General Insurance Blogs, Articles & Updates by - Magma Insurance
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What does the budget 2023 have for the insurance sector
The Government of India presented the union budget on 1st February 2023. It has provided incentives for the people to move from the old tax regime consisting of deductions and rebates to the new tax regime. This, in turn, will affect the insurance sector as well.
While there were a few surprises here and there, it has proposed a significant change by taxing maturity proceeds of insurance policies commanding an aggregate premium of over Rs.5 lakhs in a financial year. Such high premiums usually occur in the case of money-back insurance plans that require one-time premium payments or endowment plans.
Here are some of the key recommendations that would impact life insurance sector.
1. No change in Section 80C and 80D:
Insurance premium amounts paid for insuring the life of self, spouse, or child are presently eligible for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act up to Rs.1.5 lakhs per annum. This is irrespective of whether our child is minor or major, dependent or independent. Also, individuals, as well as Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), are both eligible for claiming this deduction.
Similarly, Section 80D allows a person to claim a deduction for health insurance premiums and expenses incurred towards preventive health check-ups for self, spouse, children, and even parents up to Rs.65000/- per annum, subject to certain conditions.
The budget of 2023 could have been better for the insurance sector of the limits under Sections 80C and 80D. The industry expected a raise in the limits under these sections to boost consumer savings and investment. However, these limits have been left untouched in the budget of 2023.
2. The choice between the old-tax regime and the new-tax regime:
Till now, there was an option to choose between the old-tax regime that allows for several deductions and rebates and the new tax regime that taxes your income at a flat rate. You could choose either of the two and enjoy the above deductions under Sections 80C and 80D by choosing the old-tax regime.
There has been a shift in policy in this regard in the budget of 2023. The new tax regime is the default setting for individuals, under which you cannot enjoy these rebates. If you still want to enjoy deductions under Sections 80C and 80D, you will have to choose the old-tax regime specifically.
3. Aggregate premium clause:
According to the budget of 2023, if the aggregate premium paid by an individual is over Rs.5 lakhs in a financial year starting 1st April 2023, he will have to pay tax on their maturity proceeds. However, if such a policyholder dies, the nominee's maturity proceeds will be tax-free.
Maturity proceeds or income from insurance policies having an aggregate premium of less than Rs.5 lakhs in a financial year will be exempted from taxation. However, the introduction of this clause may discourage consumers such as High-Net-worth individuals (HNIs) from buying big-ticket insurance products to save taxes. As a result, the revenues or top-line of the insurance companies are bound to suffer and go down.
The Insurance industry plays a vital role in the overall financial growth of the country, and as such, the sector is undoubtedly not very encouraged with the budget for 2023. There was a general expectation of an extension of the Rs.1.5 lakhs deductions allowed under Sections 80C and 80D, which still needs to be met. Moreover, taxing the maturity proceeds of policies commanding an aggregate premium of Rs.5 lakhs or more in a financial year will further dampen the sales of high-value insurance policies.
However, insurance buyers need not be worried as the prevalent deduction limit is still the same and has not gone down. Also, a very small percentage of Indians buy high-value insurance policies, and the changed clause is unlikely to affect most Indian residents. Online general insurance policies continue to offer the same ease, protection, and security, and individuals can continue to enjoy its benefits.
Click HERE to buy online general insurance plan to safeguard your valuable assets.
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.
Tired of ineffective air-conditioning in your car? Here’s what you can do
Imagine the frustration of driving on a deserted road and encountering a breakdown. To avoid such a situation, you should always be on the safer side and ensure proper maintenance and routine servicing.
The best way to deal with such a situation is to buy car insurance in advance and benefit from add-ons like roadside assistance. Through this, your insurer will always have your back during a crisis. However, car insurance is not a replacement for effective car servicing. Often, car owners grow careless and get negligent about repairs and maintenance activities. It can lead to significant problems with several car parts, including issues with your air conditioning.
The air conditioning can get faulty over time and be ineffective. With the rising temperatures all around, this can be an extremely uncomfortable situation. With time, it will only get worse. You need to get it fixed or opt for a solution yourself.
Read on for a quick guide through the various steps of fixing your air conditioning at home. However, if you have car insurance, it will be covered under it. Steps to getting your car AC back on track are:
● Start the car and turn on the air conditioning. Turn it to the highest value and assess its functioning. See how warm or cool it is. If it does not get as cool as it should, there may be an issue with the airflow.
● Now, check if the AC compressor is working well. You can determine the next course of action only when you know its functionality.
● Invest in a leak detection kit to help you locate the leaks in your air conditioning system. Through this, you will be able to identify leaks quickly. You can then repair it or replace it accordingly.
● The next and most crucial step would be adding the correct refrigerant. You must have a suitable refrigerant for your vehicle and add it carefully. Contact a professional to learn about the ideal car refrigerant for your vehicle.
● To maintain the best temperature in your car, you need to read the gauge. You can do that by using a thermometer.
● It is time to locate the low-side service port for further action. The low service port is where you charge your car's AC.
● It is essential to avoid clogging the area around the service port. You can wipe with a clean cloth or rag.
● You will find a charging hose with your refrigerant. Connect it to the low-service port.
● It is time to open your refrigerant now. Go on turning the valve till the seal on the can is punctured completely.
● Hold the can upright if you want the refrigerant to go into the car engine. Shake it well for a good flow.
● Once done, you need to remove the hose and store the can in a safe and cool place.
● If the problem persists, you need to contact a professional mechanic to complete the repairs.
*Tip
Periodically clean your car's AC vents to avoid clogging in the air outlet. Clean vents ensure proper passage of air throughout the vehicle.
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity of your vehicle's air conditioning system and overall upkeep. Along with periodic checks and servicing by a professional mechanic, we encourage you to invest in car insurance to protect your vehicle and your finances from the effects of an accident. Remember that your car is your responsibility, and you need to undertake its maintenance.
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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 2022-23 economic survey indicates greater insurance penetration. Know more
The Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs of the Government of India presented the Economic Survey 2022-23 along with the budget on the 1st of February, 2023, in the parliament. It projects optimistic growth in the Indian economy in the current year because of the high private consumption, increased investment and production activity, higher capital expenditure, and strong revival of the service sector post the dull phase of Covid-19.
The insurance sector in India has also grown at a rapid pace, especially after the pandemic. The 2022-23 economic survey indicates greater insurance penetration. Let us know more about it.
Insurance penetration and its pace:
Insurance penetration is the total insurance premium ratio to a country's gross domestic product in a particular year. It is a globally accepted indicator of the growth of the insurance sector of a country.
Insurance penetration in India was a meagre 2.7% in the year 2000. The 2022-23 economic survey reveals that it rose to 4.2% in 2020 and 3.2% in 2021. It is also slightly higher than the global average, pointing to the efficient functioning of the sector in India.
While greater awareness is one of the factors that has led to such positive figures, tech advancement in insurance sectors and the facilities to buy insurance policy online are also to be credited.
Insurance density:
Insurance density is the ratio of the total premium collected to the country's total population. In other words, it is the per capita premium of a country. The insurance density in India was $11.5 in the year 2001. According to the 2022-23 economic survey, it has risen sharply to $91 by 2021.
The density for life insurance was US$69, while that for non-life insurance was US$22 in 2021. The survey also indicates that savings-linked life insurance products are the highest selling in India.
Reasons for increased penetration.
1. Digitisation of the insurance market:
Many surveys state that the digitisation of the insurance sector in recent years has fuelled its growth in India. Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the implementation of advanced technology in the insurance sector have increased efficiency and enhanced synergy.
App-based policy sales and renewal, online premium payment, and speedy claim settlement processes have helped the sector to grow and penetrate rapidly. The permit to conduct video-based know-your-customer (KYC) documentation and rewarding low-risk behaviour has also helped boost demand and penetration.
2. Increase in FDI limits:
The survey also states that the increase in FDI limits to 74% in companies that provide insurance cover has helped bring foreign capital into the Indian insurance sector. 100% FDI has been allowed for insurance intermediaries like brokerages. This has helped the industry to snowball.
3. Post-Covid awareness:
According to the surveys, the non-life insurance sector will likely witness increased penetration due to post-covid awareness of health insurance. People have realised the importance of health insurance, due to which its demand is witnessing a steady rise.
The government also provides strong insurance support by promoting the mass health program "Ayushman Bharat." It annually provides a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per beneficiary family. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana is another innovative non-life insurance product operational in India. It provides risk coverage up to Rs. 2 lakhs and has contributed to greater insurance penetration.
The 2022-23 economic survey has correctly stated that insurance penetration is at a record high in India. While people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of insurance post the Covid-19 pandemic in India, the increase in digitisation and efficiency in the issue and claim settlement process has further led to greater insurance penetration.
Online insurance has been a blessing for the insurance industry and immensely contributes to increasing the demand for insurance products and boosting growth. Choose to buy insurance policy online to make the process easier and hassle-free.
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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.
Spring cleaning is beneficial for your house and your health too
Most people love to clean their houses and redecorate them to give them a brand-new look. Often, professional deep cleaning is required to address those areas and corners throughout the house you overlook daily. However, it is recommended that they do so before the beginning of spring. While experts have documented the pros and cons of summer and winter cleaning, spring cleaning has no negative implications.
Not only does a round of decluttering make your house look spik and span, but it also does wonders for your physical and mental health and overall well-being! Especially when you are living with the elderly, ensuring a clean and safe indoor environment becomes more important.
Before diving into the benefits of the activity and getting started on deep cleaning your home, consider purchasing health insurance in India for parents and other family members. Health insurance in India for parents protects them from the risk of mishaps or developing any allergies by creating a safety net that shares the financial burden of hospitalisation.
With that out of the way, here are some of the benefits spring-cleaning offers.
1. Keep your mind and body physically active:
Only a few people enjoy going to the gym or a strenuous workout. However, carrying boxes of old goods and scrubbing the walls and the floor can be a real workout. Keeping your body and mind active results in a healthy heart and a happy mind. Moreover, cleaning is one of the best ways to burn some of the calories you gain during the holiday season. Plug your headphones in and play your jam and get cleaning!
2. Reduces the chance of injury:
A messy home increases the risk of injury for everyone, irrespective of age or gender. Spring cleaning gives you the time to throw out extra junk and replace old and weak items with new and stronger ones. It also allows you to notice any loose wire or floorboards that can cause severe injuries.
3. Protects the immune system:
While seasonal allergies can cause daily discomfort, mould, dust, and pet dander cause many medical problems. Therefore, deep spring cleaning helps eliminate pests and prevent respiratory problems. Dusting the furniture, windows, and other hard-to-reach places and covering them with a rug or cloth minimises the chances of dust accumulation. Deep vacuuming of carpets, curtains, and floors also prevents infections and pest problems.
Besides these, cleaning the kitchen and bathroom allows you to redecorate the place and understand the need for some particular cleaning products. Remember to avoid the overuse of sponges and dishcloths, as they get filled with bacteria over time.
4. Improves mood and focus:
A clean and fresh house improves your mood and clears your mental space. Cleaning your home is also a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, thus allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life. Clear and calm mental health leads to positivity and better productivity.
5. Prevents bugs and rodents:
Bugs and rodents love a dirty and messy home. Therefore, proper spring cleaning helps you avoid the growth and spread of bacteria and diseases caused by unwanted pests. Regularly sanitise the garbage bags below the kitchen sinks and cabinets and the area around the fridge to prevent bugs and rodents.
Cleaning your house may seem tiring and stressful, but once you start, you'll realise how much you need a clean and proper space and the therapeutic joy it offers. It also allows you to bond with your family over the seasonal cleaning. Before you start, ensure you buy health insurance in India for parents and all your dependents to protect yourself from medical emergencies.
Click HERE to buy health insurance in India for parents.
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.
Porting your health insurance policy cannot get simpler
With age, one has to adapt to the evolving environment and take on complex roles as a contributor to the growth of society, the workplace, and the family. This additional responsibility within the settings of your home usually translates into the natural reversal of roles where you begin to take charge of duties that your parents once undertook. This includes financial responsibilities such as future-proofing wealth, preparing for contingencies, and planning for your future needs.
When considering ageing parents, one of the priorities to manage is their health and well-being. Despite carefully purchasing the best health insurance in India for parents, you may find yourself in a dilemma after a short while. As their immunity weakens, they may need coverage that may require additional premium payment or porting of the policy to reap better value from a different insurer provides. However, you do not wish to lose out on the NCB and the accumulated benefits of retaining the policy.
If you are in a situation where you wish to port your policy to avail the perks of the best health insurance in India for parents, here is a simplified guide.
1. Evaluate alternatives:
It is recommended to compare and evaluate the offerings of various insurance providers before purchasing any insurance product. The same applies to finding the best health insurance in India for parents. The digital presence of most major insurers makes it easy to compare different health insurance policies online. Ensure that you check their coverage, premiums, inclusions, and exclusions to find the most compatible policy that protects against contingencies and risks.
2. Written request submission:
Once you decide to port your policy, the immediate step is to inform your present insurer of your decision. Usually, it requires 45 days for the request to get approved. Therefore, you must send in the request for porting at least 45 days in advance from the date of policy renewal.
3. Intimate the new insurer:
Once you identify and contact a new insurer that offers the best health insurance in India for parents, you will receive a portability form that requires all the details of the policy you wish to port and a proposal form.
4. Sharing of policyholder information:
This step takes place between the old and new insurers. The new insurance company requests the medical details of the insured to assess the risk of insuring your parents. Any related documentation, like claim records and personal details, may also be shared. At the same time, this information is also shared with IRDAI.
5. Risk assessment:
Upon receiving the documents, the new insurer analyses your parents’ risk profile to determine the risk involved. An underwriter or actuary usually undertakes this task.
6. Policy underwriting:
If the risk assessment results in a favourable outcome, the insurer undertakes to cover your parents. This is usually informed to the policyholder within 15 days of submitting the portability form. In case of a delay in correspondence, you are assumed to be covered by the new insurer.
7. Policy comparison:
Once framed, the proposed policy is shared with the present insurer for comparison and evaluation. The current and new insurers are responsible for ensuring that the IRDAI-issued guidelines for porting are strictly followed. Upon successful assessment from both insurers, a portability certificate is issued. You must ensure that the proposed policy includes at least the same sum as the previous policy with all the accumulated benefits and coverages.
While porting does not allow a complete change in the policy, it enables minor modifications to alter the existing policy and make it the best health insurance in India for parents. The convenient procedure makes it easy to switch between insurance companies to derive better value, better customer service, and coverage, among other factors.
Click HERE to buy the best health insurance in India for parents.
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.
Pay attention to the hot weather when choosing between fabric or leather upholstery seat cover
Every individual who owns a car wants the best for their vehicle. However, wanting the best and understanding what's best for you are two different things. The two of these ideas coincide when a sensible car owner makes prudent choices regarding the car, including the purchase of private car insurance India, ensuring proper maintenance, and choosing appropriate accessories.
Since vehicles are a status symbol, maintaining their overall look becomes essential. Apart from its exteriors, the aesthetic of the interior cabin is just as important. When choosing the correct seat cover, most car owners need more clarification on fabric and leather seat covers.
This article offers you some tips on how to decide between fabric or leather seat covers, considering the functionality and benefits of both.
Evaluating their performance in hot weather.
Since cars are usually parked outdoors, the cabin is subjected to continuous changes in temperature, which should be kept in mind while choosing the right seats for your vehicle. This may not be your biggest concern if you have a covered space like a garage. Opt for fabric covers for all other cases, as leather seats tend to crack in the heat, ruining the plush look of your car. Fabric seat covers provide a cooler and more breathable option, especially if the fabric is made from moisture-wicking material.
Ultimately, the best seat cover option for hot weather will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritise comfort and breathability, a fabric seat cover may be your option. Leather may be the way to go if you want a stylish option.
You should also consider the following advantages of both seat covers.
Benefits of fabric seat covers –
1. Comfort:
For many reasons, fabric seat covers are more comfortable than their leather counterparts. Since fabric covers do not absorb heat, they keep the temperature cool inside the car.
2. Maintenance:
How much maintenance a fabric seat cover needs depends on the fabric's grade. A fabric seat cover isn't scratched as easily as leather and can be cleaned with top-quality wash material.
3. Variety of options:
Fabric seat covers come in various colours, textures, and patterns. Depending on your car’s colour and insides, you can choose the fabric seat cover that suits your requirements. Owners can choose the perfect car seat covers from dark to pastel colours.
4. Budget-friendly:
Unlike leather seat covers, fabric seat covers are more budget-friendly than the former. Maintaining a car is quite expensive for some car owners. If you are also one of them, fabric seat covers are the best option as they are readily available and do not burn a hole in your pocket.
Benefits of leather seat covers –
1. Hypo-allergenic:
Many people worldwide suffer from dust allergies. While it is not hazardous, some face severe consequences due to dust allergy. Leather seat covers are advantageous for people with allergies as leather does not accumulate dust mites or other allergens like fabric does.
2. Appearance:
There is no doubt that leather seat covers offer a specific look and radiate wealth and power, unlike fabric seat covers. Some people prefer the leather seat cover because it looks sleeker and more high-end than most fabric covers. While they are limited in colours, one cannot deny their elegant appearance and what they offer to the car interior.
3. Easy care and durability:
While fabric requires cleaning products, leather is easy to clean. It is durable and can last for many years if cared for properly. Unlike fabric, it does not require constant care but can quickly become a problem if a single crack comes on them.
Choosing a leather or fabric seat cover is entirely an owner's choice. Before selecting any seat cover, check its pros and cons carefully to avoid complications. Comfort and convenience must be the top priorities. We encourage you to apply the same approach while buying private car insurance India to find the best alternative.
Click HERE to buy private 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.
Let's know if proportionate deduction resolves all your confusion surrounding sub-limits in health insurance
Health insurance consists of myriad terms and conditions that policyholders should read in detail at the time of health insurance policy renewal or purchasing. However, most of us usually do not pay heed to them and suffer at the time of settlement of the claim. An important clause involves sub-limits in a health insurance policy and the subsequent proportionate deduction.
Sub-limits in health insurance policies usually include capping or limiting the room rent during your hospitalisation. There are a variety of rooms available in any hospital, ranging from general wards to semi-private rooms and deluxe rooms. There is also a proportionate deduction clause associated with the sub-limit. Let us understand these terms in detail.
Sub-limits explained.
Sub-limits are limits or maximum percentage of the total sum insured that an insurance company will bear for the hospital expenses under various categories. Insurance companies usually use the maximum permissible room rent in the hospital as a benchmark for deciding the sub-limits.
For example, if your health insurance policy is Rs.5 lakhs and the permissible sub-limit for room rent is 1%, the insurance company will only bear 1% of Rs.5 lakhs or Rs.5000 per day for the rent of your room in the hospital. Any amount over it will have to be borne by you.
In this case, if your room rent is Rs.7000 per day, the excess amount of Rs.2000 over the sub-limit cap of Rs.5000 per day will have to be borne by you. Generally, the sub-limit on room rent ranges between 1%-2% of the total insured amount.
Proportionate deductible clause.
Insurance companies usually insert a proportionate deductible clause in health insurance policies. The companies calculate the excess room rent over the sub-limit allowed in percentage terms. They then deduct a proportional amount from all associated treatment costs, including surgery fees, tests, doctor consultation and visiting charges, ICU charges, etc. The insured has to bear them from his pocket.
Insurance companies use the following formula to calculate the proportionate deduction.
Excess room rent over the room rent limit/ Room rent limit as per the policy x 100
For example, suppose the room rent limit per the policy is Rs.5000 per day, and the actual room rent is Rs.7000 per day. Hence, proportionate deduction to be applied:
2000/5000 x 100 = 40%
In this case, if the doctor consultation fee is Rs.2000, the insurance company will deduct 40% of this amount, i.e., Rs.800, and will cover only Rs.1200. The remaining Rs.800 will have to be borne out of your pocket.
How to deal with the proportionate deductible clause?
You should always check whether the proportionate deductible clause applies to your health insurance policy when purchasing it. If applicable, you should adhere to the sub-limit cap and choose a room accordingly in the hospital, especially if your hospitalisation period exceeds 3-4 days. This will ensure that the insurance company cannot apply the proportionate deductible clause and will cover all expenses during the hospitalisation period.
If your policy includes a sub-limit capping, consider changing your insurer at the time of health insurance policy renewal to one without such a clause. We can also port our policy to some other company for this purpose.
A health insurance policy is fundamental in the present world because of our food habits and lifestyle. However, only some people know the concept of sub-limit capping and proportionate deductible clauses. This can burn a big hole in your pocket in a medical emergency.
Do not worry if your health insurance policy comes with these riders. Shift to another policy or company at the time of health insurance policy renewal. This will protect you while ensuring that the insurance company will bear all the hospital expenditures in case of hospitalisation.
Click HERE to purchase reliable health 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.
Infrequent drivers, check out pay-as-you-drive insurance
Car insurance services are evolving to serve their customers more efficiently and effectively. With the advancement of technology, car insurance has moved from paper-based to digital-based insurance offerings. One such evolution in car insurance is introducing pay-as-you-drive insurance.
If you've never heard of the term, here's all you need to know!
What is pay-as-you-drive insurance?
The pay-as-you-drive insurance model is a new car insurance policy recently introduced in India. It allows the policyholder to customise their car insurance and reduce the premium. The required third-party liability car insurance is included in the pay-as-you-drive insurance for the length of the policy. Apart from that, it provides comprehensive coverage based on the distance the car travels. Policyholders of pay-as-you-drive insurance pay the premium for the distance their car covers.
There is no need to worry about the authentication of pay-as-you-drive insurance, as the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has approved this insurance mode. Therefore, some car insurance companies in India offer and accept the pay-as-you-drive insurance model. This insurance is an excellent option for infrequent drivers. So, if you take out your car occasionally, this insurance is an advantage for you!
How does pay-as-you-drive car insurance work?
As mentioned above, pay-as-you-drive is new in India, and only some people are aware of the rules and regulations of this insurance policy. To make things easier, we have mentioned some essential points for a better understanding.
1. Research a little about the insurance company:
Only some insurance companies are offering the pay-as-you-drive insurance mode. Thus, it is essential to look for genuine sellers. Conduct basic online research about those who offer this plan. Once you've found a genuine insurer, you'll need this feature to move forward with the insurance policy along with
● Recent odometer reading and other essential car details
● Consent form
● Necessary KYC details
● Driving licence
Besides these, provide other documents requested by the insurance company.
2. Deciding the kilometres:
Unlike other types of car insurance, the premium for a pay-as-you-drive policy is determined by the number of kilometres driven by your car. While choosing the policy, you must make an informed decision on how far you wish to drive your vehicle since you'll have to pay the insurance premium according to the distance your car covers. Be sure to check and read all the terms and conditions before finalising.
3. Installation of the telematics device:
As your insurance company may have told you, you may need to put a telematics device in your vehicle. The telematics devices help record the kilometres driven by your car. You can easily install the application on your smartphone and keep a record of how much total distance you have covered.
The insurance company can also use this application to remind you about the exhaustion of the chosen kilometre slab. They can also inform you about easy top-up and renewal notifications.
In addition to tracking how far a car has gone, the device provides information about average speed, how the brakes are used, etc. With all this information, the premium is calculated by analysing the collected data.
Initially, purchasing such a new insurance policy may seem risky. Over time, you'll realise that it is an excellent way to protect your car if you're an infrequent driver. Research more about the pay-as-you-drive insurance policy and consider purchasing the policy from the best car insurance company in India to ensure complete protection for your car.
Click HERE to buy car insurance to safeguard your car from mishaps.
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.
Incentives for policyholders may encourage safe driving on roads
The number of vehicles on Indian roads is witnessing an ever-increasing trend. This graph simultaneously shows a sharp rise in online motor insurance policyholders. This is primarily due to the increase in the disposable incomes of families and the changing lifestyle. However, this has also resulted in a drastic increase in road accidents and road rage cases.
It is the need of the hour to promote safe driving on the roads so that people feel protected while using the streets. Providing various incentives for policyholders by online motor insurance companies may encourage safe driving on the roads. Let us see how.
1. Telematics:
Driver telematics is gaining popularity and is an important tool to study and alter irresponsible driver behaviour on the roads. It can also be used as a data analysis tool to provide insights into driving behaviour and reward or penalise a driver.
Telematics in insurance can be app-based or black-box based. It can be useful in tracking driver behaviour, speed, acceleration style, clutch use, braking pattern, etc. Motor insurers can develop a point-based system and reward safe driving on roads with positive points. This means you will be rewarded with positive points if you maintain a good average speed, do not jump traffic signals, and are not involved in any accidents.
On the other hand, you can be penalised by providing negative points if you overspeed, jump traffic signals, or indulge in rash driving and accidents.
The drivers with positive points at the end of the insurance term get a discount on their renewal premium as an incentive. Drivers with net negative points at the end of the year will be charged a higher premium as a punishment. This can provide drivers, especially beginners, a great incentive to drive safely and responsibly to lower their premiums.
2. No-claim Bonus:
Most online motor insurance companies already provide a no-claim bonus or NCB to incentivise safe driving under a comprehensive car insurance policy. You get discounts of up to 50% of the insurance premium at the time of renewal if you have yet to make any claim throughout the year.
NCB is a great incentive for policyholders to encourage safe driving on roads. It encourages driving responsibly and safely, thereby preventing accidents. NCB ranges from a 20% discount in the first year of renewal to 50% for the fifth or higher claim-free year.
3. Damages and dents:
Motor insurance companies can provide incentives such as discounts on renewal premiums to the drivers to keep their cars free from scratches, external damages, and dents. They can check for such external damages during insurance renewal and reward the customers with minimal or nil external damage. This will motivate the drivers to drive safely on the roads so that they do not engage in any collision or accident with other vehicles or property.
Providing incentives for policyholders to encourage safe driving on the roads is paramount and the need of the hour. The number of accidents and loss of lives and property due to them will decrease significantly. Moreover, this will benefit online motor insurance companies, as safe driving will mean fewer claims resulting in higher profits.
Online motor insurance companies highlight the incentives they plan to provide on their websites and all the portals providing online motor insurance services. Potential policy buyers should go through these incentives and policy details to choose the best online motor insurance policy. Irrespective of the incentives and benefits, drivers must always have the mindset of safe driving.
Click HERE to buy online motor 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.
If you’re in your 20s, this is the perfect time to buy health insurance
A person’s 20s are a hectic yet exciting part of life. Many gain financial freedom and start deciding how to spend their money wisely. The 20s are a time to be living it up, but it is highly sensible to shell out some money to invest in the best health insurance in India.
As you get older, getting health insurance becomes trickier and more expensive, and it is ideal for insuring yourself against the mounting healthcare costs early in your 20s.
This article gives insight into the benefits of getting insured in your 20s.
The waiting period will not affect you as much:
The waiting period in health insurance terms is when a policyholder cannot claim insurance for certain diseases, pre-existing ailments, etc. This is fine for a policyholder who takes their health insurance in their 20s. As the waiting period is spent in your 20s, when you have a lesser probability of getting diseases, you would be spending this waiting period at a time when you don’t need coverage.
As opposed to this, taking health insurance in your 40s or 50s is much more troublesome. You might have to compromise on getting the benefits of your health insurance and wait for 2 to 4 years before getting the disease-specific help you require.
1. Lesser premium:
Insurance providers assess the risk associated with a person before deciding the premium and the cover of a policy. Generally, a person in their 20s has a lower risk of needing the payout. Thus, the premium is much lower than a person in their 30s or 40s is paying for the insurance policy.
2. Tax benefits:
Health insurance plans provide another significant advantage in the form of tax deductions. Under the Income Tax Act 1961, one can avail of tax benefits if the policyholder pays out of pocket for the health insurance premium. You can avail of these benefits for yourself, your ageing parents, your spouse, and your dependents.
3. More comprehensive health insurance plans:
Being in your 20s makes you a suitable candidate for health insurance. This is because there is less possibility of pre-existing illnesses in these years. Your policy issuer automatically covers any new diseases that materialise after you’ve taken the insurance. Also, you can select a suitable plan according to your budget and requirements by researching the best health insurance in India
4. You can avail of no-claim bonuses for a long time:
No-claim bonuses are discounts on premiums given to policyholders when renewing their policy as a reward for not filing a claim within the policy tenure. The percentage of discount differs between companies. As there is a lower probability of filing a claim in your 20s, you can avail of your NCB for longer or transfer it during renewal.
5. Rejection rates are almost nil:
An insurance company may reject your application based on your medical history. As there are fewer chances of pre-existing illnesses among young individuals, there is less chance of rejection. Also, you may opt out of paying a copay in your health plans, which is impossible for aged policy seekers.
With the present trends of inflation, especially in the healthcare industry, it is prudent to purchase the best health insurance in India early to reap the benefits of protection for an extended period. Since the cost of living only increases as you rise in the ranks of your profession and earn more money, it is ideal to start investing in health insurance from an early age. We urge young professionals to consider investing in the best health insurance in India not just as a tax-deductible but to protect their present wealth and future earning capacity.
Click HERE to know more about the best health 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.
Here are some bike puncture probabilities every rider must be aware of
While bikes are the most commonly preferred mode of personal transport used in all-terrain conditions, easy to manoeuvre, and convenient, their safety is often ignored. The government's strict move to mandate bike insurance makes it evident that the safety and protection of the rider are essential and can’t be compromised.
Besides bike insurance, you can also ensure safety through regular maintenance and preventive measures to avoid mishaps. Punctures are one such risk that you may encounter at any time. They can be frustrating but are unavoidable. Here are some factors riders should be aware of that could lead to a tyre puncture.
1. Old tyres:
As consumables, tyres must be replaced every 5 years or 30,000 to 40,000 kms, based on the riding style and road terrain. If you notice little surface rips, a large tear that may expose the tube, cracks, or other symptoms of wear down, the tyre has to be changed. Since they are your primary point of contact with the road, having new tyres will reduce the probability of having a puncture and improve the overall feel of your vehicle.
2. Sidewall cracks:
The lack of use of the vehicle, the environment, or parking the two-wheeler in direct sunlight can all cause tyre sidewall cracks. They might seem insignificant, but they can cause catastrophic air leaks over time.
3. Pinch flats:
Pinch flats can occur because the tube is forced against the wheel rim and either tear or explode on pumping. The incident occurs due to the hasty insertion of the tube and carelessness. Always partially inflate the tube before fitting it to prevent this from happening.
4. Increased tread wear:
Tyres include grooves known as treads for better traction and grip on the ground. The impression deteriorates due to use, making it difficult to manoeuvre the bike by decreasing traction and lengthening the time taken to brake. A tyre wear indicator is typically an arrow sign that shows the extent of wear and the point at which you should change your bike's tyres.
5. Ignoring tyre inspection:
Small, sharp objects pierce the rubber of the inner tube to cause a puncture. If the item remains lodged in the tyre unnoticed for a long period, it can cause the new inner tube to be punctured. Have a proper tyre inspection before replacing your tube to avoid such issues.
6. Wheel damage or bending:
The alloy wheel or steel wheel may break or bend from the area around the tyre bead if you ride over a large, deep pothole, collide with another vehicle, or have an accident. This may result in an air leak due to a puncture.
7. Improper tyre pressure:
Under-inflated tyres will bend in response to the slightest bump or obstruction, making them vulnerable to pinch flats when the tube can become wedged between the rim and the tyre. You risk hitting a pothole or other impediments with more force if you have too much pressure in your tyre, making it challenging to bend against any object and keep it rigid. Your weight, the breadth of your tyres, and the weather will all affect the proper tyre pressure.
8. Unusual deterioration pattern:
The tyre may show signs of wear and tear. It can be on the shoulder or in the middle of the tyre. Mechanical problems, such as worn-out shock absorbers or a problem with wheel alignment, are to blame. It's essential to replace the tyre if it shows evidence of abnormal wear and tear.
9. Valve stem damage:
The valve stem, located on the inner circle of both tube-type and tubeless tyres, is where you fill the tyres with air. The ability of the tyre to retain air decreases if that valve stem is damaged, whether by corrosion, blockage, or breaking.
Punctures are a constant worry, especially considering bikes' lack of sophisticated safety features. While you cannot prevent punctures, you can keep a look for signs of a possible puncture. We also recommend riders consider purchasing comprehensive bike insurance. This will shield you, your bike, and others from finances worries if your bike suffers severe damage.
Click HERE to purchase the best bike insurance to secure your assets and finances.
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.
Experience the thrill of powerbocking
In the hustle and bustle of today’s modern world, youngsters are always looking for an adrenaline rush. This rush has made extreme sports increasingly popular in this day and age. Due to India’s wide geographical variety, many of these sports are offered in different corners. From exploring the mesmerising aquatic life and corals in Andaman to parasailing in Goa, these sports can push you physically and psychologically out of your comfort zone.
However, checking the coverage offered by your personal accident insurance policy before engaging in such sports is always recommended. This ensures that your insurer provides compensation in case of accidents while participating in adventure sports.
One such extreme sport that is getting increasingly popular among young Indians is powerbocking. This blog will introduce you to powerbocking and the thrill you’ll crave once you indulge in it!
What is powerbocking?
Powerbocking is an extreme sport where players wear jumping stilts and jump to great heights. Jumping stilts are specialised leg attachments containing springs to hoist the person into the air. Jump stilts are very exciting! They enhance your ability to do tricks and flips and help you take greater strides, which makes you run faster. These stilts are called powerbocks after the creator, Alexander Bock, a German inventor who first named them powerskip.
It is a popular sport in urban cities, and finding a surface on which you can go powerbocking is essential. Balance being one of the critical factors affecting this sport, it should not be done on grass or dirt, as the boots have a small surface area on the ground, which may lead to injury. Thus, jumping stilts should ideally be used on asphalt or cement. Since this can result in injury due to the hard nature of the surface, you should be equipped with a personal accident insurance policy that covers such accidents and injuries for your physical and financial safety.
While they may seem unfamiliar in Indian settings, they were recently used in an Indian sporting event. Different interesting videos on social media have always been creating a buzz regarding this sporting activity. With time, this event is expected to observe growth in India too.
● Benefits of powerbocking:
Powerbocking makes you feel superhuman without the same risks as other extreme sports. They are most suitable for people who want to feel like bionic humans from the future without any of the associated perils. It is an exciting offbeat adventure sport that one should surely try.
● Risks associated:
Despite being a reasonably harmless sport where the most significant injury is usually a knee scrape, some people have suffered severe injuries while seeking the thrill of jumping in these devices. For such misadventures, it is always advisable to take an extreme sports insurance policy or a personal accident insurance policy covering medical costs for such injuries.
● Powerbocking competitions:
When it comes to any sport, the main thrill of it is the competition. They bring out the competitiveness of the best players in the world and are incredibly engaging to see. As this is a niche adventure sport, there are fewer worldwide competitions, and the most famous ones are in France. The Riser Winter Cup, held each year in Lille, France is one of the most sought-after competitions for powerbockers.
Have you ever watched videos of Kangaroos jumping and wished you could jump that high or take such great strides? Then powerbocking is the perfect sport for you. Just make sure to take the proper precautions before undertaking this sport. And the first step to your security begins with purchasing personal accident insurance policy.
Click HERE to know more about 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.
Worried about driving alongside heavy vehicles? Here’s all you need to know
Driving is a tricky activity that requires extreme responsibility. One minor mistake can land you in serious trouble. It is always advisable to take extra precautions while driving. Be it a two-wheeler or four-wheeler, one should be cautious while driving, such as following all the traffic rules and being mindful of your surroundings.
Driving along heavy vehicles can be challenging, as they are different from other vehicles. They are so heavy that the controls are not always in the driver's arena. It can become dysfunctional and cause havoc on the road. Therefore, driving carefully around heavy vehicles is always recommended to avoid collisions.
Drivers of light vehicles must always be on high alert when around heavy vehicles. While collisions between vehicles of any size are disastrous and result in significant physical, mental, and financial damages, one between a heavy and light vehicle can be catastrophic.
Purchasing motor insurance from a reliable motor insurance company and following the below-stated tips can help you safely and confidently drive alongside heavy vehicles.
1. Always maintain distance:
Heavy vehicles can be intimidating to drive alongside, even as a beginner or an experienced driver. Crashes are common when other cars are driving too close to them. You need to maintain a safe distance from all heavy vehicles. Additionally, you should always maintain adequate distance from other cars as well. This will give you ample time to apply the brakes in an emergency.
2. Do not overtake:
Trucks or loading vehicles require a lot of space while turning on roads. It also prevents them from looking at the rear end of the truck. Your car can hence fall upon the blind spot. To prevent this, you should always give the heavy vehicle enough time to turn completely. Refrain from overtaking these vehicles or turning quickly in front of them. Slow down and wait for them to pass.
3. Have a firm grip on the steering wheel:
You must maintain your grip on the steering wheel. Air turbulence is created whenever a heavy vehicle is driving in front, which can be a problem for your car. Large vehicles can also throw loose gravel, dust, or snow that can hinder your vision. You need to be mindful and aware while driving behind them. Ensure that your windshield wipers are functioning properly to maintain proper visibility. Use horn, passing light, and indicators appropriately to ask for a side.
4. Be mindful of the lanes:
It is always recommended to follow the lane rule or discipline diligently while you drive on the road. This also means that you should not shift lanes hastily. It can lead to accidents sooner than later. It is because trucks take time to move and slow down. They may not see your vehicle approaching if you instinctively shift your lanes. As they will have no time to react, this can be dangerous for both vehicles.
5. Night time rules:
The night time is already tricky for driving, but heavy traffic makes it more challenging. With heavy vehicles in sight, the situation can get worse. Night time observes heavy truck traffic, making it daunting for cars and bikes to navigate. It is recommended not to use high-beam headlights at night. It can blind the vision of the truck drivers resulting in an accident.
You must follow these guidelines carefully while driving alongside a heavy vehicle. Although challenging, staying safe and sound while driving around them is possible. While a comprehensive car insurance policy from a motor insurance company protects you from the costs of an accident, it is better to be safe than sorry. Always follow safe driving practices irrespective of the time and ensure that your car insurance is active.
Click HERE to buy the best insurance from a reliable 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.
Material disclosures are key for a successful claim
Insurance policies can be tricky! You need to fully understand the policy terms & conditions before you sign the dotted lines. The government has set up many regulations to implement insurance rules in India efficiently.
Hence it becomes imperative to fill out the insurance policy papers yourself. If you do the formalities through an agent, you might face problems later. You need to know everything about the premium, risks, disclosures, etc. This can also cause the claim to be rejected in due time, which can be devastating, especially if you're in an emergency.
You should always be cautious about everything that you disclose to your insurer. This involves the disclosure of your materialistic goods, qualifications, medical history, income, bills, and so on. The more you disclose rightfully, the better. It is vital for all health and general insurance India. So, regardless of the insurance you're applying for, disclosure is essential.
Let's look at the things to disclose to your insurer while taking a policy or filling a claim, as they increase the chance of a successful claim.
1. Income:
It is one of the best things to be disclosed early on. Your income needs to be revealed whether you're employed permanently in a company or as a freelancer. The job designation, salary, and experience are also taken into consideration. The more experience one has, the greater their expertise. This also means that they are not eligible for hazardous work. All this contributes towards a successful claim.
2. Material possessions:
It is essential to disclose all the material assets that you have. From your house to your car, you need to declare them all. It also involves any land that you own. You should disclose anything materialistic as well as expensive at all times. Adding them later while raising a claim decreases your chance of getting a successful claim.
3. Occupation:
Your occupation directly correlates to occupational risk. It assesses the risk of accidents and even the wellness of an individual. The work done by the individuals is of prime importance. It helps in determining the claims as well. The risk assessment of a particular occupation also affects the premium paid by the individual for a health insurance policy.
4. Medical history:
Insurers give the medical history of the individual prime importance. It provides a brief insight into the history of illnesses an individual has suffered and the risk they bear. If it is more severe, the premium will go up significantly. Serious issues like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes can increase the premium. They must be considered and disclosed to ensure you purchase the right policy with appropriate coverage that leads to successful claims in case of contingent events against which you are insured.
5. Family history:
This is an essential element that will determine the extent of the illnesses in individuals. If there are genetic disorders, it will also mean that the individual is at a greater risk of developing them. It can make the insurance company more cautious while assessing the individual's health or life insurance risk profile. Incorrect disclosure or misrepresentation of such facts leads to the rejection of claims.
You should reveal these critical elements to implement a successful claim. Material disclosures are of utmost importance as they determine the success of a claim. If not disclosed at the right time, they can cause problems later. You must follow these rules diligently while purchasing non-general and general insurance India. Good luck!
Click HERE to buy the best general 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.
What is constructive total loss in two-wheeler insurance.
Whether you own a two-wheeler or a car, you should always ensure that you know everything about its maintenance and insurance. Getting insurance for your vehicle is of utmost importance. It protects your vehicle from severe damages by giving you compensation and solves third-party disputes.
However, just getting insurance for your vehicle is not enough. You also need to check out the various additional services offered by the insurance. This way, you can choose the most comprehensive insurance for your 2 wheeler. You must also inquire about all the essential terms relevant to your insurance. One such term is a constructive total loss. Although the term sounds complicated, it is not.
This article will help you to understand various aspects of a constructive total loss.
What is a constructive total loss?
You will likely file a claim for your 2 wheeler insurance only when your vehicle has suffered severe damages. Once you have filed a claim, the insurance company will inspect all the damages and reimburse the amount accordingly. Either you will get cashless compensation or money for the repairs. The damage is assessed well, and only compensation for the damages is provided.
If the vehicle is in dire need of minor repairs or servicing, the insurance company will reimburse that. It can also refund the amount for the replacement of bike parts. However, reimbursement only occurs after all the deductibles are assessed carefully. No matter the damage's severity, you will only get compensation up to the Insured Declared Value or IDV. You will not get any claim money that exceeds the IDV value.
There is also a major catch here. For instance, your two-wheeler undergoes irreversible damage. In such a case, the bike will be beyond repair. The insurance company can then declare it as a total loss. In other words, if the repair cost for the vehicle far exceeds its value, it results in total loss.
It is said that when the repair cost is more than 75% of the IDV, it is impossible to reimburse it. The constructive total loss takes place here.
Let's assume that your two-wheeler gets stolen. Then what will happen? In such a case, your insurance company will reimburse you for the IDV of your vehicle. The claim for theft of your bike will be treated as a total loss claim. The reimbursement amount will be sans the deductibles and depreciation.
How do you apply for a constructive total loss claim?
Now that you are familiar with constructive total loss let's look at the various steps to file a claim. They are:
● Go to the official website of your insurance company
● Look for the claims process tab or page
● You will see blanks to fill in your information
● Provide all the necessary information carefully
● After that is done, verify the self-inspection of your bike through the link sent to your mobile number
● A surveyor or inspector may be sent to get your vehicle inspected. Cooperate with them
● Once everything is done, you can submit all the required documents and forms
These easy steps can get you a total claim from the comfort of your home. You need to keep all these things in mind before you file a claim for your 2 wheeler insurance under constructive total loss. Once you give the correct information and abide by the guidelines, you can access the claim amount.
Click HERE to buy 2 wheeler insurance to protect your motorcycle from unexpected damages.
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.
Simplifying commonly used insurance jargon
While checking any insurance plan, you most likely come across terms like deductibles, premiums, adjuster, etc. If you're unfamiliar with them, you may be confused and make wrong financial decisions.
It is now a given that everyone needs to have basic knowledge of terms relevant to general insurance. If not, you will find it daunting to buy insurance or apply for one. In such a case, it is extremely easy to get tricked. You will likely fall into the trap of fraudsters who can get more money from your lack of awareness and appropriate knowledge. Not knowing things can make the job easier for them.
If you need help understanding a few commonly used insurance jargon, this article is for you. This article will walk you through the various essential terms related to insurance. Prepare to dive into the world of simplified general insurance jargon that aids in making better financial decisions and equips you to help your peers and share your knowledge!
1. Claim:
This is one of the most important terms related to insurance used in all policies, including non-general and general insurance. A claim refers to the compensation or coverage of an incurred loss. It is a request to the insurance company to compensate you in cash or in kind for the loss you have encountered. It can be filed in case of a road accident, robbery, or even a natural disaster.
2. Adjuster:
An insurance company employs an adjuster to settle various claims. They investigate, examine, and evaluate before finalising any claim. The adjuster investigates all the crucial concerns. Be it the cause of loss, insurance coverage, the value of the loss, the amount of loss, and so on. Only after the adjuster adequately investigates everything the insurance company settles the claim.
3. Peril:
As the name suggests, this refers to a potential threat or danger that puts the insured at risk. It can also put an insured item or property at risk. It can be due to any irreversible causes and out of control. For instance, theft, fire, floods, and so on.
4. Deductibles:
This refers to the money to be paid by the insured for insurance coverage before the insurance company starts paying for the insurance policy. This amount is generally deducted from the claim before it is handed over to the insured.
5. Premium:
This refers to the amount paid to the insurance company to secure you against any damages or losses. It is a variable amount that depends on many factors while buying insurance.
6. Liability coverage:
As the name suggests, it protects the insured against any claim raised towards the damages and injuries caused to third parties or property.
7. Nominee:
This refers to a person entitled to receive the insurance claim if the insured dies. The insurance company redirects the claim to the rightful nominee declared by the insured as per the terms and conditions of the policy. They are generally the dependent, your spouse, child, parents, etc.
8. Waiting period:
This is the time that a policyholder has to wait before applying for a claim. Depending on various factors, the policy's terms & conditions, it can range from a few months to a few years.
With general insurance becoming necessary to protect your highly-valued assets and your finances, everyone must understand basic insurance jargon before evaluating and comparing policies. Only when you are aware of the basic terms can you buy the best insurance for yourself! Keep yourself aligned with the advancements of the insurance sector and buy general insurance online to get better offers and attractive premiums that account for efficient coverage.
Click HERE to buy general 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.
Single mother: A health insurance can secure your and your child’s future
Women have surpassed their traditional gender roles and are now leading huge organisations, establishing their start-ups, investing for their future, taking care of their families, and when they decide to become mothers according to their own choices. While we all know how society functions and several stereotypes have been crumbled to the ground by women, we are still far from creating a safer space. But there is no second thought about how the position of women in society has improved over time.
Due to unfortunate circumstances or by choice of living a stress-free life, several women are single mothers today. And most of them hold sole custody of their kid(s). Again, the stigma against single parenting is quite challenging to go through. There are several aspects to ensuring you create a happy life for yourself and your kid. This blog aims to make single mothers understand the importance of health insurance and how it can secure their future and their child’s upbringing. Here’s a guide to achieving that and all you need to know about the topic.
1. Explore all your options.
There are several insurance options in the market. You will see a herd of insurance providers. It would be best to thoroughly research every health insurance- the merits and demerits, terms and conditions, renewal policy, sum insured, service quality, hospitals in the network, trust, and ratings. After all these detailings, if you still feel the process is overwhelming and you cannot differentiate amongst the integral factors, you can consult a financial expert who will help you prioritise your needs and put forth the best options for you.
2. How do you prioritise your requirements?
Health insurance should be at the top of your priority list. And while the details of various types of insurance available in the market can be overwhelming, you need to prioritise your requirements. How can you do that? You need to figure out your insurance coverage, keeping in mind the range of medical expenditures in your location, as geographical factors influence hospital expenses.
While determining the amount for coverage for your health insurance, you need to be careful about the limitations like the hospital expenses, the settlement for the claims regarding the ailments, etc. Health insurance with these restrictions tends to cost you lower than those who endorse full coverage. Listing your needs will help you find the perfect insurance for your necessities.
3. Plan ahead of time.
As a single mother, you have a massive load of responsibilities on your shoulders. It would be best if you secure your future and your child’s/children’s and family’s future from an early stage. Also, you will see a significant increase in medical inflation, impacting health insurance premiums, hospitalisation costs, prices of medical aids and equipment, etc. To combat the unpredictability of this journey called life, you will need to gear up.
You need to look for the additional benefits provided by the various insurance providers and the type of features these benefits carry, for example, daycare, expenditure of an attendant/caretaker, etc. You can explore and analyse the benefits you can get through different added features or insurance for critical illness.
We discussed the perks of health insurance for single mothers. But in no way is it limited to just single parents. Everyone out there requires health insurance to stay monetarily stress-free during difficult phases of life involving health troubles. And with technology, the hassle of buying and renewing insurance is just a matter of a few clicks now! You can purchase or renew health insurance online and be the master of your ship to choose what’s best for you and your family.
Click HERE to learn more about how to renew 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.
Not responsible for the accident? Here's what you should do
The numbers of road accidents in India are astonishingly increasing every year for many reasons, including drunken driving, being careless at the wheel, driving without attention, not following traffic rules, etc. Regardless of the reasons surrounding the road accident, you need to be extremely cautious on the road. You should also buy car insurance policy online, not as a mandate but as a comprehensive protection for your vehicle.
A lot of times, challenging situations may occur regarding road accidents, even if you are not at fault. Sometimes you may be accused of an accident you have no connection with. If you're not responsible for the accident and wondering what to do? You need not panic. We have curated this article to help you determine your next steps if you're not responsible for an accident.
What are the immediate steps?
Your immediate action plan should be:
● Try to stay calm before taking over the situation
● Call an ambulance if you or anyone involved in the accident is hurt
● If the cars are damaged, you should also call the police
● Make the drivers aware of the insurance coverage
● Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident
● Wait for the officials and car insurance companies to decide the next steps
● Do not panic and blame others
What to do if you are not responsible?
A car accident can be extremely stressful and anxious situation, so you must maintain your composure and pick your battles wisely. Some tips to help you deal with it are
1. Gather information:
You need to get important information like the name and address of the other driver. You should also take pictures at the accident scene. Collect photos of the damage to the involved cars, the number plate of the at-fault car, and then the driver's driving licence. Try to note down the statement of the passengers and witnesses.
2. Inform your insurance company:
Your insurance company should get involved in such a situation. But you must be very quick in submitting your details and proofs to your insurer (probably in the first 24 hours of the accident). The insurer of the at-fault driver may hold you guilty of the situation. Fret not! You should just state the facts, statements, and pictures for them to decide. You should also inform your insurer as it will establish your reputation as a good-faith citizen. They can also protect you if the other insurance company denies your claim.
3. File a legal claim if necessary:
Legal claims can be tedious. You need to choose that very wisely. You must only go for a legal claim if the extent of damage is massive. You are eligible for a legal claim when the other person's insurance company denies your claim and does not give you compensation. You can fight this with the other insurance company for rightful compensation.
However, if you are seriously hurt, you need a lawyer to fight your claim. Things can get pretty intense, and you need to choose everything with caution.
If you get into a car accident that you weren't responsible for, you should collect information on-site as much as you can. This will give you an upper hand. You can also claim their liability insurance. If you buy car insurance policy online, you will be covered against all the losses you encounter after a car accident. But, all of this should happen swiftly without any delays. You can win the situation only if you act fast and present your case strongly.
Click HERE to buy car insurance policy 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.
Nails: An overlooked indicator of good health
Good health is considered to be our greatest gift. It results from practising healthy habits, including eating nutritious and well-balanced meals, sleeping on time, and exercising daily. These contribute towards a balanced and wellness-focused lifestyle that is exceptionally significant in the long run.
While your habits can help minimise the risk of illnesses and facilitate overall wellness, there is no practical way to prevent diseases. However, prudent mechanisms like buying health insurance online in India and conducting regular health checks can help maintain your well-being.
As astounding as it may sound, your nails can say much about your body's health in no time. You may not believe it at first, but this article on various parameters of nail health and what they may indicate is all you need to learn more about the topic!
1. Yellow nails:
Yellow nails indicate various things, including wearing nail paint frequently. In such a case, you need to take a break from the salon. Your nails may also turn pale yellow as a result of old age. Another significant cause may be excessive smoking.
Additionally, it could also be an indicator of yellow nail syndrome. It is a rare genetic disorder that causes thick yellow nails. If you notice that your nails are yellow for an extended period, consider getting them checked immediately.
2. White spots:
White spots are extremely common in nails. You can find these white spots scattered across your nails. Contrary to popular belief, it does not indicate a calcium deficiency. Instead, it could be the result of a minor nail accident. It could also be a symptom of leukonychia. It is harmless but may indicate other health problems, including liver or kidney issues. If you notice such white spots regularly, the best action plan is to consult a doctor soon.
3. Brittle, cracked, or dry nails:
Dry and cracked nails are extremely common in recent times. A dry nail plate causes dry nails. It can result from swimming, dishwashing, or excessive use of nail polish remover. Reduce the frequency of these activities to prevent dry nails. Low humidity could be another cause of this condition. It can also occur due to old age.
However, brittle nails can also be an indicator of hypothyroidism. Since it is difficult to gauge the root cause of the problem without medical intervention, we encourage you to consult a medical professional who can help diagnose the problem. To reduce the burden of hospitalisation expenses on yourself, you must buy online health insurance. If your tests do not indicate a significant problem, using lotions to keep your nails moisturised may suffice to correct the issue.
4. Blue nails:
If your nails turn blue frequently, it can mean that your body is not getting enough oxygen. This severe problem could also result from underlying heart and lung problems, requiring immediate medical attention.
5. Nail clubbing:
Frequent swelling and curving of the nails can result from serious issues like lung disorders and kidney issues, for which you need to consult a doctor immediately.
Many diseases and abnormalities can change your nails' colours or cause them to grow abnormally. All these are indicative of other ailments that may prevail in your body. You must consult a doctor immediately if you notice such signs and symptoms. Do not overlook these signs. Be responsible and ensure regular check-ups to keep your body in the best shape. You should also buy online health insurance to stay ahead and protect your health with comprehensive coverage.
Click HERE to buy online health 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.
If you’re struggling with productivity, a morning routine may be what you need
With the advent of the hustle culture and technology moving at an incredible pace, our lifestyles have been affected dramatically towards the unhealthy side. Our diets, sleep schedules, and working hours have seen a massive shift that has negatively impacted our health and relationships with ourselves and others. And this unhealthy switch has a massive effect on our work and productivity. While self-care has become an enormous part of our lives, it is now a must-do activity instead of just a habit we are supposed to inculcate in our daily routine.
Have you been feeling down and unfocused lately? Do you need help concentrating to carry out the menial tasks of the day? Well, mental health is a massive part of our lives today. You should contact trained professionals if you feel severe anxiety and other issues. But if you're struggling with productivity, a morning routine may be what you need!
This blog discusses how you can reform your lifestyle with a proper morning schedule and observe significant changes in your spirit and health.
1. Plan your day in advance:
Figuring out your day's schedule helps prepare you mentally and physically for getting all the work done. Monitoring the time to accomplish a particular task enables you to keep track and improve your efficiency and make space for other personal and professional things. A to-do list is a right way to go about structuring your day. You can allot time for these things according to your estimation and roughly note down the hours you will dedicate to a particular task from your list. This will help you stay on top of your productivity game.
2. A sound sleep:
A good night's sleep is essential. While several other pieces of research every day indicate different hours of sleep required by a certain age group, seven to eight hours is the fundamental need for a human body to function correctly. Ensuring a good night's sleep makes you feel fresh and ready for the next day. It helps you to be productive and complete all the tasks for the day.
3. Meditation and reading:
Meditation helps you connect with your inner self and calms your body. It enables you to strengthen your focus. Meditating every morning will help you calm your nerves and prepare for the day. It is very effective in dealing with anxiety and stress. Mental health professionals and physical trainers always recommend it as a part of your exercise and self-care regimen.
You can also set a target for reading which is a nourishment for your brain. You can either commit to reading ten pages daily and slowly increase. Or you can set a time limit, beginning with reading for ten to twenty minutes and then working your way up. This will help you improve your reading speed and boost your concentration, and eventually, you can develop a habit.
4. Move your body:
Any form of physical activity in the morning like stretching, yoga, and exercise will improve the blood circulation in your body and regulate hormone levels. Physical activities also help you structure your day, improve your metabolism and enhance your well-being. Your fitness journey would eventually lead you to healthier diet choices, thus making an enormous contribution to your lifestyle.
Some other elements you can introduce in building productivity include drinking one glass of water in the morning, eating a nutritional breakfast, breathing exercises, cleaning and organising your personal space and work desk, spending some time in nature without any gadgets, positive self-talk and affirmations, etc. The key is to formulate all these things into a routine and take it one day at a time.
Health is the most crucial aspect of our life. While we try our best to take care of our health, some unforeseeable circumstances can create an imbalance and adversely affect our health. To combat such incidents, you must explore different insurance options from multiple companies and choose the best health insurance policy for family.
Click HERE to learn more about the best health insurance policy for family and its benefits.
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.
Here are ten easy tips to reduce bloating
Bloating can be a common but painful condition for some. We all know the feeling, the tender abdomen, and the stomach that looks a lot larger than usual. Bloating is a disorder that usually happens after overeating, eating something you are intolerant towards, or having too many fizzy drinks that result in a gas build-up.
However, bloating can also occur due to too much stress in your day-to-day life, which causes indigestion. This blog gives you some tips and tricks to get relief from bloating.
1. Try massaging the belly:
Bloating is usually a build-up of gas, which you can control by giving a gentle massage to your abdomen. This helps move the gas to the lower belly and relieve it. It’s best to follow the path of the large intestine for optimal results.
2. Drink that bottle of water:
Hydration is vital to most of the body’s functions. Drinking less water not only affects the kidneys but it has a significant impact on digestion too. Drinking water will make it much easier to pass stool, which will, in turn, help with your bloating. Also, the mucous lining of your stomach significantly improves from more hydration, so keep finishing that water bottle!
3. Reduce the consumption of fizzy drinks:
The consumption of fizzy drinks has increased drastically worldwide, which also brings digestive issues. Fizzy drinks are pumped with carbon dioxide, which gives the stomach a tough time. People have also replaced water in their households, which makes them even more dangerous.
4. Exercise:
In this technologically advanced world, sedentary lifestyles have become the norm making significant negative impacts on our overall health. Exercise relieves fluid retention as we sweat out sodium and helps move stool and gas out of our system. So, no matter how busy your schedule is, take time to indulge in some physical activity to relieve your abdomen.
5. Check for lactose intolerance, cut down on the dairy:
Approximately 65 percent of the world has a reduced tolerance to dairy products after infancy. So, it is no surprise that dairy products cause bloating in many people due to their inability to digest milk and milk products.
6. Drink your coffee:
Coffee can help make bowel movements regular and is therefore regarded as suitable for people who suffer from chronic bloating.
7. Avoid alcohol and other spirits:
Alcohol is fermented and is bad for your gut health. This might make you blow up like a balloon and cause severe discomfort. Using fizzy drinks to the mix makes the situation even worse.
8. Pop a peppermint capsule:
Peppermint is excellent for people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) but can also be used for indigestion and other gas–related issues. It is great for the gut as it helps relax the intestinal muscles, allowing stool to pass more easily. However, one should be careful and take these capsules only after reading the instructions. People with heartburn should skip this one.
9. Take a relaxing bath:
A warm bath or a shower can melt away all the stress of the day and make you feel light and breezy. This can reduce stress levels, which are a significant cause of indigestion. The warmth will also be relieving for a tender stomach.
10. Try to reduce your salt consumption:
Salt is a major cause of fluid retention and can cause bloating after an incredibly salty meal. Try cooking at home instead of dining out, and avoid fast food with salt and oils.
Bloating is highly uncomfortable and can ruin a day that otherwise was full of promises. Bloating can also be due to other medical reasons. If you notice regular bloating, contact a medical professional at the earliest to diagnose the issue. Additionally, consider purchasing health insurance that provides coverage against various illnesses to protect your health and look after your medical expenses. The right research and knowledge can help you find affordable health insurance plans that are soft on your pockets but best for your financial security.
Click HERE to learn more about affordable health 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.
Budgeting fundamentals young adults must understand
Young adults are at a nascent stage of life, beginning to understand and bear life's responsibilities. It becomes important for them to understand budgeting fundamentals to adequately control their expenditure against what they earn. It will help them avoid suffering a money crunch situation or a deficit by spending more than they can earn during the budgeting period.
A life without budgeting is similar to a rudderless ship in the middle of an ocean. A budget is a perfect plan to structure our investments and ensure financial stability by estimating our probable income and expenditure. Let's understand a few budgeting fundamentals that can encourage young adults to become financially independent individuals capable of making fruitful investment decisions. When we talk about investments, insurance plays a vital role. Investing in a reliable general insurance company can be a good kick-start for young adults.
1. Know your income:
Young salaried adults should know their net income after considering several deductions and taxes. They should not focus on their total salary but on what they will get in hand during the budgeting period. This will help them not to overspend.
A young adult with an irregular income stream, such as a freelancer, a contractor, or a self-employed, should plan and chart his probable earnings over the budgeting period. They should also consider income from other sources, such as interest and dividend earnings, rental income, etc.
2. Know your expenditure:
Young adults should then divide their expenses into two parts- fixed and variable. They cannot avoid fixed expenses such as rent, telephone and electricity bills, EMIs, etc. However, they can control and trim their variable costs according to their income. They need to track and categorise such expenditures so that they know which expenditures to curtail and which to completely avoid.
3. Setting goals:
The next step in budgeting is to set realistic short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals are the ones that will take a year or two to fulfill. Young adults may budget to set up an emergency fund. Long-term goals will take a longer time to accomplish. They may budget to invest a certain amount monthly in a mutual fund through the SIP route to secure their future or plan for their children's future education. They may also budget to buy insurance policies such as term, health, or life insurance.
4. Plan effectively:
Effective planning is the key to implementing any budget. Young adults should plan how to increase their income in the coming time and set spending limits for the expense category that can be controlled. They should understand the difference between necessities, comforts, and luxuries. While necessities are a must and cannot be curtailed, spending on comforts and luxuries can be controlled through proper planning.
5. Review regularly:
Young adults should review their budgets regularly. Income and expenditure may go up or down due to several reasons such as a salary raise, fulfillment of some goal, new ambition, change in taste and preferences, etc. They should adjust their budget accordingly so that it stays relevant.
Young adults must understand budgeting fundamentals and their importance in their lives. This will help them to stay aligned with their budget goals. They can switch to using cash as the preferred mode of payment in case they cannot control their spending when using plastic money.
Young adults are at a stage of life in which general insurance policies also start gaining importance. They should divert some portion of their income towards buying insurance policies, be it health insurance, home insurance, or any other type of insurance per their specific needs. Insurance will ensure their secure and financially stable future and cover their entire family in emergencies. The right general insurance company can benefit young adults by streamlining their finances with protection.
Click HERE to explore different 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.
Raising a claim for a scratch or a dent on your bike may not be the best move
In a country like India, where rash driving is very common, you must be extra careful about your actions on the road. You need to be familiar with all the traffic rules and regulations. It is because you endanger yourself, your co-passengers, and even the pedestrians on the road while driving. Following traffic rules saves you from unwanted damage and getting penalised. You should also have bike insurance to secure your motorcycle and finances in a crisis.
Although bike insurance is a good investment, what does it cover? Suppose you meet with a small accident. Is it okay to file a claim for minor dents or scratches? We will answer them all for you in this article.
Is it worth it to claim insurance for bike scratches and minor dents?
Bike insurance claims can be tricky. If you are new to the world of insurance, you will find it challenging to decipher everything. You may face difficulties filing a claim for something that is rightfully yours.
Before you file a claim, you must keep a few things in mind. The first is the extent of the damage done to your vehicle. The second is the type of policy that you have purchased. It determines the level of damage it covers.
With a comprehensive policy, you can file a claim for damages that occurred to your bike. However, if you have third-party insurance, the scenario will be different. In the case of third-party insurance, you will not get the cost for all the damages done to your bike as it covers the damages to a third party's vehicle.
So, for your comprehensive motor insurance policy, access the damage done to your bike and the extent of it. If you believe that the damages are beyond regular repair, you can file an insurance claim. However, you should not file the claim if you think the dents and scratches are repairable and will cost you nominal. In such a case, you must save the insurance claim for a future crisis. It is always better to be on the safer side!
What are the advantages of not claiming insurance for minor dents?
There are many hidden benefits of not claiming bike insurance for minor damages to your bike, including
● Low premium:
It is known that the premium will increase significantly when you claim insurance. It can be bothering for you to pay the increased premium after that. To avoid this, you should not claim minor damages as it will keep your finances in control, and you will enjoy a low premium.
● Lack of claim bonus:
The No Claim Bonus feature in bike insurance offers discounts to policyholders when renewing the policy for not filing a claim during the policy period. The discount increases for the years if you do not raise a claim.
Understanding the basics of bike insurance, such as coverage, inclusions, and future implications is a fundamental requirement before deciding to claim bike insurance. It is usually never worth claiming for minor dents as it can be less fruitful in the long run. Do your due diligence before making major financial decisions, such as purchasing bike insurance, raising claims, etc. Wisely utilise insurance benefits to ensure the best compensation for the damages incurred.
Click HERE to buy the best bike 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.
Your car manufacturer’s service centres can help you cut costs in the long run
Although buying a vehicle is a significant investment, it also brings with it several additional expenses to ensure the driver’s safety and maintenance of the car. To ensure its longevity and appropriate functioning, get your vehicle serviced regularly and buy car insurance online to minimise the risk of accidents and the burden of allied costs.
Remember, both these factors are non-negotiable. While opting to buy car insurance online can get you the best insurers, your authorised service centre also helps you cut costs in the long run.
This article explains how you may derive greater benefits in the long run by availing of the services of the manufacturer’s service centre.
1. Specialised technicians:
The manufacturer’s affiliated garages employ specialised technicians that have undergone rigorous training in exclusive components or have the technical know-how of specific car models, making them the right persons to inspect and evaluate your car. You can also raise any concerns and ask for expert maintenance tips regarding essential maintenance.
2. Never worry about counterfeit parts:
While cars themselves are expensive, replacing components is also a costly affair. Some parts may require replacement due to obsoletion, while others depreciate and add up to a significant amount, which only some can afford. This situation leads to the rise of counterfeit parts. They are of similar specifications but are made of inferior quality, risking your vehicle’s safety. Authorised dealers only store authentic parts and provide a guarantee, eliminating counterfeit concerns and recurring costs arising from their use.
3. Keep your car up to date:
The global automotive software market is expected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 13.1% until 2027, indicating the vast scope of upgrading cars to increase efficiency and facilitate seamless driving. Manufacturers frequently release software updates, and there is no better place to get it than at an affiliated garage! Along with a regular check, you can also install the latest updates at no additional cost without delay!
4. Maintain resale value:
Regular servicing is proof of a well-maintained car, and service records are documented evidence of the same. While your local garage may not offer reliable documentation, your manufacturer’s garages ensure that you have proof of the car’s servicing history after each check. If you choose to resell your vehicle, this record is essential to justify the car’s value and convince the potential buyer of its safety.
5. Early identification of festering problems:
There is no greater pinch to the wallet than an expense that could have been avoided by taking preventive checks and spending a minimal sum. The experts at your manufacturer’s garages are well-equipped to identify issues and recommend monitoring or an effective solution to curb the extent of damage to your vehicle.
6. Risk of invalidated warranty:
The manufacturer may refuse to provide warranty coverage without proof of the procedure, the equipment used, and the technician’s expertise. Hence, contacting a dealer for any significant concerns or repairs is ideal as it provides a more significant resolution to the issues related to your vehicle.
There is no greater relief than that of reliability, which authorised service centres provide. We recommend carefully assessing alternatives before choosing your preferred servicing garage and buy car insurance online to derive the most significant benefits possible.
Click HERE to buy car 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.
Would your corporate health insurance suffice? Not amid layoffs
In the aftermath of a global pandemic and rising economic uncertainties, a job offers what matters most- financial stability and social security. It may also provide perks like allowances for specific purposes like children's education, medical expenses, relocation, etc., and perquisites like a company car, accommodation, etc.
A primary add-on facility is corporate health insurance for employees. While it may cover medical emergencies and allied expenses during employment, does it satisfy the need for additional health insurance? Experts suggest that, employed or not, each individual should buy health insurance to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses.
If you have a corporate insurance policy and need more clarification about needing a separate cover, read on to learn about the risk you face.
What is corporate health insurance?
Also known as group health insurance, the company takes the initiative to buy health insurance for all its employees during their tenure with the company. It covers medical costs arising from accidents, medical conditions, surgeries, etc. While the policy coverage is vast, it also extends to the dependents of the employees- creating an illusion of comprehensive coverage.
Not only does it benefit employees as an additional security against contingencies, but it also doubles as an attractive perk from the employer that makes the job offer appear comprehensive, leading to a satisfied workforce and resulting in greater productivity. The Indian Income Tax laws also allow claiming a deduction for the premium payment, sweetening the deal for both parties involved in case of a co-payment arrangement.
Concerns about corporate health insurance:
While the policy is undoubtedly beneficial for employees, it is not a substitute for individual health insurance.
1. Term period:
Corporate health insurance is purchased in bulk to cover all employees of the organisation. An employee is only protected until his employment tenure continues. Considering the volatile economic conditions and the talks of an incoming recession, more layoffs seem inevitable in the near future, making it essential to buy more health insurance at the earliest.
2. Standard coverage:
While corporate health insurance covers a broad scope of issues that may lead to medical expenses, you cannot customise the policy to fit your and your dependents' needs. The company makes decisions on the technicalities, including insured sum, number of dependents, etc., leaving employees at greater health risk with no option but to buy online health insurance individually to cover specific concerns. Even if you do not need a custom cover, we highly recommend purchasing an individual policy.
3. No direct benefit to the employee:
If you buy online health insurance and don't raise a claim during its active period, you can avail of a no-claim bonus, a reward that offers up to 50% discount while renewing the policy. The same does not apply to corporate health insurance.
4. Cumbersome claim raising:
When looking for online health insurance, comparing alternative insurers and purchasing a comprehensive plan from a company offering a seamless claim-raising experience is essential. Since the technicalities are outside your hands, you may have to deal with long wait periods and inefficient claim-settling mechanisms before reaching a fruitful settlement.
5. Undependable state of personal finances:
Health insurance makes for an integral part of budgets and financial planning. Choosing to rely solely on the insurance provided by your employer is a risky move that can affect your financial stability.
6. Lack of tax deduction:
Unless the premium has been paid under a co-payment agreement between the employer and employee, the employee cannot claim a tax deduction. The employer, however, continues to have the option of claiming the expense as a business expenditure that can be claimed as a deduction while calculating the profits of the business.
While group health insurance offers comprehensive coverage, it does not substitute the need to buy online health insurance. We strongly urge you to purchase separate health insurance, not just for tax-saving purposes but to ensure your financial security and protect your health under comprehensive coverage.
Click HERE to buy online health 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.
Why the joy of motorcycle riding only increases in a group
Travel has become more about exploration than just following the regular itinerary and checking off tourist spots. People have been curating their itineraries, inspired by travel vloggers, who have been popularising the lesser travelled locations and various affordable options across India. And whenever you think about high-altitude destinations like Ladakh, Darjeeling, Gangtok, etc., you picture a biking gang. Upon travelling, you will see several members of different biker groups taking frequent adventure tours.
And while some people are interested in riding their bikes alone and going on solo trips, the joy of motorcycle riding only increases in a group. We will discuss all that in this blog! Let’s get started!
1. The joy doubles:
We all have heard, “the more, the merrier.” The same goes for riding in groups. The happiness multiplies. The jokes, the moments, the pictures, and the memories double up. The joy increases significantly as people with different perspectives and opinions get together. You learn many new things and get opportunities to interact and diversify your knowledge base.
And riding a bike to challenging destinations through uneven routes creates a feeling of oneness. These biking groups become your family, and you and your biking brothers can forge lifetime connections that can prove fruitful in emergencies. And this extended family doesn’t always need to have a transactional relationship. You can share your highs and lows with everyone.
2. Create your brethren:
Along with diversifying your opinions, you also get to interact with like-minded folks who might have a larger perspective regarding your similarities. These people have the same routine as yours, face similar difficulties, and can provide a safe and judgement-free space to vent your frustration, speak your mind, and communicate about your daily personal and professional struggles. And while you might have specific differences since every individual comes with eccentricities, your love for bikes, adventures, and adrenaline unites you under one umbrella.
3. Introducing life-changing qualities:
Discipline, accountability, and responsibility are some of the most integral qualities one must inculcate to become an individual, leader, and member of society. All these qualities are developed when you are a member of a biker group. A team or group can only operate correctly with rules and regulations. You must follow a proper code of conduct and work together as a team to reach your destinations in an orderly fashion. This teamwork requires you to get over your feuds and prejudices, take responsibility, and ensure that the group does not fall apart during any difficulties.
4. Cannot forget about the safety:
Being part of a biker group indicates your shared love for motorcycle riding and adventure. Along with the other benefits of riding in a group, the most significant merit is safety. It ensures a higher level of protection than riding solo. You might receive the kindness of some stranger when you ride alone, but if you are in a group, you will be taken care of as other members also hold responsibility for looking after each other. These are rare opportunities where you can feel the “unity in group riding” and create a family away from home.
Some other reasons why the joy of motorcycle riding only increases in a group include enhancing your machinery and bike knowledge by exchanging information and tips with other professional riders.
You always need to ensure that you do not fall behind on the upkeep of your bike. But certain unprecedented circumstances can cause severe damage to your motorcycle, which might lead to heavy expenditure. To avoid the financial distress of such times, you need to purchase bike insurance. And to enjoy the comfort of your home while you explore all your options and arrive at a decision, you can buy bike insurance online before your next trip.
Click HERE to learn more about buying bike 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.
What should you consider before purchasing super top-up health insurance
Ever since Covid brought the world to a halt, we have seen a rise in demand for healthcare assistance and services. We all remember the mass fear of getting trapped into health complications, even if people were not infected by the Covid virus strain. Every other day, you read headlines about the demise of highly fit people who had a proper workout regimen and cared for their health. However, life has its ways. While we might be powerless in front of our destinies, the least we can do is to stay fit. We need to take proper care of ourselves physically, mentally, and economically by making intelligent decisions like purchasing health insurance policies to safeguard ourselves during tough times.
We all have heard and read about health insurance and its benefits. But we are always on the lookout for something more. Something which can grant us more confidence and coverage to face unforeseeable circumstances with zero financial stress. Have you heard about super top-up health insurance? And, what should you consider before purchasing super top-up health insurance? You might have several doubts. This blog will discuss the answers to these vital questions.
1. Understanding super top-up health insurance in detail.
Just like the top-up plans we opt for while recharging our phones, a super top-up health insurance plan is the top-up for your policies. In addition, the term "super" brings many benefits, which take health insurance the extra mile beyond the limitations of a top-up insurance plan.
A super top-up insurance plan expands the coverage beyond your regular health insurance plan. It covers the medical expenditure after the limit of your primary health insurance policy is exhausted. In addition to expanding the coverage provided by your health insurance, a super top-up health insurance plan offers you coverage for more than one claim over your initial policy limit.
2. Who requires super top-up health insurance?
Senior citizens come first in the order of a super top-up health insurance plan requirement. Their frequent need for healthcare services suits this type of insurance plan, which would allow them to avail the benefits with no financial stress. People with severe health risks of hospitalisation can opt for super top-up health insurance to expand their coverage and avail successive medical benefits. To augment the benefits of group health insurance, a super top-up plan proves helpful and allows the policyholders to redeem the benefits beyond their insurance plan.
3. What should you consider before purchasing super top-up health insurance?
While the benefits of super top-up health insurance sound amazing and worth considering, you also need to be on the lookout for certain factors before buying a super top-up plan. Always choose the correct deductible limit, indicating the maximum extent of your primary health insurance policy.
You also need to cross-check the list of network hospitals that come under the super top-up health insurance so that you have complete clarity and verify whether the hospitals are serving your medical concerns, which is the primary reason for you expanding your coverage. A super top-up insurance plan can be customised. Therefore, you need to make sure that you read more about it and ask questions to be clear about its benefits and features before you insure a particular sum of money.
4. Other benefits of a super top-up insurance plan.
Some other benefits of a super top-up insurance plan include paying deductibles just once despite making multiple claims a year, accessibility to cashless payments at the network hospitals, eligibility for reimbursement post payment, coverage of Covid-19 treatment, tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax act on the premium paid for the super top-up health insurance policy, etc.
While we discuss expanding the coverage of your base policy through this top-up insurance plan, you need to understand the necessity of purchasing health insurance to combat medical emergencies and distress without worrying about the funds. Explore all available options and choose the best health insurance that caters to your needs optimally.
Click HERE to learn more about health insurance and its benefits.
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.
Top priorities for Indian car buyers in 2023
Safety is undoubtedly at the forefront of your mind when you plan to buy a new car. However, many other crucial factors come into play in this decision-making process. These factors include essential safety features, enticing designs, and performance. Remember also to consider purchasing online car insurance for added peace of mind.
To make your car-buying experience even more enjoyable and impactful, here's a list of these priorities, ranked in order of importance. Get ready to make an informed decision in 2023.
1. Price and budgets:
Every car buyer's #1 concern is cost. There is a set budget for everything, including purchasing a car or allied online car insurance. Everybody will work to maximise their car's potential while paying the least money. And because the transition to the BS6 emission standards resulted in a price increase. Carmakers know the purchasing power of their customers, hence offering the options of different variants and pricing accordingly.
2. Fuel efficiency:
When it comes to cars, mileage is a crucial factor, as any Indian car buyer would tell you. There have been old models that were strong and packed with best-in-class features but failed terribly due to their poor fuel efficiency. For Indian consumers, a low kilometre per litre is an absolute red sign.
3. Service and maintenance cost:
A buyer considers other factors outside of the car's initial cost. Adding to budget planning are the prices of routine services. Therefore, the car should become affordable over time. Because of their hefty service costs, certain brands lose their preferability. However, a reliable car care partner may help reduce those service fees.
4. Qualities and design:
For many Indians, cars remain an enviable luxury. Since cars double as a status symbol in India, regardless of their features or powertrain specifications, an unattractive vehicle will not sell. Despite the wide variety of aesthetic preferences, some people prefer their cars to be more understated and sophisticated, while others like them to be more showy and solid.
5. Transmission and performance:
While performance isn't a top concern for most car buyers, Indians want their cars to be quick enough. Because people love the power of such vehicles, turbocharged engines have recently become increasingly popular.
6. User protection:
Safety is essential when considering cars, especially since India experiences many fatal traffic accidents. Safe driving and general awareness regarding standard driving guidelines can help resolve this problem and minimise the risk of accidents and fatalities.
While the auto industry recognises the need for high-quality cars, it does not respond to such demand immediately since Indians are price sensitive and do not wish to extend their budget to factor in their safety. We must realise that the cost of cars will need to go up because of increased protection. A strict set of safety rules and regulations is utmost required in India.
7. Reduced wait period:
It is challenging to be patient when making a significant investment in a car that is not just a means of conveyance but a measure of comfort and a sign of material wealth. Post the global pandemic, supply chain disruptions led to shortages of highly customised components, stopping assembly operations of various goods, including cars. With more car manufacturing factories opening up across India, car buyers can expect some relief from long waiting periods to get their hands on the keys to take their new cars for a spin at the earliest!
An overview of the top 7 priorities for Indian car buyers shows that price and features continue to take primary importance in the checklist. The addition of safety characteristics indicates a shift towards safer cars. We encourage you to purchase online car insurance after careful consideration and comparison while purchasing your car to ensure that you have safe, stress-free driving experiences!
Click HERE to buy the best online car 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.
Telematics car insurance: A boon for the insured & insurer
Telematics in car insurance is used by integrating telecommunications and informatics to understand a driver's risk profile and help create insurance plans in which the premium is charged according to the usage of the car.
Insurance companies consider several factors, such as the distance covered, frequency of vehicle use, average speed, driving style, etc., to arrive at the appropriate premium to charge for the respective customer. Let us understand telematics car insurance in detail.
How does it work?
Once a telematics device is installed in the car, it makes a complete note of the car’s movement and distance covered, when, and how it was driven. The device also tracks acceleration style and habits, braking patterns, average speed maintained, etc. The insurance companies analyse all this data and create the driver's risk profile. They then arrive at the fair premium that a particular person should be charged.
A boon for the insured?
Two cars purchased in the same month or a gap of a few days command the same premium for the regular insurance policies, even if the driver's driving style differs. Some drive cautiously and efficiently, while others may drive rashly and negligently. There is a need for rewarding good driving style. Insurance companies have developed a genius idea of telematics car insurance in which we have to pay the insurance premium according to our driving style.
Usage-based car insurance is a boon for the insured as it motivates the users to drive efficiently. They become aware of their driving habits and realise how they can improve.
Good driving behaviour is rewarded in such car insurance, and car users enjoy lower premiums on their policy. A good driving style will also help to achieve higher fuel efficiency, lesser wear and tear on the car, and lower maintenance costs for the owner. Moreover, a cautious driver is less likely to get into a car accident.
Telematics car insurance is a boon for the insured who use their car less and still have to pay high premiums. This helps them to pay a lesser premium as the premium also depends upon the distance covered under such policy.
A boon for the insurer?
Telematics makes the drivers drive at appropriate speeds and avoid indulging in high-speed and rash driving. This means that car accidents should go down considerably, resulting in a much lesser number of car insurance claims.
Therefore, the insurance company will stand to benefit from such car insurance. Lesser claims mean lesser expenses, resulting in higher profits for them. Also, such insurance will provide a lot of driving data to the insurance companies. They can analyse it and offer customised insurance policies to their clients. This will help them create an improved clientele and increase their market share and profits.
Car owners should consider several questions, such as the frequency of their car usage, driving style, and premium amount compared to their existing car insurance policy.
Such car insurance is a boon for both the insurer and the insured. Time is not far when technology, combined with telecommunications, will take over, and telematics car insurance will become the best choice among all the available options in the market.
*Telematics car insurance is not much prevalent in India as of now. It is just in the introduction stage, and the concept is new to most users. Hence, it will take some time to evolve and spread. Therefore, contact your insurance provider for further details.
Click HERE to buy a reliable car 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.
Inbuilt restoration benefit is a boon you must consider
Recent studies indicated a 0.4% penetration rate of health insurance in India in 2022. The true gravity of the situation is not felt when viewed in isolation but when compared to the 4.1% penetration rate in the US. Experts pin this lag on inaccessible insurance products and a general lack of awareness in the country.
Misinformation is undoubtedly the most significant concern that the insurance industry faces. An excellent example of misconceptions leading to losing out on benefits is unawareness regarding the restoration benefit offered under health insurance in India. If you have ever wondered about what happens when you need additional coverage after raising a claim and exhausting the insured sum within the policy period, here are all your answers about the restoration benefit, its advantages, and the types.
What is the restoration benefit?
A restoration benefit may be the most significant inbuilt feature insurers offer when purchasing the best health insurance policy in India. It is a benefit that is of greater significance in the case of family floater policies.
According to widespread misinformation, most policyholders believe they can no longer raise a claim in case of a second instance of hospitalisation against the same policy during the policy period. However, if your health insurance provides restoration benefits, you are insured for a greater sum than the insurance policy states. Your best health insurance in India offers a refill benefit, allowing you to claim up to 100% of the insured sum even after it is exhausted.
And, if your policy does not provide this feature, you can purchase a restoration benefit add-on to act as a security net in case of multiple occurrences of the event you are insured against during the policy tenure.
Types of restoration benefit.
1. Partial exhaustion:
As the name suggests, upon partial exhaustion of the insured sum, the restoration feature comes into play, renewing the insured sum to the maximum amount stated in the policy. If you have to purchase the add-on feature, it is preferred to have this type of restoration benefit.
2. Complete exhaustion:
The restoration feature only activates upon using the entire insured sum. Commonly, health insurance providers offer this type of benefit to policyholders since it minimises their exposure to risk by making restoration only applicable after the whole insured sum is exhausted.
Critical attributes of restoration benefit.
While the feature offers excellent benefits, you must not blindly purchase it or rely upon it without being aware of some of its essential characteristics:
1. The restored insured sum is not eligible for utilisation in the renewed policy period, irrespective of whether or not it is used in the relevant period.
2. Depending on your policy’s fine print, the restored amount may be up to 100-150% of the insured sum, depending on the cause for raising a claim.
3. The benefit does not apply to the first claim during the policy period but becomes applicable from the second claim onwards.
4. In the case of individual or family floater plans, multiple policyholders cannot enjoy the benefit of the restored insured sum simultaneously.
5. While it provides a backup in emergencies, it does not suffice as a replacement for increasing the insured sum in case of critical diseases or high-risk family members covered under the policy.
While purchasing the best health insurance policy in India, it is essential to check if the policy offers restoration benefits within the policy framework. Although it may not be a substitute for the need to increase your insured sum in your individual or family floater plan, it certainly provides a backup option to rely on in case of emergencies to cover insurance claims.
Click HERE to buy the best health 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.
Here’s why your health insurance premium rises each year and what you can do to manage it
Most investments are made to reap future benefits or protect yourself from contingent liabilities that may arise. Buying health insurance is one investment you must make to protect yourself financially in the present times. Even though several online health insurance companies deliver their services to your doorstep, buying health insurance has never been simpler. Surprisingly, about 30% of Indian households still do not have any health insurance coverage.
Experts believe that mass misinformation, complex policy wording, and the rising cost of premiums are to blame for the low figures. This requires the intervention of online health insurance companies to clarify and spread awareness among the public.
However, if the increasing cost of health insurance makes you think before purchasing or renewing your policy, read on to learn about the factors influencing the premium rates and whether you can manage them.
1. Inflation:
Unless you have been living under a rock, there is no way you could have missed out on the discussions regarding the skyrocketing rates of medical inflation globally.
The increased prices of healthcare services and consumables and an imbalance in demand and supply of equipment and professionals are also responsible for the rising costs of hospitalisation. This has directly increased premiums to minimise the risk online health insurance companies bear. But this trend is unlikely to settle, making premiums inevitably pricier each year.
2. Claim history:
Suppose you have raised frequent claims over the years. In that case, you are classified as a high-risk policyholder since renewing your policy will likely result in more significant payouts for the insurer. However, this does not apply to all online health insurance companies. Ensure you check the fine print of alternative policies and choose one that does not include a clause of increasing your premium with each claim you raise.
3. Age:
With age, one’s immunity weakens, making one susceptible to illnesses. Older people are at greater risk of diseases and hospitalisation, making them high-risk clients for health insurance companies, which is why they are charged higher premiums. Paying a higher premium means better coverage and a greater insured sum. Do not compromise on protecting your future by skimping on the premium, and ensure your policy provides comprehensive coverage against various illnesses and a sizable insured sum.
4. Policyholder’s medical history:
Online health insurance companies ask for a complete medical record of potential policyholders to assess the risk of insuring them. A health check-up before approving your policy informs them of general well-being and any pre-existing conditions that may lead to frequent hospitalisation, making you a high-risk client.
5. Add-on covers:
Depending on your age and medical history, you may purchase add-on covers that protect you against specific conditions or events. While they make your policy more comprehensive, they inevitably make it pricier.
However, it is best not to compromise your health needs and skimp on your health insurance coverage. Ensure you check your policy wording to purchase an add-on only when necessary.
Insurance buyers are advised to be alert and responsible while investing in health insurance. The rising premium is a concern, but a little alertness and awareness today can help in the long run. Here are a few key takeaways for managing rising health insurance premiums in India:
• Choose a comprehensive health insurance plan.
• Compare policies and opt for the best online insurance companies with the required features.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and use cashless facilities.
• Review coverage annually and look for discounts and special offers.
• Seek advice from a financial advisor.
Health insurance is an essential investment for your physical and financial well-being. While renewals may get pricier annually, a prudent policyholder can always get the most significant value from his premium payment by doing due diligence. Ensure that you initiate the policy renewal process before it is slated to lapse. Review the offerings of multiple online health insurance companies before choosing to renew or porting it.
Click HERE to buy the best health insurance plan with an attractive premium.
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.
Here's all you need to know about health insurance for smokers
Tobacco has been killing people for centuries, but people still don't consider it one of the biggest public health dangers the world has ever faced. Smokers are susceptible to various chronic and fatal diseases such as lung cancer, respiratory diseases, asthma, heart diseases and stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and osteoporosis. Moreover, female smokers may also face complications in pregnancy.
Hence, it is imperative that smokers should opt for the best online health insurance to ensure the right coverage during an emergency. Here's all you need to know about health insurance for smokers.
1. Need and importance:
India has a large population of around 120 million people that smokes. Moreover, smoking kills over 8 million people every year. They are also prone to various fatal diseases that need expensive long-term treatment.
Therefore, smokers should opt for a good health insurance policy. It will help them protect their hard-earned money and prepare them financially for the enormous hospital expenses they may incur because of illnesses caused due to their smoking habit.
2. Premium:
Health insurance policies for smokers usually command around 30%-40% higher premiums than other regular health insurance policies. This is because a smoker is more susceptible to diseases and gets hospitalised than a non-smoker. Many risks are involved in providing a health insurance policy to a smoker. Insurance companies offset this risk by charging a higher premium for covering a smoker's health.
The premium also varies according to the number of cigarettes a person smokes in a day or a week. A smoker who smokes more will have to pay a higher premium than a smoker who smokes fewer cigarettes in a day. Also, insurance companies increase the premium on a smoker's policy if he suffers health problems later on due to smoking.
3. Disclosure requirements:
A smoker must disclose his smoking habits and the number of cigarettes he smokes in a day when he buys the health insurance policy. Even if a person smokes just one cigarette daily, he should disclose it to the insurance company. An insurance company can reject the claim on the grounds that vital information relating to health was wilfully non-disclosed at the time of buying the online health insurance policy. They can also declare the policy null and void.
If a person turns a smoker after buying a health insurance policy, he should inform the insurance company about the same. This will make his claim settlement process hassle-free. The insurance company may modify and increase the premium and ask for a medical test too.
4. Benefits:
A health insurance policy for a smoker has numerous advantages. Smokers can need expensive treatments as they can catch diseases fatal to life, such as cancer. The policy will keep them financially protected and cover their hospital bills in such a situation. Moreover, they can enjoy cashless treatment benefits with their policy. Such policies also come with tax benefits on a smoker's premium under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
A health insurance policy should be purchased as a shield by any smoker as there are high chances of them being diagnosed with life-threatening diseases of the lungs, chest, and even cancer at some stage of their life. Smoking kills people, and the policy can provide financial support to smokers in times of medical emergencies.
It is always good for smokers to become aware of the dangers of tobacco and quit smoking. In addition, they should do adequate research and opt for the best online health insurance policy. They should go through minute clauses and details of their policy that may be affected due to their smoking habit. This will ensure financial protection, stability, and hassle-free claim settlement at a later date.
Click HERE to buy an online health 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.
Here are a few key ratios to consider before buying insurance
It is difficult for us to pick out the best insurance providers in the market without having in-depth knowledge about the company. You should not choose your insurance company by merely watching their advertisements in the media or by what your agent suggests. Always get in-depth knowledge about the credibility of the insurance company, its financial strength and stability, and the capability to support you financially in times of need.
Here are a few key ratios that will help you better understand an insurance company and which you should consider before buying insurance.
1. Claim Settlement Ratio:
This is the first and foremost ratio you should consider when choosing your insurance company. It denotes the number of claims settled by the insurance company per 100 claims it receives.
Even if an insurance company with a low CSR offers you a policy at a lower premium than others, you should avoid buying it. After all, such savings can be futile if your company rejects your claim during a medical emergency. The whole purpose of buying an insurance policy is forfeited in such a case. Hence, the company with the highest CSR should be given preference.
2. Liquidity ratios: Liquidity ratios tell you how capable the company is of meeting its financial obligations and claims raised by the policyholders. An insurance company should have good liquidity and be able to fulfill its payment obligations in case a huge number of unexpected claims come up suddenly at any point in time. This can happen in catastrophes such as floods and earthquakes when many people may raise insurance claims in a short period.
It also provides information on an insurance company's capability to meet its current liabilities from its liquid assets. A ratio of less than one will mean that the company may have to sell its long-term investments or borrow money to meet its current liabilities. This can be a worrying situation for the company and the people buying its insurance policies.
3. Solvency ratios:
Put theoretically, a company's solvency ratio measures its capacity to meet its debt obligations and other financial commitments. The current solvency ratio prescribed by the IRDAI for insurance companies is 1.5 in India. A ratio lower than 1.5 is a cause for concern for insurance buyers. It may result in bankruptcy risk if the company faces many sudden claims.
4. Earnings ratios:
The following two important earnings ratios ascertain the profitability of the insurance company and its competitive strengths.
Combined ratio:
There are several operating expenditures, commissions, and claims that an insurance company has to meet. Their cumulative total should be less than the total premium earnings for that period. A lower value of the combined ratio is advisable.
Return on net worth:
This ratio tells us the profit-earning capacity of an insurance company concerning its net worth. It considers the profit earned by the company after tax and indicates the overall return on equity of the insurance company. A higher ratio is better and preferable.
It is an arduous task to choose the best insurance company in the market, especially when so many big companies operate in the field of general insurance. A buyer should carefully review the above ratios and rate the available options accordingly. Before buying its policy, a good understanding of the insurance company is of utmost importance.
A policy buyer should be confident that his decision to choose one insurance company over another is sound and backed by statistics and numbers. After all, the insurance company should stand by his side and provide him hassle-free financial assistance in times of real need and emergency.
Click HERE to buy the best general insurance that keeps you financially safe.
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.
Confused between authorised service centres and local garages? Here’s all you need to know
While purchasing a car is a huge deal, that is not all. You also need to invest in the upkeep and maintenance of your vehicle to increase its longevity. The car manufacturers have a set of rules and regulations regarding the servicing and maintenance of your car, like the distance limit before the first servicing, availability of the original parts, the fittings, etc.
Do you need clarification on authorised service centres and local garages to ensure your car is in its best condition? Here’s all you need to know.
1. Professional mechanics:
Authorised service centres provide you with the best-seasoned persons and specialised mechanics to service a particular company or type of car. These mechanics can have a closer look and understand any unusual issue that might pop up in your vehicle. They can provide the best insights and the accurate method to rectify the problem.
Local garages have mechanics, but their professionalism might require validation. They have a reputation for using the quickest methods or resolving issues using trial and error without actually having a deeper understanding of the working and what consequences the current problem might have. Lack of proper servicing can lead to a decrease in the life of the car, hefty costs of damage repair, and cause more troubles in the functioning of your vehicle.
2. Latest gears and equipment:
The authorised service centres always ensure that they have the latest equipment as prescribed by the companies for various models of their cars. As the brands are manufacturing vehicles with advanced technologies and upgrading their features, the spare parts and other gears should be upgraded without meddling with the warranty, even if there is a problem with your vehicle.
Whereas, with local garages, this is a massive issue. Usually, they do not have the latest manufacturer-recommended parts for repair, which might end up voiding the warranty and causing further damage to the circuits and other systems of the car.
3. Time consumption and quality of services:
Authorised service centres take complete responsibility for customer care and quality services. While this is a massive plus against the local service garages, the waiting time is quite a factor that acts as a con for these service centres. There is a huge waiting list and a time taking procedure you must go through before you can get your car back in good shape.
If you approach a local garage to fix the issue with your vehicle, you will get your car back in no time. However, regarding the quality, even if it is a coat of paint on a small area that was hit against a harsh surface, you will be able to mark the difference between the fixtures of an authorised centre compared to the local garage.
While local garages provide quick, budget fixes to your issues, it is very evident that the authorised service centres are the smarter option of the two. Your vehicle is a massive investment, so it is wise not to cheap out regarding the maintenance, servicing, and compromising its safety. And you might end up in consequential trouble, which burns a hole in your pocket due to your reluctance to opt for quality service.
So always make an intelligent decision, one of which is to ensure that you purchase the best car insurance in India to stay financially stress-free during any unfortunate situations that might cause damage to your car. You can now buy the best car insurance in India, which is suitable for your needs, from the comfort of your home.
Click HERE to learn more about purchasing 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.
Check out these unique tourism niches in 2023
Ever since the world reopened after the Covid-19 pandemic, people have been making the most of their lives by travelling to different places and quenching their thirst for "wanderlust."
With the advent of the hustling lifestyle, people have become distant from nature, which is why travel has become an essential part of our lives. The popularity of travel vlogging on various social media platforms is helping users to get information about different types and destinations for trips, tickets, luxurious hotels, and much more. Travel has also become a career for many folks who have grown tired of corporate life.
With such an advancement in this sector, different travel experiences serve the various interests of people. Are you looking to explore much more than your regular itinerary? Check out these unique tourism niches in 2023 in this blog. So, without any further delay, let's get started!
1. Agricultural sites have become popular:
Agro-tourism, which involves organised tours and trips to agricultural farms and other farming sites, has recently gained popularity. These trips provide insights into the cultivation world and serve an educational purpose for people of all ages. Organic farming and agro-tourism have proven worthwhile for people who believe in consuming organic produce, are intrigued by the culture, or are building their businesses in the same sector. Apart from the tours to farms, agro-tourism has multiple activities like the detailed study of flora and fauna, horse riding, cooking sessions, wine tasting sessions, and much more.
2. Stars will always amaze you:
The universe will never cease to mesmerise you. The night sky is a world of its own, with stars as its main characters. Stargazing tourism is one such activity that will always be on the bucket list of anyone who can dream of lying under the stars and gazing at the beauty of the universe, which is beyond our imagination. Hardcore travellers and explorers are huge enthusiasts of stargazing tourism. Places like Norway, Iceland, Spiti Valley, Rann of Kutch, and many more provide the perfect stargazing spots.
3. Making to this list are VR and AR:
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are part of a travel niche called "armchair tourism." Gaining its market during the pandemic, virtual reality provides you with the perks of travel without leaving your sofa. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the downfall of the travel industry called upon a revolution. To accustom themselves to this new reality, VR and AR became popular and provided the much-needed escape from the dreary and dark times as the entire world shut down. Several hotels and brands from the travel industry include a virtual tour to give a glimpse of what they offer their potential customers, along with igniting excitement.
4. Solo trips are a must:
Solo adventures, especially women's solo trips involving treks, adventure sports, ethnic tourism, etc., have become increasingly popular over the past few years. The newfound opportunity due to financial freedom and a much safer environment has encouraged people to travel independently and see the world through their perspectives. Organised solo trips have started exploring lesser-known destinations. They have popularised the culture of exploration as solo women also want to cater to their own choices for their adrenaline needs.
And as we discussed travelling in 2023, it is a wise choice to discuss securing your trip to combat the monetary stress of unprecedented situations that can disrupt your travel plans. Purchasing general insurance is an intelligent decision to ensure that you stay stress-free in the financial aspect while travelling and enjoying it to the core. You can explore the options and extract a general insurance online quote, including all the details and the prices provided by different travel insurance providers. Plan and choose the one which best caters to your needs.
Click HERE to learn more about formulating a general insurance online quote and its benefits.
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.
All you need to know about the impact of rising medical inflation on health insurance premiums
You must have seen people around you discussing the rise in medicines, procedures, consultation fees, and expenses. The skyrocketing prices are justified due to the increasing costs of medicinal equipment and treatments. The costs of living have been escalating every year. And while living by yourself looks economically intimidating, creating a family and raising children drives up the cost, which could be scary for a single source of income in these times.
In this blog, we will discuss all you need to know about the impact of rising medical inflation on health insurance premiums. This information will answer all your questions about how the fluctuation in the price of health insurance affects your finances. So, without any further delay, let’s get started.
1. Let’s look deeper at the term “Medical Inflation”.
Medical inflation indicates the rise in average and per unit prices of healthcare assistance. There can be various factors that can influence the increase in the cost of medical services like technological progress, increase or decrease in the number of professionals in the healthcare industry, rising demand, price of materials, transportation costs for medical equipment, and increase in the cost of usage of healthcare services per person.
2. What do you mean by “medical healthcare demand”?
With the fast-food culture gripping the roots of our lifestyles and the hectic work life, people have become addicted to stagnancy, which has caused more harm to our health than ever. Humans have become vulnerable to severe health risks like diabetes, blood pressure issues, hypertension, anxiety, depression, etc., drastically affecting our lifestyle. Therefore, the demand for medical assistance is causing medical inflation in our country.
3. What is the current medical inflation scenario in India?
The inflation in India has been on a consistent ‘single-digit’ rise. However, medical inflation is inching toward double digits, which is a matter of concern. The affordability of health treatments and services would become heavy on the pockets of people and will potentially cause a significant dent in their savings.
Hospital beds, medical staff, conveyance, etc., reported inflation of 9.4% back in 2018-2019, while the cost of medications saw inflation of 7.2% during the same period. And in 2021, there was an unimaginable increase in the inflation rate by 14%.
4. What is the expected impact of the rising medical inflation?
As discussed in the previous point about the rising medical inflation rate, there is a direct influence on health insurance premiums. In some cases, the health premiums increased up to 30%, as reported in the financial year of 2022. The demand for healthcare assistance saw a rise of almost 25%, which indicates the necessity of these services in our country. Many health insurance policyholders have increased their insurance coverage to accommodate the rising medical inflation.
It is suggested that while you purchase your insurance to cover significant procedures and surgeries, you also include minor treatments and diagnostics. As a policyholder, you must watch out for the medical inflation rates to adjust your policy and avail the provisions to expand your coverage accordingly. It would be best to always account for inflation before finalising your health insurance policy.
We hope that the insights proved helpful. To ensure that any medical emergencies in your family can be handled stress-free in the monetary aspect, you need to purchase the best health insurance policy that would cater to your needs in an optimum way and allow you to focus on the recovery of the patient and have no worries about the expenses.
Click HERE to learn more about health insurance and its benefits.
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.
Your guide to buying the best second-hand car in Mumbai
Pre-owned cars, often known as used cars, are very economical, available in good condition and have a lower depreciation rate. These benefits make buying used cars a good idea and fulfil the dream of every person to own a car.
Banks and NBFCs even provide used car loans with affordable interest rates and quick processing times to make owning a used car simple. In a city like Mumbai, you'll find multiple options for second-hand or pre-owned cars in various regions. There are numerous certified dealers with a wide range of cars to choose from.
Here is how to find the ideal used car at the most competitive price if you want to purchase it in Mumbai.
1. Check with family and close friends:
First, ask people you know for recommendations while searching for a used car. There may be someone you know who wants to sell their vehicle. Because of the added trust factor, you can be confident that you are getting the best value for your money. Even better, you may ask them to let you borrow the car for a few days. This way, you can test drive it and decide whether you will be interested in buying it.
2. Purchase and sale on social media pages:
Social media groups are another way to connect directly with sellers and avoid the fees that middlemen charge. For buying used cars in Mumbai, there are specific social media groups. Until you find a vehicle you want, you can search for ads offering used cars for sale. The good thing about these groups is that you can talk to the seller directly, negotiate the best price, and set up a time to look at the car before you buy it. You can also view actual images of the cars for sale.
3. Used-car gateways:
You might also check out online marketplaces that specialise in selling pre-owned automobiles. Retailers selling directly to consumers conduct the necessary audits before establishing their car prices.
4. Nearby used-car dealerships and garages:
You can also rely on a trusted mechanic in a nearby garage. These experts also know individuals who are planning to sell their cars. A technician can provide you with valuable information on any pre-owned cars currently on the market and point you in the right direction.
Another option is to go to a used car dealer. Always bring along a car fanatic or a mechanic who knows a lot about cars and can help you choose a perfect car.
5. Resellers with permission:
With a good reputation, carmakers have approved resellers who purchase and resell their brand's products. You can go directly to a reseller if you are searching for a specific make and model or have faith in a certain brand. Mumbai is home to many resellers who can provide safe and excellent cars.
You can apply for a loan once you have selected a used car to purchase. Here, a pre-owned car loan calculator comes in handy to estimate the EMI you would be required to pay. Follow these steps to locate the best buying spots in Mumbai and get great deals on different categories of pre-owned cars.
Get coverage for accidental damages by comparing and selecting the best car insurance company in India from leading four-wheeler insurers. If a policyholder's car is damaged or stolen because of something out of their control, the car insurance will pay for it. So, once you buy your pre-owned car, ensure that you also invest in your car's safety along with the transfer of registration and other essential documents.
Click HERE to buy insurance from the best car insurance company 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.
Why is wearing a seatbelt during a ride always a good habit
Road accidents in India are estimated at around 2 Lakhs per year, the highest in the world. This mainly happens as people fail to follow traffic rules, over-speeding their vehicles, and also the poor road conditions.
The government of India has set a few stringent rules and regulations for drivers. They are made to bring down the number of injuries and accidents. Wearing a seat belt is one of the essential practices of road safety that save lives in case of a crash. However, most people tend to ignore this simple yet crucial safety measure. They find it uncomfortable, unnecessary, and bothersome. This has caused many people to compromise their safety and surrender to a life-threatening event.
This article will briefly describe the various advantages of wearing a seat belt.
1. Holds you in one position:
You can undergo substantial damage if your car is moving at a great speed, and you suddenly crash. Without a seat belt, you can be thrown here and there. You can even jerk out of the car if the speed and collision impact is too high. It can result in severe injuries and even death. Hence, the seatbelt is extremely important.
If the car starts spinning or skidding, the seat belt will hold you firm in one place. If you do not buckle up, you are likely to get into a crash.
2. Restricts ejection:
As discussed earlier, if your car is moving at high speed, you are likely to be ejected out of the vehicle. It has happened a lot of times during car crashes or accidents. It happens mostly because the driver and passenger are not wearing seat belts. This causes them to lose control of their positions. Therefore, they are ejected out of the car.
With a seat belt, you will be firmly tied to your seat. This increases your chances of survival during an accident as the airbags will bear the impact, keeping you safe.
3. Matches the speed of the vehicle:
In general physics, our body tends to move with the speed of the vehicle. For instance, your body would do the same if the vehicle is at high speed and comes to a jolt. You are likely to hit the steering wheel or dashboard in this situation. If you're buckled up, this will not happen. It will keep you secured to your seat so that your body slows down with the vehicle. Seatbelts help you to adapt to varying speeds.
4. Force distribution:
With the seatbelt, the force of a crash is distributed to the stronger parts of your body. You will not be restricted to delicate areas like the head, abdomen, or chest. Your body will be prepared better to deal with a crash with a seatbelt. The chances of injury also decrease.
5. Protects your brain and spinal cord:
A car crash is most likely to cause brain and spinal cord injuries. This can affect you significantly and cause irreparable damage like temporary or permanent disabilities. They can even be fatal. A seatbelt protects you from these life-threatening car crashes.
Most road accidents take place with people not wearing their seat belts. Many lives could be saved if we agreed to follow all road safety rules. It is best practice to buckle up the seatbelt before starting your car. Avoid overspeeding and ensure that the seatbelt is accurately fitting and neither too loose nor too tight. Safety is paramount, and the next step to ensuring it is insurance. You should buy motor insurance online to protect your vehicle from any potential damages. Keep the stress of finances at bay and enjoy an array of benefits if you decide to equip your plan with various add-ons.
Click HERE to buy motor 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.
Why are preventive health check-ups offered by health insurance important
In the olden days, people unintentionally practised habits like following a set sleep schedule, eating locally sourced nutritious food, and engaging in physical activity, which are fundamental requirements for good health. Over time, we have grown to chase material wealth and forsaken our health in such pursuits. Hectic schedules, lack of time for personal interests, and excessive stress characterise modern lifestyles.
In such a background, it is almost impossible to follow healthy habits that lead to a disease-free life. This makes buying health insurance and following preventive measures essential to keep one’s health in the best condition possible. Additionally, periodic checks can help one recognise symptoms of an incoming illness and take corrective action at the earliest. This is facilitated by preventive health checkups, which are now included in health insurance plans. They provide several benefits to policyholders, which are discussed below.
Defining preventive health check-ups under health insurance.
Preventive health checkups are medical examinations run on to-be policyholders to assess their present state of health and identify their level of risk. It is an essential part of the insurance process as it makes the insurer aware of the existing illnesses suffered by the customer. The risk assessment directly impacts the annual premium paid for health insurance coverage.
Benefits of preventive health check-ups.
The above definition often puts potential health insurance buyers in a dilemma regarding their stance on the preventive health checkups offered. Detection of pre-existing medical conditions results in pricier premiums, but the checkup is highly beneficial to policyholders in multiple ways.
1. Substitutes individualistic effort:
Even when you are not sick, getting a health checkup is a prudent way to ensure that you are in the pink of health. Generally, a full-body annual health check is recommended for everyone. By purchasing health insurance, you no longer have to book an external appointment with a clinic. The insurance company takes care of the appointments and delivers the reports straight to your doorstep. Insurers even offer doorstep health checks, making the process incredibly convenient and hassle-free.
2. Early detection of diseases:
While the detection of disease increases the health insurance premium, on the bright side, it discovers an underlying problem that would otherwise have gone unnoticed and eventually led to more significant financial stress and physical discomfort. It is better to pay extra after early diagnosis and undergo treatment than bear the massive cost of a preventable illness that you neglected.
3. Tax deductions:
The Income Tax Act 1961 provides certain deductions that can be subtracted from your total gross income to arrive at the gross taxable income. One such deduction under Section 80D is preventive health check-ups.
Most insurance companies include free health checkups in their health insurance policy. However, in the case of non-inclusive health checkups, you can claim a deduction of INR 5,000 for medical checkups for yourself and your direct dependents, including your children, spouse, and parents. The Act also allows a deduction for health insurance premiums paid in the financial year of up to INR 25,000 for non-senior citizens and INR 50,00 for senior citizens.
4. Increases interest in self wellbeing:
Seeing the results of a health checkup is no short of a reality check. It can help you break poor habits, adopt a healthier lifestyle and work towards a more robust version of yourself. An additional incentive is a link between your health and premiums. Increasing premiums due to ill health is a great motivator to refocus your efforts towards building a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of diseases.
Preventive health checkups are a boon in the guise of a preliminary check that helps health insurance providers assess the risk of potential clients. These checks facilitate the early detection of potentially life-threatening ailments and provide appropriate facilities to take care of the problem at the earliest. While health insurance offers several benefits, including a safety net in medical emergencies, preventive health checkups are a perk you should take advantage of!
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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.
Why are hatchbacks a preferred car segment for small families
Hatchbacks are small cars with a hatch-type opening at the rear end that we can open upwards and often come along with boot space. They do not have a separate boot from the passenger cabin. They are ideal in size for manoeuvring easily in city traffic and have a seating capacity of 4-5 people.
Hatchbacks are a preferred car segment for families, especially middle-class families, because of their size, ease, and convenience, in addition to good mileage and cost efficiency.
1. Easy manoeuvrability:
Hatchbacks provide ease of manoeuvrability compared to sedans and SUVs on busy city roads. They are easy to handle, and constant braking, taking turns, moving through narrow lanes, etc., become easier for the drivers. Moreover, it is easy to park them in the ever-shrinking parking space of the big cities.
As the Sedans are longer in size, it can be a hassle to drive them on busy streets. Parking them can be even more challenging. SUVs are heavier and can be tough to manoeuvre around if you are using them for daily use amidst heavy routine traffic.
2. Foldable rear seats:
Hatchbacks come with foldable rear seats. Just open the rear hatch, fold the back seats, and you have massive storage space for your luggage and other stuff. Hence, hatchbacks can offer more boot space than even a sedan with a separate boot if there is no passenger in the back seat.
3. Better mileage:
Hatchbacks usually have lesser kerb weight than sedans and SUVs. This directly has a positive impact on the fuel efficiency of the car. Also, hatchbacks usually have smaller engines than cars of other segments.
Hence, they provide better mileage than others and save a lot of money over a long period. SUVs usually have big engines and can be fuel guzzlers. Sedans can also have poor mileage due to their size and engine capacity.
4. Cost-effective:
Hatchbacks cost much less than SUVs and sedans. As these cars cater to the budget-conscious category, their spare parts are also reasonably priced. Hence, hatchbacks are easier to buy as well as maintain. Their running costs are much lesser than cars of other segments. They turn out to be cost-effective and pocket-friendly.
Sedans come with long, elegant, and stylish exteriors making them more expensive. SUVs, including compact-size ones, are heavier than hatchbacks and come equipped with bigger engines, making them more expensive than hatchbacks. The spare parts of sedans and SUVs are also costlier than hatchbacks. Their running costs, maintenance, and service charges are also higher.
5. Sporty:
Hatchbacks are usually sportier and more fun to drive than sedans and SUVs, especially in city traffic conditions. They come in various colours and designs and are considered practical alternatives to sports cars for everyday driving.
Hatchbacks are a preferred car segment for small families. Modern-day families also avoid buying long-sized sedans as the three-box design is of little use to them in their daily lives.
You may buy a car from any of the segments- a hatchback, a sedan, or an SUV, but you will have to go for motor insurance compulsorily in India. Driving without valid motor insurance can attract hefty fines and cancellation of your driving licence. Also, the motor insurance India policy protects you from any financial burden in case your car meets with an accident and needs repairs. The insurance company will foot the bills for you and bring your car back in shape. Hence, go for a good motor insurance India policy and stay secure.
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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.
Ways to get compensation for your lost or stolen luggage from the railway authorities
India's railway network is the fourth largest in the world after the USA, Russia, and China, with over 22,593 operating trains. Train journeys are exciting and add many experiences to our lives. Have you ever wondered what happens if your luggage gets lost or stolen from your seat or the railway station itself? Are you eligible to get compensation from the Railway authorities in such cases?
The answer is "yes". Let us go through how we can get compensation for lost or stolen luggage from the railway authorities.
1. File an FIR:
The first step that you should take once you discover that your luggage is lost or stolen from a running train is to file an FIR by approaching the train conductor, attendant of the coach, TTE, or any guard or GRP escort in the train. They will provide you with an FIR form in Hindi, English, or the regional language. You will have to fill it up and give it back to them. They will register a report at the upcoming railway station.
You do not have to pay any charges for this service. Also, you don't have to break your journey by getting down at the upcoming railway station to fulfil the above formalities. However, you can take help from RPF Assistance Posts present at major railway stations. This same process is to be followed in case of loot by dacoits in moving trains.
2. Post FIR:
Once you have filed the FIR for your lost or stolen luggage, the railway authorities will try to search and locate your luggage. If they are successful in doing so, they will contact you and give it back to you. If they cannot trace it within 6 months of lodging the FIR, they will have to compensate you for your lost luggage. They will do a fair assessment of the value of your luggage and compensate you accordingly.
3. Is ticket reservation compulsory:
No, you don't need to travel only in the reserved class to claim compensation for the theft of your luggage on the train. As per the direction of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), Railway authorities are liable to compensate you for the theft of your luggage even in the general compartment where you do not have any reservation but hold a valid ticket.
4. Case of booked luggage:
When you book your luggage with the Railways while travelling on a train, you can declare your luggage's true value. You will have to pay a prescribed percentage charge of the value of the goods as luggage handling charges to the Railways. In such a case, you are entitled to get the full value of your luggage as compensation in case it gets lost or stolen en route.
However, suppose you did not disclose the true value of your luggage while booking it. In that case, the monetary liability of the Railways for compensation is limited to INR 100/- per kilogram of goods booked.
Travelling by train is inevitable for most of us in our regular lives. Hence, it becomes crucial for us to safeguard our luggage during train journeys. We should be clear about the compensation policy of the Railways in case of lost or stolen luggage so that we can follow it and not suffer losses in case of theft or loot of our luggage.
General insurance India is also important to cover your luggage during your travel. Remember to add travel insurance to your safety while making railway bookings. Taking this small precautionary step can keep you in a relaxed state of mind and protect you from unexpected financial losses. You can also claim for mishaps while travelling, and your insurance provider will compensate you for the damage caused.
Click HERE to buy a general insurance India policy to cover your travel 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.
Top wellness trends for 2023 that you must know
There is no denying that health is one’s greatest asset. While health insurance policy renewal and purchasing a new policy can protect yourself from health contingencies, you can do plenty to maintain your overall health. Well-being professionals have come up with the key trends impacting how we live, heal, and flourish in 2023, such as the rising significance of rest or treatment to treat migraines and mood disorders.
1. Greater emphasis on purposeful actions and well-being:
Prioritising your overall well-being, which includes your physical, mental, social, and the well-being of the community and the planet has recently been recognised as a global trend. Research indicates that people will sensibly spend more time and money on how their actions affect their surroundings and the earth.
2. Teenagers and 20-somethings to appreciate immersive and healing sounds:
In 2023, it's anticipated that sound therapy will become more popular. Binaural beats, 3-D spatial audio, and isochronic tones are types of soundscapes that can stimulate and entrain the brain to reduce anxiety, induce relaxation and concentration, and speed up the healing process.
Therapeutic playlists are being created for use in clinical and hospitality contexts. ASMR is a spontaneous physical-emotional experience that causes a strangely pleasant feeling of relaxation and a tingling sensation at the back of the scalp and from there it moves down to the body. It has taken the world by storm and is continuously evolving.
3. Mind-body therapies for mid-20s to 40s:
Some ways to calm the body and mind are focusing on something, controlling your breathing, and moving around. Athletes have long utilised ice baths to treat muscle pain and inflammation. These treatments are known as cryotherapy and cold-immersion therapy.
Recent research has shown that they can also help lower blood pressure, regulate blood flow, and the rate at which tissues break down food. Migraines, mental problems, dementia reduction, and immune system stimulation are all treated by cold immersion therapy.
4. Taking ample rest is a priority for those in their 50s:
The theme of 2023 will be pausing and slowing down. People will favour restorative yoga and calming sound baths over HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions and the hustle culture. Additionally, sleep is being increasingly emphasised as the best form of self-care.
If technology has stolen your sleep, sleep technology will help you get eight hours of undisturbed sleep with its aids and devices. Choose from a wide range of applications offering sleep stories and meditations and download them to rest, reset, and revitalise.
5. Senior citizens to focus on spiritual well-being:
Spirituality is something that experts say people in their 60s and older should do for their overall health. Studies have shown that the most effective modern therapies help people build social support networks and, often, a spiritual connection to something bigger than themselves.
This new take on the idea of wellness is at the heart of integrative and functional medicine practices like yoga and meditation. For many people worldwide, religion and spirituality serve as both a valuable health resource and a means of community building. Current studies on meditation and well-being emphasise the importance of our spiritual welfare.
Wellness trends serve a greater purpose than just being a global movement. They can help you live better with aim and purpose. Ensure well-being your top resolution for 2023, and see how your life changes. While these trends can help improve the quality of your life, purchasing and ensuring health insurance policy renewal continues to be a non-negotiable to protect yourself from rising healthcare costs.
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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.
Tips for maintaining optimal spine health
Millions worldwide suffer from back or neck pain occasionally or regularly. A healthy spine is as essential for our body as oxygen is for living. Poor spine health can result in strained muscles, spinal ligament injury, ruptured discs, or spinal stenosis, generally caused by age-related wear and tear.
It can cause severe pain in the back and make you unfit to do your daily activities properly. In the long run, poor spine health can make you depressed and downhearted and cause immense psychological distress.
Hence, it is vital to maintain optimum spine health. Here are a few tips for doing the same.
1. Exercise:
Proper and regular exercise is essential for optimal spine health. Create and follow a simple exercise schedule every morning or evening as time permits. The exercises should stretch and strengthen your back, hamstrings, and abdomen muscles.
Targeted exercise under proper supervision can also reduce inflammation. It will accelerate your healing process and rehabilitate your injured spine.
2. Sitting and standing posture:
It is essential to maintain the correct sitting posture for optimal spine health. Your sitting posture should support the arches of the natural curves of your spine. Failure to do so can damage your sensitive spinal nerves and cause pain. Get a proper adjustable chair at the office and home to help you maintain the correct posture.
You should take regular breaks and stand several times daily to maintain a neutral spine alignment. Keep your back straight while standing. A slumped posture can hurt your spine in the long run. Also, frequent breaks will keep your spine in motion, keeping it flexible and limber.
3. Correct sleeping posture:
It is vital to maintain correct posture while sleeping as well for optimal spine health. Ensure that you have proper lumbar support with a good mattress and supportive pillow so that your back and neck are not strained while sleeping. You should also avoid sleeping on your tummy as it can strain your spine and cause injury and pain in your back.
4. Lift heavy objects properly:
It is important to lift heavy objects with proper caution and care. When you lift a very heavy object, you put tremendous pressure on your back and spine. It may lock your spinal joints or rupture your spinal discs. You should keep your back straight, bend down on your knees and use the power of your legs and abdomen muscles to lift a heavy load. This will reduce the load on your spine.
5. Do not over-exercise:
Do not over-exercise or engage in any activity or rough sports activities that can put unwanted pressure on your spine and hurt it. Consult a doctor immediately and take expert guidance if such a situation arises.
6. Yoga:
Performing yoga can be an excellent way to maintain optimal spine health. Several yoga asanas help to stretch and strengthen your back muscles, helping to keep your spine in good shape.
7. Massage and heat therapy:
Massage relieves back pain by improving blood circulation, restoring spinal motion, increasing endorphin levels, and boosting happiness. Also, massage helps to cure insomnia. You can also go for heat therapy for your back muscles. It increases blood flow and reduces muscle and joint pain around your spine.
Optimal spine health is a must for your fitness and overall well-being. If not maintained, it can lead to several back and neck-related problems resulting in difficulty while performing routine activities. Follow the above tips to maintain optimal spine health.
Other than the above tips, health insurance is a must to protect you from health hazards. It will give you comprehensive coverage and security if you require medical assistance and hospitalisation due to spine and back-related problems. Go for the best health insurance plans in India to enjoy the best medical treatment with hassle-free insurance coverage and protection.
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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.
These yoga poses can help you instantly burn your belly fat
Indians love having a high-calorie diet without balancing it with an equal workout regime. The direct result is the building up of belly fat. Inadequate sleep, hormonal imbalances, and our family history can also add to this problem. Most of us suffer from it and would surely want to get rid of that extra fat bulging out around our belly. The big question is how?
Yoga is the most straightforward answer to this problem, which is also great for your mind and soul.
Let us go through some yoga poses to help you instantly burn your belly fat.
1. Chakrasana:
Also known as the yoga wheel pose, it is a strong back-bending yoga asana in which your body takes the shape of a wheel. There are several advantages of this asana. It tones the abdomen by stretching the stomach muscles and helps lose belly fat. It strengthens and increases the elasticity of the spine. Also, it boosts your appetite and cures digestive problems. This yoga pose ensures that all your body organs function correctly and you become fit and healthy.
2. Baddha Konasana:
This asana is also known as the cobbler’s pose and is one of the simplest to perform. It stimulates your abdominal muscles, improves digestion, and burns belly fat while strengthening your knees and thighs. It helps open up the lower back area and relieves sciatica. This pose improves the overall health of the ovaries, prostate gland, kidneys and bladder.
3. Naukasana:
We also call this asana the boat pose. This asana can strengthen abdominal muscles, cure constipation and improve digestion. This helps to take care of belly fat while strengthening the arms, thighs, and shoulders. It improves blood circulation and is excellent for the back muscles. This pose stimulates the pancreas, kidneys and liver and is good for the prostate and thyroid glands.
4. Padahastasana:
A great asana to begin with, you simply need to stand straight and bend forwards to achieve the proper posture. This simple asana is excellent for the heart while burning your belly fat by putting pressure on it. It massages your digestive organs and cures constipation and indigestion. This pose stimulates the spinal nerves and tones them. It is also helpful for nasal and throat diseases. It is an excellent asana for increasing vitality and metabolism and boosting concentration.
5. Uttanpadasana:
This asana is good for taking away excess accumulated fat from your belly and hips region and toning it. It is beneficial in curing your back pain and improves the flexibility of your spine. It also strengthens your abdominal muscles and organs and improves the functioning of your reproductive organs.
Yoga is the perfect answer to help you burn belly fat. Moreover, yoga keeps your mind alert and fresh and has several other advantages for your entire body.
While practising yoga is an excellent way of keeping medical issues at bay, it may not completely prevent such occurrences. Therefore, buying a health insurance policy becomes necessary to take good care of yourself and your family during medical emergencies. It acts as a cushion and gives you comfort and backup when you or your family members need any expensive medical treatments. Choose the best health insurance company in India upon which you can rely blindly in times of need and stay safe.
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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.
How to take care of yourself amid changing seasons
Every season has its own character and is anticipated to practically play a hot-and-cold game with us. The seasonal changes sometimes make us feel a little under the weather. More illnesses, particularly colds, are frequently associated with this unpredictability of the temperature and weather. The main reason is that individuals often make the rookie error of becoming overly impatient and slipping into summer mode too quickly!
While there is no way to prevent falling sick during seasonal transitions, opting to buy health insurance online India and taking a few precautions can help you minimise the chance of developing common illnesses.
Five considerations as the weather begins to change are listed below.
1. Drink enough water:
Commonly prescribed for most health issues, drinking adequate water is essential, especially for staying healthy during the changing seasons. If you consume enough water, you can remove all the toxins from your body. It keeps your throat and nasal passages wet, preventing bacteria from having a chance to survive. To clear mucus from your body, you must also maintain a very high level of hydration. Therefore, consume at least eight glasses of water daily to maintain good health.
2. Avoid immediate cooling or air-conditioning:
Want to do it? It could feel warm sometimes in the middle of the season, and you might want to turn on the fan or use A/C. Subjecting your body to such abrupt temperature shifts can make you ill. A simple flick of the switch might result in several issues, ranging from a headache to a dry and scratchy throat.
3. Keep clad in cosy attire:
Giving up your cardigans and sweatshirts just yet isn't the best option, but losing a few layers is perfectly acceptable. Dressing in woollen clothes provides warmth and protection throughout the winter. Exposure and diseases like the flu might result from not wearing warm clothing. Even though the weather may be warm during the change of seasons, you need to keep yourself warm. It could make you sick to switch to summer attire so quickly.
4. Continue your exercise regimen:
Regarding exercise sessions, there are no excuses at all. You may have been sluggish throughout the winter, but you must start working out again, especially when the seasons change. Exercise enhances the immune system and promotes blood circulation, which can help you avoid illnesses. Physical activity can shorten the duration of the common cold, one of the diseases most closely related to the change in seasons. Consequently, put on your athletic shoes and get moving!
5. Keep harmful substances at a distance:
To deal with your flue like feelings, refrain from using harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Although these could appear to make you feel better in the short term, they can make you feel worse over time. These substances increase your risk of getting sick.
Medical crises can happen at any time. You should immediately seek medical attention if you or any family member exhibit any sickness symptoms. Many symptoms, especially in youngsters and the elderly, are frequently dismissed as minor. This often leads to a minor issue snowballing into a significant illness that could have been prevented with immediate medical intervention. Instead of shying away from medical facilities due to the high healthcare costs, buy health insurance online India for yourself and your family to cover medical expenses.
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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.
Top trends the insurance industry is set to see in 2023
Financial products and services are constantly evolving and adapting to changing market conditions and customer needs. The insurance industry is no outlier with the ultimate goal of increasing insurance penetration. It undergoes massive changes each year to use potential opportunities within the scope of the law to increase customer satisfaction and insurance awareness.
As we move into 2023, general insurance companies in India expect significant changes that will redefine the perception of insurance. While some align with predicted global trends, many are likely to contribute to domestic consumer trends and legal amendments.
Here is a quick rundown of some top insurance industry trends predicted for 2023!
1. Portfolio diversification through product innovation:
Increased product development innovation is expected globally to address the unique needs and risks of emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, smart cities, and the Internet of Things. Cybersecurity insurance is likely to continue as a highly demanded product. As the consumer-centric approach of the industry grows, diversification is expected to be based on evolving consumer needs.
2. Additional offerings:
Insurance companies may distribute other financial products as per the Finance Ministry's proposal. While the proposal is yet to be clarified, veterans speculate that the approved products could include allied insurance products, investment, or value-added services.
Insurance companies are set to benefit from their well-established distribution channels, adding to their revenue from a secondary source.
3. M&As:
A proposal to issue composite licences is also under discussion, opening up opportunities for general insurance companies in India to sell insurance policies, favourable mergers, acquisitions, and massive expansions in revenue and product portfolios.
4. Technology:
The use of technology, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, will steadily increase and provide insight into customer behaviour and preferences. This offers an excellent opportunity to efficiently use human intervention and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations by harmoniously using digital and human efforts.
5. Digitalisation:
The pick-up of technological advancements has been slow across the global insurance industry, but this is expected to change in 2023. Insurers will invest in digital platforms and tools to provide personalised and convenient services to customers. Digital channels will likely be used for sales and service and to support underwriting and claim settlements.
6. Value-based brand building:
With the entry of new competitors amid an incoming global recession, insurance companies may have to rethink their approach to changing customer perception and stricter regulations. As consumers tightly clutch their wallets, companies will have to build greater awareness regarding their products and their significance amid uncertainties. This will build a connection based on values that their audience resonates with, including transparency.
7. New distribution channels:
With the rise of insurtech start-ups, the insurance industry is expected to see a boom of new distribution channels, such as online marketplaces, digital brokers, and comparison websites, making it easier for customers to access insurance products and compare prices.
8. Entry of new players:
The growth of the Indian insurance industry has largely been dependent on the Insurance Act of 1938 and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act of 1999.
The winter session of Parliament discussed proposed amendments, including the scrapping of the statutory requirement of INR 100 crore start-up capital for life, health and general insurance companies in India and INR 200 crore for reinsurance business. This move will likely result in new entrants in the market, increased competition, and possibly making premiums cheaper.
With increasing internet use, rural India is an untapped market that general insurance companies in India can explore through efficient digital channels that make insurance accessible.
Slated for rapid growth, the insurance industry will see several significant changes in 2023 as it adapts to new technologies and evolving customer needs. By focusing on global trends, digitalisation, and customer satisfaction, non-general and general insurance companies in India can curate a path to be at the forefront of the insurance industry's future!
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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.
These smart tips can help you plan the most exciting long weekend trips
Hectic schedules have evolved into the new normal over time. The constant pressure to excel in various dimensions of life makes it challenging to take a moment out for yourself with an occasional break. For working professionals, no period is cherished more than a long weekend. The joy of a prolonged break from the monotonous daily life is a welcome change, during which many people plan to travel.
Long weekends allow you for short getaways with just enough time to visit places and plan shorter itineraries. Consider these quick tips to plan your solo adventure or family trip on the upcoming long weekends in 2023.
1. Identify a key interest:
Identifying purpose is an essential step in planning for any holiday. Due to time restrictions, satisfying some of your travel bucket list goals may only be possible. Therefore, pursue the top interests from your priority list. This may be nature observation, seeking the thrill of adventure, or a leisurely getaway. Identifying the purpose of the trip helps plan efficiently and narrow down choices of the destination and itineraries.
2. Plan your trip loosely:
We tend to do excessive planning to experience a perfect holiday. While that may help for more prolonged travel plans, tightly packing your schedules on long weekend trips often leads to disappointment. It is ideal to choose a couple of destinations or popular attractions to explore per day instead of allocating timelines to each activity.
3. Travel light:
Short trips often call for impulsive decisions on the move. Travelling with required luggage instead of excess will help you travel quickly at the spur of the moment without considering modes of transportation. Consider choosing backpacks instead of conventional trolley bags.
4. Make reasonable budgets and plan accordingly:
Travellers often underestimate the expected expenditure of trips, irrespective of duration. Analyse your finances before making decisions and set clear limits for budgeted costs. This way, you can plan accordingly without letting your finances take a hit and don't have to compromise on the experience!
5. Consider immersive travel:
Experiencing an unknown culture is the best break from your routine. Immersive travel is slowly gaining popularity as tourists shift their priorities from extravagant, luxurious trips to authentic, local exposure. These trips do not require excessive planning or budget and will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Additionally, ensure to get a general insurance online quote if you don't have the policy to cover any accidents that may occur while travelling.
6. Explore your alternatives while booking:
We advise planning for your long weekend trip in advance to avail the best deals on accommodation, commute, and activities. Booking facilities at the eleventh hour often means paying inflated prices due to the high demand for hotels. Use online price comparisons for hotels and excursions to get the most significant value for the cost.
7. Make use of your time efficiently:
We get it; being on vacation means steering clear of routines and alarms. However, wake up early to experience destinations around nature, outdoor activities, and local explorations to make the most of your long weekend. But if you're on a leisurely break, feel free to sleep and replenish your energy!
The perfect long weekend trip does not require excessive planning. Consider the above tips, and get a general insurance online quote to protect yourself and your loved ones to plan the most rewarding weekend trips. With multiple long weekends coming in 2023, get ready to ignite the traveller within you. Create a flexible itinerary focused on your interests without stressing over time- and you have an ideal travel plan customised just for you!
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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.
Mileage tampering: How to detect tricked odometers used in the cars
India’s passenger-automotive industry was valued as the third-largest globally in 2022. While the market for new cars is predicted to grow at a higher rate in 2023, not all Indian consumers are covered under this segment and belong to relatively lower economic strata characterised by lower disposable incomes. Such buyers drive demand for second-hand or used cars.
Expected to grow at a CAGR of 15%, the Indian used car market is not to be undermined. With global economic conditions' uncertainty, making prudent choices such as buying second-hand cars and purchasing online car insurance is expected to continue. While you can derive significant value from pre-used vehicles, the chances of getting scammed are also higher in case of negligent inspection. Odometer tampering is a prevalent form of cheating that you must beware of while purchasing a used car.
Here’s all you need to know about tampered odometers and tips to detect them.
Defining mileage tampering.
An odometer is a device that measures the usage of a car in terms of the distance it has run. It is calculated based on the wheel's rotation, which depends on its perimeter.
Mileage tampering, or odometer fraud, is a common trick car dealers use to persuade buyers to purchase old and well-used cars. Practised for various reasons, rolling back an odometer is an illegal act done to get a better price by selling a used car.
The issue with odometer fraud.
1. The inflated price of used cars:
By misrepresenting the car’s present condition, car dealers trick buyers into believing that the vehicle is relatively unused and sell them the used car at a higher price.
2. Safety issues:
Apart from the price of the vehicle, it also raises safety concerns. A car that has been used for a long while is sure to have accumulated miles and been through its fair share of harsh weather, rough terrain, and occasional accidents. All these factors are likely to adversely impact the vehicle's internal components and body frame, making it unsafe in the long run.
3. Insurance fraud:
Buying a used car with a rolled-back odometer may put you at risk of online car insurance fraud. While you may not have intentionally misrepresented facts and may be the victim of a tampered odometer, insurance companies see facts at face value and do not consider earlier activities. Therefore, it becomes essential for you to declare genuine and accurate mileage figures related to your car while buying online car insurance to ensure raising a successful claim when needed.
Tips to avoid odometer fraud.
1. Check the service records:
Before committing to purchase an old car, ensure that you check the maintenance records. Missing entries and figures that don't match are a sign to look out for.
2. Inspect the car body:
Check if the car's physical condition aligns with the story represented by the odometer. A worn-out, dent-ridden, paint-scratched vehicle is bound to have been on the roads for longer than one in pristine condition.
3. Look under the steering:
What are some key giveaways of a well-used car? It's the accelerator, brake and clutch! The groove depths of the pedals can indicate the usage of the vehicle and help detect odometer fraud.
4. Check the odometer:
While there are no tell-tale signs, the naked eye can identify a poorly done tampering job. This could be in the form of ill-fitted modifications and off-sounding odometer mechanisms.
5. Experts know best:
If you're sceptical, asking for an expert’s evaluation is best. This way, analogue or digital odometers can be thoroughly inspected for tampering attempts.
Odometer tampering is widespread and spares neither digital nor analogue devices. In such cases, one must always exercise caution and take necessary precautions to detect issues before signing the dotted line. Additionally, continue your prudent streak and purchase online car insurance to protect yourself from the financial losses from car accidents.
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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.
KYC compliance becomes mandatory for car insurance
Owning a car is a huge responsibility, and one should take all the necessary measures to make it as easy as possible. One such important requirement is to get car insurance as soon as you purchase a car.
Getting car insurance is necessary, as it protects you from various damages caused to the car, such as repairing a broken windshield or paying high mechanical costs due to an accident. To get car insurance, one should complete all the necessary procedures, like KYC which stands for Know Your customer.
What is KYC?
Know Your Customer (KYC) is the process of discovering and authenticating the basic credentials of customers by financial establishments like banks, insurance companies, stockbrokers, etc. KYC is typically performed before or during the handling of financial transactions with customers. For example, when applying for car insurance, a KYC is mandatory.
IRDAI-accepted KYC procedure types.
KYC in insurance has become a mandatory requirement by the IRDAI due to the increasing number of insurance-related frauds.
IRDAI has authorised the following KYC methods for the insurer:
● Aadhaar-based KYC
● Digital KYC
● Video-based identification
● By KYC identifier
● Pan card
Depending on the type of car insurance, the insurance company chooses the appropriate KYC method.
Why has KYC compliance become mandatory for car insurance?
As mentioned above, due to the rise in insurance-related frauds, the government of India has made regulations to make KYC mandatory for every type of insurance, be it car insurance or life insurance.
KYC is necessary to ensure the authenticity of the investments and the insurance policy purchased by the individual. It ensures that the insurance coverage is received by the family of the genuine policyholder and not by an imposter.
Insurance companies are required to verify a customer's identity before proceeding with the insurance registration procedure. Strict implementation of the KYC process is an efficient method that allows the banks to authenticate the identity of the customers.
If you plan to purchase a car, the first step should be buying car insurance using the KYC procedure.
KYC documents required for car insurance:
● Passport
● Aadhar card or Voter ID card
● Pan number
● Driving licences
● Bank Statement—not more than six months old
● Verified copies of an electricity bill, a telephone bill, and registered lease and licence agreements
● A letter from the National Population Register containing name and address information
The insurance company will inform you beforehand if any other document is required. Collect all the required documents and get your insurance without any trouble.
Prevent the misuse of your KYC documents.
Submitting your KYC documents is a necessity that brings with it the threat of identity theft. Here are three simple steps to prevent the misuse of self-attested KYC documents:
● Clearly state the date and intended purpose for submitting the documents.
● Similar to the crossing of cheques, specify that the documents are ‘To be used only for the specified purpose’.
The recent wave of digitalisation has made it possible to keep track of all financial products including investments, insurance policies, etc. Regular inspection of such KYC documents makes it easy to detect the mishandling of important documents that may have been used by an imposter.
Purchasing car insurance may appear to be a time-consuming process, but it is a necessity that everyone should obtain for their vehicle's safety. During unprecedented situations where the outcome is unpredictable and could lead to hefty damages to the car, car insurance would act as a rescue and help you steer clear of the monetary stress. As a result, you must investigate your options and purchase the best car insurance for your needs.
Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of car 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.
Know more about tailgating and ways to stop it
Have you ever been driving around and seen someone cutting it too close to your car's bumper? If yes, you are familiar with tailgating. For those unaware of the term, tailgating happens when there is insufficient space between your car and the one in front of you or behind you.
The likelihood of a collision increases with just one forceful brake from the vehicle in front. Tailgating increases the risk of accidents, making it essential for car owners to protect their vehicles. Also ensure that you avail of online motor insurance renewal services offered by your preferred insurer.
While insurance can help you safeguard your vehicle and yourself from financial contingencies, here are some tips to prevent tailgating.
What are the risks of tailgating?
A significant risk of tailgating is that drivers do not provide adequate space to stop if the vehicle in front suddenly decelerates which more likely makes a rear-end collision. A multi-car pileup that starts with one rear-end accident is expected to spread. Accidents involving a rear-end often result in neck and back injuries.
Another risk of tailgating is that it can create pressure on the vehicle's driver in front to apply the brakes to dissuade the tailgater. When the front driver performs what is known as a brake check, an impending collision may result if the foot is held down for even a brief period. In the worst case, brake inspections can also spark road rage among tailgaters.
Ways to prevent tailgating.
Driving too close to the car in front is the main reason for tailgating. Maybe you're upset or impatient and hurried. Whichever one it is, tailgating puts you and other drivers in danger every time.
Here are some tips to help you maintain a safe distance.
1. Understand the distances you often stopover:
The variation depends on how quickly you're moving. You might get into problems if you can't stop in this amount of time. Remember that stopping distances increase in wet circumstances, so be cautious and give the car in front of you enough room. You should raise the spacing by up to 10 times on slippery roads and at least double it in wet conditions.
2. Maintain your calm:
Avoid venting your frustration to other drivers if you feel irritated, furious, or exhausted. Stay at home until you feel better, or pause to unwind and regain focus before resuming your driving. It costs nothing to drive courteously and makes everyone's journeys safer.
3. Make use of your car safety features:
Nowadays, many vehicles feature collision warning systems that warn drivers if they approach the car in front too closely. Utilise such devices, but don't entirely depend on them. Always follow the road regulations rather than pushing your car's technology to its limit.
Driving is a skill that requires significant experience to master. Keeping calm and efficiently managing situations like tailgating is an indicator of an experienced driver. While you may not be able to control other drivers and their behaviour on the road, you can always ensure your vehicle's safety by following the above tips. Also, remember to avail an online motor insurance renewal service or purchase a new motor insurance policy to protect yourself from financial losses due to an accident.
Click HERE to proceed to online motor insurance renewal.
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.
Consider these factors while purchasing cancer health insurance
Cancer is one such illness that affects the patient and their family emotionally and mentally. According to recent studies, cancer rates are alarmingly increasing day by day. It can happen to anyone, irrespective of age, health, or lifestyle. Keeping these increasing numbers in mind, getting health insurance to manage expensive cancer treatment is ideal. Moreover, many insurance companies offer easy and quick health insurance policy renewals to avoid complications and get you financially protected.
Factors to consider when purchasing a cancer health insurance.
There are a lot of insurance plans in the market, which makes it confusing to find the right insurance company. It is important to purchase the right policy that matches your requirements to get the desired benefits in the event of a need. Understand that not just buying but timely cancer health insurance policy renewal is the best way to remain financially protected.
1. Type of policy:
Look for insurance policy features that specifically meet the needs of life-threatening diseases like cancer. You can also buy a cancer coverage add-on with your original health insurance policy or opt for the critical illness insurance policy that covers expensive medical charges.
2. Policy coverage:
Cancer treatments can jeopardize your lifelong savings. While some people can bear these expenses, some take out heavy loans to cover them. Thus, choosing a maximum sum assured and policy coverage is ideal. Also, look for an insurance provider that offers quick and hassle-free health insurance policy renewal.
During the critical cancer stage, you may be unable to work and provide income to the family. Therefore, ensure that your plan offers sufficient money to cover your lost income and medical expenses.
3. Waiting period:
Keep in mind that every health insurance plan comes with a waiting period. The waiting period for a particular disease can differ from one insurer to other. You may not be able to claim the medical expenses till your policy comes into force. Therefore, look for policies with shorter waiting periods or quick health insurance renewal to avoid increasing costs.
4. Prior medical history:
You may not know, but most insurers do not offer cancer coverage to those with a prior cancer history. Thus, if you have already survived cancer, your application has a chance of being rejected by the insurance company. Thus, disclose all health-related information with the insurance company when you buy a health insurance policy or consider health insurance policy renewal.
5. Insurance company:
Besides looking at the policy offerings and benefits, choosing the right insurance company is essential to ensuring a smooth purchase and claim settlement experience. It is recommended to check the insurance company's online reviews, customer support, claim settlement ratio, etc., and then choose the best policy.
6. Premium:
Another important factor to consider while purchasing cancer health insurance is the insurance premium. An insurance broker may offer maximum benefits, but if the insurance premium is out of your budget, all of these things do not matter. You must think twice before purchasing or considering health insurance policy renewal if the premium is out of budget.
While many want to avoid such dreadful illnesses, preparing yourself and your family for the worst is always a wise decision. Therefore, purchase or ensure regular health insurance policy renewal today to secure your tomorrow.
Click HERE for health insurance policy renewal.
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.
Here’s why the least-priced car insurance may not be a worthwhile investment
Imagine you're out with your car for some work, and suddenly another over-speeding vehicle rams into your car from behind. A scary situation, isn't it? Worrying about the damages is not a concern if you have the right protection. Car insurance is the immediate step you should buy to ensure that you are compensated fairly and stay financially stress-free.
When you begin choosing insurance from the options available, you always look for competitive premiums which are affordable and fully effective. Although you can get substantially low car insurance policies, you will not be able to enjoy all the benefits and features.
Let's have a detailed look at why you should not opt for the least-priced car insurance.
1. Unavailability of essential benefits:
The least-priced car insurance often strips you of the major benefits. Not all expensive insurance policies need to offer you all the benefits, but the least-priced ones offer you none. For instance, it may not even cover accident costs if someone else is driving the car at the time of an accident. Some insurance companies very cleverly offer you a low premium to attract you to their insurance policies. You must properly inspect your policy before determining the one you want to buy.
2. Impacts policy coverage:
The cost of the car insurance policy is directly proportional to the level of coverage it provides. If your insurance is cheap, the coverage will be lower too. There might be third-party insurance involved, which requires the protection against damages to the third party. You can be accountable for major crises in terms of losses or damages.
3. Lack of cashless claims:
If your insurance policy is cheap, you may not be able to enjoy cashless claims. This means that you will not be able to avail the facility of getting your car repaired in a garage that falls under your insurance. Under other circumstances, you will not be required to pay any money from your pocket. But with cheap car insurance, you are forced to pay for the damages before you apply for a claim.
4. Unsatisfactory customer service:
It is a known fact that the reputed insurance agencies ask you for a premium which is justified. This means that you will receive top-notch and priority treatment as a customer. You will be given the best support and care by the customer service of your designated insurance company. They will pay attention to all your complaints and resolve them on priority. In the case of cheap insurance, you will face unsatisfactory responses to your queries. Always keep that in mind.
5. Greater deductibles:
A deductible is a partial amount paid by the policy owner during the settlement of an insurance claim. With this feature in your car insurance policy, you need to pay a small deductible for your claim. However, for the least-priced car insurance, you need to pay a larger amount as deductibles. Only after the payment, you'll get the claim amount. This is how they loop you in for trouble. Always ensure that you read your documents carefully and ask all the right questions.
These points are enough to evaluate decently priced car insurance instead of a cheap one. Always make sure you explore all your options and purchase the best car insurance, which would cater to all your needs in the best way possible. By saving a few bucks today, you risk losing a lot of money tomorrow. Hence, choose wisely while getting car insurance to protect your car against hefty damages in unfortunate situations.
Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of car insurance and the process of determining the best option 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.
How is AI set to revolutionise the car insurance sector
AI has evolved tremendously over recent years, and its impact can be seen in every sector of the economy. The car insurance sector is also touched by AI and is all set to revolutionise it. Data modelling and machine learning applications are changing the insurance process and customer experience. Its role is increasing in car inspection, claim processing, and car insurance renewal.
Let us see how AI is set to revolutionise the car insurance sector in detail.
1. Car Insurance renewal:
Policyholders must upload photos and videos of their cars from all angles on a cloud-based app. No human assistance is required in this process on the insurance company's end because of AI. Computers evaluate the condition of the car, quote the premium amount accordingly and process the renewal.
AI is helping companies to save millions of rupees as their manpower requirement for the insurance renewal process has gone down drastically. Also, it is helping to save a lot of valuable time for companies and customers by making the renewal process swift and streamlined.
2. Claim processing:
AI is also set to revolutionise the processing of claims in the car insurance sector. Currently, claim management and processing are primarily manual. It takes a lot of time and is prone to errors and inefficiencies. This process is known to eat up around 50%-80% of the revenues generated by premiums.
Machines and computers need sufficient learning data and algorithms to master claims processing. AI can be used for initial claims routing, thorough inspection, and assessing the nature of damage and time for repairs. It can save several hours in processing every individual claim.
More importantly, AI can detect fraudulent claims, a major revenue drainer for every insurance company. AI can help to detect out-of-the-ordinary behaviour and claims coming for processing, which sometimes normal eyes can fail to detect. Some AI-based applications are capable of running background checks on customers coming for insurance claims. The insurance company can assess the risks associated with a respective customer or business.
3. Telematics-based insurance plans:
AI has enabled car insurance companies to offer telematics-based insurance plans to their customers. A "Pay-as-you-drive" plan can be used to charge premiums for insurance plans according to the number of kilometres a customer drives over time. AI can also assess driving style and behaviour of the drivers and charge premiums accordingly.
Thus, AI can be a revolutionising tool for "Pay-how-you-drive" plans and help companies to offer sophisticated and need-based plans to their customers. Such plans can help an insurance company to increase its clientele and profitability.
4. Competitive premiums:
AI can be very helpful in tracking the premiums charged by competitors for their car insurance plans in real time. A car insurance provider can accordingly charge a lower premium or offer a better car insurance price in India to the customers and ensure that the do not go away to the competitors.
The adoption of AI by insurers will be an essential criterion for companies to bring down their car insurance price in India. The insurance companies will pass on the savings due to AI to their customers, who will eventually benefit. Companies that do not adopt AI in the near future will be laggards, and competition will take over them.
Click HERE to get the best car insurance price in India for all your needs.
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.
Concerned about malicious mischief and vandalism? House insurance is the solution you're looking for
Buying a home is a dream for most Indians. Considering the ever-increasing inflation, sky-rocketing real estate prices and constantly changing economic conditions, it requires extensive planning and budgeting. After putting in such efforts, a home becomes more than just a roof over one’s head- it is an investment, a sign of wealth, and probably the most important asset of your net worth.
Protecting an asset on which you have spent a fortune is essential. Buying the best home insurance policy in India is important to secure your home from multiple mishaps. While the best home insurance policy in India may offer you broad coverage from several risks, is the increasing threat of malicious mischief and vandalism included?
Read on to learn all about the specific coverage under home insurance.
What are acts of malicious mischief and vandalism?
To understand what the best home insurance policy in India covers, we must understand the meaning of the terms malicious mischief and vandalism.
Malicious mischief refers to the acts of destruction with the intent to damage or destroy property. It is usually acted out as a sign of resentment towards the property owner. Criminal mischief is recognised as a legal offence as per the Indian Penal Code, which prescribes an imprisonment term of 3 months, or fine, or both for perpetrators.
Vandalism is commonly used to describe the destruction of property without malicious intent targeting the owner. It is often seen as a mindless activity done to achieve the satisfaction of destruction rather than being fueled by ill intent. Vandalism is a punishable offence in India.
The need for malicious mischief and vandalism insurance.
While the terms may seem unfamiliar, malicious mischief and vandalism are rampant in the country. Irrespective of intent, such acts result in minor to massive losses for the property owner, depending on the scale.
In such situations, the prudent purchase of the best home insurance policy in India covering such acts pays off. Since one cannot immediately pinpoint the instigators of such acts of destruction, legal cases don't suffice as an instant relief. By comparing alternatives and purchasing the best home insurance policy in India, you can ensure the immediate raising of a claim and quick settlement of financial losses arising from vandalism and malicious mischief.
Exclusions from vandalism and malicious mischief:
1. If your property has been vacant for over 60 days consecutively, you cannot raise a claim even as a victim of vandalism or malicious mischief.
2. Suppose multiple people are listed as home insurance policyholders. If one of them intentionally indulges in destructive acts to damage the property, the other policyholders cannot raise a successful claim against the perpetrator.
General inclusions under vandalism insurance.
When comparing home insurance policies offered by multiple insurers to find the best home insurance policy in India, you may notice that each insurer offers a varying reimbursement limit and the extent of property covered under the policy. While minute details can differ, most vandalism and malicious mischief covers extend to the following.
1. Fixed structures:
The most apparent inclusions are the fixed structures on your property. This includes the house or flat's external frame, additional safety door, and exterior add-ons like mailboxes or shoe racks.
2. Personal property:
The best home insurance policy in India offers coverage for all your home appliances, furniture and fittings. Refrain from raising a claim for the destruction of commercial holdings since they are not covered by such plans.
In the backdrop of uncertainties, it is always ideal to have a security net that protects homeowners from the risk of vandalism and malicious mischief. If you are considering purchasing a house, ensure that you do due research to identify the best home insurance policy in India to safeguard your home and your finances!
Click HERE to invest in 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.
Seeking to opt for a surrogate mother? Prepare to purchase health insurance
In India, as in the rest of the world, countless single people and couples want to start a family. However, not everyone has the same level of luck, and natural conception may not be an option for certain men, women, or couples. Thus, surrogacy is viewed as an excellent option for resolving this issue.
However, there are several potential problems when deciding to go through with surrogacy. To safeguard intended parents' rights and surrogate moms, the Indian government has enacted new surrogacy legislation, which indirectly impacts online health insurance companies. Keep reading to find out what the law in India says regarding surrogacy.
The Surrogacy Regulation Act in India.
Surrogacy is a burning issue in many parts of the world, considering their complex surrogacy laws. Before commercial surrogacy was banned in 2015 in India, surrogates in India used to suffer victimisation due to the lack of protection by law. It means they had limited support from the law or any other form of government to protect themselves. Plus, they were to follow either the Supreme Court's lead or the advice of the Indian Council of Medical Research.
However, The Surrogacy Regulation Act came into force on January 25, 2022, ensuring fertility services' safe and ethical practices.
Who can get surrogacy?
A surrogate mother must be in good health and between the ages of 25 and 35. She must have been married at least once and raised a child alone. She must also be a close relative of the intended parents. A woman can only serve as a surrogate once in her lifetime under the new Indian surrogacy rules, down from a maximum of three times under the old law.
Regulatory framework for surrogacy in India.
There are two sorts of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational or host surrogacy. Artificial insemination with the father's sperm is the traditional method. It establishes the surrogate as the child's actual mother.
An embryo created via in vitro fertilisation is implanted into a surrogate mother in gestational surrogacy. It is widely held that gestational surrogacy is simpler than traditional surrogacy, which has led to increased cases involving gestational surrogacy.
Following is a summary of the recent legislation regarding surrogacy regulation, effective as of January 25, 2022.
1. Commercial surrogacy banned:
Commissioning parents in the legally permitted altruistic surrogacy arrangement are responsible for covering the surrogate's medical expenses and providing health insurance coverage. Initially, only commercial surrogacy was legal in India. Earlier, commercial surrogacy compensated the surrogate mother for her services.
2. Health insurance proof becomes mandatory:
Couples who choose surrogacy to have a child must pay for the surrogate mother's health insurance for three years. The IRDA must approve the insurer following the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act requirements. The sum insured must be sufficient to cover all costs incurred by the surrogate because of difficulties emerging during and after the pregnancy.
3. Additional protection for the surrogate mother:
The surrogate mother can end the pregnancy at any time during the surrogacy arrangement. The permission form format to be obtained from the surrogate has also been changed.
The couple must file an affidavit guaranteeing payment of expenses of the surrogate mother, including medical care in the event of illness or the surrogate mother's death and compensation for other losses.
The new surrogacy rules in India are intended to protect the rights of surrogate mothers by guaranteeing them access to online health insurance companies and policies if any difficulties arise during the pregnancy. While this is a positive development, India still has a way to go before we adequately safeguard the rights of surrogate mothers.
Click HERE to buy health insurance if planning for surrogacy.
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.
Protect your personal belongings with a theft add-on to your bike insurance
A comprehensive bike insurance policy protects you in case your bike gets stolen. It ensures the receipt of the total insured value or the IDV of your bike from the insurance company. This way, two wheeler insurance will reimburse you when you raise an insurance claim.
But what happens to your expensive belongings kept in the bike, such as your bag or wallet, that have disappeared along with your two-wheeler? Worry no more! You can now buy an add-on theft cover while purchasing two wheeler insurance online or offline to protect your personal belongings.
The benefit of theft add-on.
A theft add-on feature for your bike’s comprehensive insurance policy enhances its value by covering your personal belongings’ value. You can purchase this add-on cover while buying new two wheeler insurance online India or renewing the existing policy. The insurance company becomes liable to pay the amount mentioned in the add-on cover. The depreciation amount is deducted to date for your personal belongings in case your bike gets stolen.
Documents required.
You must provide the following documents to raise an insurance claim:
1. An FIR filed with a police station immediately after your bike is stolen
2. Original invoice of the items for which you are staking a claim or proof of ownership of the belongings stolen
You must inform the insurance company of the theft within 30 days of the bike being stolen. The insurance company will not entertain any claim post this period. Also, insurance companies will not accept claims for items not meant for personal use. It means the lost item should not be for trading or commercial purposes. Also, the item you are claiming should be inside or on the bike when it gets stolen.
Advantages.
Opting for a theft add-on to your bike insurance has several advantages:
1. Only this add-on assures you of reimbursement for the loss of your personal belongings present in your bike in case it is stolen.
2. This add-on protects your hard-earned money. You can have complete peace of mind and leave behind your belongings on your bike without worrying about their loss.
Limitations.
There are a few limitations of theft add-on to your bike insurance too.
1. Depreciation:
Insurance companies charge high depreciation for your valuables. The minimum percentage of depreciation charged is 20% which can go up to 80% for items over four years old. Hence, you may get a minimal amount for your lost personal belongings.
2. Documentation:
The formalities required to support your insurance claim for your personal belongings are cumbersome. For example, you may not have proof of ownership of all the items stolen with the two-wheeler and may not get the claim passed for them.
The theft of your bikes is not in your control. A standard insurance policy will only provide compensation for your bike and not your valuables. Opting for a theft add-on to your bike insurance is an intelligent choice. It has more advantages than limitations and will protect the valuables in your bike.
Similarly, opting for two wheeler insurance online India is a great choice. It minimises paperwork, saves time, and is much more convenient than buying an insurance policy through conventional channels. You can make an informed choice by comparing similar policies of all the service providers and choosing the best amongst them. Hence, ensure your peace of mind by buying your two wheeler insurance online India policy.
Click HERE to buy two wheeler insurance India 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.
Move-over braces, and clear aligners are the way forward
As we progress, we are moving towards better options in all aspects of life. Advancements in medical science over the last few decades have resulted in ground-breaking discoveries and the latest med-tech developments. The constantly evolving world of medicine has resulted in innovation in the dental industry. This discovery came in the form of clear aligners, which are the latest trend. Orthodontists globally suggest them as they are better suited for many reasons, making them preferred over traditional braces. But why are they so popular? What makes them different? We will discuss them all in this article.
Clear aligners are still an upcoming trend that many may not know. Due to this, we will help you walk through these unique orthodontic devices and how they straighten your teeth. Regardless of your dental problems, you should always have the best health insurance policy in India to cover all your medical expenses. Now, let's understand the benefits of clear aligners.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners can fix misaligned or unorganised teeth placements. After conducting an intraoral scan, orthodontists can determine the problem with your teeth and possible solutions. Made with cutting-edge 3D technology, each aligner is customised according to the patient's needs. The aligners move the teeth into place gradually without causing pain. The time taken to do so depends on the unique condition of every individual.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
1. Maintains oral hygiene:
With clear aligners, you can maintain your dental hygiene without any hassles. You can remove them as per your will and then brush your teeth meticulously without fear. On the other hand, you need to clean carefully when you have your braces on. Braces can cause dental problems as you cannot brush your teeth well. It can lead to other oral problems like bad breath and cavities.
2. Freedom to eat or drink anything:
Braces bring several dietary restrictions and place constant pressure on your teeth. However, you will feel nothing with aligners, as they are removable. You can eat or drink to your liking.
3. Practically invisible:
It is very difficult to spot clear aligners. They are almost entirely invisible. This means that you need not inform anyone about your orthodontic treatment. In stark contrast, metal braces are easy to notice. This can be a matter of embarrassment for many adults and teens.
4. No operational hassles:
The whole process of getting metal braces done can be tedious. It requires regular monitoring and tightening to keep you comfortable. If any wire is left unopened, it can lead to ulcers in your mouth. With clear aligners, this is not a problem. It does not require any tightening during doctor appointments.
5. No obstruction to teeth whitening:
Metal braces can force you to compromise on your dental hygiene. This can lead to the loss of a pearl-white smile. You may also notice plaque formation as a result of bacteria growth. If left untreated, you may have decayed teeth, bleeding gums, and other problems. To avoid this, switch to clear aligners, which pose no threat to your white teeth in any way. You can brush them whenever you want and not fear being cautious around metal wires.
Clear aligners are the future of dental science. They are highly effective, consume less time for fitting, and show results sooner than metal braces. With advancing times, most people will switch towards clear aligners to treat their teeth. In any medical situation, purchasing the best health insurance policy in India may help you cover the procedure's cost.
Click HERE to invest in the best health 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.
Lower abdominal pain: It may be a sign of appendicitis
Abdominal pain is a prevalent issue of concern worldwide. The common causes of abdominal pain are gas, indigestion, and constipation. They don’t require urgent medical care, and you can get relief in a few hours. However, there may be more serious causes of abdominal pain, like urinary tract infections, kidney stones or infections, and even appendicitis which can be serious.
These are some causes for which you must seek immediate medical help. If the cause for your lower abdominal pain is an inflamed appendix, more often than not, you may have to undergo appendix surgery. The surgery cost is high, making it essential to buy health insurance online. While health insurance covers medical expenses, taking precautionary measures and being aware of its symptoms is necessary.
Let us understand lower abdominal pain caused because of appendicitis more clearly.
What is appendicitis?
Our large intestine has a pouch-like structure at its beginning, known as the appendix. The appendix sometimes becomes inflamed and fills with pus, causing immense pain. This situation is called appendicitis. It is treated with antibiotics and must be removed through surgery.
You should not ignore severe and persistent lower abdominal pain as it may be a sign of appendicitis. It can be dangerous and result in a ruptured appendix that can cause severe infection when ignored.
What are some common symptoms of appendicitis?
If you regularly suffer pain in your right lower abdomen area for a prolonged period, it is time for you to visit a good doctor. Also, the severity of pain eventually increases if not diagnosed early. Other symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite.
What are the associated risks of appendicitis?
When the appendix becomes blocked and inflamed, bacteria multiply in it. The appendix can start swelling, along with pus formation. This causes painful pressure in the lower abdomen. It can also block blood flow. Not only does appendicitis cause immense pain and trouble, but bacteria can spill into the abdominal cavity with the bursting of the appendix. This can result in developing life-threatening infections.
The pain caused by appendicitis is usually so severe that it can even wake us from sleep. It can worsen within just a few hours and may require immediate hospitalisation.
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
There is no specific test to diagnose appendicitis. The doctor first understands the symptoms and your medical history. He will physically check for swelling or rigidity of the lower right part of the abdomen. He may also perform a digital rectal examination.
The doctor may ask you to get a few more tests done to ascertain the occurrence of appendicitis. This may include blood tests, urine tests, and abdominal imaging tests.
How to prevent appendicitis?
There is no way by which we can fully prevent appendicitis and the subsequent pain that it causes in the lower abdomen. But having a high-fibre diet can help reduce the chances of appendicitis. Additionally, increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, beans and other legumes, split peas, brown rice, whole wheat, oatmeal, and whole grains. Consider the intake of some fibre supplements with the approval of your general physician to ensure a well-balanced diet.
One should never ignore lower abdominal pain as it can be a sign of appendicitis. The pain and uneasiness can lead to fatal infections. Since such ailments are beyond control, one should focus on safeguarding their health. Buy health insurance online with comprehensive protection to cover the costs of treating appendicitis without feeling a pinch on one’s wallet.
Click HERE to buy health insurance online 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.
Let's understand the psychology behind honking and the ways to tone it down
Honking while driving on the road is a serious topic and a primary source of noise pollution. Persistent noise from honking can lead to stress, annoyance, depression, and hearing impairment. It also causes road accidents due to sudden distractions. If you are wondering why people honk so much, you should understand the psychology behind it.
Reasons why people honk their horns so much.
Generally, it would be best to use a horn to avoid collisions, when necessary. However, drivers also honk for other reasons, such as
1. Honking by habit:
Most Indian drivers honk just because they feel like it, even if it is unnecessary. You may find honkers honking at turns, at blind corners, and at pedestrians walking or crossing the roads. Drivers also honk recklessly during a traffic jam to move the traffic. In this behaviour, the driver needs to show more awareness and patience.
2. Honking as a way to communicate:
In India, drivers use horn honking to communicate without words with other drivers on the road. Drivers use several horn-honking patterns, each with a different meaning. For instance, drivers use single honking when waiting outside their friend's house or when someone is in front of their vehicle, which means "I'm here".
The double horn means, "please don't be dumb", and the triple horn means, "I am upset that traffic has not moved". Some aggressive drivers use the repeater triple horn to tell other drivers that they are more important and ask them to get out of their way.
Another form of aggressive horn honking used by large vehicles is the big blast, meaning "I can do whatever I want because I am mighty".
3. Continuously honking at high speeds:
You may have seen a reckless driver going forward and constantly honking, leaving everyone behind. Such drivers are always in a hurry to arrive on time for work, meetings, or other events. However, irresponsible driving habits are dangerous and can cause more havoc on traffic.
You should avoid driving in a hurry or using a horn unnecessarily. While talking about safety, buying online motor insurance is essential to protect your vehicle from damages.
How to reduce unnecessary honking while driving:
● Most people need to learn the severity of unnecessary honking and its disadvantages. You should spread awareness about honking and noise pollution to your friends, family, and neighbours.
● Take driving lessons from renowned driving schools to learn the basics of honking etiquette, like avoiding honking at no-honking zones, near hospitals, schools, forest areas, etc.
● Unnecessary honking can also lead you to pay a ticket (challan). You should learn about when and where you should not honk.
● The government should impose strict laws against unnecessary honking and a maximum dB limit for large vehicles.
There are many reasons why drivers and riders like to honk so much. If you are like most drivers in India, you should learn the reasons behind drivers honking their horns and ways to reduce them. Once you understand the basics of honking etiquette, you should tell others to spread awareness.
In addition to honking etiquette, it is also essential for drivers to have motor insurance to protect them from fines and damage costs in the future. You can get online motor insurance quickly with minimum documentation and without the hassle of physically visiting the insurance company's office or paying a commission to an agent.
Click HERE to buy new car 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.
The reliability of car safety ratings and their impact on purchasing decisions
An important choice to make is whether to lease or buy a car. Before making a purchase, consumers should explore the options available in various models. The level of safety in a car is paramount. According to a study, sixty-five percent of buyers said safety is essential when purchasing a car, truck, or sport utility vehicle. Modern cars have more safety features than ever before, but not all are created equal when protecting their owners in an accident. Consumers now have easy access to reliable information through car safety ratings.
What factors influence car safety ratings?
Various government safety agencies and car crash test organizations publish their safety ratings based on controlled safety trials each year. They are mainly categorised as:
● The ability of a car to avoid a collision, in general, is known as accident avoidance. The effectiveness of several individual components is reflected in an accident-avoidance rating.
● Cars equipped with airbags are pre-programmed to deploy the airbags automatically in the case of a collision. They act as a buffer between the rider or passenger and the car itself, reducing the likelihood of catastrophic harm. Typically, front, knee and side airbags are standard in top-tier safety-rated cars.
● Anti-lock braking systems save lives by preventing the wheel from locking up when the brakes are applied. The car's traction is improved, and skidding is prevented. In areas of the country that get a lot of snow and ice, anti-lock brakes come in especially handy.
● A driver equipped with electronic stability control can quickly swerve the car without losing control to avoid an obstacle.
● Protecting your head, neck, and back from the painful consequences of a rear-end crash. Rear-end crashes aren't usually fatal but can cause serious harm. During rear-end collision testing, head restraints play a significant role. Safety professionals simulate these impacts to determine how well head restraints prevent whiplash and other neck and spinal cord injuries.
● Anti-rollover protection: Pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs are more likely to roll over than shorter cars because of their greater centre of gravity. Safety agencies also examine the anti-rollover protection capacity of a vehicle in their safety trials.
Buying decisions influenced by crash-safety ratings.
Crash-safety ratings show the typical outcomes from accident data and inform drivers about their and other cars' safety. Customers who are not car experts should read up on buyers' guidelines and all the specifics regarding the car they are considering, such as its crash test ratings, safety features, tools, and accessories. As the car is a long-term investment, every prospective buyer should pay close attention to crash test results.
Be a responsible buyer and never settle for less. Prioritise safety and consider it to be the most significant advantage as a driver. To sum up, crash safety concerns the danger of death or severe harm to the driver and passengers of the car in the case of a crash. Therefore, it is essential to have car insurance.
Overall, modern cars are safer for their buyers. Still, several aspects, such as the state of the vehicle, the surrounding terrain, and the driver's actions, have a role. Regardless of the safety features of the cars, whether you're shopping for a new or used car, buy car insurance online should be your top priority to ensure an extra layer of protection.
Click HERE to buy car 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.
