GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Climate change is the shift in the temperature and weather patterns over a long period. It affects the entire planet by causing abnormally cold conditions in some parts of the earth, while some areas witness extreme heatwave conditions. Some regions are experiencing long dry spells, while others are experiencing devastating floods.

Human activities are primarily responsible for the rapid climate change across the planet. Excessive burning of fossil fuels like oil and gas and irresponsible exploitation of natural resources result in climate change. If you wish to buy home insurance online India to deal with damages due to untimely incidents, here’s how this may directly impact you.

1. Increase in premium:
Some regions of the planet are witnessing a higher impact of climate change and increased natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, deep freeze, rise in sea level, etc., than others. Home insurance premiums have shot up at an alarming rate in such regions. It is becoming very costly for homeowners to buy home insurance online India policy in such areas.
This is logical as the risk of insuring houses in these places and the number of claims is rising. Hence, it is becoming financially unsustainable for insurers to provide insurance services at the prevailing rates. Home insurance premiums have increased by around 10%-12% on an annual basis. This rate varies and is even higher for houses in heavy disaster-prone areas.

2. Rise in the number of inhabitants:
Disaster-prone areas offer inexpensive land, which increases their demand. This results in the increasing population and limited availability of land in disaster-prone areas. However, houses in areas prone to flooding or nearby forests always have a higher risk.
Houses near a forest always pose a higher chance of starting a wildfire by accident. More house inhabitants mean more damage during severe flooding or other natural disasters. These factors influence home insurance policies, their terms and conditions, and premium in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.

3. Difficulty in getting home insurance:
Residents in regions that are witnessing disasters due to climate change are finding it difficult to get their homes insured easily. The probability of damage to their houses is very high because of the topography of their area. For example, rising sea levels due to climate change threaten the existence of dwellings close to the sea shores. Several cities in the world face the risk of extinction by submerging in seawater due to rising sea levels.
Insurers are not interested in insuring houses in such high-risk areas. This makes it difficult for people to get their homes insured, even after shelling out high premiums, which are often unaffordable for the middle & low-income strata. This increases the risk of complete financial ruin in the event of a natural disaster.

Abrupt climate change is catastrophic. It can cause extreme heat or cold conditions, floods and droughts, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Moreover, it can also result in biodiversity loss. Although climate change is inevitable, we can control the pace with which it changes. With the risk of abrupt climate change looming on our heads, the wisest decision in these times is to buy home insurance online India. Opt for comprehensive coverage against damages to the home structure and contents, loss due to short circuits, fire, floods, etc.

Click HERE to buy home insurance online India.

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

During our growth and working years, there comes a stage where we all usually start thinking of our post-retirement life. We all wish to be well-prepared for our retirement before it heads up. But what kind of retirement do we expect? We often hear a majority of people categorically saying, “We want to get rid of this hustle and bustle of a city and find peace in a place amidst nature and indulge in activities that imbibes positivity.” So, to sum it all, we all want a healthy and happy retirement life.

Do you wonder how you can make your retirement life worth living? Following tips on an ideal retirement plan can help you attain what you expect!

1. Propose yourself a purpose

It is a misconception that retirement is all about sitting idle on the rocking chairs in verandas, sipping warm tea or coffee with newspapers in hands. Don’t ever fall to these false theories, as they can be devastating if they don’t satisfactorily address your question of why did you retire? Inactivity can lead to boredom and infuse stress into one’s lifestyle. Have an aim and utilize your retirement to check the boxes of the things you always wanted to do but couldn’t get time.

2. Be a wanderlust, think before downsizing

The majority of us skip a couple of our travel plans due to busy work lives. Retirement is the time you bring those plans into reality. Invest your time and savings into travelling and exploring the places because the intrepid in you wants to feel YOUNG!

3. Health is the most important wealth that matters

Never consider money before your health;

you already worked your heart out during your younger days. Retirement is when you repay your debts that you had taken from your bodies by keeping them fit. Design a proper diet plan and follow it. Have regular medical check-ups, practice meditation, yoga, and other physical activities that keep those bones and muscles perfect. Laughter therapies can be a blessing, also try to go on nature trails or simply go for a walk in the park to breathe in the fresh air.

Also, don’t stop working. Yes, if you can work, be it an easy job, consultancy or volunteer work, then continue to do so as it helps you in staying physically and mentally healthy. Also, passive income is always welcome, so count them too.

4. Be smart and invest smartly

Give importance to build a comprehensive investment plan, set your investment milestones, and develop strategies to achieve them. Focus on making rational decisions regarding your finances and assets. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking the taxes, as taxes can give an edge as compared to returns expected from your investments. Cut down your unnecessary expenses and try to save wherever you can.

The smart investment includes investing in Health Insurance , life, and accidental covers of you and your beloved. Old age comes with a risk factor of increased health aliments so as a responsible person, you should prepare yourself beforehand. It is also recommended to get

financial assistance from a good financial advisor as it can help you organize yourself when it comes to planning for the future.

5. “Love” can do wonders

Love here is more in a general way; you must continue to love every small thing that you used to do at your younger age. If you love road trips, pack your bag and go on one. If you love to own a pet, get one. There are several clubs and organizations that you can join to live your dreams and enjoy every inch of it. In all this, always extend your love and spend quality time with your family or partner to keep the spark ignited in your life too.

On a conclusive note, age is just a number; everyone is going to retire someday. Leave the concerns behind. Instead, show excitement about your retirement life by simply following the aforementioned tips. Wish you a healthy and happy retirement!

Health is wealth’, perhaps one of the most commonly used phrases that stand true for all of us. This phrase stands more relevant for elderly people present in our lives. As our body ages to its physical peak, there are increased chances of rising disorders and diseases that come with high costs.

Thanks to the presence of effective senior citizen health insurance policies; today, effective healthcare is no longer associated with heavy medical bills & expenses. This article guides you through senior citizen health insurance so that you won’t disrupt your life-savings & budget. Let’s get started!

Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

It is necessary for everyone to have health insurance but it becomes even more crucial in the case of senior citizens who are prone to falling sick due to the age factor. If you do not have a health insurance policy for the elderly, a simple health issue could turn into a big financial problem. Therefore, it is important to secure the future of the elderly with a good senior citizen health insurance policy.

What to Expect From This Article?

In this article we will discuss the reasons why one should buy health insurance for the elderly who are over 60. This article will also navigate you through the basic features to look out for, to help you find the best health insurance company in India.

Basic Characteristics and Benefits of Senior Citizen Health Insurance

Taking care of the elderly is our responsibility and buying a senior citizen Health Insurance policy is one of the best ways to fulfill it completely. However, things get confusing when you search for the ideal health insurance (the market is filled with a variety of insurance options). Even a simple query on the internet with ‘best health insurance company in India’ yields a number of results which could make it daunting for a first time consumer to choose from.

Well, it won’t be the situation anymore! Listed below are the basic characteristics to help you streamline the search process:

● Tax reduction due to the payment of insurance premiums

● Higher insured benefits

● Coverage of the OPD expenses

● Coverage of daily hospital expenses while admitted and receiving treatment such as usage of equipment like dialysis machines, chemotherapy, etc.

● Free annual health tests and medical check-ups

● Coverage of ambulance fees

● Cashless hospitalization benefits

● Coverage of the doctor’s fees

● Coverage of room charges

● Coverage of medical bills for more than 24 hours’ hospitalization

● Pre and Post hospitalization charges

● Full coverage of declared illnesses/ diseases

● Coverage of Pre-existing illnesses

● Seamless and quick financial settlements

● Hassle-free claim fulfilment

Things to Keep in Mind before Selecting a Health Insurance Policy for Senior Citizens:

1. Medical history: Formulate a well-documented medical history with age, risk factors, pre-existing illnesses et al. This helps in identifying a specific plan since there exist specific plans for specific illnesses. This also helps in availing the maximum benefits.

2. Declare correct information: It is important to disclose all the information and give correct details prior to the purchase of a plan. This is because incorrect or incomplete information can create trouble at the time of filing a claim.

3. Conduct proper market research and make comparisons: It is necessary to search for different types of policies that are out there to find the perfect fit for your elderly parents. Making a comparative analysis is the best way to conduct this search and select the perfect health insurance provider.

4. Insurance premium should not be the only criterion for comparison: While everyone wants to get the maximum benefits with minimum premium rates, it is not right to keep it as the sole criterion while selecting a policy.

Conclusion

Now that we have had a walkthrough of all the basics, we hope that this article will make your work easier while searching for a good health insurance policy.

Tips:

● Look out for a plan that provides value for money in terms of benefits.

● These benefits should also exist within your budget limit.

● Create a clear set of expectations so that you know what to search for.

The importance and relevance of motor insurance policy are increasing day by day in India. The accident rate has not reduced much in recent years, and thus, vehicle owners today are more inclined towards the idea of purchasing a motor insurance policy.

Further, with online motor insurance renewal becoming as easy as a few clicks, it is more convenient and easy for users to pay the dues of their claims. Therefore, vehicle owners can now buy and claim insurance in the easiest and fastest way ever.

Different Types of Insurance Policies

Today, there are various types of motor insurance in India. You can choose the one that is suitable for your vehicle and match your requirements. However, there are some common factors in every insurance policy. Purchase of online insurance, online motor insurance renewal, and claiming the insurance; these procedures are more or less the same across all insurance policies.
Motor insurance policy mostly covers all types of vehicles. Nevertheless, the policies can be differentiated and divided into some categories. Let us look into these categories:

● COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSURANCE - Under this policy, you get all your vehicles covered. In case of any accident, theft, burglary, and other vehicle damages, commercial vehicle insurance would provide complete financial support. Any vehicle like a car, tractor, truck, taxi, bus, crane, pick-up, etc., is protected with this insurance plan. Commercial vehicle insurance plans offer unlimited financial aid to any third-party injury or damage. It also compensates for the damage done to the third-party. Moreover, it offers facilities for personal accidents and loss and damage protection.

● CAR INSURANCE - Starting from online motor insurance renewal to online insurance claiming, all tasks can be done digitally. Car insurance secures you, and your drive from all the financial pressure in the events of an accident. Further, it also offers assistance for a third-party to the insured person in case of any damage or injury. This policy also covers personal accidents and loss and damage protection. Unlimited third-party liability is also provided. Also, the facility of cashless claims makes it more suitable and convenient.

● TWO WHEELER INSURANCE - These policies cover the cost of damages over scooters and bikes. One of the most cost-effective options for two-wheeler owners, these policies provide you with comprehensive coverage. Besides the facility of online motor insurance renewal is also offered. You can easily extend your claims for 2 to 3 years, without having to worry about your Two-Wheeler Insurance.

● COMPREHENSIVE MOTOR INSURANCE POLICY - This type of policy provides financial support to the insured person and the vehicle and offers financial assistance to the third-party of the registered person. Complete financial aid is offered by this insurance policy. Besides, all types of vehicles (car, bike, scooters, etc.) are covered in this insurance policy.

● THIRD-PARTY INSURANCE POLICY- This policy is suitable for third-party liabilities and covers all kinds of vehicles. It compensates for any damage or injury to a third-party vehicle or person respectively.

These are the main types of motor insurance policies available in India. Now, let us learn about the situations when you are going to get assistance around different policies:

● Road accidents

● Fire or explosion

● Theft and burglary

● Terrorist acts

● Natural calamities (flood, storm, etc.)

● Protection for any third-party damage and injury

● Criminal acts

● Personal accident incidents

Do you know the cases when you may not get any assistance from the insurance company?

Here are the situations when you must not expect any help from the company:

● Any damage is done without an accident

● Ding or dent done after the accident

● When an accident happens because of a drunk driver

● When the driver doesn't have a license

● Damage as a result of radioactive or nuclear accidents

Final Thought

Among these types of motor insurance policies, which one did you choose? Do not forget to select the cost-effective option that facilitates buying, renewing, and claiming the insurance.

Tip: Never claim your insurance policy provider for minor damages to your vehicle. This way, you become entitled to receive benefits of no claim bonus.

Are you passionate about your ride? Own a bike, scooter, or a moped? The thought of gearing up for a long ride or a short spin around the city can be truly refreshing. Especially, when you have a vehicle that provides you with the opportunity to avoid jams and cruise through the traffic.

Today, two-wheelers are the most popular and convenient means of travel for everyday commuters. However, it’s not only about the fun in riding; a rider has to be responsible too! This piece guides you through essential safety tips for your spin in the city or the highways. Let’s get started!

Crucial Safety Tips to Follow When Riding a Two Wheeler:

● Wear a helmet before riding: Wear a helmet, no matter how bad you think it looks. A helmet is the first defense when it comes to a road accident. It protects your skull and the brain and prevents you from getting fatally injured. Helmet usage is linked to a decreased number of fatalities in road accidents. In India, it is mandatory for all passengers on a two-wheeler to wear helmets.

● Maintain your ride’s weight: Make sure not to overload your two-wheeler with more than two people. A two-wheeler is short and meant to transport a maximum of two people. Overloading causes misbalance and leads to accidents like the bike skidding or falling over to its side. Also, ensure that both the persons on the two-wheeler are wearing a helmet.

● Stay alert & focused: Ride your two-wheeler with an active mind. Be in full cognizance of the movement of other vehicles, traffic lights, people, and stray animals around you. Make sure to eliminate any other sources of distractions such as music from the earphones or the speaker. Avoid talking to someone on the phone while on a two-wheeler. In case you are feeling preoccupied or sleepy, choose a mode of public transport.

● Avoid riding in harsh weathers: We strongly recommend you to avoid riding a two-wheeler under hailstorms or heavy rainfall. When you ride in such weather, there are high chances of accidents as the roads are majorly blurry for almost every driver on the road.

● Apply your brakes carefully: Be careful while applying brakes. The sudden application of brakes while the bike is still speeding can cause it to throw the rider off due to inertia. Make sure to apply the brakes only after slowing down.

Some Other ‘Safety’ tools of a responsible rider

A responsible vehicle owner shouldn’t only be riding responsibly but also invest in tools to protect their ride. A good two-wheeler vehicle insurance policy should be the first choice of a smart vehicle owner. Having an acceptable insurance policy for your motorbike is like having a companion that would bear the financial load in case of accidents. Remember, the roads are uncertain, and so are accidents!

Other important safety tips:

● Make judicious use of the rearview mirror to keep track of the traffic

● Do not overtake two big vehicles from between

● Do not over-speed

● Do not overtake a vehicle near a divider

● Use your hands to signal

● Use headlights at night

● In case of slow-moving traffic, make sure to stick to a side

● Maintain a safe distance

● Keep a track of your speed perception

● Make sure to observe the surface of the road ahead

● Wear a jacket and gloves if it’s cold and use your helmet’s windbreaker to keep the wind out of your eyes

As the traditional wisdom goes “it is better to be safe than sorry”.

Conclusion

While these were some comprehensive tips around riding, sometimes, the cause of fatality can be your motorbike itself. Therefore, ensure that you make it a thumb rule to maintain your bike and get it serviced, as and when advised by the service centers.

Besides staying safe on the road and driving responsibly, ensure that you are updated with your Two Wheeler Insurance policy. In a situation when you fail to clear your dues, even the best two wheeler insurance in India won’t have you covered for your financial losses. Lastly, never compromise on the premiums of your motorbike.

Even after the countless campaigns and awareness programs on road safety, the accident rate has not reduced noticeably. India is one of the most accident-prone countries in the world. However, people are still not aware and careful about obeying traffic rules and taking safety measures before driving. Moreover, people refuse to opt for personal accident insurance plans to ensure proper treatment and financial support to their families.

The ultimate solution for road accidents is to maintain your own safety. It is necessary to make yourself conscious first before blaming others. Also, as the accident rate will not reduce drastically overnight, it is recommended to choose a Personal Accident Insurance Plan from all the available options to secure your financial condition after a mishap.

Personal accident insurance plans include all types of financial aids and assistance provided to the injured after an accident. Your treatment will be done properly and your family will get help if you can't generate any income.

The main causes that are responsible for increasing the accident rate rapidly are given below:

● Driving at high speed

● Drinking and driving

● Overtaking other vehicles from the wrong-side

● Not wearing a helmet and not fastening a seatbelt

● Disobeying traffic rules

These are the top 5 reasons for which accidents happen every day. When the causes are identified, it is easy to figure out what we should do to avoid road accidents.

Top Tips to Avoid Road Accidents:

● Control Speed:It has become a trend to drive at high speeds. But every road has a speed limit that you should not cross to stay safe. Also, when there is fog or rain, and the roads are risky, always drive slowly. Strictly avoid overtaking when you are on the highway as a vehicle may come anytime from the other side. So, the foremost condition to stay safe is to control speed and follow the given speed limit.

● Obey Traffic Rules: Traffic rules are there to ensure road safety. If you refuse to obey traffic instructions, then there is a high chance of an accident. Slow down where instructed. Stop when the red signal is on. Use indicator while taking a turn. Let pedestrians cross the road and slow down your vehicle. Control the speed when you see a speed breaker. All these indications, signals, and infrastructures are made for the purpose of maintaining road safety. Thus, you should follow the traffic rules to maintain your safety.

● Don’t Drink and / or Use Cellphone While Driving: Driving needs concentration. Driving while talking on your phone is dangerous. Driving after drinking is equally dangerous. You may not notice the signals and face an accident. You may not only bump into another vehicle but may also hit trees, road dividers, etc. Remember not to drink before driving and also avoid using your cell phone.

● Use Helmet & Seat Belt: Even if you come across an accident, your helmet and seatbelt can minimize the injury. Seatbelts can protect you from suddenly moving from the seat and bumping into something. You stay fixed on the seat and thus, chances of injury reduces. Similarly, in an accident, a helmet can help you to avoid or reduce head injury. Do wear a helmet and fasten your seatbelt according to the vehicle you are driving.

Final Words

Prevention is better than cure! Besides aligning with the precautions, ensure that you opt for personal accident insurance plans to ensure your treatment and minimize the financial strain on your family after an accident. Insurance will ensure this security.

As you age, it's essential to blend in with an active lifestyle to get the most of your life. Interestingly, the thought of an active lifestyle (to a majority of people) is taking up fitness subscriptions. You’ll hardly find individuals determining the ideal health insurance plans in India.

While breaking your sweat at the gym and exercising might do the trick now, it won’t work while your body ages.

Listed below are some of the suggested ways that can help you stay healthy as you age:

● Endorse In Exercises: One of the best ways of keeping yourself active and fit is by endorsing exercises regularly. You can even schedule your activities on an alternate day basis if you're on a rather busy routine. Depending on the health condition you're dealing with, you can plan your workout. For instance, patients with arthritis are suggested low-impact exercises for their legs, and likewise, heart patients are advised to take up aerobic exercises. If you're on a mission to lower your weight, you can take up HIIT workouts that are known to be high in impact and intensity for better weight loss results.

● Invest In A Health Cover: With various Health Insurance plans in India, holding a health cover seems like the best idea to meet unexpected events. You can also get treated for any illness without having to worry about the long-fletched bills. And of course, you can save up on your taxation, which gives you an upper hand in terms of monetary benefits. There are several other benefits that a health cover can give you, based on the policy you choose and the premium you pay. While many just look at it as a type of investment, there is more to it than just that. Holding such an insurance policy is a must to keep your health in check without causing any financial burden.

● Prevent Any Large & Long-Lasting Injuries: One of the essential things to keep in mind is that any extensive injuries caused to you during any incidents are likely to have long-lasting effects. Often, patients with fractures and other joint displacements observe pain that recurs in their old age, especially problems with backbones, etc. What's suggested most often is that prevention and precautions are the best cure. Make sure to look out for slippery floors, adhere to precautions while riding on a bike or other vehicles, and maximize your precautions in every way to enhance your well-being and prevent any long-lasting injuries. Now, you're probably worried and thinking to yourself, 'What can I do in case I get into any such injuries'? There is absolutely nothing to worry about as long as you're covered under medical insurance. Once your injury is inspected and treated by a medical expert, you can further consider physiotherapy for complete healing. And if you've chosen an insurance plan that covers such therapies, then even better!

● Stay Active And Eat Right: Depending on how active you stay throughout your life cycle, you can enjoy the best results in your old-age. The ultimate results are you'll be fitter at an age where people find difficulty even walking around. And we don’t suggest restrictive diet because your body needs all the nutrients. But what's recommended is to keep fried, oily foods, sugars, and such other food items that are likely to harm your body when eaten in excess at a controllable consumption limit.

● Build Your Strength And Balance: Trying muscle strengthening exercises can help you heal faster and grow stronger, rendering your health to be at a favorable stance always. Further, other forms of exercise like cardio can help keep your heart rate in tap and boost your blood circulation. While there are numerous exercises that one can evaluate and take up, building your balance is something that every individual needs to practice. As you grow old, your limbs tend to weaken and that is when your strengthening and balance-oriented exercises comes into practice.

Conclusion

Now that we've analyzed all of the essential aspects that one can put into work to stay fit, you can certainly relish a healthier life through your old age. Remember, you can always be fitter and healthier as long as you're willing to take that extra effort.

What do you think personal accident insurance is? A policy that will take care of your monetary needs if you ever get into an accident or a tool with economic benefit?

Here’s the answer: A personal accident policy is a tool that serves you beyond economic gains. It insures you against death and / or different disabilities, in case of an accident.

In layman’s term, a personal accident insurance policy is a safeguard against any expenses or losses that may incur due to an accident. These expenses can be of the victim or the compensation given to the third party for the losses incurred due to the accident.

Sound important, right? Now that you understand its significance, we’re sure you would want to understand more about how this tool works for you and its benefits. Let’s get started!

What are the types of Personal Accident Policy?

There are two main categories of accidental insurance policy:

a. Individual accident insurance: This policy covers the insurer under circumstances like loss of limbs, vision, or accidental demise of an individual due to accident.

b. Group accident insurance: Group accident insurance is the plan normally offered by organizations to their employees. These insurance claims have limited features and are very basic in nature.

What coverage do you get under this policy?

ccidental Death: A The total sum assured goes to the name of the nominee, in case of accidental death of the policyholder.

Permanent Disability: In case of a permanent disability caused by an accident, the policyholder is entitled to receive a pre-agreed amount.

Permanent Partial Disability: If the accident causes either partial or permanent damage to the insured, the policyholder is entitled to receive 100% benefit of the sum assured.

Temporary Total Disability: If the policyholder meets an accident that causes them to be bedridden for a short span, a pre-agreed amount will be paid to the policyholder.

How does a personal life insurance policy work?

When you buy an accident insurance policy, you will be informed of the procedural aspects of how the claim is to be made for the policy whenever any accident or mishap happens. The procedure explained below is the basic procedure of making claims. There are going to be certain discrepancies in each of the companies’ claim processes. They are not universal.

1. Right after any mishap occurs the first thing you need to do is inform your insurance provider’s customer service. You need to give them the necessary details of the accident.

2. The next thing that will take place is that they will ask for your insurance documents; any family member of yours can provide them. After verifying the documents, the company will immediately carry out an initial inquiry about the accident.

3. They will ask for your claim form after their preliminary inquiry.

4. The rest of the documents like identification, disability certificate (in case of any), next of kin details, etc., are to be submitted to the agent handling your claim.

5. The primary inquiry and scrutiny about the accident are done at this stage. After completing all the paper formalities, the agent conducts a detailed investigation regarding the accident.

6. The final decision of the claim depends on the previous step.

Benefits of personal accident insurance policy-

1. Monetary- Kind of obvious! The major benefit of a personal accident insurance Personal Accident Insurance policy is in monetary terms. This policy covers your hospital expenses to third-party damages. Other perks of having a personal accident insurance policy are disability compensation, vehicle modification, and even family transportation! This is just basic. Truly speaking you cannot even imagine the advantages best personal accident policy in India provides.

2. Psychological- When the personal accident insurance policy covers your huge hospital bills, you are tension-free. Accept it or not! You are relieved at some level, at least psychologically. The perks in monetary terms directly affect the psychological state of the victim and his family.

Final Words

Remember, Insurance policies are not just any decision in your life. It is the decision that will have a huge impact on your as well as your family’s future. Make sure that you choose the option of the best personal accident policy in India. All the best!