GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Ocean shipping is one of the most cost-effective means to ship out your goods to international borders. If a business acquires large bulks of orders from foreign customers wherein there are no quick delivery protocols, then shipping goods by the sea is the most viable option. However, there are some demerits attached to this practical advantage. Shipping goods via sea or ocean floor depends highly on factors like; weather, human-error, technical issues, and etc.

The hazards of not comprehending such factors might lead to disasters or accidents in the ocean, which further adds monumental loss to both business owners and the environment. This can be easily averted if you plan and get hold of proper marine insurance to combat the risks of shipping. Some of the better-known dangers related to sea shipping and how insurance can help tackle them includes;

• The occurrence of natural calamities - Perils never comes knocking on doors; they strike on decks without a single warning. Thunderous sea-storms, cyclones or tsunamis can destroy well set stocks and lives of those sailing on carrier ships. We cannot challenge the force of nature but what we can do is opt for marine insurance online to cover the losses, injuries, or damage caused during such natural disasters.
• Human Errors - There are certain dangers caused by man that could lead to a disastrous situation. Having untrained ship sailors or workers who load and unload goods with negligence and carelessness might create rooms for few accidents to occur in transit.
  A reliable shield in the form of marine insurance to handle the mismanagement of shipping goods by workers would be a great help in such situations.
• Geographical Hazards - Apart from natural distress signs, there are other forms of dangers present at sea in the name of geography. Try remembering Titanic, an unsinkable ship that sank nevertheless by hitting a massive iceberg. Big cargo ships going through narrow canals, icebergs, rocky shores or shallow coral reefs can get caught on sides or bottom, hence creating unimagined losses.
  Mitigating such losses by having a rational marine insurance plan is one way, and another way is to have the ship properly tested for such hazards and assign a well trained, professional staff for commandeering the vessel.
• Technological Issues - Such issues are more or less related to the ship's structure, engineering equipment, navigational tools, or motor engines. If the boat starts leaking oil in the ocean or one of the propellers is jammed due to long years of service, it could sustain significant damage to the goods on board.
  To avoid such substantial financial losses; having a well-planned marine policy that can cover the ship's outer and inner structure after a thorough inspection is the right way to go.

Businesses work for profit and if your business requires delivering goods via sea or ocean, then why not keep yourself financially protected with a Marine Insurance cover and keep the profits intact.

Your car insurance comes with an annual premium, which helps you bear the financial losses that may arise due to an accident. While a claim-free year may seem like a waste of money since you paid the premiums but didn't really use the benefits, it's really not the case. Firstly, having insurance provides you with mental peace that in the case of any mishap, your finances will be covered. Secondly, your insurance provider offers you discounts on your next year's premium if don't make a claim in the previous year. This is what is known as a No-Claim Bonus (or NCB). Keep reading to find out more on how to maximize savings on your Private Car Insurance In India.

What should you know about NCB?

Car insurance companies reward vehicle owners who drive safely with no-claim bonuses. The bonus becomes applicable if you get through one policy year without making a claim. The company pays the discount on Own Damage (OD) premium for each claim-free year

Typically, the amount can vary from one insurer to another. But, discounts begin at 20% per year and can go up to 50% for five claim-free years or more.

How does NCB work?

When a policyholder does not file any claim in the past one year, a no-claim bonus is initiated by the insurer.

As a result of this, you’ll get a discount on your annual premium amount subject to increase with every succeeding year.

Things to remember about NCB in India

An essential feature of NCB is that it relates to the policyholder, not the vehicle as it rewards you for precautions taken on your end. So, you can retain your NCB even if you replace your existing vehicle. Other prominent features of a no-claim bonus are:

• Applies even when you switch the insurer

When you switch from one insurer to another, the no-claim bonus remains unaffected. For example, if you have a policy from company X for the last five years with no claims made and you shift to company Y later on, the company Y will give you a benefit of 50% discount on your annual premium as NCB.

• Bonus increases every year

The insurance companies calculate your no-claim bonus in the range of 20%-50% on an annual incremental basis.

• Doesn’t apply on third-party cover

Keep in mind that the no-claim bonus applies to the own damage or OD cover on your auto insurance. So, if you have only the third-party (TP) cover, you’re not eligible for NCB. However, if you have both OD and TP protection, you’ll receive the discount proportionately.

Protecting your NCB

As NCB policyholders, you are entitled to a maximum discount of 50% for five claim-free years. However, this discount expires if you make even a single claim. In such a case, to protect your NCB, insurers give you the option of opting for an add-on cover. It covers your claim in order to protect your NCB.

Another great hack to keep your NCB would be to avoid making claims for smaller damages.

Head over to Magma HDI to find out more about NCB available with your private car insurance in India.

Monsoons might not be the ideal time to drive around. The roads are slippery, and there are higher chances of meeting with an accident. However, the rainy season does not mean that you should stop driving altogether.

Instead, you should make sure that you follow some safety points to make sure that your driving experience is smooth and safe.

Here, we will look at some of the safety checkpoints that you should follow during monsoon. However, before we dwell on that, it is crucial to make sure that you get Car Insurance Online In India so that your car is covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Fix those exhaust holes

Exhaust holes are made of iron, which means that they are vulnerable to rust. If there is a hole in your exhaust, then there are more chances for the rainwater to get in, besides the fact that a faulty exhaust is no food. Make sure that you have checked your exhaust for holes and other damages to ensure the smooth running of your car.

Cover your headlights

With time, your car headlights tend to develop spaces with them due to constant wear and tear. If they are damaged, then it is highly likely that the rainwater will get inside them, further leading to the damage. Make sure that you patch up these spaces so that your headlights are safe. Faulty headlights can lead to driving problems at night — something which no driver wants!

Check the door of your car

The doors in your car have a rubber attached to it. With constant usage, they may loosen up and make room for the raindrops to seep and ruin your interiors. To make sure that your interiors are as good as new, make sure to check on these doors now and then. If needed, replace them, as a repair might not be the easiest or the most convenient of ways.

Check your brakes

If you are driving around in rains, through clogged puddles, some water might just get deposited in your brake pads which can hinder the braking process and might lead to the deterioration of your brake pads. To get rid of the moisture, find a dry stretch of road and gently apply the brakes. The heat which comes out of friction will take the moisture away. If you find mud deposited on your pads, then go to a mechanic and get it clean. Remember that brakes are one of the most critical components of your car and you should always have them in good shape.

The way you treat your car is the way the car treats you. One cannot stress enough on the importance of taking care of vehicles. Magma HDI car insurance comes with affordable premium rates and features such as support for anti-theft devices, which can ensure that your car has a long and safe life.

Buying your first car can be a little overwhelming. You work persistently and save your hard-earned money aside to buy the vehicle of your choice. However, keeping your vehicle safe and secure is a necessary next step after your purchase. Accidents occur anytime and anywhere. Having a comprehensive car insurance policy to back up those damages is a wise decision to make.

These days, you may buy a car insurance policy online or by contacting a service agent at your convenience and get your vehicle insured. With a sound knowledge of car insurance policies, you can optimize your purchase and savour great benefits. Read along to have a better grasp of your first-time insurance purchase.

Purpose of Car Insurance

'Use it or lose it' is a common motto on which car insurance policy runs; to benefit from it, you need to pay a yearly premium. On the off chance that you are lucky enough not to have gone through a severe road mishap, you lose the premium sum paid for insurance. Then again, you get a No Claim Bonus, which is a quite significant sum beginning from 20% of the premium in the first year to 50% in the sixth, which is the reason why you shouldn't go for minor harms claim.

Different Covers under Policy Terms

A well-framed car insurance policy covers the damages due to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, storms, typhoons, etc. Secondly, it includes the loss incurred due to manual disturbances like riots, theft, terrorist attacks, fires, etc. Thirdly, you as the insured can access the personal accident cover for your family if you die or suffer disability post-collision or mishap. Some company even offers benefits to co-passengers at the time of the accident. Your insurance policy covers the third-party liabilities like if you accidentally damage a third person's car or he dies of injuries due to collision, your insurer will protect you from legal repercussions.

Additional Benefits and Covers

One of the pluses of having a comprehensive car insurance policy is that you get various additional perks. It may raise the premium amounts a bit, but the level of your car's safety is maximized. Some of the add-ons can be;

• Windshield or car glass cover 
• Accident cover for a paid driver or unknown passenger
• Depreciation waiver
• Personal belongings damage/theft cover

Hiring an Insurance Advisor

During the brainstorming sessions of buying your first auto insurance, it is natural to get perplexed with different coverage benefits. A simple way to tackle that confusion is to get in touch with an insurance agent who is well versed with different company's policy premiums and covers. He can advise you along the way to look over your shortlisted insurers by comparing their proposed rates. He may also identify premium discounts for your first-time policy purchase.

Going for a comprehensive car insurance policy is prudent. It gives a well-rounded cover for your car. So, it's highly advisable to get in touch with your financial experts and buy a car insurance plan today.

Most of us can recall experiencing the agony of aching joints and strained muscles at some point in our lives. So, it’s obvious to wonder how you can speed up the recovery process after such events. It’s one thing to clench your teeth and get through a minor setback, but when the same ache occurs often, you have to improve some things on your own.

Physiotherapy can assist speed up the healing process. In addition, physiotherapists are trained to help clients through rehabilitation processes that result in rapid, accurate healing. Another thing that can be a helping hand after an accident is personal accident insurance plans. In such misfortunate times, personal accident insurance plans provide you and your family with financial security.

Let’s understand why you should opt for physiotherapy after an accident.

1. Long-lasting relief:
Regular physiotherapy treatments assist in alleviating pain by focusing on retrieving the strength of muscles, which eventually leads to more extended relief from aches.

2. Minimise reliance on medications:
Although painkillers provide you immediate relief from discomfort, their long-term effects are proven harmful for human kidneys and the liver. As a result, physiotherapy proves to be a safer and more effective alternative to medication for treating long-term pain difficulties.

3. Avoids surgery:
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in minimizing the chances of undergoing surgery if not required. It helps eliminate pain at the core, repair damaged tissues, and promote effortless and smooth movement over time by utilizing several treatments comprising a mixture of exercises and therapies. In some circumstances, physiotherapy helps patients get back to normal faster after surgery.

4. Tackle age-related concerns:
The older population is more prone to developing bone, joint, or muscle-related disorders like osteoporosis and arthritis, which cause excruciating pain. Regular physiotherapy sessions can be magical for the elderly in addressing everyday aches and pains.

5. Better movement and stability:
It might take time for those recuperating from surgery or an injury to get life back on track. The movement might be complex, and accomplishing simple tasks can seem unattainable. Physiotherapy can be beneficial in these situations. It not only helps the body rebuild lost muscular strength and coordination, but it also helps the body gain balance to move around securely.

6. Avoid further injuries:
Physiotherapy concentrates on a patient’s vulnerable body parts and develops a strategy to help improve those areas. This ensures the complete reclaim of strength in those body parts. Therefore, these parts are less likely to suffer from an injury in the future due to muscle immunity.

When you’ve had a physical injury, obtaining therapy is one of the intelligent decisions you can make. The treatment aids in the rapid restoration of flexibility, mobility, alignment, and endurance. Furthermore, physical therapy can help you prevent the persistent discomfort that many injuries cause. Physiotherapy can give your entire body the attention it needs to heal quickly and precisely. Treatments of these accidental damages demand expenses that can take a toll on your finances. Insure you and your family with personal accident insurance plans to reap financial benefits at the time of unforeseen incidents.

To get personal accident insurance plans, click HERE .

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 the developing world, with growth comes the need for constant construction of infrastructure. But construction projects at the cost of human life can be risky for any developer. Just like any other office, a safe environment is required at a construction site too. Safety rules serve a purpose at construction sites. Still, every year, many fatal accidents occur at construction sites.

So, how do we secure a safe construction site for everyone? In this article, we have put together eight safety measures that need to be followed at a construction site.

1. Check your tools and equipment:
Examine all the tools and equipment that you often use. Check them all before starting to work and ensure that they don’t need repair work. Even a slight fault can cost massive damage when operating them.

2. Training is the key:
The company’s responsibility is to hire trained and qualified workforce for working at a construction site. Even though most people learn things during the job, safety is a skill that is better to know before starting the job. Regular instructions and safety drills should be given to the workers and everyone to be adequately trained on security procedures.

3. Proper supervision can be a guiding hand:
Every construction site should appoint a person capable of enforcing discipline and proper safety standards with no exceptions. The supervisor should be responsible for checking on every person present on-site and also check if the safety protocols are correctly followed or not.

4. Proper signs to stay alert:
There are multiple possible hazards at a construction site for the workers and others. Therefore, it is necessary to caution people of potential dangers like the falling of heavy objects or the presence of gas or chemicals. Signs and posters are the most effective and affordable way of reducing accidents by making people alert when they are close to the site.

5. Communicate regularly on safety:
Communication is not confined just among the selected group of employees. The employer is also responsible for talking to the workers about safety or taking all precautions to avoid accidents. Often minor occurrences of miscommunications lead to severe accidents. So, it is crucial to ensure proper and clear communication on safety rules at the construction site by the authorities.

6. Be careful about the scaffolding:
When erecting scaffolding, ensure that every worker has enough training on creating scaffolding and working on it. It should be constructed firmly on the ground with the support of solid footing to avoid it from collapsing.

7. Beware of surroundings when using heavy equipment:
Caught in between and run-over accidents are the most common occurrences at a construction site. Therefore, stay away from blind spots of any heavy equipment. Always maintain a safe distance while working on heavy equipment.

8. PPE:
Provide personal protective equipment to every worker. Ask them to wear a reflected vest, safety goggles, head and fall protection gear, and safety gloves at all times. The safety of workers should be taken care of at all levels because they are the ones who face the maximum risk of getting injured.

To avoid any casualties, provide a set of safety rules for everyone to follow. But still, unfortunate accidents can happen, and there is a need for extra prosecution. So, another step that construction companies oblige is to buy 'public liability insurance India.' This insurance offers cover for third-party liabilities that adds to an extra layer of protection.

Click HERE to get the best deals on public liability 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.

Heart attacks, cardiac arrest, and other cardiovascular disorders have remained a serious public health problem worldwide. More alarmingly, it has lately been discovered that a growing number of cardiovascular diseases are being identified and reported among the younger population. Previously, mainly those over the age of 40 were thought to be at the greatest danger of heart attack. However, these days, the condition is most commonly seen in people between their '20s and '30s.

The age group is frequently involved in harmful lifestyles and behaviours such as irregular eating habits, disturbed sleep, smoking, and excessive alcohol drinking. Therefore, appearing healthy on the outside does not imply that you are in excellent shape on the inside.

Lifestyle factors are a significant contributor to the increase in heart attacks in younger people as they are constantly under pressure to perform and compete. As well as those who overeat and drink too much are inviting health risks to their hearts. It is time for people to become aware of health insurance to avoid severe cardiac diseases. People of any age can purchase and renew health insurance online and start taking their and the health of their loved ones seriously.

We explain here the factors that increase the likelihood of a heart attack in young adults.

1. Obesity:
Cardiovascular disease is much more likely to strike someone who is obese. A healthy weight is crucial for one's well-being and good health, whereas being overweight places a high strain on your heart. Even if you usually are healthy, the excessive accumulation of fat in the body raises your chances of a heart attack.
Weight gain or obesity, on the other hand, is associated with a higher risk of other health problems too. Increased blood pressure or high blood cholesterol might influence your heart health.

2. Alcohol and drug abuse:
Consuming alcohol and drug substances can provide temporary respite while causing long-term heart problems. The youth generally use substances to de-stress, reduce pain, escape from worry or sadness, or simply for pleasure. As a result, they are attracted to the consumption of these substances. The problem kicks in when they overuse substances, and the pleasure turns into an addiction. This poses a load on the liver, stomach, kidneys, and heart to filter out these substances.

3. Depression and anxiety:
Stress is a constant companion in the lifestyles of today's youth. Stress levels are at an all-time high today, as they have never been before. Unfortunately, the youth nowadays do not have appropriate coping mechanisms for dealing with stress. Stressful office environments, excessive job pressure, financial uncertainty in a fluctuating job market, and social media influence all of these contribute to unhealthy lifestyles and extreme blood pressure. Undiagnosed hypertension causes damage to the arteries and reduces the amount of blood that reaches the heart muscle. In addition, oxygen starvation causes damage to the heart muscles, causing them to deteriorate and eventually lead to a heart attack.

4. Diabetes:
Hectic work schedules, fast-paced lifestyle, constant stress, and inconsistent eating and sleeping habits contribute to the spike in blood sugar level resulting in diabetes. Diabetes is considered as the "Silent Killer" as it increases your risk of developing blood pressure and blood cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Changing your lifestyle and taking the correct medicines when needed is vital to maintaining your health. Avoid consuming excessive alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or consuming drugs. Instead, focus on strengthening your core by regularly exercising and planning an efficient diet.

As an adult, it's challenging to maintain your health since you must undertake serious responsibilities and expectations. Boost your general well-being and renew health insurance online to lower your vulnerability to heart problems and safeguard your health financially.

Click HERE to know about the best deals on 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.

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 makes it mandatory for two-wheeler riders to wear safety helmets. According to the law, the helmet must also have a thickness of 20-25 mm and be made of high-quality foam. It should also be ISI-certified and adhere to the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Now the question you ask: Do helmets save lives?
According to recent research published by the United Nations, at least four out of every ten motorcyclists killed in road accidents might be spared if they wore proper helmets. The UN Motorcycle Helmet Study further points out that two-wheelers are one of the most dangerous modes of transportation, stating, "Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a traffic collision than drivers of passenger vehicles. Wearing a proper helmet increases motorcyclists' chances of survival by 42 percent and prevents almost 70 percent of injuries."

In India itself, effective helmet use can save at least 15,000 motorcyclists in India each year. The traffic discipline on Indian roads is annoying to most good commuters. Even though you follow all the rules, lack of lane discipline, over speeding and jumping the red signal light by the defaulters around you cause a higher risk of accidents. So while you are cautious on the road, getting an extra layer of bike insurance protection is always recommended. If you haven't bought one, purchase bike insurance online for your vehicle to remain extra safe on uncertain roads.

Why don't riders wear helmets?
Despite these facts, people neglect to wear a helmet citing the many excuses such as; heaviness of it, narrowing view, neck pain, or hair loss because of it. But they should understand that the advantages surpass the disadvantages in these cases. Some individuals avoid wearing helmets in their community by lanes, but they fail to realize that accidents do not always happen at high speeds. People have died from severe head injuries after falling off a two-wheeler at low speed. Furthermore, several incidents have occurred when bikers met with accidents due to potholes on the roads. Also remember, not everyone travels at 20-25 kph.

Quick tips before you buy a helmet?
By now, you've probably recognized that wearing a helmet is an essential part of your safety routine. So here are recommendations to help you to get the appropriate helmet:

• When purchasing a helmet, look for one that has the ISI mark on it.

• The ISI marking on a famous helmet brand assures that it can withstand the forces generated by accident and protect your head from damage.

• Only buy helmets from well-known manufacturers.

• The helmet's fit is essential, so get a helmet that fits your head tightly

• Ensure the protective padding within the helmet, which absorbs the power of an impact.

With a good helmet, a good bike insurance plan is what you also need to have. You can go for bike insurance online and select the best one with an attractive premium and features. You always look fabulous on the bike, but safety comes first. So, be cool, wear your helmet!

To view the best bike insurance online, click HERE .

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.