GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Everyone dreams of purchasing a car in life. Reasons can be numerous; after all, having your car has several benefits. You can visit any place at any time at your convenience. You will no longer feel constrained in your life; cars have made the world a smaller place. That's not all, as owning a car is a status symbol too. People feel more secure and enjoy more private trips in their car.

But owning a car makes you liable to all the extra liabilities that come with it. Your car may get severely damaged in an accident; theft is always a threat; moreover, if you own a car you are also liable to damages caused to it by pedestrians and property. Hence it is important that you have car insurance that covers all these liabilities. You can buy car insurance online within a few minutes. It will make you feel more secure in case of any mishap. But will making modifications in your car affect your car insurance in any way?

More or less, every modification will affect your insurance, increasing the insurance premiums. When arriving at the new quotation insurance companies generally look at two factors risk of theft and risk of an accident. If you have an entirely cosmetic modification, it will increase the value of the car hence increasing its risk of theft. If you are making modifications that affect the performance of the car, it will increase the risk of an accident. These modifications severely affect your car insurance:-

• Engine modification- Engine modifications tend to increase performance and acceleration of the car. This tends to increase the risk of an accident.
• Brakes and Suspension - Overall, control of the car lies in the breaks. Modifying brakes or suspension will affect the overall performance of the car.
• Car Interior - Modifying the car interior is purely a cosmetic change to the car. It would not affect performance. However, it will increase the value of the car and will increase the risk of theft.
• Paint Job - Getting a paint job on your car may end up completely changing how your car looks. Getting decals and vinyl on the car will also change the look of the car. This may make the car more desirable, increasing the risk of theft.
• Rim Job and Wheel Modifications - Mostly wheel modifications and rim jobs are cosmetic effects and do not have severe effects on the performance. Some modifications might change road performance too.
• Change in the Engine - Engine is the heart of the car and a major aspect in calculating the car insurance premium. Getting engine changed can have a severe effect on your premium.

It is important to notify your insurance company whenever any modification or alteration has been made. Not notifying your insurance company may revoke your insurance policy and any coverage will be declared void. Modifying a car generally increases its value. This makes car insurance even more important as you stand to lose more in case of any unforeseen event. If you do not yet have one, you can buy car insurance online. Living in constant worry of losing your car is not worth it. Getting your car insured with a comprehensive policy is a step forward towards a worry-free future.

While driving a car is a pleasure, a misfortunate incident can spoil everything. A tree falling over your car, water entering mechanical parts during rains and floods, road accidents, etc. are all incidents that do not come with any prior warning. Accidents happen in our daily life, and when a car is involved, it becomes a very costly affair. This is one of the reasons to have the best personal accident insurance policy in india.

Car insurance ensures that during any unfortunate accident, you will be able to ride the difficult waves created in your life with ease. Insurance policies usually cover damage to cars, pedestrians, and property. To claim car insurance after an accident, there are some dos and don'ts that you must keep in mind: -

Do's: -

• The insurance company must be immediately notified when the accident occurs. They must be provided with a general description of how things happened, damage to the car, and surroundings.
• File an FIR. Without an FIR, you cannot raise a claim. The police must be intimated about the accident and the FIR copy must be obtained.
• Taking photos of the scene can help further your cause and can later be submitted as valid proof for claim settlement.
• Make a note of any witnesses near the accident scene. Ask them for their contact details along with their address. The witnesses can help in the future in shedding light on the occurrence.
• To raise the claim with insurer proper documents, need to be submitted to them. Documents include a soft copy of - the FIR, claim form duly filled and signed by yourself, your insurance policy, car registration certificate, driving license, receipt of other expenses incurred, and medical receipt in case of injuries.
• Contact a lawyer if you can, as they can provide legal advice over the entire matter and help you get the appropriate claim amount.

Don'ts: -

• Do not hide facts from your insurer. You must notify them of the entire events to the best of your knowledge. If the surveyor finds discrepancies in your claim, entire coverage might be deemed void.
• Don't move away from the accident scene. Doing so without the insurer's permission can delay the claim process. Some insurers even provide tow and pickup services. Repair work must not be done without the approval of the insurer,
• Do not settle for third party settlements to avoid FIR. Without FIR, you cannot raise a claim with your insurance company.
• Don't sign settlement papers without legal counsel. If you believe the settlement provided is not enough, you can raise the issue with your insurer to obtain a better settlement.

Car accidents are sorrowful events that often lead to major damage and trauma, in worst cases, death. It is necessary to follow good traffic etiquette and rules. Car accidents can often leave a permanent mark on you. The financial burden after the accident is too much to bear for a single person. It is of utmost importance to have the best personal accident insurance policy in India. Having the best personal accident insurance policy in India will ensure that in the perilous time after the accident, you would not be financially burdened. It will provide you with financial security in what might be one of the difficult times in your life. Drive safely.

As the new year rolls in, it is time to begin setting down goals for the year, or New Year’s resolutions as we call them. It is at the beginning of the year that you make sure to stick to your goals and try to make positive changes in your life. Whether it is waking up early, travelling to someplace new, meeting new people or keeping away from technology, most of these goals become close to non-existent as January comes to an end.

However, of the most common goals for the New Year, is to become fit and healthy, shouldn’t cease to become important but must be maintained throughout the year and beyond, to have a long and healthy life. So this is what your fitness goals for 2020 should look like: -

Even though you probably hear everyone say this all the time, one of the most crucial practices which you must adopt immediately is drinking a lot of water. Water is, without a doubt, responsible for most bodily functions. In order to remain healthy, it is necessary to consume a considerable amount of water every day. Dehydration can cause serious urinary infections or kidney stones.

• Exercise regularly but in moderation. Do not overdo it the first time you begin a workout. Start slow and ease into a harder regimen. If you begin with rigorous exercise, you can severely injure yourself. Also, make sure to do it the proper way as exercising the wrong way could cause a lot of damage. For instance, if you use weights, lift with your legs and not your back, or you could end up dislocating your disks or worse.
• If you aren’t one for high-intensity workouts or weight training, a great way to get some exercise is by doing yoga. Not only does it allow you to stretch and work your body, but it is also a great way to learn how to concentrate better. It is an excellent way to relax your mind and be at peace. Yoga is great for both the body and mind.
• While you must ensure your body gets regular exercise and movement, it isn’t enough. You must maintain a proper diet and eat different kinds of food for a regular intake of all the necessary nutrients. Do not neglect any food category, and to make sure that you consume foods specific to your body’s needs, you could consult with a nutritionist. Make it a habit to eat the right quantities at the right time and avoid snacking on junk food at odd hours of the day.
• As a human, your body is prone to illnesses and injuries and thus, it is crucial to have health insurance. There are many different kinds in the market, and it is your responsibility to choose the best health insurance policy in India, to avoid any hassles when you need any kind of relief.

We only have one body, and we must take really good care of it. Whether it is eating nutritious food, exercising regularly and correctly, sleeping on time or finding a company that offers the best health insurance policy in India, how you choose to remain fit and take care of your health is up to you.

One of the most serious problems in today’s date is pollution, whether it is air, water, noise or otherwise. Air pollution has led to an increase in health issues and has become an issue that needs to be resolved at the earliest. A major contributor to it is car pollution. There are thousands and thousands of cars on the streets at any given point of time, and they emit smoke and other harmful gases which have only added to the pollution, and the situation only gets worse when there is already smog in the atmosphere due to other air pollutants. As a responsible citizen, and more so as a human, here are some ways you can help reduce the car pollution levels during smog season:

• Try to Warm up Your Car in Advance: During the winters, when the smog is the worst, cars take slightly longer to start, especially if it is a few years old and runs on diesel, so it is advisable that you warm it up a few minutes before you actually have to leave. This way, the car does not consume too much fuel, does not emit high quantities of smoke or gas and thus, helps reduce the pollution a little.
• Turn Off the Engine When the Car Isn’t Moving: It is a very common tip, yet many people do not follow it. When you are at a red light or have pulled over to the side for a short period, make sure to turn off the engine or at least the air conditioning since it puts more pressure on the engine, which in turn burns more fuel. The more you save fuel, the less pollution you cause.
• Do Not Skip on Maintenance: A car is an investment, and you must take care of it. Irrespective of whether you experience a breakdown or not, make sure to take it to the workshop regularly to get the issues fixed. If you continue to drive your car despite there being something wrong with it, it will consume larger quantities of fuel and will thus cause more air pollution. Also, make sure that you do subscribe to private car insurance in india for protection against any losses caused to the car.
• Make Sure to Get A Pollution Check: Every couple of months, take your car to get a pollution check done, so you know its level of emissions and can understand if it does adhere to the pollution regulations. With an increase in the level of air pollution, the government has made is mandatory to get a Pollution Under Control Certificate which states that your car is not releasing a high amount of smoke or gas and is thus, allowed to be driven around.
• Choose to Travel Via Public Transport: One of the best options is to leave your car behind and to take a means of public transport instead, such as the bus or the metro/local train. Indeed, this option might not always be the most comfortable, but it goes a long way in reducing the level of pollution since there are fewer cars on the roads.
• With the way things have escalated in terms of the pollution, it is imperative that you keep certain habits in check to not contribute to it any further. The way people take private car insurance
   in India very seriously, they must also take environmental concerns equally seriously.

If you are someone that derives pleasure out of helping others, then there are a multitude of jobs out there for you in almost every field. You can choose to become a lawyer, a doctor, a psychologist, an animal rights activist, a teacher or professor, an insurance agent etc. The last profession has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people becoming health or life insurance agents, to be specific. As a health/life insurance agent, the main aspect of your job is to help people figure out the best policy such as best health insurance in india for parents , one that suits their needs as well as situation the best. By doing this, you would be helping people secure their lives, finances as well as prepare well for the future. However, if you have just decided to become an agent, here are some ways you can actually begin your career in the health/life insurance industry: -

• Do Not Give Up: Perhaps the most important point of all is to not give up easily. The insurance industry is highly competitive and is constantly growing. There are numerous companies and agents out there that are trying to attract clients. When you begin working as a health/life insurance agent, it will not be the easiest to convince people to buy the policies you offer, but you must not quit just because of a few failures. It will take time to finally start getting multiple clients.
• Obtain Your License: A non-negotiable requirement when becoming an insurance agent is to obtain the license to begin working. The license is generally granted by the state where you reside, and to get it, you need to pay a certain amount of money, complete a training course and clear an examination. Without having earned the license, you will not be legally permitted to work as a health/life insurance agent.
• Educational Requirements: While becoming a health/life insurance does not require you to have a certain degree, it is necessary for you to have cleared high school and preferably done an undergraduate course (earned a Bachelor’s degree). It is not mandatory to have information regarding illnesses or medicine in general, but it is a bonus if you can explain certain medical conditions or terms to potential buyers. Once you have obtained your license, you will most probably have to go through training where you apply for a job.
• You Must Develop Your Marketing Skills: This does not necessarily mean that you need to undertake a marketing course, but you should be able to sell the policy to clients. A major part of your job as an insurance agent is to get people to buy the health/life insurance policy. You must be well aware of the details pertaining to the policy so you can explain everything properly to customers and convince them.

Health or life insurance is a necessity in life since it helps cover the costs for any unforeseen illnesses, injuries, or accidents, and so you must have one, not only for yourself but for your entire family. If you already have your own insurance, also make sure to choose the best health insurance in India for parents, so that you can be assured of the fact that everything will be covered when the need arises.

There are many people who decide against buying a car, especially since it can be quite expensive to purchase as well as maintain, and instead opt for a motorbike. Bikes are much easier to fit in smaller spaces and offer the possibility of going a bit faster, something which excites many. However, just like any other vehicle, you need to make sure to take good care of it, which includes buying bike insurance online in india . Here are some tips to help you maintain your bike better: -

• Keep the Tyres Inflated at All Times: Bikes do not offer the same kind of protection as cars, and thus it is much more important for you to take all the necessary safety measures, one of which is keeping your bike tyres inflated. In case they aren’t or start to lose air while you are driving it, it could lead to a serious accident and thus, you must check your tyres regularly and have them filled up if needed.
• Do Not Forget to Lubricate: Regularly, try and change the oil since that helps to prevent the engine as well as gears from getting extremely worn out, which could lead to them not working properly. Besides causing trouble in starting up, not oiling the said parts could lead to further damage and could make it nearly impossible to drive the bike. Therefore, buy the lubricant which is specific to your bike and oil any metal parts.
• Check to See if the Wheels are Fine: Quite often, an older bike can start having problems with its wheels, wherein they become slightly loose, and thus it becomes difficult to maintain proper direction and you also run the risk of the bike sliding. In case you see that your wheels are a bit loose, or not as sturdy and solid, immediately take the bike to the workshop to get fixed so you avoid accidents.
• Regular Servicing: Just like every other vehicle, your bike too needs to be taken regularly to the workshop to get serviced. Whether you are experiencing problems with it or not, taking it to get checked up is always a good option since it can help detect any possible issues as well, such as with the engine, tyres or the brakes. It is always better to have the problem taken care of at an earlier stage than to go and get it fixed once it becomes serious.
• Adjust the Clutch: You need to make sure that you adjust the clutch just right; tighten or loosen it such that it suits you the best. In case you tighten it too much, it might slip out of your hands and will also lead to an increase in fuel consumption.
• Owning a bike is comparatively easier than a car, especially in terms of finances, but that does not mean it does not need to be taken care of. It is still an investment and so, you need to follow a certain set of practices to ensure that your bike remains in the best condition possible. A great way to avoid having to spend a huge amount on repairing any damages is to insure the bike. Buying marine cargo insurance policy bike insurance online in India has become quite a simple process.

The health of you and your family is something that cannot be traded. You must make sure in all walks of life that it is well taken care of, and that if something falls stray, you have good health insurance to back things up.

If you are looking to buy health insurance in India for your parents, then you should put special effort into choosing a policy which caters to the need of growing age — a policy which has an extended cover period at reasonable rates.

Here is a checklist that you can follow to make sure that you make the best out of your health insurance.

Claim settlement rate

One of the deciding factors that you should look at while buying a health insurance policy is the claim settlement rate. The higher the claim settlement rate of a company, the quicker is the process of payout. A higher settlement rate also means that the insurance provider is doing a good job with administering the policy so that no hindrances come at bay when the insured individuals decide to make a claim.

Hospitalization expenses

Medical fees, especially the pre and post hospitalization expenses, can leave you sweating. It would be best if you opted for health insurance which covers your entire hospitalization cost for free. A good insurance policy should pay for your visit to the doctor, prescribed medicines, surgeries, hospitalization costs, and follow up investigations.

Network of hospitals

Accidents and ailments can happen anytime, anywhere. Thus, you should opt for a policy that has a wide network of partner hospitals, so that you or your family can be treated anytime, anywhere, without having to move to a different place. More importantly. All of this should be free of cost. Having accessibility to good hospitals can not only save you time but also save you much money which you might have to shell out with travelling.

Support for daycare

To claim your health insurance, you should be hospitalized for at least 24 hours. However, there are several cases that do not require hospitalization. All they need is daycare — someone to take care of you while you are bedridden, perhaps at home, or even going around with a disease such as cataracts and neurological problems where you are still quite functional, if not completely. To have this covered, opt for a policy that provides maximum daycare support.

If you are looking for good Health Insurance In India For Parents, or yourself, then Magma HDI could be your one-stop option. It has a wide range of insurance premiums to choose from and comes with features such as 24x7 claim assistance and cashless hospitalization across a network of more than 4,100 hospitals.

Health insurance plans are much needed as they provide you with a sense of protection against the various odds in life. If you are trying to get the Best Health Insurance In India For Parents, or other members in your family, then you should look at a plan which offers extended cover at low premium rates.

There are several ways through which you can save on your health insurance premiums as well, and one of such approaches is opting for the right deductibles.

Insurance deductibles are the money that you receive during the course of your insurance before the claim period. Having a better understanding of the deductibles can help you save quite a bit on your insurance policy.

Type of deductibles and what they mean

Health insurance policies in India come with two types of deductibles: voluntary and compulsory. However, in international markets, other deductibles come into force. Below are the various types of deductibles that are applied to health insurances.

Compulsory deductibles: : These types of deductibles are made mandatory by the Indian government for the benefit of the customer. These are fixed sums that an insurance company pays to the insured while they make a claim.

Voluntary deductible: Suggestive of the name, voluntary deductibles are opted by the insured at the time of purchasing insurance. This helps them bring down the cost of the insurance premium.

Comprehensive deductibles: Comprehensive deductibles come into play and are applied across covers. They keep on adding up until the time you have paid the total amount under the agreements of your policy.

Non-comprehensive deductibles: These deductibles are applicable to certain kinds of cover. It requires you only to pay a certain sum of money while you claim your policy.

Cumulative deductible: Cumulative deductibles are applicable in a family health insurance plan. They come into force when all the members included the insurance plan have made the payments to fulfil the net payable amount.

Choosing a deductible

While it may be tempting to choose a higher insurance deductible, it might not always be the safest bet. It would be best if you thought of long-term before choosing a deductible. If you feel that the cost of your premiums are too much to meet the insurance deductibles, then it is a wiser option to choose a plan which has a lower premium

It is also advisable that you read your policy documents carefully to understand how deductibles work in a context. However, if you still have trouble understand specific terms and how deductibles work, then you can always contact your insurance provider. They will give you a broader context of the deductibles that can be applied to your health insurance policy.

While opting for health insurance, you should always choose one which fits the needs of you and your family the best. Magma HDI is one of the best health insurance in India as it offers protection against critical illness and a 24x7 claim policy. It also comes with cashless hospitalization across more than 4,100 hospitals, which makes it an ideal choice for first-time insurance buyers.

If you are someone who loves riding bikes, then you would not mind spending hours end on trying to make the best out of it, modifying it so that it stands out and reflects your personality.

However, before you decide to start modifying your bike, it’s advisable to get it past your warranty period, so that you won’t be missing out on the factory servicing — something which can otherwise cost you quite a bit.

When you are ready to modify your bike, you need to make sure you have received all the legal permission from the respective local bodies, just to make sure that your modded engine fits well with the law.

Performance modification

A performance mod enhances your bike’s performance. However, insurers are quite wary of you doing it, as it may call for higher risk of accidents. For example, if the mod increases the top speed of your bike, it will go faster, thus increasing the chance of road accidents. To deal with these, insurance companies might increase your premium rates.

Visual modifications

Often, people like to decorate their beloved motorbikes in a way which reflects their personality. A large part of it includes paint jobs and additional frames that give the body a different and unique look. However, a good looking bike — one which particularly stands out — is more prone to theft. Knowing this, insurance companies tend to increase premium rates.

However, if you make some cosmetic changes to your bike — colour, mirrors, and such — then your insurance premiums might not increase. The increase in the premiums is directly proportional to the value of the bike — a basic rule of thumb.

Installing anti-theft devices

If you are particularly wary of your bike being stolen, then you can add an anti-theft device to it. Such gadgets are available easily in the market and work on a GPS system which helps you track your bike, in case it is stolen. It is a great security feature and can also be used to reduce the premium of your bike, as a good security measure in place ensures that there are reduced chances of your bike being stolen. This way, insurance companies have one less thing to worry about.

To make sure that your mod job is right, you must get in touch with a good mechanic and designer who can suggest you the best parts for your bike. It is also essential that you get two-wheeler insurance in India to make sure that your bike is protected from thefts and accidents. Magma HDI two-wheeler insurance comes with attractive premium rates and support for anti-theft devices, which makes sure that the future of your bike is safe.

Bikes have different components, and each of them has separate sets of functions that serve different needs. However, there is one particular component, the role of which cannot and should not be underplayed — brakes.

Brakes help you slow down your two-wheeler and help you prevent accidents. To ensure your safety, you should always check if your brakes are in good shape before you start riding.

Several factors affect the functionality of the brakes on your bike, such as quality, temperature usage pattern, et cetera. When your brake wears and tears, and starts performing poorly, you must make it a point to check what’s wrong with them so that you can fix them at once.

Here, we will look at a few common issues that two-wheeler brakes face and also learn how to fix them.

1. Wearing out

It is one of the most common issues that bikes face with brakes — they wear out with time. You will notice it as your brake pedal sinks further under your foot and hand (in case of the front brakes). When you feel that this is happening, get the brake pads changed and you will be good to go.

2. Bleeding of brakes

After you install a new brake, it needs to bleed some oil. Do not worry — this process ensures that there are no air gaps in between that could initiate a brake failure. If this process does not take place properly, then your brake will also stop functioning. An effective way to deal with this solution is to get the bleeding done thoroughly, ensuring that there are no air gaps left inside.

3. Leakage of brake fluid

Brake fluid leakage is something that you will see now and then as your bike gets older on the road. However, if you encounter this frequently, it is highly likely that something is wrong — the oil is leaking from a component that is not fitted correctly. To fix this issue, you need to tighten up the parts of the brake, making sure that there is no room for any leakage.

4. Less brake oil

If your bike has less brake oil, then it may lead to a complete brake failure — something that you might not want at all. Keep on topping up your brake oil (they come for a cheap price) to avoid this situation.

5. Misalignment of the master cylinder

The master cylinder happens to be one of the essential parts of the brake system. If this cylinder gets misaligned due to inappropriate pressure on your brakes, it may lead to some severe brake problems, and might even lead to oil leakage. To fix this, you have to fit the cylinder properly and to check on it from time to time, in case you are noticing a deterioration in the brake’s performance.

If your brake is right, then your ride will be safe. To ensure further ride safety, you must Buy Two-Wheeler Insurance Online, which can protect your bike from accidents. The Magma HDI two wheeler insurance also comes with personal accident cover, which means that your riding experience will be as safe as ever.

Simply put, general insurance includes all personal insurance plans except life insurance. All of these plans aim to provide coverage against different unforeseeable events in your life and thus, protect your finances. Read on to find out more about general insurance plans and what they can do for you.

1. Coverage

General insurance plans are created to cover every aspect of your life - from health and travel to motor and house. You can even insure your business and shop. With Magma HDI you can even get a public liability insurance with essentially covers you against legal liability arising from property damage of or bodily injury to a third party at your premises (school, office, restaurant etc.)

2. Customisability

We all have different needs, and general insurance plans take the initiative to help secure us against risks that are most pertinent to us. You could design your own insurance safety net depending on your personal needs and finances.

3. Covering multiple risks

Many General Insurance Plans offer comprehensive services that make it easier to get extensive coverage without having to scout for different insurers or having to deal with the hassle of paying multiple, hefty premiums. For example, a home insurance policy will protect you from various hazards such as fire, floods, theft, riots, etc. under a single plan.

4. Flexible benefits

Many general insurance plans offer all-encompassing benefits that are not restricted merely to a single individual. For example, a family floater health insurance plan provides coverage for your entire family in a single policy. Similarly, commercial insurance will cover multiple risks arising from theft, damage to goods/ stock, machinery breakdown and even risks arising from a vendor’s end. This is a great option to increase your savings and minimizing your work as you would only have to deal with a single company for all your policy benefits.

5. Tenure

While life insurance plans have longer validity, most general insurance plans offer protection based on a yearly renewal. Certain types of insurance, such as motor insurance may offer a longer tenure, say up to three years with a lucrative discount on the premium. However, this feature allows you to play a more significant role in deciding the period of your policy. You also have the option to switch insurance providers at the time of renewal if you feel dissatisfied with your current one.

6. Additional benefits

As an incentive to their customers, general insurance plans come with a host of benefits available to policyholders at a nominal fee. While some are in the form of value-added services such as the provision of rent for alternative accommodation in case your house is damaged, others may be personal accident covers for complete coverage in the event of a motor accident. You can pick and choose while buying/ renewing your policy.

The escalating costs in today's world have made general insurance plans a necessity for every individual and a vital part of any successful attempt at financial planning.

Our lifestyle has been changing steadily with time. These lifestyle changes have made room for several diseases that may come unnoticed. To fend away health insecurities at this time and to progress on your journey of good health, it is essential that you have health insurance.

Health insurance is also important because healthcare costs have gone up significantly, and not having a financial backup can land you into some serious trouble — as far as your health is concerned. To deal with the rising cost of healthcare, and to make sure that you have a solid backup if anything goes wrong with your health, it is important to have good health insurance.

When it comes to buying health insurance, you have to make a note of certain things to make sure that your purchase is orderly. These tips also apply if you want health insurance online. For first-time buyers, these tips can be of great help, as at first glance, health insurance might seem to be a complicated affair.

Get the basics right

For people who are new to the insurance industry, specific insurance-related keywords can be quite confusing. To make sure that you know how health insurance works, you should start by familiarizing yourself with these terms and keywords. Some of the terms that you should know about are co-payment, deductible, premium, et cetera.

Figure out your budget

Health insurance policies have premiums that you have to pay to keep the policy alive, and this is an added expense to your budget. To make sure that you do not overspend, figure out a budget, and pick a policy that fits it well. however, make sure that you do not compromise on the benefits as you choose a cheap policy. Magma HDI health insurance provides great cover at affordable premiums.

Understanding riders

Health insurance riders add additional benefits to your existing insurance policy. You can even add them when you Renew Health Insurance Online — just choose the rider option in the online interface. The cost of riders is added to the existing plan, which means that you will have to pay for it separately. Choose a rider only if you need it — be selective, so that you do not end up paying what you think you do not need.

With the onset and the accessibility of the internet, it is advisable to opt for health insurance which can be accessed online. Magma HDI health insurance can be purchased and renewed online with a few easy and hassle-free steps. It comes with features such as optional cover to reduce premium and 24x7 claim assistance, among others, to make sure that your health is the top priority.

It also comes with other key benefits such as optional cover for critical illness and accidents, and cashless hospitalization across more than 4,100 hospitals. With Magma HDI it is also easy to renew health insurance without any hassle and stress.

The term insurance is often used very loosely. Most people think that General Insurance Plans only include car, health etc. There are even misconceptions regarding the policy coverage of these plans. Read on to see what exactly general insurance stands for and the different kinds of plans which come under it.

What are the types of general insurance and their benefits?

General insurance is a contract between the insured and the insurance company for financial protection against loss, damage, theft or other liabilities that may arise. Broadly speaking, it includes all kinds of insurance except life insurance. This financial protection may be in the form of cashless services or reimbursement. Given below are some of the most popular general insurance plans available to you today.

1. Health insurance:

A health insurance policy essentially covers the costs of treatment of a medical condition or accidents. Generally, it includes medical tests, treatment for critical diseases, pre and post hospitalisation expenses etc. as mentioned in your policy wordings. You can also opt for add-on features such as maternity covers and personal accident covers to customise your plan for you and your family.

The benefits of a health insurance plan also include tax benefits under section 80D of the income tax act.

2. Motor insurance:

Whether you have a two-wheeler, a car or a truck, a motor insurance plan will offer you financial protection against loss resulting from damage, accident, theft etc. Broadly, a motor insurance policy includes-

a. Third-party insurance: This is the compensation provided by the insurer for damages caused by the insured to another person or another vehicle. Any individual getting motor insurance must have a third-party liability cover as it is mandatory by law. It can easily be purchased with the purchase of your vehicle itself.

b. Comprehensive insurance: This policy will cover damages occurring to your vehicle due to accidents, theft, natural calamities, fire etc. This will be in addition to third-party liability and will also reimburse you for theft, repairs etc.

3. Travel insurance:

Travel insurance pays for financial losses that arise during one’s travel within India or abroad. The policy might be a single trip plan which covers one trip taken within180 days of purchasing the insurance or a multi-trip plan covering multiple trips during a year. Generally, the scope of a travel plan includes reimbursement for baggage loss/delay, missed flight, medical expenditure, loss of passport etc. You can further pick a plan for individuals/families or even pick between domestic and international travel insurance based on your needs.

4. Home insurance:

Since getting your own home is a big-ticket investment, it is important to insure it. Home insurance plans financially compensate you for any damage to your home and valuables within the property due to natural and man-made disasters, fire, burglaries etc. You also have the option to get additional coverage with add-ons.

Irrespective of the kind of general insurance, the following factors need to be kept in mind before buying a policy:

Assess your needs: It is essential to evaluate your specific requirements instead of going only by someone else's recommendation or even a popular plan. For example, a health plan could either be an individual or a family floater policy. 

An increasing number of vehicles on the road, along with the insufficient infrastructure to support them, is leading to a rise in the number of accidents and fatalities. There were over 4.61 lakh road accidents just in 2018 and these are only the ones that were reported. Car insurance becomes very important at times like these.  It saves you from paying massive amounts to repair the damages to your car.

Still not convinced? Here are some of the benefits of buying a car insurance policy.

Protects your finances in case of an accident

If an accident happens, your Car Insurance can protect your finances by covering the repair expenses. If there's a third party involved and you are liable to pay them for any property damage or medical help, you can rest assured as your insurance can take care of that as well. In fact, it doesn't even have to be a road accident, as it also covers claims resulting from man-made and natural calamities like storms, floods, theft, vandalism, or riots.

Offers coverage for theft

You spend so much time, effort and money on buying a new car. The last thing you'd want is for someone to steal it. As sad as that is, it's not impossible. Which is why a good motor insurance policy also covers you against it. If your car is stolen, your policy will reimburse you the cost of your car. It can also cover the cost of repairs resulting from the break-in attempt.

Avail cashless services

When you buy motor insurance, you are entitled to getting cashless services at your insurance provider's network garages. This essentially means that you can get covered services without having to pay a single rupee. Say you damage your vehicle, all you need to do is go to your nearest network garage, show proof of your insurance and get the repairs done.

Covers personal accident liabilities

Motor insurance policies also cover disability or death leading from a car accident. So your motor insurance covers both you and your vehicle. For a person other than the owner/driver, you can separately buy a personal accident cover. The cost of your cover will depend on the extent of coverage you choose

Provides customization with riders

Riders or add-ons offer additional coverage on your basic motor insurance plan after payment of a nominal fee. The standard rider options are:

• Zero depreciation add-on where your insurer bears the cost of repairs without considering the depreciated value of your car. This feature helps you maintain the value of your car despite wear and tear.
• Road-side assistance add-on helps you out on the spot whenever you encounter any issues such as a flat tire, dead battery etc. You may even get additional road-side assistance with Magma HDI.
• Engine protection add-on covers damages to the engine due to malfunction, water damage or leakage of lubricants.
• Loss of personal belongings add-on is protection against accidents or burglaries where you end up losing valuables such as your phone or laptop. Your insurance provider helps you out with this cover by reimbursing you for your loss.

So, having the right car insurance is like always having someone watching your back when you’re driving your vehicle. It ensures the safety of your car, passengers, and pedestrians.

Health insurance is a necessity in today's age, but the easy accessibility and wide range we enjoy today weren't always there in the past. It's safe to say that health insurance policies in India have forged their path over the years. But do you know how? Here's where we can help you with facts about the insurance you can't do without these days.

How did it begin?

Since the independence of India in 1947, our healthcare system revolved around government schemes and plans. The life insurance system that dates back to 1818 was the first of its kind for Indians. The popularity of life insurance in India was attributed to the low life expectancy and closely-knit family systems.

However, with liberalization in the early 1990s, healthcare delivery improved with an increase in disposable income. As a result, life expectancy increased to 65 years by the year 2011. The nineties also saw an influx of other things such as lifestyle diseases and consistently rising medical costs which made health insurance the invaluable commodity that it is today.

Crucial developments and current scenario

The IRDAI or Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India's legislation of the year 2001 is a vital milestone for Health Insurance In India. It opened new avenues for investment by private players in the industry. Over the years, the advancement of treatments and cashless claims enhanced the popularity of health insurance policies among buyers.

Despite all these developments, the sector is largely dominated by government-owned enterprises and its subsidiaries that account for nearly 60% of the total market share. Private health insurers are increasing their base and outreach mainly in the tier-1 and tier-2 cities with features like cashless payments and in-patient reimbursements. A major goal of health insurance is reaching all parts of the country.

Challenges for health insurance

Over the past two decades, the health insurance providers in India are consistently struggling to provide accessible and affordable care to the masses. It has many challenges that need critical analysis and solutions. The main challenges in this sector are:

• Lack of awareness about the importance of health insurance. For instance, people don't realise how much difference a comprehensive health insurance can make at the time of an emergency.
• Gap between affordability and accessibility because the rural population relies on government-based facilities as the private sector does not cater to their basic needs. 
• Differences in service quality due to multiple levels of care delivery system. This increases the overall costs and causes quality concerns.
• Ignorance on the part of consumers which makes them avoid getting insurance until the last minute.
• No strong regulatory framework to standardize the healthcare delivery system.   

These are only some of the glaring issues we face in our country. Both consumers and insurance providers need to do their part so as to bridge the gap which will allow everyone to get healthcare in an easy and fair manner.

Future trends in health insurance

With the internet and other media platforms, more and more customers are beginning to understand the importance of health insurance. As a result, the number of policies sold has doubled in the last ten years.

The millennials have become a key focus for the major players due to their increasing awareness and their numbers in the workforce. Incentives such as tax benefits also encourage the working class to invest in health insurance plans.

In a nutshell, a focused approach of evolving cost, quality, and access show a promising future for healthcare insurance in India. 

Standardization of adequate health care provisions is still an aspiration which must be realized over the years.

To get the best of Health Insurance Policies In India, Check out Magma HDI.

In spite of the advancement in road, air and rail transportation, the sea route remains the most preferred mode of freight for international trade purposes. The sheer magnitude of cargo at stake is enough to make anyone think twice about what measures you can take to secure your shipments.

This is where marine insurance comes in. It gives you the peace of mind you need with its extensive coverage.

What is marine insurance?

Marine insurance protects you in case of damage/ loss of cargo, ships and vessels; when a property is acquired, transferred or held in possession between the starting point up until the destination.

Why buying marine insurance is a good idea?

Consider an example. Suppose you are a seller and you put your goods on a ship. Due to bad weather or a storm at sea, there is damage to valuable goods to an extent whereby the customer at the destination refuses to accept the final goods. For no fault of yours and due to unavoidable circumstances, you would suffer a monetary loss that could even go in crores!

Thus, it is essential to buy marine insurance to get coverage for the following:

• 1. Export or import shipments.
• 2. Goods being transported using sea, rail, road, post or air.
• 3. Goods being carried via coastal vessels plying between ports located within the country.
• 4. Goods that are transported via the vessels plying along rivers.

Other Advantages

Here are some other advantages that you are entitled to with your marine insurance-

• 1. The insured obtains additional advantage of global claim survey and settlement.
• 2. The cover accommodates diverse situations including property damaged either/or onshore or offshore, casualty at sea, marine liability, hull damages and other needs of the insured.
• 3. There is an option to extend the plan to include protection against extraordinary circumstances like perils at sea, strikes, pirate hijack etc.with the help of add-on covers.
• 4. Marine insurers would be willing to provide tailor-made policies as per specific requirements and budget of the insured such as Magma HDI's Marine Insurance Policy.

Exclusions

Marine insurance covers many situations, but the following are the exclusions:

• 1. Normal wear and tear or leakage.
• 2. Goods getting damaged during transportation owing to improper packaging.
• 3. Any damages due to delays.
• 4. Any damages caused intentionally to incur a loss and make a subsequent claim.
• 5. Any damages due to a civil disturbance, war, strikes, riot etc.
• 6. Any damages due to a financial difficulty such as bankruptcy or financial default of the owner of the transport vessel.

It is always a great idea to assess your unique needs before going out to purchase any insurance. However, getting a plan that is comprehensive in nature can never lead you wrong.

There is a famous saying "health is wealth," and it is indeed true in today's context. With people getting busy with their hectic life, there is a growing trend of unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. In the pursuit of money, health has been left far behind. Now, one cannot give up on his/her career, but they certainly can opt for a health insurance policy that offers protection against unexpected medical emergencies. Health insurance is ignored by people for many reasons, and this has led to India's problem of "under-insurance." Herein, people opt for an inadequate amount or rather do not opt for any health insurance thinking that no ailment can affect them. Another reason given by people is that the premium for health insurance is very high, and they cannot afford it. 

Affordable Health Insurance – is it a reality?

The excuse that health insurance is expensive is not true. Affordable health insurance is a reality and has benefitted many families for the past few years. With the rapid integration of technology in the insurance sector, many insurance companies are now offering their services online. You can easily purchase or renew health insurance online  in a few clicks. As most companies have taken their operations online, the cost of availing and renewing health insurance has gone down substantially.

If you are still unsure about the affordability of health insurance plans, here are some tips to help you select an affordable health insurance policy for yourself as well as your family:

Understand your requirements:  First of all, you need to understand yours and your family's health insurance requirements. Consider factors like the number of members, their age, existing conditions, family health history etc. This will help you understand the extent of coverage that you require. 

• Start early: Health insurance premium against a new policy for a young person of 25 years will be much lower than for a mature person of around 50 years of age. This is due to the risk involved for the insurer. So, you must subscribe to a. personal accident insurance online as soon as you start work, to enjoy the lowest premiums. Then gradually, keep on enhancing the coverage of your policy as your income rises. 
• Do some research: Several online insurance marketplaces have come-up, which allows you to compare policies from different insurers easily. As these marketplaces eliminate the agent from the transaction, the cost of the policy goes down substantially. By comparing the coverage of different policies, you can reduce your premium payments significantly. 
• Opt for a floater policy:  You can opt for a floater policy wherein one policy covers your entire family, including dependants. Instead of paying separate premiums, you only need to pay a single premium and will get insurance coverage for the whole family.
• Tax Benefits: You can claim an income tax deduction of up to Rs. 25,000 for the health insurance premiums paid in a financial year for yourself and your family. If you pay a health insurance premium of your parents, you can claim an additional tax deduction. Thereby, you can save substantially on your income tax liabilities. 
• Online renewal: When you renew health insurance online, through the insurance company's website or any online marketplace, you can enjoy lower premiums. As the companies do not need to pay any commissions, you can save a significant amount of money by opting to renew health insurance online.

The benefits offered by a health insurance plan are too good to be ignored just because you think health insurance is unaffordable. Do some research, and you will see that health insurance is indeed affordable and is rather a necessity for your family.

There is a false sense of security in most individuals, where one feels like they can never meet with an accident, but like as the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry. No one wants to experience an unfortunate incident, but whether due to your mistake or someone else’s mistake, you can meet with an accident anywhere and anytime. Although no one can control such situations, you can certainly prepare for it.

With the number of vehicles steadily rising, across the country, the possibility of a car-related tragedy also increases. In situations as such, you could be staring at high costing expenses on hospital bills, as well as a loss of income due to being bed-ridden. Having an individual accident policy will take care of all these emergency expenses.

What is a personal accident policy?

Personal accident policy offers insurance cover to policyholders in case of an accident or injury caused due to any given reason. The insurance company will reimburse the policyholder in cases of serious injuries, permanent disability, or death, accidentally caused, according to the terms and conditions of the policy. 

You can buy your personal accident insurance online as well as offline, as per your preference. 

Why should you have a personal accident policy?

There are various benefits offered by a personal accident policy, which make it necessary for you to have one, such as: 

• Reimbursement in case of disability: If you face an accident and suffer a temporary or permanent disability, you can claim compensation from the insurance company. The company will assess the nature of the injury or disability and give you compensation as per the guidelines of the policy. This will support you and your family financially during such tough times.
• Hospitalisation and other expenses are taken care of: All hospital bills and cost of treatment are covered under the policy. In case of death, the insurance company will pay for the repatriation, funeral, and ambulance charges. 
• Reimbursement for modifications: If the accident has left you wheelchair-bound, then you need to modify your home or vehicle to suit your needs. Any expenses incurred for such adjustments necessitated by the mishap can be reimbursed from the insurance company. 
• Payment of death benefit: If the mishap results in unfortunate death, then the insurance company will pay the death benefit amount, as per the policy terms and conditions, to your family members, offering them financial support.
• Transportation of family: If you are admitted to a hospital after an accident and the hospital is more than 150 km away from your home, the insurance company will pay for the transportation costs incurred by your family.

To avail such benefits in the time of emergency having personal accident insurance online or offline is imperative for the financial well-being of your family.

In modern times, various lifestyle-related ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, obesity, etc. have started affecting people from a young age. Due to 24*7 use of smartphones, unhealthy eating habits, and a lack of physical exercise, more and more people are getting affected by these lifestyle diseases. While you may have thebest health insurance policy in india , you need to engage in regular physical exercise to stay fit and healthy. There are various forms of exercises that you can indulge in, but the benefits of daily cycling are too good to be ignored. 

Cycling is regarded as one of the best ways to stay away from lifestyle conditions and reduce the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, it is one of the cheapest, enjoyable, and useful physical workouts. If you are still unsure about the benefits of daily cycling, here are the health benefits of regular cycling:

• Fewer chances of injury: Cycling hardly causes any strain and can be enjoyed by people of all age groups. There are minimum chances of injuries while cycling, as compared to other forms of exercise.
• Time-efficient: Cycling is one of the most time-efficient exercises you can engage in. Not only does it offer you several health benefits, but it can also be used as a means of transport. It will help you get rid of your inactive lifestyle and save your travelling expenses as well.
• Easy to learn: Even if you do not know how to cycle, it will only take you a few hours to get the hang of it. There is no need for strong physical skills, and it does not need a lot of practice to learn it; it is one of the easiest exercises to learn. You can start from low-intensity mode and increase as you get used to it.
• Boosts your stamina: Cycling engages several muscles in your body and thereby helps boost your stamina over time. It also improves your lower body strength as well as aerobic fitness. 
• Reduces stress levels: Going for cycling in the morning helps you come closer to nature. The fresh morning air acts as stress-buster and enables you to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. 
• Freedom from obesity: Cycling is one of the most useful workouts to help you get rid of excess fat from your body. It boosts the metabolism rate and helps build muscles. Within a few weeks of cycling, you would start witnessing a reduction in your weight; and would feel active and fit.
• Reduces the risk of specific cancers: Research has proven that regular cycling reduces the risk of various types of cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and bowel cancer.

With various health benefits on offer, cycling is undoubtedly one of the most useful forms of physical exercises available. To enjoy good health and freedom from health-related stress, it is essential that you eat a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and subscribe to the best health insurance policy in India.

Financial security is a priority for any family and having health insurance is one of the first steps towards keeping your family secure during health emergencies. But, what about other emergencies which are beyond the coverage of any health insurance policy?

Zeenat, a single parent of a 6-year-old daughter, takes as many precautions for her daughter's well being as she can. She has saved enough for daughter’s future in forms of fixed deposits and mutual funds. She has also taken health insurance for both to secure against any health emergencies. The planning seems perfect for a family of two people except for a loophole, not having an accident cover that could put all in vain if something goes wrong.

According to a report by the TOI, In India alone, about 1.49 lakh people lost their lives by road accidents in 2018. Personal accident insurance is an answer to such life-threatening situations, as a family gets shattered just by the news of an accident, let alone the future consequences that might bring substantial financial burden. However, before you go for a personal accident insurance plan, here are some things that you must know:

1. What is personal accident insurance?

A personal accident insurance policy gives you a cover against accidents. It could be a road accident, a sudden fall, or any situation that leads to a disability or even death. Having personal accident insurance will save your expenses during such an emergency, and the insured amount would also take care of the loss of income that occurred during this period.

2. What does a personal accident insurance plan offer you?

Personal accident insurance generally envelops accidental death, permanent total disablement, permanent partial disablement and temporary total disablement.

But one thing that worries a person is what if the medical expense goes beyond what his policy can cover? With Magma HDI's Individual Accident Policy cover, a person can opt for Medical Expense Extension and Hospital Confinement Allowance.

3. What does the personal accident policy not cover?

It does not cover natural death due to drug addiction or alcoholism, adventurous sport, a breach of law with criminal intent, suicide-attempt, pregnancy, war, civil war, invasion, act of foreign enemies, revolution, insurrection or mutiny, pregnancy, participation in any naval, military or air force operations, curative treatments or interventions.

4. What is the need for personal accident insurance?

The need arises from the gap that health insurance and a life insurance policy will not cover. While, health insurance mainly covers the severe ailments and any other health emergencies, a life insurance policy pays compensation only in case of death. A personal accident insurance policy, on the other, is equally important for your insurance portfolio, which covers the policyholder in case of hospitalization or even in case of death due to an accident.

5. What is the ideal personal accident insurance?

The ideal personal accident insurance depends on individual exposure to situations and risks. For example, if your profession requires extensive travel, opt a plan that covers your international travel.

Go for the best personal accident insurance plan that ensures the maximum coverage and financial stability in the event of any accident.