GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

If you prefer bikes over cars, either because you are looking to save money or just because you like the feel of whizzing past the many cars, there are many options for you. There are many out there just like you, and to cater to their needs, the motorcycle industry is constantly coming out with new bikes, each with their own special features. However, while it might be fun to ride a bike because of the thrill it offers, it is of utmost importance that you drive within the speed limit, always wear and helmet, don’t get too adventurous (especially amidst traffic) and are have an insurance in place to cover any damages that may occur in the future. If you are looking to buy a bike this year, here are the top 5 bikes to look forward to in 2020: -

• Honda CB500X: Built for the adventure lovers out there, the Honda CB500X comes with a free-spinning two-cylinder engine, long-travel suspension, and a diamond-tube frame which makes it easy to handle and balance. At the height of 830mm, the seat offers excellent visibility and makes the riding position quite comfortable as you’d be able to sit upright. The bike is made in such a way that you can drive it on any kind of terrain. Also, it comes with a clear information panel to give you exact details about mileage, speed, fuel etc.
• Suzuki SV650: Since the introduction of this model in 1999, it has gone through a series of improvements to make it what it is today. With a polished powerplant, the bike has low emissions, great fuel economy, and overall excellent performance. The bike has a trellis-style frame built with high-strength steel tubes, which make it lightweight. The bike is built in such a way that it offers manoeuvrability, plenty of lean angles along with great comfort.
• Yamaha XSR 155: Do not be confused by the slightly retro look of the bike. It has been designed in a way that gives you support, comfort, control and speed. The bike, much like its previous counterparts, has a Delta-box frame which makes it lightweight. The seat, made in leather, is a single-piece seat. The handlebars are slightly raised, which is what adds to its retro look. You can see where the single-cylinder engine is on the bike and the tank is slim.
• Honda CB650R: The bike comes with a four-cylinder engine, which makes riding smoother and provides a lot of power during the rev range. The seat makes it more comfortable to stay upright, especially if you are riding for a long time. Along with this, the neo-sport style of the bike makes it look sleek. Other features of the bike include wide handlebars, LED lighting in the front and back, and waterfall-style headers.
• Aprilia RS 660: This sporty bike comes with a parallel twin-cylinder engine. With a refined frame, this bike is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Some notable features of the Aprilia RS 660 include cruise control, dual-channel ABS, easily adjustable brake settings, traction control amongst others.

Again, when looking to buy a bike, you must take every precaution to avoid getting into an accident, especially since it does not offer the kind of protection a car does. A great way to ensure that you have any unforeseen accidents or costs covered is by private car/vehicle insurance in india.

Things change. It is the law of the universe, and we, along with everything that we do, are a part of it. To resist change is to combat the natural phenomenon of things. When you accept change and plan things in accordance with it, then things have a habit of place. Otherwise, things may just fall apart. Indeed, no one can stop the changes in life, and the same applies to the insurance sector as well. There has been a lot going on in the insurance industry in the past ten years. According to the data provided by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the insurance industry in India is expected to $280 billion by FY2020. The overall penetration of insurance policies in India increased from 2.71 percent in 2001 to 3.69 percent in 2017. The gross insurance premiums that were collected in India during FY19 reached Rs 5.78 trillion (US$ 82.8 billion). In this, 4.08 trillion (US$ 58.5 billion) came from life insurance whereas Rs 1.69 trillion (US$ 24.3 billion) came from non-life insurance.

Ease in the insurance process

One of the highlights of the changing insurance industry has been the ease of access. Now, everything can be done online, and the data is available at disposal, thanks to the growth and penetration of technology. The internet has created a trusted business model that provides value to all stakeholders. You also get free online support if you face any queries while exploring your insurance options.

Paperless process

The general insurance in India has become entirely paperless. From buying the policy to paying the premium — everything can be done online with nos risks at all. Since the whole insurance industry has taken an online shift, it is much easier to compare insurance policies and choose the best option. Now, it has become easier to explore deals across insurance companies and choose the one that fits your interest the most.

Low risk

With things going paperless, there are no risks involved. Even if you lose your insurance documents, you can easily claim them back by filing your issue online. Earlier, it was difficult to keep track of all the documents physically. However, with the onset of smartphones, everything can be accessed online without any hassle and the need of carrying physical files. The facts and numbers of general insurance prove that the insurance industry is booming. As a customer, it becomes crucial that you get access to the best insurance service. If you are looking for general insurance in India that comes with online support, then Magama HDI general insurance could be the answer. Magma HDI insurance provides you with the option to buy insurance online, and it also comes with the option to file claims online — all at your fingertips.

As part of their New Year goals, a lot of individuals decide to purchase a new car. Now, cars aren’t cheap, even if you don’t consider luxury brands such as Audi or Jaguar, and you have probably saved up a bit of money so you can buy a decent car. So, when making a choice, it is important that you put a lot of thought into the car that you wish to buy. Do not go by word of mouth; do your research and compare the different features of the cars before you make the purchase. Another factor to keep in mind while buying a new car is insurance. To avoid having to pay a hefty amount from your own pocket in case of an accident or damage, find good car insurance in India. Here are the top 5 options you could choose from when thinking of buying a new car in 2020: -

• Tata Altroz: Considered to be Tata’s first premium hatchback car, the Altroz comes in a variety of colours including Skyline silver, Midtown grey, Avenue white, and others. Whether it is a petrol or diesel engine, both will have a 5-speed manual gearbox. The car comes with projector headlamps, fog lamps (both in the front and back), along with a rear defogger. Also, the driver seat is 4-way adjustable while the front passenger seat is 2-way adjustable. When it comes to the safety features, the car has dual airbags, a seatbelt reminder, and an auto door lock system.
• Fifth Generation Honda City: The car is believed to be wider and longer than the fourth-generation Honda City but slightly shorter and with less wheelbase. It comes with BS6-compliant petrol and diesel turbo engine. When it comes to the exterior, the car has a gloss black front grille, DRLs, defoggers in the front and back, LED headlights and alloy wheels. Other features include dual airbags, vehicle stability assist, speed sensing auto-lock system, a touchscreen infotainment system, adjustable seats, etc.
• Renault Triber AMT: The car has an Energy engine with a capacity of 999cc and a mileage of 20.5kmpl. In terms of safety features, the car is equipped with front airbags, rear parking sensors, speed alert warning, pedestrian protection, amongst others. The Renault Triber AMT is a 7-seater car and has electric power steering, an engine start or stop button, a touch screen, and adjustable seats.
• Hyundai Sonata: One of the best sedans in the market, the Hyundai Sonata has a 4-cylinder engine. It has a sporty look to it with a seamless hood and a fastback rear design. The car comes in many colours like the Stormy Sea, Calypso Red, Quartz White, etc. Depending on the exact model of the car, it comes with 8-inch touchscreen audio, lane-keeping assistance, heated front seats, remote smart parking assist and an effective airbag safety system.
• BMW 5X: Now, this might be worth more than you are willing to pay, but it is still a great car, nonetheless. It is a midsize SUV that comes with three different types of engines, LED headlamps, lane departure warning, driving assist, adaptive cruise control, an entertainment system, a well-equipped airbag system that makes the car very safe and other features. The car is believed to be the most balanced BMW car and is very easy to ride, handle, and is very comfortable.

Buying a car is a major decision that must not be taken lightly. You will end up spending a lot of money on the car, whether at the time of purchasing it or during repairs. It is advisable to go over all the options and to compare them to find the car best suited for your needs. Again, take the time to find good car insurance in India for protection against losses.

While choosing an insurance policy, the claim settlement ratio of the insurer is a major factor to consider. An insurance claim is filed to get coverage for the losses or damages you sustain due to the occurrence of an event as specified in the policy. Hence, proper claim settlement is an essential pre-requisite in your risk management system. When selecting an insurance company, you must check if it provides timely and easy settlement of valid claims.

Process to file claims

Step 1: Reporting the incident

When an event occurs, the claimant should submit a written intimation to the insurer for initiating the claim process. The faster you set the ball rolling; the sooner will be the settlement. Here, you should also make sure that your policy covers the event for which you’re filing the claim.

Step 2: Complete the documentation

For a smooth claims process, you need to submit the right documents within the stipulated timelines. Most of the insurance companies have online claim filing system where you can send the forms and upload images for ratification.

Step 3: Evaluation process

Before settlement of the claim, the insurance company will evaluate the veracity of your claim through an external investigation. Hence, you should be clear about the facts when filing the claim.

Step 4: Settlement of claim

As per the regulations of IRDA, the insurer has to settle a claim within 30 days after receiving documents and verification or pay interest. If any claim requires further investigation, the process should be completed within 6 months from the date of the written filing of the claim.

Technicalities that may occur when filing a claim

When filing your claim, you should be aware of common problems and technicalities that may impede the process. That includes:

If there’s any pre-existing ailment

Any ailments that a policyholder had before the issuance of the first policy are called pre-existing ailments. These conditions and diseases must be declared when buying the policy. If the company discovers them during claim settlement, it can restrict the entire process.

If nominee details aren’t updated

The legal battle between the nominee and an heir can be prolonged due to incorrect nominee details. You should update the nominee information as it changes over the term of your policy.

If the policy lapses

When you fail to pay premiums on time, the policy will lapse automatically. Some insurance companies give a grace period for payment of premiums beyond the due dates but your vehicle is not covered for that period of time. So, you should adhere to your payment schedule, or else it can lead to repudiation of your claim later on.

The right insurer

An insurance policy is an excellent financial product, and claim settlement is the main component of this product. Hence, you should select the right insurer after checking their claim settlement ratio.

Remember, the claim settlement ratio represents the total number of claims made by the customers against the total claims settled by the company. Compare the top insurers on this factor to make so you can pick the best car insurance in India.

Thus, you can use claims as an effective tool to determine the performance and reliability of an insurer.

Mumbai and its nearby locations have always been regarded as some of the best places to explore in the country. Besides being the financial capital of the nation, there is a lot to explore for travellers in the city of Mumbai. While a private tour package might seem like the easier option, it is way better to explore on your own. This way, you will be able to spend as much time as you like at every destination without having to hurry up and catch up with the rest of the group. Since the city is notorious for its traffic, many travellers, as well as locals, opt for a motorcycle or a scooter to go around. In case you go for this option, make sure that the vehicle has a suitable insurance policy in place. You can easily buy a new or renew the two-wheeler insurance online in India.

Here are the top 5 destinations in and around Mumbai that you can explore: -

• Gateway of India: If you visit Mumbai, it goes without saying that you must see the Gateway of India. Constructed facing the Arabian Sea in Colaba, it was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The best time to visit this attraction is either early morning or late evening when there isn’t a huge crowd. It is located right next to the Taj Mahal Palace, another notable attraction in Mumbai.
• Juhu Beach: If you are looking to get away from the busy city for a little while, Juhu Beach is a great option. Since it is quite renowned, there will most likely be a lot of people there but the gorgeous sunset and the cool breeze in the evening will be worth it. Just put on a pair of flip-flops and take a nice, long walk on the beach as you marvel at the magnificence of the waves hitting the shore. .
• Marine Drive: Officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, this destination located in Chowpatty is very well-known. A curved promenade that runs for kilometres, Marine Drive is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a breath-taking view of the beach and enjoy the cool sea breeze.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Built during the British colonial period in 1888, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be the second most photographed location in India after Taj Mahal. It is a terminal train station built in a Victorian-Gothic style of architecture and attracts many who come to marvel at the splendid edifice.
• Elephanta Caves: Located on a small island called Gharapuri, east of the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves is a collection of caves, all adorned with intricate carvings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these cave temples have been linked to the Kalachuri dynasty and also the Hinayana Buddhists. Take a ferry from the mainland and go explore the Elephanta Caves situated somewhere in the Arabian Sea.

Mumbai as a city is massive and has a lot to offer, both for tourists as well as those looking to move to a new city. Besides the above-mentioned destinations, you can also visit Film City, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Taj Mahal Palace, Siddhivinayak Temple, Hanging Gardens, and many others. If you do plan on ditching a car and taking a scooter or bike to go around the city, make sure that you buy a suitable two wheeler insurance online in India for the vehicle.

It is important to have general insurance as it protects you against several unforeseen circumstances and comes as a financial aid in times of distress. However, it is often that people who buy insurance policies are unable to make the best out of their insurance plans are they are quite unaware of what their insurance policy has to offer. It is the job of the general insurance company to settle your claims, and as someone who has purchased the insurance, it is your job you be aware of your rights and duties.

Rights of a policyholder

● If the terms and conditions mentioned in the policy documents do not match with what you were promised at the time of buying th policy, then you can cancel or return the policy within a timeframe of 15 days. After cancellation, your insurance premium will be refunded to you after the deduction of processing costs, such as stamp duty, medical charges, et cetera.

● The nominee of the insurance policy gets the right to file a claim on the insurance in case of the unfortunate death of the policyholder.

● Depending on the insurance you have opted for, you get the option to modify it. You can change the mode of payment, the sum assured, the premium paid and the policy tenure of your insurance policy.

● If you have chosen a United Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP), then you have additional rights on your insurance policies that involve making partial withdrawals, switching funds, and surrendering the policy after completing the lock-in period.

Duties of a policyholder

● You must spend time researching about the insurance, such as looking at the benefits it offers, the premium you have to pay, and the type of cover you will get, among others. It would help if you also compared your policy with other insurance providers to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

● Make sure to fill your details correctly in the policy documents

● After buying the policies from a general insurance company, you must make sure that you are paying the premiums on time. It is better to opt for an automated payment system, so you do not miss any dates.

● If you move places, make sure that you share the information about your address change with your insurance company.

● If you want to change your nominee, you can do so by filling up by ‘change of nominee’ form. If your nominee is a minor, then you can get an appointee to sign an acknowledgment on their behalf.

● In case you lose your insurance policy, you can identify your insurance service provider about it and get a duplicate document.

It is important to cooperate fully with your insurance company, as it makes sure that your experience is smooth and hassle-free, and your queries are resolved on time. If you are looking for a good, reputed and trusted insurance company, then your search could stop at Magma HDI insurance. It offers products for everyone and comes with prompt customer service. Besides, it also has a hassle-free claim processing service which eliminates frequent rounds to the insurance office. With a vision to be the most preferred, vibrant, and responsible insurance company, fulfilling the aspirations of all its stakeholders, Magma HDI general insurance company could be your one-stop for all your insurance needs.

The large competition in the market between different companies leads to the launch of several new bikes and scooters by the major brands almost every month throughout the year. All the major companies of India such as Hero Motocorp, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Bajaj, Honda release at least one to two two-wheelers in the Indian market in a single year. When you buy a new bike, you also need to buy insurance for the vehicle. Nowadays, the procedure for getting insurance is quite simplified and direct. Moreover, you can easily renew the bike insurance online without much hassle. Some of the major bikes launched in recent times and about to launch in the coming months in India are mentioned here:

● Recently Royal Enfield trademarked a new name Meteor for its new bike in India which is scheduled to be launched at the beginning of 2020. This bike has a 648cc engine and is supposed to be a derivative of the Interceptor 650 bike. Priced in the range of over Rs. 2 lakhs, this bike has a powerful engine that provides high torque for hill climbing. This bike is being marketed by Royal Enfield as a more affordable Interceptor 650.

● Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR is a high range model of Kawasaki priced at nearly Rs. 17 lakhs for the new age sports bike lovers. It has a 998cc engine and is scheduled to be launched in January 2020. The 203 PS powerful petrol engine can provide a torque of up to 114.9 Nm.

● With unofficial bookings already started, KTM’s new bike KTM 390 Adventure priced at around Rs. 3 lakhs scheduled to be launched at the beginning of 2020 is one of the most awaited bikes of 2020. This bike has a 373 cc engine and has ergonomics that support stand-up biking as well.

● Honda is also set to launch its new bike Honda CB650R in January 2020 to start the new year with a bang. This bike priced in the range of around Rs. to 8 lakhs features a 95.1 PS 649cc powerful engine has no direct competitors in the market at present. Only another bike that comes close to it in features is the Kawasaki Ninja 650 which is currently priced at 5.49 lakhs ex-showroom price.

● While other companies are slated to launch high-end models at the beginning of the next year, TVS is one company which is more focused towards the lower end of the price range. The TVS Radeon BS6 is a BS6 engine model of TVS set to launch in January with a competitive price tag of Rs. 58,000 in the segment.

● Norton Atlas 650 is another high-end model set to be launched at the beginning of 2020 with a price tag that is no less than Rs. 16 lakhs. This bike has a 650cc petrol engine that provides a power of 84 PS.

● Husqvarna is also launching two new variants which go by the names Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and HusqvarnaVitpilen 401 in the first month of 2020. Both of these bikes are priced in the range of Rs. 2.8 lakhs to 3 lakhs. Both of these bikes have the same 373.2cc engine and are available in different coloured variants.

India is currently a very hot market for new automobiles, and the launch of new bikes is going to interest new buyers who want something different from the manufacturers. Bikes are launching in a wide range starting from TVS Radeon priced at Rs. 58,000 to high-end bikes such as Kawasaki Ninja models which are priced at over 17 lakhs. Whichever of these bikes you have chosen for yourself, make sure that you get new insurance as well as renew the bike insurance online before the due date for continued protection.

Monsoon arrives with new promises and provides a route to escape from the scorching summer heat. It comes as a respite to many but has its consequences.

Different types of bacteria thrive during this period due to the warm and humid climate. People often suffer from the likes of cold, flu, typhoid, malaria and other such diseases caused by various viruses or micro-organisms.

It is essential to take adequate measures to guard against such diseases and stay healthy, although there are some affordable health insurance plans to take care in case of any ailment. Some such measures for a disease-free monsoon are:

1. Keeping house clean

• Your house should be kept clean and pest-free.
• One should be aware of leakages and water clogging, especially around electronic devices, like coolers, ACs and washing machines.
• Rusty or broken pipes should be replaced as they can become the breeding place for pests.
• Pest control should be called once a week to check.

1. Taking showers

• Getting caught in the monsoon rain is one of the most serene experiences. But a lot of micro-organisms or germs might have entered the body.
• A shower with a few drops of disinfectants prevents any such infection.
• One should not enter an AC-room in wet clothes as possibilities of catching a cold increases manifold.

1. Keeping hydrated

• It is vital to stay properly hydrated and drink water at regular intervals to fight against diseases, like typhoid and cholera.
• One should avoid having unfiltered water from the streets.
• Water purifier should be working properly.

1. Checking ventilation

• Cross-ventilation should be allowed as infectious organisms can leave the room.
• The room should be open to sunlight, and fresh air as damp may creep in otherwise.

1. Keeping hands clean

• Harmful germs may reside on the surface. So, it is essential to wash your hands at regular intervals.
• One can carry hand sanitizers in the pockets. Hands should be cleaned before having food.

1. Vitamin-rich diet

• Vitamin C-enriched food is vital to make your body immune to such harmful organisms.
• One should have lemon juices and fresh vegetables regularly.
• One should stay away from street food as much as possible. Potholes in the streets are often home to microbes causing diseases, like typhoid and cholera.

1. Using Mosquito repellents

• Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Stored water should be appropriately covered inside houses.
• Use of mosquito tents, coils and repellents are a must to guard against diseases, like malaria and dengue.
• There are several affordable health insurance plans. One should take their help in case of emergencies to protect their family.

1. Strengthening immunity

• Strongly immune persons are not much affected by such diseases.
• The likes of tulsi, cardamom, turmeric and lemongrass are vital in boosting the immunity against the monsoon diseases.

1. Taking influenza and pneumonia shots

• These are vital in case of those who have asthma. These help in creating strong immunity against these harmful germs.
• Hepatitis A and B vaccine shots help guard against diseases, like jaundice.
• Many affordable health insurance plans can cover the cost for such vaccines.
• One should also be careful in the medications he/she takes.
• If unwell, one should remain back at home and prevent spreading the virus to others.

1. Having warm food

• Warm saline gargles help in fighting against the irritation caused in throats due to the infection.
• Warm fluids help to soothe. So one can have warm water or milk often.
• Soups and broths are a welcome change to the diet.

By keeping these few precautionary steps in mind, one can stay away from these diseases. However, if one faces any symptoms of such diseases, he/she should immediately consult a doctor. There are some affordable health insurance plans to take the help of, if necessary.