GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Be it the snow-capped mountains in the North or the golden sands of the Sahara in the West, India promises something for everybody and provides a wide variety of landscapes, flora and fauna. The country also hosts a wide array of activities like paragliding, surfing, trekking etc., to adventure seekers. However, in this article, we will discuss one of the lesser talked about activities, which is bird watching.

Bird watching is not just limited to spotting birds. It also gives you a better opportunity to explore nature, trees and other aspects of nature. Over the past years, owing to the growing number of endangered bird species, India has dedicated various sanctuaries for birds. These sanctuaries host a mixture of domestic and migratory birds.

Bird watching demands patience and perseverance, but the result is rewarding and exhilarating. Bird watching tours can be an excellent way to enjoy your vacations while indulging in new knowledge activities.

Let’s look at a few places in India that promise an impeccable bird watching experience.

1. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:
Rann of Kutch sees about 300 different species of birds around the year. It is one of the largest breeding grounds for the Lesser Flamingo. Thousands of flamingos are seen flying together, making the skies a beautiful shade of pink. Short-eared owl, Syke’s lark, Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican are just a few of the many birds that you will spot here.

2. Keoladeo national park, Rajasthan:
The Keoladeo national park is India’s most famous bird-watching site. It is located in the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small area of about 29 sq km is the feeding ground for over 400 different bird species. The wetlands have naturally formed earthen mounts to provide perching spots for birds to feed on fish and other aquatic species. The best time to visit is between December and February when migratory birds visit the sanctuary.

3. Kaziranga national park, Assam:
Famously known for its one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga also hosts various species of birds. Kaziranga is famous for its unmatched ecological importance. The Brahmaputra flows alongside the area making the river basin a basis for all life in the region. It has also been identified as IBA or Important Bird Area as it hosts a multitude of birds such as Jerdon’s Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill, Cinnamon Bittern etc.

4. Nainital, Uttarakhand:
In the Kumaon region of West Central Himalayas, one can see a wide range of different flora and fauna. Nainital is home to over 250 Himalayan bird species. The best time to visit is anywhere between November to May. Few species one can spot in Nainital are Chestnut-headed Laughingthrush, Cheer Pheasant, Greater Yellownape, etc. You can experience several walking trails for bird watching here.

5. Chilika Lake, Odisha:
Chilika bird sanctuary in Odisha is one of the most extensive winter grounds for migratory birds. It hosts some of the unique species, such as Purple Moorhen. It also hosts one of the largest breeding grounds for flamingos. The best time to visit is between October to March.

These are a few of the many opportunities you can consider to enjoy bird watching for your next vacation. As mentioned above, bird watching can seem like a tedious exercise, but the results are mesmerising. Keep in mind that you must always carry food, water, and first aid while going birding, as most of these spots are inside jungles or above hills.

Traversing through these terrains might present itself with certain challenges as well. Another essential thing to consider is to invest in general insurance plans before planning to travel. General insurance is sure to add value to your experience while also acting as a safety net for any unforeseen expenses you might face during your trip.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance plans.

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.

Travelling is the best way to explore new places and experience things you've never tried before. But often, when it comes to female travellers, it is restricted due to safety reasons. It is understandable how security is a concern for women but don't let it get in the way of your explorations.

The finest places to visit aren't always the most travelled or popular ones. Hence, we have listed some of the loveliest destinations to visit alone or with your girl gang!

1. Bali:
Bali is one of the most amazing locations for female travellers. Besides cultural tours, it is also a great destination to enjoy a beach vacation. The town's laid-back and tranquil ambience makes it safe for single female travellers. The region has a terrific atmosphere that allows you to reconnect with your inner self.

2. Hong Kong:
Regarded as one of the cities with the least crime rates globally, Hong Kong is a must-see destination for all tourists. It has reasonably priced lodging, which is a perk. The city also has one of the quickest modes of transportation, making it a travel-friendly location for solo female travellers in every manner.

3. Meghalaya:
Meghalaya gains fame from its natural splendour, but what distinguishes this state is how smoothly the matrilineal system runs here. Meghalaya treats its ladies with great respect. Not only do you feel protected in this Northeastern state, but you also get to view society from a new perspective.

4. Melbourne:
Melbourne is a secure city for women and one of the trendiest destinations to visit globally. The great cafe culture of the city makes it an attractive choice for cheerful summer holidays. This could be a perfect place for your all-girls vacation since it gives you access to luxury, peace and fun altogether.

5. Switzerland:
It's safe, gorgeous, and full of options for female travellers. Switzerland's attractions include its beautiful mountains and picturesque magnificence. The core of Switzerland is seeing the big cities and observing the cultural fusion.

6. New Zealand:
New Zealand is a beautiful island country scattered in the Pacific Ocean and one of the most fabulous destinations for women to visit alone. Its pride and glory is its stunning terrain, adorned with spectacular beaches and volcanic gems. New Zealand is a piece of heaven on Earth and one of the most fantastic places for single female vacations.

One should never face curtailment in experiencing the different cultures and people worldwide. We hope this article helps you choose the destination for your next trip with your girl gang.

But remember, wherever you travel in the world, your safety and security are in your hands. Always take the necessary precautions and carry travel insurance to cover damages to luggage, theft and other concerns that you might face while travelling. You can check the general insurance online quote from different insurance companies for competitive premiums and additional features. It is crucial for women travelling solo to protect their trip with full travel insurance to stay safe.

Click HERE to get general insurance online quote

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.

Maintaining commercial vehicles like trucks, carriers, tempos, cars, etc., can be challenging at times, but it is common knowledge that regular maintenance ensures a longer lifetime of vehicles. And missing out on these services will result in expensive repair works that can put a load on your pocket.

Hence a wise option is to follow a regular maintenance regime for your vehicle and invest in motor insurance that provides several benefits while also helping you stay on a budget.

Today, we'll look at ways to ensure your commercial vehicles stay in their best shape.

1. Keep a vehicle checklist:
Since various drivers use and drive commercial vehicles, maintaining a checklist is a good idea. This will ensure that each driver is reminded to check fuel levels, tyre pressure, brake systems, and batteries before making a trip. After the initial check is done, they will know all the shortcomings and fix them before departure.

2. Change engine oil:
Since the oil in heavy commercial vehicles can be spoiled by dust and small dirt particles, it is advisable to change it regularly. Polluted oil can affect the optimal functionality of vehicles and cause various issues during the trip that will be expensive to fix. The oil filters should also be changed frequently to avoid an accumulation of dust and other residues.

3. Engine maintenance:
Excessive smoke, decreased power, and loss of oil pressure are a few indicators of engine failure. Ensure that the engine goes through professional checks to identify any additional defects. These procedures involve exhaust temperature, monitoring engine cooling, and boost pressure.

4. Inspect tyre pressure:
For the maximum value of tyres, keeping a check on the tyre pressure is non-negotiable. Commercial vehicles do not stick to one kind of road. They traverse various terrains to cover long distances and undertake multiple business operations. Inspecting the tyre pressure is the best way to increase the life of tyres. Another way of ensuring better health is by rotating the tyres before they wear out.

5. Keep the vehicles in the shade:
Keeping commercial vehicles away from the harsh climatic conditions when they're not under operation helps maintain their shape for extended periods. If garages and sheds are not an option, you can opt for vehicle covers. They also help in keeping the chassis of the vehicle clean.

6. Train the drivers:
Training the drivers in performing minor repair works can help you reduce maintenance costs in the long run. Conducting drills on maintaining the vehicle and dealing with emergencies as a team can help them understand basic procedures and share ideas and tricks.

Compensating your drivers for putting in extra work, providing health insurance, and good living quarters is an excellent way to ensure that the drivers are well-rested and taken care of. This way, they are less likely to cause accidents.

These were a few ways to ensure the better health of your commercial vehicles. Owning a business that includes commercial vehicles comes with its own set of challenges, but regular upkeep and servicing can ensure reduced cost and investment in the long run.

Do not forget to invest in motor insurance, as it will add value to your service by providing a safety net against all expenses in an unprecedented situation such as accidents or machine failure.

Click HERE to know more about motor 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.

Nobody likes to anticipate any worst-case scenario, but we still prepare for them. However, people investing in home insurance in India are as low as 1%. This shows the lack of awareness about the importance of home insurance which makes Indians highly susceptible to financial and property losses that take years to recover. Every individual who wants to secure the future of their family and property must invest or buy home insurance.

Once you buy home insurance, you can recover from household losses more efficiently. However, purchasing a reliable insurance policy is not enough. It is crucial to abide by the strict regulations involved in your home insurance. Every individual must follow the entire list of dos and don'ts of the insurance policy.

To avail the benefits of your home insurance successfully, you must know some of the critical points that can nullify your home insurance.

1. Renting your home:
While you may think you have the complete liberty to rent out your home, this could jeopardise your insurance policy. Several home insurance companies reject the idea of insuring a shared house. Renting out your home or registering it as a homestay on hotel booking sites can become a risk as insurance companies look at it as sharing your property with someone you don't know well. They might consider this threatening enough to cancel your insurance plan altogether.

2. Exaggerating the value of your home:
If you exaggerate or overestimate the value of your home, it can lead to the cancellation of your home insurance plan. Insurers always cross-check the details given by the homeowner and verify them. To help this, you can show an inventory of all the things you own and their actual monetary and market value. It is good to save receipts of appliances, furnishings, etc., to provide evidence.

3. Practising illegal activities:
Illegal activities like the consumption or sale of narcotics can be grounds to cancel your home insurance policy. No company wants to deal with individuals going against the law. Insurance companies provide policies based on the homeowner's character. Practising illegal activities can be a solid red flag. They may nullify your home insurance policy on the grounds of suspicion. Filing fraudulent claims to gain funds from the insurance company is another illegal activity to steer clear of.

4. Long periods of absence:
If you plan to be absent from home for an extended period, you must check the insurance policy's requirements before you leave. Home insurance policies usually have terms for how frequently they need an adult individual to check on the house's conditions. You must request a trusted individual to check on the condition of your home as per the required intervals. This helps verify that the house is protected against any unknown damage, break-ins, or theft. Contact your insurance company before leaving for an extended period to avoid confusion.

Although most Indians are aware of the dangers of earthquakes, natural calamities and other security threats for their homes, they still do not buy home insurance. You may choose an insurance company to buy home insurance online India that provides you financial security with the additional benefit of covering your insured belongings.

So, check the above set conditions and other guidelines of your insurance contract to avoid your policy getting cancelled.

Click HERE to buy home insurance online 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