GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Reverse driving and parallel parking are two things that most people are scared of. Parallel parking takes some practice and extreme caution. The same goes for driving in reverse. Expertise in these driving techniques helps in becoming a skilled driver.

If driving in reverse scares you, here's what you need to know. This blog answers all your questions and more information on driving in reverse gear to understand how you can gain confidence over your anxious mindset about these driving techniques. So, without any further delay, let's get started.

1. It is not a big deal:
Many expert drivers get confused and anxious while driving in reverse. Due to nervous feelings, they might even mess things up and land in collisions. Therefore, it is vital to make yourself comfortable and relaxed in your position to get an accurate view of the traffic and the path you need to reverse.
You can place your foot on the brake and for your confidence, turn around to ensure you get a clear view of the pathway. Ensure that you keep your seatbelt intact and ask the passengers to fasten their seatbelts properly.

2. It is time for the reverse gear:
After positioning your seat, fastening your seatbelt, and adjusting your mirrors to get a clear rear and front view, you need to shift your gear to the state in which it indicates R, i.e., reverse gear.
After performing this entire process, you can slowly put your foot on the accelerator pedal and put slight pressure, just enough for your car to move, avoiding the risk of any collisions. Slowly release the clutch after putting your foot on the pedal. Drive the vehicle in reverse at a carefully vigilant speed, and park your car right where you want it to be.

3. Mirrors at the right angle:
You must always ensure that you keep looking in the passenger side mirror to be aware of any other vehicles or objects in the surrounding area, especially when driving in reverse gear. This will avoid any risk of collisions or accidents with things that might come your way. Mirrors even help you get a better view and understanding of available space to park your car correctly.

Some other tips to take care of while you are driving in reverse include placing your right hand on the steering's upper portion to gain optimum grip, going reverse in a straight line, stopping the car at the desired position slowly to avoid any jerking, doing a complete 360-degree check before you begin to reverse in a particular location, etc. Make optimum use of a rear parking camera that will assist you in observing the obstacles and parking your car precisely.

We hope this blog will help you drive in reverse more comfortably than before and help you alleviate your stress. Always wear your seatbelt while driving to ensure safety. And while we are talking about safety, understand the importance of purchasing car insurance to safeguard your car from financial distress due to damages. Therefore, to stay on top of your insurance coverage and continue to enjoy the privileges, you need to make sure that you take care of your car insurance renewal.

Click HERE to learn more about car insurance renewal and the tips you need to know when you pay your premiums.

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.

First-aid tips and techniques have been a part of our educational curriculum since junior school. We all have learned the first-hand treatments one must do when there is a manageable injury or burn on our or someone else’s body. However, with time and as the level of injuries and diseases evolved, our knowledge about first aid falls short in terms of adequacy in the healing process.

Moreover, burns can happen anytime, primarily if operating around heavy machinery, fire, or in the kitchen. And it requires a lot of time to heal with proper care, ointments and medications, and extra precautions.

But what are some of the best ways to take care of these burns? What items should you include in your first aid kit to help you or someone else? Are there different degrees of burns, and which type of burns can first aid easily?

In this space, we’ll clarify all your doubts regarding first aid for burns. Let’s get started.

1. Minor or major:
A burn usually indicates tissue damage when the skin comes in contact with high flames, boiling water, sunburn/radiation, chemicals with corrosive properties, etc. Before starting the burn treatment, it is advised that you determine the degree of the burn to alter your treatment accordingly and determine whether immediate medical attention is needed.
A major burn occurs when the diameter of the burnt area is more than three inches, resulting in brown, black, and white patches with a dry and leather-like texture of the skin. In case of a minor burn, blisters appear on the burnt area, usually less than three inches in diameter. You will experience pain and inflammation, which might cause redness and soreness on the burnt site.

2. What you should NOT do:
Before we tell you the first aid tips you should follow, you need to be aware of the contamination of the sensitive and burnt part of the skin. Avoid using home remedies like butter, ice, water, etc., and immediately do not take any medications or remedies without consultation.

3. Must know first aid tips:
Remove jewellery items like rings, bangles, etc., from the burnt area. Cooling off the burn is essential. You can gently use cold water on the burnt portion and wet compresses to help with the inflammation and lower the pain. If you see any blisters, do not remove or poke them, as they protect the area from infection. If you see a blister pop, gently clean it with a disinfectant solution and cover it with an antibiotic cream. To ensure that the affected area does not dry out, use skin-friendly and chemical-free moisturisers. Aloe vera is a good option in such cases. Use sterile gauze and tapes to bandage the burn, but ensure that you do not tighten the grip of the bandage. Keeping it loose will prevent excessive pressure and alleviate pain.
You can take any doctor-recommended painkillers if the pain gets unbearable and causes too much discomfort. Avoid heavy tasks involving the burnt area, and avoid using fluffy cotton as tiny threads of cotton might stick to the burn risking the chance of an infection.

We hope you found the blog helpful. You must take care of your body and be extra cautious about your health to lead an extraordinary life. But sometimes, your efforts might fall short in unfortunate circumstances. To alleviate the monetary stress of such times, you must purchase the best personal accident insurance India which will provide you and your family with a reliable layer of financial protection.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of buying the best personal accident 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.

Even if you've taken exceptional care of your skin throughout the years, it still ages. The youthful flush eventually disappears and the indications of ageing, such as brown spots, wrinkles, more frequent bruises, and dryness, start to be evident.

Your skin can convey your mood and show how healthy or unhealthy you are. As you age, taking care of your crucial outer self is important. For elders, here are some skincare suggestions.

Why does your skin alter as you age?
Skin changes brought on by ageing are typical and include a combination of the following:
● Allergies
● Weather
● Genetics
● Nutrition
● UV exposure
● Smoking is, among other things

The most harmful of these to the skin is continuous and direct exposure to the sun. According to research, among the people having skin illnesses, nearly 80% had one or more skin conditions requiring treatment or medical attention.

If you're an older adult, here are a few best skin care tips for you to enjoy a youthful and glowing skin.

1. Frequently moisturise your skin:
Emollients and fatty acids are combined in the best moisturisers to resemble the skin's natural lipids. Choosing an occlusive moisturiser can help you to build a barrier that will trap moisture in your skin and reduce water loss.
TIP: Always rub face moisturiser in upward strokes, never down. Apply a high-quality moisturiser to the skin after a bath to lock in moisture.

2. Wash gently:
With limited natural oil production, mature skin is extremely dry. Cleanse gently to prevent further drying out. It's okay to wash once per day. Use gentle cleaners as opposed to harsh soaps and alcohol-based products.
TIP: When washing, use warm water rather than hot and limit the number of baths or showers you take. If you enjoy unwinding in the tub, stay away from bath oils because they make the tub slippery and increase the chance of falling.

3. Eat right for gorgeous skin:
The saying "you are what you eat" has never been more accurate if you want skin that glows. Our skin's health is significantly influenced by our diet, which should be balanced and high in nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and necessary minerals. Include berries, melons, avocados, walnuts, oily seafood like salmon, and green vegetables. These items are a part of a healthy diet that can support maintaining healthy skin as you age.

4. Do maintain a simple, consistent routine:
Dermatologists advise simplifying skincare regimens. Irritation can result from excessive scrubbing, exfoliating, and product use.
TIP: As a general rule, use sunscreen, a cleanser, and a moisturiser, as these are the only three items that will make a consistent visible difference.

5. Avoid the sun:
This is the most crucial thing you can do for your skin! Dermatologists advise you to shield yourself from the sun's damaging rays.
● To protect your face and any other exposed skin, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
● When spending time outdoors, look for cover because the sun's rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

6. Drink water to rehydrate:
Never undervalue the importance of water or the benefits that staying hydrated may have on your skin and general well-being. Drinking water can give you radiant and clear skin.

Inner beauty begins with the skin. No matter how much money you spend on anti-aging therapies, poor health can manifest in your skin's appearance. Keep up a healthy lifestyle, and pursue your passions. After all, ageing is a natural process that includes wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Be proud to wear them!

Enjoy your retirement life with wholesome meals, daily and different exercise groups, and regular health and wellness events. Also, invest in the best health insurance in India for parents to secure your finances from uncapped medical expenses due to ageing.

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.

Your body is a temple, and you must take care of it to ensure your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, certain conditions can take longer to cure, and their development or progression varies from person to person. One such condition is psoriasis.

If you are new to this term, let us explain psoriasis. It is a disease of the skin, which manifests itself by creating a rash with itchy and scaly spots and patches, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk of your body. This inflammation in the skin caused by psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and there is no single method to treat it. As every instance of psoriasis differs from the next, the treatment prescribed by dermatologists also differs.

This blog will shed more light on these treatments and the few home remedies to treat psoriasis.

1. Aloe vera to the rescue:
Aloe vera is believed to be very beneficial for managing your psoriasis and calming the inflammation of your skin. And the best part? It is readily available and hassle-free if you want to grow aloe vera in your home premises organically. If you are using aloe-vera infused creams, it is medically recommended that you use the ones with 0.5% aloe vera and apply it three times a day to treat the discolouration, rash, itching, and scales on your skin.

2. Warm water to cleanse:
Who doesn't like warm water baths? The soothing water at the right temperature falls on your skin, relaxing your body. But there is a disclaimer! You must strictly avoid "hot" water. It might not be helpful with the inflammation of the skin due to your psoriasis condition. Warm water is advised. You can add mineral oil, Epsom salt, or olive oil to help with the rashes and itchiness.
But you must be careful about specific things to avoid triggering or worsening your symptoms. Some instructions include: showering once a day, a maximum of fifteen-minute bath, using a soft, moisturising soap bar, patting dry, and applying a skin-friendly moisturiser post-shower.

3. The household's favourite – turmeric:
Every Indian household's favourite ingredient for cooking or home remedies is turmeric. There have been many studies on the usage of turmeric and its benefits which have suggested fruitful results in using this age-old home remedy in Indian culture. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory abilities, which help rid psoriasis.

4. Omega-3 is essential:
Omega-3 is an essential component that helps to strengthen your body's immunity, prevents heart diseases, reduces the chances of stroke, acts as protection against cancer, and much more. The omega-3 fatty acids are believed to lower the inflammation levels of the skin in your body.

Other ways to help you manage your psoriasis include keeping your stress levels in check by meditating, journaling, aromatherapy, anxiety management (therapy), etc. It is also advised to monitor your body weight and control it if necessary. Living with psoriasis compromises your immune system, which makes you prone to other health issues. Therefore, maintaining a moderate body weight is essential.

It's high time that we all understand the significance of our health, especially after the pandemic. While you try your best to stay in optimal health, you must be ready for any health crisis that might come without warning. Therefore, you must get online health insurance to avoid such unforeseeable situations. Explore your options and purchase the best online health insurance that caters to your needs.

Click HERE to learn more about 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.

While buying a car is hectic and time-consuming, learning how to drive a vehicle is a different ball game. We all know that Indian roads are chaotic, and sadly, the strict implementation of traffic rules is lacking. People are ignorant of the traffic rules. The high number of vehicles on the road makes it difficult for the traffic police to control the cars and catch the ones breaking the regulations, thus encouraging the environment of neglect. New learners find it challenging to navigate the roads under such conditions and risk a massive chance of landing in or creating an accident or collision with other vehicles, poles, and bumpers if they are not extremely vigilant.

Considering the above reasons, it is imperative for any potential learner or driver must pass a driving test with good scores or grades to show their understanding and make them eligible for driving on the road.

This driving test examines a candidate based on a written and practical test. Both these tests are focused on your knowledge of the traffic rules and road conditions, situational risks and solutions to avoid any accidents, and a practical display of your driving skills catering to the tasks given by your examiner. This driving test is extensive and essential, which is why many test takers get nervous before the test.

Are you someone who gets the pre-exam jitters that makes you anxious about the upcoming test and interview? Well, do not worry. This blog has the best tips to overcome your driving test nerves. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Confidence is key:
It would be best if you assured yourself that you are ready. You have studied well for the test and practised your driving skills enough times to be confident that you will pass your test with flying colours. You need to be satisfied that you will not be able to take this test until and unless your driving instructor thinks you are ready. So, if you are applying for this examination, you must avoid hyping up the test and magnifying its importance to make yourself anxious. This test will examine your skills in something you have done many times already.

2. Do not tell everyone:
Avoid telling everyone that you are about to take your driving test. Keeping it a secret will help you avoid the millions of tips and techniques people will say to you, and various negative reviews you might come across will make you more nervous and break your confidence. Losing confidence is not something you can risk. So, avoid revealing your test dates and take the pressure off.

3. Never skip your meals:
Skipping your food and having anxiety about your performance on the test is not a favourable combination. It might make you weak or cause a panic attack, which will eventually force your examiner to declare you unfit for the test, and you might have to reapply and go through the hassle again. Therefore, have a light meal, like some fruits, salad, or something which is fulfilling and energetic and does not make you drowsy.

Some other tips to overcome your driving test nerves include:

● Using the washroom before you go in for the test

● Washing your face lightly to wean off the pressure

● Chatting with your driving instructor to create a normal atmosphere

● Not consuming caffeine for a couple of days before the test

● Consider the actual test to be a mock examination

● Carry a jacket in case the exam hall gets cold

● Avoid too much revising on the day of the test

● Arrive at the test centre well in advance to give yourself some time to calm down and understand the procedure of the test

These are some of the best tips to overcome your driving test nerves. Follow them righteously, and you will pass the test with ease. And while we talk about driving tests, we should discuss the necessity of purchasing car insurance too. After getting your driving licence, car insurance is the next essential document you need to drive a car legally. Compare new car insurance rates and consider other factors before buying a policy.

Click HERE to learn more about comparing new car insurance rates.

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.

Purchasing a home is a long, chaotic and hectic process. In addition to the budget, multiple other things come into consideration when you plan to buy a house. With several financial and real estate scams happening around, it becomes challenging to be decisive about purchasing a house. Several apps, real estate agencies, and brokers claim to help you find your dream space.

But how would you know if you are being scammed under the name of getting the best deal worked out “especially for you” or if you are getting the best price for your house? Do not worry. This blog lists the best hacks for home buyers to make them aware of what they need to know beforehand and purchase their dream home at the best price.

1. Talk to your bank:
There is a certain urge to move into your dream place. But before you get the ball rolling on your shifting, make sure that you communicate with your bank about getting a pre-approved loan. The bank must be ready to grant you the loan at a certain set rate. In addition, getting pre-approved from the bank also acts as a symbol of trust and confirmation for the agents and house sellers on your house deal.

2. Dig a little deep:
When you are looking into properties that are available for sale, be it a new construction or an old one, always investigate thoroughly. You should seek information on the reasons why the property is on sale.
And if the agent or the seller is in a hurry to sell the house, more often than you might predict, it could be a potential red flag which should lead you to dig a little deeper and see if you are willing to purchase that particular house or property. Only make your offer after you have all the details.

3. Be smart about your offers:
While low-balling on the prices is practised in our culture, it might get risky if the market on your property or potential dream home is competitive. You might lose the opportunity to negotiate further on your offer. So, gather some information on the comparable bids, do little calculations and come up with the best price in your first shot at the proposal.

4. Keep an eye out for the inspection:
You must be very vigilant about the inspection results when the home inspector comes and checks out the place. If your deal has been finalised and accepted and your home inspector finds any issue which can cause discomfort in the future, you need to get in touch with the seller as soon as possible.
Have a polite discussion with the agent or the seller to bear the repair charges or negotiate the price again to bring it down a little, keeping in mind the damages (this would be a wiser decision).

Some other tips include offering a quicker final decision/closing, negotiating respectfully, discussing the amenities in detail, and making yourself ready to compromise a little. These tips will prove handy to you when you go out looking for your future home.

We hope the blog was helpful and gave you the information you wanted. While we are on the subject of buying homes, it is essential that you also look into the home insurance option in advance to avoid the hassle of piling things up for the end. Purchasing the best home insurance policy in India will help you protect your home and your family from unfortunate circumstances and avoid monetary stress during such times of distress.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can buy 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.

When we say “water is life”, it is more a reality than a necessity. A day without running water in the pipelines of our house can be torturous, as we will not be able to take baths, use the washrooms or cook. This is where our home’s plumbing system plays a crucial role.

A plumbing system in any house is usually very complex. It is beneath the floors or hidden behind the walls. Hence, any fault associated with it cannot be repaired easily without damaging the walls or the floor. Therefore, it is vital to understand the plumbing network and how it works at home.

Main components:
The main components of the plumbing system are supply, drainage, and venting. These components help to separate the potable water from the wastewater. This ensures that we get fresh water for personal consumption while the wastewater is thrown away through the drainage system.

Modus operandi:
The water supply system in our home works with the help of water pressure. Good water pressure is essential for the free and uninterrupted flow of water in all taps and showers in our home. Pressure carries the water from the tank or source of supply to the kitchen, bathroom, or wherever we need it. The water supply system functions with the help of pipes, valves, faucets, and plumbing fittings.

The drainage system works by using gravitational force. The drainage pipes are downward sloping to direct the wastewater to the sewage line or the septic tank. This ensures that the wastewater does not flow back out of the drain and spoil your home.

Vents in the plumbing system are as important as the water supply and drainage systems. We can usually see these vents emerging from the roof of our house. They emit air into the drainage pipes, so the sewage gases do not mix in the drains. This air ensures that the traps in the drains do not open, and the entire plumbing system does not get contaminated and malfunction.

Hot water:
Getting hot water through your taps adds an extra step in the journey of the cold water. The cold water first flows to the electric geyser or natural gas water heater. If you plan to install the geyser in or near your bathroom, it involves laying off a few extra pipes through which cold water will reach the geyser, and hot water will flow back to the taps, faucets, or the kitchen.

However, if you plan to install a bigger water heater on your terrace, such as a solar-panel-enabled water heater, you must plan the plumbing system properly. It will involve a complex network of pipes that will take the cold water to the heating system and distribute it back into your home.

Supply shut-offs:
Nowadays, homes are equipped with individual supply shut-offs for freshwater in every bathroom, kitchen, or balconies and washing area. We need to simply shut off the respective valve where we are planning repair work. All individuals at home should also be aware of the main shut-off valve so that anyone can restrict the water supply to the entire house in case of any emergency or malfunction.

We only realise the importance of a good plumbing system at home when it malfunctions and needs repair. As we use this system hundreds of times daily, we must ensure it is top-quality.

Similarly, we need to ensure a good home insurance policy that takes care of our house and well-being by protecting it against damages arising from theft, fire, earthquakes, etc. We accept the importance of a home insurance policy only when the actual damage occurs. So why wait for such instances? Go for the best home insurance in India and keep your worries aside.

Click HERE to buy the best home 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.

You have saved money for a long time to be able to finally buy your dream car and bring it home. It is a special feeling to give whatever it takes to turn your dream into a reality. However, you should know the various aspects of car buying in India. Before you consider buying a car, you need to understand the difference between the ex-showroom price and the on-road price.

If you don't know what these two terms mean, this article will help you. You will be familiarised with everything that can determine your car's price and help you consider all these parameters before you invest money in a car.

*pro-tip
You should always buy new car insurance for your car to keep it secure and take care of the expenses against any unforeseen accidents.

What is the Ex-showroom price?

The ex-showroom price is a price tag posted on various vehicles like cars or bikes in the showroom. It does not include road taxes, RTO registration, insurance, etc.

To understand the price at the ex-showroom, you need to know that:

● The ex-showroom price is the price you see being advertised on television, the internet, and on the car manufacturer’s website and brochures.

● You need to pay the additional amount for road tax, the registration fee for RTO, and insurance before you own a car. If you do not, you can be charged with a variety of penalties or challans in India.

● The price displayed as the ex-showroom price includes GST, ex-factory cost, and profit margins.

What is the On-road price?

The on-road price of a vehicle refers to the total price you pay to start driving the vehicle on the road. Simply buying the vehicle from the showroom is not enough. You must pay for several other things if you legally want to drive your car in India.
Some important things to consider under the on-road price are:

● It includes a variety of prices like ex-showroom price, registration fee, road tax, and insurance policy, among others.

● If you need any new accessories, they will also be added to your final bill with applicable taxes.

Difference between On-Road and Ex-Showroom price:

1. The ex-showroom price is the price tag excluding other factors like tax, insurance, and registration fee. The on-road price uses all the additional charges: life insurance policy, road tax, registration fee of RTO, and so on.

2. The ex-showroom price does not justify the final price of your car. You need to pay a lot of additional costs. On the other hand, the on-road price is the final price of a vehicle. You need not pay additional costs.

This gives you enough insight into how the car is priced at the showrooms. The price you see on the internet is clickbait to lure you into buying the car. You should be fully aware of the on-road price of a car before you buy it. This will help you analyse your budget better and prevent you from going overboard with your decision. You should also buy new car insurance that gives the best insurance coverage against any mishaps.

Click HERE to buy new car insurance to safeguard your valuable asset.

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.