GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Motorcycle fires are horrific sites to bear. With the recent rise in the usage of electric vehicles, there is a greater possibility of fires leading to vehicle damage and burn injuries. Electric vehicles use renewable energy sources, making them sustainable, but they come with the drawback of being more flammable.

Electric vehicles use a lightweight lithium battery that has a longer lifespan than regular lead-acid batteries. However, a lithium battery consists of two electrodes and an electrolytic fluid running between them. The electrolytic fluid is highly flammable and causes fires when the battery is overheated or damaged.

Even combustion motorcycles are at risk of catching fire if something goes wrong in the bike's engine or fuel tank, or there is a sudden short circuit.

Bikes are the love of their owners' lives. Although it might be horrific to think of even a situation when this happens, it's always better to keep knowledge handy when you need it.

This blog aims to give you an insight into what to do to protect yourself and your loved ones in the unfortunate case of your bike catching fire.

1. Turn off the ignition and get away from your bike:
Imagine that you're cruising down the highway at a comfortable speed when your bike suddenly shows signs that it might catch on fire. If you notice a spark or a fire, immediately kill the ignition and park at the side of the road. Avoid places with many people and other vehicles, electric poles, etc.
Dismount and get away from the bike as quickly as possible using the stop-drop-roll method. If you've left something vital on the bike, avoid going near it unless it is worth dying for. This is to ensure you're least affected if your motorcycle explodes.

2. If it's a small fire or just smoke, try to extinguish it:
If you absolutely have to go and try to save the vehicle and your items with it, do it smartly. If there's a fire extinguisher around you, or you can arrange it, try putting out the fire yourself. Also, you can use drinking water you might have bought along with you on the ride or soil you pick up off the side of the road to stop the fire from spreading immediately after you first sense it. Ensure a safe distance between you and the vehicle to protect yourself.

3. Contact emergency services:
If it's a busy road, ask for help from experienced people in the traffic. If you're stuck in an isolated place, immediately call fire control and tell them about your situation. Your instinct might tell you that you can put out the fire on your own, but it's best to leave it to the professionals to avoid risking your own life.

4. Alert people in advance:
This is not a scene from a movie where you'll barely escape a fire without a scratch. So if the fire seems big, steer clear of it. Raise an alert to help other vehicles and pedestrians get out of the way.
Be sure to put a device named an Emergency Warning Device (EWD). This puts out an alarm that helps inform other pedestrians or vehicle owners to get out of the way in case of a fire. If the fire becomes too overwhelming, all you can do is get out of the way and wait for emergency services.

A motorcycle fire is a traumatic experience to go through. But as long as you are safe, there's no harm done. Having the basic knowledge of fire safety and about the different parts of the bike can be helpful for you during such emergencies.

In such unfortunate incidents, you are responsible for protecting yourself and others, but for protecting your bike, you need special coverage. Here's when insurance comes into the picture. Buy motor insurance online and avail various benefits if your bike faces severe damage due to fire. All the repair and maintenance of the bike will be covered under your insurance cover, and you won't have to worry about the finances.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance online.

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

India has a long and rich history of its fight for independence. Most stories leave us with admiration and respect for that time's freedom fighters and activists and their sacrifice for India to breathe free. There's a sense of pride in knowing that we belong to the same country where many of these acts of bravery took place. The culture and heritage that we celebrate today is a blessing that we have received from the iconic stories of numerous Bravehearts. India has preserved this history for future generations to absorb the feelings of patriotism and cherish the diversity of our nation.

As we recently celebrated 75 years of our independence, the Indian Government launched an endeavour called "Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" with a motive to celebrate the golden 75 years of freedom. So, pack your bags and head out to see these destinations that will surely fill you with patriotic fervour.

1. Cellular jail:
Situated in Port Blair of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Cellular jail is reminiscent of the horrors cast upon the freedom fighters. This jail can be visited by the public and has a famous light and sound show in the evening to remember the freedom fighters, especially the brave story of Veer Savarkar and his courageous escape from the jail.

2. Jhansi fort:
Jhansi fort in Uttar Pradesh is a symbol of strength and bravery of the highest degree. This place engraves the history of Rani Lakshmi Bai bravely fighting the British and eventually defending the fort with her last breath. Go to Jhansi fort to remember the brave acts of Rani Lakshmi Bai and the scenic views of the fort situated high on the hilltops.

3. India gate:
Located in the heart of the capital city, a few km from the Rashtrapati Bhawan, India gate was built to pay homage to the 82,000 soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the First World War. The martyrs' names are inscribed on the walls of this beautiful monument. Locals and tourists crowd this area to pay their respects to these soldiers and enjoy the beautiful lights and delicious street food near this historical monument.

4. Sabarmati Ashram:
Located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on the peaceful banks of the Sabarmati river, this heritage site is famous for being one of the epicentres of the freedom struggle. Made by a friend of the Mahatma, this was where Gandhi Ji resided for nearly 12 years, training activists to join his 'Ahimsa' movement. This Ashram also had schools and health centres and was a whole community of patriotic people. Visit this Ashram to feel the peace, and captivate your heart with the values of Bapu.

5. Wagah-Attari border:
Visit the Wagah-Attari border near Amritsar to get a rush of patriotic fervour. A famous flag lowering ceremony has been happening every day since 1959, where the BSF and the Pakistani Army lower their flags just before sunset. This is sure to leave you in awe. The soldiers' energy creates an electrifying atmosphere with the crowd anticipating with continuous chants of "Vande Mataram" and the tricolour waving with pride. This ceremony is worth an experience of a lifetime.

6. Kargil War Memorial:
India has been rigorously battling to preserve its liberty long after independence. Our fierce border security forces are relentlessly serving their duties to protect the nation from external threats. The Dras War Memorial in Kargil is one such place that reminds us of the iconic 'Operation Vijay' of Indian soldiers to keep the country safe during the Kargil war of 1999. Be here to pay your respect to those who gave our lives for us and salute the soldiers' dedication to protecting the nation at all times and in every situation.

Independence Day is the perfect way to learn more about our country's freedom struggle. Plan a heritage trip to these places and dive deep into the archives of Indian history. While celebrating the glorious 75 years of independence, ensure that you secure your trip with the best online general insurance to make your travel hassle-free.

Click HERE to know more about online general 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.

Research states that over one third of vehicles on the road are motorcycles. Found to be cost-effective, easy to ride, and convenient, motorcycles are used extensively in rural and urban areas. They can tackle rough roads and get you to your destination while skillfully getting you out of traffic.

While motorcycles have a significant user base in India, they also have their fair share of problems. The lack of safety is a primary concern with these vehicles. Riding at high speeds on under-maintained roads in a country where traffic rules are not strictly followed has resulted in hundreds of road accidents daily.

This alarming information should be enough to prompt you to purchase online motor insurance if you do not have one already. It is necessary to have insurance to cover any possible losses from damages to you, your vehicle, and third-party property.

While online motor insurance can protect your post-accident damages, here's a quick guide to prevent and tackle motorcycle wobbling when riding at high speeds.

What causes motor cycling wobbling?
Your motorcycle can wobble due to many reasons, even when not at high speed.
1. Defective tyres – Ensure you evaluate the tyres' pressure and build before taking your motorcycle for a ride.
2. Worn equipment – Motorcycles used at the wrong tyre pressures or overused bearings that are worn out are potential causes for wobbling. You must check the parts of your motorcycle and ensure that they are in perfect condition to facilitate long-running and prevent mishaps.
3. Irregular road surface – A sudden change in the road surface in the form of an irregularity such as a pothole while in acceleration is likely to cause your handlebar to shake.
4. Rapid acceleration – If you consecutively accelerate the bike, it cannot keep up with the rapidly changing speed and may wobble violently.
5. Instant slowing – You may also experience shimmying while decelerating from a high speed. This is caused due to the instantaneous changes in speed.

What you shouldn't do when your handlebar wobbles?
If you feel a slight shimmy and are sure it is not due to any motorcycle defect, do not grip harder onto the bar to stabilise it. Continue holding on in the same way and allow it to adjust to the surface. Do not let your eyes stay on the road beneath. Instead, look straight and assess the road ahead and the vehicles around to keep yourself at a safe distance from others.

Tips to ease out the wobble safely:
Assessing the situation is key in such a situation. If it is a well-maintained motorcycle on an irregular patch of road, do not worry. Do not tighten your grip on the handle and allow your bike to balance itself on the surface. The wobble, in this case, would be slight and can be easily overcome by the motorcycle in a few seconds.

If it is a motorcycle issue, the wobble will be much stronger. In such a case, here are some tips for riding out the wobble:
1. Slowly engage the rear brakes – At no cost should you use the front brakes, which will cause an accident. With applying rear brakes, your bike may wobble more at first, but it will slow down.
2. Lean forward – While it may not solve the problem alone, it increases resistance and may help slow down your bike.

These are the only ways to slow down your vehicle. Assess your possible options based on the road ahead. If there is a greater obstacle that your motorcycle is bound to crash into, it is best to abandon the vehicle. Your online motor insurance can cover any damages to your bike. However, if the road ahead is straight, keep your calm and engage the rear brakes slowly. You will eventually be able to decelerate and get out of the wobble and regain control.

While bikes are convenient vehicles, we strongly recommend riding motorcycles at acceptable speeds where you can easily control them to prevent mishaps. Online motor insurance is a must that can prevent any potential financial burden and have your back during emergencies.

Click HERE to buy an online motor insurance policy for your motorcycle.

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.

A keyless ignition system is an electronic access system that allows us to enter the car and start/stop it without the physical metal key. It is operated through a device known as the key fob or the smart key. The car verifies the key electronically and gives access to the driver.

Keyless ignition was introduced in the 1990s. It was a special feature in high-end cars until a few years ago. Now it is gaining popularity and can be found in the standard variants of several cars.

Let us go through the keyless ignition system in detail and the facts we need to know about it.

How does it work?
A keyless ignition system works through a key fob which is a radio transponder. It sends a radio signal to the car, signaling it to unlock the doors and give access to the car. We can then start or stop the car by pushing a button or turning a switch. The system also acts as an immobilizer to protect your car from thieves. The system works if you are within the car's range, usually 10-15 feet. A corresponding RFID chip in the car identifies the correct key fob electronically and gives access.

What is the importance of keyless ignition?

1. Convenience:
The foremost importance of keyless ignition is the convenience that it provides. Every driver would love to walk to his car and access it without fumbling for keys in his pockets. Your car will start and stop with the push of a button, and you no longer need to turn the metallic key or face an unpleasant ignition experience.

2. Style:
The key fob is a symbol of style and elegance. You don't need to take out the car keys to enter the car.

3. Security:
The keyless ignition system provides security to your car. Thieves cannot open the car and start it as you cannot do it without having the key fob with you.

What are the disadvantages of keyless ignition?

1. Chances of malfunction:
A keyless ignition system is eventually an electrical system that can sometimes fail. If your car battery dies, the system will not work, and you will get stuck.

2. Expensive to repair:
If your key fob gets lost or stops working, the service or changing the components is costly and time-consuming.

3. Risky:
The system can be risky as kids can easily switch on your car if you leave the key fob inside the car and go away, even for a minute. Moreover, there is a high risk of a person leaving the engine running and walking away when he forgets to push the "stop" switch. Your car engine will keep running until it runs out of fuel.

We cannot deny that the keyless ignition system is a fad we all love. It can be very convenient and useful if we use it carefully and keep constant track of where our key fob is. Always watch your car if you are moving out but are still in the radius. Your car's safety is your responsibility, and a car insurance policy provides us with similar safety and convenience as a keyless ignition system.

Gone are the days when you had to run behind an agent to get the car insurance policy of your wish. You need to go online, choose the best policy from a variety of available options, fill out the required details and buy car insurance policy online!

Click HERE to buy car insurance policy online.

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