GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Is this your first time owning a bike? If so, you may not know how to detect a dying clutch. A clutch is one of the most crucial parts of a vehicle that connects and disconnects the engine to the transmission system.

It is one of the main working parts that needs your close attention. A malfunctioning clutch may cause serious harm to your vehicle.

Here are a few factors that can help you to detect if the clutch needs an immediate replacement.

1. The bike and the engine start at different speeds:
One of the main aspects that can help you notice a malfunctioning clutch is when your two-wheeler and engine start working at two different speeds. This is known as clutch slippage. You will be able to notice it when you start your vehicle and accelerate, it will run slowly, but the engine will be at high speed.
Since the friction in the clutch gets reduced over time, it becomes more challenging for the disc to hold on to the flywheel and pressure plate. It, in turn, makes it hard for the engine to transfer energy. You should pay attention to this symptom immediately, or it can lead to some major damage to your bike.

2. Reversing the gears becomes challenging:
The second factor that will make it evident for you to notice a dying clutch is when reversing becomes more challenging. In such a situation, you will not be able to get in or out of third gear, making riding comparatively worse for you. Since it only happens when your clutch is dying, it will help you realise that your two-wheeler requires servicing.

3. Clutch pedal makes noise:
When you depress or release the clutch, the clutch pedal starts making noise. You may also feel vibrations on your bike with shifting the gear, which might indicate a worn-out clutch. Not just that, but the clutch also makes a sound when the lubricant that helps it run dries up. Hence, you should get your vehicle checked by a mechanic to get the problem solved.

4. Clutch creates a burning smell:
Another factor that can help you spot the malfunctioning clutch is when it starts giving a burning smell. It happens when the slipping machine causes friction, which increases the temperature gradually.

5. Avoid aggressive downshift and riding on clutch:
Many riders have a strange habit of aggressive downshifting even when it is not needed or can be done better and more smoothly. These sudden and aggressive downshifts put pressure on the clutch system, and it gradually wears out.
Riding for a long time with a half-clutch pressed is not recommended. Use the clutch only at the time of gear shifting and avoid riding with the clutch engaged at all times.

6. Reduced fuel consumption:
Clutch problems significantly impact the mileage of your bike. A worn-out clutch puts pressure on the gearbox, further lowering the engine's performance due to the excess fuel required to generate power. This reduces the mileage of the bike and even impacts the quality of the engine over time.

Do you wish to drive in a way that will help you stay secure? If yes, you should take care of your bike's clutch regularly. One of the best ways you can do this is with the help of mechanics and regular servicing. Another proactive way to ensure your bike's safety is purchasing bike insurance online. Get affordable deals, enhanced coverage, and exciting benefits that make your life less stressful and financially sound.

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.

Diesel and gasoline both cost a lot of money. Each has benefits and drawbacks, and you'll find it challenging to choose the best car variant. If you compared them to one another, you would see that their prices are still very different from those of CNG. The winner is unquestionably CNG (compressed natural gas) every time!

If you drive a lot, CNG is cheaper and better for the environment in the long run. However, it does have an impact on your car insurance premiums. What and why?

Here is what you should know if you ever want to buy a CNG kit for your car. Determine whether owning a CNG kit will affect your premiums directly or indirectly.

Before that, let's discuss its benefits.

1. More efficient mileage:
The mileage of your car will significantly increase after the CNG kit is installed. Less fuel is required for the same distance than petrol and diesel. Additionally, CNG is less expensive than petrol by roughly 50% or more, getting you more saving on fuel.

2. More protection:
Need protection and good value? A safer option than gasoline and diesel is compressed natural gas (CNG). It is a good eco-friendly fuel option due to its low carbon dioxide emissions.

3. Real cost savings:
Although CNG kit installation involves a considerably high initial cost, you can easily cover it in a few months

The drawbacks of CNG are as follows.

1. Increases boot space requirements
The size of a CNG kit may take up most of your car's boot. Avoid CNG kits if you like taking long trips with a lot of luggage.

2. It's not always easy to find:
CNG is still not available at all the fuel stations. It implies that you'll have to wait in a huge line of vehicles when you need to refuel. The refilling process could take up to 15 minutes or more.

3. Licensing and convertibility:
The CNG fuel system only works with some cars. Before the equipment is installed, you must receive government approval. The Registration Certificate (RC) must be branded with a "fuel change" seal as part of a series of requirements.

How does your car insurance policy be affected?

1. Current insurance won't be enough:
There is still work to be done if you want to install a CNG system in your car. You might assume the current insurance coverage would be sufficient. However, it won't be enough. With CNG kits come higher maintenance and repair costs, the car insurance premiums also increase. The CNG kit must be listed on the vehicle's registration certificate to satisfy some insurance.

2. Invest more in premiums:
Insurance companies view CNG vehicles as of a higher risk. Liability insurance for your CNG vehicle would cost you an additional sum. Typically, the increase is between 4% and 5% of the cost of the CNG kit. The age and brand of your car affect the premium as well.

To insure the kit, you must have your car insurance policy's endorsement approved by your insurance provider. Your entire policy will be considered invalid if you don't complete it. Be prepared to give up your car insurance benefits if you choose not to insure the CNG kit! Always verify with your insurer before putting the kit in your vehicle. After receiving their confirmation, only then should you decide.

Click HERE to buy a reliable car insurance policy.

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 demand for passenger cars has continued to grow each year due to economic growth, the production of affordable vehicles, and driving convenience for the public.

However, with the rise in vehicle ownership, an inevitable increase in traffic and stricter rule enforcement have followed. It is essential to follow the rules to protect the passengers and the vehicle. For instance, purchasing a car insurance cover is one of the first things that you must do after buying a car to protect the vehicle from damages and reduce the financial burden on the owner. The car insurance price in India is reasonably set depending on usage, model, and engine cc and covers any contingent damages.

It is also essential to follow the rules laid down by the RTO. Often, car owners get their windows tinted, a practice restricted by the authorities. This blog discusses the issue and the consequences of not following the regulation.

What are window tints, and why are they needed?

If you are unaware of the term, it may be because your car does not come with pre-existing tinted windows. Placing a thin laminated film on the inside or outside of windows is common in automobiles and glass buildings, which results in tinted windows.

The thin barrier prevents harsh sun rays from entering the room or the vehicle, thereby minimising the heating. Since sunlight is known to penetrate glass easily, it not only heats the interior but may also cause damage to the seats or furnishings. Apart from sun protection, it provides the added benefit of privacy by minimising visibility from outside.

To sum up, tinted windows are a beneficial addition to cars since they protect the car's interiors from heating up, reduce the risk of damage due to direct exposure to sunlight and also provide passengers privacy.

Why does the RTO restrict the use of tinted films?

The RTO only allows a percentage of tinting that is permitted on laminated films for use on car windows. By following the limits, car owners can safely and legally protect their cars from the heat.

The significant risk of using tinted films is the reduced visibility to drivers. Driving requires the complete focus of the driver and the proper functioning of all his senses to ensure safety on the roads. Depending on the tint percentage, these films can severely hinder the driver's visibility and lead to accidents.

Are window tints illegal?

According to the judgement passed in 2012, the RTO has approved sun control films on windows that provide a minimum of 70% visual light transmission on the front and rear glasses. The side glasses must have minimum visibility of 50%. Some automobile manufacturers also provide the option of installing RTO-approved car glass films.

Penalty on tinted car windows:

If you install tinted films that are not following the RTO's guidelines, you may be fined INR 100 for your first violation. If found for the second time, the fine increases to INR 300. The subsequent breach is fined INR 300, along with the cancellation of the driver's licence. While tinted windows are not illegal, it is necessary to abide by the rules established by the authority to prevent one from getting into legal trouble.

Car insurance is a crucial investment tool that offers comprehensive coverage to the owner if the car gets damaged in an accident. Purchase one for your car by browsing through different plans online and looking for the best car insurance price in India.

But, not following the RTO-issued guidelines on tinted windows or road safety may cause you to encounter the rejection of your car insurance claim. Stay alert and avoid yourself from landing into any trouble.

Click HERE to check out for the best car insurance price 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.

Nearly 138 crores of the Indian population adhering to stringent traffic rules can seem daunting, but the benefits are surely rewarding. It is imperative to understand that these rules are in place to ensure the safety of citizens and exercise their rights freely without causing inconvenience to others.

Even with so many rules and regulations, many people face harrowing accidents and unfortunate defilement while travelling. It can be costly to deal with the expenses involved after an accident. With accurate knowledge and proper planning, one can counter these challenges with the seamless advantages of an insurance policy.

A motor insurance claim is a compensation provided to the insured by a motor insurance company. The compensation is paid for any damage caused to the insured's vehicle. The policyholder must pay a monthly premium to avail of the insurance benefits and get compensation for damage done to the vehicle and even to third-party.

Motor insurance is an efficient safety net to safeguard your asset and prevent your finances from draining behind the repair and maintenance work. It is important to keep your motor insurance updated and look for its renewal date. Never miss out on your motor insurance renewal. You can conveniently do online motor insurance renewal to save time and avoid your policy from lapsing.

Let's look at various types of motor car insurance claims available along with their requirements.

1. Cashless insurance claim:
This settlement process is the most convenient. You don't have to worry about expenses or vent your pockets for the repair work. The motor insurance company will clear all the bills associated with the respective vehicle, thereby giving you cashless benefits.

2. Reimbursement insurance claim:
You have to foot the bills by yourself, and the responsibility of filing for reimbursement is upon you. It can be daunting to keep track of all paperwork of repair, original bills etc. The documents required for claiming insurance should be thoroughly checked and filed accordingly. The claim can remain deficient if the necessary instructions are not followed.

3. Third-party claim:
This claim is enforced to seek coverage to the third-party liabilities. If any third party suffers damage from the insurer, it should be reported to the nearby police station and the motor insurance company. If the roles are reversed, the individual seeking claim must provide the vehicle and owner details needed to claim the insurance.

4. Own damage claim:
This type of claim is filed after the insured's vehicle is damaged in an unfortunate incident. The motor insurance company should be immediately notified where the verification and assessment of the damage will be done before paying the repair cost. The insurer must submit the required documents if a reimbursement claim is needed.

5. Theft claims:
This is raised when a car gets stolen. The initial step is to notify the police, the RTO, and the motor insurance company. Documents required to claim must be maintained and provided along with the car keys.

The following documentation is necessary as deciphered by the insurer:

1. In the case of accidents:

● The claim form with signature

● Copy of motor insurance policy

● Car registration certificate

● Driving licence

● FIR copy

● The bill estimated for damage repair

● Repair bill and payment receipts

● Vehicle inspection address (if no garage is mentioned)

2. In the case of car theft:

● Copy of insurance policy

● RTO theft declaration

● Police FIR copy

● Subrogation letter

● Car registration certificate and book

● Previous insurance policy details

● Any car-related items such as keys, warranties, booklets, etc.

● Forms 28, 29, 30 and 35

● RTO official intimation for theft

● Claim discharge voucher with revenue stamp and signature

3. In the case of the third-party damage:

● Claim form signed and filed

● Police FIR copy

● Driver’s licence

● Registration certificate and related documents

● A vehicle's original registration copy with the stamp

The police and the insurer must be notified about the mishap within 24 hours. The claiming process can become effortless and less complicated if the necessary documents are prepared beforehand. The owner must evaluate the entire situation before claiming anything for their vehicle. Every legal documentation in motor car insurance must be taken care of. Regularly schedule your online motor insurance renewal before the due date so you can avail maximum benefits and safeguard yourself by being a responsible citizen.

Click HERE to get online motor insurance renewal and protect your vehicle.

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.