GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

India is a country that has forever favoured 2-wheelers. With their cost-effectiveness, fuel efficiency, and ease of handling, the Indian 2-wheeler market will only grow multifold in the coming years! While manufacturers constantly launch new models that solve existing concerns in response to consumer feedback, what's classic never goes out of fashion.

One such model which is gaining popularity is Retro motorcycles. They are coming back in trend again! Apart from being a status symbol, various reasons have resulted in the popularity of retro bikes. They have been the favourite of Indians for many generations. People love riding these as they are classy, elegant, and highly durable.

Motorcycle enthusiasts prefer these retro motorcycles as they are suitable for varied terrains and long rides due to their sturdiness and comfort. Their additional safety features offer benefits similar to no other bike. Coupled with comprehensive bike insurance, you have a safe mode of a personal commute!

Despite the glitz around these classic bikes, buying your first retro bike as a beginner can be overwhelming. If you're confused about the features you should consider before purchasing a retro motorcycle, here's a quick guide to ease the process.

1. Longevity
Classic retro bikes are incredibly durable. Their quality justifies the hefty amount spent on these bikes. The vintage designs are built to last for years without hassles. Think of them as an investment in the long run, as they are heavy-duty and usually last for decades. Having a classy retro bike doubles the appeal of your parking area.

2. The comfort
These bikes come with comfy seats, an upright handlebar position for a straight riding posture, and uncluttered controls or switches. You can easily get the functions right and go along your way. They also have a high torque level and offer a pleasurable riding experience.

3. Improved engine
Engine power is essential to the biking experience. One of the greatest USPs of these bikes is their improved engines and loud revving thunder. You should always see if the bike you opt for has the latest engine and a high capacity. Also, look for shock absorbers and a secure braking system for efficient high-speed control and easy driving.

4. Practicality
Do not compromise on everyday functionality for the sake of aesthetics. Robust construction, wide tyres, and better ground clearance are required for multi-terrain use. Before purchasing a retro bike, you should keep these things in mind for the best motorcycling experience.

5. Colour options
Retro motorcycles are renowned for their classic designs and vibrant colours. Although it is a minor factor, it can contribute a lot to your style statement. You can either get them in monotone or dual shades.

Classic and retro motorcycles are incredibly well-known in India and beyond. Everyone loves owning one for themselves. It is a status symbol and a matter of pride for all. They appear vintage yet attract the youth! Hence, buying the best and most durable motorcycle for you is recommended. You can buy bike insurance for added protection to complement the safety it offers. This can protect you against the cost of damages from an accident and help preserve the value of your highly-valued retro motorbike.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance to safeguard your retro motorcycle.

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.

Motorcycles are a highly preferred mode of transport in India. While they are easily accessible, there continues to be a majority of the population that has second thoughts before buying them. Shared bike services have recognised the gap and mushroomed in response to market needs.

These short-term rental providers help reduce transport expenses in urban cities.

Despite their affordability, safety is a priority that cannot be compromised with these commute alternatives. Purchasing bike insurance online for your rented bike is a necessity to protect yourself from the cost of accidents. Additionally, running a comprehensive inspection can serve as an adequate preventive measure.

Here is a quick list of components to check before riding a rented bike.

1. Sound tyres
The most obvious component to inspect is the tyres. A safe ride needs to have well-maintained tyres and wheels. A glance will provide enough basis for the wear and tear of both elements. Multiple puncture signs, debris stuck in the ridges, deflated tubes, and worn tread depths are common concerns regarding tyres. For the inner wheel, closely evaluate the spokes' positioning to ensure safety.

2. Sturdy bike chassis
The general frame of the bike must be sturdy. A thorough check of all its essential functions will eventually give you an idea of the usage and condition of the motorcycle. Before leaving the facility with a bike, ensure you have tested its component adherence. A firm shake of the motorcycle will help make this clear. Rattling sounds are a sign of caution to look out for. The older the vehicle, the greater the sounds and the higher the risk of accidents.

3. Working brakes
Brakes are the safety net that can prevent accidents when coupled with riding expertise. A bike with failed brakes is a disaster waiting to happen that you must avoid. Ensure that you test the brakes with high priority. You must check the pressure required to engage the lever and the effective pace of braking. While bike owners often overlook it, bike renters must ensure that the front and rear brakes function flawlessly.

4. Check for any fluid leaks
Bikes do not appear as complex machines but are made of various parts. Many of these components require fluids that lubricate the inner bearings to ensure proper functioning. Some fluids essential for running your vehicle are fuel, clutch, radiator coolant, brake fluid, etc. While you may not know the exact location of each part, a quick check around the bike will expose any leaks. Also, check that these fluids are topped up to ensure optimal functioning.

5. Stands
An assumed to be non-integral part of a two-wheeler are its stands. Check the condition of both- the centre and side stand to ensure the bike is stable when parked. A proper chassis check will reveal any slack in the springs' tension or structural issues with the stands.

6. Indicators, horns, and lights
For a safe riding experience, giving clear indications while on the road is essential. By providing clarity, riders can communicate their intent clearly and prevent accidents. For ensuring smooth communication, the horn and indicators are critical. Test the functioning of indicators, horns, and lights.

Additionally, ensure that your signal reaches other riders. The head, tail, and brake lights deliver your indication. If you see any issues, notify the service provider immediately.

While shared bikes are extremely convenient modes of transport, riders and bike owners must inspect their two-wheelers properly before taking them for a ride. It is their responsibility to prioritise safety and derive value for their money. Additionally, riders and bike owners must consider purchasing bike insurance online to protect themselves against the financial cost of accidents.

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.

In a country like India, where rash driving is very common, you must be extra careful about your actions on the road. You need to be familiar with all the traffic rules and regulations. It is because you endanger yourself, your co-passengers, and even the pedestrians on the road while driving. Following traffic rules saves you from unwanted damage and getting penalised. You should also have bike insurance to secure your motorcycle and finances in a crisis.

Although bike insurance is a good investment, what does it cover? Suppose you meet with a small accident. Is it okay to file a claim for minor dents or scratches? We will answer them all for you in this article.

Is it worth it to claim insurance for bike scratches and minor dents?

Bike insurance claims can be tricky. If you are new to the world of insurance, you will find it challenging to decipher everything. You may face difficulties filing a claim for something that is rightfully yours.

Before you file a claim, you must keep a few things in mind. The first is the extent of the damage done to your vehicle. The second is the type of policy that you have purchased. It determines the level of damage it covers.

With a comprehensive policy, you can file a claim for damages that occurred to your bike. However, if you have third-party insurance, the scenario will be different. In the case of third-party insurance, you will not get the cost for all the damages done to your bike as it covers the damages to a third party's vehicle.

So, for your comprehensive motor insurance policy, access the damage done to your bike and the extent of it. If you believe that the damages are beyond regular repair, you can file an insurance claim. However, you should not file the claim if you think the dents and scratches are repairable and will cost you nominal. In such a case, you must save the insurance claim for a future crisis. It is always better to be on the safer side!

What are the advantages of not claiming insurance for minor dents?

There are many hidden benefits of not claiming bike insurance for minor damages to your bike, including

● Low premium:
It is known that the premium will increase significantly when you claim insurance. It can be bothering for you to pay the increased premium after that. To avoid this, you should not claim minor damages as it will keep your finances in control, and you will enjoy a low premium.

● Lack of claim bonus:
The No Claim Bonus feature in bike insurance offers discounts to policyholders when renewing the policy for not filing a claim during the policy period. The discount increases for the years if you do not raise a claim.

Understanding the basics of bike insurance, such as coverage, inclusions, and future implications is a fundamental requirement before deciding to claim bike insurance. It is usually never worth claiming for minor dents as it can be less fruitful in the long run. Do your due diligence before making major financial decisions, such as purchasing bike insurance, raising claims, etc. Wisely utilise insurance benefits to ensure the best compensation for the damages incurred.

Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance 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 highway road accident rates in India are extremely concerning. Considering the majority of motorcyclists on roads makes this issue more serious. While 2 wheeler insurance online is an excellent safeguard, one must also consider active preventive actions. High-visibility clothing for motorcyclists is a game-changer. These specially designed clothing come in bright colours, making the rider stand out from the crowd even from a distance.

Motorcyclists may wear a half-jacket of colours, such as neon green or orange, with luminescent reflective strips on their torso. They may also wear a full jacket with reflective strips and cool design patterns.

High-visibility clothing is practical protective gear as one cannot miss the motorcyclist from a distance, and he becomes visible to others even in the dark.

Let us see the reasons why you should invest in high-visibility clothing.

1. Safety
Investing in high-visibility clothing increases your safety and may even save your life by preventing fatal accidents. Most bike accidents happen because the motorcyclist is not visible from a distance in the dark. Also, motorcyclists ride at high speeds on the highways, which makes them more susceptible to deadly accidents at sharp turns or on dark patches of the road.

High-visibility jackets have reflective patches, strips, or piping on shoulders and arms, which shines when the beaming headlight of vehicles coming from the front falls on it. This is extremely helpful when the streets are dark, making the rider visible and preventing untoward incidents.

2. Style
High-visibility clothing is not just important for the motorcyclist’s safety, but it looks cool and trendy as well. Bikers can make a style statement by investing in bright and fancy high-visibility clothing. Such clothes come in attractive colours. Some may contain intricate designing with the help of reflective patches, strips, or piping. This can make your jacket or vest look very stylish.

3. Ease of use
High-visibility clothing can come in several formats. The simplest and easiest clothing to use will be in the form of a vest. You just have to wear it over your shirt or t-shirt and take it off after you reach your destination. They are usually light and can be folded and packed easily.

4. Protection against harsh weather conditions
You can invest in high-visibility jackets that protect you from the harsh winter chill while riding. Such jackets can also be waterproof and protect you from the rain. Similarly, buy high-visibility gloves that protect your hands from the chilly weather and avoid direct impact on your hands during mishaps.

5. Durable
High-visibility clothing differs from the material you use to make your regular apparel. They can be made from polyester, spandex, retroreflective, and fluorescent-dyed materials. These materials are lightweight and stretchable, making them very comfortable for motorcyclists. They do not get spoiled or torn easily.

You should always invest in high-visibility clothing if you are a motorcycling enthusiast. They uplift your style quotient and act as information providers on the streets that you are approaching.

Apart from investing in high-visibility clothing, research for comprehensive 2 wheeler insurance online for your bike. It will protect you from financial suffering in theft, damage, or accident. Consider purchasing 2 wheeler insurance online in just a few clicks without visiting any insurance office.

Click HERE to buy 2 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.

Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating water sports activities one can indulge in during the summer holidays. It is an exciting way to explore the natural beauty of lakes, rivers, and oceans while exercising and enjoying the fresh air. However, for those who are new to the sport, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best beginner tips to help you enjoy kayaking this summer holiday.

While kayaking is a fun and exciting activity, it also involves some risks, and it's essential to take precautions to ensure your safety. In addition to learning the basics of kayaking, it's necessary to understand the importance of wearing protective gear and obtaining a personal accident insurance policy before you hit the water.

With these factors in mind, let's understand some detailed pointers to help you make the most of your summer kayaking experience.

1. Choose the right type of kayak
Before you start kayaking, you must choose the right type of kayak for your skill level and the water you'll be kayaking on. Sit-on-top kayaks are an excellent option for beginners as they are stable and easy to use. They are also less likely to tip over, making them safer.

2. Wear appropriate clothing and gear
Kayaking can be a wet and messy experience, so wearing appropriate clothing and gear is essential. Wear a life jacket, a helmet, and appropriate footwear. Choose quick-drying, lightweight clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable in the water.

3. Learn the proper paddling technique
The paddling technique is essential for an enjoyable kayaking experience. Learn the proper technique from a qualified instructor or watch online tutorials. Good technique will help you conserve energy and prevent injuries.

4. Choose calm waters
Choosing calm waters with minimal currents and waves is essential for a beginner. Avoid kayaking in open water or rough conditions until you're confident in your abilities.

5. Bring a friend
Kayaking alone can be dangerous, especially for beginners. Bring a friend along for safety and to make the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

6. Stay hydrated
Kayaking can be physically demanding, and you can quickly dehydrate in the sun. Bring plenty of water or sports drinks to stay hydrated throughout your kayaking trip.

7. Check weather conditions
Before heading out for your kayaking trip, check the weather conditions. Avoid kayaking in stormy or high wind conditions, as these can make the water choppy and difficult to navigate.

8. Know your endurance
As a beginner, it's essential to know your limits and not push yourself too hard. Take frequent breaks, and don't overestimate your abilities. It's better to have a shorter, enjoyable kayaking trip than to push yourself too hard and have an awful experience.

9. Get a personal accident insurance policy
Consider getting a personal accident insurance policy before embarking on your kayaking adventure. This will protect you from any accidents or injuries during your kayaking trip. This policy can provide financial assistance for medical expenses and lost income due to injuries.

Kayaking can be incredibly fun and rewarding for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors this summer. By following the beginner's tips outlined above, you'll be able to get started with kayaking in no time while ensuring your safety and minimising the risks. Always prioritise your safety by wearing personal protective gear, obtaining a personal accident insurance policy to safeguard yourself against all the risks and dangers of the sport, and checking weather conditions before you hit the water. So, grab your paddle, wear your life jacket, and get ready to have fun on the water!

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of purchasing a personal accident 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.

Are you getting older and giving up on sports? This is a common phenomenon as the fear of injury increases with age and our fitness levels diminish. We hesitate to indulge in our favourite sport, badminton or cricket, with the fear of a muscle tear or a strained back.

But wait. Older adults should constantly engage in physical activities and sports to stay fit and active and enjoy a good social health score. Here are a few sports you should indulge in if you are an older adult and want to feel young again.

1. Golf
Golf is popular worldwide, and older adults can easily engage in it. It is a great stress reliever and improves your overall mental fitness. At the same time, it does not involve much running or physical effort, making it a great choice for older adults. Golf is known to improve blood circulation, which benefits your heart.

The older adults will also build a social circle while playing golf, which improves their emotional quotient. You should keep in mind that there is no pressure to perform well. Enjoy the time you spend outside in the sun in good company, and you will feel young again and light at heart.

2. Group exercises
Yes, group exercises are not just for the young ones but for older adults as well. Older adults can join group exercise classes, be it yoga, pilates, zumba, or some other dance form. They will start feeling young again even if they participate just a few times a week and not daily.

A group exercise will encourage older adults to match their pace with the group. It will keep them agile, fit, and active. These low-impact exercises can also benefit their respiratory system, muscle flexibility, and core balance. They are enjoyable and will also help them build a social circle.

3. Cycling
Cycling can be a great sport that can greatly benefit older adults. They don’t have to cycle at high speeds for long, as mild cycling can do the trick. Cycling improves cardiovascular functioning, immunity, and blood circulation and sharpens the mind. It can make you live longer and reduces the chances of hospital visits.

4. Doubles tennis/ badminton
Playing tennis or badminton in the singles format can be tough and draining for older adults. They can play doubles tennis or badminton to stay fit and agile at their own pace. These are fun sports, easy to play and practice. These sports will help strengthen their muscles, improve blood flow rate, and help them stay mentally fit. Older adults will feel young, active, and energetic once they start playing these sports in routine.

5. Billiards
Older adults can also engage in billiards as a sport. It is an indoor game; they need not sweat to play it. Also, it can be played with just 2-3 people. The sport requires moderate physical movement, sharpening the mind and improving concentration.

It is essential for older adults to engage in any of the above sports of their choice and feel young again. These sports will improve their muscle strength, blood circulation, balance, efficiency, and general mind and body fitness.

But sports also come with the risk of accidents. Hence, a personal accident policy is a must for everyone. It provides coverage and financial support for medical treatment due to an accident. You can easily browse several personal accident insurance online that the insurance companies offer, compare them, and choose the best among them conveniently at the click of a few buttons.

Click HERE to 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.

There are numerous general insurance companies in India offering multiple insurance products. However, most of the population is opposed to purchasing these insurance safety instruments despite the dire need for long-term stability. Recognising the slack in demand for purchasing specific policies, general insurance companies in India have developed a new way to make insurance products more accessible.

Embedded insurance, also known as bundling insurance, is the latest method of partnering with a third-party brand and offering consumers complimentary insurance or with a nominal fee over the transition cost. It helps make insurance accessible by bundling it for customers.

However, if you wonder how embedded insurance can expand opportunities and build strong customer journeys, read on.

What is embedded insurance?
Embedded insurance enables a third-party provider to introduce innovative insurance products for customers. It provides consumers with more affordable, personalised, and relevant insurance. It also allows general insurance companies in India to access underserved and untapped markets.

How embedded insurance helps increase insurance penetration in India? Insurance penetration is calculated as a percentage of total premiums collected relative to the country's GDP. According to the IRDAI, the country's general insurance penetration is about 1%. India's insurance penetration is lower than in developed countries.
However, we anticipate an increase in insurance penetration due to embedded insurance.

Here's how embedded insurance transforms the insurance sector and increases insurance penetration.

1. Charging the untapped markets
This insurance allows insurers to access a new market. With embedded insurance, general insurance companies in India can provide microfinance companies with policies like personal accident insurance and more to target a specific audience. Insurers and third parties can expand the insurance sector's reach in India's underdeveloped markets with the help of embedded insurance. It allows them to reach the untapped rural market, increasing insurance penetration deeper in the country.

2. Innovating product offerings
Insurers can construct personalised and more relevant insurance policies using consumer data that was not recorded or digitised. Customers can also change the insurance policy's features, coverage, cost, etc., and discontinue them if they are no longer reasonable.

3. Enhanced customer experience
Embedded insurance boosts customer satisfaction, resulting in greater opportunities for general insurance companies in India to market their services and products. It also provides more customised coverage, allowing customers to change plans and premiums according to their needs. This way, it offers more significant benefits and value to the customers.

4. Low client acquisition costs
General insurance companies in India spend roughly 20% of their income on advertising to new clients. Embedded insurance decreases the churn rate by engaging policyholders at the right time in their journey. Also, the effective cost of customer acquisition is lower than other insurance.

5. Streamlined onboarding
Many people consider insurance an inconvenient procedure requiring a series of steps. Embedded insurance gives customers a streamlined issuing process, making insurance simple and inexpensive. This applies to the claim procedure too. The smooth operations of embedded insurance is a boon for Indians to invest in insurance massively.

Embedded insurance has much potential, but businesses must balance the efficiency and speed of business operations, regulatory compliance, and customer protection for this model to succeed.

Many general insurance companies in India are now integrating the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data analytics, and other technologies to transform the insurance industry and deliver a hassle-free customer experience. While it will require time for adoption, it is a welcome move to increase penetration rates. Insurers must use the momentum and improve their dependability to gain consumer trust.

Click HERE to invest in a reliable general 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.

Insurance is a financial product like no other. Upon payment of a meagre premium amount, it protects the insured person or asset against a contingent event involving a risk to its present or future value. While general, health and life insurance are relatively common products with a higher penetration rate in India, personal accident insurance online lags far behind.

While this may be attributed to the lack of awareness, it is straightforward why the product is required. Accidents are uncertainties that can occur in any setting, whether travelling, commuting, or at work. Since you cannot eliminate the risk of accidents, purchasing personal accident insurance online is essential to protect yourself against hospitalisation costs and other expenses resulting from an accident.

The limited awareness regarding personal accident insurance is also only partially reliable due to the misconceptions surrounding the product. While its coverage to the extent of travel accidents is commonly known, there are several questions surrounding its scope of coverage for adventure sports.

Find out whether adventure sports are covered by personal accident insurance online.

Defining adventure sports.

Adventure sports are easy to define in lay terms but are described differently by every insurer. It includes sports that involve contact, extreme speed, technical gear, and extremely high levels of risk. As the name states, these sports have a considerably high-risk grade, making most insurers hesitant to cover them. Common extreme sports include skydiving, skiing, rappelling, mountaineering, etc.

Generally, irrespective of the type of insurance- general or non-general, most insurers do not offer coverage for adventure sports due to the intensity of the activities.

Why should you check for adventure sports inclusion before participating?

The thrill of adventure is second to none, and the addition of multiple uncontrollable factors only adds to the experience for those who seek an adrenaline rush. However, one must always ensure to protect themself from potential accidents before participating in such sports for the following reasons –

1. Hospitalisation coverage:
With medical inflation on the rise, covering any possible medical expenses, including those arising from adventure sports, is prudent. Considering the high-risk profile of these sports, it is always better to be ready for the worst and prepare a financial net that shoulders the burden of such costs.

2. Allied perks:
Personal accident insurance online offers related allowances such as a daily cash allowance, transportation, and more. This reduces the strain on your finances during your period of hospitalisation or any inactivity as an earning member.

3. Mental peace:
The most significant benefit of inclusion is the peace of mind to engage in activities of your choice. You don’t have to worry about the consequences due to the existence of a safety net for your finances.

Does personal accident insurance online cover extreme sports?

At face value, one may assume that personal accident insurance online would offer extreme sports coverage. Most insurers in India presently do not include accidents caused while engaging in such sports within the scope of the policy.

However, if you want coverage against such risks, some insurance companies offer comprehensive accidental coverage across all terrains and destinations. It may take additional effort to discover such insurers amid all those that exclude such accidents. Here are a few factors you should consider before purchasing a policy from such a provider:
1. The extent of sports covered- land, air, water, etc.
2. Provision of immediate medical assistance
3. Customisation of a plan as per your adventure needs
4. Active policy period

Despite the exclusion of extreme sports by most insurers, personal accident insurance online is an essential requirement that provides financial assistance when you are only partially covered by your term or health insurance policy alone. We encourage you to consider purchasing personal accident insurance online to cover the other form of accidents and your risk exposure.

Click HERE to 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.