GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Packing up and moving out can be a real chore. Uprooting your life from a place you call home and trying to fit into a new environment is also quite emotionally draining. Sometimes we do it for love, sometimes for a better future. Whatever the reason, relocating is always a challenge. Among the million things that have you at your wit's end, managing car insurance in India generally takes a backseat. However, just as you would tend to any other asset, taking care of your car insurance needs will hold you in good stead. Here are some tips to consider before you hit the road!

Notify your insurer about the move

We live in a digitally connected world. All it takes is a couple of minutes for you to shoot an email, drop a text or even call the insurer’s helpline number and give the details of your new address. It also makes it easier for your insurer to communicate with you regarding things such as renewal, processing a claim and most importantly, providing the service you’ve paid for!

Re-register your car

If you are moving across state lines, you must get your vehicle re-registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of your new domiciliary residence. However, prior to your relocation, remember to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO of your previous residence for a smooth transition. Once you get your new registration number, intimate your insurance company immediately so that the records are updated.

Re-evaluate your insurance needs

Depending on where you are moving, you may face a change in your insurance needs. If you’re moving to a metropolis like Delhi, brace yourself for never-ending traffic and possible nicks and bumps. In such a scenario, you may want to enhance your coverage. Similarly, if you are moving to a city like Mumbai, floods during monsoons are almost inevitable, where opting for add-on coverage like engine protection becomes a necessity. Consider all variables such as traffic, average drive time, safety, natural calamities, etc. and see if you need better coverage.

Implications of the move

Your relocation in all probability will affect the terms of endearment with your insurer. For example, ‘zonal risk’ is a variable insurance companies consider for premium calculations, and your move will have a direct impact on your annual premium. At the same time, the service quality may differ too. Do all the previous benefits carry over? Does your insurer have a strong presence at the new location? Do they have a robust network of garages? Get answers to all your questions before the move.

Look at your best interest

Insurance is all about your financial security and peace of mind. So if you have even the slightest doubt, don’t hesitate to look for another option. If you’re worried about losing out on your No Claim Bonus, fret not. You could easily carry over your NCB to an insurer like Magma HDI and continue to avail of all the benefits you previously enjoyed and more. A policy like Magma HDI's car insurance also provides safety against third party liability, damage, theft and natural calamities, making it a reliable choice wherever you go.

Health insurance policies are of financial backbone — a lifesaver. When it comes to choosing a health insurance policy for family and yourself, it is essential that you select the best option that is out there. With health insurance policies going online, it has become much easier to compare policies. If you have already opted for a policy but want to change to a new one, then you get the option to port your health insurance as well. Since Magma HDI health insurance comes with a host of features, it is a good idea to port your existing health insurance to Magma HDI. The option of porting comes when you opt for your new insurance. The process is entirely smooth and hassle-free, and you do not have to break your head over it. Besides, if you come across any hindrances in the process, the support team will always be there to assist you. However, before you decide to port your policy, make sure that you have read the policy documents of Magma HDI health insurance carefully. It is crucial for you to be sure of the additional benefits that you will be receiving.

Conditions for porting policy

If you want to port your health insurance policy for family or yourself, then you have to make sure that you start the process while your existing plan is still in force. If your policy has expired, then you cannot move ahead with the porting process.

Portability form

To port your existing health insurance to Magma HDI you will need a porting farm along with the new policy’s proposal form. You have to submit your new policy at least 45 days before your new policy expires. You must mention the details of your existing health insurer in the porting form.

Documents required for porting

● Copy of your insurance renewal notice of the existing policy

● A declaration which states that you have made no claims so far

● Discharge summary, in case you have made a claim on your policy along with copies of the investigation report

● A record of your past medical history with treatment records

The porting process

After you have acquired all the papers, the next step towards porting the policy is submitting it to Magma HDI. Your documents will be reviewed, and if everything falls in place, your porting request will be accepted. You will get a proposal within fifteen days after submitting the form to Magma HDI. It is a great option to port your health insurance policy for family or yourself to Magma HDI. With Magma HDI health insurance, you get access to several key benefits such as maternity cover, cumulative bonus on your policy, loss of income cover, and worldwide emergency cover, among others. You also get access to features such as optional cover for critical illness, option cover to reduce your premium, cashless hospitalization across more than 4,100 hospitals, and 25x7 claim assistance among others.

With the rain slowly subsiding and the roads getting clearer, Mumbaikars can finally get on their bike for a nice, pleasant ride. Now, you can finally say goodbye to the cloud-laden sky, dust off your bike, and hit the road for some hot cutting chai as you delve into the sceneries that your trip is going to offer. So without further ado, let’s look at the five best riding destinations in Mumbai. However, before you set out on your ride, make sure that you have access to the best two-wheeler insurance in India so that you can stay out of legal trouble.

1. Durshet

Durshet is located 64 kilometers from Mumbai and is known for its jungle safari and water sports. It’s hidden well in the laps of the Sahyadri mountain range and is covered in lush greenery. While you are here, you can take a dip into the shimmering cold water of the Amba river to refresh your senses. If you are someone who finds pleasure in visiting holy sites, then there are several temples around for a good morning walk that will fill you with a sense of devotion — the astounding nature only adds up to the serenity of this place.

2. Mulshi Dam

This dam is located 127 kilometers from Mumbai and is known for its several forts. It is a perfect place to get your camera out and click some amazing pictures that will decorate your gallery. The dam, which is constructed on the Mila river, works as a hydroelectric plant. The monsoon is particularly a good time to visit this place as you can see the river at its full flow while the mist fills the atmosphere, mesmerizing you with its beauty.

3. Malshej Ghat

Located serenely in the Sahyadri range, the Malshej Ghat is located at a distance of 154 kilometers from Mumbai. A bike ride here will offer you the naturally decorated view of lakes and valleys. It has some unique flowers that will make you take your camera, and perhaps never put it back. During the rainy season, you can even spot a few flamingoes perching, feeding themselves. It is a must-visit if you are into trekking, bird-watching, and hiking.

4. Vihigaon Waterfalls

The Vihigaon waterfall is located at a distance of 115 kilometers from Mumbai city. It is known for having the highest peak in Maharashtra — the Kalsubai. It is hidden in the greenery and can offer you some great treks that have some mesmerizing views. You can dive deep into the calmness which this place offers, which makes for an ideal spot for having a picnic with your friends and family. On top of everything, the waterfall offers a great view. It is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

5. Thoseghar Falls

Thoseghar Falls is located at a distance of 230 kilometers from Mumbai, which makes it a great place for bike rides, as you will be spending enough time on the road. The place receives abundant rainfall, and during monsoon, the waterfalls gush at high speed which makes it a pleasant sight. You can either sit around the lake or take a dip in it or merely gaze — there’s always enough to do at this place. With so many places to go around all you have to do is top up you fuel tank and hit the road. However, make sure that you get the best two-wheeler insurance in India so that safety becomes a top priority.

Driving is an adventure! You hold the steering wheel, buckle your seatbelt, get on the road, and roar your way through. The experience is even better on the highway where you have the chance to speed up. However, when on the road, one must watch out while speeding — as the popular saying goes: speed thrills, but kills! Driving safely is essential for many reasons. First and foremost, it is for your safety — you have to get back home to safety, a home where your family waits for you. Besides, driving is just not about trying not to overspeed to avoid accidents; it is also about having your car papers (insurance and registration) right so that you do not land into any legal trouble. You can start with getting your documents in proper place as it is mandatory to have registration and car insurance in India) Here, we will look at a few reasons why you should consider driving more safely than ever. .

Driving safe is eco-friendly

Driving an engine which lets out smoke, in the first place, is not suitable for the environment. However, more often than not, it is unavoidable. So if you do not want to leave large carbon footprints behind you, the best you can do is drive safely, economically — making sure that you use less fuel which also cuts down on carbon emissions. When you are driving carefully in economy mode, you will use less fuel, which indeed is good for the environment in the long run.

Financial gain and safety

Besides the fact that safe driving cuts down on fuel usage, it also helps you save money on your car insurance. If you have not made a single claim during your term of your car insurance in India, then you end up paying less money on your insurance premiums. You will also be earning more with the No Claim Bonus (NCB) on your car insurance if you do not meet with an accident within your insurance term.Another significant part of driving safe is that you will avoid any road accidents. According to a report, more than 1,50,000 people are killed annually in road accidents every year. The best you can do to avoid such circumstances is drive safely.

Sets a good example

If you drive safely, you also set an excellent example for others. For example, if you have a teenage child, then you will want them to drive safe too. If you explain to them the importance of driving safely and practice it on the road yourself, then it is highly likely that your child will learn from you and follow your footsteps. By looking at you, young drivers can be ‘peer pressured’ into driving safely, and this will be good for everyone. With so many reasons to drive safely, it is crucial that you make a safety note for your car as well. It becomes important that you get good car insurance in India. Magma HDI car insurance comes with numerous features that make it a popular choice for car owners. With a Magma HDI insurance, you get a personal accident cover and access to additional legal liabilities. Besides, you get access to other features such as access to anti-theft devices, no claim bonus, and a discount on your insurance premiums, among others.

Road trips on a car are enthralling. These drives fill our camera rolls with memorable moments that we recall with much fondness. If you are planning a road trip this season, congratulations — you have made the right decision. You have to take care of certain things before you decide to hit the highways to make sure that you drive is smooth. To start with, you should first get the best car insurance in India so that you do not land into any legal trouble. That done, you will have a big burden taken off your mind. Here, we will look at a few ways through which you can better gear up for your next road trip.

1. Paper and digital maps

Make sure that your phone has an active internet connection so that you do not miss out on those essential twists and turns, and those much-needed shortcuts while travelling. However, you cannot wholly rely on digital maps. Several regions may not have a cellular network, and this is where a physical map might come handy. Carry a detailed map so that you never get lost while you throttle you way down the highway.

2. Extra money

Financial planning is essential before a road trip. You will need cash for food, lodgings (if you are staying overnight at a motel), and other miscellaneous expenses. Do not solely rely on plastic money, as there will be several places that will accept only cash. Also, make it a point to carry a decent bit of extra cash in case something unfortunate happens, such as your car breaking down. Breaking dows, well — this also brings us to our next point.

3. Carry spare parts and a toolkit

Highways are long, and often there are miles between service shops. Make sure that you carry a spare tire in case you meet a puncture. You should also carry a toolkit and a service manual to make sure that you can fix the basic problems that you might run into. It would help if you also made yourself comfortable with the basic repair guide so that the task of repairing the car does not turn out to be overwhelming.

4. Carry enough water

In the worst of scenarios when you get stranded, there is one thing that you will need the most — water! Things might get quite nasty if you get stranded in a place where there are no water sources, Always make it a point to carry a few large bottles of water to keep yourself going while you try to get yourself out of the mess.

5. Carry a first aid kit

You never know when things might go off-road and you meet with a small accident. This can happen off-road as well. To deal with the consequences, make sure to carry a first aid kid which will help you get through before you receive medical attention. With these basic points in mind, you can be assured that your trip will be smooth. If you are worried about the best car insurance in India, then you can opt for Magma HDI car insurance as it offers a host of features, such as additional cover, discount on premiums, access to and access to anti-theft devices, among others.

As per an official report released by the government, an astounding 469,910 road accidents were reported in 2017. Even though the number of accidents have been steadily declining over the past few years, an estimated 53 people get injured on Indian roads every single hour! Accidents are unfortunate, and there is no way to be prepared for them. However, while a personal accident cover (PAC) can’t alleviate the risk of accidents, it definitely covers the financial risk arising out of death, permanent or partial disability.

What does it cover?

A PAC covers any physical injury from a road, rail, air incident, burn injury, animal bite, injury due to collision or fall, drowning, poisoning, etc. It is available as an add-on option from insurance providers such as Magma HDI.

What are the types of PAC?

There are a few different types of PACs. While you can purchase a stand-alone policy, usually the coverage comes bundled as a rider with a life insurance plan. You could also buy limited period PACs when booking air or railway tickets. However, in the case of auto insurance, availing a PAC is mandatory as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

What are some advantages of a PAC?

1. It helps your insurance portfolio: Many health insurance plans do not cover accidental medical emergencies. As an add-on cover to your health or motor insurance, a PAC helps you cover all bases. As far as add-ons are concerned, a PAC truly helps make your plan comprehensive.

2. Cost-effective: The premium for a PAC is minimal and affordable for all. For example, a 30-year-old male would have to pay less than Rs 1000 per annum for a Rs 10 lakh coverage. Thus, it gives you essential coverage without the hassle of a hefty additional fee.

3. Ease of availing: A PAC only needs your basic personal information. There is no need for a medical check-up or follow up documentation. It can be availed in a matter of minutes as it is simply added to your new/existing policy.

4. Hassle-free claim settlement: If you ever need to avail the benefits of PAC, all you would need to do is inform the insurance company of the time and date of the accident, your policy number and contact details. The claim settlement process is initiated immediately after that.

5. Children’s education benefit: For families, a major concern is taking care of our children in our absence. Some insurers also cover the education of dependent children, in case of death or permanent disability of the insured person to ensure a secure future for them.

What should you keep in mind before purchasing PAC?

Personal accident covers are also subject to exclusions like your insurance policy. Some of these are losses arising out of acts of war or terror, injuries resulting from participation in adventure sports etc. Make sure you read your plan's policy wordings thoroughly for a smooth experience if you ever do need to make a claim. When looking out for a PAC, choose one that offers worldwide coverage and other add-on benefits like Magma HDI’s individual personal accident cover.

Things change. It is the law of the universe, and we, along with everything that we do, are a part of it. To resist change is to combat the natural phenomenon of things. When you accept change and plan things in accordance with it, then things have a habit of place. Otherwise, things may just fall apart. Indeed, no one can stop the changes in life, and the same applies to the insurance sector as well. There has been a lot going on in the insurance industry in the past ten years. According to the data provided by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the insurance industry in India is expected to $280 billion by FY2020. The overall penetration of insurance policies in India increased from 2.71 percent in 2001 to 3.69 percent in 2017. The gross insurance premiums that were collected in India during FY19 reached Rs 5.78 trillion (US$ 82.8 billion). In this, 4.08 trillion (US$ 58.5 billion) came from life insurance whereas Rs 1.69 trillion (US$ 24.3 billion) came from non-life insurance.

Ease in the insurance process

One of the highlights of the changing insurance industry has been the ease of access. Now, everything can be done online, and the data is available at disposal, thanks to the growth and penetration of technology. The internet has created a trusted business model that provides value to all stakeholders. You also get free online support if you face any queries while exploring your insurance options.

Paperless process

The general insurance in India has become entirely paperless. From buying the policy to paying the premium — everything can be done online with nos risks at all. Since the whole insurance industry has taken an online shift, it is much easier to compare insurance policies and choose the best option. Now, it has become easier to explore deals across insurance companies and choose the one that fits your interest the most.

Low risk

With things going paperless, there are no risks involved. Even if you lose your insurance documents, you can easily claim them back by filing your issue online. Earlier, it was difficult to keep track of all the documents physically. However, with the onset of smartphones, everything can be accessed online without any hassle and the need of carrying physical files. The facts and numbers of general insurance prove that the insurance industry is booming. As a customer, it becomes crucial that you get access to the best insurance service. If you are looking for general insurance in India that comes with online support, then Magama HDI general insurance could be the answer. Magma HDI insurance provides you with the option to buy insurance online, and it also comes with the option to file claims online — all at your fingertips.

Having a basic third-party insurance is a must as per the law, however, it only covers the risk of harm or damage to a third party, leaving you high and dry in the event of an accident. So, if you love your ride and your peace of mind, you need to go beyond the basics with a comprehensive motor insurance. Not only does it cover you and your car, but also offers an array of add-ons to truly protect your car.

What are add-ons?

Just as you get to choose from a range of toppings for your pizza to make it better, you can pick and choose from a multitude of add-on benefits made available to you by motor insurance companies in india . It offers additional coverage in return for a little extra premium. Here are some great choices to help you build your ideal plan.

1. Engine protection: If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider getting an engine protection add-on cover that allows you to get your engine repaired or replaced in case of water ingress. This benefit also applies to instances of leakage that could eventually harm your engine. Your insurance provider will cover the costs of repairs or replacements as long as they fall under coverage mentioned in the policy wordings.

2. NCB retention:  You take extra care of your car and even bear small costs yourself to save your NCB. Imagine after 4-5 years of carefully increasing the discount percentage, a small accident compels you to make a claim. You'll lose all the time and effort you had put into increasing your NCB because of a small mistake. This is where the NCB retention add on comes in which helps you protect your NCB even after you make a claim.

3. Zero depreciation: The depreciated value of your car refers to the regular wear and tear that decreases the value of your vehicle. In fact, even if you ensure not a single scratch comes to your car, it'll still lose value with time. So when you make a claim, it'll be settled keeping the reduced value of the parts in mind. Well, unless you have zero depreciation add on that helps you retain the value of your car even with time. This means you get the complete coverage for your claim with no out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Road-side assistance: If you fear anything going wrong on the roads such as a flat tire, dead battery etc., this add-on guarantees you assistance on the spot and is covered by your insurance provider. You can even get coverage against additional circumstances such as overnight expense coverage in case your car breaks down with Magma HDI's additional road-side assistance cover.

5. Invoice value: In the event of total loss, constructive total loss or theft of the insured vehicle, your insurance provider will pay the invoice value or even replace your vehicle with a new one if you opt for this cover. It will also apply to additional charges that may come with your vehicle such as customs duty, registration charges etc.

6. Key replacements: Losing your car key is probably one of the most common car mishaps. With this add-on, get reimbursed for getting a duplicate key or replacing your car lockset in case of a burglary.

7. Loss of personal belongings: In the event of an accident or burglary, you undergo tremendous amounts of stress as you can never fully recover the belongings. However, with this cover, you can put your mind at ease as it can reimburse the cost of your valuable belongings such as your laptop, phone etc.

8. Inconvenience allowance Motor insurance provides you with financial coverage in case of accidents or any other damages. Inconvenience allowance is a daily cash benefit that you are entitled to if you file a valid own damage claim. It can go for as long as ten days to cover all the repairs that your insured vehicle needs. Thus, leaving you prepared for any unforeseen damages no matter how big they are.

The key is to identify your needs and choose the add-on benefits accordingly while buying/renewing your insurance. Most of these add-on covers come at a nominal charge but are well worth the extra buck. For these add-on covers and much more, have a look here at what Magma HDI has to offer.