GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Buying a car in India is seen as more than just a mode of convenient travel. It is seen as an investment and a status symbol too. In such pursuits, people spend way more on their vehicles than they should.

However, considering the income disparity, uncertainty of economic activity, and rising costs in the current scenario, purchasing such high-value assets without security is not feasible. This makes car insurance a necessity.

Despite the benefits of car insurance, there are several things a policyholder has to consider while going through the buying process. It is essential to remember the policy period and renew it before it lapses. Read on to learn all about a car insurance lapse.

What is a policy lapse?

Car insurance is an annual mandatory policy as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. The policy document needs to be renewed within the date mentioned, after which it becomes due and expires—failing to renew it before its expiry is called the lapse of a car insurance policy.

Need to prevent lapse.

A policyholder cannot claim damages incurred after the policy has lapsed since it is no longer valid. Such expenses have to be borne by the policyholder himself. Hence, to protect yourself from getting into such a situation, it is essential to renew your insurance before it lapses.

Effects of a lapse.

Apart from bearing the entire cost of damages by oneself, several other problems arise from allowing your car insurance to lapse, including:

1. Vehicles with lapsed insurance policies must undergo the inspection process, which is rather tedious and time-consuming.

2. After your policy lapses, the premium amount on your policy may be revised and will likely be greater than the amount you were previously paying.

3. Fines and penalties are often inescapable while renewing a lapsed motor insurance policy.

4. If you are found to be driving a car without valid insurance, you may have to shell out a fine of up to INR 2000 as per the present rules in case of your first offence. For repeat offenders, the penalty amount increases, and you may be imprisoned for up to 3 months.

5. Since your insurance is no longer valid, you lose out on the accumulated amount of the No Claim Bonus.

Renewing car insurance after lapse.

Depending on the duration after the lapse, you can proceed with the steps stated below:

1. Within the grace period: Insurance companies usually offer a grace period of up to 90 days post-lapse. If you renew your policy within this period, you may avoid paying additional fees altogether or only have to pay a nominal amount.

2. Post-grace period lapse: If the grace period window has passed, immediately contact your insurer. While some may still allow renewal, be prepared to purchase a new policy if your insurer rejects your request to renew the policy.

3. Post-permanent lapse: If it has been a long while since the expiry of the policy, including the grace period, purchasing a new car insurance policy is the only route remaining. It is inevitable to undergo a car inspection for this process. Ensure you keep track of the policy duration and expiry to prevent making the same error again.

Keeping track of minute details can be challenging amid hectic schedules. Therefore, insurers do their part by sending electronic notifications through texts or emails to alert you about the upcoming renewal of your car insurance. While it is an aid you can benefit from, it is ideal to set self-reminders or set up automatic payments with your bank to stay on top of all things related to car insurance.

Using effective self-reminding mechanisms makes avoiding the consequences of a car insurance lapse easy. Ensure that you compare policies and keep track of periods each time you renew your policy.

Click HERE to buy the best car 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.

The joy of having a companion is truly unparalleled. While some are fortunate to have multiple family members, some adopt pets to count on as their extended family and sail through life's journey together. However, irrespective of the type of pet, it is a significant decision that requires tremendous planning, which comes with several responsibilities.

You must think carefully before getting a pet to ensure that you can provide an appropriate home environment which is safe and happy for it. Having a house insurance India provides personal belongings cover to keep your home safe from the shenanigans of your beloved pet.

Additionally, consider the following tips to pet-proof your home while making it a haven for your furry friend!

1. Inspect your flooring:
Carpets are a standard accessory in most households but and are an easy way to sweep things under the rug. However, for this very reason, they may be a terrible addition to homes with pets. They accumulate bacteria and pet hair, making the house dirty and a breeding ground for diseases. Hardwood floors or non-white tiles are alternatives that can keep your home looking clean and prevent the build-up of dander and fur.

2. Keep fragile items and antiques away:
Adopting a pet may seem like an activity with only fun involved until you see the sacrifices and additional effort required. Before you get your pet home, ensure that you stash away all your fragile and high-value items for the long term in high locations. This way, you can prevent the possibility of damages that are bound to happen as your restless pet explores its new surroundings.

3. Secure all electrical outlets:
Think of getting a pet as the same as welcoming a baby home. You must go through all the motions of baby-proofing the home to keep your bundle of joy- in this case, your pet, safe. Ensure all electrical gadgets are out of reach and all wirings are secured to prevent accidental shocks. Since pets are prone to chewing on all they can sink their teeth on, regularly inspect and secure any worn wiring.

4. Stock up on space separators:
Most effective when in their younger ages, blockades help keep your pet away from specific sections of your home where you cannot continuously supervise or where you wish to keep them away from. Ideally, section off areas where you have large machines like the washing machine or dangerous equipment like the kitchen or your bedroom if you wish to restrict pet access.

5. Get particular about cleanliness:
Pets are messy creatures. No training can eliminate their tendency to make a mess. Use lint rollers to get pet hair off furniture and periodically vacuum the floor to eradicate dirt and pet hair accumulation. Keep your indoor trash cans covered to prevent your pet from knocking them down and creating a more significant problem.

6. Make use of furniture covers:
Depending on your pet's activity levels and age, restricting its access to particular sections may be futile. Therefore, it may be better to use preventive accessories like furniture covers that protect your expensive sofas, lounge chairs, tables, and even bed covers when not in use.

7. Create an exclusive pet zone:
We often hoard items to maximise the space in our homes, leaving our pets with minimal space to stretch out. Ensure that you allocate a small area in your house for your pet to play without obstructions.

Before you welcome your pet, check the above parameters to provide it with a safe habitat. Buying house insurance India is a prudent move to cover financial losses that may occur to your shared home. Depending on its coverage, the policy may even cover pet damages to the house. We hope you have a wonderful time with your pet and enjoy seeing it grow.

Click HERE to buy the best house 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.

Due to the threat of a global pandemic and the surge of different health crises, everyone now should have health insurance. Health insurance coverage can significantly safeguard you and your family from medical expenses during an emergency. This occurrence can be erratic and unexpected, and to protect the family, you or your family can purchase health insurance individually. Or, it would help if you bought a family floater health insurance plan to offer comprehensive coverage to your loved ones.

What is a family health insurance floater plan?

A family floater plan is health insurance that allows your entire family to benefit from a single health plan. These plans cover every family member under one single umbrella policy. Also, they are cost-effective because only one premium payment is needed for all beneficiaries simultaneously.

What are the advantages of getting family floater health insurance?

One of the best things about buying family health insurance is that it covers people of different ages. Neither senior citizens nor even infants require you to have separate insurance coverage. Here are some of the more notable advantages.

1. The Convenience of policy selection:
A family health plan makes it simple to choose a policy that provides coverage for all beneficiaries at once. There is no need to manage the renewals of many policies for various family members or go through the process of shortlisting them all.

2. Adding new members:
Family health insurance policies generally provide maternity benefits. It is simple to add them and provide coverage for newborns and pregnant women. So, if you are planning to start a family soon, choosing a family floater health insurance plan with maternity benefits can be a good deal.

3. Reasonable premium:
Since single-family insurance covers the entire family, coordinating several policies and their renewal dates is optional. In addition, compared to standalone individual health policies, single coverage can be modified to meet beneficiary demands at an affordable cost. Using the online health insurance premium calculator, you can quickly calculate premiums.

What should you consider when buying a family floater health insurance policy?

There are other factors to consider when purchasing individual health insurance coverage. These rely on the individual needs of each family member. Here are some recommendations for choosing a family floater health insurance policy in India.

● Your policy's coverage:
There are various features that you can review before deciding on the final coverage. Coverage is the most important thing to consider when choosing one of these policies since it varies from one to the next.

● Your plan's adaptability:
You must choose supplemental coverage to cover specific age-related ailments. If you start a family, you might have to select maternity coverage. Keep this flexibility in mind when choosing a family floater health insurance.

● No-fuss experience with claims:
Choosing a plan with fewer documentation requirements and other benefits can help you receive a seamless claim experience even though the settlement process is largely the same across insurance companies. Consider a policy that has a high claim settlement record.

Now that you know the benefits and how to choose a family floater health insurance plan, use these helpful suggestions to have your family covered and enjoy the peace of mind you deserve. Addressing your entire family's medical needs may appear daunting, but with the proper knowledge and appropriate insurance coverage, you can get the best deal. Compare different policies online, and understand their clauses, premium, and benefits before making the final decision.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance plan for your family.

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 taking delivery of your new car? But do you know that there are some prerequisites before signing any papers? Suppose you discover a problem after driving your new car away from the dealership; there are chances your dealer may refuse to take responsibility.

To avoid such a situation and ensure that everything is in working order, set up a pre-delivery inspection checklist and do the due diligence. Also, before you hit the road, be sure you have adequate motor insurance coverage from the best motor insurance company in the event of an accident.

Following is a list of things to look for when you take delivery of your new car.

1. Exteriors of the car:
A car might get damaged while being transported from its manufacturer's facility to a dealership stockyard. Check for dents and scratches, paying particular attention to the bumpers and the sides. In addition, look at the paintwork and the finish. Bring any repaint spots, scratches, or dents to the dealer's attention as soon as you detect them.

2. Check the electrical components:
Inspect and test all of the vehicle's electrical components, such as the lights, power windows, in-car entertainment, and the instrument cluster. When an automobile is left in a stockyard for an extended period, rodents often chew through the wiring, resulting in costly repairs. Furthermore, the battery should not be too old. If it is, ask the salesperson for a copy of its warranty card.

3. Interiors of the car:
After completing the exterior inspection, check the vehicle's carpeting, seats, console, and glovebox. You may check to see any wetness in your carpet by taking off the floor mats. Also, inspect the glasses and mirrors for cracks or scratches.

4. Make sure the tyres are in good condition:
Ensure that the tyres are not older than the car by checking the manufacturing date. A hardened rubber compound in old tyres could reduce road traction and cause them to wear out faster than they should. Also, inspect the spare tyre to ensure it is correctly inflated. Then examine the toolkit to ensure that it contains all the necessary tools.

5. Make sure the A/C is working properly:
Turn on the air conditioning and check how quickly the interior cools down. Vehicles that are parked in the dealer stockyard for long accumulate dust. Dirty air ducts can lead to bacterial growth, which is harmful to human health.

6. Check the engine:
Keep an eye out for indicators of fluid leaks and a damaged engine cover under the bonnet. Examine the fluid levels in your vehicle to ensure that they are at the proper levels for your engine oil, coolant, braking fluid, and windscreen cleaning fluid, among others. Furthermore, the engine compartment should be free of dust and debris.

A brand-new car will rarely cause any difficulties during driving. However, when it comes to maintaining security, ensure that you get comprehensive insurance from the best motor insurance company. Compare different motor insurance plans and select the one that provides you maximum benefits and the best premium. And yes, always take the delivery of your new car in the daylight because you will be able to spot defects, scratches or repair work, if any.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best motor 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.