresentation, etc.

With the recent wave of digitisation, the insurance regulatory authorities are setting their foot down and laying the framework for a transparent and non-conducive ecosystem for insurance fraud.

The issue.
Over the years, the insurance sector has seen an extreme change, from witnessing the risk-averse masses to offering facilitative services like online general insurance that are convenient for consumers with the benefits of additional features.

However, over time, the scope of the policies is being misinterpreted, leading policyholders to purchase multiple covers to increase their net insured sum payout. This has been noticed especially in the case of online general insurance, where various policies from multiple insurers are purchased to enhance the total payout.

The primary concern in such a situation is that each asset has a fixed value determined by careful expert assessment and evaluation. After risk evaluation, the premium, coverage extent, etc., are decided. Policyholders purchase multiple policies to override this constraint on the payout and often do not disclose the same to the existing insurer.

Another reason that caused the lack of complete data availability with insurers is the intense and duplicate paperwork. Customers used to skip several essential fields due to redundant questions and excessive effort.

The solution.
During times of heavy dependency on paperwork, it was difficult for insurers to identify such cases until the point of raising a claim. However, with technological advancements and the onset of the digital era, the insurance sector is not left behind in upgrading its ecosystem to tackle such concerns.

The account aggregator system, which is now applicable for all non-banking financial companies, data sharing concerning customers' investments and savings is set to transform the information availability for insurance providers.

The account aggregator system will make all relevant data available to authorised bodies electronically. The use of e-insurance accounts (e-IA) will only facilitate the process. While the e-IA, a digital portfolio of insurance policies held by an individual, is for the policyholder's benefit, the aggregator system makes all the necessary data accessible in a few simple clicks to prevent over-insurance, fact-check disclosures, and reduce paperwork.

The concerns.
Anywhere that data sharing takes place is seen as a significant concern due to the constant risk of data leaks, especially when dealing with such confidential information. However, the RBI has already announced and laid the foundation for an institution to take care of data collection and protection to assure policyholders and protect their interests.

As we progress technologically, we will be in a better position to respond to the dynamic demand across various sectors, of which insurance is one. Policyholders must take extra caution while evaluating and purchasing online general insurance policies to ensure their safety and comply with the relevant regulations.

Click HERE to buy online 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.