GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

The pandemic significantly impacted every business globally, and the maritime logistics sector was no exception. However, this industry will continue to grow as the supply and demand cycle returns on track post-pandemic.

Maritime logistics involve preparing, implementing, and managing goods and information necessary for ocean carriage. Transporting goods via the ocean route is profitable, but it still has some risks, such as the loss or damage of goods. Marine insurance is a must, as it covers damage that may occur during transit between the starting point and the destination.

With the insurance cover, you can safely run your business, but you will need to stay updated about the latest trends. Here's a list of a few logistics trends significantly influencing the industry.

1. Circular supply chains:
The pandemic made many business owners realise they had to change their approach to developing shipping routes. It helps many businesses develop an alternate, more sustainable supply chain model for future global emergencies.
Shortening the current supply chain structure reduces ocean transit time and allows the industry to adopt an eco-friendlier approach and thereby improving product longevity.

2. New methods for data collection:
Maritime logistics also helps researchers and scientists to provide crucial statistics and weather forecasts. The researchers collect data from ships travelling in different oceans in various regions worldwide to predict weather and make other observations to curate possible solutions for efficient logistics.
The pandemic had put a brake on logistics which caused a lack of data collection for researchers. This made it challenging for researchers to provide accurate weather forecasting and analyse other crucial statistics. Now, researchers are using new methods like marine weather buoys for precise weather forecasts.

3. Automation and Digitalisation:
Tech-based automation shows significance in every sector and a strong future scope. For instance, many warehouses adopt automated processes such as cargo handlers, stacking cranes, unmanned unloaders, and more to improve efficiency and revenue.
Technology also makes the documentation and paperwork process digital. The digitalisation helps boost the organisation's productivity by improving turnaround time and work efficiency. You can expect automation and digitalisation to be an integral part of maritime logistics.

4. Real-time data visibility:
Live location becomes popular demand from consumers and clients. Trading partners and customers expect updates on order locations. With supply chain visibility, business owners help monitor order shipments and provide the clients with updated status of their goods. Knowing the real-time status of your shipping enables you to ensure that your ship and the goods are safe.

5. Systematic policy response:
The pandemic also caused the necessity of a systematic global policy for the logistics industry. Many new policies emerged as the demand for more features and coverage for international shipments. The logistics industry can witness more emergency policy response that helps maritime operations to have resilient and agile transport systems.

6. Decarbonisation:
Carbon emissions have been a major global problem for the last decade. Logistics ships are the main culprits for heavy oil emissions. These days, the enforcement of controlled carbon emissions has become strict, causing maritime operators to opt for fuel-efficient routes. The IMO (International Maritime Organization) aims to reduce greenhouse emissions and the carbon emissions caused by shipping by 40% in the next ten years.

Understanding the demands of consumers and the need for technology in the logistics process is the need of the hour to strengthen the maritime logistics sector in India. Business owners must plan and implement new trends in their logistics businesses to create better growth opportunities. Shortening supply chains can help lower carbon emissions and benefit the environment. Similarly, it would help if you also considered getting marine insurance to provide reliable coverage against losses due to damage to goods during sea transit.

Click HERE to buy marine 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.

Convenience is the need of the hour during the age of rapid growth. It is common to see newly developed inventions being phased out shortly after a better discovery is made that serves the purpose and facilitates the fast pace of human life. One exception to this general rule is the case of two-wheelers in the Indian automotive market.

Two-wheelers are inexpensive compared to cars, making them an obvious choice for the economically impoverished. On the other hand, with the increasing demand for convenience, vehicles on the road keep increasing every year, inevitably increasing traffic. The easiest way to navigate through traffic is by travelling on a two-wheeler, which makes switching lanes and parking relatively easier.

Even if you do not own a two-wheeler, it is an exciting product yet to reach its maturity and full potential. Until then, we can expect extensive developments to reform it into a futuristic commuting option. Simultaneously, as two wheeler insurance online gains popularity, enhanced safety of the riders can be ensured to minimise accidents and their financial burden.

If this is not enough to excite you about two wheelers, here are some interesting facts that will surely do the trick!

1. Rural areas drive demand:
Usually, urban demand for a product is expected to be greater than that from rural and semi-urban areas. However, while two-wheelers enjoy demand across the country, rural and semi-urban regions have continuous demand. About 50-60% of the 2-wheeler market is catered to rural areas. This demand is quite volatile as their income is comparatively low and susceptible to changes in prices of commodities like vehicles themselves or fuel rates.

2. Expected YoY growth:
Before the pandemic, the market for 2-wheelers was expected to grow at least by a prudent 10% each year. However, when comparing the sales of September 2019 and 2022, an evident exponential jump in sales has been noticed, proving its utility.

3. Hike in prices:
Since the pandemic, supply shortages have led to increases in raw materials prices, which have ultimately been passed on to the customers in the case of most consumer products. In addition, the consistently increasing production costs and the rising inflation rates have left two wheeler makers with no choice but to hike up vehicle prices.
This has been a significant factor that has made buyers hesitant to purchase two wheelers, as current prices are up by almost 15-20% compared to the pre-pandemic rates.

4. Gearless scooters see equivalent demand:
The ease of maintenance, relative inexpensiveness, and convenient usage make gearless two wheelers a popular option in India. It is common to see more and more gearless scooters on the roads, which speaks for its popularity.

5. Growth of electric scooters:
While the market is presently dominated by vehicles that run on fuel, a slow transition to electric vehicles has been noticed in cars and scooters. The total share of electric two-wheelers in the Indian market was around 3.5% as of July 2022, and the government has a vision of achieving 100% penetration by 2027. Although the numbers are minimal now, it shows the interest of the Indian consumer and the possibilities of the future.

The Indian two wheeler sector continues to grow despite all odds, some years at a slower pace than usual. While the vehicle provides convenience, it is essential to emphasise one’s security when riding a two wheeler and follow all necessary safety precautions. It is critical to purchase two wheeler insurance to prevent the financial strain any mishap may cause.

Two wheeler insurance online is a trending option that simplifies the process without having to leave the comfort of your home and provides an easy comparison between alternatives. With two wheeler insurance online, you get the advantages of affordable premiums, great deals, continuous customer support, and a seamless experience.

Click HERE to buy two wheeler 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.

Fire in a house can be devastating and bring the entire house down to ashes in just a few moments. You need to be very cautious with the flammable items in your home as they can threaten your life, including your family and valuable assets.

A fire outbreak can be due to several reasons, most of which are beyond our control. Still, we can control the spread of fire, douse it with the help of fire safety equipment, and recover the damages with the benefits of buying fire insurance online.

Let’s first go through a few flammable items in our house that we must be careful about.

1. Hand sanitiser:
Hand sanitisers have become very popular in every household after the onset of Covid-19. People have started using it extensively at home and even advise their children to use it frequently.
However, very few people know sanitisers are highly flammable because they contain alcohol. You should never use sanitisers near a gas stove. Also, you should not carry a lighter with a sanitiser bottle in your bag as it can be dangerous and can catch fire.

2. Nail polish and nail polish remover:
We can find nail polish and its remover in almost every household in India. They are easily available in the market, and even children can access them. However, we must know that they consist of acetone, a highly flammable substance.
Even the vapour that they produce is highly flammable. Hence, we should keep both of them away from any source of flames, such as a candle or a matchstick at home.

3. Flour:
Surprised? Yes, the flour we use daily in our kitchen is flammable, especially flour dust in the air. Flour can burn easily from all sides. It allows flames to pass through it quickly because of its large and flat surface area. Hence, we should be careful when we use flour near the gas stove in the kitchen.

4. Grooming products:
Many beauty products we use frequently are flammable and can cause a fire in our house. Products like hair mousse and hair spray can ignite fire very quickly. Moreover, the fancy deodorants and air fresheners we use daily come in aerosol cans. Avoid exposing such cans to a naked flame, as they can quickly catch fire. You should also avoid keeping these cans at high temperatures as they can combust because of temperature and pressure.

5. Ghee and cooking oil:
Cooking oil has a low flash point, making it highly flammable. Similarly, ghee can catch fire easily, too, if overheated. You must be careful while using both in the kitchen.

6. Oranges:
Our favourite fruit, “Orange,” consists of an extremely flammable chemical called limonene. It is used as a fire starter for campfires and fireplaces. Hence, it can cause a big fire if exposed to an open flame.

7. Home mattresses:
We often light a candle on our bedside or even on the mattress. Smoking a cigarette while sitting on our bed is also very common. You should be aware that mattresses are highly flammable. They can result in the fast spreading of fire in a room because of their flat nature and big size.

We have seen that many items of our daily use are flammable and can spread fire in the house if exposed to even a small flame. The loss of property and lives can be irreversible and completely shatter our world. Fire insurance protects us against losses and damages to property caused by a fire at our house.

The cause of the fire can be electrical short circuits, gas leakage, or other reasons such as those mentioned above. Most policies will provide coverage even if the fire originates outside your house. Hence, think no further. Protect your house and property by buying fire insurance online today and enjoy complete peace of mind.

Click HERE to buy the best fire 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.

Who does not love to travel in the winter season? The chilly weather with snow-clad mountains or the cool climate on the beaches and plains can be delightful and welcoming. Taking advantage of the pleasant climate and an ideal season to travel, numerous tourists plan family holidays and group tours to explore the best winter destinations in India. But the idea of winter travel reminds us of the arduous task of carrying thick, heavy, woollen clothing.

Are you planning a family trip or a solo adventure this winter? Here are a few effective winter travel tips for enjoying a memorable trip.

1. Plan in advance:
Winter travel in December and January coincides with Christmas and New Year vacations in schools and holidays in offices. Hence, there is usually a lot of crowd at popular vacation spots and heavy bookings on flights, trains, and hotels.
Hence, you should always plan your winter trip well in advance. Book your travel tickets and accommodations as early as possible so that you don’t have to cancel your trip at the last moment due to the unavailability of travel tickets or rooms in good hotels.
Even if you can get flight tickets and good accommodation at the last moment, you will have to pay exorbitant rates. So why not plan in advance, save money and make your trip memorable?

2. Check your flight and train departure:
Always check the timings of your flight or train departure in the winter season before leaving home. They are usually delayed and are sometimes even cancelled due to heavy fog and low visibility. Keep an alternate route or service in mind in case of any cancellations. This will ensure that your travel plan gets successful.

3. Travel light:
You will wonder how we can travel light with bulky woollen clothes, especially if we are visiting some cold place or a hill station. It is possible by following some simple tips. Wear your most bulky jacket, sweater, shrug, or scarf on the day you have to travel. This will mean you will not have to pack them inside your bags. Also, wear your heavy boots and pack your lighter shoes or slip-on in your bag.
Do not pack multiple t-shirts, tops, or jeans with you. Repeat them. What you wear on the top is only visible in winter. Keep changing your jacket, shrug, or coat, and no one will know you are repeating your dresses! Also, buy woollen clothes of superior quality so that you don’t need multiple layers of clothing to keep you warm. Carry thermal innerwear of good quality as they are light and warm.

4. Rent travel gear:
You don’t need to carry your travel gear everywhere you travel in winter. For example, if you want to ski in the snow, you can rent all the essential gear, including snow boots and overcoats, from the resort you are staying in.

5. Medication:
The cold season brings many ailments, such as flu or fever, nasal congestion, cough, etc. Always carry appropriate medication, especially when travelling with kids and the elderly. Also, use small cases for carrying your cold cream and moisturiser so they only take up a little space.

Make your winter trip special and memorable by following the above travel ideas. Another important tip is to go for your true companion that will never leave your side, i.e., travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against trip cancellations, lost baggage, damage to your luggage, etc. You can take an annual plan to cover all your trips or insure only a particular trip.

Insurance will also offer coverage in case of any medical emergency and assistance arising during your trip. Make your life secure and tension-free by choosing a wide variety of general insurance policies. Moreover, buy online general insurance from the ease of your home with a few clicks, additional benefits, and the best premium rates. We wish you a happy winter!

Click HERE to buy online general insurance before planning your winter travel trip.

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.