GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

How well are you prepared for a situation like a brake failure? Well, most people can't imagine the correct answer. Imagine you are driving comfortably, and your eyes are engaged on the road. Then, when you approach traffic or a speed breaker, you hit the brake pedal, but your car doesn't slow down. You repress harder this time, but you are still speeding. Are brake failures terrifying to even think about? It's best to prepare for such panic scenarios.

Brake failures usually are not recognized beforehand; they hit you when you are in motion. It can be a panicking situation leaving the driver clueless and inviting a potential threat to his life.

In today's post, we'll talk about the dos and don'ts to stop your car safely when the brakes fail.

What to do?

1. Don't lose your cool:
We understand it's easier said than done but try not to panic. This will only put you and the passengers in unnecessary danger at the time of an actual stressful situation.

2. Go easy on the throttle:
Immediately take your foot off the accelerator pedal. You don't want to speed up even by mistake as it can only worsen the situation and make the vehicle handling uncontrollable.

3. Pump the brakes:
Press the brake pedal multiple times to generate enough pressure in the hydraulic system of the brakes. This can miraculously work out, and you'll be able to halt your car even after brake failures.

4. Lower the gears:
If the pumping doesn't help, shift into a lower gear gradually. Doing this increases the mechanical resistance, referred to as engine braking.

5. Engage handbrakes:
Some cars can restrict you from shifting to extra-low gear until the car has slowed sufficiently. In such cases, handbraking comes in. When you engage the handbrakes, do so gradually. If you suddenly apply them, your car can go skidding to make the situation worse.

6. Turn on the AC to the maximum:
Turning the AC to the max will take a few kilowatts of power. Turning on all extras will cause resistance to the alternator that can help you slow down.

Other dos:

● Keep your vision on the road at all times.

● Turn on the hazard lights. This will notify other drivers that you're in an emergency.

● If you notice an uphill road, use it to your advantage. Taking your vehicle to it will help you curb the speed.

● Wear your seatbelt at all times.

● Follow the speed limits on all roads.

Now that you know what to do. Let’s discuss the don'ts real quick:

● Do not continue driving on cruise control.

● Do not cut the ignition or change the gear to neutral as you will lose the full control.

● Do not shift from higher gear to low gear drastically. The same goes for handbrake. Do not engage it at once. This can cause skidding.

● DO NOT shift to reverse gear. This will completely shatter the gearbox, and further will not allow you to downshift.

● Don't move sideways with a speeding vehicle. Yes, it increases friction, but you run the danger of spinning out.

● Do not run into a concrete wall or a block to crash stop; go for shrubs and bushes.

When such situations arise, you are in danger and the rest of the commuters around. Therefore, you must think rationally and make decisions. You and your car can sustain damage in such scenarios; having reliable car insurance at your disposal will help you recover from it. If you have one, check for your car insurance renewal before you hit the roads. Car insurance renewal is a ticket for extended protection of your prized possession.

Also, don't ever overlook the necessity of having your car serviced at regular intervals so that critical safety systems, such as braking, are well maintained.

Car insurance renewals are possible online now. Click HERE to do it right now.

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!

A good helmet is an essential motorcycle accessory for your safety. It protects your head from severe injuries in an accident and can be a lifesaver. The helmet cushioning makes your ride comfortable, especially on a long drive. Moreover, you can also use it to add to your style statement.

A good motorcycle helmet shield is a must feature in a helmet. You should maintain your motorcycle helmet shield to extend the helmet's life and ensure clear vision. Let us discuss how to maintain a motorcycle helmet shield.

1. Cleaning:
The first step to maintaining our motorcycle helmet shield is regularly cleaning it. A dirty shield can obstruct your vision and invite an accident. In most cases, regular glass cleaners can do the job for you. Spray some glass cleaner on the shield, and use a soft and clean cloth to rub the shield's surface. It will remove the dirt from the surface and make your shield spotless.

2. Films and sprays:
Films for helmet shields are easily available at any motorcycle accessories shop. You can customise it according to the size of your helmet shield. It will create a barrier between rain and your shield and help to drip it off quickly. Moreover, you can put a film of any colour of your choice and make your helmet look cool and fancy.
Similarly, several sprays available in the market can be used for the same purpose. Anti-fog sprays are also available, which you can use from the inside of your helmet shield. They do not allow condensation to build up during the cold weather and help in clear vision. Films and sprays also protect your helmet shield from scratches and damage.
Ensure you do not keep your helmet shield up while riding through dusty passages, as it will ruin the effect of anti-fog spray and hamper your vision.

3. Wax:
Buy a good quality wax that can be applied on a helmet shield. Rub it on the surface, and use a soft, clean cloth to add shine to your motorcycle helmet shield. Wax can be effective in adding shine to your helmet shield while protecting it from scratches as well.

4. Keep distance:
Keep some distance from the vehicle in front of you while riding your motorcycle, especially at high speeds. This will ensure you are not bombarded with small stones and dust from their tyres. It will keep your helmet shield safe and secure. It will not crack, nor will scratches appear on its surface.

5. Keep your helmet safe:
Always ensure that your helmet does not fall from wherever you keep it. This applies to both home and outside. Also, avoid keeping it on the seat, mirrors, or handlebar, even if you are away for a few minutes. A fall can break your helmet shield or add scratches to it. Install a helmet hook on your bike and use it to hold your helmet while you are away.

A clean and shining helmet shield is a must while riding a motorcycle. A dirty helmet shield is a big no-no. It can hamper your vision and can cause serious accidents. Moreover, it will spoil your style and looks. When we talk about riding safety, two-wheeler insurance protects you and your motorcycle against damages and accidents, similar to a motorcycle helmet shield. Compare hundreds of options, and buy the two wheeler insurance online that fits your needs and budget. It will provide you with complete protection and financial assistance if your motorcycle is stolen or damaged.

Click HERE to buy two wheeler 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.

As the world steers towards sustainable mobility solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising answer to the environmental concerns associated with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. India, too, is making significant strides in the EV market, with the government's commitment to promote electric mobility.
India's ambition to electrify its transportation system is evident in its National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) schemes. These initiatives aim to encourage EV adoption by offering incentives, tax breaks, and promoting charging infrastructure development.
As more consumers switch to EVs, the focus on battery technology and its maintenance becomes pivotal after all the battery is at the heart of this technology revolution. And with the growth in this market, there arises a need for a tailored insurance solution as well.
However, many motor insurance companies still do not provide any specialized coverage for EV and HEV batteries, resulting in a void in this fast-developing sector. However, forward-thinking insurance companies are recognizing the opportunity and starting to offer specialized coverage for batteries.
In response to this demand, Magma HDI General Insurance has taken a proactive step by introducing a product: "Battery Secure Add On" This specialized insurance offering is designed to address the unique requirements of electric and hybrid vehicles.
What sets "Battery Secure Add On" apart is its comprehensive coverage of critical EV/HEV components, with a primary focus on the battery. This coverage extends to repair and replacement costs arising from various scenarios. For instance,

• If the battery is damaged as a result of an unexpected power surge while charging or Experiences consequential harm from a short circuit or water ingress, "Battery Secure Add-on” has it covered.

• Moreover, " Battery Secure Add On" goes beyond battery coverage alone. It recognizes that electric vehicles encompass a range of specialized components that differ from traditional combustion-engine vehicles.

• This insurance product also safeguards other electric-specific elements, such as the electric motor, ensuring holistic protection for the entire EV system.

Click HERE to learn more about the product.

It's the new year, and one resolution that we all commonly try to make is to keep our homes organised and well-maintained. A well-organised home is the key to an organised and healthy you. Good home organising ideas with the proper implementation strategy can give you the perfect home without spending a bomb on it.

Do you also have a new year resolution of organising your home well? Here are a few interesting ways you can achieve it this new year.

1. Take one room at a time:
Organising your entire home can be an uphill and time-consuming task. You will get confused about how and where to start and what changes to incorporate. Start with organising your home by taking small steps. Start from one room at a time. You can focus better and devote time to individual rooms separately. This will make the entire home organising task less daunting and easily manageable.

2. Hanging spaces:
Create multiple hanging spaces in all your rooms, galleries, and sitting areas. You should have appropriate space to hang your jackets, blazers and other clothes so that you do not have to put them here and there on the bed, side table or the floor! This will make your rooms clutter-free and look neat and clean. You can put a peg board and hang your hats, caps, shirts, t-shirts, etc., on it. This will look nice and organised, and you will be easily able to locate all your stuff too.
Hanging spaces in the kitchen can be very useful as well. Paste iron hooks behind the main kitchen door and cabinet doors. You can hang the dusting cloth, small pans, spare packets, etc., on them and not store or litter them in the open. They will stay behind the doors and not be visible to all.

3. Learn to donate:
Each of us has the habit of stocking up multiple useless things we don't need and creating clutter in our wardrobes and even out in the open. For example, you might have stacked up dresses from the past that do not fit you anymore. Since you have limited storage space, you keep putting the new clothes you buy on those same shelves. The clothes start tumbling out of your closet every time you open them.
Learn to let go and donate! Your old clothes will not get bigger on their own, nor will they shrink. Donate the extra clothes to the needy in an orphanage or an old-age home. It will feel great to help, and your wardrobe will be lighter and more organised.

4. Go green:
You may buy indoor plants in fancy, beautiful pots and use them as decorative pieces around your house. They will provide fresh air while making your house green and beautiful. You can also hang a few pots in the stairway and outside the main entrance to give a great look.

5. Proper marking:
A key to being organised is keeping everything labelled and properly marked. You can start with the kitchen and put labels on each storage container. This will make it easy to figure out what is inside each container, and the items will not get mixed up.
You can also label items such as photo albums to instantly know when these photographs were taken, even after several years. Use labels for marking important files and documents, first aid kits, etc., so you can easily find them when needed.

Start with one thing at a time, and you will enjoy organising your house this new year. Even if you do little at first, do it with full dedication and focus. This will ensure that your efforts do not go waste and that your home looks the best.

Another important way to get organised this new year is by opting for home insurance India policy. It protects your house and all your valuable possessions from damages caused by fire, theft, earthquake, etc. Choose the best home insurance India and protect your valuable asset from mishaps.

Click HERE to buy reliable home insurance 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.

Children give purpose to a family. As they carry their family's legacy, their development is always of utmost priority around the house. Parents focus on saving up for their children's education, health, marriage and fulfilling their other needs and demands. They try their best to give their children more than what was provided to them.

It is said that a child reflects the culture that is practised in the family. They imitate what they see at home. Their cognitive abilities start developing in the early stages of life. So, it is essential to engage them in various activities which stimulate their body and mind. These practices will help them utilise their time fruitfully and give them a wide range of things to explore.

Wondering how to keep your child engaged? In this blog, we will discuss a couple of activities to promote your child's early development.

1. Get your kids into musical:
Music creatively stimulates your child's brain. It helps them understand and capture different tones, rhythms and sounds. You can help them learn nursery rhymes, numbers, alphabets, etc., through music. This can shape their cognitive abilities.
The tunes will help them remember things easily. Having a fun, musical experience makes things exciting and lighthearted.

2. Lots of pictures:
You can put up many pictures in your child's room. Having visuals around will stimulate their brain. Associate the images with words, for example, a family tree. Discuss the pictures and the terms frequently. This will help them identify and relate the words to images and vice-versa. It's a fun learning technique that many experts prescribe.

3. Colours and textures:
Humans respond to colours and textures. Toddlers' brains are more receptive to sensory stimulation, including touch, vision and taste. These sensations help them understand their surroundings. You can use bold letters and dark markers to help them understand patterns, notes, etc.
Parents can use textured materials for decor and furnish their child's room with their favourite learning and playtime materials. For example- you can use cotton balls, sandpapers, beans, etc.

4. Play:
"All work and no play make Jack a dull boy" is a saying we've all heard. Physical movement holds as much importance as mental development does. Engage your children in outdoor activities to help them get familiar with the environment and observe the things around them. This further allows them to recognise certain situations and people when interacting outdoors.

5. Organization:
Arrangement and organisation help your kids understand the importance of cleanliness. At the same time, it trains their mind and builds organisational skills, which will prove to be helpful for them in the future. You can start by helping them understand how to place their toys, small clothing items, activities' kits, etc.
Spend time with your children and make labels for different drawers and bins. And then develop their habit to place their stuff in the assigned places. This is how you can smartly introduce discipline in your child's behaviour.

Other activities to promote your child's early development include planning a scavenger hunt, measuring their growth, numbering the days of the week and months, etc. These activities create an enjoyable learning experience and make your kids excited about future learning. Activities and hobbies help foster and strengthen the bond between parents and their children and make the interaction hesitation-free, exciting and full of love and care.

As parents, you will always be worried about your children's health. You take many measures to ensure they stay safe. And to make sure that they remain unharmed during unprecedented circumstances, it would be beneficial to purchase personal accident insurance online.

This will allow your children to focus only on learning, imbibe new experiences, and be playful without any worries of being hurt. Don't let any hurdle hinder the path to your child's development.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy personal accident 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.

Sensitivity is a common existing dental issue faced by most people. Research states that one out of every eight adults experiences severe discomfort due to sensitive teeth. A person can experience severe pain during eating, drinking, brushing etc. Sensitivity can be caused by worn-out tooth enamel, cavity, chipped tooth, gum disease etc. The pain can be mild to sometimes highly severe depending on the level of advancement of the sensitivity.

This article will discuss a few home remedies to help tackle sensitive teeth problems.

1. Desensitizing toothpaste:
These kinds of toothpaste contain multiple compounds that help protect nerve endings. Sensitivity is primarily a result of open nerve endings that come directly in contact with irritants causing pain and irritation. Prominent among these compounds is potassium nitrate. It decreases the flow of fluid from tubules by clogging them. This blocks the brain from receiving pain signals from open nerve endings and protects them from extreme cold or hot sensations.

2. Salt rinse:
Salt helps reduce inflammation. To reduce the sensitivity, gargle using salt and water twice every day. Take about ½ tsp of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and mix well. Swish the solution for half a minute and spit out it. Regular use of saltwater gargle can do wonders for you.

3. Hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and disinfectant. Doctors usually use it to sterilise wounds and cuts to prevent infection. Using this as a mouthwash in diluted form can heal gums and avoid inflammation.
Add equal portions of water and hydrogen peroxide. Swish the solution like you would with an ordinary mouthwash. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with clean water.

4. Turmeric:
Our ancestors used turmeric for years as a natural antibacterial and antiseptic formula. The curcumin in turmeric aids in healing any kind of wound. You can mix turmeric, honey and salt and apply it to your gum and give them a proper massage. Use this twice every day for better results.

5. Green tea:
Apart from weight loss, green tea has been associated with other health benefits as well. It is rich in antioxidants and also has many anti-inflammatory properties. Using green tea without sugar as a mouthwash can strengthen your teeth and reduce inflammation. Even drinking green tea regularly can do the job for you.

These are a few things that you can do to reduce sensitivity. However, make sure to take care of your teeth before the onset of any such ailments. Avoiding sugar, brushing your teeth twice a day and regular flossing are things you can follow to ensure better oral health.

Dental problems are often latent and only show up in the form of pain, bad breath or swelling. By the time one experiences these symptoms, their oral hygiene has already been severely affected. Hence, you should not skip regular dental check-ups.

Dental treatments are mainly done over a few months and can take anywhere between 4 to 15 sittings with your dentist. This can prove to be expensive depending on your doctor and your location, which is why it is a wise choice to invest in affordable health insurance plans to safeguard yourself against such expenses. Check the options that offer the best benefits for a decent premium.

Click HERE to know more about affordable health insurance plans.

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.