GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

With the onset of the New Year, travel experts predict a significant increase in tourism despite the possibility of an incoming recession. As the covid-19 has restricted travel for a long time, travel enthusiasts view their hobby not just as a leisurely interest but as a priority. Before making your travel plans in 2023, renew or purchase general insurance that covers travel-related losses and makes your journey less worrisome and more enjoyable.

Check out these forecasted trends before planning your perfect vacation in 2023!

1. Growth of ecotourism:
Ecotourism focuses on observing natural habitats of flora and fauna and untamed wildlife with the intent to preserve and appreciate it. Also known as nature tourism or wildlife-watching tourism, the activity is expected to become popular with the constantly increasing interest of nature enthusiasts.
Several travel agencies now organise such tours and curate itineraries in well-preserved habitats with ample support from local experts and communities to educate tourists and display a side of nature beyond standard safaris.
Before going on such trips, consider the allied risks of the activity and ensure that you have appropriate insurance, like general insurance, that covers any potential accidents and costs you may incur.

2. Focus on sustainable travel:
Sustainability is no longer just a passing phase but an aspect of travel that is expected to stay for years. With Millenials and Gen Zs showing an interest in minimising their travel impact, the tourism industry is adapting to their preferences.
While itineraries in the past used to be all about extravagance and fancy travel without a care for its impact, the effect of travel on the local economy, environment, and community are factors that tourists now keep a check on. The sustainability movement is set to grow in the year and will directly impact travel.

3. Domestic destinations to win favour:
With soaring inflation and the incoming recession, prudent decisions are the need of the hour. Despite the rising costs and uncertainties about the future, travel enthusiasts are not settling for another year of staying cooped up at home.
Instead of cancelling or postponing plans, travellers are altering their plans to stay within their budget while deriving the greatest value. Local destinations are predicted to see a significant rise in footfall in 2023 with their relatively lower accommodation costs and other expenses.

4. Business travel and remote working:
Despite the relaxation of restrictions, many companies are choosing to allow remote working as an option for employees to reduce office expenses and provide flexibility of working from anywhere.
In the last two years, several employees have spent their time working from a remote destination while on vacation, allowing them to travel while working. The trend is expected to continue with a rise in business trips, retreats, and recreational events.

5. Unique experiences to take centre stage:
Almost 75% of responders to a survey focused on Indian travellers' preferences indicated their intention to savour out-of-the-box experiences. While domestic travel is set to be significantly high due to budget constraints, expenditures on experiential activities are not left far behind, with the desire to explore offbeat cultures and cities to gain unique experiences.

6. Focus on savings:
Travellers are focusing on mindful budgeting to prepare for their upcoming travel plans, and most of their travel fund is set to come from their savings. Budget-friendly destinations with affordable transport, accommodation, and plenty of attractions are vital factors that tourists are looking for while planning their trips.

With careful research and planning, it is easy to successfully plan your trips in 2023, despite the expected economic slowdown. By keeping track of budgets, loyalty programs, off-season activities, and purchasing general insurance, you can make the most of your trip while staying within your budget!

Click HERE to buy the best general insurance in India before your next travel trip.

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.

Can you imagine a car without a windshield or with a cracked windshield? A car windshield caters to various functions, such as keeping dirt and debris out of the vehicle, preventing the heat and glare from the sun, saving the driver from an impact, providing a clear front view to the driver, and much more.

Taking proper care of your car's windshield is not difficult or expensive. All you need to do is regularly check for any cracks and fix them as soon as possible. Proper care and maintenance make the windshield last longer and keep the passengers safe. Additionally, purchasing car insurance India can help shoulder the burden of replacing any car components due to an accident.

If you are planning a long trip, here are a few tips to ensure the safety of your car's windshield.

1. Review the condition of windshield:
Parking at the wrong spot, especially for long periods, can damage your car's windshield beyond repair. Due to extreme temperature exposure under direct sunlight, the windscreen gets stress cracks. Such stress cracks lead to an increase in windshield breakage risk. Moreover, such damages can get worse due to constant temperature fluctuations.
Whenever you decide to leave for a trip, ensure the windshield is in good condition to prevent glass breakage and maintain the glass's durability.

2. Fix every crack:
Before leaving for any trip, ensure your car's windshield is crack free. Ignoring small cracks or chips in their car's windshield can result in bubble formation between the cracked glass layers. Regardless of the bubbles' size, they can severely damage the windscreen if left unattended. It is essential to fix them immediately because if you don't, you might have to vent your pockets to replace the windshield after you return.

3. Replace the windshield wipers timely:
Some car owners don't know, but the windshield wiper affects the glass's health in many ways. Along with the windshield, taking care of the wipers is also essential. It is common knowledge that wipers have an internal metal structure with a rubber coating on the outside. The rubber coating wears off regularly, revealing the metal frame. Using metal on the glass can weaken it and lead to scratches. Therefore, check the condition of your wipers before leaving on your trip to prevent the exposed metal's pressure on the glass.

4. Windshield tinting:
The windshield is the largest glass surface of a car that facilitates proper traffic visibility for the driver. Since parking under shade may not always be possible, laminating your windshield may minimise the impact of harmful UV rays and block out sun glare to a certain extent to preserve the strength of the glass.
We recommend approaching a professional mechanic or your authorised car servicing centre to ensure that you adhere to the mandated visibility limit of applying laminated tints that allow a minimum of 70% light transmission. While car tinting kits are readily available, self-modification may result in your insurer rejecting your claim against car insurance India.

Considering the massive investment required to purchase and maintain your car and its components, it is essential to take preventive measures when leaving your vehicle unused for long periods. Your car demands regular care to be in its best shape and ensure effective functioning. Additionally, consider buying car insurance India to cover any replacement costs or damages that may arise from involvement in accidents.

Click HERE to buy car insurance 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.

In a high-population nation like India, pedestrian deaths from road accidents are alarming. Drivers should be fully aware of pedestrian behaviour and the dos and don’ts of driving to avoid accidents with pedestrians. This would make pedestrians feel safe and secure while walking on the roads.

Here are some practical tips for drivers to avoid pedestrian accidents.

1. Control your speed:
Proper control of your car’s speed is the key to ensuring that you don’t get involved in pedestrian accidents. You need to drive slowly where the density of pedestrians is high. Often in a crowd, people tend to move quickly on the roads without bothering much about the approaching vehicles.
Lower speed will give you ample time to react and apply brakes if someone suddenly turns up in front of you.

2. Patience:
Patience is the key for any driver while dealing with senior citizens and children on the roads. Senior citizens may walk slowly on the roads, while children may do the exact opposite and rush. Also, while senior citizens may not see any approaching vehicle clearly due to poor vision, children may completely ignore looking at the vehicles on the road and just run here and there.
The same applies to dealing with people with disabilities on roads. A blind person will not be able to see the traffic on the roads, while a disabled person may be trying to go from one place to another in a wheelchair slowly. The drivers must drive patiently around such people. They should let them pass through first to avoid any accidents with them.

3. Do not drink and drive:
The worst thing to practise is drink and drive as it hampers your senses and decision power. You will not be able to react in time which may cause a serious accident with the pedestrians. Drinking and driving also attract punishment under the law. Never let someone innocent be a victim of your carelessness.

4. Look carefully before overtaking:
A driver should always be extra cautious while overtaking a stationary car in the middle of the road or at crossroads. There is a high chance that a pedestrian might be crossing the road.
The pedestrian may suddenly appear in front of you while trying to overtake the car from the right at high speed. Hence, be cautious while overtaking, as you might hurt pedestrians or risk their lives.

5. Keep away all distractions while driving:
Nowadays, a common cause of road accidents is talking on a mobile phone while driving, texting, eating, adjusting the stereo, etc. Drivers lose focus on the road, resulting in an accident with pedestrians or other vehicles.
Never take your eyes off the road while driving, be it for any reason. If you are getting a call on your phone and it is urgent, stop your car on the side and then take the call. Do the same if you want to send a text, take a small eating break, or if you have to adjust your car’s music system. This will ensure that you drive attentively and are in total control of your car while driving.

Drivers should never drive rashly nor give pedestrians a sense of danger or fear while accessing the roads. Roads are public property, and every citizen has the right to use them without fearing an accident. Drivers should follow the above tips and ensure the safety of pedestrians on the roads.

Motor insurance does the same for drivers and vehicle owners. It gives a sense of safety and security from the probable perils on the roads and provides protection even when the vehicle is stationary and parked somewhere. Moreover, it is also mandatory under the law. Hence, go for the best motor insurance company and choose the right policy offering you maximum benefits with an attractive premium.

Click HERE to buy reliable motor insurance 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.

Establishing a business can be challenging but not impossible. Many thoughts may cross your mind when you consider starting a business. Whenever you start a business, you need to take small steps to fuel your business growth. A small-scale business can take flight later and become a lucrative and flourishing venture. It is also a given that you will encounter many problems during your startup. These issues are generic and are experienced by every business. Hence, you must plan accordingly and prepare to face these challenges.

If you're a new entrepreneur looking forward to mapping the roadmap of your startup, then this article is for you. We have carefully curated a list of the common obstacles you may face in scaling your business. You should also know about public liability insurance prices before establishing your business.

We have mentioned the everyday problems of a business owner below.

1. Raising capital:
Every business needs enough capital to get started. It is the first prerequisite before a company is established. Putting initial investment can be overwhelming as you require it to run your business. It can put a lot of pressure on you as the owner. Hence, it is recommended that owners work a side job to generate capital for the business.

2. Dealing with work fatigue:
When establishing a business, you must devote more hours than others. The company becomes your sole responsibility; you still hustle even when you feel tired. Hence, you continue to give in extra work hours even when physically and mentally exhausted. This can lead to rash and unhealthy decisions that you can take in an unstable frame of mind.
It is recommended to take frequent breaks. You need to find a balance between your work and personal life. Try to incorporate the 8+8+8 rule (8 hours of dedicated hard work + 8 hours of proper sleep + 8 hours of personal time for family, friends, hobbies, and health).

3. Time management:
As a startup owner, you must manage most tasks throughout the day. This means that filing the paperwork, answering calls, attending meetings, and also employing others will be done by you. This can put you in a real-time crunch. You will fail to meet deadlines. You should always work out proper time and task management before starting your day.

4. Finding the right people:
When a small business is established, you must find skilled and trustworthy staff. Not only should they be qualified, but they should have the potential to adapt to the dynamic environment and evolve as their role expands. It can be a big challenge as most skilled people work in established companies. You must identify and sort through multiple applications before finding the ones you seek. It can take a lot of time and effort. Bring only those people on-board who have the same vision as you do.

5. Establishing a customer base:
Your small business will be unable to take off without the involvement of customers. It is their demand that helps set wings for your vision. However, it is a daunting task in itself. Customers might not know about you as you are not a big name in the market yet. They may also not trust you with their needs. It is advised to create effective brand awareness to attract the ideal customers.

These are some of the many obstacles small business owners face while setting up their enterprises. Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey that requires significant efforts but provides excellent returns. You need to be patient and resilient until your company takes off. We also recommend researching public liability insurance prices in advance for your business to protect your business from any lawsuits or claims made by employees or third-party.

Click HERE to buy public liability 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.

Certain privileges become accessible only after attaining a specific age. In India, the legal age to drive motorised vehicles is 18 years. If you have recently become eligible to drive legally, congratulations! Driving is one of the first activities that excite youngsters.

However, you must be extremely careful with your first vehicle. Reckless driving puts your life, car, and third parties in danger, so you must always practise safe driving and purchase the best car insurance in India to safeguard your finances. Regular car servicing is crucial to prevent frequent breakdowns and costly repairs.

Here are some essential car maintenance tips that all teenagers must follow if they have already obtained a driving licence.

1. Keep the manual accessible:
Four-wheelers are complex vehicles with several parts that require specific maintenance. Unless you are an automobile professional, it is unlikely to know every part's specifications. Do not shy away from using the manufacturer's manual as a guide to understanding details about your car. You can also find solutions to common problems like changing flat tyres and tips to jumpstart your car.

2. Don't neglect the battery:
An often overlooked auto part, your car's battery can leave you stranded when neglected. Dragging engine sounds are an early sign of a drained battery. Ensure to pay attention to such signs and turn off the engine, radio, cabin lights, etc., when not in use to prevent battery drain.
While most batteries claim to have a life of up to 6 years, they usually wear out within three years, depending on use, making it necessary to keep a check and replace it when you notice early signs of voltage drops.

3. Replace your windshield wipers:
Visibility is crucial to driving safely. Before turning on the ignition, ensure that your side and rear mirrors and windshield are clean. This ensures proper visibility of the incoming and surrounding cars to make appropriate judgements on the road.
Wiper blades enable the windshield to stay obstruction-free. Since they are made of rubber, they may wear out and leave streaks on the glass, making it challenging to drive confidently. Therefore, ensure that you periodically inspect the state of your windshield wipers and replace them when worn.

4. Pay attention to engine oil:
It is essential to pay attention to the heart of your car- the engine. The engine's functioning depends on the seamless working of several parts facilitated by the lubrication provided by the engine oil. If you do not replace your engine oil periodically as per the manual, excessive friction and contaminated oil may damage the engine parts. Leave this task to professionals to identify any issues simultaneously.

5. Check your tyres:
Irrespective of terrain, maintenance of tyres is an essential aspect of car upkeep that you must consider. It is critical to do so to ensure proper gripping and weight balancing to prevent accidents. Ensure you periodically rotate your tyres and check the air pressure, tread depth, and wheel alignment.

6. Replace your pedals:
The ABCs in a car- Accelerator, Brake, and Clutch are primary necessities that must function properly to ensure a smooth driving experience. However, frequent use leads to the wearing out of the ceramic pads over the metal discs that engage the systems. Therefore, keep track of the pedals' sound and thickness when your car is inspected to identify signs that the pedals require replacement.

As beginners, it is challenging to keep track of every minute detail. However, with time and relying on expert guidance and the car manual, it is easy to maintain your car's prime state. Ensure you regularly service your vehicle and purchase the best car insurance in India to take your mind off the safety aspect and allow you to focus on driving safely!

Click HERE to buy best car 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.

Nothing represents India better than big fat Indian weddings! Vibrant colours and never-ending streams of ceremonies are giveaway signs of a wedding-in-planning. However, while guests only see the wedding as well-planned, the staggering costs of planning a wedding in India have only grown over the years.

A wedding is a significant decision that impacts your finances. Irrespective of the size of the event, it involves extensive planning to design and execute that one special big day. Selecting a wedding destination is one of the first steps to facilitate the process. It is best to contact a general insurance company and take out a policy that covers potential financial losses against any substantial risks.

Choosing a perfect venue may seem like a challenging task. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can find the destination of your dreams without any hassle and future regrets!

1. Organise your requirements:
It is easy to get overwhelmed and do things out of order as they please you. However, without careful consideration, you are bound to make regretful choices. Before looking for destinations, make a physical list of some points to remember.
This includes the estimates of guests, the budget set aside for the venue, the kind of location you expect, and the sequence of activities and ceremonies. This will help you consider the site while keeping the facts in mind, making it easy to imagine whether or not the choice is right for you.

2. Pictures are only references:
Starting your hunt for the perfect venue a few weeks or months before the date is an absolute nightmare waiting to happen. However, if you choose purely based on images on the internet, the result is bound to be a disaster. Make sure you check the venue in person to ensure that it satisfies your criteria.
Booking in advance is a recommended step that allows you to avail of discounts and avoid settling for the substandard alternate after finding out that your ideal destination has already been booked.
If cancellations and uncertainties hold you from booking your venue in advance, consider discussing wedding insurance with your general insurance company that compensates in the event of cancellation.

3. Consider the distance:
While it is your wedding, you must consider the travel to the venue to ensure that it is convenient for your guests. Ease of accessibility and nearby or on-site accommodations are vital factors when choosing the wedding venue.

4. Check the venue rules:
Venues often have non-alterable rules. Carefully consider their policies before committing to the site, only to discover that the location does not allow any of your planned activities. If it is non-negotiable for you, ask for their adjustment. In case it is approved, ensure that you have it in writing as proof in the future.

5. Don't hold back your queries:
Asking too many questions may feel like a nuisance but clarifying everything is best rather than being confused. Do not shy away from asking all about the duration that the venue is let out for, accessibility, amenities, and other facilities. Make them aware of any special requests at the earliest to ensure that the organisers have enough time to accommodate your needs.

6. Consider the weather:
An outdoor wedding may be your dream, but it may not be feasible during the monsoon. Ensure that you consider the forecasted weather conditions' compatibility with your venue. Indoor weddings in elegant halls are highly preferred backup options that save the day.

Most importantly, avoid individually taking the responsibility of choosing the venue. It is ideal to delegate the task to a few close friends and family members who can help you find the perfect destination that satisfies you and is practical. You may even decide to hire professional wedding planners to make the occasion an exceptional one. It is also ideal to purchase a prudent cover from a general insurance company while planning your big day.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best general insurance company.

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 Indian diet has long included millet as mainstream food in many households. Because of its remarkable nutritious value, millets have recently become more well-liked in India and the rest of the world.

This family of small-seeded grasses is widely farmed worldwide. Millets come in several kinds, such as barnyard, finger, foxtail, and pearl. They are a great supplement to any diet because each type has its flavour, texture, and nutritional profile.

The desire to increase our intake of nutritious meals has grown in recent years. Millets are one such meal that has significantly risen in popularity. Since old times, millet has been a staple food for millions. They are anticipated to maintain their status as a superfood in 2023 thanks to their excellent nutritional profile and adaptability in the kitchen. Let's understand better why millets are the superfood ruling in 2023!

1. Good nutritional value
One of the main factors contributing to millets' increasing popularity is their excellent nutritious content. Protein, dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients, including iron, magnesium, and zinc, are all abundant in millet. They also include a variety of antioxidants that work to prevent cellular damage and lower the risk of developing chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

2. Efficient in the kitchen
Millets are not only highly nutritious but also incredibly flexible in cooking. They are a great alternative to rice, quinoa, and other grains and may be used in various meals, from savoury to sweet. In addition to being a common component in gluten-free baking, millet flour may be used to make various baked goods, including bread and muffins.

3. Sustainable option adds to the nutritional value
However, millet's sustainability may be crucial to its rising appeal. Unlike other grains, millets require extremely little water and fertiliser to thrive, making them a sustainable option for farmers and consumers. Compared to other crops, they are more resistant to pests and diseases, making them a reliable food source in areas with erratic rainfall.

4. Influence on blood sugar levels
Millets positively affect blood sugar levels, which is one of its most important advantages. Because millets have a low glycemic index, they release sugar into the bloodstream more gradually than other carbs. This makes them a perfect food for people who have diabetes or want to control their blood sugar.

5. Affects gut health
Millets' positive effects on gut health are another advantage of consuming them. Dietary fibre, crucial for sustaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding constipation, is abundant in millet. They also contain prebiotics, which supports a healthy microbiome by feeding the good bacteria in our gut.

6. Increases immunity
Antioxidants, which help defend the body against free radicals that can harm cells, are abundant in millet and are a great source of health benefits. Also, they include several vital vitamins and minerals that support immunity. Millets can help us build a more robust immune system and defend ourselves against sickness.

There is a legitimate reason why millets are the superfood ruling in 2023! They are an excellent option for anyone trying to make healthy adjustments to their diet and way of life because they are nutrient-dense, adaptable, and sustainable.

Online health insurance companies understand how crucial making intelligent dietary choices is to fostering overall health. Many of these businesses reward clients who choose healthy lifestyles, such as eating a balanced diet. Some companies encourage customers to adopt good dietary and lifestyle changes by providing lower premiums or cash-back incentives for buying healthy items.

Click HERE to learn more about online health insurance companies and the benefits they provide.

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.

Electric two-wheelers are one of the fastest-growing segments in the Indian automobile industry. Manufacturers are putting effort into increasing efficiency, power and affordable pricing to attract Indian consumers. What makes electric two-wheelers a popular choice in India? Let us go through some of the facts to understand it better.

1. Zero emission:
Most of the big metropolitan cities, as well as smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, are reeling under the problem of air pollution. The fast pace of growth of industries, along with the number of vehicles plying on the roads, is putting tremendous pressure on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Electric two-wheelers have become a big saviour amidst the gloomy air pollution scene. They produce zero-emission and have no contribution to environmental pollution.

2. Silent operation:
Electric two-wheelers hardly make any sound, unlike other two-wheelers that make heavy and disturbing noise while running. Hence, they offer complete peace of mind and are a pleasure to ride.

3. Pocket-friendly:
Electric two-wheelers have a very low running cost. This is one of their most important and unique benefits that regular two-wheelers can never match. Since they run on batteries, we do not need to fuel them with petrol. The constantly increasing fuel prices rarely bother electric two-wheelers owners.
They do require charging, but that cost is also minimal. A regular electric two-wheeler usually consumes around 10-15 units of electricity to charge fully. We can drive upwards of 100 kilometres on a full charge. Hence, in layman’s terms, an electric two-wheeler will cost only about Re.1 per kilometre.
On the other hand, the running cost of your two-wheeler, which operates on petrol, is upwards of Rs.3/- per kilometre. Unarguably, the running cost of electric two-wheelers is very low compared to conventional two-wheelers.

4. Easy manoeuvrability:
Electric two-wheelers are very lightweight since they do not have heavy engines. Their heart is just the lightweight motor. Due to this reason, they are excellent at handling and manoeuvre in daily city traffic.
They are comfortable and easy to handle, even for girls and kids. Nowadays, bikes are also available in the electric format. They are powerful with good pick-up and speed. This makes them a very popular choice among both genders and all age groups.

5. Low maintenance cost:
Conventional two-wheelers require service once every 3-4 months. We need to change their engine oil with each service. Also, some or the other components need replacement every time we get our two wheeler serviced.
This is not the case with an electric two-wheeler. As they require minimal servicing, their daily maintenance cost doesn't upset the owner. Also, they hardly need replacements of components, which further lowers their maintenance cost.

Electric two-wheelers are the buzz of the moment, and every automobile manufacturer wants to enter this segment. They have more advantages than disadvantages over conventional two-wheelers, making them a popular choice.

It's time to go the modern way in the case of two-wheeler insurance as well. Buying a two wheeler insurance online India is the current trend. It gives you the ease of choice amongst hundreds of available insurance options without stepping out from the comfort of your home or office. It is fast, reliable, and 100% secure.

Click HERE to buy 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.