GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

With the huge influence of Bollywood films, the idea of road trips has prompted strongly among India's youth. Air and train travel just cannot justify the excitement and adventure of road travel. They are a fantastic way to treasure the journey over the destination.

We all saw our share of the unpredictability of life during this pandemic time. Now that the economies have finally opened and the nation breathes, a road trip is an excellent idea to heal your soul. A road trip allows you to tailor your itinerary as per your preferences.

India has numerous picturesque highways where you can roll down the windows, blast the speakers and sing your favourite songs with your friends and family. We’ve put down seven handpicked routes in India to take your four-wheeled companion on an adventure of a lifetime.

1. Bangalore to Ooty:
An escape from Bangalore to Ooty will surely lift your spirits if you are a nature lover who enjoys long drives. The trip is both adventurous and scenically pleasing. You'll come across misty waterfalls, quiet creeks, and rolling green hills as you travel through this route.

2. Chennai to Munnar:
From woodlands brimming with exotic biodiversity, tea and rice plantations to villages and towns bursting with all the hues of life. And the magnificent temples give an excellent example of India's rich architectural past that has been there for many centuries. Chennai to Munnar is a route to look forward to.

3. Manali to Leh:
Famously referred to as Mecca of bikers. This route is also great for driving. It takes you through the beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh. You’ll come across a lot of lakes and monasteries along the way as well.

4. Delhi to Nainital:
From the capital of India to the valley of lakes! The treasures of beauty on this route are many and varied. You name anything, and you'll find it here, from exquisite natural beauty to ancient relics. This road trip will surely feed the adventurer inside you.

5. Mumbai to Goa:
The ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ route! Nothing compares to travelling from Mumbai to Goa via the Western Ghats if you enjoy driving. Within a few hundred kilometres, the scenery changes from skyscrapers to shades of green. This route is a visual treat, with blankets of verdant and countless rivers, creeks, dams, and waterfalls dotting the landscape. Coconut trees will start multiplying as you draw close to the state of Goa once you're there. And, you know what to do because what happens in Goa stays in Goa!

6. Darjeeling to Pelling:
On this route, rich tea plantations, beautiful mountains, and gorgeous views on all sides are a treat to the eyes. Visit a tea garden and drink a fresh brew for an instant caffeine boost. The highway is well maintained, providing a pleasant ride altogether, and is lined with various eateries that serve delicious food.

7. Chennai to Pondicherry:
This route, also known as the East Coast Road, is another mesmerising road that should be on your bucket list. This route is one of the finest road journeys in India and is worth checking out for its beaches and lakes. It has 14 hairpin bends, each named after a famous Tamil poet. The track is made even more beautiful by the superb road upkeep and the stunning surroundings.

Give yourself a break from the daily hustle and discover the joy of hidden pleasures through travelling. Through these different routes, we get a chance to explore the best of our nation, right from vibrant culture to the variety of food. But, it is essential to have an ideal car insurance plan and check for your car insurance renewal before heading off on any road trip. Car insurance renewal is a financial duty, and keeping it up-to-date can provide several benefits to you and your valuable possession.

Click HERE to get the best deals on 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.

Bike riding is one of the most popular activities, especially among the younger and enthusiastic generation. But, riding can be enjoyable only if it is practiced safely. Safety is paramount, and while riding a bike, there must be no compromise. Even if you are travelling short-distance, you need to have all the riding gear to keep you safe.

One such crucial riding essential is the biker jacket. They come in different price ranges, with various features, sizes, and materials from multiple brands that have created their value in the world of bikes and motorsport. But why is a biker jacket important? Here are a few benefits of using biker jackets while riding. This blog will make it easier to understand its importance. Read it till the end.

Advantages of using biker jackets are.

1. Safety is the top priority:
Biker jackets protect your body from various temperatures you might be riding in. They can safeguard you against skin damage or sunburns due to excessive heat and driving under the sun. They can even save you against the cold weather as they are pretty thick, and the material helps you withstand the winds.
Some biker jackets are waterproof, protecting you against the rain. The jackets have extra padding (especially in the shoulder and elbow region), which cushion your body against any injury in case of an accident.

2. Comfort is everything:
Biker jackets are easy to wear, and you don’t have to worry about discomfort when you put them on. And since you get them in various sizes and materials, you can choose according to your comfort and requirements.

3. Style is a factor:
Biker jackets have a certain sense of style. They complete the ensemble of a rider and give you a feel of professionalism and passion. As the outfits are important, they give you the confidence to accomplish a job. And biker jackets provide you with a feeling of an experienced rider and increase your style quotient. Consider purchasing a nice biker jacket as an investment in a statement piece that you can pull off for years to come.

4. Easy maintenance:
Biker jackets are usually made of materials that don’t need high maintenance or frequent exterior washing. They are generally waterproof and can easily wipe clean. You don’t need to wash it every time, but you can also opt for dry cleaning services to remove dirt and sweat.

These are a few benefits of using biker jackets while riding. Other riding gears that you need to include are motorcycle helmets, boots, pants, and gloves. These accessories keep you safe, protect your body against injuries in unfortunate situations and complete the rider ensemble.

Travelling on your bike can only be possible when you maintain it properly and protect it against damages in unprecedented circumstances. If not, it can put you and your bike at risk. Therefore, purchase bike insurance that provides you financial protection in the best way possible, and covers the expenses on your bike under challenging times.

Click HERE to know more about buying 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.

Vehicles breaking down during a journey can be highly frustrating for any driver. It can be even more stressful when you're driving a heavy-duty truck loaded with precious cargo and having a deadline to meet. The vehicle breaking down midway is the worst nightmare for any truck driver. Repairing the truck and replacing damaged parts can also be a huge stress. And additional costs like towing and customer service can send you over the edge.

The truck's maintenance and expenses towards the breakdown and accidents can be hectic unless you have reliable online motor insurance that secures your vehicle's engine and overall functioning.

Following are the preventative measures that will take your maintenance game to the next level and help reduce or avoid the chances of a breakdown.

1. Check the tyres:
Tyre problems account for a large number of truck breakdowns. You must inspect the air pressure of your tyres regularly. Underinflated tyres are more susceptible to blowouts which can be tremendously risky. Inappropriate tyre pressure can wear away fuel economy and the tyre's longevity. The tyre pressure must also be regulated as per seasonal changes and the terrain the truck is going to drive on.

2. Check your brakes:
The daily heat, pressure, and friction that the truck undergoes can cause several parts to wear down. Brake failure is one of the prime reasons for road accidents. Before and after every assignment, the truck must be inspected for any damage caused to the brakes.
Moisture and contamination in the air supply and control system, leakage of air pressure, imbalance in the pressure and timing of the brake system, and external corrosion are some of the primary causes of brake failure.

3. Maintain the engine oil and coolant levels:
While it is best to stick to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, the driver must check if the engine requires it from time to time. The oil and coolant are integral in the smooth functioning of the truck's motor. While you can secure your vehicle by purchasing online motor insurance, getting these fluids serviced regularly is imperative.

4. Inspect the electrical system:
A failing electrical system can easily backfire and result in several costly repairs. You must regularly check the truck's battery, wires, and cables. Ensure that the battery is charged and is in good condition, as a malfunctioning battery can harm other vital parts of the vehicle. Get the wires and cables reviewed by a mechanic as the everyday heat and friction can wear them out.

5. Keep your truck up-to-date:
Over time, even a maintained truck becomes unreliable due to intensive wear and tear to its mechanism, parts, and engine. It is vital to replace your vehicles and upgrade to substantial models to avoid future breakdown expenses.

These are the few key things to keep in mind when inspecting your truck. Ensure you examine all these points before taking your truck on the road. While it is impossible to completely evade your truck from breakdowns every once in a while, following the above steps can go a long way as a preventive measure.

Lastly, invest in reliable online motor insurance to provide an additional layer of safety to your truck and efficiently manage the expenses required in its repair and maintenance.

Click HERE to buy online 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.

Your luggage, along with clothes and other travel items, brings a lot of excitement for the trip. But one baggage that comes with flying long distances is “jet lag”, also called desynchronosis or circadian dysrhythmia.

People travelling across several time zones have observed that the different environmental conditions drive their internal clocks out of order. As a result, they face issues while sleeping, which causes dullness and irritation. Other indications of jet lag include fatigue, headache, stomach problems, and lack of concentration.

Your body is naturally synchronized to a 24-hour cycle-the circadian rhythm, and the body’s biological functioning, hormones, and temperature rise and fall according to this alignment. However, jet lag disrupts this clock. On an average, it usually takes a day to adapt to the different time zones. But, the older you get, the longer your body takes to adapt to the change.

Now that we know how jet lag affects your body, here are some ways to minimize it.

1. Rest on the plane:
If you are travelling east and into a brand-new day, try to get quality sleep on the plane. Why? Because eastward travel cuts short your arrival day compared to travelling west which gives you additional hours to adjust to the new time zone. Consider carrying eye masks and earplugs to reduce the light and noise and have a sound sleep during your flight.

2. Night time arrival? Try to stay awake:
You catch up on your sleep upon arrival so that you can wake up the following day naturally, therefore easing into the new time zone.

3. Choosing flights strategically:
Selecting early evening arrival flights helps you stay awake until bedtime in your new location. This will smoothen your adjustment into the time zone. Plan your journey in advance to avoid the last-moment hustle to get the desired flight ticket.

4. Power naps are a big yes:
Sleepy but worried about jet lag? Fret not. Take a power nap for 20-30 minutes and give yourself the rest you need. This can do wonders, especially when travelling to different time zones.

5. Plan ahead:
If you have an important meeting or function to attend, schedule your trip a little early to adjust to the new time zone to avoid any jet lag-induced inconveniences on the D-day.

6. Say no to coffee:
Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine a day before and on the day of your flight. These beverages can hinder your body clock and affect your sleep cycle. They might make the symptoms of jet lag dreadful for you.

As a traveller, unforeseeable circumstances can interfere with your travel arrangements. You could plan everything in order, yet some last-minute changes are bound to occur. To avoid getting caught up in such a hectic situation and losing money and peace of mind, make sure to purchase general insurance to protect your travel against cancellations, delays of flights, or baggage loss. Purchase your insurance from the best general insurance company to secure your travel dreams and make unforgettable memories.

Click HERE to know more about the general insurance company where you can find an insurance plan for your family.

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.