GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Have you ever looked at your motorcycle's tyres and wondered what all the numbers and letters on the sidewall mean? Tyre sidewall markings can be confusing, but they contain essential information about your tyres to help you maintain and replace them correctly.

This blog will decode the markings on your bike tyre's sidewalls to help you better understand them. So, without further delay, let's get started.

1. Understanding tyre size markings
One crucial aspect of understanding the markings on your bike tyre's sidewall is to know how to read the size markings. The first set of numbers and letters is the size marking. It typically appears as a combination of numbers and letters, such as 120/70 R17. The number 120 refers to the tyre's width in millimetres, whereas 70 denotes the aspect ratio or profile of the tyre, representing the sidewall's height as a percentage of the width.

For instance, if the width is 120mm, the sidewall height would be 70% of 120mm, which equals 84mm. Lastly, the number 17 represents the wheel rim's diameter in inches. Choosing the correct tyre size for your motorcycle is crucial to prevent performance, handling, and tyre failure issues.

2. Tyre load index and speed rating
The load index and speed rating are necessary markings on your bike tyre's sidewall. The load index indicates the maximum weight the tyre can carry, while the speed rating indicates the top speed that the tyre can handle.

A number on the sidewall represents the load index. This number ranges from 1 to 279 and corresponds to a specific weight limit for the tyre. You can find a load index chart online to determine the weight limit of your tyre.

The speed rating is represented by a letter on the sidewall. This letter ranges from A to Z and corresponds to a specific speed limit for the tyre. Again, you can find a speed rating chart online to determine the maximum speed limit of your tyre. You must select a tyre with the appropriate load index and speed rating for your motorcycle.

3. Tyre manufacturing date code
Every tyre has a manufacturing date code on its sidewall. The code consists of four digits, the first two representing the week and the last two representing the year of manufacture. For example, if the code reads "1719," the tyre was produced in the 17th week of 2019.

It is important to note that tyres have a lifespan of about six years, even if they appear to be in good shape. They should be replaced six years after their initial manufacturing date, regardless of their wear and tear. Therefore, checking the manufacturing date code is critical in determining the tyre's age and deciding when to replace it.

4. Importance of proper tyre maintenance
Proper tyre maintenance is essential for safe and efficient riding. Tyres that are underinflated, overinflated, or worn out can affect your bike's handling and performance, increasing the risk of accidents. Regularly checking tyre pressure, tread depth, and overall condition can ensure that your bike's tyres are in good shape and provide optimal performance. Additionally, tyre rotation and alignment can help distribute wear evenly, extending its lifespan.

Decoding the markings on your bike tyre's sidewalls is critical for ensuring the safety and longevity of your bike. Proper tyre maintenance is also essential for safe and efficient riding. The safety of a bike is incomplete without bike insurance. Robust bike insurance can provide financial protection in case of accidents or damages. As a responsible rider, you must know these factors and take the necessary precautions to keep your bike in shape.

Comprehensive bike insurance covers not only damages to your bike but also liabilities arising from accidents involving third parties. It is important to note that bike insurance policies often have specific coverage for tyre damages or replacements, which can help offset the cost of replacing worn-out or damaged tyres.

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

Accidents can happen to anyone and anywhere. Our fingers face a significant impact and are susceptible to breaking after a severe accident. Generally, doctors recommend getting adequate treatment if you have broken fingers. Most people cannot identify a broken finger because it causes dull pain.

It would help if you already know about the cause of a broken finger to avoid developing this condition and diagnose it early if you ever face it.

How to recognise the symptoms of an injured finger?
The bones in one's fingers are called phalanges, and each finger has three sets of these bones. However, the thumb has only two phalanges. Some symptoms of a broken finger include swelling, limited range of motion, pain, and tenderness. The finger may also look deformed or you may feel tolerable pain when you try to move them.

Types of broken fingers.
Your broken finger can be categorised in the following terms:
● In an impacted fracture, the broken ends of a phalange drive into each other
● In an avulsion fracture, the piece of bone and ligament pulls away from the phalange
● In an open fracture, the phalange breaks through your skin and causes an open wound

Who is at risk?
Generally, people with weak bones, calcium deficiency, and older adults experience broken fingers more frequently. People who need to use their hands or operate heavy machines at the factory or workshops are also at more risk of broken fingers. If you play sports such as volleyball, boxing, basketball, snowboarding, and football, you should pay more attention to your fingers.

How to treat a broken finger?
Get immediate relief from a broken finger after an accident by following these tips:
1. Rest:
If you injured your finger, try to stay calm and stop whatever you are doing to prevent worsening your condition. Get medical attention immediately and perform first aid.
2. Ice:
Apply a cold compress wrapped or an ice pack in a hand towel to the broken finger for ten minutes several times a day. Avoid exposing your skin directly to ice.
3. Use OTC pain medications:
Doctors recommend taking OTC pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen if your broken finger causes inflammation. Consult your doctor before taking any medication.
4. Elevate:
You should elevate your broken finger above the level of your heart as it helps slow down the blood flow, reducing the loss of blood, inflammation, and pressure. It would help if you continuously elevate your finger to avoid further symptoms.
5. Apply pain-relieving creams:
You can also use herbal remedies to reduce the pain and inflammation at the site of your broken finger. You can apply pain-relieving cream to reduce the pain.
6. Ensure you can move your finger:
Clean and cover open wounds to prevent bacterial infection. It would be best if you kept moving your finger as gently as possible without increasing the pain. It offers speedy recovery and helps regain the range of motion.

How to reduce the risk of a broken finger?
When you use your hands for work or playing sports, you have to protect your fingers with safety gloves. A proper diet can also help you meet your daily calcium and vitamin D requirements, making your bones stronger, healthy, and less prone to fracture.

Fingers are more vulnerable to injury and accidents than other hand parts. Being cautious about your well-being and protecting yourself against an accident is paramount. You can easily get a personal accident insurance policy covering your whole family without needing extensive medical tests and many documents.

Click HERE to buy a personal accident insurance policy.

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

As a motorcycle rider, you already know that wearing protective gear is essential while riding. One of the most critical pieces of equipment is motorcycle boots. They are designed to keep your feet and ankles safe in an accident. Are you a bike-riding fanatic and looking for the right boots? We'll review six pointers to help you purchase motorcycle boots to keep your feet safe.

1. Consider boots with additional safety features
When looking for motorcycle boots, it's essential to consider additional safety features that can help protect your feet in an accident. Some shoes come with reinforced ankle and shin protection, which can help prevent injuries in these vulnerable areas. Other boots may have toe sliders or reinforced caps, which can help protect your toes in a crash. These additional safety features can provide extra protection when riding your motorcycle.

2. Choose weather-resistant boots
Riding a motorcycle means encountering different weather conditions, from rain and mud to hot and sunny days. It's vital to choose weather-resistant boots that can withstand various weather conditions. Look for boots made of waterproof materials, such as Gore-Tex or other waterproof membranes, which can help keep your feet dry and comfortable during rainy rides. Additionally, boots with breathable materials can help keep your feet cool and dry on hot days.

3. Consider the cost and factor in bike insurance savings
Motorcycle boots can range in price from affordable to expensive, depending on the brand and features. While going for the cheapest option may be tempting, investing in a good pair of motorcycle boots can save you money in the long run.

4. Look for boots with sturdy construction
Look for boots made of durable materials, such as leather, or synthetic materials like Gore-Tex. The boots should have a sturdy sole and a solid toe box to protect your toes in case of an impact. The boots should also have ankle protection to prevent injuries in a crash.

5. Make sure the boots fit correctly
It's essential to get boots that fit correctly. Boots that are too tight can restrict circulation, leading to discomfort or even foot numbness, while boots that are too loose can be hazardous since they can slip off your feet while riding. Make sure the boots fit snugly and come with adjustable straps or laces to help achieve a good fit. It's also important to try on the boots while wearing the socks you usually wear while riding.

6. Choose boots with a good grip
Another crucial factor to consider is the sole of the boots. Look for boots with a good grip that can provide traction when walking or riding. The sole should be thick and sturdy to prevent slipping, especially on wet or slippery surfaces. A good grip can also help you maintain control of your bike while stopping or turning.

Investing in a good pair of boots is also essential to factor in the cost and potential savings on bike insurance premiums. Choosing the proper motorcycle boots and wearing them during your ride help prevent injuries and ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey. During unprecedented circumstances, such as an accident, a sturdy pair of boots can avoid or minimise injuries to your feet, saving you from expensive medical bills. It's a win-win situation, as you will protect yourself and potentially save money on bike insurance premiums by enjoying a no-claim bonus.

Click HERE to learn more about purchasing bike insurance and its benefits.

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.

Since fire can destroy things quickly and significantly, you should pay close attention to the aspects that may cause an accident within a short period. Irrespective of our nature of work, we all should learn as much as possible about fire hazards. This factor will make it convenient for you to stay safe and always protected from fire hazards.

There are several common fire hazards around you, and they should be managed appropriately to ensure complete safety. Let us now take a detailed look at common fire hazards and their probable causes.

1. Faulty electrical systems:
Two main things that cause fires are faulty electrical systems and equipment. Since every place has electronics and electrical outlets, you should always check them regularly to ensure they are working appropriately.
Loose cables, damaged plugs, open switches, old electrical goods, etc., are some of the factors that may result in a fire and spread rapidly. You should pay close attention to them to determine whether they require alterations. Fire insurance plans can also help you in this endeavour.

2. Flammable liquids and gases:
Flammable liquids and gases are two other elements that may lead to severe fire accidents. Petrol, diesel, kerosene, etc., are some flammable liquids you should be aware of. On the other hand, hydrogen, propane, ammonia, silane, and other gases can also be hazardous.
You will find the presence of these gases and liquids in restaurants, kitchens, garages, etc. Hence, you must be as careful as possible when handling them for multiple purposes. You may also learn about different safety measures and guidelines to follow if you encounter a hazardous situation.

3. Smoking:
Another aspect that can lead to severe fires is smoking, as it can often cause accidents within a short period. If you smoke at a place where flammable gases are used, the fire from your cigarette can lead to an explosion by coming in contact with the gases in the air.
Hence, you should never smoke within the premises of a factory that uses flammable substances. Different places and premises have dedicated smoking zones nowadays to make things safer for you.

4. Poor storage of combustible waste:
It is common for people to store flammable waste unattended in different areas. When you keep combustible items inappropriately, they often encounter heat or fire and cause severe accidents. Always discard each combustible waste accordingly to stay safe from fire accidents.

5. Unsafe cooking:
Unsafe cooking is also a significant factor to consider. Since we cook using gas, flammable fluids, or electricity, you should be careful and ensure you are doing everything correctly. While cooking, be attentive to the precautions you need to take to prevent mishaps. For example, you should never keep the oven on when not in use. Turn off the appliances once you use them.

Although fires can be dangerous and destructive, you can reduce their chances by a wide margin. Remember these fire hazards carefully and take your first step towards fire safety. Investing in premium quality fire safety equipment like fire alarms, smoke detectors, extinguishers, water sprinklers, etc., at your home or workplace is advisable. Having an appropriate defence mechanism against sudden outbreaks is crucial. Also, look for reliable fire insurance plans and choose the one that perfectly fits your requirement.

Click HERE to browse through reliable fire insurance plans.

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

Insurance is good financial security and comes to our rescue in an emergency. Also, these policies help us to save on taxes. The premium we pay on our insurance is deductible from our taxable income up to a specified limit. We can save on taxes for policies taken for ourselves, our spouses, and dependent children.

Buying health insurance plans in India at the beginning of a financial year is crucial to saving on taxes. Let us know why.

1. Sufficient time for planning
Paying premiums on the life insurance and health insurance policy not only gives insurance coverage to a taxpayer but also offers certain tax benefits. You can claim a maximum deduction of INR 1,50,000/- annually against the premium you pay for your insurance policy under Section 80 (C) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Health insurance policies allow for a tax benefit of INR 50000/- for senior citizens and INR 25000/- for others under Section 80(D) of the Income Tax Act.

Most people leave the important decision of buying an insurance policy to save on taxes for the last one or two months of the financial year. This forces you to make the purchase decision in haste without adequately understanding the terms and conditions of the policies.

Buying an insurance policy at the beginning of a financial year gives you sufficient time to plan properly on saving taxes by choosing the insurance policies most suited for you. After assessing your needs properly, you can buy the best-suited policy as you get sufficient time to plan and buy various insurance policies around the year.

2. Spare money for investment
Most of us receive our year-end bonuses in April or May every year. This will give you surplus funds to easily invest in various insurance policies without putting pressure on your finances. This will help to secure your future as well as save on taxes too. You may or may not have excess funds for investing in insurance policies at the end of the year and end up paying more taxes.

3. Informed decision making
The maximum workload with most insurance companies and their agents is in the last quarter of the year, i.e., from January to March. They do not have sufficient time to explain various insurance policies and their details to you. The agents try to sell you the most popular products without understanding your needs.

The beginning of a financial year is the best time to buy an insurance policy, as the workload with the insurance agents is minimal. They can give you sufficient time and explain the policies' nitty-gritty. Hence, you can make an informed decision and choose the best insurance product suitable for you.

Life is full of uncertainties, and insurance provides us the security to deal with them. It offers financial support in unfortunate events such as hospitalisation and even death as compensation to your dependents. Hence, choosing the best policy that is tailor-made for you and fulfills all your requirements is important. This can only be done when you buy insurance at the beginning of a financial year and save on taxes. But understand that opting for insurance policies to save on taxes should not be your only goal.

You should make health insurance policies a necessary part of your life and investment journey. Thoroughly research the different health insurance plans in India. Choose the best among them that provides you with a perfect match of security and affordability.

Click HERE to browse the best health insurance plans 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.

You must have heard about several heart-breaking incidents that have destroyed human life and properties to the point of no repair. We surround ourselves with many things that can be considered to add fuel to the fire in case there is one. Although one never hopes to be in such a situation, have you ever considered the possibility of what if you are in a potentially dangerous circumstance caused due to fire? Is the fire brigade taking time to reach? What steps should you take initially? Here are some tips to get a grip on the situation. Let’s begin!

Also, consider purchasing fire insurance to safeguard your home from damages due to a fire outbreak.

1. Find an escape:
If you see a potential fire about to spread, your first instinct should be to exit that area without thinking about anything else. Just take your family and get out of that particular zone. Once you are out, try to breathe and calm down a little. Dial the emergency contacts and fire brigade’s number for help. Avoid stressing out about contacting someone while staying inside the property. Doing so might not give you a window to get out and can have severe consequences.

2. Always have a fire ladder:
You must ensure that you always have a fire ladder in a place that is easily accessible to anyone in the house. The fire ladders can be made of metal or some rope ladder that will help you get out of the window. They are readily available online or in stores selling home repair items. Educate every member of your family about using fire ladders by proper demonstration.

3. Never attempt to go back inside a burning property (house, office space, etc.):
Once you are out of the place which has caught fire, never attempt to re-enter the premises, no matter how important your reason might be. The fire always tends to blow out of proportion, and getting out again might be impossible with or without professional intervention. There are several items in our day-to-day life which can catch fire quickly. They serve as an aid for the fire to scale beyond our imagination and cause severe damage to humans in the nearby area. So, always ensure that you vacate the property on fire and go to a safe spot.

4. Use the fire extinguisher without fail:
Researchers and experts might debate the minimum age of children who should learn to operate fire extinguishers. Still, teenagers must know about the importance and the process of using it. You should have a multipurpose fire extinguisher to help you control any liquid or electrical fire. Handling these multipurpose fire extinguishers is comparatively easy as they are small in size and can delay the fire before the arrival of the fire brigade to ensure complete safety.

5. Follow the exit strategy:
One must always have an exit strategy to escape the property if a fire breaks out. The fire exit plan must be created according to the details and features of the house and the estimated time window one gets before the fire breaks. Always ensure to familiarise the family members and guests with this exit strategy and make them follow it strictly.

Other tips to get a grip on the situation are installing smoke detectors and fire alarms, especially outside the room doors, kitchen, fireplace and hallways, so you can get the signal in advance if there is a potential fire hazard. This would allow you to retain the fire before it gets out of control. Avoid sleeping with space heaters on all the time and close to items which can catch fire quickly.

Such situations have the potential to wreak havoc on your home or prised properties and possessions, causing severe consequences and threatening human life. You need the best fire insurance to safeguard your home and owned spaces and items. This can help you protect yourself and your family against the monetary stress of such unprecedented situations. Explore the market and get fire insurance that can provide the best coverage for your home and belongings.

Click HERE to learn more about purchasing fire 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.

As the world revolutionises and turns towards more eco-friendly options, the emergence of Electric Vehicles, or EVs, has also come to the limelight. They are not only cost-effective but a good eco-friendly riding option. They help in the reduction of harmful gases in the atmosphere. It keeps the balance of the environment intact. This, in turn, helps maintain the balance of global warming. The Indian Government has also prioritised shifting all vehicles plying on Indian roads to electric vehicles or EVs by 2030.

To make this possible, a lot of steps have been taken. The government wants to make EVs affordable, usable, and accessible to all. Are long charging hours stopping you from buying an EV? Batteries make up 40-50% of the cost of every EV right now. Additionally, battery charging can also take long hours. Hence, battery swapping was established as a plausible solution.

The battery-swapping policy was introduced in the 2022-23 budget. Let's find out more about it.

What is the new policy of the Indian Government?
The Indian Government has released a new policy focusing on two and three wheeler vehicles with electric-powered engines. The main purpose behind the policy introduced by NITI Ayog focuses on swapping the batteries instead of charging them. It is not only cost-effective but also ensures good time management.

How is swapping batteries better than charging?
There are a variety of merits that you can derive by swapping the batteries instead of charging them. These are

● Time management:
It is a known fact that charging batteries can be an extremely tedious process. It takes approximately an hour or more to charge a battery completely, which can be a waste of time if you are in a hurry. Instead, if you swap the battery, it will only take you a few minutes. It is because the batteries will already be charged.

● Space management:
The chargers that are present at the charging stations are furiously slow. Moreover, they can only charge one vehicle at a time. Instead, if you swap the batteries with a pre-charged one, you need not wait for your turn to charge. All the discharged batteries can also be charged once and used when ready.

● Cost-effective: Batteries can be costly, which limits the consumers to buy an EV. With the swapping of batteries, the batteries will be available on a subscription basis. This was done to make batteries and EVs affordable to all.

● Less anxiety:
One major issue with EVs is running out of charge before the destination. If the battery swapping stations are set up successfully, this will not be an issue anymore. You can easily swap the batteries in minutes and go to your destination without hassles.

These are some clear pointers on why battery swapping is a game-changer for EVs. The Government is trying its best to establish EVs as the future of India. We should also do our share in making the world free from pollution and carbon emissions. With methods like battery swapping, EVs can be more accessible and affordable. Make sure to buy car insurance policy online to keep your EV safe and sound. Contact your insurance provider to understand the terms and conditions better while covering an EV.

Click HERE to buy car insurance policy online for your EV.

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 purchasing insurance, people check the plan's conditions, coverage, and exclusions. A good insurance agency offers the best plans and benefits to its customers. But do you know how to identify an excellent general insurance company? If you want insurance for your home, business, or automobile, you must determine the best insurance agency for your requirements.

Here are some clear signs that help you choose a good insurance company.

1. Problem-solving:
A good insurance company can come up with creative solutions to your problems. You should ensure that the agency helps its clients with the right insurance plan according to their needs. If you get the right solutions, the insurance company is rated outstanding.

2. Genuine:
You should know that unethical insurance agents only stay in business for a short time. You can check the experience and reviews of old customers of an insurance company to determine whether they are transparent & genuine.

3. Ease of doing business:
If you can easily access an insurance company's product, you can put them in the category of a good insurance company. Some other factors that make the interaction between clients and insurance agents more seamless include online claim reporting, online bill pay, billing questions, policy changes, 24x7 customer service, and social media platforms.

4. Vast technical knowledge:
An excellent general insurance company knows how to sell its policy and win its customers' trust. You should expect that your insurance agency can instantly answer all your insurance, law, and tax queries. They must know income tax preparation, financial planning, and some other avenues of financial service to help their clients with their financial situations.

5. Customers delight:
You will feel encouraged to buy their product when you meet an agent or a team from a good general agency. Most good insurance agents are eager and excited, which makes it interesting and easier for clients to understand the details of their products.

6. Emotional intelligence:
If your insurance agency listens and empathises with clients, they can help you clear up your financial situation when you encounter a loss due to an accident. A good insurance agent is sensitive and able to understand the needs of their clients.

7. Good customer service:
Customer service doesn't mean being available at all times, but it should also solve your problems and satisfactorily answer your questions. Check whether the customer care team timely responds to their client's inquiries via phone, chat, or video calls. You may also go through the company's online reviews to get a clearer picture of their customer service.

8. A wide array of products:
If your agency offers comprehensive products and services that meet your specific needs, you can call them a good insurance company. You should check that they offer a wide assortment of general insurance, including motor, health, home, travel, commercial, and more. You should also look for optional features in the general insurance plan and decide on its requirements to get comprehensive coverage.

9. Sense of urgency:
A good agency has robust SOPs and processes for quick insurance approval. Consider the agency's time to explain its products and services, the application process, and other factors. You should check how fast your insurance agency can provide the claim money when needed.

Look for these signs in your general insurance company and decide whether they are the best agency for you. Choose the right insurance company that offers a wide array of general insurance products. You can benefit from the insurance plan if you encounter a loss or damage to your life, vehicle, home, or business.

Click HERE to know more about the best general 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.