GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

One of the most significant decisions an individual makes while buying a car is the kind of gear transmission. This confusion between opting for an automatic or manual transmission is valid, as both have their list of advantages. But did you know this decision also predominantly affects the premium you pay for your motor insurance? Car insurance is an important factor when deciding on a vehicle. Here is some crucial information about car insurance before considering the type of transmission to buy.

Automatic transmission v/s Manual transmission
First and foremost, knowing the difference between automatic and manual cars is essential. Manual cars require more driver input than automatic cars. Manual cars have five to six gears and one reverse gear, which the driver must manually operate with a gear stick and clutch. This is to enable the car to move forward or backward.

Under normal driving conditions, a car with automatic transmission requires little to no driver input to change its gears equipped with the ever-evolving ECU (Electronic Control Unit). It is a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Some people prefer manual cars as they are more fuel-effective and cheaper, giving the driver a budget-friendly output. But these days, with the growing traffic and difficulty in driving, many individuals have started preferring automatic transmission cars.

Another factor to consider when weighing the pros and cons of the matter is that the insurance premium of an automatic car is slightly higher than a manual car premium. However, car premiums are affected by several other factors as well.

1. Complexity in structure
While manual transmission requires changing the gears by operating the gear stick, the automatic transmission uses an ECU. The ECU changes the gears intelligently using fluid pressure. This greatly simplifies the process of driving but complicates the gearbox. Since the repair and replacement cost of the transmission components is relatively high, the car premium is also higher. Therefore, the complexity of the gearbox is one of many factors affecting car premiums.

2. Location
People in metropolitan cities generally prefer automatic cars over manual cars, but manual transmission cars are a top choice in smaller towns.

Also, there were more cases of theft and accidents in larger cities. This affects car insurance premiums, as an automatic car would require more premium in a bigger city than in a smaller city, owing to the high risk of accidents and theft.

3. Cost of the car
The price of the vehicle and its components directly affects the insurance premium. As automatic cars are more costly in the market than manual car transmission options, it is reflected in the premium for your car insurance.

4. Factoring the model, age, and brand

The car's manufacturer, model, and features also count when deciding on the premium. Luxury cars' premiums will undoubtedly cost more than regular cars. Also, you may spot a difference in the car premium based on the multiple automatic variants of the cars. You need to acquaint yourself with the right knowledge while purchasing car insurance.

Once the decision of the type of gearbox is finalised, you can quickly proceed to plan your car insurance. One way to look at all options is to look at comprehensive car insurance online. Browse through various sites, compare policies, and find multiple offers. Purchase car insurance that fits your requirements and budget. Don't make any decisions in a hurry. Do proper research and then invest in the best.

Click HERE to know more about car 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.

Indian insurance companies offer two types of bike insurance validity- single-year and multi-year bike insurance. As the name suggests, you have to renew single-year bike insurance annually. Multi-year bike insurance is valid for more than a year, usually for two, three or five years.

Both types of bike insurance have their advantages and disadvantages. Let us understand the difference between multi-year and single-year bike insurance.

1. Renewal and convenience:
A single-year bike insurance policy has to be renewed every year. You have to keep track of the policy's expiry date and get it renewed either online, through an agent, or paying at the insurance company's office directly.
A multi-year bike insurance policy has to be renewed after a much longer period, usually two or three years, and even up to five years. Hence, it provides a lot of ease and convenience as far as the hassles with renewal are concerned. You do not have to worry about the policy renewal date for long once you have renewed it for multiple years in one go. Such policies provide enhanced lapse protection cover because they do not lapse every year but after a couple of years or more.

2. Pricing:
Technically, the pricing between a single-year and multi-year bike insurance is proportionately similar. However, differences in pricing may arise because of the impact of inflation and the government's taxation policy.
Suppose the impact of inflation is high, and the economy is seeing an upward trend in the prices of commodities over a long period. In that case, the single-year bike insurance premium, too, is bound to go up at the time of renewal. Moreover, if the government increases the tax rate on the renewal premium, you will also have to pay more on account of taxes.
This is not the case with your multi-year bike insurance premium. You pay it in one go for several years at the current price rates. Hence, you are saved from experiencing any upward movement in insurance premiums because of inflation. Also, any increase in tax rates on insurance premiums will not affect you in the case of multi-year bike insurance.

3. No-claim bonus:
Your multi-year bike insurance policy provides you with a higher NCB discount rate than a Single-year insurance policy. This brings down your insurance premium significantly. However, please remember that every insurance company has its distinctive NCB calculation, and the NCB amount can vary from one insurer to another.

4. Insured Declared Value:
In the case of a single-year bike insurance policy, you can check and regulate the IDV of your vehicle every year at the time of renewal of the policy. Hence, you can pay a little more premium and enjoy a higher valuation of your bike.
But the IDV is fixed for the entire policy duration in the case of multi-year bike insurance. You cannot change it in the middle of the policy and may not be able to achieve the highest possible valuation of your bike in this case.

5. Financial burden:
The financial burden on any person is more in the case of multi-year bike insurance than single-year bike insurance. You have to pay the premium for several years in one go in the case of multi-year bike insurance. This may prove a bit harsh on your pocket, especially if you are already facing financial distress.

Single-year and multi-year bike insurance have their unique advantages and disadvantages. An easy going person who wants to stay free of the stress of renewal of the policy every year should opt for multi-year bike insurance. A person who wants to keep a check on add-ons and offers provided by their insurance company every year should opt for single-year bike insurance.

No matter which type of insurance you choose, opt for buying your bike insurance online and enjoy service, variety, and great discounts at your doorstep with simple clicks.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Wearable devices have become increasingly popular over the years and are changing how people interact with their health. These devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other health monitoring gadgets, are worn on the body. They have sensors that collect and transmit data to a smartphone or a computer. The data collected can be used to track and monitor various aspects of health, including physical activity, heart rate, blood pressure, and even sleep patterns.

Health insurance providers have recently begun incorporating wearable technology into their policies. This integration has led to innovative insurance plans that reward policyholders for maintaining healthy lifestyles. Wearable technology is making health insurance more personalised and data-driven. The data collected from these devices can be used to determine premiums, offer discounts, and develop wellness programs tailored to the individual policyholder.

Wondering how the wearables can make your health insurance cheaper? This blog will provide more insights into the topics.

1. Incentivising healthy behaviour
Wearable technology can track an individual's physical activity, heart rate, and other biometric data. Insurance providers can use this data to incentivise policyholders to engage in healthy behaviours. For example, policyholders who reach specific health goals, such as achieving a target step count, can receive discounts on their premiums. This incentivises policyholders to maintain a healthy lifestyle, leading to lower healthcare costs and reduced insurance premiums.

2. Accurate risk assessment
Wearable technology can provide insurance providers with accurate and real-time data on a policyholder's health. This data can be used to assess the risk of chronic diseases and other health adversities. Policyholders can avoid expensive medical procedures by addressing health issues before they become chronic, reducing healthcare costs, and lowering insurance premiums.

Wearables provide insurers with a wealth of data that can be used to create more personalised coverage for policyholders. Insurers can use this data to identify potential health risks and offer targeted coverage for these conditions. For example, a policyholder who has high blood pressure may be provided coverage that includes more frequent check-ups or medication management.

3. Improved disease management
Wearable technology can also help policyholders manage chronic conditions. For example, a wearable device can track blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Insurance providers can use this data to develop personalised treatment plans and monitor a policyholder's progress. Policyholders can avoid costly hospitalisations and emergency room visits by managing chronic conditions more effectively.

4. Reduced fraud and welcoming exciting offers
Wearable devices track a policyholder's physical activity, heart rate, and other biometric data. Insurance providers can use this data to verify a policyholder's claims and ensure no scope for fraud. A significant benefit of wearing wearables for health insurance is lower premiums. Insurers can offer discounts or rewards for meeting specific health goals or participating in wellness programs. This not only benefits policyholders but also encourages them to lead healthier lifestyles.

Wearables have revolutionised the healthcare industry, allowing for more personalised and data-driven healthcare services. The integration of wearables in health insurance programs has made it possible for insurers to understand their policyholders' health better, leading to better risk assessment and lower premiums.

With technological advancement, we expect to see more innovations in the healthcare industry, and wearables will undoubtedly play a significant role in improving health insurance programs for all. Explore all available options and choose the health insurance that caters to your needs optimally.

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

If you've driven a car with manual steering, you must know how difficult it can be. Power steering is an advanced mechanical device fitted in your vehicle that helps you turn the steering wheels effortlessly.

But very few car drivers know the significance of warning lights appearing on the dashboard. When the warning light for the power steering system in your automobile comes on, you should be concerned since that usually means the power steering system is broken, making it extremely difficult to drive the vehicle.

What turns on the power steering light?

Low fluid level is the most frequent cause of the power steering warning light for vehicles with hydraulic power steering. A leak in one of the tubes can be a primary reason. When your power steering light turns on while driving, it'll be wise to slow down and park your car safely. Just be extremely careful because your steering will be considerably heavier at this point.

Open the bonnet to find the reservoir for the steering wheel fluid. There might be a picture of a steering wheel on the reservoir cap. If not, refer to your owner's manual to locate it.

Examine the liquid level. Before continuing your journey, you should top off the reservoir if it appears to be getting low. If you likely don't have any, visit your neighbourhood car service centre to buy some.

Start your engine after topping off the power steering fluid. You may continue travelling if the warning light doesn't turn on again. If the power steering light is still on, there may be a more significant issue. You should get your vehicle checked at a nearby garage or service centre to inspect the actual problem.

What if an EPS light appears?

Cars without hydraulic power steering will activate the EPS system, which stands for electronic power steering. If your car's EPS warning light glows, diagnosing the problem could be more difficult because there won't be any fluid levels to examine. You should carefully check all the connections to the battery for signs of wear or damage because a problem with the battery or alternator could sometimes cause it.

You may also have a problem with the EPS light if you recently had to jumpstart your car or take the battery out. Sometimes you might resolve the issue by turning your car on and off again. Even if this works, you should still have your car checked at a service centre because there might be a deeper problem.

Driving while the power steering light is on, is it safe?

It won't be simple because turning will be more challenging, and steering will be heavier. Accidents will also be far more likely because it will be nearly impossible to react to situations at higher speeds. If the light turns on while you're driving, it'll be better to inspect your car in a secure location before heading further.

Either way, the steering wheel warning light could mean something is wrong with your power steering system. It would help if you had a trained mechanic checking your car to address the issue.

Car insurance can financially aid you if the damage is severe and requires high repair costs. Every car insurance policy has an annual renewal period. Policyholders must do their renewal promptly to continue using the vehicle insurance services. If they fail, their policy coverage may lapse, and they may lose all the benefits and policy coverage. Always look out for updates in the car insurance price in India and plan your policy renewal accordingly.

Click HERE to buy a comprehensive car insurance policy.

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