GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

There's no room for an apple to fall, especially in Indian cities. Cities are buzzing with a huge population of students and working professionals. We often see our family and friends move out of their hometowns to turn over a new leaf. Some flee to pursue their dreams, and some to live independently.

This appears like a window of opportunity for the apartment owners to give their flats as paying guest accommodation. This way, they can earn well and gain the confidence to drive a small business. Being a highly rewarding sector, some individuals have already started to build their brands on PG accommodations. Their presence gives us a clear hint about the opportunities and profitability of this sector.

All in all, it's a booming industry. This fear of missing out in the market makes people convert their apartments to paying guest accommodations. But isn't it essential to know the risks and rewards before deep diving into this sector? Don't worry. We have got you covered.

Risks:

1. Legalities:
Converting your residence into a PG accommodation states that you are renting it for commercial purposes. Commercial properties require compliance with certain formalities and permission from municipal authorities, police, fire department, etc.

2. Security:
To prioritise the tenants' safety, ensure the installation of CCTV cameras and appoint a guard for additional security, and maintain the records of visitors.

3. Background check:
It is crucial to know your paying guests before closing the deal. So, verify their official documents, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or authorised identity card, and keep additional photocopies of these with you for records and future reference.

4. Agreement:
The rent agreement serves as an official document of mutual understanding between the occupant and the landlord. You need to mention all the terms in the contract. Once the contract is signed, you can move to the next step of closing the deal.

5. Damage to property:
The tenant should be responsible for maintaining the original condition of the PG except for everyday wear and tear. In case of any damage, it should immediately be brought to the landlord's notice.
As a landlord, you can insure your apartment with home insurance which would safeguard your property in case of any burglary, fire, or natural calamity.

Rewards:

1. Greater monetary benefits:
PG business can be a money-spinner for you. On average, a PG accommodates 5-6 individuals. So, a PG can earn you up to 10x of what you could make by renting out the apartment. Paying guest accommodations in metropolitan cities can earn you between 6,000 to 50,000; for other cities, it can range from 3000 to 20,000 per head per month. This can be an excellent source of side income that can be a significant financial benefit, especially for the middle class.

2. Passive income source:
PG can be a great passive income source for you while you can continue your own job/business. Converting your apartment into paying guest accommodation would be an excellent decision. However, complete all the necessary procedures and legal issues before converting it to a PG.
Don't forget to undertake the safety of your apartment by investing in home insurance, which would protect your belongings and your apartment from damages that mostly occur due to natural disasters and/or manmade misadventures.

If you have a good living space that is not occupied, then PG renting is a good decision you can make to get monetary benefits from your asset. But it is important to be clear on the terms before dealing with tenants. Never trap yourself in a problematic situation by making rash decisions.

Do your best research and background check of the desired tenant and stay updated on your home insurance renewal. Follow these basic yet vital steps, and you are all set to rent your apartment.

Click HERE to buy the best home insurance policy for your PG accommodation.

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

The end of the monsoon season is in sight, and even before we know it, we'll be ready for the winter days. The monsoon can be visually stunning, but it's not necessarily ideal for your bike. Post-monsoon brings a completely different downpour of problems for riders. This season demands a keen and prompt response to ensure your bike is in the best possible condition.

Now that the monsoon season is ending, you should give your bike its due attention. In light of the foregoing, we have compiled a post-monsoon maintenance checklist to get your bike road-ready. In that case, why delay any longer? Let's get this article rolling and prepare yourself for a thorough maintenance regime of your bike.

1. Tyres are important:
Don't let the air pressure in your tyres drop below the levels suggested by the bike's manufacturer. Inspect them for minor cuts that usually occur due to poor road conditions and potholes which might lead to more serious problems, such as a blowout. Make sure you inspect the tread depth of your tyres weekly. Make that the wheels are properly aligned and balanced.

2. Maintain battery:
If you want the bike's battery to last long with few problems, you should have it serviced right after the monsoon. Put some distilled water into the battery if needed. Look into the possible battery leakages. The bike must be in proper working condition and devoid of battery leaks. You should keep the motorcycle's battery fully charged if you haven't used it in a while.

3. Inspect the air filter and the exhaust:
Maintaining the air filter clean during the monsoon season is essential when airborne dust can quickly accumulate and clog the filter. Maintain regular air filter replacement schedules and increase cleaning frequency, especially during the monsoon days, since dust levels may grow in the winter. Check the exhaust for any residue or dirt accumulation due to flooding roads.

4. Don't forget to check the brakes:
Wet weather increases the likelihood that your bike's brakes will become more resistant to pushing, making riding in wet conditions dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an appropriate distance between the brake and the tyre.
Brakes that are either too stiff or too slack present a significant risk. If you experience screeching noise, it may be due to an oil shortage, or the front brake pads you’re your attention.

5. Remember the engine oil:
After the rainy season, keeping your bike's engine well-oiled is crucial for optimal performance and reliability. Before setting out on a long trip, ensure you monitor the oil level and keep it at the recommended level. Keep an eye out for any oil leaks that may have occurred because of the wet weather.
When carbon deposits are present, oil thickens, making it harder for engine parts to move. You should know that unclean oil will cause your motorcycle to use more gas and dramatically shorten the engine life.

This checklist of post-monsoon maintenance will be your go-to guide to having a fully operational bike ready to take you for your desired exploration.

Getting your bike serviced and having appropriate bike insurance will ensure your bike is maintained properly. Buying or renewing your bike insurance isn't as time-consuming or expensive as it was. Modern methods have made it possible to buy bike insurance online in minutes. Get yours now!

Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance online in India.

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

Drinking alcoholic beverages has been a social norm for centuries. But it's time that we rethink our relationship with alcohol. Alcohol may have some short-term benefits, such as reducing social anxiety, insomnia and a decrease in cardiovascular problems. These reasons and the fact that alcohol has become a part of nearly every social activity makes it a drink on many occasions.

However, excessive drinking can lead to serious health problems, including but not limited to liver problems, depression, heart diseases, and certain types of cancers. It is very admirable if you have decided to quit or cut back on your drinking, and this blog aims to guide you on how to do that conveniently with the best tips provided by health experts.

1. Introspection and finding out your triggers:
If you've decided to cut back on the alcohol, maybe you're worried about your cravings when you stop drinking for a day or two. Or perhaps it is about the reasons for which you drink. It is important to find out why you're drinking too much, which might be stress from a relationship, work, or other triggers. When these are identified, you can start avoiding them or try dealing with these problems in a different course of action rather than having a drink.

2. Measure your drinks:
One of the most effective tips that most experts give is to measure each drink and compare it to the official guidelines on how much drinking is safe for adults. This will also estimate how much you're drinking and further solidify your approach to reducing your consumption.

3. Set a drink limit:
Set a fixed drink limit according to official health guidelines and be cognizant of the drinks you take at a time. If possible, involve a friend or a family member to help you stop at the right amount.

4. Have dry days and make fun challenges:
The brain is always up for a challenge. Try having dry days, such as vowing not to take any alcohol Monday through Friday. Or you can have months of abstinence, such as No Drink December or Sober October. Make things a challenge and do it with the people you love to get the maximum benefits.

5. Find a support person / people:
Finding a community is the most crucial step towards a good change. Talk to trusted friends and family members about your decision to abstain, and they will surely help in the process. If this is not ideal, find online support to discover people with similar goals.

6. Keep attractive non-alcoholic options at home:
There's an urge to drink alcohol even if you're probably just thirsty and need water. However, water seems like a boring alternative to alcohol. So, keep fruit juices, sparkling water, or cold drinks in your fridge to avoid going for alcoholic options.

7. Make alcohol non-accessible, and try delaying your first drink:
A 10-minute walk at night to a bar or a liquor shop can be a significant deterrent to getting a drink. Avoid stocking up on alcohol in your house, as you'll likely be tempted to finish it sooner than expected. Request friends and family members to bring their drinks and take them back with them as they leave.
Another approach you can try is delaying the day's first drink to as late as possible. Research suggests that the earlier you start drinking, the more you consume.

Quitting alcohol is an excellent choice for your mind and body. There is no saying what excessive drinking does to your health in the long term. It is heavy on your well-being as well as your pocket. Follow the tips from health experts and take your step toward healthy living. Practice mindful habits like eating a healthy diet and drinking fresh juices, regular exercise for at least 10 mins, and indulge yourself in yoga and meditation.

Opting for a reliable health insurance plan is best to save money on hospital visits. Health insurance adds a safety net to you and your family to provide robust coverage and secure your finances during emergencies.

Click HERE to know more about health insurance.

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

Car accidents do not come after announcements. Irrespective of the intensity of the accident, it is bound to stress you with a financial burden, bodily harm, or in worse cases- both. While we cannot prevent mishaps, taking precautions against potential risks is essential. Most people still undermine the importance of reliable car insurance that provides comprehensive coverage against accidental damages.

An accident cover provides monetary compensation in case of accidents that may leave the policyholder deceased, wholly or partially disabled, temporarily or permanently.

What is accident coverage in a car insurance policy?
An accident cover provides monetary compensation in case of accidents that may leave the policyholder deceased, wholly or partially disabled for a temporary or permanent period.

Factors to consider while choosing a car accident insurance cover.
In the era of digitalisation, you do not need to visit any insurance provider to buy an insurance cover. Purchasing car insurance online is straightforward and allows comparison between several policies to find the best one for you- saving time and money. The main challenge is to find the right insurance for you. Here are a few tips for finding the best car insurance in India with efficient accident protection.

1. Scope of plan:
Car insurance provides accidental cover in two forms- personal coverage of an individual (driver and occupants) or third-party damage. The premium amount and cover will change depending on the scope of inclusivity. Choose an appropriate plan after comparing the cost and benefits of different covers and choose the one with maximum benefits at an attractive deal.

2. Inclusive benefits:
Personal accident cover in car insurance plans includes permanent partial disablement rider, permanent total disablement rider, or accidental death benefit rider. Along with these benefits, look for additional benefits that your insurance provider may include in the plan, like ambulance, medicine, or allied recovery costs, which can help significantly reduce the final bills you will have to pay from your pocket.

3. Premium and coverage:
Premium plays a crucial role in accident covers of car insurance. Select an appropriate premium amount for each year so that it is not a burden on your income and provides you with a sum large enough to cover any expenses you may incur by meeting an accident or any allied expenses.

4. Insurance provider’s rating:
It is necessary to check the insurance provider's reputation in the industry before purchasing any insurance; car insurance is no exception. Ensure to check public reviews and ask your acquaintances about their prior experiences with the company.

5. Protection to occupants:
It is advised to closely understand the terms and conditions of car insurance that compensates family members or other occupants in case the accident leads to their disabilities or death. Generally, the policyholder must pay an additional premium to extend the coverage to the occupants or co-passengers in the car during the accident. This allows the policyholder to receive requisite medical attention without worrying about the costs.

6. Claim settlement:
Claim settlement rate, method of benefit payout, and settlement time are of the essence when choosing insurance. A reputed insurance company that processes claims within a few days with minimal paperwork is ideal for minimising stress related to getting compensation.

7. Exclusions:
Before choosing a plan, check what is excluded from its cover. Usually, driving under the influence of intoxication, suicidal attempts, and involving in dangerous racing sports are excluded from the accident cover of the car insurance. Read all the terms and conditions and clarify your doubts before purchasing the policy.

Safety is the greatest and crucial aspect we must ensure while driving on the roads. While you cannot prevent accidents, you can minimise their impact on your finances, your car's well-being, and the damage to third parties by purchasing the best car insurance in India. Good car insurance is the essential safety net to protect your assets and increase longevity. As responsible drivers, you need to drive carefully, avoid over-speeding, and take care of all safety parameters like wearing seatbelts and regular car maintenance.

Click HERE to buy the best car insurance in India.

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