GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Unprecedented times ask for unprecedented measures !! Many such measures and changes were enforced on our “way of life” due to COVID 19 crisis.

One such major change also for us Magmaites was WFH or "Work From Home". WFH became the new normal for us over the course of time, however this transmission has not been easy to many of us.

Once it was declared critical to put restrictions on physical movements to contain the spread of deadly virus - technology came to our rescue. This has been to ensure continuity of 'Work' even if it happens from the “safe” corners of our 'Homes'.

The vivid transition in our work lives -

1. To start with, it has evidently erased the physical boundaries of Home and Office

2. Those grapevine discussions over a 'Chai’ break' sound like a thing of past

3. Zoom has virtually intruded in to the Meeting spaces across all offices. One age-old proverb calling 'Man': a social animal, sounds meaningful and valuable now.

4. The very definition of “office time” has erased and one cannot see official and personal time differently as the office settings sometime tries to evade the personal or leisure settings. Perhaps, a reason, why Psychologists believe that separation from office-space would certainly have a toll on mental wellbeing of most of the people.

5. However, there are reasons to smile too. For, people are able to save a lot of travel-time - eventually adding to their overall productivity and happiness. They are able to give more time and attention to their loved ones as well. Almost everyone is trying their hands at long lost talents and hobbies - that is again adding to their mental wellbeing and creativity.

6. We were able to connect with our family members more and it has opened various possibilities in our relationships. This has definitely added immense value in our personal lives

At the end of the day, what we can look forward to is to have more disciplined and balanced approach to deal with these challenges and opportunities posed by our newly adopted WFH practices, and we can hope to get the better of this deadly virus soon enough, so as not to miss out on our beloved office tea breaks any longer !!

Open floor plans are increasingly trending in modern interior design. This layout combines two or more traditional spaces, such as a kitchen, dining room, and living room, into one large, open area. While there are many benefits to an open floor plan, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Are you considering open-floor interiors for your home? We will discuss its pros & cons in the blog, so you can decide whether this layout suits your home. So, without further delay, let's get started with the pros.

Pros:
1. Increases natural light
Opening up walls and combining spaces allows natural light to flow freely throughout the entire space, brightening the room and improving the look and feel of the home.

2. Enhances social interaction
Open floor plans allow for easy social interaction between family members and guests. Parents can watch children while cooking or doing other activities, and hosts can mingle with the guests while still taking care of other activities.

3. Makes smaller spaces appear larger
An open floor plan can create an impression of a larger space, even if the square footage is small. The area can feel more spacious by removing walls and creating a seamless flow.

4. Easy to entertain
Hosting a dinner party or social gathering with an open floor plan becomes effortless as everyone can move freely without feeling cramped or disconnected.

5. Adds value to your property
Open floor plans are currently prevalent in the real estate market, and having one in your home can increase its value, which can be beneficial when you sell your property.

Now let's have a look at the cons.

Cons:
1. Noise pollution
With an open floor plan, noise from one area can easily travel to another, which can be troublesome when hosting guests or trying to relax.

2. Lack of privacy
Privacy can become a concern with an open floor plan, mainly when multiple people occupy the same space. This can disturb others when they need privacy to take a phone call or want to work quietly.

3. More challenging to decorate
Open floor plans can be more challenging to decorate as no natural dividers between spaces exist. Creating distinct zones in the same area may require more creativity and effort.

4. Messes are more visible
With an open floor plan, messes in one area can be seen from other parts of the room. This can be challenging and time-consuming as you need to clean it up regularly to have a tidy home.

5. Higher rates of house insurance India
Insurance companies may charge higher rates for homes with open floor plans as they may be riskier due to the potential for more significant losses in a disaster.

6. Requires more cooling and heating
While an open floor plan can reduce heating and cooling costs in some instances, it can also require more heating and cooling in others. This is particularly true for larger spaces, which may require additional heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Open floor plans offer many benefits, including increased natural light, enhanced social interaction, and the feeling of a larger space. However, as they also come with their share of challenges, consider your lifestyle, family size, and how you plan to use the space when finalizing an open floor plan. With careful consideration, proper process, and planning, you can make a thoroughly informed decision about the house insurance India you should buy that will serve your needs optimally and provide you with a functional and beautiful living space for years to come.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of purchasing house 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.

An engine is the core of our car, and you would want it to be in perfect shape every time you turn on its ignition. An engine tune-up consists of checking, diagnosing, and fixing minor problems that come up in the engine with regular usage of the car. This process includes checking the spark plugs, wires, distributor caps, air filters, oil filters, fuel filters and wiring, etc.

Regular engine tune-up helps extend your car's life and increase its efficiency. Let's understand how you can get your car's engine tune-up done.

When do you need a tune-up?

The odometer is the first and foremost thing that can tell us that your car's engine needs a tune-up. If your car has completed the minimum number of kilometres specified by the vehicle manufacturer, after which an engine tune-up becomes due.

Other signs that can indicate that an engine tune-up is required are lack of power and pick-up, decreased fuel mileage, erratic running, problem in starting, malfunctioning lights flashing on the dashboard, etc.

How can you get your car's engine tune-up done?

You should always go to an authorised service centre recommended by your car manufacturer for an engine tune-up. Any outside service provider or mechanic should never do your car's engine tune-up, as it may null and void the engine warranty.

The basic steps for an engine tune-up are as follows:

1. Replacing plugs and wires:
The first step in an engine tune-up is thoroughly checking the ignition system and its functioning. The spark plugs, coils, plugs, wires, and any other electrical part that helps in the car ignition are to be inspected.
For example, ignition wires can break down or wear out with usage. It can result in misfiring, performance loss, rough idling, and, eventually, making your car cylinder dead. Similarly, we need to check whether the ignition coils are in good shape and working properly. It can also lead to engine misfiring, poor acceleration, low fuel mileage, etc.

2. Filter change:
There are various types of car filters, such as oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, and cabin filters. Timely cleaning of filters is essential for improving engine performance and efficiency. If the filters are dirty, the engine will toil hard to get the required air, fuel, or oil, thus making it choked and perform poorly.

3. Belts and hoses:
All hoses need to be checked as they transfer vital fluids across the engine. Any disruption in the hoses will result in engine malfunction. Similarly, we need to check various belts that help the engine to run efficiently as they wear down, turn brittle, crack and eventually break with time and usage.

4. Right liquids:
For a car engine to perform perfectly, it needs a variety of fluids in perfect proportion, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluids, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, etc. There is a regular change interval for each of the fluids. The change also depends on your car usage.

If you use your car regularly and run around a lot, you will need to change these fluids frequently and vice-versa. If you do not change these fluids timely, they can lead to engine malfunction and even breakdown.

Regular and timely engine tune-up is very important for keeping your car fit. It ensures that your car runs efficiently and its heart- the engine is in perfect shape. It also helps to increase the life of your car.

To address the car's safety, you must purchase a private car insurance India policy. It protects your car from any damage or loss that it may suffer from fire, theft, accidents, natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, etc. It also provides coverage from third-party liabilities. Hence, you must choose the right insurance service provider to provide adequate coverage and protection in times of need.

Click HERE to buy private car 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.

Cars are almost our second home as we spend 2-3 hours daily commuting in them. Most of us love to go for different types of fancy car accessories available in the market. Accessories make our car ride comfortable and convenient. Also, they add style to the car and make it look sportier and cooler.

But, do you know that a few accessories are mandatory by law, without which you cannot drive on Indian roads and can be fined. Let us explain them to you:

1. High-security number plate:
High-security registration plate or HSRP is mandatory to be used on your car along with the colour-coded sticker that comes with it. We cannot install fancy number plates with fashionable fonts just to make our car look stylish and unique. HSRP has been made mandatory in India from 1st April 2019.
This number plate is made of aluminium and cannot be removed from a vehicle once installed. It also has a unique 10-digit permanent identification number (PIN), so it cannot be cloned or copied. If you do not have an HSRP on your car, you can be fined anywhere between INR 5000 to INR 10000, depending on your state. Also, repeat offenders can be charged a compounding fine of INR 5500.

2. Lights:
You will be surprised to know that there are rules regarding the various types of lights you use in your car. These lights include car headlights, sidelights, tail lights, and registration plate lights. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, functional headlights, sidelights, taillights, and registration plate lights are mandatory.
Non-functioning lights can make you go blind at night, or vehicles approaching from the other side may not see you. In either of the cases, you may meet with an accident. You can be fined if any of these lights are not working properly, as this can be hazardous for you and other vehicles on the road. .

3. Rear and side-view mirrors:
Rear-view mirrors are a mandatory accessory for your car as per sections 5 and 7 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act. You can be fined for not driving with a rear-view mirror. Similarly, police can penalise you if you drive around without side-view mirrors or if they are folded!

4. Horn:
Cars must have an electric horn that can warn other vehicles around them that they are approaching. Driving your car with a faulty horn can attract a fine of INR 500 for the first time and INR 1500 for every subsequent offense. However, the fine amount can vary from one state to another.

5. Wipers:
Wipers are essential because they are the key tools for visibility during heavy rains. Driving without wipers is illegal, and you can be fined for that. If you get stuck in heavy rain without a wiper, you will not be able to see anything in front of you clearly, and there will be a high chance of an accident.

You can have a long list of fancy accessories to make your car stand out from the crowd, however, you should not neglect the above list of mandatory accessories required by law. Travelling without them can attract fines and penalties.

Renewal of motor insurance timely is also mandatory by law. Driving your car for a day after your motor insurance expires is also illegal. Do not delay the renewal, as you can conveniently get online motor insurance renewal without visiting the insurance office. Be safe, be protected.

Click HERE to get the online motor insurance renewal.

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.

While we live in a more digital world, it's natural for our elderly population to feel left out of meaningful conversations. Many young individuals also find themselves in the self-imposed isolation of the virtual system.

With age, bodily functions are hampered, and our elders don't have the energy as before. Their mental health also takes a toll and is impacted because of the fear of being unable to match with the current generation. The increasing age draws anxiety and health problems, making elders feel lonely and less productive. It is important to consider the elderly who may be alone and far from their children and other loved ones.

Do you have older parents at home? We have listed some measures you can take to lessen the loneliness your elderly parents may feel.

1. Get them out with people:
Social interactions decline with age. The seniors among us can attest to this truth more than anyone else. Their isolation can be alleviated by encouraging them to interact with others. Sometimes, interaction with new people might lead to lifelong friendships. Age shouldn't be a barrier to meeting new people and making new acquaintances. While making new friends is always exciting, a downpour of old memories comes with existing friendships.
Parents have lived longer, so it is natural for them to have lots of anecdotes to share. It just takes someone to listen for them to feel better. So, don't miss out on listening to their stories. Research shows that when seniors are provided opportunities for introspection, they report higher levels of satisfaction with both their lives and the world at large. By learning to control their feelings, they will become warmer, friendly, and, most importantly, less lonely.

2. Encourage for plant / pet:
You can lift seniors' moods and enrich their routines by gifting a plant or animal to care for, giving them a touch of responsibility and affection. In addition, there appears to be a correlation between senior citizens who keep pets and a lower incidence of health problems requiring medical intervention. Caring for plants at home or a nursery and looking after pets help keep the elders occupied with positivity and enjoy cheerful company.

3. Rely on experts:
Geriatric care managers can help seniors who don't have close family nearby. Typically, geriatric care managers are seasoned physicians or carers who figure out how to best meet the emotional and social requirements of their elderly patients.
Caregivers for the elderly spend the opportunity to get to know their patients, start friendly conversations, and engage them in mentally stimulating activities like games and mindful tasks like painting, singing, yoga, etc. Perhaps going for affordable health insurance plans for parents that may include professional services and additional health benefits should be your priority.

4. Communication:
Communicate often with your ageing loved one and engage them in conversation. Your close family member might appreciate more frequent phone calls from you. Communication is the best way to bond with your elders and make them feel valued.

5. Remind them of their importance:
Inviting them to join in on the festivities is a great way to show them how much they mean to you. Inspire them to reach their potential, but avoid giving the impression that any help you provide stems from a sense of obligation on your part. Express your affection for them and let them know that they will always be an important member of your family.

Loneliness doesn't pose an immediate health risk. Therefore, some people might not take the possibility of it seriously. While isolation might not seem like a problem, it can become one if left unchecked. Elders usually don't open up about the problems they face so easily with their family members. Studies and statistics show that the elders are more likely to require hospitalisation, so you must do everything you can to keep them in a positive frame of mind and reward them with affordable health insurance plans for parents to ensure their wellbeing.

Click HERE to buy the best and affordable health insurance plans for parents.

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.

Fuel prices are soaring daily in most Indian states and have a cascading impact on the public. Owning an EV or electric vehicle is still a far-fetched dream for most of us because of its unaffordability due to high prices and the absence of charging infrastructure across the country.

The price of CNG or Compressed Natural Gas has also touched all-time highs making it unviable to replace vehicles running on conventional fuel, i.e., petrol and diesel. So how do we save fuel and, eventually, our hard-earned money?

Let us go through some efficient measures to drive smartly and save fuel.

1. Accelerate smoothly:
Never accelerate suddenly since the engine uses maximum fuel when it achieves speed from being stationary. Therefore, the harder we accelerate, the more fuel it consumes. Make it a habit to accelerate gently, helping the car steadily gain speed. Always go easy with your car!

2. Drive in economy mode:
Most cars nowadays come with an economy or eco mode that maintains a balance between fuel efficiency and speed. Also, drive below the speed of 80-90 kmph, which is considered the ideal speed limit to achieve and maintain fuel efficiency. Anything over it will result in a higher fuel burn rate and a lower average per litre.

3. Manage your gear shift wisely:
Driving your vehicle in the right gear can help you save considerably on fuel. You put undue pressure on the engine if you drive in the wrong gear, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

4. Maintain correct tyre pressure:
Always maintain correct tyre pressure as under-inflated tyres resist proper rolling, putting more pressure on the engine. This will lower mileage, burning a hole in your pocket in the long run.

5. Use air-conditioning wisely:
A vehicle’s air-conditioning system burns up much fuel, resulting in lower fuel efficiency. Avoid using the air-conditioning system when your car is stationary or idle for a long time. Switch off the AC and roll down the windows when possible. Use the re-circulate option in your vehicle while using the AC.

6. Use your car wisely:
You can save fuel even by being smart in using your car. Do not make unnecessary and multiple trips to the supermarket all day. Prepare a list of things you need to buy, and when your list is big enough, go and get them. Also, go for carpools. It will be wise for four or five colleagues to carpool if the route permits, go together to the office, and divide the fuel cost rather than everyone going by their personal vehicle.

7. Ditch the extra weight:
Travel light. Ensure your boot is not full of unwanted stuff that adds weight to your car. Also, remove the carrier when it is not in use. Driving light can help you be more fuel-efficient.

● Anyone running a business with a steady stream of customers coming in and out of the building daily.

● Corporation owners who attend to numerous clients each day.

Following are the types of burglary insurance available under the general insurance India category.

8. Use “Fastag”:
Make use of a “Fastag” while driving on a highway. With it, you can cross a toll booth in a few seconds, helping you save on fuel.

9. Use “cruise control”:
Use the “cruise control” feature in your car, especially while driving on a highway. This will help you to maintain a constant speed without needing to push the accelerator constantly, giving you much better fuel efficiency.

10. Avoid idling:
Switch off your engine whenever you have to make a stop for over 20 seconds. Switching off and restarting will consume less fuel than your engine being on while your car is stationary.

Apply these efficient measures to drive smartly and see how you save fuel and eventually money over a few days. You can also buy the best car insurance to get complete protection at low premium rates and comprehensive car insurance benefits. Be smart, save money, and choose the best!

Click HERE to buy car insurance and insure your car with reliable coverage.

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.

Owning a car is not an easy task. You need to check the car features, mileage, prices, road safety, inner functionalities, maintenance, and servicing are a few things on a very long list. And one of the most critical points on this list is insurance. It would be best if you keep up with the premiums and renewal dates. Not everyone has sufficient information about insurance before they purchase it. This is why you must gather all the pointers from your insurance provider or agent before exploring your options.

Are you looking to purchase insurance and trying to understand the options? Are there any differences based on the type of car you own? Well, this blog is all about how different types of car engines impact insurance costs and will help you gain better insights about car insurance before you get one or switch your insurance policy.

1. Let’s discuss different engine sizes:
A car engine has two main parts: a few cylinders and a piston. And as we are aware of the combustion process where the fuel goes through the burning process in the cylinder. This provides sufficient energy for the piston to function, and through various connected mechanical systems, the generated power helps you drive the car.
Car engines are segregated according to the fuel volume of the cylinders. They are classified as under 1.0-litre, 1.0 to 2.0-litres, 2.0 to 3.0-litres and 3.0-plus. Diesel engines have a similar classification, except there will be no car with a less than one-litre engine capacity.

2. How do different engine sizes impact your insurance costs:
The power of your car majorly depends on the size of your engine. If your vehicle has a big engine, it is considered powerful. And this ultimately means that your car insurance will come under the higher tab/group. And if your insurance group is on the higher end, your insurance is bound to be expensive in most cases.
Exceptions to the size point discussed above are cars with turbocharged engines. These engines are extremely powerful and packed. Hence, they are smaller in size. A machine with a one-litre capacity today will usually be turbocharged. But since it provides a power-packed performance, the turbocharged engines are expensive, which raises the price of your insurance too. However, check with your car insurance company if your policy covers turbocharged engines.

3. What does it mean to have a powerful car:
Chances are that if your car comes under the category of powerful vehicles, it has an engine that delivers high and fast performance and reaches top speeds within seconds. Thus, there is a prediction that the thrill might make you more vulnerable to road accidents, making your car more prone to damages you will claim on your insurance policy.
This cycle raises the price of your insurance because the compensation for your claims about your powerful car will be bigger too. A similar process goes with expensive cars. The fancy technology, the sky-high prices, and the threat of your expensive vehicle getting stolen push the cost of your insurance.

But other factors are involved in determining your insurance and premium prices, including your driving history. Look for the best car insurance company in India that provides premiums and benefits perfectly matching your requirements.

And while we are discussing car insurance, claims, and premiums, you need to understand the importance car insurance holds. Especially if your car ends up being part of an accident or unfortunate circumstances, insurance will come in handy to keep you financially stress-free. At the same time, you focus on getting your vehicle fixed and resolving the situation. So, you must purchase your car insurance from the best car insurance company in India.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of the best car insurance company 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.

We all have noticed that whenever a brand launches its new car, there are different versions/variants. These variants have additional features and are placed at different price ranges. The base model is set at the starting price, while the top model takes away the cake by being priced higher. But why do these companies launch variants of the same car model and provide different features?

While purchasing a car, you need to look at various resources to educate yourself about different brands and their cars, your budget, the features you want, and the type of car you want. Are you finding it difficult to arrive at a final decision about which car you want to buy? Or have you finalised the model of the vehicle but are confused about the variant? Here's our guide. This blog will answer this question and provide sufficient information to make an informed decision.

1. There are multiple versions of a car. Why?
Car manufacturers have been creating different versions of a car. The term" variant" refers explicitly to a specific vehicle version. Car manufacturers prefer this method to market their products and distribute the needs of different sections of people. This way, they attempt to persuade their target audience for a particular vehicle and are forced to buy a variant on the upper end from what they initially set out to purchase. The distribution of features is finely done, targeting to expand the car's sales potential.
There is absolutely no fixed number of variants when it comes to the automobile industry. Car manufacturers can launch any number of variants of the same car model and tweak the features strategically to lure in the customers. The variants usually depend on the popularity of the car model, the brand, the consumer loyalty and the brand's reputation and accountability, etc.

2. The number of different features you should look for.
As we discussed earlier in the introduction, other parts in the variants of a car model lead to the difference in the price range. And these price ranges determine which car is under your budget and more accessible to you. But what are some of the features you as a customer should be on the lookout for?

Interior material:
There might be differences in your car's interior from the model in the high ranges. You will notice differences between the seat cover of the variants, and the personalisation options provided might seem limited too if you compare with the cars on the higher end.

Safety always comes first:
Every car today usually comes with several airbags, increasing as you go towards the higher-end variants. Apart from that, many safety features are incorporated into all vehicles in the current times. But the level of safety aids might differ in the car variants and models. Base level cars provide the standard features while vehicles in the higher end comes with premium safety features, which creates the allurement in the market.

Other determining features to look forward to are engines, fuel efficiency, mileage, navigation systems, and other technologies. So, take a wise decision to decide between the different versions of the same car that fits your budget and requirements. The prices are rising, and there seems to be no relief anytime soon. Therefore, in unpredictable times, you need to safeguard your crucial assets like cars with insurance.

Purchase car insurance to ensure you are one step ahead and can focus on resolving the situation. Also, remember, as there are different models and variants of cars available in the market, there are several car insurance options with different prices. You must determine the best car insurance price in India and invest in a comprehensive coverage plan.

Click HERE to learn more about the best car insurance price 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.