GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Online scams have been on a stupendous rise, mainly because of the easy availability of smartphones and internet services. People are increasingly falling prey to unreal promises of big rewards and prizes offered by online scammers working 24x7 and trapping innocent people into their nets. They intend to make quick money by cheating them. Senior citizens are often more susceptible to such frauds as they are unsuspecting and trust people more easily.

Here are a few tips that senior citizens must be aware of to protect themselves from online scams.

1. Educate them:
Senior citizens are usually less proficient with modern technology. Hence, they are at higher risk of being targeted by online scammers for revealing their credit/debit card numbers, passwords, CVV and OTP, etc. The first step is educating senior citizens about the clever tactics and strategies of such online scammers.
They will then know not to trust messages with promises to get a handsome amount as a gift or prize, unreal discounts on products, or share personal information about their bank accounts, insurance policies, enter their personal information into forged or phishing pages, etc. They must be informed that they should never click on any suspicious link or respond to messages from unverified and unknown people.

2. Call blocking:
Several applications are available that help identify the caller and automatically block calls from spammers. Senior citizens should install such applications on their mobile phones so that they know beforehand that the incoming call is genuine or spam. Also, they can block spammers on their phones so they will not be able to call or harass them.

3. Use social media wisely:
Senior citizens should use social media wisely. They should refrain from posting photos and updates that reveal their daily schedule and activities. Scammers often use information you share on social media as a tool to pose as you, befriend your friends and known people and ask for financial help from them. They should lock their profile photo so that scammers cannot impersonate them on social media. Also, they should only accept friend requests from familiar people.
They should always double-check before helping any person financially through social media connections. If they get a message from their friend or relative asking for help, they should call him personally to ensure that the request for help is genuine.

4. Ask for help:
Senior citizens should never hesitate to ask for help from others if they feel that they are being targeted or have become a victim of an online scam. Scammers are talented and may ask them to act quickly to benefit from the limited-time deal. Also, they may threaten them with bank account blockage or closure if they do not share their important card and bank details.
Senior citizens should call their family members immediately and tell the situation correctly. Also, they may contact the respective call centre to verify the claims of the scammer before acting on them.

5. Reliable anti-virus:
Senior citizens should use strong anti-virus software so that their device is not affected by viruses, malware or spyware sent by scammers or hackers. They must configure their devices to download updates regularly and install them to keep them up-to-date.

Senior citizens should be thoughtful and proactive to protect themselves from the menace of online scams. They should be aware of scammers active in the field of insurance, telemarketing, and banking, etc.

Senior citizens should opt for a theft protection insurance to cover themselves from such thefts and fraud. It will protect them against all types of theft, including fraud and embezzlement.

Click HERE to buy a theft protection insurance to stay protected from online scams.

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.

Running a business involves many uncertainties and risks, making it a venture challenging for every business person. While it provides multifold rewards for the resources invested into it, it also requires a lot of effort and time to scale your business. Until then, you must consider multiple factors at all times whose fluctuations may adversely impact the business operations.

The risk of mishaps outside the control of the management is a constant source of worry since the loss caused by such incidents is enormous. A business's most common threats are natural disasters, fires, and explosions, especially in manufacturing entities. While there is no way to eliminate such threats directly, a comprehensive and adequate policy purchased from a fire insurance company goes a long way in insuring your business premises and assets from the damage caused by such events.

Here is a detailed understanding of why you should purchase a fire insurance policy for your business and the advantages it provides.

What is covered under a fire insurance policy?

A fire insurance cover protects your insurable assets against more than just fires. It covers damages due to fires, natural calamities, lightning, fire explosions, aircraft damages, landslides, and bushfires. A closer inspection of your insurance will provide greater insight into the events from which your business is secured.

While the cover has several inclusions, it also has notable exclusions that you must know. Some excluded events are wilful fires, electricity leaks, fires caused by short-circuiting, war, etc. It is essential to check the fine print of your contract before signing it.

Who can purchase a fire insurance policy?

A fire insurance company offers insurance covers against fire to businesses of any size and scale, asset holders like buildings or furniture, holders of inventory stock like retailers, godown owners, manufacturing entities, hotels and lodgings, and any other service-providing institutions. This is an inclusive list covering any person, company, or business holding assets that require protection against fires.

Advantages of fire insurance.

Now that we know who can purchase fire insurance coverage and which assets it can protect, here are the advantages it offers business owners.

1. Loss against damage:
The effect of a fire is unimaginable. While it is a contingent misfortune, it is best to be secured against such an event, as the loss is far too significant for a business to bear. A fire policy covers the loss caused by fire to any movable or immovable property of the business, reducing the financial loss incurred by the enterprise.

2. Wide range of inclusions & add-ons:
Besides fires, most fire insurances cover other events to make it a comprehensive policy. They provide options to include add-ons to increase the coverage at an added cost.
The list of additional events as add-ons comprises earthquakes, forest fires, consequential loss of profits, rent, etc. At the payment of a nominal price, you can ensure that your business is completely secured against any event related to fires.

3. Ease of restarting business:
In the event of a fire, it is challenging for a business to cover the losses and continue its operations at its original scale. With adequate fire insurance, it is easier to cope with the aftereffects as the business only has to focus on its operations instead of worrying about replacing the losses.

Therefore, it is fair to conclude that purchasing insurance coverage from a fire insurance company protects a business in the event of a contingent fire, as the advantages outweigh its cost. You must also ensure that you install and regularly keep the fire safety equipment up-to-date at your workplace.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best fire insurance company.

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

Personal information is an asset that one must safeguard at all costs. In the olden days, identity theft was limited to misrepresentation by misuse of a person's name and identity, but in the modern world, its implications are far more severe.

In the era of digitalisation, where a person's identity proofs are linked to their bank accounts and other financial databases, it is easy for a criminal to wreak havoc with a stolen identity. The most vulnerable personal identities generally stolen include social media accounts, PAN, Aadhar, email, and bank details.

While different kinds of thefts and infringements are often discussed, identity theft insurance in India is an under-discussed topic that few are aware of. It is essential to protect oneself from such contingent threats using adequate insurance. In the backdrop of a crisis, they play a vital role in recouping losses.

If you suspect that your identity has been impersonated, here are the steps you must take immediately.

1. Identify the violation:
The first step after discovering that there seems to be some misuse of your information is to determine the extent of unauthorised action. Once you have identified the broad area, which may be one of the following- credit, taxes, or government benefits fraud, amongst others, try to identify the source of misuse of information.

2. Notify appropriate authorities:
While you can trace the source of misuse by jogging your memory, it is often infeasible. Even if you can trace the origin, your immediate action should be to notify the concerned authorities of the fraud details. This means that there will be a different concerned authority to approach each type of identity misuse.
For example, you should notify the Department of Telecommunications if your documents have been used to register for a SIM card. For cybercrimes or online fraud, you should approach the cybercrime police department. Similarly, you should immediately notify your bank to stop the payments in case you witness any unauthorised bank transactions.

3. Identify the extent of the damage:
Once you have identified and reported the problem, it is time to find the damage incurred. You may simplify this by checking your bank statements and any financial databases by scrutinising any recent transactions that appear to be unordinary and unauthorised by you.

4. File for damages:
Once you have a general estimate of the amount of loss incurred, you can file a lawsuit under the existing laws in India that provide relief against such fraud after fulfilling the conditions. A lawyer's aid can help handle the case legally.

While these are the steps you can take after realising the theft of your identity, here are some precautionary measures to ensure that your confidential data is not breached.

● Never save passwords:
While saving passwords to your accounts provides convenience during login, it also increases your susceptibility to fraudsters looking for opportunities to steal your information.

● Do not use unreliable sites:
One must always be careful when sharing basic details or banking information on any site, especially for new or unrecognisable sites. Do your due diligence before taking on such risks to ascertain its authenticity.

● Utilise multiple authentications:
Most sites now offer 2-factor and 3-factor authentication to secure your account. Ensure that you optimise such facilities to keep your accounts and data safe.

● Dispose of physical copies of identification:
It is common for most official processes to require the submission of physical copies of original identification records. Ensure that the printer and receiver get rid of the documents immediately after the official use if fulfilled.

● Purchase identity theft insurance:
While it is not so common, it is ideal to purchase theft insurance in India to protect yourself from identity theft in case the need arises.

The constant development of technology brings convenience to our lives while opening new windows for mischievous minds to scam people and make profits. Always have the mindset to follow the above preventive measures to minimise or eliminate identity theft threats. And don't forget to have the best theft insurance in India for your rescue if you find yourself trapped in a fraud or compromised identity.

Click HERE to buy the best theft 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.

Regular office work requires prolonged periods of desk sitting. Because of this excessive sitting, people tend to get various health issues like obesity, diabetes and risk of some chronic diseases. This post will discuss how sitting all day at your desk can harm your health.

1. Sedentary lifestyles have become increasingly common:
People spend a lot of time sitting down, whether working, socialising, studying, or travelling. Whether behind the wheel, at a desk, or in front of the TV, most people spend over half of their day's hours seated. An office worker may sit for as much as 15 hours a day. However, the average agricultural worker spends less than three hours a day seated.

2. Calorie expenditure is reduced:
Calories are burned even while you're not exercising, just by standing, strolling, and fidgeting. This type of energy use is called non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), and not getting enough of it is a big reason people gain weight.
No significant energy is used up by sitting or lounging around all day. It has a significant impact on your ability to burn calories through NEAT. Research shows that those who work in agriculture can burn up to 1,000 more calories per day than those who sit at a desk.

3. The risk of gaining weight while sitting is higher than when standing:
On average, obese people sit for an extra two hours a day compared to their normal-weight counterparts. It has been shown that prolonged sitting throughout the day can cause weight gain and a number of other health concerns.
Obesity or fat accumulation can lead to increased risks of heart disease and also put pressure on other vital organs like the liver, kidney, etc. You may also experience early joint pain, stiffness of body parts, backaches, and reduced stamina and endurance due to inactivity.

4. Sickness is associated with inactivity:
According to an analysis of data on more than a million people, sedentary lifestyles are associated with an increased risk of severe health conditions, early signs of ailments like hypertension and diabetes in younger people, and even cause premature death.
An increased risk of type 2 diabetes by 110% and heart disease by 140% have been linked to a lack of physical activity over the long term. Research has shown that sitting for long periods or walking less than 1,500 steps per day can significantly increase insulin resistance, a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

5. Even if you work out regularly, you still are at risk:
Even if you work out hard for an hour, sitting for the rest of the day is still bad for your health. It is important to take short breaks and keep the constant movement of your body throughout the day to avoid getting at risk of health issues due to lack of motion. Regular walking and exercises are necessary to keep your body in its best shape.

While taking breaks is crucial, indulging in physical activities at regular intervals of the day is equally important. Those who spend their days sitting at a desk can benefit from investing in a standing desk or taking frequent breaks to walk around the office. Cutting down on how much time you spend sitting is just as crucial for your health as what you eat and how often you work out.

It would help if you also buy health insurance to ensure you get the best care possible without putting a strain on your finances during the time of need. Rising medical costs force many to make compromise with the situation. You can purchase insurance from the best health insurance company in India, which will keep you secure in such cases.

Click HERE to get insurance benefits from the best health insurance company in India.

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

The pandemic significantly impacted every business globally, and the maritime logistics sector was no exception. However, this industry will continue to grow as the supply and demand cycle returns on track post-pandemic.

Maritime logistics involve preparing, implementing, and managing goods and information necessary for ocean carriage. Transporting goods via the ocean route is profitable, but it still has some risks, such as the loss or damage of goods. Marine insurance is a must, as it covers damage that may occur during transit between the starting point and the destination.

With the insurance cover, you can safely run your business, but you will need to stay updated about the latest trends. Here's a list of a few logistics trends significantly influencing the industry.

1. Circular supply chains:
The pandemic made many business owners realise they had to change their approach to developing shipping routes. It helps many businesses develop an alternate, more sustainable supply chain model for future global emergencies.
Shortening the current supply chain structure reduces ocean transit time and allows the industry to adopt an eco-friendlier approach and thereby improving product longevity.

2. New methods for data collection:
Maritime logistics also helps researchers and scientists to provide crucial statistics and weather forecasts. The researchers collect data from ships travelling in different oceans in various regions worldwide to predict weather and make other observations to curate possible solutions for efficient logistics.
The pandemic had put a brake on logistics which caused a lack of data collection for researchers. This made it challenging for researchers to provide accurate weather forecasting and analyse other crucial statistics. Now, researchers are using new methods like marine weather buoys for precise weather forecasts.

3. Automation and Digitalisation:
Tech-based automation shows significance in every sector and a strong future scope. For instance, many warehouses adopt automated processes such as cargo handlers, stacking cranes, unmanned unloaders, and more to improve efficiency and revenue.
Technology also makes the documentation and paperwork process digital. The digitalisation helps boost the organisation's productivity by improving turnaround time and work efficiency. You can expect automation and digitalisation to be an integral part of maritime logistics.

4. Real-time data visibility:
Live location becomes popular demand from consumers and clients. Trading partners and customers expect updates on order locations. With supply chain visibility, business owners help monitor order shipments and provide the clients with updated status of their goods. Knowing the real-time status of your shipping enables you to ensure that your ship and the goods are safe.

5. Systematic policy response:
The pandemic also caused the necessity of a systematic global policy for the logistics industry. Many new policies emerged as the demand for more features and coverage for international shipments. The logistics industry can witness more emergency policy response that helps maritime operations to have resilient and agile transport systems.

6. Decarbonisation:
Carbon emissions have been a major global problem for the last decade. Logistics ships are the main culprits for heavy oil emissions. These days, the enforcement of controlled carbon emissions has become strict, causing maritime operators to opt for fuel-efficient routes. The IMO (International Maritime Organization) aims to reduce greenhouse emissions and the carbon emissions caused by shipping by 40% in the next ten years.

Understanding the demands of consumers and the need for technology in the logistics process is the need of the hour to strengthen the maritime logistics sector in India. Business owners must plan and implement new trends in their logistics businesses to create better growth opportunities. Shortening supply chains can help lower carbon emissions and benefit the environment. Similarly, it would help if you also considered getting marine insurance to provide reliable coverage against losses due to damage to goods during sea transit.

Click HERE to buy marine 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.

Convenience is the need of the hour during the age of rapid growth. It is common to see newly developed inventions being phased out shortly after a better discovery is made that serves the purpose and facilitates the fast pace of human life. One exception to this general rule is the case of two-wheelers in the Indian automotive market.

Two-wheelers are inexpensive compared to cars, making them an obvious choice for the economically impoverished. On the other hand, with the increasing demand for convenience, vehicles on the road keep increasing every year, inevitably increasing traffic. The easiest way to navigate through traffic is by travelling on a two-wheeler, which makes switching lanes and parking relatively easier.

Even if you do not own a two-wheeler, it is an exciting product yet to reach its maturity and full potential. Until then, we can expect extensive developments to reform it into a futuristic commuting option. Simultaneously, as two wheeler insurance online gains popularity, enhanced safety of the riders can be ensured to minimise accidents and their financial burden.

If this is not enough to excite you about two wheelers, here are some interesting facts that will surely do the trick!

1. Rural areas drive demand:
Usually, urban demand for a product is expected to be greater than that from rural and semi-urban areas. However, while two-wheelers enjoy demand across the country, rural and semi-urban regions have continuous demand. About 50-60% of the 2-wheeler market is catered to rural areas. This demand is quite volatile as their income is comparatively low and susceptible to changes in prices of commodities like vehicles themselves or fuel rates.

2. Expected YoY growth:
Before the pandemic, the market for 2-wheelers was expected to grow at least by a prudent 10% each year. However, when comparing the sales of September 2019 and 2022, an evident exponential jump in sales has been noticed, proving its utility.

3. Hike in prices:
Since the pandemic, supply shortages have led to increases in raw materials prices, which have ultimately been passed on to the customers in the case of most consumer products. In addition, the consistently increasing production costs and the rising inflation rates have left two wheeler makers with no choice but to hike up vehicle prices.
This has been a significant factor that has made buyers hesitant to purchase two wheelers, as current prices are up by almost 15-20% compared to the pre-pandemic rates.

4. Gearless scooters see equivalent demand:
The ease of maintenance, relative inexpensiveness, and convenient usage make gearless two wheelers a popular option in India. It is common to see more and more gearless scooters on the roads, which speaks for its popularity.

5. Growth of electric scooters:
While the market is presently dominated by vehicles that run on fuel, a slow transition to electric vehicles has been noticed in cars and scooters. The total share of electric two-wheelers in the Indian market was around 3.5% as of July 2022, and the government has a vision of achieving 100% penetration by 2027. Although the numbers are minimal now, it shows the interest of the Indian consumer and the possibilities of the future.

The Indian two wheeler sector continues to grow despite all odds, some years at a slower pace than usual. While the vehicle provides convenience, it is essential to emphasise one’s security when riding a two wheeler and follow all necessary safety precautions. It is critical to purchase two wheeler insurance to prevent the financial strain any mishap may cause.

Two wheeler insurance online is a trending option that simplifies the process without having to leave the comfort of your home and provides an easy comparison between alternatives. With two wheeler insurance online, you get the advantages of affordable premiums, great deals, continuous customer support, and a seamless experience.

Click HERE to buy two wheeler 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.

Fire in a house can be devastating and bring the entire house down to ashes in just a few moments. You need to be very cautious with the flammable items in your home as they can threaten your life, including your family and valuable assets.

A fire outbreak can be due to several reasons, most of which are beyond our control. Still, we can control the spread of fire, douse it with the help of fire safety equipment, and recover the damages with the benefits of buying fire insurance online.

Let’s first go through a few flammable items in our house that we must be careful about.

1. Hand sanitiser:
Hand sanitisers have become very popular in every household after the onset of Covid-19. People have started using it extensively at home and even advise their children to use it frequently.
However, very few people know sanitisers are highly flammable because they contain alcohol. You should never use sanitisers near a gas stove. Also, you should not carry a lighter with a sanitiser bottle in your bag as it can be dangerous and can catch fire.

2. Nail polish and nail polish remover:
We can find nail polish and its remover in almost every household in India. They are easily available in the market, and even children can access them. However, we must know that they consist of acetone, a highly flammable substance.
Even the vapour that they produce is highly flammable. Hence, we should keep both of them away from any source of flames, such as a candle or a matchstick at home.

3. Flour:
Surprised? Yes, the flour we use daily in our kitchen is flammable, especially flour dust in the air. Flour can burn easily from all sides. It allows flames to pass through it quickly because of its large and flat surface area. Hence, we should be careful when we use flour near the gas stove in the kitchen.

4. Grooming products:
Many beauty products we use frequently are flammable and can cause a fire in our house. Products like hair mousse and hair spray can ignite fire very quickly. Moreover, the fancy deodorants and air fresheners we use daily come in aerosol cans. Avoid exposing such cans to a naked flame, as they can quickly catch fire. You should also avoid keeping these cans at high temperatures as they can combust because of temperature and pressure.

5. Ghee and cooking oil:
Cooking oil has a low flash point, making it highly flammable. Similarly, ghee can catch fire easily, too, if overheated. You must be careful while using both in the kitchen.

6. Oranges:
Our favourite fruit, “Orange,” consists of an extremely flammable chemical called limonene. It is used as a fire starter for campfires and fireplaces. Hence, it can cause a big fire if exposed to an open flame.

7. Home mattresses:
We often light a candle on our bedside or even on the mattress. Smoking a cigarette while sitting on our bed is also very common. You should be aware that mattresses are highly flammable. They can result in the fast spreading of fire in a room because of their flat nature and big size.

We have seen that many items of our daily use are flammable and can spread fire in the house if exposed to even a small flame. The loss of property and lives can be irreversible and completely shatter our world. Fire insurance protects us against losses and damages to property caused by a fire at our house.

The cause of the fire can be electrical short circuits, gas leakage, or other reasons such as those mentioned above. Most policies will provide coverage even if the fire originates outside your house. Hence, think no further. Protect your house and property by buying fire insurance online today and enjoy complete peace of mind.

Click HERE to buy the best fire 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.

Who does not love to travel in the winter season? The chilly weather with snow-clad mountains or the cool climate on the beaches and plains can be delightful and welcoming. Taking advantage of the pleasant climate and an ideal season to travel, numerous tourists plan family holidays and group tours to explore the best winter destinations in India. But the idea of winter travel reminds us of the arduous task of carrying thick, heavy, woollen clothing.

Are you planning a family trip or a solo adventure this winter? Here are a few effective winter travel tips for enjoying a memorable trip.

1. Plan in advance:
Winter travel in December and January coincides with Christmas and New Year vacations in schools and holidays in offices. Hence, there is usually a lot of crowd at popular vacation spots and heavy bookings on flights, trains, and hotels.
Hence, you should always plan your winter trip well in advance. Book your travel tickets and accommodations as early as possible so that you don’t have to cancel your trip at the last moment due to the unavailability of travel tickets or rooms in good hotels.
Even if you can get flight tickets and good accommodation at the last moment, you will have to pay exorbitant rates. So why not plan in advance, save money and make your trip memorable?

2. Check your flight and train departure:
Always check the timings of your flight or train departure in the winter season before leaving home. They are usually delayed and are sometimes even cancelled due to heavy fog and low visibility. Keep an alternate route or service in mind in case of any cancellations. This will ensure that your travel plan gets successful.

3. Travel light:
You will wonder how we can travel light with bulky woollen clothes, especially if we are visiting some cold place or a hill station. It is possible by following some simple tips. Wear your most bulky jacket, sweater, shrug, or scarf on the day you have to travel. This will mean you will not have to pack them inside your bags. Also, wear your heavy boots and pack your lighter shoes or slip-on in your bag.
Do not pack multiple t-shirts, tops, or jeans with you. Repeat them. What you wear on the top is only visible in winter. Keep changing your jacket, shrug, or coat, and no one will know you are repeating your dresses! Also, buy woollen clothes of superior quality so that you don’t need multiple layers of clothing to keep you warm. Carry thermal innerwear of good quality as they are light and warm.

4. Rent travel gear:
You don’t need to carry your travel gear everywhere you travel in winter. For example, if you want to ski in the snow, you can rent all the essential gear, including snow boots and overcoats, from the resort you are staying in.

5. Medication:
The cold season brings many ailments, such as flu or fever, nasal congestion, cough, etc. Always carry appropriate medication, especially when travelling with kids and the elderly. Also, use small cases for carrying your cold cream and moisturiser so they only take up a little space.

Make your winter trip special and memorable by following the above travel ideas. Another important tip is to go for your true companion that will never leave your side, i.e., travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against trip cancellations, lost baggage, damage to your luggage, etc. You can take an annual plan to cover all your trips or insure only a particular trip.

Insurance will also offer coverage in case of any medical emergency and assistance arising during your trip. Make your life secure and tension-free by choosing a wide variety of general insurance policies. Moreover, buy online general insurance from the ease of your home with a few clicks, additional benefits, and the best premium rates. We wish you a happy winter!

Click HERE to buy online general insurance before planning your winter travel 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.