GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

As part of their New Year goals, a lot of individuals decide to purchase a new car. Now, cars aren’t cheap, even if you don’t consider luxury brands such as Audi or Jaguar, and you have probably saved up a bit of money so you can buy a decent car. So, when making a choice, it is important that you put a lot of thought into the car that you wish to buy. Do not go by word of mouth; do your research and compare the different features of the cars before you make the purchase. Another factor to keep in mind while buying a new car is insurance. To avoid having to pay a hefty amount from your own pocket in case of an accident or damage, find good car insurance in India. Here are the top 5 options you could choose from when thinking of buying a new car in 2020: -

• Tata Altroz: Considered to be Tata’s first premium hatchback car, the Altroz comes in a variety of colours including Skyline silver, Midtown grey, Avenue white, and others. Whether it is a petrol or diesel engine, both will have a 5-speed manual gearbox. The car comes with projector headlamps, fog lamps (both in the front and back), along with a rear defogger. Also, the driver seat is 4-way adjustable while the front passenger seat is 2-way adjustable. When it comes to the safety features, the car has dual airbags, a seatbelt reminder, and an auto door lock system.
• Fifth Generation Honda City: The car is believed to be wider and longer than the fourth-generation Honda City but slightly shorter and with less wheelbase. It comes with BS6-compliant petrol and diesel turbo engine. When it comes to the exterior, the car has a gloss black front grille, DRLs, defoggers in the front and back, LED headlights and alloy wheels. Other features include dual airbags, vehicle stability assist, speed sensing auto-lock system, a touchscreen infotainment system, adjustable seats, etc.
• Renault Triber AMT: The car has an Energy engine with a capacity of 999cc and a mileage of 20.5kmpl. In terms of safety features, the car is equipped with front airbags, rear parking sensors, speed alert warning, pedestrian protection, amongst others. The Renault Triber AMT is a 7-seater car and has electric power steering, an engine start or stop button, a touch screen, and adjustable seats.
• Hyundai Sonata: One of the best sedans in the market, the Hyundai Sonata has a 4-cylinder engine. It has a sporty look to it with a seamless hood and a fastback rear design. The car comes in many colours like the Stormy Sea, Calypso Red, Quartz White, etc. Depending on the exact model of the car, it comes with 8-inch touchscreen audio, lane-keeping assistance, heated front seats, remote smart parking assist and an effective airbag safety system.
• BMW 5X: Now, this might be worth more than you are willing to pay, but it is still a great car, nonetheless. It is a midsize SUV that comes with three different types of engines, LED headlamps, lane departure warning, driving assist, adaptive cruise control, an entertainment system, a well-equipped airbag system that makes the car very safe and other features. The car is believed to be the most balanced BMW car and is very easy to ride, handle, and is very comfortable.

Buying a car is a major decision that must not be taken lightly. You will end up spending a lot of money on the car, whether at the time of purchasing it or during repairs. It is advisable to go over all the options and to compare them to find the car best suited for your needs. Again, take the time to find good car insurance in India for protection against losses.

While choosing an insurance policy, the claim settlement ratio of the insurer is a major factor to consider. An insurance claim is filed to get coverage for the losses or damages you sustain due to the occurrence of an event as specified in the policy. Hence, proper claim settlement is an essential pre-requisite in your risk management system. When selecting an insurance company, you must check if it provides timely and easy settlement of valid claims.

Process to file claims

Step 1: Reporting the incident

When an event occurs, the claimant should submit a written intimation to the insurer for initiating the claim process. The faster you set the ball rolling; the sooner will be the settlement. Here, you should also make sure that your policy covers the event for which you’re filing the claim.

Step 2: Complete the documentation

For a smooth claims process, you need to submit the right documents within the stipulated timelines. Most of the insurance companies have online claim filing system where you can send the forms and upload images for ratification.

Step 3: Evaluation process

Before settlement of the claim, the insurance company will evaluate the veracity of your claim through an external investigation. Hence, you should be clear about the facts when filing the claim.

Step 4: Settlement of claim

As per the regulations of IRDA, the insurer has to settle a claim within 30 days after receiving documents and verification or pay interest. If any claim requires further investigation, the process should be completed within 6 months from the date of the written filing of the claim.

Technicalities that may occur when filing a claim

When filing your claim, you should be aware of common problems and technicalities that may impede the process. That includes:

If there’s any pre-existing ailment

Any ailments that a policyholder had before the issuance of the first policy are called pre-existing ailments. These conditions and diseases must be declared when buying the policy. If the company discovers them during claim settlement, it can restrict the entire process.

If nominee details aren’t updated

The legal battle between the nominee and an heir can be prolonged due to incorrect nominee details. You should update the nominee information as it changes over the term of your policy.

If the policy lapses

When you fail to pay premiums on time, the policy will lapse automatically. Some insurance companies give a grace period for payment of premiums beyond the due dates but your vehicle is not covered for that period of time. So, you should adhere to your payment schedule, or else it can lead to repudiation of your claim later on.

The right insurer

An insurance policy is an excellent financial product, and claim settlement is the main component of this product. Hence, you should select the right insurer after checking their claim settlement ratio.

Remember, the claim settlement ratio represents the total number of claims made by the customers against the total claims settled by the company. Compare the top insurers on this factor to make so you can pick the best car insurance in India.

Thus, you can use claims as an effective tool to determine the performance and reliability of an insurer.

Mumbai and its nearby locations have always been regarded as some of the best places to explore in the country. Besides being the financial capital of the nation, there is a lot to explore for travellers in the city of Mumbai. While a private tour package might seem like the easier option, it is way better to explore on your own. This way, you will be able to spend as much time as you like at every destination without having to hurry up and catch up with the rest of the group. Since the city is notorious for its traffic, many travellers, as well as locals, opt for a motorcycle or a scooter to go around. In case you go for this option, make sure that the vehicle has a suitable insurance policy in place. You can easily buy a new or renew the two-wheeler insurance online in India.

Here are the top 5 destinations in and around Mumbai that you can explore: -

• Gateway of India: If you visit Mumbai, it goes without saying that you must see the Gateway of India. Constructed facing the Arabian Sea in Colaba, it was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The best time to visit this attraction is either early morning or late evening when there isn’t a huge crowd. It is located right next to the Taj Mahal Palace, another notable attraction in Mumbai.
• Juhu Beach: If you are looking to get away from the busy city for a little while, Juhu Beach is a great option. Since it is quite renowned, there will most likely be a lot of people there but the gorgeous sunset and the cool breeze in the evening will be worth it. Just put on a pair of flip-flops and take a nice, long walk on the beach as you marvel at the magnificence of the waves hitting the shore. .
• Marine Drive: Officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, this destination located in Chowpatty is very well-known. A curved promenade that runs for kilometres, Marine Drive is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a breath-taking view of the beach and enjoy the cool sea breeze.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Built during the British colonial period in 1888, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be the second most photographed location in India after Taj Mahal. It is a terminal train station built in a Victorian-Gothic style of architecture and attracts many who come to marvel at the splendid edifice.
• Elephanta Caves: Located on a small island called Gharapuri, east of the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves is a collection of caves, all adorned with intricate carvings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these cave temples have been linked to the Kalachuri dynasty and also the Hinayana Buddhists. Take a ferry from the mainland and go explore the Elephanta Caves situated somewhere in the Arabian Sea.

Mumbai as a city is massive and has a lot to offer, both for tourists as well as those looking to move to a new city. Besides the above-mentioned destinations, you can also visit Film City, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Taj Mahal Palace, Siddhivinayak Temple, Hanging Gardens, and many others. If you do plan on ditching a car and taking a scooter or bike to go around the city, make sure that you buy a suitable two wheeler insurance online in India for the vehicle.

It is important to have general insurance as it protects you against several unforeseen circumstances and comes as a financial aid in times of distress. However, it is often that people who buy insurance policies are unable to make the best out of their insurance plans are they are quite unaware of what their insurance policy has to offer. It is the job of the general insurance company to settle your claims, and as someone who has purchased the insurance, it is your job you be aware of your rights and duties.

Rights of a policyholder

● If the terms and conditions mentioned in the policy documents do not match with what you were promised at the time of buying th policy, then you can cancel or return the policy within a timeframe of 15 days. After cancellation, your insurance premium will be refunded to you after the deduction of processing costs, such as stamp duty, medical charges, et cetera.

● The nominee of the insurance policy gets the right to file a claim on the insurance in case of the unfortunate death of the policyholder.

● Depending on the insurance you have opted for, you get the option to modify it. You can change the mode of payment, the sum assured, the premium paid and the policy tenure of your insurance policy.

● If you have chosen a United Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP), then you have additional rights on your insurance policies that involve making partial withdrawals, switching funds, and surrendering the policy after completing the lock-in period.

Duties of a policyholder

● You must spend time researching about the insurance, such as looking at the benefits it offers, the premium you have to pay, and the type of cover you will get, among others. It would help if you also compared your policy with other insurance providers to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

● Make sure to fill your details correctly in the policy documents

● After buying the policies from a general insurance company, you must make sure that you are paying the premiums on time. It is better to opt for an automated payment system, so you do not miss any dates.

● If you move places, make sure that you share the information about your address change with your insurance company.

● If you want to change your nominee, you can do so by filling up by ‘change of nominee’ form. If your nominee is a minor, then you can get an appointee to sign an acknowledgment on their behalf.

● In case you lose your insurance policy, you can identify your insurance service provider about it and get a duplicate document.

It is important to cooperate fully with your insurance company, as it makes sure that your experience is smooth and hassle-free, and your queries are resolved on time. If you are looking for a good, reputed and trusted insurance company, then your search could stop at Magma HDI insurance. It offers products for everyone and comes with prompt customer service. Besides, it also has a hassle-free claim processing service which eliminates frequent rounds to the insurance office. With a vision to be the most preferred, vibrant, and responsible insurance company, fulfilling the aspirations of all its stakeholders, Magma HDI general insurance company could be your one-stop for all your insurance needs.

One of the most important questions asked these days is, “Do the health benefits of riding a bike outweigh the bad effects of air pollution on the health of the rider?” If this question was asked a few decades back, the answer would have been yes, but if you ask this question to someone in the present time, the answer would most probably be a big fat NO. The rising pollution levels are a very big concern in most of the important cities of India with the worst case being in Delhi where the pollution levels crossed the level of 1000 in the Air Quality Index of measurement of air pollution during the period after Diwali.

Even if you cycle to work or use a cycle to go to different places thinking of cause less pollution then also you are faced with a lot of pollution that is caused by other vehicles. Heavy smog and low visibility are some of the biggest dangers for someone riding a two-wheeler because they breathe this harmful air directly. People inside closed vehicles have their windows closed and they zoom away from the heavy smog areas while contributing to the pollution that affects the two-wheeler riders. In Delhi alone, nearly 85 lakh private vehicles are registered of which around 55 lakh are private two-wheeler vehicles. All these vehicles contribute to the heavy pollution that affects the whole of the city, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world.

One of the most prominent reasons for air pollution caused by vehicles is the usage of more than a decade old vehicles on the road. Such vehicles have old engines and generally do not undergo proper maintenance which makes them unsuitable for plying on roads. Most of them are running on dirty and old BS4 engines and fuels and some even older, thus contributing a lot to the pollution of the air. Most of these vehicles do not have any insurance and the owners do not even make an effort to buy two wheeler insurance online for their vehicle. The pollution that is caused by such two-wheelers or four-wheelers or any other vehicle is faced by none other than the two-wheeler riders. The two-wheeler riders are constantly exposed to such high levels of pollution which have a detrimental effect on their health. Walking, biking or using public transport to your destination are some of the best alternatives to protect the environment but each of these comes with the risk of high air pollution.

Along with the severe levels of pollution that are shown by the extremely high levels on the AQI, heavy smog and haze also reduce visibility which makes it very difficult for riders to ride two-wheelers. One of the most common problems that are faced by people due to air pollution is respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic pulmonary diseases among numerous others. Not only respiratory problems, being exposed to constant high levels of poor quality air affects the internal body of people as well and affects different organs of the body that can lead to cancer, especially of the lung. While riding through this highly polluted air, the riders may face headaches, anxiety and may even feel exhausted while riding through places with high levels of pollution. This not only affects the lungs, which are an internal body part but also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. These pollutants settle on water bodies and the ground and they may even reach the food chain through one way or the other. If consumed in such a process as liquid water or as food, they harm the body and can lead to many severe diseases.

Air pollution affects the two-wheeler riders at a massive scale but it also affects the other people on the roads as well. No one is safe, and people must start taking care of the environment and one of the best ways to do so is to take proper care and maintain the vehicles that they use daily to commute to and fro.

A home is something every individual requires and aspires for. A place you can come back to after a long and stressful day but purchasing a house is no child's play. It requires a certain degree of commitment and a lot of financial resources. In case you do not have adequate financial arrangements to buy a home, you would rather want to take a house on rent. But if you do have the required resources but are indecisive about buying a new home or renting it, then the following factors determine whether you should buy your own how or rent one: -

●Total income - The basic requirement for buying a house is a steady income. If you wish to buy your own house, you definitely need a high level of income to pay for it. On the other hand, if your income is quite less or irregular, you can opt to rent a house instead of purchasing as rent amount is always less than instalments of the house.

●Loan repayment - The above point brings us to a loan and is quite similar to this one. Let's say you obtain a loan from a reputed bank to buy a house. But would you be able to pay the EMI along with the amount of interest? Do you have enough loan repayment capacity while meeting other necessary expenses? If the answer is yes, then go ahead and buy your house. If no, then renting a house can be the best option.

●Duration of time - A huge factor in the decision of buying a house is the time you plan to live there. If you know that you want to settle in a particular city or region, you can buy a house. However, if the case is not so, you should stay in a rented property to avoid any extra costs.

●Security - If you wish to have a stable base instead of constantly looking for houses or being under the fear of having to empty the property you are currently living in, you should buy a house. You can ensure that your children too would have a strong backup plan if they long for their own house.

●Job certainty - If you have a job that requires you to travel from one place to the other or is not stable, you should avoid buying a house as real estate is not a current form of asset. It might hold you back from changing cities or changing jobs. You cannot predict the growth of downfall of real estate. Thus, buying and selling might not go as per your wish. In such a scenario, renting a house is the best choice as it does not bind you.

●Maintenance expenses - If you own a house, the responsibility of maintaining it falls upon your shoulders. No doubt, you can buy the best home insurance in India, but the damage occurred cannot be undone. Other than that, repairs of leakage inside the house, renovation, repainting and other maintenance expenses would have to be borne by yourself. However, if the house is rented, you need not worry about any such things as the owner will take care of them all.

● Other expenses - If you intend to buy a car, travel extensively, spend on your children's education, make strong retirement plans, or have any sort of other long or short term expenditures, you should take a house on rent. That way you would save some money by not paying instalments of the house and be able to fulfil all other expenses.

Whether you plan to buy a house or rent one is completely your call but do make sure that in either case the property is secured with the policies of best home insurance in India. This way, you can be stress-free and live life peacefully.

Car insurance is all about cutting your losses in case of an accident or theft. You will pay the premium annually or more frequently as per the guidelines of your policy. You need to pay the premium regularly to keep the policy active. Car accidents do not happen that frequently, but they do occur quite a lot. This makes having a proper car insurance policy extremely important. Though at the time of purchasing a car insurance policy, it is important to look up new car insurance rates, so you do not end up shelling an unnecessary amount of money. You will also be rewarded for driving safely and responsibly by No Claim Bonus.

No Claim Bonus is essentially a discount over the own damage premium component. It means that you would have to pay less in the forthcoming premium if you do not raise any claim in the entire year. You generally start with zero NCB (except in the case of NCB transfer) and accumulate discounts over the years. It is often misinterpreted, so here are few features you need to be mindful of: -

• NCB is available only on policy renewal. It is a reward for not making any claims during the entire year. It is earned by keeping a claim-free record. It starts at 20 percent after one claim-free year and accumulates steadily with each subsequent claim-free year and can reach up to a maximum of 50 percent.
• NCB belongs to you and not the car. It is essentially a reward to the driver. If you decide to change the car and get an insurance policy for it, you will retain your NCB discount from the first premium on your new insurance policy. So, in essence, NCB is transferrable between cars. However, NCB is not transferrable between two people.
• Transferring NCB is a simple procedure. After the purchase of a new vehicle, you have to submit Form 29 and Form 30 along with a letter requesting your insurer for NCB transfer. Your insurer will issue an NCB certificate which will be valid for three years after the date of the issue. You have to submit this certificate to your new insurer to retain your NCB benefits.
• NCB is only valid over the own damage component of the premium. This means NCB is not valid over the third-party liability component of the premium.
• NCB must be kept in mind before making small claims. NCB is reset to zero, no matter the magnitude of the claim. It is therefore important to make calculations before making any small claims. You can end up losing more than you gain. In addition to NCB be set to zero you will also lose any accumulated discount and will have to start over to reach a 50% discount earmark.
• You can purchase an NCB add-on cover that will allow you to make a limited number of claims without affecting your NCB. This can help you if you are stuck in the decision to make a small or moderate claim.
• Maximum NCB discount is 50% though some insurers allow higher discounts in their policies for driver's clean records.

Insurance is nothing but risk management. You buy insurance just so you do not fall into a financial burden in emergencies. Insurance is all about saving money. At the time of purchasing a new policy, you must always check up new car insurance rates, so you don't end up paying more. NCB too is a step towards saving money, you must always drive safely, and NCB ensures you will be rewarded for it.

A lot of people become victim to unfortunate road accidents. Merely witnessing an accident can leave a huge impact on the mind of an individual. Imagine the situation of those who have to go through such misfortune. That is why the Indian government always insists on following road safety rules.

It is very important to have car insurance for your vehicle to reimburse you for the losses suffered due to an accident. But as someone has wisely said, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, following road safety rules should be the topmost priority of every single person driving a vehicle. Road safety rules are made by the government for the safety of those on the road - be it people driving vehicles or pedestrians.

The given road safety rules are for the safety of Indian citizens and must be understood as well as followed by everyone: -

●Use of indicators - While changing directions or taking a turn on either side of the road, using an indicator is very important. If you wish to turn left, keep left with your indicator light on and turn when there is no vehicle following too closely to avoid a collision. Similar is the case while turning right.

●Overtaking - A lot of people are in a hurry to reach somewhere, that's why they keep on driving past the other vehicles. If you are in such a situation, always remember that if you want to overtake the vehicle driving ahead of you, it needs to be done from the right side. Never overtake in a curve as it might lead to obstruction of the view of the other driver. Also, if the vehicle ahead does not slow down, overtaking might end up in an accident.

●Helmets and seat belts - You all must be familiar with this rule! The government lays special emphasis on the use of seat belts in cars and wearing helmets while driving two-wheelers. If any accident happens, the damage to your car can be covered through policies issued from the best car insurance company in India, but your safety is not guaranteed by any means. That is why you should make sure that you undertake all safety measures like wearing helmets and seat belts while driving.

●Noise- Unnecessary honking can be very irritating to other drivers as well as pedestrians. Thus, you must use the horn only when required. Avoid using it in prohibited places like hospital areas, school areas and others. Also, ensure that the horn in your vehicle does not make a loud and blaring noise.

●Following distance - Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you is also a very important thing. In case the driver applies his brakes all of a sudden, you might not be able to engage your brakes at the same time, and this might end up in a collision.

●Documents - All required documents ranging from RC book of your vehicle to the car insurance papers, your driving license, PUC (Pollution Under Control) license and others, should be kept inside the vehicle so that you can access them whenever required.

●Traffic signals - Traffic lights are present at junctions or intersections of four roads. If not, there might be traffic police officers or authorized persons giving directions to the vehicles that must be followed. At such crossings, move carefully so that no inconvenience is caused to any other vehicle. You should always allow vehicles to turn right and avoid blocking the right side of the road.

●Emergency vehicles - Certain vehicles like ambulances and firetrucks work for saving the lives of people and it is your duty as a responsible citizen to give way to them.

If you have purchased a new vehicle, make sure that before everything else, you contact the best car insurance company in India to reap the benefits of their policies and also enjoy superior protection against possible incidents.

Anyone who has seen a person close to them in the hospital will agree that it is the most stressful time in their life. A medical emergency disturbs the lives of everyone around the affected person. The person who is battling a disease or any other medical condition goes through a lot of pain and suffers a lot. Along with that person, the people close to him also go through an equally stressful time. There is too much to look after. During those times, the financial burden can make everything worse. Medical expenses are rising continuously for many years. For many, it has become almost impossible to provide quality treatment to their family members out of their pockets. If the affected person has health insurance, it will lighten the burden on the people close to him, and everyone can pay attention to more important things in life.

Health insurance will provide you with coverage for a lot of medical conditions that you are likely to suffer from. The policy will cover most of the expenses that you will incur in the treatment. It will take the financial burden off the shoulders of your family members. This will, in return, help you as they will not be worrying about finances and can take proper care of you. If you do not have health insurance yet, you can quickly obtain one from one of the many online health insurance companies in India. Contact various health insurance companies to get health insurance quotes in India. Here are five explanations on why health insurance quote is essential:-

• It is the first step in getting health insurance. If you are looking forward to getting health insurance, you need to contact various health insurance providers and receive their quotations. The more you delay this step, the longer it will take you to finally sign the contract and get health insurance.
• Once you obtain various health insurance quotes, you can check which quote fits your budget best. You must not necessarily choose the cheapest quote. You should instead research coverage provided by the companies against their quotes and see which company gives you the best quote with all-round coverage.
• Health insurance quotes will help you be prepared on how you have to modify your monthly budget to accommodate the premiums. It might not be feasible to change your lifestyle overnight. Health insurance quotes will give you time to make small changes in life so you can better adjust to paying for health insurance.
• You can also contact the companies and check if you are getting all the available discounts. Many insurance companies offer various discounts on certain conditions. You must contact the insurance company after receiving health insurance quotes in India to talk in more detail and obtain a better quote.
• You can weigh the pros and cons of the policy financially after receiving the quote. The complete coverage policies might be too expensive for you. So, you might prefer opting for a policy with less coverage. Receiving the quotes will help you make a more informed decision.

It is crucial to have health insurance nowadays. If you do not have one, your family might fall into tough times, as they would have to go through their savings to provide you with healthcare. Health insurance benefits you as well as everyone around you.

'The more, the merrier'. A lot of you must be familiar with this phrase. It states that the more the number of people, the more fun they are likely to have. But that is not the only situation where this phrase is applicable. The same thing applies while buying a health insurance plan.

If you are thinking of getting insurance for yourself, you might want to get more than just one.

Many online health insurance companies offer insurance plans that offer you comprehensive protection against a wide range of ailments and allow you to avail cashless treatment in the network hospitals.

The following points elaborate on the benefits of getting insurance policies from 3 different companies: -

●Less premium - If you purchase an insurance policy which offers comprehensive protection against a wide range of conditions, it might require a greater premium amount as well. However, if you spread this amount within multiple policies, you are likely to pay a much lesser amount for each cover. Such small sums add up to a large amount with different companies and turn out to be less expensive.

● Better coverage of diseases - Usually, general health insurance plans include only a selected handful number of diseases. Such diseases are not critical, which might pose to be a huge threat in the future as you would not be able to avail the claim amount. Therefore, buying multiple plans from different companies can result in the coverage of a wide range of diseases - right from the basic ones to the high expense ones.

● Protection against price rise - With the rise in inflation, there is an increase in the price of medical treatment. Not just medicines, but the doctor's fees, hospital charges and other expenses can drill a hole in your pocket. That's why if you wish to save yourself from the given additional expenditure, you can invest in insurances from various online health insurance companies to claim the amount whenever required.

● No stress from claim rejection - There might be times when insurance companies do not find the claimed reason to be strong enough. Therefore, they might deny the claim, and you might end up with no amount of money. In such conditions, when you desperately require claims for paying medical expenses, your family might have to bear the burden of paying expenses at their own cost. To avoid this, insurance should be purchased from more than one company. That is how you can ensure that even if one company rejects your claim, you still have the hope of availing it from the secondary companies.

●Quick grant - Health insurance is like an amount of deposit which can be claimed in times of medical emergency. If you have insurance in three or more different companies, you can get the claim amount from at least one of them which can prove to be sufficient for your requirements.

●Diversified benefits - If you purchase insurance from a single provider, their policy might not benefit you as much due to the rules and regulations of premiums, cover, duration or claim on maturity and so on. However, if you purchase health insurance from different companies, you can get the best of each of their policies. Selection can be made based on each of your specific requirements, and you can avail the claim as per your convenience.

Life is not certain, and that's why insurance is something every individual should rely on. Buying it from various companies only results in a larger amount of benefits, so why not read them!

The large competition in the market between different companies leads to the launch of several new bikes and scooters by the major brands almost every month throughout the year. All the major companies of India such as Hero Motocorp, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Bajaj, Honda release at least one to two two-wheelers in the Indian market in a single year. When you buy a new bike, you also need to buy insurance for the vehicle. Nowadays, the procedure for getting insurance is quite simplified and direct. Moreover, you can easily renew the bike insurance online without much hassle. Some of the major bikes launched in recent times and about to launch in the coming months in India are mentioned here:

● Recently Royal Enfield trademarked a new name Meteor for its new bike in India which is scheduled to be launched at the beginning of 2020. This bike has a 648cc engine and is supposed to be a derivative of the Interceptor 650 bike. Priced in the range of over Rs. 2 lakhs, this bike has a powerful engine that provides high torque for hill climbing. This bike is being marketed by Royal Enfield as a more affordable Interceptor 650.

● Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR is a high range model of Kawasaki priced at nearly Rs. 17 lakhs for the new age sports bike lovers. It has a 998cc engine and is scheduled to be launched in January 2020. The 203 PS powerful petrol engine can provide a torque of up to 114.9 Nm.

● With unofficial bookings already started, KTM’s new bike KTM 390 Adventure priced at around Rs. 3 lakhs scheduled to be launched at the beginning of 2020 is one of the most awaited bikes of 2020. This bike has a 373 cc engine and has ergonomics that support stand-up biking as well.

● Honda is also set to launch its new bike Honda CB650R in January 2020 to start the new year with a bang. This bike priced in the range of around Rs. to 8 lakhs features a 95.1 PS 649cc powerful engine has no direct competitors in the market at present. Only another bike that comes close to it in features is the Kawasaki Ninja 650 which is currently priced at 5.49 lakhs ex-showroom price.

● While other companies are slated to launch high-end models at the beginning of the next year, TVS is one company which is more focused towards the lower end of the price range. The TVS Radeon BS6 is a BS6 engine model of TVS set to launch in January with a competitive price tag of Rs. 58,000 in the segment.

● Norton Atlas 650 is another high-end model set to be launched at the beginning of 2020 with a price tag that is no less than Rs. 16 lakhs. This bike has a 650cc petrol engine that provides a power of 84 PS.

● Husqvarna is also launching two new variants which go by the names Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and HusqvarnaVitpilen 401 in the first month of 2020. Both of these bikes are priced in the range of Rs. 2.8 lakhs to 3 lakhs. Both of these bikes have the same 373.2cc engine and are available in different coloured variants.

India is currently a very hot market for new automobiles, and the launch of new bikes is going to interest new buyers who want something different from the manufacturers. Bikes are launching in a wide range starting from TVS Radeon priced at Rs. 58,000 to high-end bikes such as Kawasaki Ninja models which are priced at over 17 lakhs. Whichever of these bikes you have chosen for yourself, make sure that you get new insurance as well as renew the bike insurance online before the due date for continued protection.

Monsoon arrives with new promises and provides a route to escape from the scorching summer heat. It comes as a respite to many but has its consequences.

Different types of bacteria thrive during this period due to the warm and humid climate. People often suffer from the likes of cold, flu, typhoid, malaria and other such diseases caused by various viruses or micro-organisms.

It is essential to take adequate measures to guard against such diseases and stay healthy, although there are some affordable health insurance plans to take care in case of any ailment. Some such measures for a disease-free monsoon are:

1. Keeping house clean

• Your house should be kept clean and pest-free.
• One should be aware of leakages and water clogging, especially around electronic devices, like coolers, ACs and washing machines.
• Rusty or broken pipes should be replaced as they can become the breeding place for pests.
• Pest control should be called once a week to check.

1. Taking showers

• Getting caught in the monsoon rain is one of the most serene experiences. But a lot of micro-organisms or germs might have entered the body.
• A shower with a few drops of disinfectants prevents any such infection.
• One should not enter an AC-room in wet clothes as possibilities of catching a cold increases manifold.

1. Keeping hydrated

• It is vital to stay properly hydrated and drink water at regular intervals to fight against diseases, like typhoid and cholera.
• One should avoid having unfiltered water from the streets.
• Water purifier should be working properly.

1. Checking ventilation

• Cross-ventilation should be allowed as infectious organisms can leave the room.
• The room should be open to sunlight, and fresh air as damp may creep in otherwise.

1. Keeping hands clean

• Harmful germs may reside on the surface. So, it is essential to wash your hands at regular intervals.
• One can carry hand sanitizers in the pockets. Hands should be cleaned before having food.

1. Vitamin-rich diet

• Vitamin C-enriched food is vital to make your body immune to such harmful organisms.
• One should have lemon juices and fresh vegetables regularly.
• One should stay away from street food as much as possible. Potholes in the streets are often home to microbes causing diseases, like typhoid and cholera.

1. Using Mosquito repellents

• Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Stored water should be appropriately covered inside houses.
• Use of mosquito tents, coils and repellents are a must to guard against diseases, like malaria and dengue.
• There are several affordable health insurance plans. One should take their help in case of emergencies to protect their family.

1. Strengthening immunity

• Strongly immune persons are not much affected by such diseases.
• The likes of tulsi, cardamom, turmeric and lemongrass are vital in boosting the immunity against the monsoon diseases.

1. Taking influenza and pneumonia shots

• These are vital in case of those who have asthma. These help in creating strong immunity against these harmful germs.
• Hepatitis A and B vaccine shots help guard against diseases, like jaundice.
• Many affordable health insurance plans can cover the cost for such vaccines.
• One should also be careful in the medications he/she takes.
• If unwell, one should remain back at home and prevent spreading the virus to others.

1. Having warm food

• Warm saline gargles help in fighting against the irritation caused in throats due to the infection.
• Warm fluids help to soothe. So one can have warm water or milk often.
• Soups and broths are a welcome change to the diet.

By keeping these few precautionary steps in mind, one can stay away from these diseases. However, if one faces any symptoms of such diseases, he/she should immediately consult a doctor. There are some affordable health insurance plans to take the help of, if necessary.

People are becoming more and more aware of physical fitness and activities that keep them healthy. Fitness has become a priority, and they are resorting to various measures like joining gyms, purchasing health insurance, joining yoga classes and engaging in other fitness routines to maintain their health.

One such outdoor activity that has garnered extreme popularity among the youngsters nowadays is cycling.

But before listing the advantages, you should know the required gear that is essential to enjoy cycling: -

● A good bike - The type of cycle you select to ride has a major effect on your experience. Therefore, do not compromise on the quality of the cycle.

●Cycling gear - A helmet, knee and elbow supports are important while riding a cycle as you never know when something unfortunate might happen. In such case, such gear can save you from major injuries.

●Insurance– A health insurance policy and bike insurance policy, both are necessary when you go out on your journey of fitness.

Cycling has countless benefits, and the following points advocate why taking up exercises like cycling can be helpful to you: -

●Weight loss - In order to lose weight, the number of calories you burn should be greater than the number you consume. This can be done through exercises. And just like any other exercise, cycling burns calories. Depending on the intensity, speed and weight of the rider, cycling can burn calories ranging anywhere from four hundred to one thousand calories.

●Reduced cancer risk - Cancer or other heart-related diseases can pose to be a very serious threat to any person. It doesn't matter if you have health insurance or renew health insurance online; nothing guarantees safety from diseases. But exercising does! And especially, cycling. As a result, the risk of diseases is reduced to a great extent.

● Improved health - Cycling improves the circulation of blood all around your body. You burn calories, thus the chances of being overweight and suffering from diseases due to obesity decrease to a significant level. Studies suggest that due to involvement in any sort of physical activity, a person's mental health also improves. You can free yourself from the psychological burdens as well.

●Saves time - This might sound a bit contradictory, but when you choose to travel to your work or any other place using your cycle, you actually save time. If you drive your car to work, you might get stuck in traffic and would have to wait for a long time before getting a way out of the crowd of vehicles. But if you ride on a cycle, you can easily filter through the traffic and reach your destination before time. There are no major parking hassles involved which only adds to the benefits.

●Better sleep - Cycling is a physical activity after all. If done for a long duration of time, it can tire you out, which eventually leads to a good night's sleep. Indirectly, exercise can also be done as a form of an outlet that relieves you of stress and reduces anxiety levels, thereby improving the quality of sleep.

●Muscle gain - The muscles of and around your thighs, hamstrings, glutes and calves are engaged intensively while cycling. Therefore, not only losing weight but gaining such muscles is also a plus point of taking up cycling. As muscle is leaner than fat, you can burn an even higher number of calories while cycling and develop a strong physique.

You should always have a comprehensive health insurance policy and make sure that you renew health insurance online before it expires so that you can enjoy continued protection

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared novel Coronavirus (nCoV) as a Global Health Emergency. Here’s a quick guide to knowing all about the deadly virus.

Let’s begin with the obvious, what is Coronavirus?

The coronavirus is a family of viruses that are known to cause illnesses like the common cold to more critical diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new force of coronavirus that has not been identified before in humans. This particular virus is called ‘2019-nCoV’.

Now that we understood what Coronavirus is, so let us understand the Symptoms:

While it depends on the kind of virus, common symptoms are respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), kidney failure and even death. Some coronaviruses can be carried from person to person. This normally happens after close contact with an infected patient.

Now that we have a better idea about the Coronavirus and the symptoms. Let's discuss the dos and don’ts for keeping the disease at bay.

• Observe good personal hygiene.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness.
• Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment.
• People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette, which includes maintaining one's distance while coughing, covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and washing one's hands after coughing and sneezing.
• Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
• Avoid contact with live animals and consumption of raw or undercooked meat.
• Avoid travel to farms, live animal markets or where animals are slaughtered.
• Indian government has advised citizens to avoid all "non-essential travel to China".

(Based on World Health Organization’s situation report)

Given the current circumstances, social distancing is the need of the hour as all offices in most parts of the nation are opting for ‘Work From Home’ approach. We bring you a few guidelines that will make this happen with similar efficiency and harmony as you work in the office.

Refer to the below checklist for productive results.

Get ready

Create a regimen and follow it. Some of the most successful business leaders get ready daily for work, although they don’t need to. It gets you into the mood. Please remember that it is work from home and not relax from home.

Create a boundary between work and leisure.

Don’t work from your bed/sofa. Your sofa/bed is the place where you relax, watch Netflix, schmooze. The office cannot be operated out of bed. You will not be able to do justice to important discussions.

When you have to leave your bed and go to the office, you create a sort of distinction which is difficult to import back home. It’s especially difficult right now when you have schools closed and kids at home; Malls, Cinema and Gym closed.

Follow your daily work routine ( With some modification)

• Continue making your daily plan / Morning huddles / Morning meetings
• Share your plan with your supervisor and colleagues who require to see

• Keep your supervisor informed.

• What are you going to accomplish in the morning
• How are you going to take breaks
• When are you going to stop working
•  

  Create trust

  In the office, you are surrounded by people whereas when you are at home, you have less information about your colleagues. You cannot just walk across and close your dealings. You cannot gauge their reactions from non-verbal cues.

  People will evaluate by outcomes and not by the extent of your effort

• Set explicit goals and to-do list with your supervisor
• Discuss and agree with your supervisor and colleagues
• Commit timelines and honour them.
• Extra-communicate with your colleagues. If you’re getting up and going for a walk, let that person know. Activate “away from desk” notification if possible
•  

  Use Teleconference tools

• Set up zoom/skype/WhatsApp meetings.
• Prepare for the meetings and run professionally. Check The Link To Know More
•  

  Take breaks and build physical activity

  Utilize the time that you will save by not commuting. Go for a quick walk or do bodyweight exercises at home.

  You will not get enough movement by pacing between your desk, refrigerator and the kitchen.

  Please note that work cannot suffer because that is how we all get paid.

Yes, we understand your problems, and the struggle is real when it comes to cars that stop suddenly, giving no hints of starting.
It can be a real deal when your lovely ride stops in the middle of a road and deny your orders to start. Having a car that stops suddenly can lead you to grave danger, especially when you are outside and need to go somewhere.
Interestingly, as easy as it is for your car not to start, similarly, there might be a principal reason behind the same. Therefore, let’s have a look at four common reasons why your car is not starting.

● Your timing belt is the real problem:

For those of you who don’t know what a timing belt is, it is an essential part of the car that is responsible for its effective running and performance. Your timing belt inside the vehicle is the primary reason why it keeps running and adapts to speed. Yes, gears do play a significant role, but the timing belt is what ensures that the engine’s valves open and close at the proper interval.
Therefore, your timing belt can be one of the most common reasons why your car has become idle and fails to start. A significant reason behind the same can be that the valves inside the timing belt and the pistons are not meeting each other at a said interval, failing to give you efficient results and movement.
Moreover, your timing belt is the major part that you should look after whenever you go for servicing. Having a timing belt that fails to keep up with the systematic opening and closing of the valves can lead to harmful damage to the engine. It is always advisable for you to change your timing belt at a regular interval of every 60,000 miles or five years (whichever is earlier).

● Your alternator might be the cause:

An alternator is that essential part of your car that is responsible for the effective functioning of all the electrical pieces of equipment that function inside your car. Its most significant function is to start the spark plug and essentially provide it with the spark that is responsible for the running of your engine.
Besides the successful starting of your engine, a failed alternator can also be the cause behind the failure of other necessary parts of your car. It is also linked with the plugs that power the headlight and therefore, you need to keep a check on your alternator as well, in case your car fails to start.

● Your battery might be corroded:

It is no hidden fact that cars perform majorly due to the presence of a battery inside it. The battery is responsible for running all the electric-based components of your vehicle and also plays a significant role in igniting your engine.
Corrosion on your battery can be serious trouble for you as it is like rust and will ultimately end up waiting away your car’s battery beside the other significant parts that are developed out of iron. We suggest you always keep a check on the health of your battery and its corrosion, every time you take it to a service centre.

● Are you sure your air filter isn’t clogged?

Similar to the other necessary elements of your car, the air filter might also be the cause that is failing your vehicle to start. An air filter plays a significant role in keeping up with the excellent health of the drivetrain of the car. It filters out all the harmful elements like dust particles to keep up with the smooth functioning of your vehicle.
An air filter is essential for your car to your car 'breathe'. A clogged air filter might also pose serious damage to the blockage of the exhaust pipe, leaving your vehicle to fail from the start.

There are thousands of tourists in India at any given point of time. While many stays in one city or area for the entire duration of their stay, others choose to move around and explore. One of the most common ways of discovering new places is renting a car. As someone visiting another country, you would love to see all that you possibly can in the short time that you are there and driving around is great to do that. However, it is essential to keep in mind the necessity of car insurance. Here are five reasons why tourists make it a point to get car insurance: -

• Covers the Costs of Repairs: As someone coming from outside the country, there are high chances that you don’t know how to drive on the right side of the car. While it is possible to learn how to do so, there can be an accident. If that happens, having car insurance in place helps because it’ll cover the cost of repairs. Depending on how severe the damages are, having the costs covered can be of great help, since they can be quite expensive.
• Provides Extensive Financial Protection: Again, the costs to be covered would depend mainly upon how severe the accident and so, having insurance would protect you from significant expenses. Whether there is vehicular damage, minor injuries, loss of sight, disablement, or even death, car insurance would cover the costs or provide compensation. You would not have to pay a lot out of your pocket since the insurance would take care of medical bills or repairs.
• Reduces Liability: If there is an accident, there are chances that someone else was affected as well, whether it is damage to their vehicle or whether they were physically hurt. By taking Third Party Liability, you would not only be saved from having to pay for their damages but also from the legal ramifications; the insurance would cover all that. Getting Third Party Liability is mandatory in India. By getting car insurance, tourists can avoid getting involved in legal procedures while visiting.
• Covers the Cost of Treatment of Passengers:
• By opting for the best car insurance policy in India, you would protect yourself from extensive costs due to a car accident (either medical bills or repair costs). There are high chances that your co-passengers would be protected. If during an accident, not just you but your co-passengers get hurt, the insurance policy would also compensate for their damages; it would cover hospital visits, medical bills, any surgeries or operations, etc.
• Compensation after Death: Unfortunately, driving cars can lead to not just accidents, but, the accident can cause death as well. In this case, the car insurance policy you have chosen could provide compensation to the family, depending upon its terms or coverage. The demise might seriously affect the daily life of the family, and the insurance policy might help pay for their expenses.

Whether you are a tourist or a native, finding the best car insurance policy in India is no longer a difficult task since there are hundreds in the market. All you need to do is thorough research and choose the plan which offers maximum coverage and compensation in the event of a car accident.

Cars become a second home to those who love travelling and driving. Be it driving long distance or shorter ones, before we start off to any destination we need to ensure that we are stocked up on essential things that will come handy in emergency situations. As goes the saying, precaution is better than the solution, it’s better to be well equipped than to wait for help.
Still feeling unsure of what should be the essential things that you should keep in your car?
Well, we bring to you the 5 most important things that your car must have.

● Documents-

These are the things that should be your topmost priority. Documents like registration papers, the license and insurance papers, are a vital and most crucial thing that should always be in your car in a safe place. In case of any emergency like an accident, these papers are essential and required for any legal procedures. Also make sure to include the car manual, your emergency contact numbers, health cards with your medical records. Emergency contact numbers would help someone to call and reach out to your near and dear ones when you are in need and are unable to do so.

● Safety kit-

Before heading out anywhere, you should always carry the first aid kit with you at all times. A safety kit includes band aids, antibiotic creams, pain-relievers, tweezers, cottons, and many more. It is not only important but also crucial to ensure you do not need to wait for the first aid to arrive when in need. You can administer it to your fellow travellers or even yourself when required. A safety kit provides you with the immediate medical aid that is indispensable and very essential in saving lives. A safety kit does not only include the medical aid, but also includes the survival tool kit.

● Dry food-

Every time you drive, the other most essential thing to be stocked upon is the non-perishable food items. These can be anything starting from energy bars to the dry fruits and nuts. Dry foods ensure you do not end up being hangry when driving.

● Spare parts and tools-

Spare parts and tools like duct tape, match sticks or lighter, window breaker, flashlights, etc, are another list of important things that you should make sure to carry before you drive any car. When driving, there are times you end up with road emergencies like a flat tire and having a spare part and knowing how to change the tire makes it easier and quicker for you to reach your destination.
Not only do the spare tools and parts facilitate a smooth drive, they also ensure you do not need to run and search when having an emergency.

● Health essentials-

Every person has their share of health emergencies. Especially when you are a woman driver, you need to maintain your health hygiene whether you are on the roads or anywhere in the world. Keep a health essential kit to make sure your health does not take a back seat when driving and travelling. Clean microfiber cloths, packs of ‘lady’ products, sunscreen, your kit of prescribed medicines that you might need incase of any health emergency and tissues.

If someone were to tell me in 2019 that many of us would be using a screen in 2020 as if our lives depended on it, I would dismiss them entirely. But with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing us to sit across a laptop or our cell phones for academics, work, or recreation, we seem to be headed towards the reality I initially dismissed.
We wake up to our social media notifications. Go about the day jumping from one online lecture or work meeting to another. Fall asleep to an episode of a web series or responding to personal messages. As you can see (pun intended), in this newfound reality, it is our eyes that undergo a considerable amount of agony, inhaling all of that blue light.
More and more individuals have realised the need to care for their eyes in this pandemic. So here are a few ways in which you can do the same as well:

1. Monitor Distance - Room Lightning - Eyewear

It will be ideal if you place a computer screen at an arm’s length and 20 degrees below your eye level. This position helps avoid eye strain. Make sure you have enough diffused lighting in your room. Too much or too less light can cause the eyes to experience stress. Lastly, it is highly recommended to wear anti-glare glasses or lens when working on a computer all day long.

2. 20 - 20 - 20 Rule

If your eyes are dear to you, you should continue showering them with some affection by observing the 20 - 20 - 20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and fix your gaze on an object 20 feet away for a total of 20 seconds.
Unless you have a measuring tape, it will be difficult to measure 20 feet accurately. Being sureshot about the distance is not the key. The idea is to stare at something far away - maybe a building across the street or a tree. It takes about 20 seconds for your eyes to relax. And you can set a reminder for every 20 minutes. This is how you perform the rule!

3. Sleep Well

One common mistake that some of us make while going to sleep is that we do not cover our rooms in enough darkness. Our bodies are known to sleep well due to the release of a specific hormone called melatonin. And this hormone is produced in response to darkness — the more the melatonin, the better the quality and quantity of our sleep. So make sure to pop an eye mask while inviting the ZzZs.

4. Avoid Rubbing

Your hands are covered in dust, germs, dirt and whatnot. And these can be easily transferred to your eyes each time you rub them. To avoid irritation or infection, avoid touching your eyes directly with your hands.

5. Limit Substance Use

You thought smoking could only affect your lungs and heart? Think again. Research shows that smoking can cause dry eyes - a condition causing them to feel itchy, stingy and red. It can also increase the risk of developing cataract.
Consuming too much alcohol can lead to a condition named optic atrophy, wherein the nerve endings of the optical system get damaged, resulting in low vision or complete loss of it.

Right from childhood apart from studies we are taught about being safe in general, there are numerous ways in which you could hurt yourself, and thus, it is essential to know the dos and don’ts in your daily life. Something quite likely to cause a lot of damage is fire; no wonder today people have become more concerned about finding the best fire insurance policy in India so that any costs incurred due to fire damage are covered.

Here are five things your parents would have surely taught you about fire safety:

• Know the Emergency Number: Regardless of whether you are a child or not, it is highly necessary always to remember the fire emergency helpline number, which happens to be 101 in India. While there are some steps you can take if there is a fire, it is always better to call the fire department to ensure that there is no trace of the fire left. Moreover, as a child, if there is no one around, you were most likely not able to do much, and calling them would be the only option.
• To leave immediately: If you see a fire, especially one which is growing, you should leave the premises immediately. There is no saying how the situation might escalate, and you might end up getting hurt or severely injured if you stay indoors or hide somewhere.
• Electrical fires: One of the most common reasons for a fire is electrical. Often, there is a shortage of power, or the wires might break, causing a fire. You must know never to try to put it out with water since you might get a shock.
• Don’t play with flammable objects: Every household has objects such as lighters, matchboxes, candles, and other flammable ones, which could potentially cause a fire. It is essential to explain to children what these objects are for, and what damage they could cause if played with, like fire can be harmful and how these objects make use of fire, instead of merely keeping them away, especially since children are curious by nature. Also, when cooking, children should not be allowed near a burning gas and should not be left alone in the kitchen.
• Keep heaters and other appliances away: Most people use heaters during the winters to keep warm, and they must take precautions to keep such appliances away from the reach of children. You must ensure that their toys are nowhere near the heater or that they don’t play around such appliances since there is always the possibility of knocking it over and causing a fire.

While it is very crucial to take all the precautions when it comes to fire and to teach children about its possible threats, it is also essential to have a fire insurance policy in place to cover any costs due to fire. You must make sure to choose only the best fire insurance policy in India to ensure that you would not have to pay a considerable amount to repair any damages.