GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Bikes are nothing short of an adventure on two wheels. While they have always been highly preferred in the Indian market due to their convenience, relative inexpensiveness, and ease of learning and riding, bikes are also doubling as a means of thrill providers over the last few decades.

With the varied topographical diversity in India, adrenalin seekers that enjoy motorbiking have found new joy in off-roading. While taking your bike on the road not commonly taken may give you momentary exhilaration, keeping your safety in mind before taking on such adventures is essential. Purchase a bike insurance policy that covers accidents resulting from such extreme sports.

Before getting started on your off-roading journey, consider purchasing these add-on covers to your bike insurance –

1. Engine protection:
The bike's engine is quite literally the heart of the machine. Ensuring it is in excellent condition is essential, especially when taking on challenging terrains. Since off-roading involves steep and rocky inclines, it puts tremendous pressure on your bike's engine. This makes it more likely to break down and leads to high engine repair costs. This add-on provides coverage for all expenses allied with engine repairs and maintenance.

2. Zero depreciation:
Wear and tear is a natural occurrence, and your bike is no exception. Usually, in case of raising a claim, the insurance company only admits a partial amount of the insured sum after factoring in the depreciation costs of the bike parts. However, buying a zero-depreciation cover can help you receive a higher claim amount than in the absence of such cover, making it easier to finance the cost of replacing bike components.

3. Theft of personal belongings:
Unlike regular riding, dirt biking requires special equipment that enhances the rider's safety. Such personal belongings are often expensive and require additional care to maintain. In case your riding gear gets stolen, a personal possessions cover can help you recover the insured sum or the cost of the stolen assets, providing peace of mind and financial security.

4. Roadside assistance:
Breakdowns may be frequent, even for regular bikes used for standard conveyance purposes on paved roads. Harsher terrains inevitably lead to greater chances of bike breakdowns due to multiple uncontrollable factors and mechanical failures. In such emergencies, it is necessary to have a backup plan to rely on. A roadside assistance cover provides reassurance of help in unforeseen conditions, making it a key requirement to purchase.

5. Outstation emergency cover:
The outstation emergency cover is necessary for off-road biking enthusiasts who enjoy long-distance biking adventures away from their residences. Generally, most bike insurance companies state the scope of coverage to be outside a 100-kilometre radius from the place of residence stated in the policy papers.

Can you buy specific bike insurance for your dirt biking adventures?

If you are a beginner to the sport, you may think of purchasing the above-stated add-on covers as a hassle and wonder why not buy an all-inclusive dirt biking insurance policy to protect your bike. Whether you intend to use a regular motorcycle for adventure sports or own a dirt bike, most insurance companies in India do not offer specific off-roading bike insurance. However, you may get comprehensive bike insurance that provides extensive coverage for your bike.

As the activity gains popularity, we expect the Indian insurance industry to adapt to the changing demand and provide suitable security cover for adventure activity. Until then, if you wish to take on the thrilling activity, we urge you to purchase the requisite add-on covers to make your bike insurance policy's coverage comprehensive for your needs.

Click HERE to buy bike 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.

Brain power is directly affected by several nutritional factors that enrich our body through the food we eat. Proper nutrition intake helps to boost our cognitive well-being. Our brain constitutes merely 2% of our body weight but consumes almost 20% of the overall energy utilisation. Hence, it is always searching for nutrition, and it becomes our duty to fulfill this need.

Is there any particular nutrient that can boost your brain power? You will be surprised to know that magnesium plays a significant role. Let us know more about it in detail.

*Note
It is crucial to invest in the best health insurance policy in India to avoid venting your pockets while dealing with treatments or medical emergencies.

1. Energy production
Magnesium produces unimpaired energy required by mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells. Magnesium also enhances the activities of the essential enzymes useful in energy production.

If energy production is not optimal, our brains may not function properly. There can be a negative impact on its cognitive powers. Hence, magnesium is essential in our body to facilitate energy production and boost our brain power.

2. Neuronal processes
Other than energy production, magnesium is important for neuronal processes too. It regulates neuro-transmitting signals in the brain. It is the key to the prime neurotransmitters- GABA and glutamate.

Magnesium also helps to maintain sufficient calcium content in the brain cells and regulates the activity of calcium channels. High magnesium levels in the brain can help enhance your memory and learning power. Also, it strengthens the process of synaptic plasticity, which can delay cognitive decline due to ageing.

An increase in magnesium levels in the brain may also increase the pace of neural stem cells production. It can promote neurogenesis in adulthood and improve the brain's adaptability to changing external environments, mood regulation, and cognitive flexibility. Magnesium can also help to maintain proper blood flow to your brain by helping to control oxidative stress and inflammation.

3. Brain decline
Various studies have proven that low magnesium levels can result in a decline in the brain's performance. People who have Alzheimer's disease come up with low levels of magnesium in their cerebrospinal fluid. Studies also show that people using magnesium oxide are less at risk of developing dementia.

Research also shows that magnesium plays a significant role in healing traumatic brain injuries. People treated with magnesium sulphate showed a favourable outcome and recovery within 12 hours. Studies have also proven that magnesium affects the functioning and health of a normal brain.

4. Magnesium-rich foods
Now you must be clear about the power of magnesium in boosting your brain power. But what are the foods that are rich in magnesium? Here's a complete list.

Dark chocolate, spinach, avocado, pumpkin seed, bananas, cashews, leafy green vegetables, whole grain, legumes, almonds, brown rice, black beans, yogurt, fish, and sunflower seed are some foods that are a rich source of magnesium.

Magnesium helps to boost your brain power and cognitive well-being. Increase your intake by consuming more food rich in magnesium. Magnesium is also important for several enzyme reactions impacting your bones, blood sugar, and nerves.

In addition to taking a magnesium-rich diet, you must buy the best health insurance policy in India that can protect you from unplanned financial burdens. Your health can deteriorate anytime, and you may require surgery. Health insurance will cover you in such instances. Do proper online and offline research and opt for the best health insurance policy in India that provides good coverage at the most reasonable premiums.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance policy 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.

Motor insurance is a boon that provides vehicle owners security against the financial burden of mishaps that occur to their cars. While it offers several inclusions, acts classified as contributory negligence do not fall under the policy's scope of coverage.

One such act is misfuelling your vehicle, which unfortunately happens frequently. If you find yourself in such a situation, here's all you need to know.

Case 1: Potential dangers of petrol in a diesel car.
Gasoline in a diesel car is a solvent for low lubrication and could damage the fuel pump. Metal pieces from the broken pumps could cause more problems with the fuel delivery system.

What to do: Avoid turning the key and igniting the engine.
The tank must be emptied, with all tainted fuel removed and replaced with a new charge. You can only turn it on after that.

Case 2: Threats of diesel in a petrol car.
Because the diameter of the diesel fuel filler cannon is often larger than the slot of petrol cars, refuelling a petrol car with diesel fuel is uncommon. However, in such situations, the engine doesn't start, and the exhaust severely smokes while running.
The spark produced by spark plugs is what drives a petrol-powered car. Diesel can clog the candles and the fuel system when you fill it up and start the vehicle. It can lead to misfires, smoke, and possibly even a motor failure.

What to do: Don't turn on the ignition and refuel the tank.
Use a specialised additive that clears diesel traces from the fuel system if you fill the petrol tank with diesel in any amount. Furthermore, it matters how much diesel has dispersed throughout the car's internal components after entering the gasoline tank.
It is advised to do a complete tank drain and then fill the entire tank with gasoline. If less than 2 litres have been added, there will be no issues. Obtain assistance from a professional who can remove and clean the gasoline tank if the diesel content exceeds 5% of the tank capacity. Once completed, you can start the car and drive it further.

If your car is already running.
It is advised to drain the fuel tank and refill the fuel system with fresh gasoline before starting the car. If you're driving when you realise, stop as soon as possible. To eliminate the contaminated fuel, it is imperative to flush the tank. Replacement of the gasoline filter is essential in each scenario.

How can the risk be reduced?
No one purposefully fills their tank with the wrong fuel, yet many individuals do so even though the filler size varies for the two fuel types. The type of fuel used on each car is noted, typically on the tank cap and the filler cap as well. Before beginning to refuel, always double-check the type of fuel!

The repair cost may increase depending on how much-contaminated fuel is in the fuel system. You should always be careful to avoid such incidents, and if it does, you could incur significant repair costs.

One of your most valuable possessions, your car, needs to be protected because repairs are expensive. The best way to protect yourself is to purchase motor insurance, which offers several advantages that can increase your safety and safeguards your finances in the case of an accident.

Click HERE to buy motor 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.

Commuting by bike is a routine affair for millions of Indians around the length and breadth of the country. If you are a daily commuter and have to go through crowded, traffic-filled small lanes in India, a bike can be the best form of transportation.

Bikes can be great fun, even for long rides. However, the long journey can be tiring and cause body aches. Aches can spoil your remaining adventure and may dampen your high spirits about bike travel.

You can ensure thrilling long rides without any aches by following these tips.

1. Exercise
Long rides can cause severe backaches. Riding a bike puts extensive pressure on the core muscles because they bear your body weight. You need to strengthen your midsection and ensure that your spine stays strong. Several exercises strengthen your back, but you need to do them regularly, not just for a few days. There are some yoga asanas, too, that can help to strengthen your spine. Exercising will help preserve your core muscle strength and ensure your spine does not suffer undue pressure. It will benefit you immensely and prevent long-term health problems as well.

2. Correct posture
Incorrect posture while riding your bike can result in back pain, which even regular exercising cannot help. You should maintain a straight back during long bike rides. Line up your shoulders above your waist, and never sit in a hunching position. Most riders ignore their sitting posture and end up with back pain during long rides. Also, do not put extra weight on your back, such as a heavy backpack. Undue weight can also spoil your posture and cause back ache.

3. Rest occasionally
You must occasionally take a rest during a long ride on your bike. Continuously riding your bike without stopping can cause chronic injury. Stop frequently and get down from your bike. Try simple stretching exercises such as arching your back forward and backward, twisting your shoulders and arms, and leaning in front to touch the toes. It will relax your body and freshen your mind and spirit.

4. Give your hands a break too
The incorrect gripping style of the bike handle can result in hand aches. Your wrists should have about 10-15 degrees back-bend on the handle. Some bikes have very low handles, which can cause discomfort and pain, especially during long rides. You can always get your handle position adjusted by a mechanic if you feel it is too high or too low before commencing the long ride.

5. Good seat cushioning
Company-fitted bike seats may not have adequate cushioning. This can cause discomfort and backache during long bike rides. Get a good seat cover for your bike that has proper cushioning. You can get it customized and choose the cushioning level as per your choice and comfort.

Many bike enthusiasts love taking their bikes on long rides for a thrilling experience. Following the above tips will ensure that you truly enjoy your long ride without aches and discomfort during your journey.

A good 2 wheeler insurance policy is as critical for any rider as it ensures a comfortable long ride. It will provide you with financial coverage for an accident or damage. The insurance company will reimburse you for your bike’s current value if stolen. Moreover, having valid 2 wheeler insurance while riding your motorcycle is legally compulsory. So what are you waiting for? Go get your 2 wheeler insurance policy immediately!

Click HERE to buy a 2 wheeler insurance policy in just a few clicks.

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.

Bike insurance is essential for every motorcycle owner to protect themselves from financial losses because of unfortunate events such as theft, damage, or accidents. Most people purchase bike insurance online as it saves time and offers them various options to compare and choose from. However, sometimes people encounter situations where they should consider cancelling their bike insurance to save unnecessary payments.

If you are selling your bike, moving abroad with your bike, or your bike is no longer in use, you can save unnecessary premiums just by cancelling your insurance policy.

By understanding these situations, bike owners can make informed decisions about cancelling their bike insurance policy when necessary. Without further ado, let's discuss these situations in detail.

1. Selling your bike
If you have sold your bike, you do not need to keep the insurance policy active. In such a scenario, you should cancel your bike insurance policy to avoid paying unnecessary premiums. You can easily cancel your bike insurance online by contacting your insurance provider.

2. Moving abroad
You must buy bike insurance in that country when moving abroad along with the bike. In such a situation, cancelling your existing bike insurance policy is advisable to save you from paying unnecessary premiums. Contact your insurance provider to cancel your policy, and they will guide you through the process.

3. The bike is no longer in use
You do not need to pay for bike insurance if your bike is no longer used. For instance, if you have switched to public transport or a car, you should cancel your bike insurance policy to save money.

The other probable reasons when you can cancel your bike insurance are;

● Not satisfied with the policy
If you are dissatisfied with your current bike insurance policy and have found a better one with more benefits and a lower premium, you can consider cancelling your existing policy. However, before cancelling, you should read the terms and conditions of your current policy to understand if there are any cancellation charges or penalties.

● High premium
If you are finding it difficult to pay the high premium of your bike insurance policy, consider cancelling it. However, before cancelling, you should compare policies from different insurance providers to find one that suits your budget.

● Reckless driving
Your insurance provider may cancel your policy if you have a history of reckless driving and have been involved in multiple accidents. In such a scenario, it is advisable to surrender your bike insurance policy and look for a new policy that suits your needs.

Bike insurance is a crucial aspect of bike ownership as it provides financial protection against any unforeseen events. However, there are certain situations where cancelling your bike insurance policy is the right decision. It is essential to remember that before cancelling your policy, you should read the terms and conditions of your policy to understand if there are any cancellation charges or penalties. By cancelling your bike insurance policy when necessary, you can save money and ensure you buy the right bike insurance online to fully meet your needs from the comfort of your home.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of purchasing bike 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.

COVID-19 vaccines strengthen our immune system, and help it recognize and combat the coronavirus. The type and frequency of doses vary for different vaccines, however, beneficiaries are advised to take two shots of vaccines currently available in the country. Post vaccination, it generally takes a minimum of two weeks for anyone to build immunity against the virus.

Key Information and COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory:

• From 1st April 2021, all individuals over the age of 45 (irrespective of co-morbidities or pre-medical conditions) are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Beneficiaries are requested to complete all prescribed doses of the vaccine.
• As per medical experts, post-vaccination effects (nausea, mild fever being the most common) are normal.
• Even after vaccination, all safety measures for COVID-19 are to be strictly followed at all times, including social distancing and wearing masks.
• The duration for which the COVID-19 vaccines are effective and its efficacy against the new strains of the virus is still unknown. Hence, it is absolutely essential to not let our guards down.
• We urge you to not be misled by fake vaccine marketing / promotions, as it is not available in open markets yet.
• Do not attend a vaccination appointment if you are self-isolating, or awaiting COVID-19 test results, or are unwell.
• Research efforts are ongoing for knowing how many people should get vaccinated to attain herd immunity (which means enough people being vaccinated making it tough for coronavirus to spread from person to person). Hence, rumors about herd immunity being already attained, should strictly be ignored.
• To know more about the vaccines, please download the CoWIN App, or log on to www.cowin.gov.in. You can also visit the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) website (www.mohfw.gov.in) for regular updates about COVID-19.
• For any queries, call the Government helpline number 1075 or +91 11-23978046.

Cost and Availability of COVID-19 Vaccine:

• Vaccines are available at different government hospitals for free and at private hospitals at a price of INR 250 per dose.
• The COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot deny any individual above the age of 45 to get themselves vaccinated, except for reasons best known to medical practitioners.
• The government is currently working on making the vaccines widely available for everyone at no cost in the coming months.

Your car gets you safely everywhere you want to go, but it requires that you take good care of it in order for it to keep running. Some of these simple maintenance issues can actually result in an accident or injuries. Take the time to make sure these 10 things are checked regularly and maintained as needed and avoid a potential accident or claim.

Tip 1: Change the oil. Neglecting oil level checks and fresh oil changes will not do your car any favours.

Tip 2: Change the oil filter. Check the oil level once a month and replace the oil filter regularly.

Tip 3: Check your brake fluid. Check when transmission fluid and power steering fluid need to be replaced as well.

Tip 4: Check the tyre pressure each month. You should check your tyres regularly by ensuring that they are properly inflated and that the wheels are aligned. Not only will you get better mileage, but your tyres will last longer too.

Tip 5: Check the windscreen wipers. Make sure they are not damaged and are in a good working condition, as driving without proper visibility is dangerous.

Tip 6: Change the air filter. Keep your engine clean by regularly replacing the air filter.

Tip 7: Check the windscreen. Inspect the windscreen for small chips and scratches. These are reasonably cheap to repair, while replacing an entire windscreen is expensive.

Tip 8: Check your lights. This means indicator lights, hazard lights and headlights. Replace burnt out bulbs immediately.

Tip 9: Check the dashboard. Don't ignore the dashboard if there are flashing lights or the temperature gauge is suddenly extra hot. Stop as soon as it is safe and read the manual to make sure it is safe to drive further.

Tip 10: Protect the exterior of the car. A coat of good quality wax will ensure that your vehicle paint is protected. Apply the wax every six months.

Keep your car in good running condition and it will keep you safe and in control on the road. It takes a short amount of time to check these important functions, but can save money, fuel, and even lives in the long run. Make sure the functions of your car aren’t the only thing you’re checking. Get Car Insurance at the best price and protect your prized possession!

Have you thought of your insurance claim getting rejected? Scary is’nt it?

Any individual taking an insurance policy would never think about their claim not being approved, but there have been numerous incidents of insurance claim rejection. Some of the reasons could be due to negligence on the part of the policyholder, but sometimes, it could also be because of choosing the wrong policy provider who looks for loopholes to avoid paying claims.

Claim settlement becomes especially important in the case of life insurance policy, where an entire family’s short-term sustenance may depend upon the claim amount.

What is Claim Settlement Ratio?

As the name suggests, the Claim Settlement Ratio is the number of claims the insurance provider has settled up until now. For instance, if the company has a claim settlement ratio of 80%, then that means that the particular company has settled 80 out of every 100 claims that were filed by policyholders.

Magma HDI has maintained an exceptional CSR of 94.1% in FY 17-18 compared to the industry average of 87.2%. With our convenient and efficient claim settlement process, we were able to ensure less than 30-day claim settlement for almost 87.17% of the total claims made in the year. 

Why is the claim settlement ratio important?

It is essential to consider every aspect so you can take an informed decision before picking the right insurance provider and signing the policy papers. This becomes particularly important when taking life insurance, as, in the event of your untimely device, you will leave behind a financial security cushion for your dependents to fall back on.

The Claim Settlement Ratio is an indication of the likelihood of the policy provider to pay the claim. Companies that have a higher claim settlement ratio are automatically trusted higher as compared to companies with a lower ratio.

Few reasons for claim rejection:

• Withholding critical information at the time of taking the policy can seriously impact the likelihood of your claim getting settled as it affects the risk assessment – Can be written as tell the truth always! no matter what
• Not understanding or being unaware of the company’s terms and conditions could lead to complications or incorrect/incomplete information that could then lead to rejection. Therefore, make sure you understand the clauses and use the free-look period to ensure that you’ve made the right selection
• Faltering during the claim filing process is one of the key reasons for claim rejection. Therefore, you must thoroughly follow the process before filing your claim

Now that you know all about the Claim Settlement Ratio and how it impacts your chances of claim settlement, you can make an informed decision and choose the right provider.