GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

When we say “water is life”, it is more a reality than a necessity. A day without running water in the pipelines of our house can be torturous, as we will not be able to take baths, use the washrooms or cook. This is where our home’s plumbing system plays a crucial role.

A plumbing system in any house is usually very complex. It is beneath the floors or hidden behind the walls. Hence, any fault associated with it cannot be repaired easily without damaging the walls or the floor. Therefore, it is vital to understand the plumbing network and how it works at home.

Main components:
The main components of the plumbing system are supply, drainage, and venting. These components help to separate the potable water from the wastewater. This ensures that we get fresh water for personal consumption while the wastewater is thrown away through the drainage system.

Modus operandi:
The water supply system in our home works with the help of water pressure. Good water pressure is essential for the free and uninterrupted flow of water in all taps and showers in our home. Pressure carries the water from the tank or source of supply to the kitchen, bathroom, or wherever we need it. The water supply system functions with the help of pipes, valves, faucets, and plumbing fittings.

The drainage system works by using gravitational force. The drainage pipes are downward sloping to direct the wastewater to the sewage line or the septic tank. This ensures that the wastewater does not flow back out of the drain and spoil your home.

Vents in the plumbing system are as important as the water supply and drainage systems. We can usually see these vents emerging from the roof of our house. They emit air into the drainage pipes, so the sewage gases do not mix in the drains. This air ensures that the traps in the drains do not open, and the entire plumbing system does not get contaminated and malfunction.

Hot water:
Getting hot water through your taps adds an extra step in the journey of the cold water. The cold water first flows to the electric geyser or natural gas water heater. If you plan to install the geyser in or near your bathroom, it involves laying off a few extra pipes through which cold water will reach the geyser, and hot water will flow back to the taps, faucets, or the kitchen.

However, if you plan to install a bigger water heater on your terrace, such as a solar-panel-enabled water heater, you must plan the plumbing system properly. It will involve a complex network of pipes that will take the cold water to the heating system and distribute it back into your home.

Supply shut-offs:
Nowadays, homes are equipped with individual supply shut-offs for freshwater in every bathroom, kitchen, or balconies and washing area. We need to simply shut off the respective valve where we are planning repair work. All individuals at home should also be aware of the main shut-off valve so that anyone can restrict the water supply to the entire house in case of any emergency or malfunction.

We only realise the importance of a good plumbing system at home when it malfunctions and needs repair. As we use this system hundreds of times daily, we must ensure it is top-quality.

Similarly, we need to ensure a good home insurance policy that takes care of our house and well-being by protecting it against damages arising from theft, fire, earthquakes, etc. We accept the importance of a home insurance policy only when the actual damage occurs. So why wait for such instances? Go for the best home insurance in India and keep your worries aside.

Click HERE to buy the best home 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.

Failure of brakes can be a terrifying experience for drivers and have life-threatening consequences. According to statistics, a significant number of road accidents occur due to failed brakes. But how can you avoid such mishaps?

Apart from getting your car checked and serviced periodically, one way you can save it from landing in such grave situations is by being aware of the signs of brake failure.

This blog will discuss the possible reasons for brake failure in cars.

1. Brake cylinder:
A damaged or rusted brake cylinder is one of the leading causes of brake failure in cars. The brake cylinder's function is to compress the fluid. It consists of a fluid reservoir, which has a connected steel tube. There are higher chances of fluid leakage in the rusted pipe or the cylinder. This leakage can lead to brake failure.

2. Brake pad:
Brake fade is the term used for overheating of the brake pads. The overheating is caused due to excessive usage of the brake pads forcing them to become hard or fragile. Due to this, brake pads lessen their grip around the rotor or the disk, resulting in the car covering a certain distance before coming to a full halt when you press the brakes.

3. Overloading:
Overloading your vehicle can reduce the power of the brakes and potentially damage the braking system. You need to ensure that you follow the manufacturer's loading capacity to avoid the malfunction of the car's brakes.

4. Proper replacement:
Many people ignore the importance of changing the brake pads after some time. Brake pads can wear out due to excessive usage and lose their grip causing the brakes to fail. To avoid any risks, you must replace the brake pads and get the brake system thoroughly examined by a mechanic.

5. Moisture:
Moisture in the brake fluid can potentially damage the braking system. When the car runs, the liquid temperature rises, and the moisture (water droplets) becomes steam. The steam upon transmission can cause a brake system failure. Therefore, it is recommended to change your brake fluid after a certain period as instructed in the car manual.

6. Brake booster:
A brake booster magnifies the force you put on the pedal to push it. The failure of the brake booster can significantly lessen the maximum amount of power you need to slow down or halt your car.

7. Auto parts:
Using bad quality auto parts in your car is one of the worst decisions you can make. Their poor quality makes them unreliable and can lead to the failure of the brake system.

Other reasons which could lead to brake failure in cars could be damaged brake hoses, driving roughly through mud or water, issues with rotor disks, improper lubrication, etc.

Some other signs that indicate a brake failure:

• Issues with the brake pedal

• Dark brake fluid

• The braking system warning light is on

• The vehicle takes longer to halt

• Burning smell

• The car moves to one side when brakes are applied

• Grinding noises

That's a wrap on the discussion about some reasons for brake failure in cars. We all have understood the importance of keeping the vehicle in good condition. Unexpected brake failures can be a nightmare and lead to adverse consequences. It would be wise to undertake all the above possible reasons with severity and periodically examine your car's braking system.

Another way to safeguard your car against damages and accidents is by investing in car insurance. Review various plans and select the car insurance offering maximum coverage to your vehicle.

Click HERE to know more about best car insurance policy.

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

You have saved money for a long time to be able to finally buy your dream car and bring it home. It is a special feeling to give whatever it takes to turn your dream into a reality. However, you should know the various aspects of car buying in India. Before you consider buying a car, you need to understand the difference between the ex-showroom price and the on-road price.

If you don't know what these two terms mean, this article will help you. You will be familiarised with everything that can determine your car's price and help you consider all these parameters before you invest money in a car.

*pro-tip
You should always buy new car insurance for your car to keep it secure and take care of the expenses against any unforeseen accidents.

What is the Ex-showroom price?

The ex-showroom price is a price tag posted on various vehicles like cars or bikes in the showroom. It does not include road taxes, RTO registration, insurance, etc.

To understand the price at the ex-showroom, you need to know that:

● The ex-showroom price is the price you see being advertised on television, the internet, and on the car manufacturer’s website and brochures.

● You need to pay the additional amount for road tax, the registration fee for RTO, and insurance before you own a car. If you do not, you can be charged with a variety of penalties or challans in India.

● The price displayed as the ex-showroom price includes GST, ex-factory cost, and profit margins.

What is the On-road price?

The on-road price of a vehicle refers to the total price you pay to start driving the vehicle on the road. Simply buying the vehicle from the showroom is not enough. You must pay for several other things if you legally want to drive your car in India.
Some important things to consider under the on-road price are:

● It includes a variety of prices like ex-showroom price, registration fee, road tax, and insurance policy, among others.

● If you need any new accessories, they will also be added to your final bill with applicable taxes.

Difference between On-Road and Ex-Showroom price:

1. The ex-showroom price is the price tag excluding other factors like tax, insurance, and registration fee. The on-road price uses all the additional charges: life insurance policy, road tax, registration fee of RTO, and so on.

2. The ex-showroom price does not justify the final price of your car. You need to pay a lot of additional costs. On the other hand, the on-road price is the final price of a vehicle. You need not pay additional costs.

This gives you enough insight into how the car is priced at the showrooms. The price you see on the internet is clickbait to lure you into buying the car. You should be fully aware of the on-road price of a car before you buy it. This will help you analyse your budget better and prevent you from going overboard with your decision. You should also buy new car insurance that gives the best insurance coverage against any mishaps.

Click HERE to buy new car insurance to safeguard your valuable asset.

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.

Owning an automobile is one of the most rewarding things in life. Going on long road trips, midnight drives, or simply commuting between your office and home, having your own vehicle is sure to make you happy. But like everything, this also comes with its set of challenges. Zeroing down on the best car insurance company in India, and choosing the right auto repair service are just a few of the many things that need your attention.

Selecting an auto repair shop is not only about the care that your car gets but also about the rates, reviews, customer service, and overall experience. It is a good idea to look for options even before your automobile faces any issue so that you already know where to go. Let's look at a few ways to select a reliable auto repair shop.

1. Experience:
Your car's relationship is with the mechanic, not the company. Look at customer reviews online and get to know the mechanic who will be working on your vehicle. Having an experienced mechanic allows you to have peace of mind.

2. Company-specific service provider:
Repair shops that specialise in specific companies have more hands-on training with upgraded instruments and tools. So, it is best to go to a service provider who deals with the same company as you.

3. Online reviews:
Online reviews are a great way to understand the history of the company. More often than not, people tend to leave reviews of bad experiences they have had with the company. Keep in mind that not all companies have a 5-star rating. So going by the reviews and personal entries, you can make an informed decision about what kind of service you require.

4. Estimate pricing:
Solely depending on your car servicing agent might not be a good idea. Asking around in various service centres and mechanic shops, online rates, etc., can be an excellent way to estimate the money you might have to shell out during or after the process.

5. Warranties:
Ask your mechanic about warranties on different parts. This time frame varies from place to place. Having a good warranty period is crucial to ensure better car performance. A warranty ensures that you get a replacement free of cost.

6. Off-site services:
Sometimes, your car can break down during your journey. Under these circumstances, having your service provider's support will make it easier to avoid further damage. Before signing up for the services, talk to the staff and understand if they are willing to service your vehicle outside of the service centre. Having this added benefit goes a long way and ensures the credibility of your repair shop.

You need to keep these points in mind while choosing your repair shop. Having the right mechanic work on your car is a boon for you and your vehicle. Poor servicing can lead to poor performance and be costly in the longer run. To save yourself from the extra expenditure, it is an excellent option to first look for the best car insurance company in India. Car insurance can offer a bundle of exclusive benefits useful during unexpected mishaps.

Click HERE to know more about the best car insurance company 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.