GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Buying a used vehicle has taken centre stage as people believe that second hand vehicles are not a bad investment. A well maintained second hand car saves you a lot of money, gives you the same satisfaction as a new car, and keeps providing quality transportation for many years at a much reduced rate.

Did you know that a new car loses 11% of its value on the way home? And significant vehicle depreciation occurs in the first few years of use. But with a used car, the bulk of depreciation has already happened!

Here is the catch; tons of pre-owned vehicles are available in the market, and narrowing down the best deals is rather complicated when you do not have enough knowledge. So, to save your time and money, here are 7 common mistakes you should avoid when buying a used car.

1. Not enough research:
Do not rely on the car dealer blindly about everything. Before you take a decision to buy a car:
• Note down your requirements
• Figure out what things are non-acceptable to you
• Decide what model and price fit best to your needs

2. Not having the test driving:
Test drive is your chance to inspect the car’s condition thoroughly. Check the engine noise, brake, clutch control, steering components, gearbox, air conditioning, and how comfortable you are when in the driving seat. It is better to ask a car expert friend to accompany you for the test drive. And do not make the mistake of taking a short test drive; this is your time to feel the vehicle and help you make the right decision.

3. Ignoring the online reviews:
They are there to help you buy a perfect vehicle. Though every business receives a few negative comments, only if there are consistently bad reviews about a dealership or a car model, think twice before buying it.

4. Not getting it checked by a mechanic:
Remember always to get a professional’s second opinion. Please do not pay for the car you are interested in unless you get your trusted mechanic to verify your choice. Otherwise, you might find many unpleasant surprises down the road.

5. Skip reading the car documents and paperwork:
Agreed, this is the most tedious part of buying a car, but diligently checking the paperwork will help you understand the whole process. You will also be aware of the perks provided by the dealer, which you can take advantage of! Also, proofreading all the documents will ensure the trust factor and the authenticity of the car and the previous owner.

6. Relying on appearance:
It is essential to understand that a car’s performance is the main factor determining its overall condition. Sure, a good-looking car will make a good impression on the people around you, but it is not hard to paint your vehicle and add a few accessories to make it look polished and new. Instead of relying on external factors and aesthetics, focus on the car’s performance to decide the value for money.

7. Not asking about the history:
Ask whether any car parts were changed, or major repair work was performed on the car. Please do not trust the dealer’s word here as they might trick you into buying a car with a bad history. It is crucial to confirm whether the vehicle was involved in an accident or holds any other concerning history.

Buying a used car means no excessive fees or tons of paperwork, plus the lower car insurance renewal. And you still get to buy a certified and thoroughly inspected vehicle. Also, along with your RC documents, ensure that the dealer transfers the insurance in your name too by checking the car insurance renewal status.

Buying pre-owned cars is not a luxury asset, instead an opportunistic investment done for fulfilling dreams. So go for the best deal for your driving experience!

Are you buying a used car? HERE is everything you need to know about 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.

People are emotionally attached to their car so much that even a small scratch or dent woes their heart. What bothers them more is when the car makes strange noises. This situation sometimes leads to trouble. So instead of panicking, you need to understand the underlying cause and take your vehicle to a mechanic if required.

We've created a list of seven common car noises to listen out so that you identify and then fix them at the early stage itself.

1. Squealing sound:
One of the most frequent noises is a screeching sound from under the hood. It hints that the rubber belts that drive accessories such as AC compressor or power steering pump have either slipped off or worn out. If the screeching originates from the wheels when you use the brakes, it might indicate that your brake pads are weary or have faults with the braking system. On the other hand, if the squealing comes from your tyres, it may be due to a loose wheel cap or rims.

2. Hissing sound:
This sound underneath the hood indicates a fluid leak onto a hot engine component—for instance, radiator coolant seeping onto the engine block or exhaust manifold. If the hissing occurs while you accelerate, it might result from a vacuum leak from one of the small hoses around the engine's air intake.

3. Rattling sound:
Rattles suggest that something is loose or has stuck itself in an inappropriate place. For example, a component of the exhaust or suspension might have been broken loose. Mind it; this one needs attention as soon as possible. Remember, if you need an expert mechanic to ensure preventative maintenance, suitable car insurance helps you with your costly repair bills.

4. Whistling sound:
Whistling sounds are disturbing and might indicate a vacuum leak in one of the hoses around the air filter, which can be challenging to locate but is typically straightforward to fix.

5. Clunking sound:
If you hear a clunking sound when you apply the brakes, it might reflect that the braking discs or pads have severe wear or damage. If the clunk occurs when driving over bumps, your car's suspension may be faulty, or an exhaust section may be loose. If your automobile clunks when turning corners, it might be due to a problem with the steering or a worn-out wheel bearing.

6. Roaring sound:
When you accelerate, a roaring or noisy exhaust indicates that the existing exhaust system has eroded to the point that the silencer is no longer keeping the car quiet. Although an exhaust problem is unlikely to cause your automobile to stop or cause more damage, it may be allowing carbon monoxide fumes into the cabin, which is hazardous. Get it fixed ASAP!

Next time when you're out for a drive, apart from listening to the music, make it a point that you hear your vehicle first. You won't want to experience an awful drive with crazy noises that result in the breakdown of your car midway.

Few noises may indicate possibilities of damages. It is, therefore, important to get your car inspected at a service station to address the issue. Additionally, with time, the repair cost will also keep on increasing. So, reduce dependencies on the additional expenses, and consider purchasing car insurance to add value to the life of your car. With the best car insurance protection, give your four-wheeled companion the strength to drive more miles together.

Click HERE to know about the best car insurance plans in the market in 2021.

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.

In a busy and constantly moving country like India, most of the population uses two-wheelers as the daily mode of transportation. Regardless of whether you ride your two-wheeler every day or just a short trip to a grocery store, it is a good idea to carry some essential items in your two-wheeler riding kit. This includes everything from motorcycle replacement parts, first aid kit to important documents and 2 wheeler insurance.

In this article, we'll tell you exactly how to put together a riding kit that will be an excellent aid in chaotic situations.

1. Keep the basic spare parts:
You should always have some vehicle spare parts and equipment handy so that you can be the mechanic of your two-wheeler during an emergency. A few extras to have in your tool kit are a screwdriver, a headlight bulb, and battery fuses.

2. First-aid kit:
First-aid kits have always been prioritized when driving vehicles, but how many of us religiously carry them? If NO, then pack one today and take it the next time you leave your home on your two-wheeler. Some fundamental essentials must be an antiseptic solution, bandages, pain relief sprays, and painkillers. However, this kit is to be used only on minor injuries like cuts and scratches. In case of significant damages from accidents, approach for assistance and go to the hospital right away.

3. Accessories for personal protection:
Riding on a bike is not a fun game each time. It can get tougher with distance and situations. It is dangerous to ride a two-wheeler without wearing a proper helmet. A full-face helmet should always be part of your riding kit. Also, ensure to kit up appropriately with something that is breathable and will keep you at ease. Hence, have a decent quality sunscreen or scarf to protect your skin from exposure to the sun, dirt, and pollution.
Besides, staying hydrated throughout the day is important and neglecting it while riding isn't an option. So, having a water bottle on your bike is always a good idea.

4. Necessary documents and paperwork:
Traffic police regularly drive campaigns of checking the legal papers. If found riding without legitimate documents, you can face the consequences by the authorities. Therefore, when travelling on your bike, it is mandatory to have a Rider's Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, PUC Certificate, Fitness Certificate and a valid 2 wheeler insurance policy.

It is believed that 'life is always better on two wheels'. However, in a country full of turns, traffic congestion, narrow lanes and potholes, the possibility of vehicle breakdown is a prime concern among two-wheeler riders. So, if you think that you're a pro rider, you're also not completely safe on the roads. The above essential items are for your convenience on the road and quick-fix minor issues when they arise. Keeping these points in mind, put together your necessary bike riding equipment, ensure your bike papers, including valid 2 wheeler insurance before you kick-start the bike next time.

Want to know more about our best two-wheeler insurance policy? 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.

Overthinking is a thief of your energy. It takes away your peace and composure of mind. It is an art of creating problems that don’t even exist. Unfortunately, some individuals can’t seem to stop their minds from wandering with many thoughts. It’s like running a marathon each day mentally.

You invest your time, attention, and energy in thinking about situations and issues that are irrelevant, hypothetical, or baseless. Breaking this toxic habit will help you with extra mental energy to get the express ticket to happiness. Follow our brief guide about reducing and eventually stop worrying and overthinking.

1. Don't be mind-full; instead, be mindful:
Whenever you catch yourself overthinking, take a moment to reflect on your thoughts. Breathe and acknowledge the present moment. Then, challenge your thoughts and try to be aware of what's happening around you as much as possible.

2. Focus on solving problems and not amplifying them:
Overthinking about a problem will only lead to more problems. When you're actively investing your mind into problem-solving, you're using your best asset (the brain) positively.

3. Change your perspectives on things:
Stanley Gordon West once said, "Smile, and the world smiles with you". Changing your point of view can provide you with a completely different way of thinking and feeling about yourself. Moreover, changing your point of view might lead to a whole new universe of possibilities and ideas.

4. Diet plays a vital role than you think:
As Ayurveda rightly says that Medicine is not needed if the diet is correct; healthy food improves brain function, regulates blood circulation, reduces blood pressure, and eliminates toxins from the body. These aspects can directly impact your pattern of thinking and help positive outputs throughout the day.

5. Stop being a perfectionist. Even the almighty isn't:
It is a double-edged sword. Sometimes being a perfectionist is like being your enemy. Rather than assisting you in achieving success, it works against you. So next time you're worrying and overthinking about making a presentation perfect, consult your colleague. It can turn out that your existing one is already good.

6. Take out time to reflect at regular intervals:
Whether daily, weekly, or once a month, take out some time for reflective thinking. This task will assist you in examining your assumptions and making connections between different bits of information systematically.

7. Techniques to cope:
Try these techniques mentioned below to bring your attention back to the present whenever you feel overwhelmed.

You can follow these tips anytime and anywhere:

• Meditation: The best escape to calmness is meditation. Getting answers to unsolved questions becomes easy when your mind is free from junk thoughts. So invest 10 to 15 mins of your day into a peaceful meditation session and see the magic start happening.

• 5-4-3-2-1 Rule:
- Look for 5 things around you.
- Feel any 4 things you can touch.
- Recognize 3 things you can hear.
- Acknowledge 2 things you can smell.
- Become aware of 1 particular taste in your mouth.

Overthinking is not an illness, but research reveals that it can pose severe consequences to your health if continued for a long time. It can hinder your social, personal and professional life due to mental discomfort. To overcome this, you will need to shift your perspective and make a concerted effort to dismiss any thoughts that lead you towards wrong assumptions. Along with all the above practices, get yourself health insurance covering all your needs for perfect well-being. It's also one less task to think about!

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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.

According to the World Health Organization, around 57 million Indians suffer from some sort of depression. Depression takes a considerable toll on your health. It can make you feel physically weak and mentally drained, challenging your desire to seek treatment and get rid of it.

We've curated a list of ten beneficial tips to manage depression without the need for medicines and improve the quality of your life.

1. Follow a routine:
When circumstances become unpredictable, a routine can help you feel organized, minimize stress, and cope with change. When you stick to a schedule, you prioritize self-care activities which you often overlook when life gets complicated.

2. Value yourself:
Take out time for your interests or extend your skillset. Cook your favourite dish, go dancing with your earphones on, learn a new language. Do what pleases your mind and soul, and treat yourself with compassion and respect.

3. Consume healthy food:
Diet can affect your mental state in ways that you can't imagine. Make sure you consume a well-balanced diet that's low in saturated fat and rich in nutrients. A nutritionist or dietitian can assist you in analyzing your eating habits and identifying any dietary deficiencies that may be contributing to your mental health.

4. Exercise:
Exercise stimulates those chemicals in your brain which are in short supply due to the depressive phase. Studies show workouts help you boost your endorphins and truly make you happier.

5. Meditate:
Mindfulness can help you change how you react to negative sensations. Meditation teaches the brain to maintain continuous attention and focus when unpleasant thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations enter.

6. Change drinking habits:
Alcohol is a depressant, so that's already a big NO while combating depression. Coffee has proven to have adverse effects when combined with sugar. Try to lower down your consumption of coffee as a whole, and if you decide to have it, have it unsweetened. Strongly linked with depression are sweetened drinks, so it's a better option to distance yourself from them.

7. Socialize with people with a positive mindset:
Interact with people who lift your spirits. While it's OK to spend some time alone, strike a balance and avoid isolating yourself; otherwise, the sadness will persist.

8. Music therapy:
Music improves the mood and general well-being of a person. Music therapy involves playing music using various instruments, singing, dancing to music, or simply listening to it.

9. Get inspired by motivational content:
It can change negative thoughts and make a depressed person feel better. Depression-fighting literature, quotes, movies, and posters differ from person to person. Go online and read reviews to get a sense of what could work best for you. You can listen to podcasts or watch videos of motivational speakers.

10. Volunteer:
Volunteer for acts of kindness, donate for a good cause or commit a random act of kindness. Presenting or performing acts of charity can have comparable mood-lifting and well-being benefits.

Sadness is a complex emotion to deal with; these ways are only supposed to act as your support in the tough times. If you have chronic depression symptoms, always seek professional help. Understand that depression is just a bad phase in life that will eventually go away if you stay positive and strong.

By taking too much stress, you will affect today's strengths by worrying about future. One way you can avoid the additional worries of tomorrow and make your future secure is health insurance. Health problems due to depression involve medical expenses that may drain your pockets. So, consider buying health insurance to cover the losses. To simplify this, online Health Insurance provides you with a suitable plan to protect you from any impact on your financial plan.

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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.

Researching what type of bike to purchase and comparing its features is not enough; getting a test ride of your chosen model is equally important. It is a thumb rule not to buy a vehicle until you take a test ride. Test driving helps you to determine if the vehicle model is the right choice for you.

Getting reviews about a product is undoubtedly advantageous, but remember not to make up your final opinion solely based on that. Do not decide upon a model until you have tried the two-wheeler yourself.

Here are ten quick tips you should keep in mind while testing a two-wheeler that you are looking to buy:

1. A new bike will be in better condition than a test bike. Not all dealers make an effort to keep the test ride motorcycle in its excellent shape.

2. Make a mental note of where and what the controls are. Naturally, every bike has a different build and console. Therefore, before you hop on a vehicle, it is vital to know its layout. It is necessary to understand how the new bike will complement your daily commuting needs.

3. Pay attention to how the basic components impress you. That includes the comfort of its seat, clutch force, gear change efficiency, effortless braking, smooth acceleration, and overall performance.

4. Examine the effectiveness of brakes. But do not make a sudden emergency stop to do so. A modest stop or two will also give you a more precise idea of its capacity.

5. Instead of being influenced by the riders in advertisements, consider performance in the context of your daily travel. It is always a good idea to believe in your instincts and judgments rather than what others say.

6. The engine is the heart of any vehicle. It is crucial to verify engine performance thoroughly before making the final decision. Observe the bike's reaction to the throttle at a low speed in high gear and vice versa.

7. Don't forget to check its off-roading capability. Road conditions you cover regularly might not be as good as the ones near the showroom. Hence, ride through some unsophisticated paths to check for the sturdiness of the two-wheeler.

8. Look for ease of use as per your requirements. You cannot gain the confidence to handle a bike right away. Therefore, check to see if the bike's features respond to your expectations without any trouble.

9. Note down what doesn't please you. Then examine whether those things are changeable or replaceable.

10. Apart from examining the bike, ask these questions to your dealer; What does the warranty cover? What is the maintenance schedule for the motorcycle? What is the cost of essential services at the dealership? Is insurance covered, and what is the price of annual 2 wheeler insurance online?

Remember to be entirely sure about the bike before making a purchase. And If you're still indecisive, ask to take the two-wheeler for a second test ride or until you are confident. Once you've chosen to go from test riding to buying, be sure you have the right insurance coverage for riding your newly bought two-wheeler on the roads. Get Magma HDI's 2 wheeler insurance online with the additional benefits to give your two-wheeler lifelong protection.

Check out the best 2 wheeler insurance online 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.

George Bernard Shaw had once said, "There is no love more sincere than the love of food". And for Indians, this relationship is above and beyond that. They don't just love food, they worship it. As the world is growing more connected, Indians have developed a unique relationship with international cuisine from across the globe.

To give your taste buds a chance, here is a list of trendy international cuisine famous in India that you shouldn't miss out on!

Italian cuisine – get obsessed with pasta and risotto:
Most Indians are already familiar with Italian recipes like pizza, pasta, or risotto. Indians can't go days without eating a pizza which is almost like their comfort food. Some are seeing this paradigm already shifting; imagine restaurants are experimenting with tandoori pizza! Besides pizza, people are even hyped up about pasta and lasagne.

Korean cuisine – spice things up:
Koreans have our hearts. From their music to food, everything about their culture is impeccable. Korean cuisine mainly consists of rice, seafood, and vegetables. Some of the top Korean cuisines that should be on your menu include Kimchi, Bulgogi, Korean fried chicken, and Red rice cakes, also known as Tteok-bokki.

Japanese cuisine – feel the magic of the sea:
People in India are crazy for spices and flavours, but they would never think twice when it comes to Sushi. This delicious combination of both fish and rice with some special sauce is becoming a favourite among modern dinners. If you are a fan of exotic vegetarian dishes with noodles, you won't miss out on some of the Japanese restaurants in India.

English breakfast and high tea – a western culinary influence:
Like a favourite story, who knew Indians would always love something from the UK so much. Tea is India's most beloved beverage, which has become a tradition as an evening high-tea in fine-dining restaurants. Pancakes are another delicacy ruling over everyone's heart that now Indians are shifting from idli-dosa to pancakes for breakfast.

Thai cuisine – taste happiness:
Thai food is one of the few global cuisines that Indians genuinely love. Thai food is a mixture of so many ingredients altogether, and Indians love all the hidden flavours and aromatic elements of it. Today, Thai curry has become a part of most Indians' kitchens.

American cuisine – a heavenly delight:
And always keep the best for the last. Indians have loved American cuisine for years now. With numerous American fast-food chains opening their outlets all over the country, American food culture has gained popularity among both young and adults. Chicken wings, tacos, steaks, and salads are the new favourites today. Almost everyone's go-to food is now cheeseburgers and sandwiches.

Food is perhaps India's biggest obsession today. If you are a foodie and looking for some famous cuisines, there are endless options you can find. You can even participate in several International Food Festivals to delight yourselves with the best food from around the world. But, also remember that having a well-balanced food with appropriate calories and enough nutrition is a key requirement for good health. A growing number of restaurants, health consultants, fitness experts and online health insurance advisers recommend food as prevention-based medicine.

Having a sensible approach towards your choice of food can help you with improving health outcomes or driving down healthcare costs and online health insurance premiums. So, next time, incentivize your better decision-making with those exotic and international food menus as a way to improve your health too!

Click HERE to know more about online health insurance plans for you and your family.

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.

Being a parent is always a testing situation and becoming one during COVID-19 adds to the many new challenges. The pandemic means significant changes for newly become parents. Keeping the kids confined in the house leaves an impact on their overall development. Here we look at how new parents can navigate this difficult time and upbring their little ones as a gift for entering parenthood.

1. To encourage trust-building, expose your child to physical presence and emotional connection with you and your family.

2. Imitating facial and other expressions is a natural act of every infant. Therefore, smiling, sticking out the tongue, and hands movement are good ways for your child to study and follow you. These innocent gestures will assist you in finding out what they need and even how they feel before they have the words to say it.

3. Allow them to have physical movements on their own. A significant part of a child's overall growth relies on how much they move. Hence, let them indulge in activities like walking, running, dancing. In addition, motivate them to play outdoor sports to stay active and fit.

4. Never leave a baby unattended and ensure a high level of safety with a baby-proofing setting done for the house.

5. Pose basic questions to your toddler and correspond to their attempts to communicate.

6. Allow your child to select an activity where you can spend quality time together, avoiding disturbance and making it your daily favourite time with them.

7. Allow them to speak out their tantrums. Encourage them to be more vocal towards the people they trust.

8. Engage them in activities and games from which they can learn, for example, shapes, colours, numbers, alphabets. If learning is made fun during the first years of children, they grow healthy.

9. Read aloud stories together and ask questions about what they observe in the stories. This cultivates interest in your children and makes them feel curious about new things with deeper perspectives.

10. Applaud for their help. Let your kid know your feelings when you see them doing house chores.

11. Find ways to share with them why moral values are significant in life. For example, make them understand the importance of helping others and doing their work with loyalty and dedication.

12. Last but not least, try to be your child’s best friend first and live the moments. They always look for a friend in their parents. Be the one!

Raising a child is something that no one can prepare us for. Just like your newborn, you too will learn as you go. The initial years with your child will take up most of your time and even leave you exhausted, but this is the best opportunity to cherish a beautiful bond with them.

Every parent has ongoing concerns regarding the growth and safety of their kids. Lay the foundation of a healthier tomorrow for your little ones by investing in the best health insurance in India for parents that covers your as well as your child’s health. Kids receive health insurance benefits from the family floater plans until they turn major.

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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.