GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Imagine going on an outstation vacation in your car with your spouse and kids, and your car breaks down midway. You come to an abrupt halt, worried and looking for immediate help to safely get you back to your home or desired destination. Things can be worse when your car breaks down in an emergency.

A car breakdown is always a stressful and harrowing experience. It can be disturbing, especially when you are on a highway. It can leave you helpless and stranded, with usually no assistance in sight for a long distance.

Does this thought scare you? Fret not! Let us go through a few steps you must follow while dealing with a car breakdown. By implementing them, you can rescue yourself from the chaotic situation safely.

1. Pull off the road
If you feel that your car is taking jerks, or is not responding to acceleration or braking, immediately try to pull your vehicle to the side of the road, away from the running traffic. Do the same if you see smoke from the bonnet or inside your car.

Pulling on the side will ensure you are not stuck in the middle of the road with a broken car. It will provide you with some space to look into the breakdown and get it repaired. Also, it is the best action for your safety and your co-passengers.

2. Put on the emergency brakes
Put on the parking or emergency brake when your car is stationary on the side of the road. This will prevent your vehicle from moving forward or backward while repairing it. Be extra careful while parking your car on a hill or a slope. You should turn the steering, so the wheels turn away from the road. Place some bricks or a similar barrier to prevent your car from rolling forward or backward.

3. Switch on your hazard lights
As soon as you have pulled up on the sides, switch on your car's hazard lights. The vehicles approaching the road will know you are stationary and will not line up behind you.

Turning on the hazard lights is extremely important if your car has broken down on a highway. There may not be proper streetlights, and the other vehicles on highways move at high speed, causing a risky situation for you. The hazard lights will announce your stationary position on the road.

4. Use reflective triangles
Your car has reflective triangles in the back for such emergency use. Take them out and keep them at the back or sides of your vehicle. This will make your car visible in the dark and alert the moving traffic.

5. Look for an assistance
After ensuring that you and your car are safe, call the Roadside Assistance number. If you have bought an RSA membership plan, the company will send help to you immediately. You can contact any paid RSA service providers who will also tow your car to the nearest service station for some charges. You can also look for a good car mechanic nearby, ask for his help and get your car started if the glitch is minor. This can be a time-saving and simple solution.

A car breakdown can happen anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. Hence, we should always be mentally prepared for it and take action accordingly. Getting nervous and making hasty decisions can worsen your situation rather than improve it.

You can buy a roadside assistance top-up along with your motor insurance policy which can be immensely helpful in such situations. Choose the motor insurance company that can provide reliable services at the most economical cost and stay tension-free on your drives. Lastly, thoroughly service your car before planning a long-distance journey.

Click HERE to buy coverage from the best motor insurance company.

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.

Most people may have experienced a burning sensation in their chest at least once. Associated with discomfort and heaviness, the feeling may not appear severe but can be life-threatening. Typically, it is a symptom of gastrointestinal issues and lung problems. Considering the frequency and ubiquitous occurrence of this issue, it becomes essential to buy health insurance online.

There are several reasons for the burning sensation, like stomach ulcers and panic attacks. The likelihood of experiencing a burning feeling in your chest can rise because of reduced blood flow and lung inflammation. But if you feel discomfort in your chest, consult your doctor as soon as possible because it can be related to other severe issues.

But did you know that acid reflux can also be a cause of experiencing discomfort in your chest? Acid reflux is caused by heartburn, a burning sensation mainly because of stomach acid. It can affect people of all ages. Hectic lifestyles and poor health management habits are the contributors to this condition. Many risk factors cause acid reflux, some of which can be serious. It may occur due to smoking, pregnancy, low physical exercise, obesity, etc.

Let's dive deeper to understand acid reflux.

Why does acid reflux happen?
The stomach contains hydrochloric acid, a chemical that reacts with the food and breaks it down. This helps in preventing bacterial growth in the stomach. The ring of the muscle usually acts as a valve that lets food to the stomach but does not back up into the oesophagus. If this valve fails, the stomach content regurgitates into the oesophagus, forming acid reflux. And by this, a person may feel a burning sensation in the chest.

What are the risk factors of acid reflux?
Sometimes, acid reflux happens for absolutely no reason. But there are several risk factors that you should know.

● Active smoking
● Low level of physical exercises
● Pregnancy
● Obesity
● Excessive consumption of caffeine
● Consuming spicy and fatty foods
● Drinking multiple acidic juices
● Eating fast foods

How does acid reflux feel?
Heartburn is the primary symptom of acid reflux. It's a horrific burning sensation that starts in the oesophagus and leads to discomfort in the chest too. It gets worse while lying down and can last for several hours. Sometimes, the stomach fluid can reach the back of the throat, producing a bitter taste and a disturbed peace of mind.

Symptoms of acid reflux
● Heartburn
● A sour, bitter taste in the mouth
● Bloating in the stomach
● Vomit with blood
● A feeling that fluid is stuck in your throat
● Nausea
● Constant weight loss
● Dry cough or sore throat
Causes of acid reflux
Several reasons cause acid reflux, some of which are:
● Eating larger meals at a time and immediately lying down
● Drinking a large amount of alcohol, caffeine, tea, or any acidic juices
● Eating citric foods such as tomatoes, mint, garlic, and spicy foods
● Pregnancy changes

Treatments for acid reflux
There are several ways to avoid acid reflux, including:
● Quit smoking
● Eat smaller meals throughout the day and modify your food types
● Try to sleep in a chair in the daytime for small naps
● Do not wear tight clothes
● Lose weight and change your diet
● Indulge in physical activity

If you have had an acid reflux problem for over a week, you must consult your doctor for medications. It may happen due to several lifestyle changes. It is a common concern but cannot be brushed off, as it may be life-threatening sometimes. In mild cases, simple medicines may resolve your issue. However, for recurring problems, doctors may recommend surgery to cure acid refluxes. Considering the increasing medical inflation and health-related expenses, it is essential to buy health insurance online for your safety against hospitalisation expenses.

Click HERE to buy health 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 many diverse places you can visit with friends and family to unwind and revitalise yourself after months of excessive work-life. These places always give you a fresh perspective and mesmerise you with renewed zeal.

One such prominent place is– Auroville in Pondicherry. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and continues to be one of Pondicherry's most popular places to visit. It is an experimental township where people of all nationalities, castes, races, creeds, and religions live together peacefully.

Auroville is spread over a wide area and was constructed by the famous architect Roger Anger. The structures present inside the premises of Auroville are rare, magnificent, and unique. Every nook and corner of this place elicits only peace and serenity. If you're looking for a place to find inner peace, consider spending a few days in Auroville.

Before you embark on your journey, you should opt for the best personal accident policy in India to ensure safety during your journey.

Here's a list of the best places to visit in Auroville.

1. Matrimandir
Matrimandir is one of the most renowned and beautiful places in Auroville. The temple consists of a golden dome that is made of petal-like structures. It is huge yet beautiful in every possible way. This temple is not dedicated to the preaching of just one religion. It is for anyone and everyone who is seeking moments of inner peace. You can visit the temple and see the chambers to meditate and find solace.

2. Quiet Healing Centre
If you love pampering yourself with relaxing massage and spa sessions, this is your go-to place in Auroville. This healing centre was inaugurated in 1997. It provides a stunning ocean backdrop and gives you ample ways to relax. You can indulge in Thai, Shiatsu, and deep tissue massage. The main aim of this place is to soothe your mind and body.

3. Botanical gardens
If you love plants, then this is your place to be. Different species of plants will surround you. A green blanket of bushes and trees will captivate your senses in this serene place. About 250 different species of plants can be found here. You can simply relax or stroll through them. There is also an educational centre nearby. You can explore it to get intriguing information.

4. Savitri Bhawan
Named after one of the most famous poems of Sri Aurobindo, the Savitri Bhawan features the teachings of Aurobindo. There are various ancient and modern paintings that you can witness here. The walls here are adorned with paintings that display the poetic lines of Sri Aurobindo. There is also a reading room with various books projecting his view on life. This place is a paradise for literature lovers.

5. Adishakti laboratory for theatre arts and research
If you are a theatre enthusiast, this place will appeal to you. You can catch some experienced actors performing here. Many workshops on theatre and acting are regularly held here. You can get some advice from the actors and enjoy valuable insights into acting.

There are many places to visit and explore in Auroville. This exceptional township is an embodiment of unity, integrity, and brotherhood. You need to visit it once in your life to witness this beauty for yourself. Whenever you plan to travel, ensure that you buy the best personal accident policy in India. Accidents come unannounced. Hence you need to be prepared. Invest in the best personal accident policy in India and prepare to enjoy your stress-free trip!

Click HERE to buy the best personal accident policy 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.

The trend of automobiles that exude luxury isn't on the decline anytime soon. With several unique yet functional features rolled out by top manufacturers to entice drivers, the automobile sector continues to evolve.

Sunroofs are one such feature that has been in the market for long enough but continues to catch the fancy of many automobile owners. While they let in the fresh air and natural light on the go, many owners avoid purchasing cars with sunroofs because they fear excessive maintenance.

If you feel the same, here are some tips to keep your car's sunroof in good condition:

1. Clean it frequently
Dust and debris can easily get lodged inside the sunroof due to its positioning. The component's performance will be compromised if it gathers trash and dust particles beside and within. It is essential to clean the sunroof from top to bottom, including the areas surrounding it. Your car's sunroof will remain spotless and operate smoothly with regular cleaning.

2. Annual deep clean
You should thoroughly clean your car's sunroof once a year with the following:

● Clean the sunroof properly
● Now pump low-pressure air through the drain tubes to clean the trough
● The last step is to insert a thin, flexible, non-puncturing wire into a drain tube, twist it anticlockwise, clockwise again, and gently push it farther into the line.

3. Use appropriate cleaning products
Never use any cleaning agent or solution to clean the sunroof. You can harm the quality of the rubber seal in the sunroof by using a harsh or improper cleaning agent. The best advice from professionals for cleaning a sunroof is to use warm tap water or isopropyl alcohol (IPA). 4. Set it free to move
Inspect the working parts of your car's sunroof if it sticks or seems to be moving slowly to look for cracked or stripped gears or a build-up of dirt and debris. To find the location of the issue, start your car and cycle the roof between the open, closed, and vent positions. After a few cycles, clean everything if it works more smoothly, and lightly lubricate all visible moving components with a mild, heat-resistant grease. If you hear a squeaking noise or see the sunroof not opening and closing correctly, visit an expert mechanic to rectify the problem.

5. Look for rust around the hinges
You should check the mounting hardware for any signs of rust or wear and tear if the sunroof in your automobile is manually operated. Moisture can also cause it to corrode. The hardware won't rust or sustain any damage if it is properly maintained. You should pay close attention to the mounting hardware and clean it properly when cleaning the sunroof.

6. Lubricate the moving parts
Lubrication is necessary for a sunroof's moving parts to operate effectively. But, using the proper grease is crucial to ensure efficient and trouble-free operation. Conventional mineral grease is inappropriate for lubricating components in a sunroof. For this, you must use heat-resistant grease. This grease is designed for high temperatures.

7. Pay close attention to any unusual sounds
Remember to listen for any odd noises from your sunroof while opening and closing it. When opened and closed, you must adequately clean the sunroof if it makes a scraping noise. The sunroof auto glass is likely to shatter if there is a popping sound. Consequently, before the issue worsens, it is critical to seek professional assistance.

The correct operation of a sunroof depends on regular maintenance. Your sunroof can get damaged due to improper care. Take your car to a service centre that fixes auto glass if the sunroof makes odd noises even after proper maintenance. While we are discussing your car's upkeep, it is also crucial to buy car insurance. Reliable car insurance can protect your asset from mishaps and monetary stress.

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.