GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Pregnancy is a challenging time. Many nurturing, care and precautions ensure that the baby and the mother stay healthy. A lot of support is required from the family during the pregnancy. And it is essential to keep the mother happy as these things can eventually affect her mood, hormones and safeguards the baby’s health and wellbeing.

You cannot risk the slightest ounce of things. Women take care of many things and go through multiple challenges while carrying the baby. They have to curb many activities, food, drinks, etc., to ensure that the baby’s health doesn’t get affected. A lot of sacrifices come across on the journey of a to-be-mother.

But, you also need to bust the stereotypes and myths that pregnant women cannot drive. They just need to be extra careful to ensure they don’t cause any harm to themselves and the baby or end up over-exerting themselves by driving around for the chores.

Are you looking for some pointers on how you need to be careful about driving a car during pregnancy? Here are a few best tips for ladies to get started.

1. Avoid jerks:
You might be driving through a road that is in poor condition or under construction, and there is a lot of debris lying around. Make sure not to panic or speed up. You need to minimise the risk of jerks and bumps. Be calm and steady. Jerks and high speeds can trigger nausea in pregnant women since they are highly prone to motion sickness.

2. Comfortable position:
Your back needs to be well-rested. Do not force yourself to sit upright as it might put a physical load on your belly, affecting the baby and posture. Lean back your seat to a convenient position that makes it easy to drive and causes no stress on your back, belly, or chest.

3. Breaks are important:
You cannot run the risk of clots or swelling in your feet and palms. You can get out of the car, stand, and stretch as much as possible. Consult with a doctor about postures. Avoid experimentation during this crucial time.

4. Comfort essentials:
You can use a seat pillow, back support, or a neck pillow according to your choice and convenience to support your body and stay comfortable during driving. These handy and supportive equipment help your body retain the posture without putting too much stress on your body. This would eliminate the chances of discomfort or putting any physical pressure on the baby.

5. Artificial fragrances are a no go:
You should eliminate any weird and stale-smelling gases before you start driving the car. Roll down the windows or blast the a/c to ensure there is no hint of stale smells. Staying in the presence of such gases can cause detrimental effects on the baby. Avoid using artificial car fragrances too. They contain toxins and chemicals which can have adverse effects on the health of the pregnant lady and the unborn child.

That’s a wrap on a few best tips for ladies to drive a car during pregnancy. Also, make sure that you carry a complete kit with pregnancy and delivery essentials for an emergency. You also need to ensure that your car is well maintained to avoid any troubles while the ladies drive the vehicle during pregnancy.

Purchasing car insurance would help you protect your vehicle against financial damages. Do your research and browse multiple options and buy the one which provides you with the best car insurance price in India and caters to your needs.

Click HERE to know more about where you can find the best car insurance price 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.

Toxic waste should not be thrown in the trash, flushed down the drain, or dumped in the yard. Instead, you must dispose of these liquid wastes to avoid damaging the environment, groundwater contamination and save yourself and others from the polluted surroundings.

In this post, we have provided ways to dispose of automotive fluids and chemicals safely.

1. Used engine oils:
These fluids can contaminate millions of gallons of groundwater and disturb pedogenesis. So, for the appropriate disposal of these oils and recycling them, you must follow these simple methods.

• Store all the used oils: If you change engine oils frequently, you must have a separate container that holds all the used oil. Most retailers sell their oils in a reusable container, making separating and storing the used oil easier. Once you have sorted the oil, you can return it to the dealer after labelling it as "WASTE OIL." Your retailer will then recycle the oil for the petroleum industry or use it in furnaces for burning purposes.

• Recycling the waste: Once you have drained the used oil from your vehicle, you can use it for oiling your cycle chains, motor chains, or you can use it for other minor household purposes.

NOTE: Do not use waste oil in any vehicle. This will damage your engine and lower the performance of the car.

2. Antifreeze or Coolant:
Initially, you have to drain out all the coolant in a clean pan from your radiator without spilling a single drop of it. Once you have done that, store the coolant in a tightly sealed bottle at a place away from children. To recycle used coolant, you can give it to a mechanic or a car utility shop.
Many shops have machines that recycle the used coolants by filtering out the glycol from the previously used coolant. They add specific additive packages and solvents that turn it into a new coolant. After this process, all that is left is a teaspoon of sludge that can be disposed of with the other insoluble particles.
But there is a catch here: you will have to ensure that no other fluid is mixed with the coolant while transferring it. Even a single drop of oil or other substance will make it nearly impossible to conduct the recycling process.

3. Brake fluids:
Disposing brake fluids is easy and does not require much effort. All you need to do is collect all the brake fluid in a container and keep it in the open air. As the brake fluid is alcohol-based, it will evaporate in two days. As a precautionary measure, make sure that you keep the container away from the reach of pets, children or a source of fire or ignition.

The chemical fluid used in cars can be fatal for the environment. Once these chemicals are mixed into the atmosphere, they can disturb many living organisms' and adversely affect the ecosystem. Not just this, if these fluids make their way into any other part of your vehicle, they can cause severe damage. The repairing of the damaged parts can drain your pockets significantly. However, you can avoid this by investing in a car insurance plan that will cover the expenses of the repair work and servicing. Get online car insurance to avail the benefits of policy add-ons for financial freedom.

Learn more about the benefits of online car insurance 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.

Petrol engines do not create much power at low rpm; they must rotate quickly before delivering enough power to the wheel. The clutch is a device used to gradually and smoothly introduce power into the engine.

Motorcycle companies provide two types of clutches in their bikes- a wet-type and a dry-type. Today's blog will give you all the information on both types.

How does a clutch work?
Before we get into the types, let's understand how a typical clutch works. Consider two plates, one attached to the engine and the other to the gearbox. There is no contact between the engine and the gearbox. When they come into contact, the friction allows a transfer of power. When the force is increased, the amount of power transferred increases correspondingly.

Now that you know the functioning let's get into the types.

Dry Clutch:
A dry-type clutch is not immersed in liquid and engages by the principle of friction. The clutch plate is located outside of the engine housing. This implies it is in direct contact with the air and receives no lubrication. Since the plate gets heated due to friction, the dry-type clutch is usually bigger to increase the surface area of the clutch plate for effective cooling via air.

Essential things to know about a dry clutch:

• The torque transmission of Dry Clutch is better due to the absence of oil.

• Dry clutches are typically single-plated.

• The noise in a dry clutch is greater and lasts longer as wear and tear increases.

• Dust particles can gather in the clutch's casing.

• The life cycle of a dry clutch is typically shorter.

• A dry clutch has a high repair demand and expense.

Wet Clutch:
Wet clutches, as opposed to their dry counterpart, are coated with engine oil, allowing the clutch plates to cool. As a result, wet clutches withstand more significant damage. They are quieter at rest, making them ideal for stop-and-go traffic.
The presence of lubricant lowers the torque transmitting capacity due to a lower coefficient of friction between the clutch plates.

Essential things to know about a wet clutch:

• A wet clutch plate(s) is found within the engine housing.

• Wet clutches are employed in high torque circumstances where friction levels are high.

• Wet clutches have substantially less wear and tear.

• The oil filter in the wet clutch casing removes dust particles.

• The life cycle of a wet clutch is often longer.

• A wet clutch has very minimal maintenance needs and costs.

Here is all you need to know about clutches. Most bikers prefer a wet clutch since it is ideal for most on-the-road sports bikes.

However, if you want all the horsepower that you get from an engine, as in the case of an all-out racing bike, you should opt for dry clutches. While you decide on the clutch type, opt for bike insurance online to protect clutches from unforeseen wear and tear in the long run. Reliable bike insurance will cover the expenses required for the repair work of your bike.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance online.

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

From Christmas to New Year, winter is welcomed as the joyful season. Despite the temperature falling, this season spreads its charm throughout the world, and the reasons to celebrate don't end. Nonetheless, for all of the delight that the season brings, it also bears bitterly cold weather, as well as a burlap sack full of mist, wind, and snow. Pretty knitwear, beautiful sunsets, countless cups of hot chocolate, and crisp evenings indoors are all things to look forward to.

However, it is no pleasure to have the wind blowing through your house, leaving you with chattering teeth and ice-cold feet. Following is a list of the best ways to keep your house warm during these days of inevitable coldness.

1. Use thermostatic radiator valves:
These valves function by letting you schedule the heating to turn on at predetermined intervals, helping you save energy by only using it when required. In addition, the new smart thermostats let you operate remotely via your smartphone.

2. Make use of curtains:
Sunlight is free, hence take advantage of it. Open your curtains during the daytime for abundant free heat. Close your windows as it becomes darker to provide another insulating layer and preserve the heat in your rooms. You can also opt for heavy curtains to obstruct the cool breezes from getting in.

3. Make the most of your ceiling fan:
Consider placing a fan at the top of your stairway to drive warm air rising through the floors back down to you. If you reverse the flow direction of your fan, warm air will be blown back into the room. Set the fan speed to low for optimum efficiency.

4. Reorganize your furnishings:
Be tactical with your furniture arrangement and check whether the sofa or bed is blocking the radiator and preventing it from heating the entire room. Place frequently used furniture around any heat source to get enough warmth.

5. Use rugs to cover the flooring:
Having rugs and carpets in your home will naturally help in improving insulation. In addition, it is stylish to layer rugs, so you won't have to go for a single enormous pattern to cover a wider area, and your house will seem instantly warmer.

6. Replace your boiler:
If your current boiler is more than a decade old, it's probably time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient type. An old, outdated boiler may consume more power, increasing your electricity bill significantly. However, a brand new one is less likely to have any problems and will consume less energy to generate the same amount of heat.

Winters are challenging, especially if you live in the frigid regions of our country. These are some ideas to keep your home warm and safe during the cold season. However, apart from these tips, insurance is crucial to protect your home throughout the year and add value to it. Purchase the best house insurance India plans that meet your requirements and look for the best deals available to get maximum return on your investment.

To browse through our house insurance India plans, 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.

Tobacco use is both a physical and mental addiction. This deadly habit has affected a vast population worldwide. Nowadays, smoking and chewing tobacco observe no age as the majority of the youth are trapped under the negative influence of excessive tobacco use, which becomes irresistible and difficult to quit.

Nicotine delivers a transient high. To quit smoking, you must prohibit both the addiction and the associated behaviours and routines. With the correct assistance and quitting strategy, smokers can overcome their habit even if they've tried and failed previously.

We're all aware of the harm caused by smoking and how it isn't easy to quit. When you stop getting your tobacco dose regularly, your body goes through physical withdrawal symptoms.

Following are ten tips that will guide you to quit smoking in no time.

1. Make a quitting strategy:
Following the "no puff" criterion is always beneficial. Consider challenging situations and prepare your moves. Promise yourself not to smoke and stick to this until the cravings pass.

2. Observe when you require a smoke:
Identify the times when your cravings are at peak and avoid those situations. Instead, engage yourself during this time to keep you from giving in.

3. Get going:
Exercising is a known way to reduce addiction. For example, a simple 5-minute walk or stretch helps your brain to release anti-craving hormones that further reduces cravings.

4. Maintaining proper hydration:
It's an excellent idea to keep track of what you drink, just as you do with what you eat. While it is necessary to drink enough water, certain beverages are not suggested since they encourage smoking.

5. Apply relaxing methods:
Relaxation methods, such as deep breathing exercises, muscular relaxation, yoga, massage, listening to calming music, or visualisation, may help take the edge off.

6. Keep your mouth engaged:
Whenever you feel the urge to smoke a cigarette, munch on some snacks. And remember, you don't always have to snack on junk food; snacks can be healthy too. You can even eat chewing gum to keep your mouth engaged and avoid cravings.

7. Think about your diet:
Some meals, especially meat, make cigarettes more enjoyable. Others, such as cheese, fruit, and vegetables, make the smoke less desirable. So rather than your typical steak or burger, try having veggies instead.

8. Get some help in quitting:
If you have people around you who wish to quit smoking, offer them to stop together. Your local ‘quit smoking club’ may also assist you. With professional guidance and advice, you're four times more likely to succeed in quitting.

9. Keep a positive attitude:
You may have tried and failed to stop smoking in the past, but don't let that discourage you. Instead, consider what your history has taught you and how you want to do things differently this time.

10. Reassure yourself of the advantages:
Remember the benefits of quitting, such as better health and relations, healthy resistance mechanisms, etc. Also, keep in mind that every time you fight a cigarette urge, you're one step closer to becoming smoke-free.

It's never too late to undo something. So, let this World Cancer Day motivate you to quit smoking and walk towards healthy living. Smoking might give you pleasure for a couple of minutes, but it takes away more than you realise. Not to mention the severe illness and ailments that come with it. So, make the wise decision to just give it up.

Besides quitting smoking, buying health insurance can be crucial to living a healthy and long life. Take account and responsibility for your health, and don't hide any information from your insurance company regarding your smoking or drinking habits. Be true to yourself and give all accurate details to get the best benefits of your health insurance at the time of need.

To buy health insurance, 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.

Diesel engines are commonly used in the automobile sector. Cars, trucks and other vehicles rely heavily on them. On the other hand, diesel-powered bikes are rarely seen. Have you ever wondered why? It's not like the industry hasn't seen diesel-powered motorcycles before. In India, only one diesel-powered bike has been introduced. But that is all.

If bikes can run on gas and petrol, why not diesel? With the petrol prices touching new highs every month, it only makes sense to have bikes with a diesel engine, right?

Although the idea is not bizarre, it isn't easy to execute. Keep reading to know why manufacturers do not use diesel engines in bikes. We have mentioned five reasons that will help you understand better.

1. Compression ratio:
The compression ratio of a diesel engine is 24:1, which is higher than a petrol engine's compression ratio of 11:1. The diesel engine must be bigger and heavier to accommodate such a high compression ratio. As a result, it is heavier than a gasoline engine, making it unsuitable for a small vehicle such as a motorbike.
The diesel-powered engine creates greater vibration and noise than the petrol-powered engine due to the higher compression ratio. A bike will not be able to sustain such high vibrations and noise levels.

2. Heating issues:
As compared to petrol engines, diesel-powered engines generate more heat. When diesel burns, it creates a lot of heat, harming the cylinder walls and other engine components like pistons and valves.
To lower the heat, manufacturers will need a larger surface area and a more effective cooling system which is inconvenient. On the other hand, petrol engines produce less energy per gallon. As a result, they stay significantly cooler and are less prone to harm the engine.

3. Price and Size:
The addition of a turbo compressor to push extra air into the cylinder increases the expense and size of a diesel engine. Moreover, injector technology is utilised to pump fuel into the combustion chamber, which is more costly than petrol engine spark plug technology.
A diesel engine is much larger than a petrol engine, and it requires a lot of force to start, making it unsuitable for motorcycles.

4. Greater torque but low speed:
Diesel engines generate greater torque. However, they have lower revolutions per minute (RPM) when compared to a petrol engine. Diesel isn't regarded as an ideal fuel since bikers' high-performance bikes demand greater RPMs.

5. Not so eco-friendly:
The amount of carbon dioxide produced by a diesel engine is around 13% more per gallon than a petrol-powered engine. Its usage is harmful to the environment, observing the average number of motorcycles used nationwide. This figure can be a significant threat to India's climate.

There you have it, all the key reasons why manufacturers won't produce diesel-powered bikes. Even if we look from a biker's perspective, no biker would want a bulky bike with more cons than pros. Although if the technology evolves in the future, we might have a diesel engine revolution. Until then, stick to your petrol-powered bike and insure it with the best two wheeler insurance in India. You can browse multiple options and choose one with the best premium and benefits.

Click HERE to buy the best two wheeler 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.

While bikes are the most commonly preferred mode of personal transport used in all-terrain conditions, easy to manoeuvre, and convenient, their safety is often ignored. The government's strict move to mandate bike insurance makes it evident that the safety and protection of the rider are essential and can’t be compromised.

Besides bike insurance, you can also ensure safety through regular maintenance and preventive measures to avoid mishaps. Punctures are one such risk that you may encounter at any time. They can be frustrating but are unavoidable. Here are some factors riders should be aware of that could lead to a tyre puncture.

1. Old tyres:
As consumables, tyres must be replaced every 5 years or 30,000 to 40,000 kms, based on the riding style and road terrain. If you notice little surface rips, a large tear that may expose the tube, cracks, or other symptoms of wear down, the tyre has to be changed. Since they are your primary point of contact with the road, having new tyres will reduce the probability of having a puncture and improve the overall feel of your vehicle.

2. Sidewall cracks:
The lack of use of the vehicle, the environment, or parking the two-wheeler in direct sunlight can all cause tyre sidewall cracks. They might seem insignificant, but they can cause catastrophic air leaks over time.

3. Pinch flats:
Pinch flats can occur because the tube is forced against the wheel rim and either tear or explode on pumping. The incident occurs due to the hasty insertion of the tube and carelessness. Always partially inflate the tube before fitting it to prevent this from happening.

4. Increased tread wear:
Tyres include grooves known as treads for better traction and grip on the ground. The impression deteriorates due to use, making it difficult to manoeuvre the bike by decreasing traction and lengthening the time taken to brake. A tyre wear indicator is typically an arrow sign that shows the extent of wear and the point at which you should change your bike's tyres.

5. Ignoring tyre inspection:
Small, sharp objects pierce the rubber of the inner tube to cause a puncture. If the item remains lodged in the tyre unnoticed for a long period, it can cause the new inner tube to be punctured. Have a proper tyre inspection before replacing your tube to avoid such issues.

6. Wheel damage or bending:
The alloy wheel or steel wheel may break or bend from the area around the tyre bead if you ride over a large, deep pothole, collide with another vehicle, or have an accident. This may result in an air leak due to a puncture.

7. Improper tyre pressure:
Under-inflated tyres will bend in response to the slightest bump or obstruction, making them vulnerable to pinch flats when the tube can become wedged between the rim and the tyre. You risk hitting a pothole or other impediments with more force if you have too much pressure in your tyre, making it challenging to bend against any object and keep it rigid. Your weight, the breadth of your tyres, and the weather will all affect the proper tyre pressure.

8. Unusual deterioration pattern:
The tyre may show signs of wear and tear. It can be on the shoulder or in the middle of the tyre. Mechanical problems, such as worn-out shock absorbers or a problem with wheel alignment, are to blame. It's essential to replace the tyre if it shows evidence of abnormal wear and tear.

9. Valve stem damage:
The valve stem, located on the inner circle of both tube-type and tubeless tyres, is where you fill the tyres with air. The ability of the tyre to retain air decreases if that valve stem is damaged, whether by corrosion, blockage, or breaking.

Punctures are a constant worry, especially considering bikes' lack of sophisticated safety features. While you cannot prevent punctures, you can keep a look for signs of a possible puncture. We also recommend riders consider purchasing comprehensive bike insurance. This will shield you, your bike, and others from finances worries if your bike suffers severe damage.

Click HERE to purchase the best bike insurance to secure your assets and finances.

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.

No matter how much we stress about the rising fuel prices, there isn't much we can do about them. Then how do we ensure we use our vehicle efficiently and stay stress-free about the condition of our car? Moreover, how do we compensate for the fuel prices we pay?

Do you know regular maintenance of your vehicle can save you up to thirty per cent of fuel consumption? And yet, a lot of car owners slack off on taking care of their vehicles. Some don't go for regular servicing, and others use cheap spare parts and end up damaging their car.

This blog is your guide on improving the fuel efficiency of your car. We will discuss various ways to attain maximum efficiency without widening the hole in your pocket created by the increasing petrol and diesel prices.

1. Avoid leaving the vehicle idle:
Leaving your vehicle in an idle state at traffic signals consumes almost a gallon of fuel and increases your carbon footprint by releasing unnecessary carbon dioxide into the air. Instead of leaving your car in an idle state, restart as per your necessity. This saves a lot of fuel and minimises carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

2. Warm-up:
Slowly and effectively heating your car's engine is a better choice than revving it. Unnecessary pressure will decrease the efficiency of your engine, and it will consume more fuel for power generation. After starting your vehicle, wait for thirty seconds to allow the engine to warm up properly at its own pace.

3. Say no to heavy braking:
Reduce the use of throttle and avoid applying unnecessary heavy brakes. This saves your vehicle from the possibility of wear and tear and decreases fuel wastage by almost thirty per cent, thus improving your car's fuel efficiency.

4. Don't rev your car:
Revving your engine causes wastage of fuel. It flushes down all the oil from the cylinder walls. The absence of oil could worsen the next time you start up your car. This will put pressure on the engine and result in excessive fuel consumption.

5. Multiple errands:
Planning your trip according to your errands can efficiently help you utilise the fuel. You can combine and run multiple errands and reduce the number of trips.

6. Alignment:
Check the alignment of the chassis parts and suspension. If the wheels are bent, or if there are broken springs, the drivetrain drag of your car will increase, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Defective parts and misalignment can also put your safety in danger and amplify the risks of accidents.

That's a wrap on how to improve your car's fuel efficiency. Using these tips, you can ensure maximum and optimum utilisation of the petrol and diesel you put in your vehicle. While fuel efficiency is an essential aspect of owning a car, ensuring your car's security is equally important. Invest in car insurance and protect your vehicle from any unfortunate incidents. To purchase insurance, explore the market, and browse through multiple deals to ensure that you get the best car insurance price in India.

Click HERE to know more about how you can get the best car insurance price 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.