GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

The number of vehicles on Indian roads is witnessing an ever-increasing trend. This graph simultaneously shows a sharp rise in online motor insurance policyholders. This is primarily due to the increase in the disposable incomes of families and the changing lifestyle. However, this has also resulted in a drastic increase in road accidents and road rage cases.

It is the need of the hour to promote safe driving on the roads so that people feel protected while using the streets. Providing various incentives for policyholders by online motor insurance companies may encourage safe driving on the roads. Let us see how.

1. Telematics:
Driver telematics is gaining popularity and is an important tool to study and alter irresponsible driver behaviour on the roads. It can also be used as a data analysis tool to provide insights into driving behaviour and reward or penalise a driver.
Telematics in insurance can be app-based or black-box based. It can be useful in tracking driver behaviour, speed, acceleration style, clutch use, braking pattern, etc. Motor insurers can develop a point-based system and reward safe driving on roads with positive points. This means you will be rewarded with positive points if you maintain a good average speed, do not jump traffic signals, and are not involved in any accidents.
On the other hand, you can be penalised by providing negative points if you overspeed, jump traffic signals, or indulge in rash driving and accidents.
The drivers with positive points at the end of the insurance term get a discount on their renewal premium as an incentive. Drivers with net negative points at the end of the year will be charged a higher premium as a punishment. This can provide drivers, especially beginners, a great incentive to drive safely and responsibly to lower their premiums.

2. No-claim Bonus:
Most online motor insurance companies already provide a no-claim bonus or NCB to incentivise safe driving under a comprehensive car insurance policy. You get discounts of up to 50% of the insurance premium at the time of renewal if you have yet to make any claim throughout the year.
NCB is a great incentive for policyholders to encourage safe driving on roads. It encourages driving responsibly and safely, thereby preventing accidents. NCB ranges from a 20% discount in the first year of renewal to 50% for the fifth or higher claim-free year.

3. Damages and dents:
Motor insurance companies can provide incentives such as discounts on renewal premiums to the drivers to keep their cars free from scratches, external damages, and dents. They can check for such external damages during insurance renewal and reward the customers with minimal or nil external damage. This will motivate the drivers to drive safely on the roads so that they do not engage in any collision or accident with other vehicles or property.

Providing incentives for policyholders to encourage safe driving on the roads is paramount and the need of the hour. The number of accidents and loss of lives and property due to them will decrease significantly. Moreover, this will benefit online motor insurance companies, as safe driving will mean fewer claims resulting in higher profits.

Online motor insurance companies highlight the incentives they plan to provide on their websites and all the portals providing online motor insurance services. Potential policy buyers should go through these incentives and policy details to choose the best online motor insurance policy. Irrespective of the incentives and benefits, drivers must always have the mindset of safe driving.

Click HERE to buy online motor 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.

Buying a bike is a significant investment for any individual. You put a lot of thought and money into the type of bike you want. The model, budget, brand, features, arrangement of finances are some significant factors a prospective bike owner must consider while making a decision.

An essential part of finalising the type of bike you want is determining the fueling system: carburettor or fuel injection system. For someone who desires to buy a motorcycle but is not technically sound, determining the difference between these two can be an exhausting process.

In this blog, let's understand the difference between fuel injection and carburettor in bikes so that you can get a clear idea about which one would serve your needs in the best way possible.

Let's have a look at the carburettor:
The carburettor is the traditional fuel-delivery system in two-wheelers. It has been the standard system opted by most manufacturers in India. The carburettor consists of a tube connected to a venturi. The venturi then reduces the fuel's flow by narrowing it into a cone-shaped tube. Air pressure is created by the device developing suction to draw the fuel. In layman's terms, the carburettor combines air and fuel in a definite ratio and passes it on to the combustion chamber.

Why should you opt for a carburettor?

1. They are relatively cheap, resistant and sturdy.

2. Affordable and easily replaceable.

3. Fine-tuning is possible (improves mileage).

4. Easily removable and serviceable.

What are the difficulties you might face?

1. You might experience a lag when you squeeze the throttle while riding.

2. It cannot achieve optimum fuel efficiency.

3. Prone to damage (wear and tear).

4. Dust blockages can be problematic.

Now, let's understand what a fuel injection system is?

A fuel injection system is a modern technology-based system used in bikes in the current times. It consists of multiple electronic components and sensors that form the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which monitors the whole fuel-injected system. The fuel pump inside the tank monitors and controls the fuel flow. The ECU calculates the air and fuel needed for the combustion process.

What are the advantages?

1. Sharper throttle response with no lag.

2. Precise air and fuel mixture for efficient combustion.

3. Durable and low maintenance process.

4. Better mileage.

5. Reduced air pollution.

What are some hitches of the fuel injection system that you might face?

1. Comparatively expensive than the carburettor system.

2. Difficult to fine-tune without expensive and complex tools.

3. ECU takes a professional understanding of how things work. Regular mechanics might find it challenging to repair.

Those were the significant concepts, advantages and challenges to help you understand the difference between fuel injection and carburettor in bikes. This will help you determine which system would cater to your needs in the best way possible. Now, to make sure that you safeguard your bike during unfortunate incidents, it would be a wise option to get it insured.

Explore the market and buy the best two wheeler insurance online India which suits your needs. Digital technology has made it convenient for customers to purchase insurance of their choice online without any intermediary's involvement.

Click HERE to know more about how you can purchase two wheeler insurance online India.

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

Cars are fantastic companions for commutation, whether you're cruising along highways, navigating busy roads, or going off-roading. On the other hand, the technology-driven components of the cars determine their performance in various conditions.

The variety of car features has significantly increased in recent times, and you now have more choices when selecting your next car than ever before. One such option is a four-wheel drive (4WD) car based on the drivetrain system you want to use.

A 4WD offers to maximise the effective usage of the vehicle on rough roads and rocky terrains. It is an exciting concept that has been introduced in the automobile sector but requires good knowledge to utilise it to its best potential.

You need to understand the merits and demerits of 4WD to make the right choice before buying one.

Advantages of 4WD:

1. A widespread myth is that you must always drive your car in 4WD mode. You have the option of switching between 4WD and 2WD at any time. Modern four-wheel-drive automobiles have a button that activates or disengages all four wheels. So, if you don't require all four wheels to work simultaneously, you may drive around with the 2WD system.

2. In hazardous driving situations such as snow, ice, mountain regions, and other scenarios where staying in control is challenging, 4WD enhances traction and control by engaging both sets of wheels.

3. The improved traction gets combined with the engine's enhanced power. It provides the extra boost 4WD vehicles require to climb over obstacles and up steep inclines. It is ideal for off-roading and mountainous terrain.

Disadvantages of 4WD:

1. The most significant downside of 4WD is the increased expense of acquisition, and maintenance. The extra equipment (transfer case, differentials, etc.) increases the vehicle's complexity and weight, increasing its original market value.

2. Furthermore, the additional weight of a 4WD system and the additional power generated result in lower fuel economy than 2WD systems. Driving your automobile with all four wheels producing power will burn more fuel.

3. Drivers that employ 4WD may grow overconfident, leading to more situations where they become stuck. Excessive confidence can even lead to dangerous accidents if the driver loses control over the vehicle and fails to manage the power that is being generated.

4. The 4WD system connects the front and back driveshafts, ensuring that all four wheels revolve at the same speed. It makes it harder to turn the car because the wheels must move at different rates to corner successfully. The inner wheel rotates slower than the outer wheel, which must traverse a greater distance in the same amount of time. As a result, the outer wheel will rotate quicker. You will damage the transfer case, gears, and drive shafts if you turn the car with 4WD activated. Hence, it's best to use 4WD only for off-roading.

A 4WD is a fantastic investment if you enjoy driving off-road or if you have to deal with difficult driving conditions regularly. But don't assume you need 4WD to get to and from work.
Whether it is a 2WD or 4WD, securing your car from damages is paramount. Accidents are unpredictable, but safety can be defined beforehand. Buy car insurance policy online to stay financially shielded and protect your car to get the best returns on your investment.

Click HERE to buy car insurance policy online.

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

A person’s 20s are a hectic yet exciting part of life. Many gain financial freedom and start deciding how to spend their money wisely. The 20s are a time to be living it up, but it is highly sensible to shell out some money to invest in the best health insurance in India.

As you get older, getting health insurance becomes trickier and more expensive, and it is ideal for insuring yourself against the mounting healthcare costs early in your 20s.

This article gives insight into the benefits of getting insured in your 20s.

The waiting period will not affect you as much:

The waiting period in health insurance terms is when a policyholder cannot claim insurance for certain diseases, pre-existing ailments, etc. This is fine for a policyholder who takes their health insurance in their 20s. As the waiting period is spent in your 20s, when you have a lesser probability of getting diseases, you would be spending this waiting period at a time when you don’t need coverage.

As opposed to this, taking health insurance in your 40s or 50s is much more troublesome. You might have to compromise on getting the benefits of your health insurance and wait for 2 to 4 years before getting the disease-specific help you require.

1. Lesser premium:
Insurance providers assess the risk associated with a person before deciding the premium and the cover of a policy. Generally, a person in their 20s has a lower risk of needing the payout. Thus, the premium is much lower than a person in their 30s or 40s is paying for the insurance policy.

2. Tax benefits:
Health insurance plans provide another significant advantage in the form of tax deductions. Under the Income Tax Act 1961, one can avail of tax benefits if the policyholder pays out of pocket for the health insurance premium. You can avail of these benefits for yourself, your ageing parents, your spouse, and your dependents.

3. More comprehensive health insurance plans:
Being in your 20s makes you a suitable candidate for health insurance. This is because there is less possibility of pre-existing illnesses in these years. Your policy issuer automatically covers any new diseases that materialise after you’ve taken the insurance. Also, you can select a suitable plan according to your budget and requirements by researching the best health insurance in India

4. You can avail of no-claim bonuses for a long time:
No-claim bonuses are discounts on premiums given to policyholders when renewing their policy as a reward for not filing a claim within the policy tenure. The percentage of discount differs between companies. As there is a lower probability of filing a claim in your 20s, you can avail of your NCB for longer or transfer it during renewal.

5. Rejection rates are almost nil:
An insurance company may reject your application based on your medical history. As there are fewer chances of pre-existing illnesses among young individuals, there is less chance of rejection. Also, you may opt out of paying a copay in your health plans, which is impossible for aged policy seekers.

With the present trends of inflation, especially in the healthcare industry, it is prudent to purchase the best health insurance in India early to reap the benefits of protection for an extended period. Since the cost of living only increases as you rise in the ranks of your profession and earn more money, it is ideal to start investing in health insurance from an early age. We urge young professionals to consider investing in the best health insurance in India not just as a tax-deductible but to protect their present wealth and future earning capacity.

Click HERE to know more about the best health 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.

Two-wheelers are always the easy moving, compact and sleek asset to glide through congested traffic and to move faster on the roads. Because of the ease of commuting and the low price compared to cars, they remain the first choice for the middle-income and young people.
If you are planning to buy a two-wheeler, you would say that a test drive of a few models is important. But practically, you should also read these six golden tips that help you make the right decision and save some money.

1. Purpose of purchase and requirements:

You should be clear with your objectives of buying a two-wheeler. Then, do proper research of the types, models, and other requirements, including the reviews of your shortlisted brands. Bikes are a versatile commodity, and they come in numerous shapes, sizes, types, and brands. You can use them for long rides, sports or racing, or as a day-to-day commute vehicle. Therefore, considering how and where you will use your two-wheeler is essential to finalise the model.

2. Set your budget:

Make sure that your dream two-wheeler suits your pockets too. Decide on a clear budget for your purchase and look for the bikes in that range. This helps you to narrow down the choices and the best fit. Remember that you will have to take care of maintenance, service and insurance of your bike as well.

3. Effortless handling:

Don't compromise your physical abilities and feasibility for some cool model of bike that you see. Choose the perfect height and the weight of the bike that you can handle conveniently. If you enjoy speedy rides, then you should opt for a sports bike. But if you are a family person, then sports bikes are not your category. Always give preference to high-performance and bikes with good mileage.

4. Maintenance and aftercare:

Make sure that the model or type of bike you choose has extensive and quality service centres. Wide network of service centres helps you to get your vehicle repaired easily. In addition, multiple brands offer free extended service options for a certain period that can save on maintenance cost. Also, keep in mind that regular servicing and good maintenance are necessary for the long life of your bike.

5. Customer reviews:

Customer reviews are crucial and can give you some genuine feedback about the two-wheeler you are considering. Thorough research of on-road reviews of users can further provide you with information about the two-wheeler, its attributes, real-time mileage, and many other aspects that a salesperson at the showroom might not tell you.

6. Purchasing insurance:

Your task doesn't end with just buying a bike. Bike insurance is essential and a must thing to be done. Insurance coverage for two-wheelers got mandatory after the Motor Vehicle Act in 1988. Adjust your budget according to your annual insurance premium. For safe and easy rides, secure your vehicle with bike insurance. You can also check bike insurance online for the best premium. Compare it all and choose the best fit for your bike and act smartly.
Lastly, make sure you compare across various brands and look through multiple dealers and the offers.

PURCHASING A NEW BIKE? CLICK HERE TO KNOW THE BEST ONLINE BIKE INSURANCE… 

Motorcycles are a motorhead's most prized belongings. While some people use them for transportation, others use them for enjoyment and sports. Owning a motorbike requires taking care of it and ensuring that it is not damaged. Even when navigating challenging terrain, a well-maintained bike will not let you down. However, ignoring your bike may result in unnecessary damages.

Keeping your motorbike in perfect condition is as significant as owning it. To help you with that, we've discussed five essential points to keep your motorbike in good working order.

1. Changing your bike’s engine oil at regular intervals:
Multiple mechanical pieces constantly move and rub against each other in your motorcycle's engine every day. To ensure their best functioning and to reduce friction, you must lubricate them with motor oil. Unfortunately, dust and particles thicken the oil with time, reducing its lubricating power. Changing your motorcycle's oil every 2500-3000 kilometres helps improve performance and safeguard the engine from harm caused by outside elements mixed in with the old oil.

2. Checking the drive chain:
The drive chain is an essential component of your motorbike, and neglecting it is a call to a shorter service span. Inspect your drive chain regularly and ensure that the chain tension is correct. Lubricate it, particularly while it's heated. This allows the oil to flow and get into all portions of the chain, making it smooth for functions.

3. Taking care of your tyres:
You simply can't get anywhere without the tyres of your bike. The big rips or cracks on the tyres can cause them to lose friction. Check if the tread depth is within the approved limit. Don't hesitate to change them if you believe they are no longer safe.
Also, check the air pressure of the tyres regularly. The proper air pressure reduces or eliminates the possibility of a puncture, enhances bike control, and extends the life of the tyres.

4. Looking after the filters:
When your bike's air filter is congested, the engine has to work harder. Experts recommend cleaning the air filter using compressed air. If you realize that cleaning the air filter is becoming tricky, it is time to replace it. You must also ensure that the gasoline filter is clean and that the fuel lines are free of corrosion and cracks. You must repair them right away if you see any damage.

5. Checking up on your brakes:
Check brake fluid levels at regular intervals to ensure your motorcycle's brakes are properly functioning. Replace the brake fluid according to the manufacturer's instructions. In addition, you should check the thickness of the brake pads and replace them when needed.

Give your time to work on the above tips to keep your bike operating smoothly. This will help your 2 wheeler survive longer while giving you a comfortable and trouble-free riding experience.

Also, don't delay taking your motorcycle for regular servicing. Although this will cost you a few bucks, if you think of a longer run, you'll only benefit from it. Insurance is another way to take care of your bike. You may purchase 2 wheeler insurance online and choose the one with an attractive premium and additional features to safeguard your vehicle against any mishaps.

Click HERE to explore all the 2 wheeler insurance online 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.

Are you buying a new car? If you're a teenager, or an adult, getting a car is always a great feeling. So, excited to get behind the wheels but haven't driven a car before? Don't let the fact of being naïve hold you down because you have to begin from a lower level.
We bring some essential tips that will help boost your learning process for becoming a good driver. But, before that, don't forget to safeguard your vehicle with car insurance. We recommend you get car insurance even before you start learning how to drive.
Here are six car driving tips that every new driver should follow:

1. Get comfortable in your vehicle –

Multitasking is required while driving a car, particularly with the legs. With your feet, you must manage the clutch, brake, and accelerator. Therefore, make sure that you're positioned comfortably in the driver's seat. You should be at ease while reaching these controls. Maintain good posture, adjust your seat sliders, and place yourself in such a position where you can see all of the mirrors.

2. Hold the steering wheel in the correct manner –

This small thing is going to make a huge difference in your learning process. There's a lot you can learn about steering handling. But we'll just use the thumb rule for now. Much like a clock, grip the driving wheel with your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock for good steering control.

3. Avoid distractions –

Because most people become worried when driving, it's important to avoid anything that may lead you to lose attention and become distracted. Therefore, put your phone away because it may cause disturbance throughout the driving. The same holds true for music; we advise against playing loud music while learning how to drive.

4. Start slowly and increase progressively –

Begin your learning at a slow and steady pace. Keep a close eye on your speed and get used to it. Increase your driving speed once you're comfortable at the current speed.

5. Drive with a right mind-set –

Driving requires a lot of focus as a novice to know when to push the clutch and which way to shift the gear. Your behaviour may impact and hinder your learning process if you're uptight or in a foul mood.

6. Drive-in all situations and with different vehicles –

Get off the familiar territory and explore new routes once you've learned the basics and are comfortable with your inputs. Again, don't go all-in on a congested city trip. Take things slowly, and don't be scared to experiment with different cars. This will help you in gaining self-assurance and achieving your objective more quickly.
To sum it all, the above tips will help you in becoming a good driver, but keep in mind that the road is full of unknowns. You must safeguard your brand new vehicle with car insurance. Even if you are not at fault, a vehicle accident may be costly. Moreover, managing and paying for it can be expensive, time-consuming and hectic. A good car insurance policy beforehand comes for your car's protection.

KNOW MORE ABOUT THE BEST CAR INSURANCE POLICY HERE… 

Your vehicle’s dashboard is usually something you don't give much attention to. That's because, unless something goes wrong, it often appears the same every time you drive. Cars have thousands of moving components comprising dozens of linked systems powered by cutting-edge technology and sensors. With that much computing power on board, if any error occurs, your car will undoubtedly alert you about them.

All the warning indicators in your car are explained in detail in your car's user manual, but reading through it may seem like a chore to many. However, the warning lights are there for a reason, and knowing what they represent can prove to be the difference between a good trip and a breakdown.

Here are five warnings that appear on all vehicle dashboards that you should never ignore.

1. Engine warning indicator:
This indicator means there might be a problem with your engine's primary systems. This problem might be as minor as a faulty sensor or a damaged spark plug or as severe as a damaged fuel pump. This indicator blinks for a few seconds when you start your vehicle. If the indicator remains on or blinks continuously, it indicates a serious problem.

2. Oil pressure indicator:
This indicator means that your engine's oil pressure is low. This might also mean that you're keeping low on engine oil. If this light comes on, turn off your ignition right away. Oil's shortage can cause irreversible engine damage. Check the oil level once you've parked safely on level ground. Fill it up if it's below the required mark. If the oil level is adequate, this might indicate a problem with the oil pump.

3. Brake warning indicator:
This indicator shows that you have left the handbrake on. Still, if it continues to flash even after you release the handbrake, it might indicate a problem associated with the braking system. See a mechanic right away.

4. Battery indicator:
It signifies that the alternator responsible for charging your car battery is malfunctioning and cannot provide an adequate charge. As the cells degrade with time, it might also be an issue with the battery. With the alternator and battery functioning poorly, you should minimize its load by turning off systems like AC and LEDs. Find a mechanic at the earliest because there may come a time when your vehicle won't start at all.

5. Engine temperature indicator:
The indicator typically signifies either your engine is overheating, or your coolant level is low and needs refilling. When this indicator flashes, it’s best that you immediately come to a halt and allow your engine to cool down. Check your coolant level and search for any leaks once the car engine has cooled. If the coolant level is correct, this indicator trigger might be a sign of a more severe issue, such as a damaged water pump.

An overheated engine can distort, causing parts to fail. Avoid driving further and tow your vehicle to the mechanic to avoid further damage to your car’s engine. Your car insurance features like roadside assistance will help you get complete service in case of any mishap in the middle of the road. You can enjoy the benefits of car insurance coverage without spending money from your side.

While these indicators signal that something needs attention, there is typically no reason to be alarmed. Most warning indicators will not leave you stuck, so you can generally safely drive yourself to a service station. Remember that these indicators change across automobile manufacturers and even within the same manufacturer's models. It is best to check with your mechanic if something worrisome flashes on your vehicle dashboard before it gets you in trouble.

Click HERE to know more about different car insurance plans suited for your car.

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.