GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

While buying a car is hectic and time-consuming, learning how to drive a vehicle is a different ball game. We all know that Indian roads are chaotic, and sadly, the strict implementation of traffic rules is lacking. People are ignorant of the traffic rules. The high number of vehicles on the road makes it difficult for the traffic police to control the cars and catch the ones breaking the regulations, thus encouraging the environment of neglect. New learners find it challenging to navigate the roads under such conditions and risk a massive chance of landing in or creating an accident or collision with other vehicles, poles, and bumpers if they are not extremely vigilant.

Considering the above reasons, it is imperative for any potential learner or driver must pass a driving test with good scores or grades to show their understanding and make them eligible for driving on the road.

This driving test examines a candidate based on a written and practical test. Both these tests are focused on your knowledge of the traffic rules and road conditions, situational risks and solutions to avoid any accidents, and a practical display of your driving skills catering to the tasks given by your examiner. This driving test is extensive and essential, which is why many test takers get nervous before the test.

Are you someone who gets the pre-exam jitters that makes you anxious about the upcoming test and interview? Well, do not worry. This blog has the best tips to overcome your driving test nerves. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Confidence is key:
It would be best if you assured yourself that you are ready. You have studied well for the test and practised your driving skills enough times to be confident that you will pass your test with flying colours. You need to be satisfied that you will not be able to take this test until and unless your driving instructor thinks you are ready. So, if you are applying for this examination, you must avoid hyping up the test and magnifying its importance to make yourself anxious. This test will examine your skills in something you have done many times already.

2. Do not tell everyone:
Avoid telling everyone that you are about to take your driving test. Keeping it a secret will help you avoid the millions of tips and techniques people will say to you, and various negative reviews you might come across will make you more nervous and break your confidence. Losing confidence is not something you can risk. So, avoid revealing your test dates and take the pressure off.

3. Never skip your meals:
Skipping your food and having anxiety about your performance on the test is not a favourable combination. It might make you weak or cause a panic attack, which will eventually force your examiner to declare you unfit for the test, and you might have to reapply and go through the hassle again. Therefore, have a light meal, like some fruits, salad, or something which is fulfilling and energetic and does not make you drowsy.

Some other tips to overcome your driving test nerves include:

● Using the washroom before you go in for the test

● Washing your face lightly to wean off the pressure

● Chatting with your driving instructor to create a normal atmosphere

● Not consuming caffeine for a couple of days before the test

● Consider the actual test to be a mock examination

● Carry a jacket in case the exam hall gets cold

● Avoid too much revising on the day of the test

● Arrive at the test centre well in advance to give yourself some time to calm down and understand the procedure of the test

These are some of the best tips to overcome your driving test nerves. Follow them righteously, and you will pass the test with ease. And while we talk about driving tests, we should discuss the necessity of purchasing car insurance too. After getting your driving licence, car insurance is the next essential document you need to drive a car legally. Compare new car insurance rates and consider other factors before buying a policy.

Click HERE to learn more about comparing new car insurance rates.

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.

Purchasing a home is a long, chaotic and hectic process. In addition to the budget, multiple other things come into consideration when you plan to buy a house. With several financial and real estate scams happening around, it becomes challenging to be decisive about purchasing a house. Several apps, real estate agencies, and brokers claim to help you find your dream space.

But how would you know if you are being scammed under the name of getting the best deal worked out “especially for you” or if you are getting the best price for your house? Do not worry. This blog lists the best hacks for home buyers to make them aware of what they need to know beforehand and purchase their dream home at the best price.

1. Talk to your bank:
There is a certain urge to move into your dream place. But before you get the ball rolling on your shifting, make sure that you communicate with your bank about getting a pre-approved loan. The bank must be ready to grant you the loan at a certain set rate. In addition, getting pre-approved from the bank also acts as a symbol of trust and confirmation for the agents and house sellers on your house deal.

2. Dig a little deep:
When you are looking into properties that are available for sale, be it a new construction or an old one, always investigate thoroughly. You should seek information on the reasons why the property is on sale.
And if the agent or the seller is in a hurry to sell the house, more often than you might predict, it could be a potential red flag which should lead you to dig a little deeper and see if you are willing to purchase that particular house or property. Only make your offer after you have all the details.

3. Be smart about your offers:
While low-balling on the prices is practised in our culture, it might get risky if the market on your property or potential dream home is competitive. You might lose the opportunity to negotiate further on your offer. So, gather some information on the comparable bids, do little calculations and come up with the best price in your first shot at the proposal.

4. Keep an eye out for the inspection:
You must be very vigilant about the inspection results when the home inspector comes and checks out the place. If your deal has been finalised and accepted and your home inspector finds any issue which can cause discomfort in the future, you need to get in touch with the seller as soon as possible.
Have a polite discussion with the agent or the seller to bear the repair charges or negotiate the price again to bring it down a little, keeping in mind the damages (this would be a wiser decision).

Some other tips include offering a quicker final decision/closing, negotiating respectfully, discussing the amenities in detail, and making yourself ready to compromise a little. These tips will prove handy to you when you go out looking for your future home.

We hope the blog was helpful and gave you the information you wanted. While we are on the subject of buying homes, it is essential that you also look into the home insurance option in advance to avoid the hassle of piling things up for the end. Purchasing the best home insurance policy in India will help you protect your home and your family from unfortunate circumstances and avoid monetary stress during such times of distress.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can buy the best home insurance 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.

When we say “water is life”, it is more a reality than a necessity. A day without running water in the pipelines of our house can be torturous, as we will not be able to take baths, use the washrooms or cook. This is where our home’s plumbing system plays a crucial role.

A plumbing system in any house is usually very complex. It is beneath the floors or hidden behind the walls. Hence, any fault associated with it cannot be repaired easily without damaging the walls or the floor. Therefore, it is vital to understand the plumbing network and how it works at home.

Main components:
The main components of the plumbing system are supply, drainage, and venting. These components help to separate the potable water from the wastewater. This ensures that we get fresh water for personal consumption while the wastewater is thrown away through the drainage system.

Modus operandi:
The water supply system in our home works with the help of water pressure. Good water pressure is essential for the free and uninterrupted flow of water in all taps and showers in our home. Pressure carries the water from the tank or source of supply to the kitchen, bathroom, or wherever we need it. The water supply system functions with the help of pipes, valves, faucets, and plumbing fittings.

The drainage system works by using gravitational force. The drainage pipes are downward sloping to direct the wastewater to the sewage line or the septic tank. This ensures that the wastewater does not flow back out of the drain and spoil your home.

Vents in the plumbing system are as important as the water supply and drainage systems. We can usually see these vents emerging from the roof of our house. They emit air into the drainage pipes, so the sewage gases do not mix in the drains. This air ensures that the traps in the drains do not open, and the entire plumbing system does not get contaminated and malfunction.

Hot water:
Getting hot water through your taps adds an extra step in the journey of the cold water. The cold water first flows to the electric geyser or natural gas water heater. If you plan to install the geyser in or near your bathroom, it involves laying off a few extra pipes through which cold water will reach the geyser, and hot water will flow back to the taps, faucets, or the kitchen.

However, if you plan to install a bigger water heater on your terrace, such as a solar-panel-enabled water heater, you must plan the plumbing system properly. It will involve a complex network of pipes that will take the cold water to the heating system and distribute it back into your home.

Supply shut-offs:
Nowadays, homes are equipped with individual supply shut-offs for freshwater in every bathroom, kitchen, or balconies and washing area. We need to simply shut off the respective valve where we are planning repair work. All individuals at home should also be aware of the main shut-off valve so that anyone can restrict the water supply to the entire house in case of any emergency or malfunction.

We only realise the importance of a good plumbing system at home when it malfunctions and needs repair. As we use this system hundreds of times daily, we must ensure it is top-quality.

Similarly, we need to ensure a good home insurance policy that takes care of our house and well-being by protecting it against damages arising from theft, fire, earthquakes, etc. We accept the importance of a home insurance policy only when the actual damage occurs. So why wait for such instances? Go for the best home insurance in India and keep your worries aside.

Click HERE to buy the best home 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.

You have saved money for a long time to be able to finally buy your dream car and bring it home. It is a special feeling to give whatever it takes to turn your dream into a reality. However, you should know the various aspects of car buying in India. Before you consider buying a car, you need to understand the difference between the ex-showroom price and the on-road price.

If you don't know what these two terms mean, this article will help you. You will be familiarised with everything that can determine your car's price and help you consider all these parameters before you invest money in a car.

*pro-tip
You should always buy new car insurance for your car to keep it secure and take care of the expenses against any unforeseen accidents.

What is the Ex-showroom price?

The ex-showroom price is a price tag posted on various vehicles like cars or bikes in the showroom. It does not include road taxes, RTO registration, insurance, etc.

To understand the price at the ex-showroom, you need to know that:

● The ex-showroom price is the price you see being advertised on television, the internet, and on the car manufacturer’s website and brochures.

● You need to pay the additional amount for road tax, the registration fee for RTO, and insurance before you own a car. If you do not, you can be charged with a variety of penalties or challans in India.

● The price displayed as the ex-showroom price includes GST, ex-factory cost, and profit margins.

What is the On-road price?

The on-road price of a vehicle refers to the total price you pay to start driving the vehicle on the road. Simply buying the vehicle from the showroom is not enough. You must pay for several other things if you legally want to drive your car in India.
Some important things to consider under the on-road price are:

● It includes a variety of prices like ex-showroom price, registration fee, road tax, and insurance policy, among others.

● If you need any new accessories, they will also be added to your final bill with applicable taxes.

Difference between On-Road and Ex-Showroom price:

1. The ex-showroom price is the price tag excluding other factors like tax, insurance, and registration fee. The on-road price uses all the additional charges: life insurance policy, road tax, registration fee of RTO, and so on.

2. The ex-showroom price does not justify the final price of your car. You need to pay a lot of additional costs. On the other hand, the on-road price is the final price of a vehicle. You need not pay additional costs.

This gives you enough insight into how the car is priced at the showrooms. The price you see on the internet is clickbait to lure you into buying the car. You should be fully aware of the on-road price of a car before you buy it. This will help you analyse your budget better and prevent you from going overboard with your decision. You should also buy new car insurance that gives the best insurance coverage against any mishaps.

Click HERE to buy new car insurance to safeguard your valuable asset.

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.