GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Health is an underappreciated asset we tend to overlook when pursuing our goals. What we fail to recognise is that restoring one’s health is not an easy or inexpensive process. Early risk assessment and purchasing the best health insurance in India are effective methods to minimise the risk and protect yourself from illness and medical costs.

Despite all the medical advancements modern science has made, it is inevitable to eliminate the risk of diseases such as diabetes. According to the WHO, 77 million adults in India have diabetes, while 25 million are pre-diabetics. Also known as a silent killer, the disease has multiple symptoms you can recognise early to prevent the problem from accelerating.

Read on to learn about the disease and some common symptoms in the early morning that may indicate your susceptibility to diabetes.

Let’s get to the roots first and understand what diabetes is.

Diabetes is a chronic illness due to the insufficient production or ineffective use of insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin is a blood sugar-regulating hormone, which, when imbalanced, affects the utilisation of glucose by the body. The multiple types of diabetes include Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, which are caused due to varied reasons and show varying symptoms. Irrespective of the type, diabetes results in high blood sugar, further causing ill-functioning of the heart, kidneys, vision, and more.

The severity of the issue.

Type 1 and 2 diabetes are chronic, while prediabetes and gestational diabetes are reversible. If not managed at the earliest, any of these types may result in fatal issues like a heart attack or failure, stroke, kidney failure, and continuing problems like weakened immunity, weakness, and slow recovery from wounds.

Early morning symptoms of diabetes.

Be watchful of these early morning symptoms of diabetes, which also can be associated with several other diseases. Suppose you experience some of these common symptoms of diabetes early in the day. In that case, it is recommended to consult a doctor to prevent diabetes. Also, purchase the best health insurance in India or take an add-on diabetes cover.

1. Excessive thirst:
Considered a tell-tale sign, waking up with a dry mouth and throat may require an urgent diagnosis. If you wake up thirsty continuously, checking your blood sugar right after waking up may help confirm the problem. Irrespective of the results, ensure that you visit a doctor for consultation.

2. Waking up with a full bladder:
In combination with the above symptom, excessive urination is a giveaway sign of diabetes if noticed frequently throughout the night. This occurs due to the slowdown of the kidneys, which causes the unusually high glucose to be excreted into the urine with tissue fluids, which leads to dehydration, excess thirst, and frequent urination.

3. Disorientedness:
While waking up frazzled seems familiar, coupled with the other symptoms on the list may indicate a more significant problem. If you are nauseous and dizzy immediately after waking up, it is best to consult a doctor.

4. Blurred vision:
Diabetes is known to cause enlargement of the eye lens over adaptable levels, which causes hazy vision. This occurs due to a sudden change in your blood sugar levels, making it crucial to manage and stabilise your blood glucose levels at all times to prevent permanent damage.

5. Numb limbs:
If the extremities of your hands or legs feel numb immediately after waking up and need some warming up before they stop tingling, it may result from damaged nerves due to high blood glucose.

These were a few evident signs that can help you understand if you’re at risk of diabetes and counter it at an early stage. Maintaining one’s health is a priority since you cannot eliminate the risk of diseases like diabetes, making it prudent to purchase the best health insurance in India to cover the financial burden of medical bills and keep the financial stress away.

Click HERE to buy 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.

The thought of getting a dent on your car doors while driving, parking, or simply due to external variables is upsetting. While door dings may not be expensive to repair, they diminish the car's value and make it an additional ordeal. Car Insurance renewal or purchase is the best way to protect yourself from the financial burden of repairs.

As preventive measures, here are some straightforward ways to avoid scratches on your car doors.

1. Test your defensive driving skills:
Along with following the fundamental traffic laws like wearing your seatbelt and obeying the speed limit, defensive driving also includes practical abilities like anticipating potential errors other drivers may make. You can reduce the possibility of car damage by maintaining a safe and appropriate distance from other nearby vehicles.

2. Install door edge guards:
Door edge protectors help to cushion your door from dents and scratches. You can DIY or get it installed by a local car accessories shop. They are available in adhesive and cling door variants and do not harm your car's paint when removed.

3. Pick your parking spots wisely:
Consider parking your car in a garage rather than on the curb or select a quieter location on the lot. Also, use a different mode of transportation while visiting crowded places like open markets to protect your car doors from scratches.

4. Door sill protectors:
The door sill area is vulnerable to wear and scratching because of constant contact. Door sill protectors almost eradicate this issue. The practical device is easy to install and cheap, making it the perfect preventive measure.

5. Regularly wash your car using the correct techniques:
Most minor dings and dents aren't due to collisions or bumps but usually happen while cleaning due to abrasive brushes used in automatic car washes that can easily scratch your paint. Consider going the manual route and ensure to rinse the dust and grime off before getting to work.

6. Avoid unnecessary contact:
Do not lean or sit on your car, put anything on it, or touch the painted surfaces excessively to prevent door scratches. Although it may seem unlikely, opening and closing the doors without using the handles could even cause scratches.
Using car covers is another habit you should break to avoid car dings. In addition to providing no defence against potential road scratches, they could do more harm than good. Along with probable paint damage from wind flaps, a similar outcome will also be anticipated each time you cover and uncover the car.

Although nobody wants their car's doors to get scratched, it occurs frequently. It looks terrible and can cause rust where the paint has chipped off. You may take preventative measures and exercise caution when handling your automobile doors to keep this from happening and the pricey paint repair. Car insurance renewal can help you avoid bearing the costs of the painting job in case the dents and scratches result from accidents. However, in all other cases, you will have to pay the expenses yourself, which is why you must practise preventive measures to maintain your car’s doors perfectly.

Click HERE to get car insurance renewal done.

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 car is an exciting process that takes lots of planning, budgeting, and sacrifices to finally achieve your goal of owning a vehicle. Especially amid economic uncertainties, it becomes essential to maintain these high-value purchases to minimise the effect of depreciation.

While insuring your vehicle with the best car insurance India policy is one way, taking effective care is another to minimise wear and tear and keep your car in its best shape. This ensures its longevity and also yields a greater resale value for you.

Apart from regular maintenance, keep these lesser-talked-about tips in mind to increase your car's lifespan!

1. Inspect your engine light:
The engine is the heart of your car. The vehicle’s check engine light indicates potential problems that may require urgent inspection. Often, drivers do not heed the indication and allow the issue to persist for a while before they notice it and get it checked, by which the problem has already escalated.

2. Protect your car from the sun:
Just as harsh sun rays damage humans, cars that stay in direct sunlight are likely to suffer damage to the paint and interiors, resulting in increased maintenance costs in the long run. Ideally, park your car in a garage or shade. In case not possible, invest in a quality sun cover and interior shades that keep the cabin cool.

3. Organise your trips effectively:
This may come as a bummer for driving enthusiasts, but instead of multiple short trips for your daily errands, club your tasks together to reduce the wear of your engine.

4. Ensure you break-in properly:
After buying your new car, ensure you break in as per the manufacturer's guidelines in the manual. Generally, it is recommended to keep your speed under 80 kmph for the first 1600 km without excessive load.

5. Keep your car clean:
It may seem like a hassle to focus on keeping your car clean at all times, but we often underestimate the damage accumulated dirt, road tar, and rust can do to your vehicle's appearance. A quick cleanup once or twice a week with a car cover to protect it when parked can go a long way in maintaining your car after regular waxing and cleaning services.

6. Keep your keychain bunch light:
It may seem like an unrelated tip, but it is best to avoid linking other keys and accessories to your car key. A heavy bunch in the ignition will likely bounce around while the vehicle is in motion. The weight and movement together can wear out the ignition ridges and lead to ignition switch failure.

7. Choose a comprehensive insurance:
While buying car insurance India, make sure to check the features and ensure that the exclusions are minimal. It is ideal to purchase an add-on feature that covers any exclusions to provide complete coverage for any damages that may occur.

8. Prepare appropriately for long-term storage:
If you do not continuously use your car for more than a month, leaving it in the parking may not be the best option. Fill up fuel and consider adding a stabiliser after consulting an expert. Ensure to disconnect and remove the battery when discontinuing use for long periods to prevent draining.

Good maintenance is key to increasing the longevity of your car. By following appropriate driving guidelines and the manufacturer's instructions with regular servicing supplemented by purchasing comprehensive car insurance India, you can ensure that your vehicle stays in its best form for long periods!

Click HERE to buy a reliable car insurance India 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.

Driving is a skill that requires utmost responsibility while behind the wheel. While several uncontrollable factors cause accidents, motorists must always ensure they are non-negligent, careful, and alert while driving to minimise the risk of accidents.

One controllable factor that may lead to mishaps is drowsy driving. While sleep is uncontrollable, one must never drive in a dazed state of mind. While car insurance renewal may cover the loss to your vehicle, it does not suffice for the mental and physical trauma that results from accidents.

If you frequently feel drowsy while at the wheel, here are some tips to shake off the haze and drive alertly!

1. Break up your driving frequently:
Take a brief break from driving every 100 miles or two hours, regardless of how well you've slept the night before. Plan your route so that you may frequently stop to stretch, get some fresh air, and grab a snack or refreshing drink.

2. Drive cautiously at the drowsiest hours of the day:
Since your body's internal clock tends to make you sleepier between midnight and six in the morning and early afternoon, try to avoid driving during those times.

3. Sleep well at night:
A restful sleep of seven to eight hours is essential before a lengthy journey. When you feel drowsy, park at a safe spot and take a quick power nap.

4. Travel with a friend:
Bring along a passenger who can share driving chores and keep you awake because most drowsy driving occurs during a solo journey.

5. Avoid night-time driving:
Avoid driving at night if possible because it makes people sleepier and less aware. If you work a second or third shift, abstain from driving when your body is most used to sleeping.

6. Avoid using sedatives and alcohol:
Alcohol and other sedative drugs disrupt your sleep and make you feel sleepy the next day. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.

7. Consider your health:
If you frequently have difficulties falling asleep, speak with your doctor to see what the issue might be. As with sleep apnea or narcolepsy, modest signs of exhaustion can occasionally indicate more severe health problems.

8. Get a caffeinated drink:
Pull up to a petrol station and buy a coffee, tea, soda, or energy drink for a fast dose. Caffeine enters the system and starts its impact after a half-hour. So, if you regularly consume it, you might not get the appropriate benefit.

9. Be alert for cautionary signs:
Look for an instant opportunity to stop and relax if you have any drowsiness. Don't try to push through if you're exhausted. Always remember that it's better to be safe than sorry.

10. Engaging radio programs to hear:
Turn on an exciting radio program to keep your mind engaged and awake if you're travelling alone or your passenger's talk has run dry.

11. Watch out for sleep-inducing tricks:
Some individuals use their windows, air conditioning, or radio to make themselves more alert, but doing so can take your focus off the road. It is preferable to pause and give your body the rest it requires rather than using these tactics.

12. Do not rush things:
Give yourself some additional time to react on the impromptu roadside excursions. Being rushed increases your chance of an accident and injury and decreases your likelihood of taking the necessary driving breaks.

Getting enough sleep is the best defence against drowsy driving over the long term. Focusing on your sleep hygiene, which includes your routines and environment, can help prevent drowsiness while driving.

You can endanger yourself and others if you find yourself nodding off while driving. We encourage you to undertake timely car insurance renewal to minimise the risk of accidents and efficiently deal with damages due to mishaps.

Click HERE to get your car insurance renewal done.

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.