GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

It can be daunting to have your car breakdown in the middle of nowhere, even worse if it's raining or pitch-black outside. Roadside assistance is a lifesaver in such situations and something you should consider while investing in a car insurance policy.

Every car owner in India is required to have insurance. The critical piece of paper in your car's dashboard keeps you from getting a ticket and helps you arrange your finances. You can also buy car insurance online to protect yourself from financial stress in such situations.

That's not all, though. Car insurance add-ons protect you from the high costs of repairs and maintenance. One such add-on is roadside assistance.

Let's talk about this cover and why it's so important.

What is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance (RSA) is an optional coverage that helps you when your car breaks down. Some motor insurance companies include this protection as a standard feature, whereas others provide it as an optional add-on that the car owner can choose to purchase. RSA coverage does not count as a claim on your primary insurance policy if you need quick assistance.

How does RSA work?
Call your car insurance company for assistance, and a crew will arrive at your location in no time. Almost all services are free, but you may have to pay a fee in some cases. For example, if your vehicle needs to be towed, you will have to pay for it. Some companies also offer taxi services to your next destination.

What benefits does RSA offer?
The roadside assistance feature covers a wide range of circumstances, including the following:

1. Suppose you face a flat tyre issue. In this case, a mechanic will trace your location and arrive at the spot. The mechanic will inspect the situation and replace the flat tyre. If needed, your car might be towed to the nearest garage for better servicing. It saves you from looking for towing vans or garages to fix your vehicle.

2. Your car's battery might drain. Here, a mechanic will arrive on a call and assist you in jump-starting your vehicle and bringing it back on the road. This is one of the best benefits offered by RSA insurance, especially when you're travelling alone.

3. Suddenly running out of fuel can bring an annoying situation to you. However, the RSA insurance policy allows you to request 5 litres of fuel to reload your tank without any hindrance.

4. RSA covers breakdowns that require minor repairs on site.

5. If you lose your keys while on vacation, the insurer will help you get a new set of keys if you're within the reach of an approved limit of Kms.

6. The insurance company will arrange for immediate and safe towing to a nearby garage or authorised automobile centre in case of an accident.

Typically, roadside assistance services come with a different premium, depending on the plans chosen, the number of services required, and the size of the geographical area covered. Having a roadside assistance add-on can save you significant money in service fees. So, buy car insurance online today to safeguard your car and yourself in emergencies and ensure the best coverage for your possession.

Click HERE to know more about car 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.

With those delicious ice creams and mangoes, the warm summer months can provide a lot of joy! However, it's that time of year again, when we sweat through our pores and anxiously wait for the rains to come. Even for the most experienced of us, summer in India can be harsh, with increasing global warming and climate change contributing to it. It can be hazardous by increasing the risk of heatstroke, in addition to making us feel exhausted and sapped.

It is usually best to spend most of your time indoors if the temperatures are too high outside. However, this is not possible all the time. As a result, being well-prepared for the summer heat is the best approach to protect ourselves from it. While there are some precautions to avoid falling sick in the extreme summer heat, a health insurance plan is always noteworthy protection against any health ailment.

So, here's a list of some of the most simple and effective ways to protect yourself against the harmful effects of severe heat on your body.

1. Dress light:
Light, comfortable clothing is one of the most effective approaches to beat the summer heat when you're outside. Stick to lighter colours and breathable textiles like cotton. It will not only keep you cool and comfortable, but it will also prevent skin infections and irritations caused by skin-to-fabric friction. On the other hand, wearing dark-coloured clothing, such as black or brown, absorbs the sun’s rays, making you feel more burning than usual.

2. Rehydrate:
To compensate for the fluids lost from sweating, you need to drink plenty of water. Don't wait till you are thirsty, as it is not always a direct indication that your body requires more water. When exercising, tiny sips of liquid are preferable. The most excellent solution to restore lost fluids is water. If you sweat a lot, use water with salt added to it. You may also drink fresh fruit juices to keep yourself energetic, active, and fresh during the retiring summer days.

3. Eye gears:
Excessive exposure to the sun might harm the eyes permanently. One of the most common causes of unpleasant headaches is exposure to intense sunlight. Wear a good pair of sunglasses that give UV protection to safeguard your eyes and vision. If you use prescription glasses, you should look for lenses with an additional layer of UV protection. Also, after a long and exhausting day in the sun, applying an active cooling gel eye mask can provide significant comfort to your eyes.

4. Light diet:
Always choose a light diet over a heavy one. Fried and fatty foods impede the digestive system, negatively impacting general health. During the summer, stick to soft foods, particularly raw vegetables. Avoid alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee, which can promote dehydration. Tea and coffee inhibit the functioning of antidiuretic hormones, making you go to pee frequently.

5. Prevent skin damage:
It's impossible to overemphasise the need of wearing sunscreen, especially on hot days. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher appropriate for your skin type. Apply it for at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Try to wear full-sleeved clothes to avoid direct contact of your skin with the sun’s rays.

With its longer days, lovely blossoms, and evening breeze, summer comes with its own set of experiences, which we cannot avoid. We must be particularly cautious about our health and ensure that the heat does not suffocate us. The steps outlined here are for prevention and should be added with extra protection by the best health insurance if things don't go as planned. Stay safe this summer.

Click HERE to know more about 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.

People implemented many natural techniques to strengthen and maintain luscious and smooth hair in olden times. With the advancement of technology, many new factors came into the picture regarding hair care. Pollution, improper nutrition, and a hectic lifestyle are some of the main constituents determining your hair's health. But these elements might not be the only reason you might experience hair issues.

A lot of people complain about severe hair fall, receding hairlines, thinning of hair, split ends, etc. These are painful issues faced by people of all age groups and genders. And while medicines and specific treatments might work for some, that is not a feasible solution for everyone.

A lot of people think about going for a hair transplant. But before taking that step, you need to be aware of what to expect from the procedure.

Here are a few things you need to know if you consider a hair transplant.

1. Categorize yourself:
It's crucial to check all the boxes regarding eligibility to get started with the procedure. Though this procedure is not extensively invasive, the doctor needs to inspect the type and pattern of your hair, baldness, your health parameters, donor availability and quality. Make sure that you have realistic expectations regarding the results of this process.

2. Precautions to be taken:
There are several things you'll need to consider before beginning the process. These include the cost, results, and the products you'll need to use afterwards. Your doctor will give you a complete rundown of the procedure and the precautions you'll have to take beforehand.

3. Recovery:
Your scalp might feel tender or swollen after the procedure, in which case, the doctor might prescribe specific dietary instructions and medicines. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories medicines may help reduce your scalp issues and avoid infections. Zinc, iron and B-complex vitamins promote hair growth, so you must ensure to make them a part of your diet.

4. Research about the clinic:
It is essential to ensure that the clinic you'll be going to and the doctors performing the surgery are experienced and well-equipped. Many patients have terrible experiences after getting lured in with huge discounts and low prices and having their treatment done by less qualified doctors.

5. Types of transplants:
There are several hair transplant procedures you must know about. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a process in which the surgeon clears the donor area of your head and then extracts hair follicles individually with a microneedle.

The next type is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), in which the hair dissects a long strip of scalp from the donor area into 500-2000 follicles. These follicles are then placed into tiny cuts made in the recipient area.

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a smoother process in which an implanter is used to implant hair into the recipient area from the donor portion of your scalp.

These are a few things you should know before taking up a hair transplant. And while we are discussing health conditions that might lead to severe hair loss, you also need to think about your wellbeing and ensure your protection against other health ailments.

Health is unpredictable and can drain your pockets heavily under certain circumstances. We recommend you cover your health with an ideal insurance plan, and rest assured. A wise option would be to purchase online health insurance, which would cater to your needs and take care of your expenses. You can explore multiple deals online, but carefully go through all the details, terms and conditions and then purchase a policy that offers the maximum benefits.

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

Clear text and handwriting create a good impression on the person reading what you have written. While improving your handwriting was mandatory during school days, many people have taken this up to a higher level and started learning calligraphy recently.

Calligraphy is a type of art where you design and execute the writing elegantly. It is an ancient art form that is now making a huge comeback and gaining massive popularity. You can use a pen, ink or other writing instruments to practice calligraphy. Many people have structured their small businesses around drafting wedding cards, greeting cards, frames, posters, etc., in beautiful calligraphic styles.

Are you interested in calligraphy and want to improve your art? Here are a few tips and tricks to enhance your skills.

1. Draw your letters:
Do not consider calligraphy as writing sentences. Think of the words individually. Visualise what your whole sentence would look like and how it would make you feel. Structure that in your head, and then draw the letters beautifully. Make them interesting.

2. Which pens to use:
Before practising your strokes and letters, you need to understand the type of pens and nibs you would have to work with to attain a specific style. It would be best to opt for tools that suit your expertise. A beginner shouldn’t use the most traditional and expert-level tools and stress themselves.
Modern calligraphy gives you the liberty of starting with a pencil or a ballpoint pen. Once you move past the initial levels, experiment with different nibs, pens, and the intricacies that would come along and the strokes that would go with them.

3. Choosing the suitable sheets is important:
Try to look for the proper practice sheets that suit your skill level. You can either go for the sheets, which would help you practice tracing the letters or practice using reference sheets where you have to independently try and copy the style of the letters on a blank sheet. Many sheets have a base, a certain height and letters you can trace and draw for practice.

4. Be careful about spacing:
You need to ensure that the words and letters have equal spaces between them. Regular practice will help ensure consistency in writing. Dedicate time to writing and give special attention to the spacing between the letters.

5. What about the writing angle:
Find patterns in the script you are using as a reference. Using the correct writing angles helps you achieve a specific lettering style and pattern. (The angle here is the angle that you are writing at)
Many practice sheets come with a reference or an information box regarding the writing angle. Read the information carefully and accordingly implement it while writing.

6. Begin with modern calligraphy:
Modern calligraphy (also known as faux calligraphy) is easier to start with. There is no usage of traditional tools, and you can start with as simple a tool as a pen.
You don’t have to deal with the daunting tasks of understanding dip pen brushes, multiple strokes created by applying different pressure levels, etc. Faux calligraphy takes a more practical approach.

That’s a wrap on a few tips and tricks to enhance your calligraphy! Did you know that the art form of calligraphy helps improve your mental health? It is considered to be therapeutic and relaxing. Daily busy schedules and hectic routine life can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Indulging yourself in activities like calligraphy can do wonders.

Health is unpredictable, making it crucial to safeguard it with insurance to smoothly deal with unfortunate health emergencies. You should never compromise with your health. Therefore, select the policy that comes with the best coverage and long-term benefits. Explore your options and then purchase the best health insurance policy in India.

Click HERE to know more about buying 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.

We usually hear that last-moment plans are the most exciting ones. But, they come with their challenges. Making these plans and executing them are two different things. Either you compromise on your destination or pay extra for airfare, hotel stay, etc.

We always end up figuring out ways in which we can reduce the overall expense during the course of our travel and finding cheap alternatives to the otherwise exorbitant pricing of the peak season chaos.

This article will discuss a few tips and tricks that you can use to book cheap tickets for your next vacation and spend those extra bucks on good food and shopping

1. Picking the right time:
This is the simplest way to save some money on flight tickets. Booking way ahead of your actual travelling date ensures that you get the cheapest option. A common trend is to book your tickets anywhere between fifty to sixty days before your trip.
The closer you are to the travelling dates, the higher are the prices. The fares are generally the highest during the last two weeks before the flight.

2. Be flexible with your timings:
Airlines generally tend to charge less for early morning or late-night flights. Although it can be a little uncomfortable, you can see a reduction of up to twenty per cent from the actual prices when you make a booking for the wee hours.

3. Clear your cookies:
Based on your internet search history, airfares increase if a particular commute route is repeated often. Clear all cookies from your browser. Another alternative is to use the incognito mode.

4. Opt for low budget airlines:
Low-cost airlines aim to attract more passengers by significantly reducing their fares. However, choosing a low-cost airline means you will need to compromise on other aspects such as legroom, food onboard, etc. But this is a foolproof way of finding cheap tickets even at the last moment.

5. Use multiple websites:
Surfing through various websites to figure out the lowest fare is another easy way of securing cheap tickets. Sometimes, websites fail to share all the flight options on a particular day. Hence, it is good to look through at least 3 to 4 websites to get the best prices and deals.

6. Use alternative routes:
Booking direct flights can be expensive but hopping flights can save thousands on the ticket. If you're flexible with your timings and routes, hopping flights are the best to offer you cheaper flight options.

7. Use debit and credit card offers:
Various special offers are always running on your cards throughout the year. You can get reduced fares and cashback by using these cards while purchasing your tickets. To look for offers associated with your card, you can directly go to the website or do a quick google search.

These are a few tricks that will help you find cheaper airline tickets. Remember that cheap tickets can also mean compromising on other aspects of your travel. There might be hidden costs, baggage restrictions, inconvenient departures, or a luggage mixup.

Before you set out on your trip, you must buy general insurance. This will act as a safety net if you face any issues during your trip. Buy general insurance online to avoid the last-minute chaos and get the financial protection and other benefits to make your trip more enjoyable!

Click HERE to buy general 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.

Do you plan your next holiday break enjoying the enthralling desert safari? If yes, then your vacation will inevitably be more remarkable than you could have imagined. Losing oneself in a unique sandy landscape is a captivating experience.

Though an ordinary day in desert safari is loaded with daring energy, there are numerous opportunities for a prosperous evening to add fascinating experiences to your vacation. However, it can also be annoying to overlook a few travel essentials.

Therefore, here are a few things to take care of before starting your desert safari journey.

1. Consume a modest diet:
We highly advise you to have a light meal at least an hour before you depart. Nothing too greasy or hot. A desert ride, particularly dune-bashing, may be rough, and you wouldn’t want to land up with stomach problems arising midway.

2. Get in the perfect state of mind:
Although a journey to the desert is often exciting and adrenaline-pumping, it may also be tricky at times. Make sure that you are both emotionally and physically fit for the event. Bring a positive attitude, a spirit of adventure, and maybe a little bit of determination, and you are good to go!

3. Do not carry extra clothing:
Bringing a lot of clothing on a desert safari may seem to be okay, but it is not. Your desert safari excursion includes a lot of walking and moving. Walking with too much or heavy luggage is intricate and can be tiring. So, it’s best to pack a few light clothes and a pair of easy-to-wear shoes.

4. Pack nothing unnecessary:
Many individuals carry unnecessary items with them that they will never use. Consequently, the additional weight and space make it difficult to enjoy the safari thoroughly. Just pack the things that can be useful during emergencies, like your medications, water bottles, etc. Stocking water bottles is essential while on a desert safari due to the excessive sweating that may make you dehydrated. Consume liquid intake at regular intervals and carry food packets to keep you energetic throughout the safari.
It would be better if you also kept bandages and aspirin in your hand luggage. Don’t forget sunscreen and other desert essentials like a hat, sunglasses, etc.

5. Consider your instructor’s suggestions:
You must never disregard the directions provided to you because there is nothing more important than your safety. Sand bashing can be dangerous if the golden rules of dunes are not followed. So, unless you are physically prepared to participate in it and other outdoor adventures, we recommend that you play it as cautiously as possible.

While you are entirely ready for your desert safari tour, spending time in the desert is not that simple but not too challenging either. With the proper guidelines and advice, you will be just fine to capture the best moments traversing through the desert and experiencing some sun, sand, and fun.

Desert safari is an enticing activity that everyone should take at least once in their lifetime. Research the best places to do it and put this on your bucket list. Similarly, do your research on insurance and get the best general insurance for yourself before leaving for the trip. General insurance can add a layer of safety to your travel plans and ensure compensation even if you face any damage or loss during your trip.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Have you ever noticed thick black smoke being emitted from your car when you accelerate? This happens due to an engine blockage, more commonly encountered in diesel cars. Diesel engines have a bad record when it comes to pollutants and cleanliness. Most car owners ignore the smoke, assuming that it will go away on its own. It is true that when you start your car, there may be a brief blast of smoke that quickly dissipates. But, if it persists, smoke tailpipes suggest that your vehicle is unhealthy and needs repair. Let's have a detailed look at the causes for black smoke emission from the exhaust.

1. Clogged air filter:
A typical engine consumes all of its fuel and emits water and CO2. The presence of black smoke suggests that something is causing the fuel to burn only partially, resulting in an improper air/fuel mixture. Because diesel fuel is only one component of the combustion process, we must also consider air. If there isn't enough air going through to the engine, the blend will be overly rich, i.e. the ratio will favour the fuel. Estimation says that dirty or clogged air filters can increase particulate emissions (PM) by 40 to 50%.

2. Defective Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor:
As previously stated, all fuel consumed requires a proper air/fuel ratio. Not only must you ensure that the air filter is allowing adequate air in, but you must also ensure that the car's system is accurately measuring the amount of air entering the vehicle.
The MAF sensor is responsible for forming the engine's proper fuel and air mixture. If something is wrong, it will detect more airflow entering the system, resulting in fuel overload. Eventually, there will be unburned fuel that may result in dense black smoke from the exhaust.

3. Broken piston rings:
Piston rings aim to prevent engine oil from entering the combustion chamber. However, as the piston rings deteriorate with age and use, engine oil flows further into the combustion chamber. This oil reacts with the fuel, forming an undesirable mixture, and the combustion of this mixture produces black smoke.
A comprehensive private car insurance India plan addresses all engine repairs or replacement issues of your vehicle. So, always purchase the engine protection cover add-on plan, as it will cover any damage or loss to your car's engine under your car insurance policy.

4. Excessive oil consumption:
Black smoke by excessive oil consumption is caused by worn valves and valve stem seals, stuck/sluggish rings deposits, and worn cylinder liners. The incorrect oil, extended drain intervals, dirty oil, and failure to maintain proper oil levels can lead to engine wear and deposits.

Getting to the bottom of reasons for excessive smoke emission ensures you're not overlooking a bigger, more expensive problem. Maintaining your vehicle can save you money while keeping you safe on the road.

If you're worried about engine problems, a good idea is an engine protection cover with your private car insurance India plan for your four-wheeler. This add-on provides comprehensive coverage for your vehicle's engine in exchange for a slight increase in your insurance rate. So upgrade for an enhanced quality of your vehicle and ensure maximum safety.

Click HERE to know more about private 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.

Taking care of one’s body is often neglected. We overlook the hints, wait for the symptoms to worsen, and only take action when the situation gets out of control. Being negligent of one’s health can have various long-term complications and cause the condition to become untreatable.

A routine lifestyle, ample exercise, and regular health checkups are mandatory to ensure good health. One thing to remember is that your body gives you constant signs about its health in the form of frequent pains, dizziness, lethargy, etc.

Understanding the severity and taking immediate action can help you ensure better health. As mentioned above, pain is an indicator of various problems in your body, and while most of them can be soothed by home remedies, it is best to pursue professional help if the pain persists.

Today we will look at a few indicators that signal your next chiropractor visit.

1. Headaches:
The tension in the neck muscles and inflammation of the joints can cause severely painful headaches. A chiropractor can reduce the tension by manipulating your spine and significantly reducing headaches.

2. Joint pain:
If you are someone who suffers from constant pains in the joints and muscles, it is not advisable to take over-the-counter medications. Severe joint pains can arise due to problems in musculoskeletal alignment. A chiropractor’s work ensures optimal body functioning and relieves joints and muscles from unnecessary pain and discomfort.

3. Backache:
Many people experience severe back pain due to various factors such as poor ergonomics, working habits, body postures, and continuously sitting at a desk. A chiropractor can help you fix these problems without using medicines or expensive surgeries.

4. Limited movement:
Reduced flexibility leading to restricting movement requires a visit to a chiropractor. Realigning the bones and joints and relieving knots and tension areas can increase the body’s range to work at optimal potential.

5. Shooting pains:
Having sharp and shooting sensations, feeling tingles and weakness can signify pinched nerves or slip discs. A chiropractor is trained to diagnose the exact cause of this pain and perform a spinal adjustment to remove any unwanted pressure on the nerve to reduce the pain.

6. Lifestyle:
People who are often subjected to excessive strain and pressure in sports and gymming can be at greater risk of injuries. Prolonged activities can lead to pinched nerves, slip discs etc. Consult your chiropractor regularly to ensure correct postural alignment and fix other issues related to the same.

7. Injury:
Any recent injury can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and misalignment. You should visit the chiropractor only after your wounds and other injuries have healed.

Consider the above comprehensive list of all things if you are thinking of visiting your chiropractor. Remember that you should not wait for the pain to worsen and affect your daily activities. If it persists, see your chiropractor immediately. If you are a desk worker or someone who indulges in rigorous physical activity such as dancing, sports etc., fixing an appointment with a chiropractor will ensure good postural alignment and reduced tension in your muscles.

Older people are susceptible to joint and muscular pains, so regular checkups and visits to the chiropractor can help. Consider investing in health insurance options for your parents. Doing some research online can help you find the best health insurance in India for your parents. So, you can rest assured about yourself and your parents’ health.

Click HERE to know more about the best health insurance in India for parents.

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.