GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Imagine going on an outstation vacation in your car with your spouse and kids, and your car breaks down midway. You come to an abrupt halt, worried and looking for immediate help to safely get you back to your home or desired destination. Things can be worse when your car breaks down in an emergency.

A car breakdown is always a stressful and harrowing experience. It can be disturbing, especially when you are on a highway. It can leave you helpless and stranded, with usually no assistance in sight for a long distance.

Does this thought scare you? Fret not! Let us go through a few steps you must follow while dealing with a car breakdown. By implementing them, you can rescue yourself from the chaotic situation safely.

1. Pull off the road
If you feel that your car is taking jerks, or is not responding to acceleration or braking, immediately try to pull your vehicle to the side of the road, away from the running traffic. Do the same if you see smoke from the bonnet or inside your car.

Pulling on the side will ensure you are not stuck in the middle of the road with a broken car. It will provide you with some space to look into the breakdown and get it repaired. Also, it is the best action for your safety and your co-passengers.

2. Put on the emergency brakes
Put on the parking or emergency brake when your car is stationary on the side of the road. This will prevent your vehicle from moving forward or backward while repairing it. Be extra careful while parking your car on a hill or a slope. You should turn the steering, so the wheels turn away from the road. Place some bricks or a similar barrier to prevent your car from rolling forward or backward.

3. Switch on your hazard lights
As soon as you have pulled up on the sides, switch on your car's hazard lights. The vehicles approaching the road will know you are stationary and will not line up behind you.

Turning on the hazard lights is extremely important if your car has broken down on a highway. There may not be proper streetlights, and the other vehicles on highways move at high speed, causing a risky situation for you. The hazard lights will announce your stationary position on the road.

4. Use reflective triangles
Your car has reflective triangles in the back for such emergency use. Take them out and keep them at the back or sides of your vehicle. This will make your car visible in the dark and alert the moving traffic.

5. Look for an assistance
After ensuring that you and your car are safe, call the Roadside Assistance number. If you have bought an RSA membership plan, the company will send help to you immediately. You can contact any paid RSA service providers who will also tow your car to the nearest service station for some charges. You can also look for a good car mechanic nearby, ask for his help and get your car started if the glitch is minor. This can be a time-saving and simple solution.

A car breakdown can happen anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. Hence, we should always be mentally prepared for it and take action accordingly. Getting nervous and making hasty decisions can worsen your situation rather than improve it.

You can buy a roadside assistance top-up along with your motor insurance policy which can be immensely helpful in such situations. Choose the motor insurance company that can provide reliable services at the most economical cost and stay tension-free on your drives. Lastly, thoroughly service your car before planning a long-distance journey.

Click HERE to buy coverage from the best motor insurance company.

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.

Women have surpassed their traditional gender roles and are now leading huge organisations, establishing their start-ups, investing for their future, taking care of their families, and when they decide to become mothers according to their own choices. While we all know how society functions and several stereotypes have been crumbled to the ground by women, we are still far from creating a safer space. But there is no second thought about how the position of women in society has improved over time.

Due to unfortunate circumstances or by choice of living a stress-free life, several women are single mothers today. And most of them hold sole custody of their kid(s). Again, the stigma against single parenting is quite challenging to go through. There are several aspects to ensuring you create a happy life for yourself and your kid. This blog aims to make single mothers understand the importance of health insurance and how it can secure their future and their child’s upbringing. Here’s a guide to achieving that and all you need to know about the topic.

1. Explore all your options.
There are several insurance options in the market. You will see a herd of insurance providers. It would be best to thoroughly research every health insurance- the merits and demerits, terms and conditions, renewal policy, sum insured, service quality, hospitals in the network, trust, and ratings. After all these detailings, if you still feel the process is overwhelming and you cannot differentiate amongst the integral factors, you can consult a financial expert who will help you prioritise your needs and put forth the best options for you.

2. How do you prioritise your requirements?
Health insurance should be at the top of your priority list. And while the details of various types of insurance available in the market can be overwhelming, you need to prioritise your requirements. How can you do that? You need to figure out your insurance coverage, keeping in mind the range of medical expenditures in your location, as geographical factors influence hospital expenses.
While determining the amount for coverage for your health insurance, you need to be careful about the limitations like the hospital expenses, the settlement for the claims regarding the ailments, etc. Health insurance with these restrictions tends to cost you lower than those who endorse full coverage. Listing your needs will help you find the perfect insurance for your necessities.

3. Plan ahead of time.
As a single mother, you have a massive load of responsibilities on your shoulders. It would be best if you secure your future and your child’s/children’s and family’s future from an early stage. Also, you will see a significant increase in medical inflation, impacting health insurance premiums, hospitalisation costs, prices of medical aids and equipment, etc. To combat the unpredictability of this journey called life, you will need to gear up.
You need to look for the additional benefits provided by the various insurance providers and the type of features these benefits carry, for example, daycare, expenditure of an attendant/caretaker, etc. You can explore and analyse the benefits you can get through different added features or insurance for critical illness.

We discussed the perks of health insurance for single mothers. But in no way is it limited to just single parents. Everyone out there requires health insurance to stay monetarily stress-free during difficult phases of life involving health troubles. And with technology, the hassle of buying and renewing insurance is just a matter of a few clicks now! You can purchase or renew health insurance online and be the master of your ship to choose what’s best for you and your family.

Click HERE to learn more about how to renew health 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.

Most people may have experienced a burning sensation in their chest at least once. Associated with discomfort and heaviness, the feeling may not appear severe but can be life-threatening. Typically, it is a symptom of gastrointestinal issues and lung problems. Considering the frequency and ubiquitous occurrence of this issue, it becomes essential to buy health insurance online.

There are several reasons for the burning sensation, like stomach ulcers and panic attacks. The likelihood of experiencing a burning feeling in your chest can rise because of reduced blood flow and lung inflammation. But if you feel discomfort in your chest, consult your doctor as soon as possible because it can be related to other severe issues.

But did you know that acid reflux can also be a cause of experiencing discomfort in your chest? Acid reflux is caused by heartburn, a burning sensation mainly because of stomach acid. It can affect people of all ages. Hectic lifestyles and poor health management habits are the contributors to this condition. Many risk factors cause acid reflux, some of which can be serious. It may occur due to smoking, pregnancy, low physical exercise, obesity, etc.

Let's dive deeper to understand acid reflux.

Why does acid reflux happen?
The stomach contains hydrochloric acid, a chemical that reacts with the food and breaks it down. This helps in preventing bacterial growth in the stomach. The ring of the muscle usually acts as a valve that lets food to the stomach but does not back up into the oesophagus. If this valve fails, the stomach content regurgitates into the oesophagus, forming acid reflux. And by this, a person may feel a burning sensation in the chest.

What are the risk factors of acid reflux?
Sometimes, acid reflux happens for absolutely no reason. But there are several risk factors that you should know.

● Active smoking
● Low level of physical exercises
● Pregnancy
● Obesity
● Excessive consumption of caffeine
● Consuming spicy and fatty foods
● Drinking multiple acidic juices
● Eating fast foods

How does acid reflux feel?
Heartburn is the primary symptom of acid reflux. It's a horrific burning sensation that starts in the oesophagus and leads to discomfort in the chest too. It gets worse while lying down and can last for several hours. Sometimes, the stomach fluid can reach the back of the throat, producing a bitter taste and a disturbed peace of mind.

Symptoms of acid reflux
● Heartburn
● A sour, bitter taste in the mouth
● Bloating in the stomach
● Vomit with blood
● A feeling that fluid is stuck in your throat
● Nausea
● Constant weight loss
● Dry cough or sore throat
Causes of acid reflux
Several reasons cause acid reflux, some of which are:
● Eating larger meals at a time and immediately lying down
● Drinking a large amount of alcohol, caffeine, tea, or any acidic juices
● Eating citric foods such as tomatoes, mint, garlic, and spicy foods
● Pregnancy changes

Treatments for acid reflux
There are several ways to avoid acid reflux, including:
● Quit smoking
● Eat smaller meals throughout the day and modify your food types
● Try to sleep in a chair in the daytime for small naps
● Do not wear tight clothes
● Lose weight and change your diet
● Indulge in physical activity

If you have had an acid reflux problem for over a week, you must consult your doctor for medications. It may happen due to several lifestyle changes. It is a common concern but cannot be brushed off, as it may be life-threatening sometimes. In mild cases, simple medicines may resolve your issue. However, for recurring problems, doctors may recommend surgery to cure acid refluxes. Considering the increasing medical inflation and health-related expenses, it is essential to buy health insurance online for your safety against hospitalisation expenses.

Click HERE to buy health 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.

Biking is a well-liked and entertaining pastime for people of all ages, but mishaps and injuries are not unheard of. It's crucial to include a first-aid kit on your biking excursions. You can manage minor injuries and crises and stop additional injuries with a well-stocked first-aid kit. Just like a first-aid kit significantly helps you after an accident, 2 wheeler insurance will protect your bike from unexpected damages.

Let's look at first-aid essentials you must take on your next biking escapades. These essential items can help with emergencies until help arrives.

1. Solution or antiseptic wipes
Minor scrapes are common incidents when biking. In case of intense terrains, you may suffer from deep gashes. Irrespective of the size, you will need to disinfect the injury site. Wounds can be cleaned using antiseptic wipes or a solution to prevent infection. Antiseptic wipes or a solution can help prevent disease and kill bacteria in the wound.

2. Bandages
Every first-aid kit should contain bandages. Bandages of all types, such as adhesive bandages, elastic bandages, and butterfly closures, should be included in your kit. Little cuts and scrapes benefit from adhesive bandages. Elastic bandages are better suited for extensive wounds. Butterfly closures help keep an injury closed and limit damage. Efficiently use bandages to prevent your injury from getting severe.

3. Tweezers
You may need tweezers to treat some wounds like splinters or shattered glass. You can clean any injured site with the aid of tweezers. Most first aid kits also come with cotton balls, wipes, gloves, gauze, and tweezers to assist in cleaning any wounds.

4. Pain relief medication
For minor injuries, painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. Medication for pain relief can help you feel better and relaxed. Consult your doctor before consuming painkillers. Avoid immediately riding the bike after taking the pills. You need to take adequate rest before continuing the journey.

5. Disposable gloves
While treating wounds, disposable gloves are recommended since they can help prevent infection. Gloves can help stop bacterial contamination and protect the injured site.

6. Sterile gauze pads
You can cover more extensive wounds or abrasions with sterile gauze pads. A sanitary gauze pad can help absorb blood from more extensive injuries and keep the site clean.

7. Scissors
Scissors can be handy for slicing clothing, gauze, or tape to access wounds. You can use scissors to cut through clothing or bandages to prevent blood loss.

8. Private medication
Make sure you pack enough of any prescription medications you need to last the duration of your vacation. You must take all medications exactly as your doctor prescribes to maintain your health and safety.

9. CPR mask
There can be a situation where you'll have to treat another injured rider in case of an emergency. You can wear a CPR mask to perform emergency resuscitation in the event of such incidents. A CPR mask is an effective barrier between you and the injured person and a way to stop the transmission of bacteria.

10. Adhesive tape
Bandages can be secured with duct tape, and you can use them to fix equipment or your bike temporarily. The strong adhesive can also aid in mending a tyre, making it extremely useful.

Going on a biking adventure requires being ready for any situation. A well-stocked first-aid kit can significantly affect how accidents or injuries affect your motorcycling adventure. Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, pain medicines, and insect repellent are a few of the first-aid necessities you must pack for your riding adventures.

Everyone who intends to embark on a bike adventure should also think carefully about 2 wheeler insurance. Although it is not physically necessary for first aid, it offers financial security in case of an accident or injury while riding your bike.

Click HERE to buy 2 wheeler 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.

Although buying a vehicle is a significant investment, it also brings with it several additional expenses to ensure the driver’s safety and maintenance of the car. To ensure its longevity and appropriate functioning, get your vehicle serviced regularly and buy car insurance online to minimise the risk of accidents and the burden of allied costs.

Remember, both these factors are non-negotiable. While opting to buy car insurance online can get you the best insurers, your authorised service centre also helps you cut costs in the long run.

This article explains how you may derive greater benefits in the long run by availing of the services of the manufacturer’s service centre.

1. Specialised technicians:
The manufacturer’s affiliated garages employ specialised technicians that have undergone rigorous training in exclusive components or have the technical know-how of specific car models, making them the right persons to inspect and evaluate your car. You can also raise any concerns and ask for expert maintenance tips regarding essential maintenance.

2. Never worry about counterfeit parts:
While cars themselves are expensive, replacing components is also a costly affair. Some parts may require replacement due to obsoletion, while others depreciate and add up to a significant amount, which only some can afford. This situation leads to the rise of counterfeit parts. They are of similar specifications but are made of inferior quality, risking your vehicle’s safety. Authorised dealers only store authentic parts and provide a guarantee, eliminating counterfeit concerns and recurring costs arising from their use.

3. Keep your car up to date:
The global automotive software market is expected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 13.1% until 2027, indicating the vast scope of upgrading cars to increase efficiency and facilitate seamless driving. Manufacturers frequently release software updates, and there is no better place to get it than at an affiliated garage! Along with a regular check, you can also install the latest updates at no additional cost without delay!

4. Maintain resale value:
Regular servicing is proof of a well-maintained car, and service records are documented evidence of the same. While your local garage may not offer reliable documentation, your manufacturer’s garages ensure that you have proof of the car’s servicing history after each check. If you choose to resell your vehicle, this record is essential to justify the car’s value and convince the potential buyer of its safety.

5. Early identification of festering problems:
There is no greater pinch to the wallet than an expense that could have been avoided by taking preventive checks and spending a minimal sum. The experts at your manufacturer’s garages are well-equipped to identify issues and recommend monitoring or an effective solution to curb the extent of damage to your vehicle.

6. Risk of invalidated warranty:
The manufacturer may refuse to provide warranty coverage without proof of the procedure, the equipment used, and the technician’s expertise. Hence, contacting a dealer for any significant concerns or repairs is ideal as it provides a more significant resolution to the issues related to your vehicle.

There is no greater relief than that of reliability, which authorised service centres provide. We recommend carefully assessing alternatives before choosing your preferred servicing garage and buy car insurance online to derive the most significant benefits possible.

Click HERE to buy car 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.

Flyboarding is an enthralling water sport that uses a flyboard and a hydro-flighting device that allows you fly over the water. A personal watercraft is connected to the flyboard, which generates force through a connecting pipe to lift a person in the air on top of the water. The sport came into existence in 2012, to be precise. It is becoming popular in holiday destinations comprising sea beaches and water parks worldwide. We can also enjoy this sport in India at a few locations, such as Goa.

Flyboarding is an unmissable experience for adventure junkies. Let us know more about it.

How does it work?
The rider's feet are strapped to a flyboard, which is connected to a personal watercraft, providing the required force. You can ride the flyboard, similar to skating on the ground. It is simply a board you can tie to your feet and fly.

The operator may sit on the watercraft and control the throttle, while the rider can control their direction through the flyboard. Also, the rider may have the option to control both the throttle and the direction.

An impeller sucks in water from the source in large quantities where the watercraft is present and throws it out from other outlets. This generates tremendous force and mobilises the flyboard, with the rider on top.

Why is it becoming popular?
Flying on top of the water, with the ability to move up and down at a tremendous pace, can be a dream come true moment for any adventure junkie. This thrilling sport gives an adrenaline rush while providing an aerial view of the sea or water park.

There is no need for extensive professional training to perform this sport. Any person can do it after getting instructions from the trainer or operator. One must learn to maintain proper balance on and control the flyboard, which comes with practice. However, mastering the sport is tough and requires several hours of rigorous training and practice.

Flyboards are also safer and easy to use than a jet pack. All this makes flyboarding extremely popular and an unmissable experience for adventure lovers.

Points to take care of
Since it is a water sport, it can be dangerous for new learners and people with little or no swimming experience. Children below the age of twelve years should avoid doing it or only engage in it under strict parental supervision.

Riders should not look down below them once they are airborne. It can make them nervous, and they can lose their balance. They need to ensure that their feet point away from the personal watercraft, so they do not collide with it while plunging back toward the water. A collision can be fatal and cause serious injuries.

You should wear all the safety gear required for flyboarding before trying it. It will be suitable for your own safety.

Flyboarding can undoubtedly be a thrilling experience for any adventurer. Following a few safety precautions, understanding the sport well, and practicing a bit, you can experience it in water.

Despite the safety guidelines you follow for any sport, some risks always come with it. You should always go for a personal accident insurance policy for yourselves and your family, as accidents can happen anywhere without an announcement or warning. It will provide cover against accidental death, injury, or disability. The policy will cover all your expenses if you're hospitalised due to an accident and even reimburse you for your lost income due to hospitalisation or disability. Secure yourself financially, and choose the best personal accident insurance policy. Always check the terms and conditions of the best personal accident insurance policy before buying it.

Click HERE here to buy the best 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.

In the aftermath of a global pandemic and rising economic uncertainties, a job offers what matters most- financial stability and social security. It may also provide perks like allowances for specific purposes like children's education, medical expenses, relocation, etc., and perquisites like a company car, accommodation, etc.

A primary add-on facility is corporate health insurance for employees. While it may cover medical emergencies and allied expenses during employment, does it satisfy the need for additional health insurance? Experts suggest that, employed or not, each individual should buy health insurance to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses.

If you have a corporate insurance policy and need more clarification about needing a separate cover, read on to learn about the risk you face.

What is corporate health insurance?

Also known as group health insurance, the company takes the initiative to buy health insurance for all its employees during their tenure with the company. It covers medical costs arising from accidents, medical conditions, surgeries, etc. While the policy coverage is vast, it also extends to the dependents of the employees- creating an illusion of comprehensive coverage.

Not only does it benefit employees as an additional security against contingencies, but it also doubles as an attractive perk from the employer that makes the job offer appear comprehensive, leading to a satisfied workforce and resulting in greater productivity. The Indian Income Tax laws also allow claiming a deduction for the premium payment, sweetening the deal for both parties involved in case of a co-payment arrangement.

Concerns about corporate health insurance:

While the policy is undoubtedly beneficial for employees, it is not a substitute for individual health insurance.

1. Term period:
Corporate health insurance is purchased in bulk to cover all employees of the organisation. An employee is only protected until his employment tenure continues. Considering the volatile economic conditions and the talks of an incoming recession, more layoffs seem inevitable in the near future, making it essential to buy more health insurance at the earliest.

2. Standard coverage:
While corporate health insurance covers a broad scope of issues that may lead to medical expenses, you cannot customise the policy to fit your and your dependents' needs. The company makes decisions on the technicalities, including insured sum, number of dependents, etc., leaving employees at greater health risk with no option but to buy online health insurance individually to cover specific concerns. Even if you do not need a custom cover, we highly recommend purchasing an individual policy.

3. No direct benefit to the employee:
If you buy online health insurance and don't raise a claim during its active period, you can avail of a no-claim bonus, a reward that offers up to 50% discount while renewing the policy. The same does not apply to corporate health insurance.

4. Cumbersome claim raising:
When looking for online health insurance, comparing alternative insurers and purchasing a comprehensive plan from a company offering a seamless claim-raising experience is essential. Since the technicalities are outside your hands, you may have to deal with long wait periods and inefficient claim-settling mechanisms before reaching a fruitful settlement.

5. Undependable state of personal finances:
Health insurance makes for an integral part of budgets and financial planning. Choosing to rely solely on the insurance provided by your employer is a risky move that can affect your financial stability.

6. Lack of tax deduction:
Unless the premium has been paid under a co-payment agreement between the employer and employee, the employee cannot claim a tax deduction. The employer, however, continues to have the option of claiming the expense as a business expenditure that can be claimed as a deduction while calculating the profits of the business.

While group health insurance offers comprehensive coverage, it does not substitute the need to buy online health insurance. We strongly urge you to purchase separate health insurance, not just for tax-saving purposes but to ensure your financial security and protect your health under comprehensive coverage.

Click HERE to buy online health insurance.

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

In the early 1800s, people used horse-drawn carriages as their primary mode of transportation. In 1885, a German mechanical engineer, Karl Benz, designed the world's first car using an internal combustion engine. Both carriages and automobiles have one thing in common: a chassis. However, car designs have become more innovative each year.

Car designs have evolved to answer the need for convenience, comfort, and safety to protect owners and passengers. Similarly, car insurance online India, with many add-ons, has also become a preventive safeguard for owners against liabilities arising from accidents.

If you are a car enthusiast interested in the evolution of cars, here you can look at car manufacturers' changes in body design decade by decade.

1. 1910s
In the past, only high-society people owned combustion-engine automobiles. But Henry Ford's concept of assembly line production facilitated the production of dependable and affordable vehicles. The Model T debuted in this era and offered several body styles, such as a two-seat runabout, a five-seat touring car, and more.

2. 1920s
The cars of this decade featured long 8- to 16-cylinder engines that needed long-nosed bodies. Also, the enamel details and elegant paint jobs became famous in the 20s.

3. 1930s
The vehicles of this era were lighter and easier to produce due to the invention of the monocoque. By the late 1930s, sleek-looking cars had gained immense popularity.

4. 1940s
World War II influenced commercial car production in the 40s and led to innovative design. The Ponton style, characterised by wide flat bodies like boats, became the trend in this era.

5. 1950s
Catering to the masses post-war was a challenging task for manufacturers. Neither could they compromise with quality nor raise or maintain price levels. In this era, car manufacturers started producing more economical and compact cars.

6. 1960s
In the 1960s, car manufacturing companies worldwide, such as in Japan, Europe, and more, abandoned the boat design for cars and developed smaller, less heavy designs. Also, the US designed new muscle cars with low-profile cabs at the same time.

7. 1970s
The American car companies abandoned the muscle car design and began producing compact cars. Using sharp edges and hard lines in car design became the norm worldwide.

8. 1980s
The people of this decade loved car designs that were boxy and generic. However, trends indicated greater concern about the fuel efficiency and safety of the car.

9. 1990s
In this era, the global auto industry decided to look back to the 30s and 60s when car design had elegant body lines. In the 90s, wedged-shaped sports cars gained a lot of popularity. Japanese makes have gained massive popularity.

10. 2000s
The 2000s revealed a mixed bag of car designs. Automobile companies developed various car designs with no general trend in colours and shapes.

11. 2010s
Car manufacturers focused on developing more environmentally friendly cars. The minimalistic trend was the focus of car design in this era.

12. 2020s
Modern car designs include various high-tech technologies like blindspot design systems, AI-powered systems, and more. The boxy-shaped cars have gained popularity recently. The emerging trends in the automobile sector include technological advancements, convenience, and sustainable fuel sources.

Apart from car design and styling, various car-related aspects have also evolved throughout the years. You can find many cars in different shapes, styles, designs, performances, and features. There are numerous options varying from SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks to petrol, diesel, EV, and hybrid cars. The evolution of cars has been an inspiring journey catering to people of all classes, ages, and geographies.

Whenever we talk about cars, we must think about safety. Nowadays, car insurance has become essential immediately after purchasing a vehicle. We recommend you buy car insurance online India as it protects you and your car from various misfortunes and damages. Purchasing online can fetch you several benefits, including hassle-free claims, attractive premiums, and good customer service.

Click HERE to buy car insurance online 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.