GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Unlike old times, almost all car manufacturing companies are now producing new vehicles with both petrol and diesel variants. With it, the common misbelief of a petrol car being superior is also burning to the ground. The way diesel engines have advanced significantly poses a severe threat to their petrol rivals by being more efficient and economical.

But the debate remains as to whether to go for a petrol or diesel model. Allow us to clear it out for you quickly. Here are the 5 major aspects to compare both the options, and let’s view the results.

1. Performance:
If you are a power enthusiast looking deeply into car performance other than anything, remember that a car’s performance is mainly affected by the amount of weight it carries. However, both petrol and diesel cars offer specific power. For example, if you like instant pick up, a petrol car will impress you better. On the other hand, a diesel car will amaze you with the sudden thrust despite the slow start. So, out of the two variants, decide what suits you better.

2. Prices:
Diesel models are generally more expensive than their petrol rivals, and so is their maintenance cost. Do not let the fuel prices confuse you with the car prices. Although diesel as a fuel is cheaper than petrol in our country, the cars sell at a higher price. It's on you to decide whether to pay more for your car one time or more for your fuel every time.

3. Maintenance expenses:
Do diesel models require a higher maintenance cost? That no longer stands true for every case. Although maintaining a diesel vehicle is still more expensive than a petrol vehicle, it has become comparatively affordable than earlier. It even varies between the different classes of the car and the brand.

4. Fuel-efficiency:
This is something to consider later in all the aspects mentioned earlier. Mileage for diesel vehicles is one of the sole reasons for people to choose them over petrol vehicles. A diesel car will run more kilometres in the same litres of fuel than a petrol car. So, in terms of fuel efficiency, diesel cars are clearly the prize winner.

5. Fuel costs:
India has always had diesel at a reduced price than petrol owing to the subsidies. Although the price gap has reduced continuously in almost all states, this is still a fact. Hence, diesel is cheaper than petrol, with diesel vehicles having a better mileage than the latter. Therefore, despite the initial higher charges, it is proved that a diesel car is affordable after all.

Owning a car is a luxury in itself; hence ensure to get the one most suited to your expectations. Regardless of what type of car you buy, decide it after assessing the running cost, the duration you want to retain it and resell value it brings to you. And when you finally make a purchase, do not forget to buy new car insurance as made mandatory by the laws. Apart from choosing the best vehicle variant, you also need to buy new car insurance for a financial safety net if the unexpected occurs.

To buy new car insurance for your car, click HERE .

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.

No one likes to think about the possibility of their vehicle being in an accident, but knowing what to do when it happens, helps you a lot. According to a survey, almost 77% of drivers have been in at least one accident during their lifetime. Thus, as per the facts, your chances of getting into a car accident during a 1,000-mile trip are 1 in 366.

After a car crash, your immediate response is to ensure everyone's safety and get medical attention even if the injuries seem minor to you. The immediate aftermath of an accident is quite stressful, and not knowing what should be your next step only adds to the stress.

Therefore, it is time you learn what to do when your car gets totaled post an accident.

After the accident, when you inform your insurance company about the incident to claim your insurance, the company may deem your car to be 'totaled'.

But, first, what exactly does 'a totaled car' mean?

• If the value of repairing the vehicle is more than the value of the car, pre-accident.

• If it can be dangerous to use the car again after the repair work.

Some companies cover the cost of towing the car. Few look after your rental car bills only for three days, whereas some might cover for an extended period. Different companies have different policies for the drivers. Therefore, it is better to be familiar with your private car insurance policy.

Now follow the given steps to claim your insurance settlement.

Step 1
Give your insurance company a call. Many companies have mobile applications where you can click images of the damage and post them, and an inspector will survey the specifics. But, when you think your car is totaled, it will take much more than a basic inspection to verify the damage.
Sometimes, there is not much visible damage, but some damaged parts of the car can cost much more than you anticipate. For this, you will have to trust your inspector to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle.

Step 2
Submit your application, policy details, and police report. Now, all companies have different documentation processes, and you must be sure to understand what papers you will need to submit precisely. Your settlement request would not proceed further unless the company has received all that it needs.

Step 3
Whether you own the vehicle or are leasing it, the insurance company will write a check to you, your lender, or the lease company. The amount of your total loss settlement will be the AVC, average cash value of your car, which depends on the following

• the current market value of your vehicle

• the condition of your car pre-accident as well as its mileage

• other features of the car such as leather seats, power windows etc.

Sometimes fortune turns harsh on us, and it becomes tough to accept the reality. Accidents can happen anytime, and it is rightly quoted that 'Accidents hurt, but not safety.' The recovery post a severe accident is never a peaceful process. Seeing your beloved car turn into crushed pieces of metal is an awful feeling. Don't wait for the worst to happen. Be prepared by buying private car insurance that assures you the complete assistance and compensation you expect during the tough times.

Need private car insurance? Click HERE to get the best insurance quotes.

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.

Most people think that buying a commodity like a car is a significant expense, especially if you have taken a loan. Understand that a loan is a liability, and if not managed properly, it could lead you to huge debts. Also, the maintenance and motor insurance can additionally cost more and affect your pockets.

Don't think that the market decides loan and interest rates, and you can do nothing to save the cost. In reality, the high-interest rate on the loan you borrowed affects your car loan. There are practical ways to save up on the loans of your car. Below is the guide to give you the best tips to save money on your car loan.

1. Constrain/control your credit:
Your credit history will directly affect the interest rate of the loan. If you have a low credit score, the lender may apply higher rates for your loan amount. Sort your credit report, and know that a good credit score will help you lock up the best deal on loans.

2. Navigate beyond the dealers:
Find ways to look beyond just one middleman/broker for your car loans. Getting advice or financing quotations from the dealer is not a bad option. But, when you shop for other things, do you stop at one halt and purchase? The answer is NO. So, do the same with your car loan options.

3. Buy an inexpensive car:
It does not sound like earnest advice, but at a point, it is proven logical. Getting a car is more about comfort and ease of life than merely a status symbol. Buy a reliable, best-fit vehicle that comes with lesser interest on the loan amount. Buying a car within your budget will also help you save up on motor insurance premiums.

4. Budget your down payment:
If possible, make sure to pay a substantial down payment on the purchase of the car. So, it will decrease the amount of interest on loans. Logically, the lower the principal amount, the lower the EMI will be.

5. Smaller tenure of the loan:
Opposite to the down payment, the tenure periods should be short. The lender will benefit from it if you have an extended tenure period. If you have a shorter tenure, you'll pay off the loan much faster. Also, interest components will be lower.

6. Count the processing fees:
The processing fee for the car loans is a one-time fee, and some banks waive off their prices during special occasions. So try to benefit from it by taking loans in that period. Also, make sure you don't get charged any extra in the name of processing fees, apart from general rates.

7. Go through the fine print:
One of the vital steps is to check all papers pertaining to the loan. Whether you take the quotation or make the final deal, read all the legal documents and understand them. Don't get trapped, and be conscious of the agreement while you are availing of a loan.

Stick to budgeting your loans. Be thoughtful with your financial position to consider the loan, interest, and ways to save up on your hard-earned money. There are ample ways to save the cost of your car loan payments. Don't rush the process and check every option before choosing the right one for your car. Like having good motor insurance comes with reasonable premium rates, a car loan can also be obtained with lower EMI if you make intelligent moves.

Are you looking for suitable motor insurance for your car? Click HERE .

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.

Have you ever felt bored of your mundane daily routine and wanted a much-needed break? Overlanding helps you get away from all the stress of your work and refresh your mind and body, boosting the state of your mental health. It is a travel experience that focuses on a scenic destination away from the bustling city life. With this, you will get the chance to be closer to nature and give your body the rest it deserves.

Let's understand the tips that will make your overlanding trip memorable.

1. Plan well before you go:
You must decide on an adventurous overlanding route through the pleasant countryside and remote destinations. Do deep research about the destination, consider the weather predictions, and ensure favourable camping conditions. To avoid heavy traffic, accidents, or mishaps, you should know what particular amendments your car requires to suit the terrain.

2. Have basic survival skills:
Despite planning efficiently, mishaps occur, and you need to be prepared for any scenario. You might get minor scars or bruises while on the adventure, so carry a basic first aid kit to ensure you can treat minor wounds to avoid any infection. You might get stranded in an unfamiliar area, so it is always advisable to carry maps of surrounding regions in digital and physical forms. You should be capable of changing a tire in case of a flat tire. Adjust to the different weather conditions as your journey progresses.

3. Budget according to your needs:
Overlanding is a cost-effective travel experience. However, you might need to allocate your daily budget based on your needs. You can take inspiration from travel bloggers/vloggers and use similar tactics, or you can carry more resources to satisfy your needs. You should take into consideration your food, vehicle maintenance, and living expenses such as mobile connectivity. Save more by cooking food yourself and camping instead of staying in overpriced hotel rooms.

4. Comfortable dressing:
Wear clothes that are comfortable to be in for long durations. Pack appropriate attire for your activities and make sure it is compact. You can hand wash your clothes or use laundry rooms on your stops to clean and dry your clothes. It is also advisable to wear a roomy pair of good shoes that grip any terrain.

5. Carry essential equipment:
Carry equipment that protects you from excessive cold, wind, and rain, such as umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, gloves, and earmuffs. Emergency dry, nutritional snacks and bottled water should be a part of your travel inventory. Additional tools such as flashlights, fire extinguishers, and gas always make your trip must also be part of your travel checklist.

6. Take precautionary measures:
Safety is an aspect that you can never compromise with when planning an Overlanding trip, especially if you're travelling solo. During the journey, it's just your car and you who are for each other. So, keep spare wheels that fit your vehicle in case of a flat tyre. As roads are a package of undesired events, it is always advisable to get car insurance so that you return with good memories and no financial worries. Opt for online car insurance if you haven't bought one, hit that road less travelled and enjoy that overlanding adventure of a lifetime!

Overlanding journeys expose you to pure and unaltered experiences and introduce you to life in a way you might not have thought of. These trips also boost your self-growth as you learn to make arrangements to sustain yourself in any situation.

Click HERE to know more details about car insurance before you set on a trip.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Transportation is one of the essential parts of our day-to-day lives. Whether it is for commercial purposes or personal use, vehicles have turned out like our favourite support. Legally, the law doesn't allow the use of personal vehicles for commercial purposes. However, a recent announcement shows that private car owners can use their vehicles for commercial transport and work purposes under some provisions.

The use of the private vehicle as commercial makes the transport 30% cheaper. You must be wondering whether to use the personal vehicle for commercial use or not? And if yes, then how?

As you read this blog, you will find the best tips to use your vehicle for commercial purposes.

1. Know everything about licensing: Before the government imposed rules on vehicles, there were only two categories of license: transport and non-transport. However, the same license is now allowed to drive two or more different vehicles, considered only if both are LVMs (light motor vehicles). So, before assigning your personal vehicle for work purposes, it is crucial to understand the licensing method.

2. Type of your commercial usage: You may introduce your private vehicle to commercial use in several ways. Converting it into a taxi is the most common method. Apart from taxis, convertible trucks / tempos, school buses, minivans for goods transportation are quite popular. In the case of two-wheelers, the same license is allowed, with the permission / allowance to operate as public transport. You can also use it for exporting or importing goods.

3. Know about taxation/laws: According to the motor vehicle act, vehicles should be given rights and respective licenses according to their class and not the type of vehicle. This rule made it convenient for private vehicles to be used for commercial purposes. As of now, there are no separate endorsement/taxes charged on it.
Initially, you need to follow the conversion process to convert the vehicle into a commercial one. Do it with the valid registration number and by filling a form named "Conversion of Vehicle". You can find all the details about the same on the RTO website. Do some research at your end, or you may even ask expert personnel to make the entire process smooth.

4. Be thorough with the insurance policy: When you run a private vehicle as a commercial, the insurance policy may differ. For example, the usual car insurance may not remain the same when you use your car as a taxi or for other business purposes. You can confirm the details and changes in the car insurance policy from your insurance company.
Also, don't forget to use the appropriate number plate after the conversion of the vehicle.

Just like private vehicles benefit from insurance and other rights, commercial policies also provide the same vigilant coverage. Enforcement of legalities by the authorities has become easy now. Dissolved licensing and flexible transportation rules are encouraging steps for the people who want to convert their vehicles for commercial purposes.

So, if you wish to expand your business or provide your vehicle as a transportation fleet to other companies, these tips can help you understand it better. Remember, holding good car insurance and the appropriate license is the key to driving vehicles' safety and successful conversion.

Click HERE to get the best deals on 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.

Do you want to break a bad habit? You probably should. According to one research, nearly 40% of the "decisions" we make aren't decisions. It's a matter of habit. We do what we've always done, making us less productive, efficient, healthy and fit. In other words, less in everything than we could be.

So, what can be done to change an old bad habit and adopt a better one? The 21/90 rule helps you to overcome that. The 21/90 formula is a simple approach that can help you reach your predetermined goals if followed and challenged for a few days. According to the method, if you can stick to a plan for 21 days, it becomes a habit, and if you stick to it for another 69 days or a total of 90 days, it becomes a lifestyle.

In this article, we share the tips that will help you get started with this method and stick to it.

1. The first stage is to have a clear goal: You will not be able to see where you're going in life unless you have clear goals. Identify your purpose, define your vision and translate your objectives into attainable benchmarks. You've almost assured success if you have a clear milestone to achieve.

2. Have a strategy: Every new habit requires a plan. It assists you in achieving your objectives. Create a timeline of activities to follow. Decide how you'll reward yourself at significant milestones, such as the 21st day, 69th day or 90th day in this 21/90 approach.

3. Resist temptations: The best method to create a new habit is to eliminate everything that would hold you back or tempt you to return to your old habits. Rebuilding your surroundings will help you distance yourself from your old habits. For example, don't stack up on snacks in your house if you're trying to lose weight or uninstall the social media apps from your phone if you're trying to cut on your screen time.

4. Avoid distractions and be disciplined: Theodore Roosevelt's words, and we quote, "With self-discipline, almost anything is possible". Self-discipline is tough to attain since it demands a fight with oneself to make the best decision. But if you master the art of self-discipline, nothing can stop you from being your best self. You can carve out a schedule or reminder to pay your utility bills or online health insurance payment on time if you have a habit of missing the due date.

5. Eat, sleep and repeat: It's time to restart what you've completed in 21 days and help you achieve your first objective. Set a brand new goal for yourself, and with your new habits, you'll be on your way to 90 days and a lasting lifestyle change in no time.

Life is delightful when you enjoy what you do. When you begin your 21 to 90 days journey for a lifestyle change, don't forget to enjoy the process. It will be more accessible, and you'll reach your milestone in no time.

Another effective way to cultivate new habits is to tie them to the existing ones. So, if you are already getting up early for some work, add regular exercising or a morning walk with it. Spending time to maintain good health, managing routine medical check-ups, owning a robust health insurance plan and renewing your online health insurance is important for overcoming any health-related bad habits. So, start small and keep adding new habits with this 21/90 magical rule!

Click HERE to get the best 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.

Whether you're looking to purchase your first pickup vehicle, minivan or heavy-duty truck, there are several aspects to consider beforehand. The process of buying a commercial vehicle can be daunting for first-time customers. An excellent place to start is to gain enough basic knowledge about trucks to understand how they will meet your requirements. In contrast, existing truck owners should focus on increasing the benchmark performance of their present fleet.

If you fall in either of the categories, here are some pointers to help you while buying a commercial vehicle.

1. Research your way into it:
Regardless of your level of knowledge about commercial vehicles, most showrooms would be happy to assist you. However, doing some comprehensive research as part of the purchase process will help you better understand commercial vehicles before going to a dealer.
Talk to people in your known circle who own commercial vehicles. Find out what goes into daily and long-term maintenance, and get details about performance and cost. Read through buyer reviews and do plenty of research online.
This may appear a tedious task, but buying a commercial vehicle is a significant investment. If you go for the wrong product, it can cost your company in the longer run.

2. To help you make a better decision, ask yourself these questions:

What kind of chassis am I looking for?
Chassis is your vehicle's structural backbone. Fuel will be wasted if you use a chassis that is too large for your needs. On the other hand, a tiny chassis might cause your vehicle to get overloaded, requiring you to make additional trips, wasting time and fuel, and reducing efficiency.

How much power do I require?
When the vehicle obtains the best torque at a low engine speed, the overall fuel consumption is lower than when the engine is operating at maximum speed. So choose a vehicle with an engine designed to provide maximum torque at the speed at which the vehicle will primarily operate most of the time.

What type of tyres am I looking for?
Tyres support your truck in operating at its maximum design speed safely. When moving, they should provide as little resistance as possible. If your vehicle involves driving on high-speed routes, low-rolling-resistance tyres might be beneficial. For small trucks, remember that tyre maintenance is more important than tyre selection.

Which fuel will my truck need?
Although most commercial vehicles run on diesel, alternative options are gaining popularity due to growing fuel prices and environmental concerns. Hybrid electric engines can be helpful for trucks dealing with a large number of small deliveries.

An increase in fossil fuel prices may make these alternative fuels more tempting for your applications. Still, given the current market, you should do thorough research because these options have challenges, fewer refuelling or charging stations, to name one.

Purchasing a truck is a significant financial investment for anyone. A good vehicle can be your business's maker or breaker. It is an asset that needs regular servicing and maintenance to perform at its best. In addition to doing extensive online research for some valuable takeaways to buying a commercial vehicle, you also need to study online motor insurance that can provide financial cover to your vehicle against any mishap. While making the most impactful investment of your life, it is also crucial to get online motor insurance for your purchase to help you be carefree when it travels miles for your success.

To know more about online motor insurance plans for your next commercial vehicle, click HERE .

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.

Flying thousands of feet up in the air for the first time is always one of the best experiences in life. Picking a window seat for stunning views, excellent food, comfort, and convenience are a few things you can associate with air travel. When you are boarding a plane for the first time, you have different emotions; your eyes sparkle with anticipation, your heart races with delight, but there is a lot of confusion that daunts you. Few of us wait impatiently for our first ever flight journey, whereas others are a bit worried, and it is natural.

So, to prepare you for this incredible experience, we have put together a guide that will make your first-ever flight journey more exciting and less daunting.

1. Turbulence is normal:
Even regular flyers are still afraid of turbulence, but it is nothing to be scared of. Engineers design the planes to undergo much more shaking than you could have imagined.

2. Arrive early:
Usually, people adhere to the reporting times given by the airlines. Still, being early for your first flight makes you a little more relaxed to adjust to the atmosphere at the airport. The spare time lets you complete the baggage check-in, collect boarding cards, security formalities and cross the immigration counter with ease.

3. Know about the airline's luggage policy:
How much luggage would you be allowed? How much should they weigh? What all things are you restricted to travel with? What if your luggage is misplaced? Acquaint yourself with all these important guidelines to avoid chaos.

4. Not all noises indicate dysfunctional aircraft parts:
Commercial planes are super complex machines. And it is pretty normal for devices to be noisy. For example, when retracted or deployed, the landing gear sounds like a thud that usually startles people. But, even the engine will be relatively quieter once the aircraft is in the air at a certain altitude.

5. Prepare yourself for motion sickness:
The likelihood of having it in mid-air is less because you do not experience twists or turns as you do in a car or a bus. But, some people have aerophobia that makes them feel sick and anxious mid-air. There are air sickness bags in each seat, and you can bring pills for yourself.

6. Choose your seat according to your liking:
Window seats let you peep outside with a few of the most sensational sights; on the other hand, aisle seats give you the option to take a walk more frequently during the journey. Consider your choices if you get the liberty to select your seat.

7. Carry these useful items:
Bring good noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks or neck pillow with you if you wish to have a few good hours of pleasant sleep. Use onboard entertainment music to engage you throughout your flight and make you rejoice in the journey with the melody of beats.

8. Comfortable dressing:
Aircraft's economy class seats are not the most luxurious ones out there. So, for a comfortable journey, choose breathable and stretchable clothes and footwear; think about the weather too.

9. Keep your cabin baggage light:
Wisely choose what you will pack in your cabin baggage. Remember to put the liquids, medicines, wallet, and electronics on top as, during checking, you might have to remove them for inspection.

The first trip can be a nervous one, but if you're confident and enthusiastic, you'll never say 'no' to flight journeys. Everyone has had an enjoyable first flight experience that becomes a story that they often recollect.

Also, as you pack your bags, it is essential to ensure some security in terms of insurance before boarding a flight. We recommend having general insurance plans as these will prove to be helpful all the time. General insurance plans include protection for your travel and will be beneficial to cover passport loss, any loss of baggage, or medical emergencies. So, keep the worries aside, and get ready to check in for your first flight experience!

Are you travelling internationally for the first time? Click HERE to know about the essential travel 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.