GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

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.

The engine is often considered a two-wheeler's most crucial component. However, an experienced motorcyclist would tell you that well-maintained tyres are equally essential for a safe and enjoyable bike ride.

The various squeaks, screeches, and rumbles can tell you about a tyre's health. Since your contact with the road is made via tyres, they have a crucial role in defining your riding experience. Taking optimum care of your bike's tyres ensures longevity and a smooth ride. Buy 2 wheeler insurance online and get your bike serviced regularly to maintain your bike's safety.

Do tyres always make noise?

You cannot completely eliminate noise from your tyres. The rubber will make noise as it rolls against any surface. Natural rubber friction against the road will be the source of most of the noise your tyres make. Also, air flow through the moving tyre treads further increases the noise.

On the road, the sounds made by various tyre brands and products vary slightly. The sounds your tyres generate have a language, but translating them takes practice.

Let's now understand different screeches and how to care for them.

1. Squealing tyres:
The possibility of tyre squealing exists, especially while making sharp turns. You can hear this frequently in parking lots. Your front tyres may be underinflated if they appear to be making this squealing noise. You should check their pressure even if the tyres don't appear underinflated.

2. Squeaking tyres:
You need to pay immediate attention if your tyre makes a squeaking noise. Compared to a screech, it's riskier. The front tyres typically exhibit uneven tread wear, which a screech can indicate. You may feel some pulling to the left or right. Go to the tyre shop right away to have your wheels balanced, aligned, and tyres checked.

3. Grinding tyres:
The time to be afraid has come if you hear your wheels grinding. The most likely reason is your brakes' failure due to worn drums or pads. Get your two-wheeler inspected right away, wherever you are.

4. Rumbling and vibrating tyres:
Your tyres may rattle and tremble on some road surfaces, particularly ribbed ones. A worn wheel bearing may be indicated by rumbling and vibration from your tyres, especially if the noise gets louder as you go faster. It is a significant cause for worry since the wheel bearing holds the wheel in place.
Whether you are turning swiftly or braking hard to halt quickly, screeching tyres are to be expected. Low tread depth may be the issue, which you can resolve by taking your 2-wheeler to a tyre shop.

Dealing with unidentifiable sounds:
Sometimes you instinctively know something isn't right after riding on a pair of tyres for a while. When you hear a noise, you might not be able to place it in a certain category or even identify it, but you get the impression that it doesn't sound right. This might even happen if you stumble over a pothole. Other reasons might be the low tyre pressure, the tread may have worn down, or your bike's wheel may have fallen out of alignment.

Remember to pay attention to tyre sounds. Take a conservative approach if you are unsure of what it signifies. Check the two-wheeler and the tyres. Safety is the utmost priority for any rider on the road. The easiest way to prevent mishaps is to pay attention to your bike, regularly get it serviced, and purchase 2 wheeler insurance online as a prudent safety cover.

Click HERE to buy 2 wheeler 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.

Your body is a temple, and you must take care of it to ensure your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, certain conditions can take longer to cure, and their development or progression varies from person to person. One such condition is psoriasis.

If you are new to this term, let us explain psoriasis. It is a disease of the skin, which manifests itself by creating a rash with itchy and scaly spots and patches, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk of your body. This inflammation in the skin caused by psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and there is no single method to treat it. As every instance of psoriasis differs from the next, the treatment prescribed by dermatologists also differs.

This blog will shed more light on these treatments and the few home remedies to treat psoriasis.

1. Aloe vera to the rescue:
Aloe vera is believed to be very beneficial for managing your psoriasis and calming the inflammation of your skin. And the best part? It is readily available and hassle-free if you want to grow aloe vera in your home premises organically. If you are using aloe-vera infused creams, it is medically recommended that you use the ones with 0.5% aloe vera and apply it three times a day to treat the discolouration, rash, itching, and scales on your skin.

2. Warm water to cleanse:
Who doesn't like warm water baths? The soothing water at the right temperature falls on your skin, relaxing your body. But there is a disclaimer! You must strictly avoid "hot" water. It might not be helpful with the inflammation of the skin due to your psoriasis condition. Warm water is advised. You can add mineral oil, Epsom salt, or olive oil to help with the rashes and itchiness.
But you must be careful about specific things to avoid triggering or worsening your symptoms. Some instructions include: showering once a day, a maximum of fifteen-minute bath, using a soft, moisturising soap bar, patting dry, and applying a skin-friendly moisturiser post-shower.

3. The household's favourite – turmeric:
Every Indian household's favourite ingredient for cooking or home remedies is turmeric. There have been many studies on the usage of turmeric and its benefits which have suggested fruitful results in using this age-old home remedy in Indian culture. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory abilities, which help rid psoriasis.

4. Omega-3 is essential:
Omega-3 is an essential component that helps to strengthen your body's immunity, prevents heart diseases, reduces the chances of stroke, acts as protection against cancer, and much more. The omega-3 fatty acids are believed to lower the inflammation levels of the skin in your body.

Other ways to help you manage your psoriasis include keeping your stress levels in check by meditating, journaling, aromatherapy, anxiety management (therapy), etc. It is also advised to monitor your body weight and control it if necessary. Living with psoriasis compromises your immune system, which makes you prone to other health issues. Therefore, maintaining a moderate body weight is essential.

It's high time that we all understand the significance of our health, especially after the pandemic. While you try your best to stay in optimal health, you must be ready for any health crisis that might come without warning. Therefore, you must get online health insurance to avoid such unforeseeable situations. Explore your options and purchase the best online health insurance that caters to your needs.

Click HERE to learn more about 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.

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.