GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

The majority of house buyers and sellers use the services of real estate brokers to make the process hassle-free. A real estate broker is a middleman who connects a buyer and a seller. An experienced broker can help you secure a good deal while keeping both parties' interests in mind. Unfortunately, the real estate sector in India is rife with misinformation and uncertified real estate agents.

As a result, finding the perfect broker is crucial in making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. Finding the right real estate broker is as important as finding the best home insurance policy. Here is how to pick one.

1. Authenticity:
Reputation is a key component in the real estate sector. A reputable broker maintains relationships with developers, owners, and other real estate professionals. Question at least two clients about the agent's authenticity, knowledge, service quality, and, if possible, the pricing of homes they acquired through your agent. Preferably opt for a licensed broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Brokers must be RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) registered in addition to being a part of a reputed organization. The state's RERA website posts all of the agent's info. You can look up these facts on the website using the registration ID of the real estate broker.

2. Understanding of the neighbourhood:
When looking for a real estate broker, the first thing you should look for is someone who knows the neighbourhood. Your broker should be well-versed in the local market conditions.
A good real estate broker is well suited to reveal the nitty-gritty of an area, the real estate inventory, and the prospects. It's also necessary to know current property trends. You'll be in good hands if you find a broker familiar with the local rules and regulations regarding property purchases.

3. Potential prospects:
Do not finalise a broker on the spur of the moment with a single offer. Investigate the market and speak with at least two or three agents. You can ask questions, learn about their experience and working style, and determine their areas of specialisation and professionalism by meeting and interviewing a few possible brokers.

4. Brokerage:
It's critical to negotiate your agent's fee upfront without ambiguity. In most Indian cities, the fee is usually 2% for transactions worth more than Rs 50 lakh and 1% for transactions below. Real estate brokers frequently skip the fee section and charge a high percentage after the contract is closed, leading to disagreements.

Buying a home is both a financial and emotional investment. Many homeowners will also agree that purchasing a home is a complicated job. The right real estate agent can make the process less stressful while ensuring that you get a decent deal.

After finding a great deal on the house, the sense of claiming it as your own is unquestionably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is suggested to purchase home insurance coverage to protect your new home from undesired circumstances and shield your personal space with a layer of financial protection.

To know more about home insurance, click HERE .

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 best view arrives after the hardest trek," and there is no denying that. The beautiful valleys, the breath of fresh air, the stunning views are just a few of the many rewards you get at the end of a trek. We have heard about the experiences of avid trekkers, and each of them, without fail, has mentioned that everyone should go trekking at least once in their lifetime.

Trends show that more and more people are leaning towards new outdoor experiences, and trekking is something they want to enjoy. While choosing a destination isn't challenging, zeroing in on the other aspects of your travel becomes essential. One crucial question is whether to travel solo or in groups. Today we will try to shed light on both of these to help you make an informed decision before your next trip.

Why travel solo?
People have often associated trekking with catharsis. They enjoy the peace, quiet, and sometimes the mini-adventures that come with it. Navigating through unknown roads, climbing treacherous terrains, cooking your food, and enjoying your solitude is what any travel enthusiast dreams of. This means that you are fully responsible for everything that happens during that trek, and the experience is unique to you.
Another vital aspect is that since you are the sole proprietor of your journey, every decision made and every skill used comes from your judgement. This is an incredible way of learning your strengths and making yourself confident for future solo trips. The added benefit of going solo is that you set your milestones.
You aren't worried about being left behind, you don't have to race to the top to ensure you get the ideal spot for your tent, and you don't have to depend on other people's time. Instead, you get to explore like a wanderer.

Why travel in a group?
Shared knowledge is the best knowledge. When you travel in a group, there is a chance you might meet skilled travellers. Travelling with them helps you gain better insights into immersive experiences, and more often than not, they have tips and tricks to help you in your journey to the top.
There is a zeal associated with travelling in groups, where people constantly support each other and share new stories. There is a powerful sense of euphoria when you stand together, looking at the beautiful view from the top with each other. In addition, there is a distribution of responsibilities, some help in pitching the tent, some help in lighting the fire, and others help with the cooking process.
Travelling in a group ensures the safety of everyone, and in case of injury, there is always someone to help you. And by the end of your expedition, you make many new friends with whom you share fond memories.

These are some of the benefits of travelling solo and in a group. Treks can be a wonderful experience if done right, and in a country like India, there are a plethora of options that you can explore. Some groups conduct annual treks. Signing up with one can be an excellent start to your trek experience.

Keep in mind that your safety is of utmost priority no matter how you travel. So carry a first aid kit, visit your doctor for a checkup, and don't forget to buy general insurance online to get exciting deals and protect yourself from landing into unnecessary trouble.

Click HERE to buy general insurance online.

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

Painting your house can be a great way to improve its appeal, increase its monetary value and overall make you love your place even more. The best part is that painting does not even cost you much if you use the right tips and tricks. However, before picking up the paintbrush, remember that it is not child's play.

The gratifying project of giving your house a new look with a fresh coat of paint can become taxing if you follow the wrong ways. To make sure your home stands out in the neighbourhood, you must take an informed and measured approach to painting.

Before you make your selection, here's something you should know.

1. Hire a professional or do it yourself:
Decide on whether you want to hire a professional painter or do everything yourself. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Professional painters will cost more, but they will do the job faster and with correct procedures that non-professionals may not.

2. Choosing the appropriate colours:
The colour selection might be time-consuming due to the importance of each family member's shared decisions and choices. To observe the impact and brightness of the colours, purchase paint samples and apply them to any two sides of the wall. Or check out the colour palette of different paint companies and then choose.

3. Deciding on the best time to paint:
If you want to paint the building's outside walls, you should do so during the summer months so that the paint does not take as long to dry. Otherwise, paint only in the late mornings and early evenings when the weather is warm enough for the paint to dry.

4. Calculating the cost of painting:
You'll need to calculate the entire painting cost, including the equipment, expert painters (if you're employing them), paints, primers, and other supporting materials.

Before you begin the painting process, keep the following recommendations and practices in mind:

• Examining the house:
The painting should begin with a thorough examination of the entire area. Before applying a paint coat, make a list of every crack, hole, and structure that has to be fixed.

• Figuring out how much paint you'll need:
It's much easier to calculate and estimate the amount of paint that needs to be purchased once you've taken down the measurements of the area that is to be painted. It is generally a good idea to buy more paint than you need.

• Getting rid of old paint:
You must remove the old paint if it has deteriorated and flakes have begun to appear on the unsightly walls. Use a paper scraper to remove the old paints. This will eliminate the blemishes from the walls and clean them by removing the undesired dust.

• Cleaning the residence:
Professionals usually do cleaning and remove everything from the house. Before painting, clean the house to prevent dust from adhering to the walls. Remember to use a cloth to cover any other areas and big furniture you will not be painting.

• Begin the painting:
After these preparations, the paramount step is to paint the wall. First, spray the paint on the wall using a sprayer and then roll it down with a roller. Many specialists recommend that you employ the back-rolling method.

The next step is to let the paint cure for at least 24 hours since it will take practically an entire day to completely dry.

Painting is just one more method to nurture your home and take good care of it. Another approach is to get a low-cost home insurance India plan. This will cover your property from various catastrophes and ensure longevity by adding value to your prised possession.

Click HERE to buy a reasonable home insurance India plan.

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.

Cleaning our home is a regular task for all of us. It improves hygiene and promotes physical and mental well-being. Tidying the mess around you gives you clarity of thought and can be therapeutic. But sometimes, sorting the mess doesn't help, and a deep cleaning process is needed.

It might sound stressful, but no need to worry. This blog is a room-to-room manual for deep cleaning your home without getting tired during the process. We have broken it down into small doable tasks that are easy to follow.

But before we begin, go ahead and declutter the mess around you to make it convenient to move around freely while cleaning. Once you have sorted your scattered possessions, follow the subsequent points to proceed with room-wise deep cleaning.

1. Bedroom:
Remove the beddings and put the bedsheet and pillow covers into the laundry. An extra spin would help in drying them faster. Air dry your synthetic pillows. For heavy comforters, a laundry facility would be helpful. You can clean your mattress by sprinkling a little baking soda on it, letting it sit for an hour, and then using a vacuum cleaner to extract all the dirt. Next, declutter your closet by pulling out the clothes you won't wear and donating them. Finally, get all the blazers and the crease-prone garments on hangers to organise your closet.

2. Kitchen:
Start by wiping all the cabinets and external surfaces. You can use newspapers or mats to put on the shelves to avoid dust on the surfaces. Take all the things off your shelves and wipe them using suitable cleaners. Wipe the refrigerator inside out after emptying it. Follow the same process for the stove, dishwasher, and other appliances if possible. Wipe the countertops using cleaner liquids and let them dry.

3. Bathroom:
Some shower curtains have labels that mention if they're washable. Make sure to check yours before you wash it. Afterward, rehang to let it completely dry. You can also wash your plastic shower line or purchase a new one. To remove the water spots and soap scum, use heated distilled white vinegar for the doors and scrub with baking soda using a non-scratch pad. Finally, declutter your washroom cabinets, clean the surfaces, categorise the items, group, and arrange them. Do the same with your first aid and medicine cabinet.

4. Living room:
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean all the furniture. Remove the cushions for easier access to the deepest corners. Collect all your showpieces and photo frames from the shelves and wipe the surfaces with cleaners. Now take all the photo frames and clean them gently using a microfiber cloth. This will help you avoid scratches. You can use a thin dusting wand to clean beneath the surfaces of electronics. Go through all your CDs and DVDs and if they're not of use anymore, collect them to donate or sell.

Use these tips as your guide to deep clean your home without any hassle and stress. Also, ensure to safeguard your home and buy home insurance online. With the world going digital, you can explore your options and buy home insurance online in India with only a few clicks. Additionally, online insurances offer exciting benefits and deals to the policyholders to opt from and take advantage of.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy home insurance online 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 year 2022 is specifically crucial as the pandemic has caused individuals from all around the globe to pause and reconsider how they have handled their funds over the last couple of years. While the idea of plotting financial goals in the aftermath of the pandemic recession may seem daunting, it is an excellent time to participate in a different type of financial goal-setting.

As we are just getting started with 2022, remember, the sooner you begin, the better you will achieve your financial objectives. So, to help you start your journey to financial freedom, we have written this blog which points out 6 goals that you should meet. Let us take you through each of them briefly.

1. Build an emergency fund:
A liquidity backup set up for emergencies and unexpected bills is known as an emergency fund. You can use these savings for unanticipated costs or payments that are not part of your regular expenses. It can act as a financial cushion when you are looking for a job change, are unemployed, and support you during the uncertain times of Covid-19. It's just like an umbrella, not much of use most of the time but tremendously valuable when needed.

2. Savings for a home:
Owning a home is one of the most popular financial objectives people seek to fulfill. It is evident that people must work hard to achieve this goal. Planning for it may be difficult but not impossible if you start early. To appropriately fund this aim, you must first analyze your financial flow and requirements. Check your spending habits and invest in schemes that will earn you a good return in the future.

3. Adequately insure yourself, your family, and your assets:
You and your dependents can face numerous financial hazards if not adequately insured. Health insurance is crucial in today's times. We cannot deny the importance of general insurance in India for your other assets like a house, motor vehicle, etc. There are many good companies offering health and general insurance in India.

4. Invest for your retirement:
Saving for your retirement is a crucial financial long-term goal. Keeping a retirement fund to live comfortably and pay for medical expenses in your later years is essential. However, achieving this goal will be wholly dependent on your financial portfolio and spending habits over the years unless you have other forms of passive income.

5. Savings for your next generation:
With an average of two kids per household in our country, the university and upbringing cost is very high. You would indeed desire the best college and educational facilities for your offspring. However, paying for all the tuition fees and other costs of having kids is not that easy. After attaining your financial freedom, planning for your next generation is the most important goal you should look forward to.

6. Being debt-free:
Staying out of debt is a must for your financial wellness. This will ensure that you achieve your other financial objectives without any hurdles. Whether it's repayment of loans or clearing credit cards debts, make a strategy to get out of it as soon as possible.

Setting financial objectives will be one of the most important things you will have to do every successive year. If you're a married individual, you'll notice that many of these targets aren't purely personal and heavily involve your partner. Having communication with your partner and financial adviser can help you work together to get the most out of your resources and meet your financial targets. Happy New Year and happy financial planning!

You can check the most economical plans HERE.

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.

We all enjoy the occasional getaway to rejuvenate ourselves and break the mundane routine of our day-to-day lives. So often, we find ourselves surfing the internet for hours, trying to zero down on the one place we can go to and relax with our loved ones. But more often than not, we end up not going to these places. And there is no shortage of images on the internet, so we find ourselves looking at them and yearning to be there.

Today we will be looking at six places that will promise you peace and calm on your next getaway.

1. Cherai Beach, Kerala:
Popularly known as the ‘Princess of Arabian sea’, Cherai beach is located about 16 miles from Ernakulam on Vypeen island. This golden beach boasts blue waters and lush green vegetation stretches that are a must-visit for anyone who wants to unwind by a beach. People can enjoy various water sports in this destination. Cherai also hosts a five-day tourism festival that conducts an array of diverse cultural and traditional art forms.

2. Bhimbandh, Bihar:
This hot spring holds great significance in the history of India. Unfolding the pages of the past, during Mahabharat, when the Pandavas had to live in disguise, Bhimbandh was one of the locations that they had chosen. The temperature in this natural spring goes up to 72 degrees celsius. It is believed that Bhim was instrumental in placing slabs across the stream to prevent the water from flowing at high speeds. Hence the name “Bhimbandh”.

3. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh:
India’s Grand Canyon, Gandikota, is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places in the land. The main attraction is the Gandikota fort and its ruins. Built-in red sandstone, the fort has beautiful and intricate carvings, watchtowers, and a few noteworthy temples. Anyone interested in history should add Gandikota to the bucket list of places to visit.

4. Nagore, Tamil Nadu:
Nagore is a quaint town in Tamil Nadu, known for its famous Dargah, dedicated to Shahul Hamid, a renowned Sufi saint. It also promises a rustic, old-world charm and is a must-visit destination for travellers to enjoy beautiful unspoiled beaches.

5. Netarhat, Jharkhand:
A hill station, covered with thick forests known as the “Queen of the Chotanagpur”. One of the few places famous for its breath taking sunrise, and equally beautiful sunset, Netarhat is about 154 km from Ranchi. This hidden gem is surrounded by pines and orchards, making it the perfect picnic spot to enjoy with family and kids.

6. Idukki, Kerala:
This beautiful place has vast spans of mountains and dense forests. It has the lowest population density in Kerala, so its beauty is untouched and unexplored by many. Famously known as the ‘spice garden of India’. The Idukki dam is also one of the largest dams in the country and is a sight to behold.

We hope these places help you curate your next travel trip. Remember, no matter what the place is, always try to live amongst the locals and get a feel of the local lifestyle and the food. This only adds volumes to your experience and can be something that you will remember for the rest of your life. If you plan on taking a vacation, it is ideal to get your general insurance sorted. A beforehand general insurance policy acts as a safety net against any risks or unforeseen expenses you might face while traveling.

Click HERE to know more about general 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.

One of the most expensive assets that an average earning Indian buys in his/her life is a house. A good part of our earnings is spent on buying and furnishing our dream home. Though we pay a lot of attention when purchasing and setting up our house, we often neglect to get it insured from the best home insurance company in India.

Due to a lack of awareness among buyers, many people don’t consider buying a home insurance policy to protect their homes against natural calamities. There is a misconception among insurance buyers that home insurance is costly. However, the fact is that home insurance against natural disasters in India is inexpensive. It is being offered by the best home insurance company in India at a price that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Why buy Home Insurance against natural calamities?

Despite knowing that home insurance against natural calamities is not as expensive as it is perceived, only 1% of people buy the insurance cover.

It is essential to buy home insurance against natural calamity because India is a disaster-prone country. Many regions are prone to experience earthquakes with severe intensity. Also, there are many areas, approximately 12% of India, which is likely to floods. The areas on the Indian coastline are prone to experiencing tsunamis.

The frequency of natural disasters in India has increased in the past few years. According to the World Bank’s estimate, approximately 600 districts in India are calamity-prone. This places a large number of people and their property at a higher risk.

It is thus essential for Indians to buy a home insurance policy against natural calamities from one of the best home insurance companies in India. Moreover, a home insurance policy covers not only the building of your home but also the components in it from damages.

Here is a detailed analysis of why you need to buy a home insurance policy.

It not only protects your home:

• A home insurance policy provides protection not only by covering your home but also the components within.
• You can easily opt for add-ons to protect various components of your house like furniture, valuables, electronics, etc.

Replacement of loss

• A home insurance plan not only provides financial safety but also provides for the replacement of the insured subjects.
• You can opt for replacement cost instead of depreciation value when buying a home insurance plan.
• The structure of the building and the various components are insured for their replacement cost.

Home Insurance is inexpensive

• Home insurance plans to protect your home against natural calamities are available at affordable premium costs.
• You can easily buy home insurance from the best home insurance company in India without pinching your pocket.

Protect yourself from lawsuits

• A comprehensive home insurance policy offers you the required peace of mind by protecting you from property-related lawsuits.
• Some insurance plans also cover the medical expenses of a guest who is injured on the premises of your residence.

It offers flexibility

• If you are willing to buy a home insurance plan to protect your property from natural calamities, you can choose between insuring the structure of your home or only it’s content. This offers flexibility in buying a home insurance plan.

Natural calamities cannot be controlled, but you can protect your home. If you still don’t have home insurance, buy one soon from the best home insurance company in India to protect your dream home.

Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration. –Charles Dickens

You’ve made the big decision to purchase a dream house: reality is finally sweeter than your dreams! Congratulations.

A house is a matter of pride and a big commitment for many many years. A house is probably one of the biggest investments you will ever make: a dream you would like to protect.

While there is little we can do against natural disasters, we can reduce some of the hardships by having home insurance, which protects against any damage to the house and valuables in it.

Home insurance is poorly sold in India; People are either not aware of home insurance or are reluctant to buy it. They don’t see the risk to their property—be it fire or an act of terrorism; and of course, it always happens to other people!

A lost life cannot be regained, but a lost house can be rebuilt and it doesn’t cost much.

Here is what our Truth lens tells us:

A good policy covers for financial loss arising out of various incidents such as fire, earthquake or burglary. It covers, not only for structural damage but also for all other assets and possessions you may have, right from a rug to a refrigerator.

Here are a few things to consider:

One, the Cover

At the basic level, a standard fire and special perils policy covers your structure and possessions from fire and other dangers such as earthquakes and storms. The second level of coverage protects against burglary or breakdown of mechanical and electrical appliances. The last one protects against minimal risks such as loss of rent, loss of important documents such as title deeds and passport, and provision for alternate accommodation.

Two, the Sum Insured

While the value of your house is based on three factors - land, cost of construction for the building and prevailing real estate prices – the insurance only covers for the building’s cost of construction. Most insurers will offer a standard rate per square foot multiplied by the carpet area of your house. The rate offered also considers depreciation. Therefore, it is important to go for a reinstatement cover. This covers for rebuilding your home from scratch, assuming the worst.

Three, Compliance

If you are living in an urban high-rise, your flat alone cannot be rebuilt in case a big calamity hits the locality. It is the housing society’s responsibility to insure the entire premise. Talk to the society management and figure the kind of insurance availed of and what supplementation you need. The insurer will not cover for poor or unauthorized construction and you don’t want to be left high and dry in the event something goes wrong. Taking 2 insurance policies for the same asset will not result in double benefits! [This is based on the principle of indemnity, and the more technical oriented amongst us can click here to read more about it]

Time period: Home insurance can be bought for a minimum of one year to a maximum of five years. Do remember to renew.

Fine print: Home insurance policies are worded differently. For example, structure insurance may only be for building and not land, or only jewelry kept in the locker may be covered.

Tenants: If you are living in a rented house, you can insure only the contents and not the structure as you don’t own it.