GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Driving a car can be one of the most joyous and liberating feelings in the world. Cruising through the roads, being in control and manoeuvring your vehicle is sure to give you a sense of euphoria. While many of us master the art of driving effortlessly within a short period, others might take a considerable amount. The important thing to remember is that developing driving skills is a matter of experience.

In this article, we will discuss a few ways to develop your driving abilities and become a skilled driver.

1. Understanding how your car works:
An expert driver should be able to manoeuvre every car. But as a start, before you can take your vehicle out, understand its mechanisms and how it responds to adverse weather conditions. This will help you manage your car better if presented with any circumstance that you have had no prior experience with.

2. Configure the mirrors:
Mirrors should perform their intended functions. Knowing what mirror angle works best for you is crucial. Set your mirrors so that the sides of the chassis are not visible anymore. Upon setting up the mirrors the right way, you can reduce the blind spots significantly.

3. Turn signals:
Many people often neglect to use the indicators. However, it is vital to understand that the turn signals are not for you. They alert other people behind or around you about your next move. Warning others will help reduce accidents or crashes on the road.

4. Keep a margin:
This might seem futile when you are traversing through slow-moving and congested traffic. However, leaving a margin between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is necessary when you are driving fast on an empty road. This helps avoid potential crashes in case of a sudden brake by the person ahead of you. A thumb rule to follow is the 10-second rule. Keep a checkpoint for reference and note the time the vehicle ahead of you passes this point. Ensure that your vehicle follows with a gap of 10 seconds.

5. Be responsible towards others:
When talking about good driving skills, one of the most neglected factors is the responsibility towards others. Being empathetic towards others on the road is the trademark of a good driver. Unnecessary honking, not adhering to speed limits, not warning the other drivers, etc., can lead to agitation and even accidents. Being calm during such situations can go a long way.

6. Practice night driving:
Traversing through night traffic can be challenging the first few times. Instead of taking your car at night during heavy traffic hours, start practising on relatively empty roads to get comfortable with the headlights from the opposite vehicles. Understand the rules of alerting fellow drivers during the night and stick to them.

These are a few ways in which you can improve your driving skills. Being confident and practising adds to your experience and makes you a better driver. As a beginner, handling a 3000-pound motor can seem daunting. Keep in mind that being intimidated is entirely normal. Start with open grounds and slowly make your way into heavy traffic roads.

Another thing to consider is that sometimes, accidents might happen due to the negligence of fellow drivers or some unexpected situations. To help you rest easy, consider buying motor and personal accident insurance. Personal accident insurance covers all the expenses you will face in case of an accident and compensates for your losses.

Click HERE to know more about personal accident 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.

While buying a car is hectic and time-consuming, learning how to drive a vehicle is a different ball game. We all know that Indian roads are chaotic, and sadly, the strict implementation of traffic rules is lacking. People are ignorant of the traffic rules. The high number of vehicles on the road makes it difficult for the traffic police to control the cars and catch the ones breaking the regulations, thus encouraging the environment of neglect. New learners find it challenging to navigate the roads under such conditions and risk a massive chance of landing in or creating an accident or collision with other vehicles, poles, and bumpers if they are not extremely vigilant.

Considering the above reasons, it is imperative for any potential learner or driver must pass a driving test with good scores or grades to show their understanding and make them eligible for driving on the road.

This driving test examines a candidate based on a written and practical test. Both these tests are focused on your knowledge of the traffic rules and road conditions, situational risks and solutions to avoid any accidents, and a practical display of your driving skills catering to the tasks given by your examiner. This driving test is extensive and essential, which is why many test takers get nervous before the test.

Are you someone who gets the pre-exam jitters that makes you anxious about the upcoming test and interview? Well, do not worry. This blog has the best tips to overcome your driving test nerves. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Confidence is key:
It would be best if you assured yourself that you are ready. You have studied well for the test and practised your driving skills enough times to be confident that you will pass your test with flying colours. You need to be satisfied that you will not be able to take this test until and unless your driving instructor thinks you are ready. So, if you are applying for this examination, you must avoid hyping up the test and magnifying its importance to make yourself anxious. This test will examine your skills in something you have done many times already.

2. Do not tell everyone:
Avoid telling everyone that you are about to take your driving test. Keeping it a secret will help you avoid the millions of tips and techniques people will say to you, and various negative reviews you might come across will make you more nervous and break your confidence. Losing confidence is not something you can risk. So, avoid revealing your test dates and take the pressure off.

3. Never skip your meals:
Skipping your food and having anxiety about your performance on the test is not a favourable combination. It might make you weak or cause a panic attack, which will eventually force your examiner to declare you unfit for the test, and you might have to reapply and go through the hassle again. Therefore, have a light meal, like some fruits, salad, or something which is fulfilling and energetic and does not make you drowsy.

Some other tips to overcome your driving test nerves include:

● Using the washroom before you go in for the test

● Washing your face lightly to wean off the pressure

● Chatting with your driving instructor to create a normal atmosphere

● Not consuming caffeine for a couple of days before the test

● Consider the actual test to be a mock examination

● Carry a jacket in case the exam hall gets cold

● Avoid too much revising on the day of the test

● Arrive at the test centre well in advance to give yourself some time to calm down and understand the procedure of the test

These are some of the best tips to overcome your driving test nerves. Follow them righteously, and you will pass the test with ease. And while we talk about driving tests, we should discuss the necessity of purchasing car insurance too. After getting your driving licence, car insurance is the next essential document you need to drive a car legally. Compare new car insurance rates and consider other factors before buying a policy.

Click HERE to learn more about comparing new car insurance rates.

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.

Hundreds of options are available for your bike insurance, both online and offline. You must have encountered tempting advertisements promising you the lowest premium with complete coverage for your bike. Also, we frequently receive calls from insurance companies or their agents with lucrative offers for buying our bike insurance from them.

But wait a moment. Are all these offers authentic? Will they provide you with complete protection, safety, and quick claim disbursal in the unfortunate event of your bike accident? You need to follow these steps if you have the slightest doubts and are concerned about the authenticity of your bike insurance.

1. Check with IRDAI:
The first step for checking the authenticity of your bike insurance is to check the website of IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) and search for your insurance company. The insurance company will probably be a fraud if its name is not on the IRDAI website.

2. Go for a brand:
Always choose a bike insurance policy of a reputed company or brand. An insurance company that is well-known and reputed in the market is less likely to cheat and issue a policy with false claims and promises. Also, the chances of a fake policy from such companies are almost zero.
We often buy a bike insurance policy on the advice of an insurance agent or by getting influenced by some advertisement. You should first call the customer care of such companies and verify the policy details being sold to you. Also, you may visit the nearest branch of the company and verify the details there. Check whether the policy contains the same IDV (Insured Declared Value) and all the add-ons promised earlier to you. Buy the bike insurance policy only after you are certain about its genuineness.

3. Premium receipt and other details:
A genuine bike insurance policy will always issue a receipt for the premium paid by you. Also, the policy document will contain all the details, such as your name, policy tenure, terms and conditions of insurance coverage, etc.
To ensure the authenticity of your bike insurance, always insist on a hard copy of your premium receipt. Review your policy document thoroughly and ensure it contains all the required details.

4. Mode of premium payment:
A bike insurance company will give you several options to pay your bike insurance premium. You can pay it online through its website or issue a cheque in the insurance company's name and hand it over to the insurance company’s office or your insurance agent.
If your insurance company or agent is insisting only on cash payment or payment by cheque/bank transfer in the name of a person, it should be a red flag for you. The insurance company or the agent in between might not be genuine and authentic.

5. Verification link:
Insurance companies nowadays validate a bike insurance policy on their official portal at the time of issue. You can check the authenticity of your bike insurance policy by checking whether this link redirects you to the official website of the insurance company or not. This is especially important if you buy your policy from a 3rd party vendor.

The digitalisation of insurance services has contributed greatly to the progress and development of the insurance industry. However, fraudsters find new ways to dupe you while selling you a bike insurance policy. You need to be vigilant to protect your hard-earned money. Always verify the authenticity of your new bike insurance policy and its details before paying for it.

Bike insurance is compulsory under the law, and you must buy it from one source or another. Visit the nearest branch office of bike insurance companies, or go through their offerings in detail on their website. Call their customer care and confirm the details. Buy a good bike insurance policy that is genuine and does what it promises to do.

Click HERE to buy reliable bike insurance for your valuable two-wheeled asset.

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.

Every one of us has once had a dream of flying. As kids, we have looked at birds and planes and wished for the ability to fly. Today, we have various ways to live this dream. Different adventure sports like sky diving, hang gliding, and paragliding have created opportunities where people can enjoy a safe yet thrilling experience of being in the air.

India proudly displays unique landforms, making it one of the most enjoyable places for such activities. Paragliders have referred to paragliding as one the most unforgettable experiences of their lives. Being up in the air and away from the ground is sure to be one of the most humbling experiences of your life.

Today we will look at a few places in India that offer this experience.

1. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh:
Situated near Kangra Valley, Bir is a beautiful village in Himachal Pradesh. It has over 11 paragliding options, giving it the name of the 'Paragliding capital of India'. Bir promises you the spectacular views of lush green mountains and the beautiful sunsets that paint the sky in all shades of orange.

2. Panchgani, Maharashtra:
Panchgani is a small hill station in Maharashtra that offers training as well as flying for all paragliding enthusiasts. The landscapes of Bilar, Khinger, and Tapola are arguably one of the best locations for flying. The best time to visit Panchgani is between November and February.

3. Arambol, Goa:
Goa is famous for its beaches, food, and party life. But Arambol promises priceless views of the Arabian Sea and beautiful arrays of palm trees. Choose the evenings for your paragliding adventure to watch the sunset while you sail over the blue waters reflecting its golden shine.

4. Nandi Hills, Karnataka:
Situated close to Bangalore, Nandi is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies, as many tourists choose it for camping, trekking, and paragliding. People here are mostly seen enjoying paragliding in the day and camping at night.

5. Gangtok, Sikkim:
The land of magic, monasteries, and mountains, Gangtok is a must-visit for anyone who wants to combine adventure and spirituality on their trip. Paragliding in Gangtok promises you a bird's eye view of the unexplored places in Sikkim and a beautiful view of the mighty Kanchenjunga.

6. Shillong, Meghalaya:
The Scotland of the east, Shillong, has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Paragliding here is sure to be a cathartic experience. Shillong is a canvas of dense, lush forests and beautiful waterfalls. Visit during the summer months to ensure the magnificent view that this palace has to offer.

These are a few of the best places in India that offer you a safe and fun paragliding experience. Over the years, adventure sports have become more prevalent in India. While well-trained and licensed professionals are always there to guide you through the process, invest a fair amount of time researching the best paragliders in the area to ensure maximum safety. Add to this a personal accident insurance policy to help you evade any expense that you might incur in case of an accident.

Click HERE to know more about 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.

Purchasing a home is a long, chaotic and hectic process. In addition to the budget, multiple other things come into consideration when you plan to buy a house. With several financial and real estate scams happening around, it becomes challenging to be decisive about purchasing a house. Several apps, real estate agencies, and brokers claim to help you find your dream space.

But how would you know if you are being scammed under the name of getting the best deal worked out “especially for you” or if you are getting the best price for your house? Do not worry. This blog lists the best hacks for home buyers to make them aware of what they need to know beforehand and purchase their dream home at the best price.

1. Talk to your bank:
There is a certain urge to move into your dream place. But before you get the ball rolling on your shifting, make sure that you communicate with your bank about getting a pre-approved loan. The bank must be ready to grant you the loan at a certain set rate. In addition, getting pre-approved from the bank also acts as a symbol of trust and confirmation for the agents and house sellers on your house deal.

2. Dig a little deep:
When you are looking into properties that are available for sale, be it a new construction or an old one, always investigate thoroughly. You should seek information on the reasons why the property is on sale.
And if the agent or the seller is in a hurry to sell the house, more often than you might predict, it could be a potential red flag which should lead you to dig a little deeper and see if you are willing to purchase that particular house or property. Only make your offer after you have all the details.

3. Be smart about your offers:
While low-balling on the prices is practised in our culture, it might get risky if the market on your property or potential dream home is competitive. You might lose the opportunity to negotiate further on your offer. So, gather some information on the comparable bids, do little calculations and come up with the best price in your first shot at the proposal.

4. Keep an eye out for the inspection:
You must be very vigilant about the inspection results when the home inspector comes and checks out the place. If your deal has been finalised and accepted and your home inspector finds any issue which can cause discomfort in the future, you need to get in touch with the seller as soon as possible.
Have a polite discussion with the agent or the seller to bear the repair charges or negotiate the price again to bring it down a little, keeping in mind the damages (this would be a wiser decision).

Some other tips include offering a quicker final decision/closing, negotiating respectfully, discussing the amenities in detail, and making yourself ready to compromise a little. These tips will prove handy to you when you go out looking for your future home.

We hope the blog was helpful and gave you the information you wanted. While we are on the subject of buying homes, it is essential that you also look into the home insurance option in advance to avoid the hassle of piling things up for the end. Purchasing the best home insurance policy in India will help you protect your home and your family from unfortunate circumstances and avoid monetary stress during such times of distress.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can buy the best home insurance policy 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.

A significant issue prevailing in the minds of drivers and car commuters while driving on the roads is their safety. You should drive safely to avoid the chance of any mishap, as it is rightly said that precaution is better than cure. Wearing seat belts while driving is crucial to lessen the impact of accidents if ever you meet with one. Cars today have mandatory regulations and systems about wearing your seat belts. Many vehicles have alert signs and sounds that do not stop until the driver and the co-passenger have put on their seat belts.

Different types of people might sit in your car. Sometimes, kids might wipe their hands or gnaw on the seat belts, getting them dirty. The dirt and dust might affect the material, and they could begin to smell or have developing infectious germs.

Do you want to clean your seatbelts but find it complex and confusing to figure out how and what ingredients to use? Don't worry. This blog discusses some of the best tips to clean your car's seat belts.

1. Separate the parts:
To clean the seat belts properly, calmly separate the parts without damaging them. You can remove the buckles and other buttons using a screwdriver. Separating the components makes it easier to access the stains or dirty areas and work to make them clean.

2. Pull:
It would be best to pull out the seat belt entirely until it becomes stiff and cannot be pulled anymore. This will ensure a thorough inspection and cleaning.

3. Clip it up:
You can use clamps or paper clips to ensure that the seat belt does not retract back. This helps in easier accessibility during the cleaning process. You can place the clamp near the reel (where the rest of the seatbelt part is stored).

4. Inspect for corrosion:
The steel portions of the seat belt can rust over time. You can use steel wool to polish the steel buckle of the seatbelt.

5. Identify the dirtiest spots:
Use a degreaser and spray it to identify the stains on the seatbelts. After identifying the spots, you can clean them softly, avoiding the risks of damaging the material of the belts.

6. Materials you should use:
Do not use sharp objects for a light dusting of the seatbelts. It may damage the materials causing the seat belts to wear out. Microfiber cloths are your best option for dusting or wiping the seat belts after a proper cleanup using water and detergent.

7. Recommended ingredients for thorough cleaning:
Make a water mixture with distilled vinegar and dish soap (liquid). Vinegar has antibacterial properties and eliminates foul odour. Dish soap cleans the stains and spots gently of the seat belt. The mixture prevents the possibility of bacteria and moulds.

8. Dry the belts:
Let the belt dry before letting it retract back into the reel. If the belt stays wet, it can cause fungus development on the material, leading to infection, bad smells, etc. Leave the car open and let the seat belts dry.

You can use a brush with tiny stiff bristles to remove the stains and sweat spots that require deep cleaning for removal.

Along with cleaning the seat belts and maintaining other parts of your car, a wise option would be to be prepared for unprecedented circumstances. While you can control the cleaning and maintenance process, the possibilities of mishaps are not under anyone's control.

It is wise to stay monetarily stress-free by exploring your options and purchasing car insurance India. Car insurance is a wise investment that can guarantee you healthy returns during emergencies. Understand your requirements and accordingly browse and choose a plan offering the best benefits with a reasonable premium.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy 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.

When we say “water is life”, it is more a reality than a necessity. A day without running water in the pipelines of our house can be torturous, as we will not be able to take baths, use the washrooms or cook. This is where our home’s plumbing system plays a crucial role.

A plumbing system in any house is usually very complex. It is beneath the floors or hidden behind the walls. Hence, any fault associated with it cannot be repaired easily without damaging the walls or the floor. Therefore, it is vital to understand the plumbing network and how it works at home.

Main components:
The main components of the plumbing system are supply, drainage, and venting. These components help to separate the potable water from the wastewater. This ensures that we get fresh water for personal consumption while the wastewater is thrown away through the drainage system.

Modus operandi:
The water supply system in our home works with the help of water pressure. Good water pressure is essential for the free and uninterrupted flow of water in all taps and showers in our home. Pressure carries the water from the tank or source of supply to the kitchen, bathroom, or wherever we need it. The water supply system functions with the help of pipes, valves, faucets, and plumbing fittings.

The drainage system works by using gravitational force. The drainage pipes are downward sloping to direct the wastewater to the sewage line or the septic tank. This ensures that the wastewater does not flow back out of the drain and spoil your home.

Vents in the plumbing system are as important as the water supply and drainage systems. We can usually see these vents emerging from the roof of our house. They emit air into the drainage pipes, so the sewage gases do not mix in the drains. This air ensures that the traps in the drains do not open, and the entire plumbing system does not get contaminated and malfunction.

Hot water:
Getting hot water through your taps adds an extra step in the journey of the cold water. The cold water first flows to the electric geyser or natural gas water heater. If you plan to install the geyser in or near your bathroom, it involves laying off a few extra pipes through which cold water will reach the geyser, and hot water will flow back to the taps, faucets, or the kitchen.

However, if you plan to install a bigger water heater on your terrace, such as a solar-panel-enabled water heater, you must plan the plumbing system properly. It will involve a complex network of pipes that will take the cold water to the heating system and distribute it back into your home.

Supply shut-offs:
Nowadays, homes are equipped with individual supply shut-offs for freshwater in every bathroom, kitchen, or balconies and washing area. We need to simply shut off the respective valve where we are planning repair work. All individuals at home should also be aware of the main shut-off valve so that anyone can restrict the water supply to the entire house in case of any emergency or malfunction.

We only realise the importance of a good plumbing system at home when it malfunctions and needs repair. As we use this system hundreds of times daily, we must ensure it is top-quality.

Similarly, we need to ensure a good home insurance policy that takes care of our house and well-being by protecting it against damages arising from theft, fire, earthquakes, etc. We accept the importance of a home insurance policy only when the actual damage occurs. So why wait for such instances? Go for the best home insurance in India and keep your worries aside.

Click HERE to buy the best home 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.

Failure of brakes can be a terrifying experience for drivers and have life-threatening consequences. According to statistics, a significant number of road accidents occur due to failed brakes. But how can you avoid such mishaps?

Apart from getting your car checked and serviced periodically, one way you can save it from landing in such grave situations is by being aware of the signs of brake failure.

This blog will discuss the possible reasons for brake failure in cars.

1. Brake cylinder:
A damaged or rusted brake cylinder is one of the leading causes of brake failure in cars. The brake cylinder's function is to compress the fluid. It consists of a fluid reservoir, which has a connected steel tube. There are higher chances of fluid leakage in the rusted pipe or the cylinder. This leakage can lead to brake failure.

2. Brake pad:
Brake fade is the term used for overheating of the brake pads. The overheating is caused due to excessive usage of the brake pads forcing them to become hard or fragile. Due to this, brake pads lessen their grip around the rotor or the disk, resulting in the car covering a certain distance before coming to a full halt when you press the brakes.

3. Overloading:
Overloading your vehicle can reduce the power of the brakes and potentially damage the braking system. You need to ensure that you follow the manufacturer's loading capacity to avoid the malfunction of the car's brakes.

4. Proper replacement:
Many people ignore the importance of changing the brake pads after some time. Brake pads can wear out due to excessive usage and lose their grip causing the brakes to fail. To avoid any risks, you must replace the brake pads and get the brake system thoroughly examined by a mechanic.

5. Moisture:
Moisture in the brake fluid can potentially damage the braking system. When the car runs, the liquid temperature rises, and the moisture (water droplets) becomes steam. The steam upon transmission can cause a brake system failure. Therefore, it is recommended to change your brake fluid after a certain period as instructed in the car manual.

6. Brake booster:
A brake booster magnifies the force you put on the pedal to push it. The failure of the brake booster can significantly lessen the maximum amount of power you need to slow down or halt your car.

7. Auto parts:
Using bad quality auto parts in your car is one of the worst decisions you can make. Their poor quality makes them unreliable and can lead to the failure of the brake system.

Other reasons which could lead to brake failure in cars could be damaged brake hoses, driving roughly through mud or water, issues with rotor disks, improper lubrication, etc.

Some other signs that indicate a brake failure:

• Issues with the brake pedal

• Dark brake fluid

• The braking system warning light is on

• The vehicle takes longer to halt

• Burning smell

• The car moves to one side when brakes are applied

• Grinding noises

That's a wrap on the discussion about some reasons for brake failure in cars. We all have understood the importance of keeping the vehicle in good condition. Unexpected brake failures can be a nightmare and lead to adverse consequences. It would be wise to undertake all the above possible reasons with severity and periodically examine your car's braking system.

Another way to safeguard your car against damages and accidents is by investing in car insurance. Review various plans and select the car insurance offering maximum coverage to your vehicle.

Click HERE to know more about best car 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.