GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Theoretical and practical knowledge are like two parts of a scale, equally important to make a balanced driver. In recent years theoretical knowledge has been bashed on as ‘bookish’ and ‘old fashioned, and more emphasis is being given to practical lessons. While practical lessons impart a major chunk of knowledge, such as how to react to real-life situations on the road, theory imparts domain knowledge, forming the base of learning how to drive.

Driving instructors at reputed driving schools impart practical knowledge with a robust theoretical base, such as traffic laws and road signals. This makes you aware of the legal aspects and repercussions of disobeying specific rules and become a more knowledgeable driver.

This blog aims to convince you of the importance of theoretical knowledge while learning to drive.

1. Structure of a car:
It is only possible to know the complete anatomy of a car purely based on practical knowledge. Driving instructors usually introduce aspirants to various components of the car on the very first days of driving learning. This is to build a holistic understanding of the car to gain more confidence and learn how to respond to critical situations calmly. They teach you about the various parts of a car, including the brakes, clutch, car engine, fuel supply system, cooling system, lubrication, gears, battery, etc. This increases your understanding of the car so you can perform minor repairs independently without rushing to the mechanic.

2. Covers the legal aspects of driving:
Driving is a great responsibility for every person out on the road. Trainers let learners know the rules and regulations before they set out on the road. There are also a lot of legal requirements needed before driving on the roads, such as the registration process, the process of acquiring a driving licence, and getting acquainted with parking rules, traffic laws, car insurance documents, etc. Professional driving schools will also make learners aware of road hazards, road signs, and other aspects not covered in practical lessons.

3. Building confidence:
Although practical lessons provide real-life experience to the students, theoretical input gives them the confidence to take that first step into driving that many lack the courage to take. Experts in the field can communicate the basic theory to every student with special emphasis on questions posed by students, which will further clarify their doubts. This will give them the confidence to drive professionally in all traffic situations.

4. Good theoretical backing encourages being safe on roads:
Staying safe on the road is a conscious choice a citizen makes daily. Safety is the top priority, and this is emphasised by theoretical knowledge. Along with knowing the rules and regulations to follow on the road, they also double down on the legal implications of reckless driving, drunk driving, and other risky activities.

Managing a car in critical conditions, such as a punctured tyre, or the case of an accident, is the knowledge that is best learned theoretically. These are important aspects of driving that instructors emphasise and should be carefully absorbed by the students, as this information comes in handy at some point.

However, no matter how much training a driver goes through, they are bound to be stressed about the risks and complications of having road accidents. This is an important concern that should not be neglected. Car insurance is necessary for every car owner to remain calm in the event of an accident.

Click HERE to know more 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.

All your bike's parts are crucial, but one of its most essential parts is the clutch. In addition to assisting you in changing gears, the clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission. For a safe and comfortable riding experience, you must always ensure the clutch is working properly. Immediately take your bike to the closest garage if you notice any concerns so that they can be rectified.

But sometimes, it takes time to identify the issue. You might only be able to detect a failing clutch on a bike if you know a lot about how the bike and its components operate. It is always important to understand how to keep the bike's clutch in good condition.

We are here to help you with this concern! To maintain the clutch's optimal performance, consider these key points:

1. Proper lubrication of the chain:
Various motorcycle parts require lubrication to function efficiently. The clutch and chain are no exception. They need appropriate lubrication to be in their optimum working condition. If left unattended for too long, these can dry out and cause your bike’s gear to become rigid. The clutch faces significant damage, making it difficult for the rider to change the gear smoothly.
The only way to fix this issue is by regularly lubricating the chain and the clutch. Watch out for the amount of oil in the bike; if it appears low, then refill it to the appropriate level. Also, clean the chain thoroughly and later add lubrication to reduce friction.

2. Check the oil in the clutch:
The clutch needs lubrication, especially wet clutches like the ones on most high-end motorcycles and dirt bikes. The clutch oil does this to keep the clutch lubricated, control the friction, and to make it easy for the clutch plates to move. The oil also helps keep the clutch compartment cool, improving the clutch system's functioning and running the bike perfectly.

3. Sprockets:
Pull the chain away from the rear sprocket. Inspect the teeth for wear and rust. If you must replace the chain sprocket, see a professional. If you decide to replace it yourself, make sure you put everything back on the exact way you took it off.

4. Clutch cable:
Apply grease to the clutch cable stopper regularly to prevent cable breakage. In case you need to change the cable, you'll require tools, cable lube, and a new cable. To change it:

● Take off the flares and seats.

● Turn the adjuster screw down to get the clutch cable out of the clips.

● Take the cable off the handlebar as well as the engine.

● Take out the cable all the way.

● Grease up a new cable.

● Change it in the same way.

● Put the screws and covers back on.

Keep referring to these tips to spot the issues and know more about typical clutch faults and how to rectify them. Additionally, to keep your bike safe and protected from mishaps, you can purchase or renew bike insurance online if you have already had it. Remember that you can increase the longevity of your bike and ride it safely for years if you take good care of it.

Click HERE to renew bike 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.

Are you a pet lover who wants to take your pet dog out for an adventure? With pets becoming closer to hearts than ever before, it's understandable to take your puppy with you for a motorcycle ride. This idea no doubt excites all dog lovers, but can this endeavour be a safe thing to do?

Let's understand why taking your tailed friend on a bike ride cannot be a good idea even though you might feel like trying it.

1. Determining the best way to take your pup on the motorcycle:
Motorcycles are risky machines if not driven with care. Even some human beings are skittish on them; similarly, only some dogs will be comfortable on a bike. After checking with your vet about any health conditions that might be aggravated by your pup being on a bike, use all resources to learn about whether your furry friend can be on a bike or not.
Consider the personality and temperament of your dog, as well as its age. If your dog is prone to startling you by jumping at the nearby cat it saw, it is probably not a good idea to take it out on a ride.
Also, bikes were never designed to fit the purpose of pet travel. Although, several bikers find locations on the bike that seems perfect for lodging their pet dog. Understand that fuel tanks or handlebars are not the places to make your dog sit and ride with you. You might also think of attaching a side carrier, but know that sidecars or carriers are open, and what if your dog tries to escape from it midway?

2. Training it to be comfortable around and on a bike:
Most dogs are nervous around loud noises. You must have observed how your dog hides under the bed in the event of firecrackers bursting or thundering. Most motorcycles also have a startling sound that might scare your dog. Although, you can fix this by making your dog accustomed to the sounds and vibrations the bike produces. Still, even a slight discomfort or frustration during the ride can make things challenging. Your dog can get panicked and angry. This can be daunting for you to handle your dog and avoid any chaos on the road or disturb others.

3. Overloading the bike:
Bike journeys are always an adrenaline booster and a good stressbuster and travelling with your pet might elevate this to the next level. But what might seem an exciting thought might turn into a disaster due to the unpredictability of your dog's nature and the lurking possibility of an unexpected incident.
Also, you will have to plan everything your dog might require for the ride, such as its bowl, food, a leash, treats to keep it satiated, and a warm blanket in winter. Knowing that your bike can withstand a limited load and burdening it with your and your dog's essentials will impact the performance of your bike throughout the trip.

It is crucial to understand and accept that bikes are not dog-friendly machines. Building a strong bond with your pet is a nice gesture but not this way! This act can put several lives in danger.

Planning a bike trip with your pet might take a lot of effort, but you can live your passion for bike riding by frequently setting out on bike tours, either alone or with your other biker friends. But ensure that you have the safety gear and essential documents handy before planning your trip. Check out for your 2 wheeler insurance renewal or buy a new 2 wheeler insurance online if you don't have one. Making the right purchase will handcraft you a safer and more immersive riding experience!

Click HERE to know more about 2 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.

Are you someone who is looking to buy a two wheeler soon? If yes, one of the important things you need to do is look for a trustworthy dealer. Purchasing a vehicle is always daunting as you have to pay close attention to the many aspects. A two wheeler is one of the best investments to make your life more comfortable and easier, and you must get the perfect deal from an auto dealer.

*Note
In addition to buying a two wheeler, it is also necessary to purchase two wheeler insurance. The best way to do this is to buy two wheeler insurance online and get exciting benefits that can protect your vehicle from all adversities.

So, as you have decided to purchase a new two wheeler, let's look at a few factors that can help you select the best auto dealer.

1. Type or category of the two wheeler:
While looking for a two wheeler dealer, you first need to focus on the type of vehicle. Since you can purchase either bikes or scooters nowadays, you should figure out whether the dealer sells those models of your choice. Scooters are more convenient to handle since they provide gearless riding experiences, automatic transmission, storage space benefits, etc.
Whereas bikes help you get better control, power, and handling. The bikes are more well-built for long and short distance rides, offering good fuel economy and a smooth riding experience. You should pay close attention to the dealer's collection, test-ride your favourite options, and then make a decision.

2. Budget:
The next important factor you must consider while selecting a two wheeler dealer is the budget. You should think beforehand about how much you are willing to spend on the vehicle. This aspect will also make it convenient for you to narrow down your options.
Two wheelers are available in different price ranges these days, and you should ensure the dealer has one that will fit your preferences. You should also consider your savings, tax costs, monthly expenses, etc., while buying a vehicle. In addition, you should have financial planning to buy two wheeler insurance online to help you in times of need.

3. New or Used:
The third important point you should pay close attention to while selecting a dealer is whether they keep new or used vehicles. If you are looking for a used bike, try your best to look for a dealer with an appropriate range of pre-owned vehicles and good ratings. Not just that, but you should also ensure the two wheelers they have are in good condition so that you may use them without any further hassle.

4. Look for customer reviews:
When looking for a two wheeler dealer, trust and customer service are paramount. You should always check the reviews and feedback of past customers before you make a decision.

Prepare a list of different dealers on the above parameters to make it convenient for you to figure out which one will best fit your requirements. It will also assist you in understanding who will be able to provide you with better facilities and options.

Although selecting one among various dealers may be challenging, you should do it thoroughly. Follow this checklist and look for a dealer that assures good after-sales service and reliable customer support. Do your research, compare different options, and then make a final decision. Don't rush into things, and most importantly, buy two wheeler insurance online to add a safety net to your newly bought vehicle.

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.

As a car owner, you already know that a vehicle breaking down can be extremely frustrating. After all, they are machines! As a result, you should always try your best to stay prepared for the worst. And if you are in the middle of a highway, you may do a few things to ensure you are safe and protected.

Breakdowns in the middle of a highway can be challenging and cause nightmares. Let us take a closer look at a few steps to get the best benefits while minimising the trouble caused due to unexpected breakdowns.

1. Park your car on the side of the road:
The first thing you need to do when your car breaks down in the middle of a highway is to park your vehicle as soon as possible. It is necessary because it can cause traffic jams and invite accidents. Try your best not to panic and slowly pull the car aside.
Not just that, but you should also remember to turn on your hazard lights to notify the people behind you. This factor will also assist you in avoiding a traffic jam without any difficulty.

2. Call for help:
The second thing you need to do when your car breaks down in the middle of a busy highway is to call a mechanic or roadside assistance company for help. This will make it convenient for you since they send professionals to fix your vehicle or tow it to the nearest garage or service centre. If the issue is fixable, they will do it within a few minutes on the spot so that you are good to go and reach your destination safely.

3. Keep tools in your car and use them:
If you know how to check a dead battery or change a flat tyre, you will be able to fix minor problems without any external help. Always keep important tools in your car at all times. For example, if you get a flat tyre, having a jack and a spare tyre will help you to change it and get to your destination within a short period.

4. Alert the traffic:
If your car breaks down in the middle of a highway, it is crucial to constantly alert and divert traffic. Since the traffic will always be moving, immediately put a triangle with reflectors behind your car to caution other drivers about the breakdown.
In case you don't have reflectors in your car, you can find objects like bushes and stones to create a barricading around your car and use them as a signal to alert upcoming vehicles about your breakdown. This way, you can avoid the chances of accidents due to collisions.

Your car breaking down in the middle of the road can cause panic, but you should try your best to deal with it confidently and with swift actions. Stay calm and think about things thoroughly to acquire the best outcomes. Always take your car to the service centre and get it thoroughly inspected for any problems before you set on a trip.

Make a checklist of important factors to cross-check them before travelling. Get your car insurance renewal before the next premium is due and avoid the policy from lapsing. Services discontinued due to non-renewal can make you lose vital benefits in case of an emergency.

Click HERE to get your car insurance renewal done.

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.

Buying your dream car is only half the job done. Maintaining it properly is complex and time-consuming, but it is all worth in the end. Do you know that routine car windshield maintenance is one of car care's most overlooked aspects?

Your windshield gets chipped by a foreign object hitting it, reducing visibility and threatening your safety. You take precious time out of your day to get it fixed for an exorbitant price, only to have it break again at the mildest inconvenience.

This blog tries to understand better why a windshield protection film is a good investment for your car.

What is a windshield protection film, and how does it work?

Windshield protection films are generally made of 3 layers. The topmost layer is a protective layer that safeguards your windshield against scratches and prevents UV rays from entering the car and harming you. The second layer prevents the windshield from cracking, effectively acting as a shock absorber that distributes the force of the debris hitting it. The third layer is mainly for adhesive purposes.

Some of the perks of having a windshield protection film on your car involve the following.

1. Replacing a windshield can be heavy on the pocket:
Despite how easily the glass breaks when something heavy falls on it, the cost of replacing the windshield is not cheap. Also, if you have a luxury car, the windscreen may be connected to other systems in the vehicle, which may need recalibration, adding to the extra expense.
Driving with a cracked windshield is punishable by law. Save yourself additional expenses and avoid being tangled up on the wrong side of the law by installing a windshield at the earliest.

2. Maintaining the car's aesthetic:
Car enthusiasts know how important it is to make your car beautiful inside out. Just like you keep your car's paint job pristine, the tyres filled, and the inside clean, investing in a windshield protector that keeps the front of your car looking smooth is necessary.

3. Keeps you safe:
A cracked windshield can hamper your visibility to a great extent. This might lead to an accident and long-term damage to your car, or worse, you and your family. Also, a windshield protection film will decrease the chances of shattering in lousy weather conditions, such as cyclones or hail. It gives overall protection to your car.

4. Protects against UV damage:
UV rays damage the skin and retinas and cause long-lasting health conditions such as skin cancer and blindness. These films have the added advantage of blocking UV rays so that they can't enter the car and thus, resulting in better health.

Now you know the advantages of having the right windshield protection film on your car. It is vital to make a wise decision that meets your short-term and long-term goals for your car. Select the best windshield protector by discussing it with a trusted mechanic in your area. Just like you plan to upgrade your car's windshield, you need to consider upgrading the car's safety too.

You can achieve this by buying reliable car insurance. Before making the purchase, understand the new car insurance rates of different companies and their policies, and then finalise the one with the best coverage and rate.

Click HERE to know more about 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.

Filling your bike’s tyres with nitrogen will help you to maintain proper tyre pressure, which ensures that it runs smoothly under all riding conditions and terrains. Moreover, you can cover more distance per litre of fuel and considerably save on running costs. Also, correct tyre pressure ensures a better grip on the roads, which minimises the chances of a mishap.

You can also use compressed air to fill your bike tyres. One usually faces a dilemma of which one is better and why. In this blog, let us go through why filling your bike tyres with nitrogen is beneficial.

1. Longevity:
Compressed air seeps out of tyres much faster than nitrogen. While nitrogen usually stays in the tyres for almost a month, compressed air stays only for 10-15 days. Hence, if you fill your bike tyres with nitrogen, you will need to inflate them less frequently. Tyres will stay in shape for more days, saving you money and effort from continuously inflating the tyres.

2. Constant and uniform pressure:
Riding often during hot summer afternoons can increase the risk of a tyre bursting. The compressed air inside the tyre becomes very hot due to the high temperature. There is a higher level of water and oxygen in compressed air, which reacts with an increase in temperature. The air pressure increases due to heat, causing the tyre to burst.
Nitrogen is drier than regular compressed air and helps to retain constant and uniform pressure inside the tyre. It is more stable than compressed air and does not get heated up as quickly as regular air. Hence, the air pressure inside the tyre stays in control and does not shoot up with the heat. There is a much lesser chance of a tyre burst if it is filled with nitrogen.

3. Mix and go:
You don’t have to worry about refilling your bike tyre with nitrogen only every time you go for your tyre inflation. Compressed air and nitrogen can be mixed. Hence, you can always get your bike tyre filled with compressed air if nitrogen is not available around you. Also, nitrogen seeps out very slowly from your tyres in case of a puncture. You get sufficient time to get to a refilling station.

4. Savings:
Using nitrogen to fill your bike tyres helps save substantially on wear and tear costs. As mentioned, nitrogen keeps the tyres in good shape. It causes lesser rubber damage due to fatigue, and tyres last much longer. Also, nitrogen does not rust the metal tyre rim. Oxygen in the regular compressed air starts reacting with the moisture present in it, resulting in oxidation and rusting. So, with the use of nitrogen, the rim also lasts much longer, helping you save a lot of money in the long run.

Refilling our tyres with nitrogen is definitely more expensive than regular compressed air. But the overall benefits of using nitrogen are much more in the long run. We get a stable ride with a better grip and improved efficiency.

Similarly, buying bike insurance online is also more beneficial than buying it through regular offline channels. Bike insurance online provides us with a complete package of choice, comfort, coverage, and security, along with being economical.

Click HERE to buy bike 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.

Driving is an activity that requires a very high amount of cognitive presence. As the number of accidents happening around the world becomes one of the leading causes of death, driving safely from one location to another should be an individual's primary concern while driving.

When the driver's mind is off the task of driving safely, the phenomenon is called distracted driving. Other signs of distracted driving are when the individual's eyes are not on the road or their hands are off the steering wheel. These activities significantly increase the risk of accidents and threaten the safety of everyone on the road.

Do you know that smoking cigarettes can cause distracted driving? With more and more people mocking drivers who use their phones while simultaneously driving, it should be common knowledge that cigarette smoking causes more distracted driving than using a phone. For instance, to smoke a cigarette, a driver has to;

1. Locate the cigarette pack. This might be difficult as it might be in the glove box, which further requires you to open it, or the back seat, which requires you to completely turn and look for the pack from the opposite direction of where you're supposed to look ahead.

2. Look for a lighter.

3. Light the smoke while still trying to keep your eyes on the road. It's already tricky to light a cigarette while driving, so it's accepted that there will be many unsuccessful attempts. This results in your concentration being broken for even longer.

4. Locating the ashtray to dispose of the ash and then discarding the cigarette will take even more of your time and demand your attention.

As per a study on the risk assessment of smoking habits while driving, it was concluded that the risk posed by distracted driving through the use of mobile phones is lesser than that of the use of cigarettes. It was observed that cigarette smoking resulted in about 12 seconds of distracted driving, while cell phone users averaged about 10.6 seconds.

Insurance claims:
Insurance claims are greatly affected by using cigarettes, even if you were not at fault. There might be a drunken or speeding driver who totaled your car from the rear end, and it might even be evident that you were not at fault, but your insurance claim is sure to suffer. Smoking while driving is seen as distracted driving, which is sure to affect your claim.

Health risks involved with smoking:
It has been known for a long time that smoking is detrimental to an individual's health and the people around them. However, nicotine dependence makes it very hard to quit. Even though the start is an innocent curiosity, it takes as little as 5 packs (100 cigarettes) to get addicted. And the more you smoke, the more receptors for nicotine form in your brain, and the more nicotine you need to get the same high.

Avoid putting your life at risk while in the car and practice healthy driving habits to stay safe in all situations. Invest in trustworthy motor insurance India and get an additional safety net for your vehicle to protect it from unexpected events and safeguard you from financial losses. Also, it is best to stop smoking altogether, or at least reduce your dependence on it to the degree that it doesn't affect your driving.

Click HERE to know more about motor 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.