GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Roughly around six million people are flying somewhere every day. Air travel has become a necessity for most of us for multiple purposes; study, work, holiday, and different other reasons.

Air travel brings in a different excitement of seeing the world from a bird-eye view. But some of us are still terrified of travelling on an aeroplane. Air travel is not an easy game for all. These are all signs of aviophobia, from feeling groggy to having a panic attack during or before a flight. And this fear and anxiety can hold you back in your life. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you overcome the fear of flying before and during your flight.

1. Recognize your fear: Extreme avoidance of planes or anything in association with flying like airports is considered the fear of flight. According to psychologists, people with severe aerophobia organize their life around avoiding flying. When stepping onto a plane, you may be afraid of a single or a range of things like noises and sensations during takeoff and landing or sudden or prolonged turbulence. Therefore, it is crucial to figure out what triggers your flight-related anxiety so you can take steps to anticipate or avoid it.

There can also be underlying reasons for aerophobia such as claustrophobia – fear of enclosed spaces, agoraphobia – fear of crowds, acrophobia – fear of heights, or simply uneasiness of not being in control. It is necessary to treat these baseline anxieties. You can try taking small steps to deal with them; for instance, choosing the aisle seat will make you feel less restrained by giving you the freedom of movement. It will also help you avoid looking out of the window if you are uncomfortable with heights.

There can also be underlying reasons for aerophobia such as claustrophobia – fear of enclosed spaces, agoraphobia – fear of crowds, acrophobia – fear of heights, or simply uneasiness of not being in control. It is necessary to treat these baseline anxieties. You can try taking small steps to deal with them; for instance, choosing the aisle seat will make you feel less restrained by giving you the freedom of movement. It will also help you avoid looking out of the window if you are uncomfortable with heights.

2. Distractions can be saviours: Keep your mind off it. Many people can sleep the moment they are on a plane, but typically, people with aerophobia find it difficult to relax, let alone sleep. Therefore, to keep your mind occupied, we suggest you pack many distractions. Of course, it is sometimes impossible to concentrate on something when you have high levels of anxiety. But stuff like music, movies, books, magazines helps you pass the time and refrain from overthinking.

3. Educate yourself: If your aerophobia has got nothing to do with other phobias, then you are probably paranoid thinking anything, and everything is going wrong with your aircraft mid-flight. Instead of indulging in scary, unrealistic fantasies, educate yourself on some other interesting stuff, such as the reasons behind the switched-on seat belt sign. There are multiple resources offline, and online that educate you on what happens during different flying conditions. YouTube videos are always a great help. Many airline employees like pilots and air hostesses have their channels to explain how turbulence is uncomfortable and what safety measures are taken from their side that you might not know.

Of course, worrying about a person's well-being while flying is digestible, but it would be best if you did not fuss over the possible financial loss as there is online GENERAL INSURANCE available to secure your valuables.

So, are you ready to work on your fears to enjoy a good flight this year? For sure, it won't be easy at first, but eventually, you will overcome your fear. Some techniques may be helpful to you, and some downright not effective. So, you might want to experiment a little to find a strategy that works best for you.

Click HERE to know about health insurance policies that are the best for you!

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.

It's been a long and challenging time of social isolation, lockdowns, quarantines, and cancelled gatherings. But, finally, the series of missed opportunities have ended as more vaccines reach the arms, and the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 national lockdowns have progressively eased. Now, we have been allowed to socialise with our loved ones in ways we haven't been able to for a long time.

So, what better time to plan a reunion than now? It's time to take your travel bags out of your closet and put an end to these slumber times.

Below, we've talked about five great reunion spots for you and your loved ones to call home for a few days.

1. Goa, where vibes match your energy: If the most desired vacation in India had a name, it would most likely be Goa. Goa is as near a fantasy paradise as you can get and is a perfect blend of modern and traditional culture. You think of clean water beaches, enthralling water-sports activities, and crazy pubs and disco parties whenever you hear about Goa. But, wait, Goa is much more than that. The best Goan seafood, a historical Portuguese colony with a distinct charm and the Goan culture has no parallel. Since the proclamation of a nationwide lockdown in March, Goa has been one of the most eagerly awaited tourist destinations. It's the right time to plan a trip and make a vibe – Goa is ON!

2. Darjeeling, a paradise for tea lovers: Located in the Kanchenjunga range of the mighty Himalayas, Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station in the Northern region of West Bengal, which has earned itself the moniker of 'Queen of Hills.'

Rightly so, Darjeeling works wonders to cater to the magnificent Himalayan scenery, offering a blend of splendid tea plantations on steep mountain slopes, toy train trips through the beautiful city, and exquisite traditional Tibetan food. So if you want to cool off and spend time in the arms of mother nature, Darjeeling is the place to be.

3. Rishikesh, discover adventure with spirituality: Commonly known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh is part of India's beautiful state of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is a place that truly epitomises the word serenity since there are several ghats and ashrams for you to rediscover yourself amid the world's craziness.
Go river rafting in the river Ganga or thrilling treks in the Himalayas; there's something for everyone. Rishikesh is catching the attention of travellers massively after the ease of lockdown restrictions. It will help you wake your spiritual side and enlighten your mood in peaceful surroundings.

4. Coorg, mountains calling: Coorg is part of the scenic state of Karnataka. Located halfway between Mysore and Mangalore, it appears to be a sliver of heaven that has strayed from God's realm. Coorg is a land of rolling hills, evergreen jungles, spices, and coffee farms. Fall in love with soothing sunrises, pristine air and heart-throbbing views of mighty elephants while sipping on a cup of famous Coorg coffee.

5. Munnar, surrender to serenity: Part of God's Own Country, Munnar is one of India's most famous hill stations. It is a destination with an abundance of natural beauty to see, experience, and enjoy. It is a land of virgin woods, beautiful hills, Savannahs, gorgeous valleys, countless streams, magnificent waterfalls, extensive tea plantations, and winding walks that are sufficient to calm your exhausted minds. Reside in the abode of greenery with your loved ones by visiting Munnar.

Have you decided on a destination for your reunions yet? If not, plan it soon, but remember that the pandemic has not ended yet, so you must abide by all Covid protocols. Also, don't skip the most crucial part of your trip: being safe and keeping others around you safe. Have reliable car insurance, and if you have one, check for your car insurance renewal before you pack your bags and set out for an adventure.

Click HERE to know about the best car insurance renewal deals that you can get.

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.

There was a time when only those with unbelievable daring and high tolerance levels could enjoy rock climbing. But today, time is changing; with modern gears and professional instructors, anyone with passion and some training can exercise the sport of climbing.
Mountain climbing is the sport of climbing rocky surfaces with the aid of ropes and equipment. The goal is to reach an endpoint or a summit of a structure.

It is a physically demanding sport that combines fitness and agility with mental strength. It forces you to push your body's ability further to conquer an ascend or traverse. It may be difficult for some, but that is just another positive aspect of the adventure. The activity gives you a mental and physical boost with an immense sense of accomplishment.

One of the significant benefits is boosting your leadership qualities. As rock climbing is a preferred group activity, it becomes the ultimate classroom with lessons applicable to all aspects of life, including business, management, and leadership.

So, here are some of the important lessons you learn during your way up that eventually make a big difference in your leadership skills.

Trust – important of all! Trust and confidence within the team of climbers is a quintessential skill required during mountain climbing. You may enter situations where your life depends upon your teammate's abilities, and for this, their capability and competence must convince you. Trust cannot be earned or given in a moment. It requires several sub qualities like confidence, proficiency, transparency, and patience. You need to be familiar with each other's strengths and weaknesses and to be confident about relying on someone in the future.

Everyone has their fortes in climbing. For example, some are proficient in rock climbing, whereas others secure the rope while your partner climbs, so we must trust each other to lead when necessary. These are qualities of a good leader that he acts as a team player and not a commander.

Decision making – a remarkable ability! The adventure compels you to make many pivotal and critical decisions during your climb. Your one wrong decision can lead to a consequential mission termination, delay conquering the rock or even a mishap. It requires clarity of mind to work through solving problems. Being able to prioritise and understand the bigger picture is critical to navigating through obstacles.

A great way of decision-making in such environmental conditions is the OODA loop used by the US military. OODA stands for observe, orient, decide and act. OODA is a four-step loop approach that focuses on decision making by filtering available information, putting it in context, and making the most appropriate decision while understanding that alterations should be made (if necessary) when more data is gathered. It is helpful in scenarios where the ability to react to changing circumstances is vital.

Another leadership quality is 'care and concern'. No doubt on the hike, you look out for each other, but that is not enough. Ensure that everyone has a personal accident insurance policy, as it is a necessity that many may overlook.

Is a good leader enough for a successful trek trip? Absolutely not! Every individual requires a skill set for this sport. Skills of navigation, communications, survival, and climbing are all necessary. In addition, rock climbing requires courage and determination. The hard work of ascending is worth the peace at the top.

Click HERE to know more about our personal accident insurance policy.

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.

Women taking over the world has defeated the dependency on others to get things done. Female drivers are just another example of this scenario as they are considered safer drivers than males.

However, the risks for women on the road are twice as compared; especially if you are a lady driving alone as you are exposed to many dangers. A female driver needs to be extra cautious to avoid undesirable events such as falling victim to hijacking, stalking, assault, or worse, murders. Here are a few tips to prevent from these situations happening and keep you driving safe.

1. Maintain your vehicle:

• Maintenance will assure you fewer chances of the vehicle breaking down midway through your journey.

• Get the car thoroughly checked before every long trip and in regular intervals for daily commute.

• Do not forget to keep an eye on the fuel indicator.

• Look out for unfamiliar noises of the car and get it checked from a reputed garage immediately.

2. Learn the basics:

• Acquire complete knowledge of the car, including its engine capacity, tyres, oil, and fuel capacity.

• Every female driver should know how to change a flat tyre, jumpstart the battery, clean up the carburettor, etc.

• Top up your oil, antifreeze whenever needed.

3. On-road safety:

• Lock the car doors first as soon as you enter.

• Park the car in a settled area and check your backseat when you get in the vehicle.

• Do not interact with anyone on the road.

• Never offer a ride to strangers, especially when alone.

• Always inform at least one person from your circle about your trip details and plans.

• Avoid pulling over at dark and isolated places.

• Install a certified GPS device in the car and give access to your close people

4. Driving suggestions:

• Beware of easy distractions such as using your phone, loud music, zoning out, eating or drinking. You need to keep your eyes on the road and stay alert while driving.

• When required to stop, make sure to turn on the flashers and then pull over slowly.

• Flashers should be on in case of breakdowns, illegal parking, tyre change, lousy weather or slowing down to exit.

• If you notice someone following your car, drive to the closest police station to get help.

• Honk your horn only in critical situations like blind turns, warning someone, to avoid collisions or possibly dangerous circumstances.

• Maintain a distance of at least 8-10 feet from every vehicle ahead of you.

5. Insure your vehicle:

• Refrain from driving without car insurance.

• Insurance can serve as a support aid when caught in unfortunate situations such as road accidents, breakage, etc.

• The insurance company will also track down your location and reach there in emergencies.

• Keep your car insurance up to date. Car insurance renewal is requisite when it is about to expire or expired.

Driving alone is not always scary and of insecurity. Yet, women have to take precautions to ignore indulging in misfortunate events and be their own protector. Increase your safety while driving by being alert, paying attention to your surroundings, keeping your car maintained, car insurance renewal before expiry, follow driving instructions and so on. We hope that these tips will add to your security and keep you guarded when driving around alone.

Click HERE to know more about car insurance assistance.

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.