GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Over the past decades, the emphasis on conventional methods of living has reduced with the monotonous nature of life. The desire to explore the unconventional and experiences that are out of the box has become the trend. While in the past, stability and ordinary lifestyles were chased after, it has been replaced by the desire to gain offbeat experiences.

One such changing trend is the demand for discreet and unusual travel experiences. Today, most travellers opt for unordinary travel itineraries focused on living in the present rather than run-of-the-mill standard tourist programs that showcase popular destinations.

As travel focuses on self-growth, the houseboat experience has seen a drastic increase in demand. Since India has ample water bodies, there are multiple places to experience this leisure activity that delivers a luxurious and rejuvenating feel.

However, since it is a unique activity, purchasing general insurance plans to protect your travel is ideal. Here are some of the best locations in India to experience living in houseboats.

1. Alleppey, Kerala:
Also known as God’s own country, the backwaters of Kerala are often discussed when talking about peaceful locations in India. With its lush greenery, dependence on fishing and allied activities and relaxed pace of life, Kerala is an ideal location for a stay in the houseboat. The local cuisine, pleasant weather and hospitable hosts make the experience unforgettable.

2. Sundarbans, West Bengal:
The Sundarbans are known to be the largest mangrove in the world. A houseboat stay in these mangroves is in stark contrast to the experience in any other location in India. This is the only region to showcase natural swampy habitats. Unlike others that focus on self-sustenance and peace amidst lush greenery, a houseboat stay in the Sundarbans is thrilling. A holiday on the houseboat is like a wildlife safari through the forest swamps. Since it is an unconventional travel experience, it is best to purchase general insurance plans in case of unforeseen mishaps during your travel.

3. Pondicherry:
The first thought that comes to mind at the mention of Pondicherry is the slow-paced life and quaint towns with picturesque architecture. Take a different route to explore the beauty of the location by opting for a houseboat and enjoying the impact of French and Tamilian culture in its architecture, people, and arts with scenic nature in the backdrop.

4. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir:
It is unlikely to talk about houseboats without citing Kashmir. Most popular on the Dal Lake and the Nagin Lake, a houseboat stay in Kashmir is unique as the houseboats are anchored at a spot. However, they are the embodiment of luxury and peace.
The wooden structure has adequate supplies to provide warmth in contrast to the cold outside. Waking up to the magnificent view of the snow-covered mountains, clear sky, and cold weather is unparalleled. The floating market and restaurants are other exciting activities that you can enjoy.

5. Tarkarli, Maharashtra:
Located in the serene Konkan belt, this is the only location in Maharashtra where one can enjoy a houseboat stay. Tarkarli is known for its clean beaches and sees lesser footfall than famous beaches in Goa, making for a peaceful getaway. A houseboat stay can be coupled with adventure sports like scuba diving or visits to the long beaches to make the most of the trip.

With time, houseboat stays have become a favoured option for a brief vacation for much-needed peace to escape the hectic lifestyle. While it is an excellent retreat, it is essential to consider the risks associated with the activity and purchase adequate cover in the form of general insurance plans to cover the burden of accidents during your travel.

Click HERE to browse different general insurance plans.

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.

Every year, millions of new bikes are registered in India, the fourth-largest automotive industry in the world. According to the World Bank, India is also responsible for 11% of all road fatalities worldwide due to the country's rapid automobile population growth and congested roads. So, everyone in the community must be responsible for obeying the traffic rules.

This post looks at the consequences that can happen when people break the law and drive on the wrong side of the road.

1. The dangers of wrong-side driving:
Wrong-side driving is a common violation in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the Motor Vehicle Act because traffic laws are often broken. As per the amendment in Motor Vehicle Act 2019, the penalties are INR 500-1000 and/or jail for 03 years.

2. Ensure no traffic violations:
It's important to remember that while driving, you are accountable for your safety and for other vehicles plying on the road. Say no to traffic offences and prevent wrong-side driving.

3. The potential danger of head-on collisions:
It is well known that drivers who cross the centre line or make a wrong turn onto an exit on a highway are the primary perpetrators of head-on collisions. Head-on and wrong-way driving crashes account for more than 10% of all bike accident fatalities.

4. Frequent crashes in the night:
Night-time is the most dangerous time for head-on collisions when visibility is reduced, and driver weariness is high. Due to the weather, motorists are more likely to drift into oncoming traffic lanes without realising it until it's too late.

5. Greater numbers of moving vehicles:
There are several valid reasons to avoid driving on the wrong side of the road. An increase in traffic volume can be one reason. For instance, the number of vehicles passing decreases by half when going with the flow from 30 mph to 15 mph, whereas it increases by 150% when going against traffic flow at the same pace. It results in a threefold rise in the volume of traffic.

6. Shorter reaction times:
The motorist and rider have less space and time to respond when the biker is on the wrong side of the road. Even the rider from the wrong direction diminishes his safety options from incoming vehicles. This can lead to confusion and possible collisions.

No matter how urgently you need to reach your destination, skipping the traffic by riding on the wrong side of the road is not a wise and legal thing to do. You will only invite accidents and unwanted problems for yourself by doing so. Rather stay in your lane and patiently wait for the traffic to get cleared than take risks and put others' lives at stake too. Follow the traffic rules and wear a helmet and safety gear for additional protection while riding.

As a responsible biker, you must know all the traffic rules and carry your driving licence and insurance policy before driving your bike. Also, consider getting bike insurance covering everything to protect your bike as much as possible from theft, accidents, and financial loss. You should compare different plans by visiting the websites of different insurance providers and buy the best bike insurance online India that is the right choice for you.

Click HERE to buy reliable bike insurance online 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.

Defensive driving is the technique in which you drive cautiously and smoothly, minimising the chances of engaging in an accident and damaging your car and that of third parties. Car accidents mainly occur due to reckless and rash driving. A defensive driver ensures that he drives carefully so that he does not engage in a collision.

Let us see why it is important to practice defensive driving and how it can benefit us.

1. Safety and security:
Defensive driving is necessary for your safety, security, and other vehicles on the road. Moreover, it can also save pedestrians around your vehicle from injuries and loss of life. It is an art that comes with planning and regular practice. You need to scan your surroundings and be alert while slowing down or changing lanes so that you do not collide with other cars on the street. A defensive driver believes that other drivers on the road can commit a mistake anytime while driving. Hence, he practices being perfect and better than them to leave no margin for errors.
Accidents prove very costly as you will have to get your car repaired if you meet with an accident. Raising an insurance claim for minor repairs is not advisable as you might lose on your NCB (No-claim Bonus). You will have to bear the cost of repairs and maintenance and the loss of time and effort spent on repairs. There is a high risk of loss of lives and valuable property in case of a severe accident. If you are a defensive driver, you can avoid such situations and practise disciplined driving.

2. Better mileage:
The most common reasons for poor mileage in a car are accelerating abruptly and driving in the high rpm range. You can go fast and enjoy the speed but will burn a lot more fuel and experience poor mileage in return.
A defensive driver always drives at a controlled speed, accelerates softly and maintains an economy rpm range that gives the best possible mileage. Also, he ensures that he does not brake abruptly and changes gears frequently. This helps to save on fuel costs and also prevent accidents due to over-speeding.

3. Low maintenance cost:
A defensive driver drives cautiously and with care to avoid getting hit by another vehicle. Because accidents pose a huge threat of scratches, dents, rubs, etc., on the vehicle that requires an immediate fix. Your car wouldn’t require frequent servicing because of your cautious driving style. You can benefit a lot from the low cost of maintenance and repairs.

4. Fewer traffic challans:
A defensive driver ensures that he does not skip red lights on crossings, over speeds, or enters a one-way road negligently. He is a vigilant and responsible driver. Hence, it is important to practice defensive driving as you will get none or very few traffic challans and save a lot of money and time.

Defensive driving is a skill that can be developed with constant practice, and by promising ourselves that we will not engage in brawls and fights on the road. Also, you must avoid changing lanes frequently, use proper and timely indicators and signals, and stay away from distractions such as the mobile phone while driving.

Good car insurance will benefit you in several ways. It takes care of your safety and security and helps you save on unnecessary repairs and maintenance expenditures in case of an accident. Also, you don’t need to go through emotional trauma and monetary loss if your car gets stolen, as your comprehensive insurance policy will take care of the financial loss and reimburse it. Buy car insurance online and stay stress-free by having a reliable safety net for your vehicle.

Click HERE to buy car insurance online to protect your valuable asset from damage.

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.

Zebra crossings worldwide provide pedestrians with a safe option to cross the roads amidst heavy traffic. While road rules might differ from country to country, the purpose of zebra crossing stays the same. When drivers see people waiting to cross the street at one end of the black-and-white stripes, they usually apply their brakes to allow pedestrians to cross the road.

However, unfortunately, most drivers tend to ignore the zebra crossing, nullifying the purpose and putting the safety of pedestrians at risk.

Skipping the zebra crossing deprives pedestrians of the chance to cross the road safely. And being ignorant on the road isn't just a threat to pedestrians; it also puts your vehicles at a high risk of damage. To avoid landing in such trouble and causing significant damage to your car, you must follow the traffic rules strictly and consider getting car insurance India to prevent monetary stress in unprecedented situations.

Where does the problem lie?

Many drivers don't obey traffic lights and make an emergency stop over the zebra crossings, making it hard for pedestrians to use the approved crossing path on roads that are already crowded. Surprisingly, although zebra crossings are present at busy intersections, traffic officials are somehow lenient toward automobiles occupying zebra crossings.

As a result, when attempting to cross the road, people frequently need to use their running skills to safely reach the other side without being hit by any vehicle. When the traffic lights malfunction, it becomes more challenging as the traffic is set loose.

Due to the chaotic traffic, school children wait several minutes to cross roads safely. Most kids assume that because they have learned about zebra crossing since they were little, cars will stop so that they may cross. However, the truth is different.

Unfortunately, many drivers don't know the importance of zebra crossings, and even the public works department doesn't care enough to paint them often. Public awareness campaigns on traffic etiquette are required.

Determining the requirement of a crossing.

Zebra crossings are used on roads with much traffic and where fewer people can cross the road at signal-controlled crossings. Many surveys of busy traffic intersections reveal that pedestrians find it extremely difficult to cross the road.

Also, personal injury accident data showed that most common accidents involving pedestrians happen at busy crossings.

If you're a pedestrian waiting at zebra crossings, then remember to:

● Give incoming traffic plenty of time to see you and stop before crossing

● Wait until both directions of incoming traffic have stopped or the road is clear before crossing

● Look for the traffic signals and avoid crossing in a hurry

If you're a driver, then remember to:

● Watch out for the traffic signal from far and accordingly prepare to halt

● Avoid halting over the zebra crossing and keep it clear for pedestrians to walk

● Never jump the traffic signal

Additionally, keep in mind that:

● Normal drivers tend to ignore crossings that are not frequently used

● Drivers require more time to manage their vehicles when the road is slick

● Cross the street only when the traffic is stopped

Drivers must keep all these things in mind while driving and follow the rules carefully to avoid collisions with pedestrians. Be responsible, follow traffic rules religiously, and avoid over-speeding on the roads. Prioritise your safety, fasten seat belts before beginning your journey, keep all the required documents handy, and purchase a valid insurance policy. Buy the best car insurance India not just because it is mandatory but more as a financial shield to protect you and your valuable asset in case of accidents.

Click HERE to buy reliable car insurance 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.