GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

The past couple of years saw an increasing trend of people inculcating gardening in their daily lives. As people were locked down as the pandemic peaked, having a little plant companion was the best way to stay cheerful during challenging times. Having greens around not only enhances the house's beauty but also purifies the air and supplies oxygen.

While taking care of plants might initially seem daunting, gardening can become therapeutic once you know all the little knick-knacks. Today we will look at the tips and tricks that will help you start your gardening journey.

1. Start small:
Setting up your garden need not be expensive. Use the take-out boxes and old paint boxes lying around your house to pot new plants. You can find the seeds/saplings and the soil at dirt-cheap prices in your nearby nursery. Or you can even use the seeds from the groceries in your very own kitchen.

2. Succulents:
They can survive extreme weather conditions and require almost zero maintenance. They only need direct sunlight for at least 3-4 hours a day and water once a week. Since they are used to surviving in low moisture conditions, you can breathe easy, knowing your plant won't die.

3. Own your kitchen garden:
Having a kitchen garden gives you the positive reinforcement you need. Plants like tomato, ginger, garlic, and gourds do not take up much of your time. You can invest in the soil and see the returns. Using your homegrown vegetables and herbs will be the best reward you deserve.

4. Prepare your compost:
All you need to do is separate your kitchen waste and put it into a pot explicitly kept for this purpose. Then, mix the waste and soil every once in a while to ensure the soil takes up all the nutrients from the waste. This way, you will have your compost ready! Mix this while preparing your pot for new plants.

6. Preventing insects and mealybugs:
As a beginner, you might face challenges while buying insecticides. Making your insecticide solution at home can be an option for you. Adding 3 ml shampoo to one litre of water in a spraying pump and spraying it under the leaves is an excellent way to get rid of mealybugs.
Using diluted rice water is also an effective solution to get rid of tiny insect infestation on your plants. These home remedies are more efficient and cost-effective than the other chemicals.

7. Tools for beginners:
Tools are used to toss the soil, remove weeds and cut out any infected leaf. These can be done with any readily available tools in our homes. But if you must invest in your gardening toolkit, then spades, gloves, and pruning scissors are required in the beginning. Later, you can add forked trowels, garden forks, etcetera, when you build your garden further.

Since most of us are beginners, we should be careful when dealing with soil and tools. Chances are we might be susceptible to infections and Paronychia. They are mostly treated at home, but at times you might need to get yourself proper medications for the same. Getting a personal accident insurance policy would help you rest assured in case of any such mishaps. Planting and gardening can add value to your life, and having a safety net in the form of personal accident insurance only adds value to your experiences. Here's to hoping that this list is just the right motivation to start your gardening journey.

For more details on personal accident insurance policy, click HERE .

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 vision is critical for safe driving because it accounts for over 90% of our driving reaction time. Unfortunately, our eyesight changes dramatically at night, and we lose a significant amount of depth perception, colour vision, and peripheral vision. After dusk, the glare of oncoming traffic obstructs our eyesight even more.

As a result of this momentary blindness, accidents are bound to occur. Here, we bring some handy tips to reduce high beam glare problems while driving at night. However, remember that investing in a motor insurance policy is of utmost importance for all vehicle owners as it provides total protection against physical damage or loss due to natural or artificial disasters. Therefore, before stepping out, check your online motor insurance renewal and keep your documents in order.

Now, check these helpful tips to reduce high beam glare problems while driving at night.

1. Anti-glare glasses:
Examine your vision regularly. Ask your optician about no-glare corrective lenses if you wear prescription glasses. Check your glasses for scratches, which can exacerbate glare. Also, exposure to glare while day driving can hamper your vision at night. Wear polarised sunglasses throughout the day to protect your eyes and lower the possibilities of vision impairment while driving at night.

2. Spotless windshields and other glass surfaces:
During the day, a dirty windshield may not be apparent, but it might produce glare at night. Refraction of light and distorted vision on the road can occur due to the glass's streaks. Clean the inside of the windshield, as plastic compounds can accumulate on the glass over time. Remove the filth and oxidised rubber from the edge of the wiper blades with a paper towel and windshield washer fluid to help keep streaks at bay.

3. Position the car mirrors:
The placement of a car's mirrors can help control the intense glare and avoid blind spots to get an accurate judgement of vehicles approaching from both sides. Change the "night" setting on your rearview mirror with the lever on the mirror. Cars' lights will still be visible behind you, but they will be much dimmer.

4. Don't look straight, look right:
Avoid being blinded by high beams that hit you square in the face by looking down the right side of the road. Concentrate on the lane's edge or the painted edge line until the automobile passes. At hilltops, at curves, and crossroads, be mindful of oncoming vehicles' unexpected bursts of light.

5. Take a break:
If you're driving at night for an extended amount of time, take frequent stops. Taking a break relieves fatigue and allows your eyes to recover.

6. Be conscious:
Take basic precautions to avoid blinding other motorists. To begin, make careful use of your high beams. Use your low headlights most of the time and high beams only when essential. Slow down and make sure you have control of your vehicle if another driver uses high beams and fails to dim the lights as you approach.

These tips can assist in driving in the dark without being blinded by other vehicles' headlights. Shield your car with online motor insurance renewal against any such automobile accidents.

Click HERE to do your online motor insurance renewal in easy steps.

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.

Today, it's no longer necessary to use drum brakes on commuter bikes. As technology has advanced, they've become unnecessary for the two-wheelers. Drum brakes operate by squeezing shoes against a lining in the drum itself; this causes friction and stops your bike. They become less effective as they heat up, so they're not ideal for biking over long distances.

To stay safe while biking, it's essential to have a bike with an anti-lock braking system. If your bike doesn't have ABS, you're putting yourself in danger. With cars, it's been a safety feature for years. And now, bike riders can enjoy the security of it too. However, safety is incomplete without ideal two-wheeler insurance that provides the best damage cover. Make the buying process hassle-free by opting for two-wheeler insurance online. Browse through numerous options, and then buy one that fits your needs.

What is ABS, and how does it work?
An anti-locking braking system (ABS) is a system that helps you avoid skidding on slippery surfaces, with its ability to stop wheels from locking up. It's a great way to add safety to your bike journeys.
ABS is the latest generation of motorcycle braking systems. It can avoid the sudden locking of wheels in all types of road conditions and terrains. ABS is a safety system that forces fluid through a circuit of valves and pipes to prevent the wheel from locking up while braking in hazardous conditions.

Importance of ABS in Bikes
Your car's brakes should always be at peak performance, whether you have ABS or not. There are several benefits of having ABS, the main ones being:

• The advanced traction control technology is effective because it improves traction on the road. That's why you can now find it in new auto models. It also helps you avoid slipping and sliding.

• Anti-lock braking systems are essential for slowing down in every type of weather. For example, these systems are crucial when the road is wet after a rainstorm. They prevent wheel lockups by pumping brake fluid to the brakes to control the speed of your bike. These systems can save lives because they allow riders to stay in control of their bikes.

• An excellent anti-lock braking system will increase the resale value of your bike. However, remember that ABS is standard on most modern cars or bikes, so not having one could lower the potential resale value of the vehicle.

• Anti-lock brakes are an investment that can reduce the risk of accidents. So, if you have ABS installed on your vehicle, you might get better insurance rates. Check your 2 wheeler insurance online policy for your bike with ABS.

The government made the Anti-Lock Braking System mandatory for all four and two-wheelers manufactured in the country. This is an important step towards improving road safety for commuters and lowering road accidents. With the Anti-Lock Braking System, your safety and riding experience certainly gains significance.

Click HERE to buy the best 2 wheeler 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.

Two Factor Verification (2FA) is recognized by many names, such as two-step authentication, two-step verification, and even multi-factor authentication (MFA). In simple terms, to get access to an app, platform, or network, the end-users must ascertain their identities using two forms of IDs. One is their password, and the other factor can be anything, an OTP, biometric scan, a security question, etc.

2FA adds an extra degree of security by safeguarding user IDs and preventing cybercriminals from accessing online resources. Cyber attackers have to confront an additional barrier to access with 2FA in place. Even if hackers know a user's password, they must guess the second factor, which might be challenging based on the authentication factor allowed.

In today's post, we'll go over how this technology protects individuals and organisations from people with malicious intents out in this world headed for Metaverse.

1. Looking beyond passwords:
Generally, offices use single-factor authentication (username & password) to grant access to their services. However, these procedures are insufficient to protect users nowadays.
This is due to users often not adhering to best practices when setting a password. Although strong password rules may help companies reduce these habits, other offenses, such as writing down passwords, using the same passwords across various accounts, or discussing passwords with others, are common challenges at the workplace.
This is where 2FA comes in. It is tough to bypass a second authentication stage as it generally involves biometrics (which can't be faked), TOTPs (Time-bound and ever-changing), etc.

2. An efficient way to fight phish based attacks:
Phishing is a form of cyber assault in which people with malicious intentions send a bogus email that mines for sensitive data. It is one of the top web hazards confronting businesses today.
Phishing emails seem to be sent by respectable organisations and often invite people to log in to their social network, bank, or business accounts. Unfortunately, many consumers are duped by the nature of these emails and input their credentials, giving their passwords and access to sensitive information to hackers.
Let's say you have fallen for the phishing trap, and the hacker has your password. They will try to log in to your account and fail because the second layer of authentication will be waiting for them. One wrong attempt on the second stage will prompt you about a possible breach. You can immediately reset the passwords.

3. A single compromised account might be the tip of the iceberg:
If the same password or its variants are used for multiple accounts, the hacker may acquire access to all of them. Since a typical user handles over 80+ accounts on average, there's a potential risk the hacker will access other credentials. They may steal critical information from inside and even sell the hacked credentials.
If hackers manage to crack into your account and try to work their way to other accounts, they will not be able to get in.

In the future, companies plan to include Geolocation, device type, time of day to assist if a user should be authenticated or restricted. Furthermore, behavioural indicators can be discreetly tracked in real-time to enable continuous authentication. These are things for the future, though. Use the 2FA technology available to secure your online identity from hackers.

Another great weapon to add to your arsenal is public liability insurance. It covers you against identity theft, cyber extortion, unauthorised transactions, and numerous other cyber hazards. In today’s technologically equipped world, your life can be on a digital marketplace in just a few clicks, even ensuring system security is made easy online. Compare different public liability insurance prices and select a plan that matches your requirements without being too heavy on your pockets. Trust us; it is well worth it.

Consider checking the public liability insurance prices HERE.

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 utilise the internet in almost every aspect of our lives, looking for information, shopping, banking, online learning, playing games, and communicating with family and friends via social media. The data transferred over the internet could include banking and other financial records and medical information—all of which we desire to keep private. However, if the device is not protected, it may lead to malicious activities.

Hackers can access your most sensitive information with their vicious mindset. Consider purchasing a public liability insurance policy to protect the commercial business from various first and third-party liabilities. Here are seven suggestions to help you protect your office computers and other mobile devices from malicious intruders.

1. Antivirus:
Antivirus software protects your computer from malicious code or malware that could cause your operating system to malfunction. Get security solutions that support numerous technologies if your operating system didn't come pre-installed with it.

2. Use private Wi-Fi:
Avoid using public Wi-Fi on your device to prevent threat actors from gaining access to your device and downloading private files. Most public Wi-Fi hotspots don't encrypt data, so your connection to the Wi-Fi is visible to others. This poses a major threat to your device.

3. Complex password:
Obtaining a set of login and password combos from one source and trying those same combinations elsewhere is one of the easiest ways for hackers to get information. Therefore, the most important strategy to prevent network breaches is to use complex safe passwords.

4. Two-factor authentication:
Passwords are the first line of defense against cybercrime but adding a second layer of protection increases security. Many websites allow you to use two-factor authentication, which increases safety by asking you to verify your identity using at least two separate approaches.

5. Avoid spam mails:
Phishing attacks are when hackers send messages that appear to be authentic to deceive you into giving personal information. Always be wary of such emails from unknown senders, and never click on links or open attachments in them.

6. Substantiate app permission:
When you install an application, it will most likely ask for access to several of the device's most important features, including the camera, email, contact list, photo gallery, and location. If any of those features appear fishy, then disallow.

7. Be up-to-date:
Smartphone makers and app developers issue software updates regularly, which frequently contain security enhancements. So make sure your smartphone's software is up to date to avoid the risks of breaches.

You can protect your PCs and network from security breaches by using a combination of security technologies and best practices. The internet is a treasure trove of data and connections. If you use it with caution, you'll have a fantastic and safe time.
In today's dynamic business world, no matter how strong your corporate structure is, it is subject to a range of risks. As a result, it's a good idea to get public liability insurance policy to cover your needs and counter the damages caused by attacks due to vulnerabilities.

To look for the public liability insurance policy, click HERE!

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 best view arrives after the hardest trek," and there is no denying that. The beautiful valleys, the breath of fresh air, the stunning views are just a few of the many rewards you get at the end of a trek. We have heard about the experiences of avid trekkers, and each of them, without fail, has mentioned that everyone should go trekking at least once in their lifetime.

Trends show that more and more people are leaning towards new outdoor experiences, and trekking is something they want to enjoy. While choosing a destination isn't challenging, zeroing in on the other aspects of your travel becomes essential. One crucial question is whether to travel solo or in groups. Today we will try to shed light on both of these to help you make an informed decision before your next trip.

Why travel solo?
People have often associated trekking with catharsis. They enjoy the peace, quiet, and sometimes the mini-adventures that come with it. Navigating through unknown roads, climbing treacherous terrains, cooking your food, and enjoying your solitude is what any travel enthusiast dreams of. This means that you are fully responsible for everything that happens during that trek, and the experience is unique to you.
Another vital aspect is that since you are the sole proprietor of your journey, every decision made and every skill used comes from your judgement. This is an incredible way of learning your strengths and making yourself confident for future solo trips. The added benefit of going solo is that you set your milestones.
You aren't worried about being left behind, you don't have to race to the top to ensure you get the ideal spot for your tent, and you don't have to depend on other people's time. Instead, you get to explore like a wanderer.

Why travel in a group?
Shared knowledge is the best knowledge. When you travel in a group, there is a chance you might meet skilled travellers. Travelling with them helps you gain better insights into immersive experiences, and more often than not, they have tips and tricks to help you in your journey to the top.
There is a zeal associated with travelling in groups, where people constantly support each other and share new stories. There is a powerful sense of euphoria when you stand together, looking at the beautiful view from the top with each other. In addition, there is a distribution of responsibilities, some help in pitching the tent, some help in lighting the fire, and others help with the cooking process.
Travelling in a group ensures the safety of everyone, and in case of injury, there is always someone to help you. And by the end of your expedition, you make many new friends with whom you share fond memories.

These are some of the benefits of travelling solo and in a group. Treks can be a wonderful experience if done right, and in a country like India, there are a plethora of options that you can explore. Some groups conduct annual treks. Signing up with one can be an excellent start to your trek experience.

Keep in mind that your safety is of utmost priority no matter how you travel. So carry a first aid kit, visit your doctor for a checkup, and don't forget to buy general insurance online to get exciting deals and protect yourself from landing into unnecessary trouble.

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.

Driving is a predominantly visual activity. Only learning the controls of the car is not enough. Good visualisation is one of the essential skills to develop when driving a car. Although you must concentrate on the road ahead, it is crucial to have a clear view of the sides and back of the car as well. Adjusting the side and rearview mirrors is vital to ensure a well-rounded view while driving.

Further, you should rely on emergency financial help by investing in dependable motor insurance India plans in case of road accidents, as it is always better to be safe than sorry.

All cars have blind spots; therefore, adjusting your rearview and side mirrors to the optimum can ensure maximum visibility and safety on the road. In this article, we tell you how to use your car mirrors efficiently and avoid the chances of accidents while driving.

1. Rearview mirror:
The rearview mirror, positioned next to the driver’s seat slightly above their eye level, is used to see the road behind and if any cars are approaching. The driver must adjust the rearview as per their height and comfort as soon as they get into the driver’s seat.
To adjust the angle of the mirror, sit up straight in a comfortable position, hold your head still, look into the rearview and shift it until the back or rear window is entirely visible in the mirror. Do this to avoid any blind spots. If more than one person is driving the same car, make sure to check the rearview mirror every time you get into the driving seat and readjust it to the best angle, in case it has been shifted as per another driver’s comfort.
When driving at night, flip the tab at the bottom of the rearview mirror that helps dim the light reflected by the headlights of the cars approaching behind you that may strain or blind you. In addition, some advanced car models enter and exit night mode to aid your visualisation.

2. Side mirrors:
Every car has a single side mirror on the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively. As they are located outside of the car, it can be difficult to manoeuver them from inside. While many modern car models have levers or buttons that help adjust the side mirrors from the inside, some of them may not.
If your car does not have a lever or buttons to adjust the side mirrors, make sure to do so manually, right after you adjust the rearview mirror. Sit upright in the driver’s seat, first glance to one side, and adjust that mirror to an angle that helps reflect the side of the road. Shift it to a wide angle to get a comprehensive view of the side of the road. Repeat the same method for the mirror on the other side. If you have a lever or button inside the car, angle the side mirrors using it. The side mirror should provide a wide sideways view in just a simple glance.
The pro tip is to adjust the side mirrors to an angle that allows you to see right from the side of the road to the very back, including the approaching car, to maintain a safe distance.

Following these few tips to adjust the car mirrors can vastly improve your visualisation and assist you considerably while driving. It leaves very little room for errors or accidents. Apart from angling the mirrors, you must also check the wheel alignment, tyre pressure, oil levels, acceleration, and brake control to ensure safety before hitting the road.

Also, prioritise investing in motor insurance India plans and get the perks of financial coverage in case of loss or damages during accidents. Add value to your possession and get the best returns with assured safety.

Click HERE to know more about motor insurance India 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.

Indoor rodent infestations may have significantly reduced over the years; however, they still pose a threat outdoors. While we hear several stories about the damage caused by rodents and insect infestations in cars, we rarely hear about how badly they can damage two-wheelers.

Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are primarily attracted to areas where they can find ample warmth and hide. For them, bikes that have been stored away in garages for the long term make a perfect home. Although these mice usually take shelter in cars, bikes are a perfect warm spot for them, specifically in the winter months.

What are the threats caused to your bike by mice?
If you think rust is the worst thing that can harm your bike, you may be wrong. Mice and other such rodents can be far more damaging to your two-wheeler. From chewing on bike parts and wiring to building nests inside your engine, mice can cause terrible damage.
Mice are quick to chew into various parts of the bike, especially wiring. This can cause the engine and other parts to fail and is very difficult to fix. These damages incur high costs for the maintenance of your bike. In addition, it can be challenging to reach and repair the internal parts of the bike that have been damaged, causing unfavourable wear and tear in the process.
The nests created in internal parts of the bike are another major issue. Mice store food and other materials in the nests, which can clog the engine. They carry diseases and germs that can be detrimental to your health. If the nest is built near the air filter, there is a considerable danger of expelling rodent excrement every time you start the bike, leading to the spread of airborne viruses.

How to keep mice away?
Whether you are trying to get rid of the mice or are simply taking preventive measures to protect your vehicle, these few tips will go a long way in avoiding any more damage caused by rodents:

1. Mice try to find places that humans or other animals don’t regularly use. A stored bike in the garage or outdoors is one such place. The easiest thing to prevent this is to take the bike out for a ride frequently.

2. A simple mouse trap can help catch the ones that may be inside your vehicle. Keep the bike in a shed or enclosed area, set enough mouse traps around and underneath the bike, and check after a couple of days.

3. You can find many mice or rodent repellent sprays and medicines in local stores or online. Spraying these all over the bike will help chase away all the mice dwelling in and around the two-wheeler and prevent any more rodents from coming near it.

4. Block all mouse holes or hiding places in the garage where you store your bike. Making it a rodent-free zone is crucial. Avoid parking the bike in forested areas or lands with tall grass to avoid any future infestation.

5. Mice have a strong sense of smell and can be highly affected by it. Applying peppermint oil on tiny buds of cotton and placing them in various corners of the vehicle can help drive them away.

These tips may not undo all the damage caused to your vehicle, but it’s always good to be aware. So, be wise enough to have bike insurance so that you can recover the damage caused by mice. Also, if your bike insurance plan covers non-collision damages, you can easily file a claim.

Click HERE to get the best deals on bike 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.