GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

The volatility of employment and predicting an incoming global economic recession are challenging. These make the consumers to save for tomorrow rather than spend on luxuries and comforts today. While motorcycles are cheaper than cars, they are by no means easy to afford with rising inflation, fuel costs, and other allied servicing costs.

This often leaves a majority of potential buyers to consider a second-hand motorcycle. While many have concerns about buying used motorcycles, by doing due diligence, inspecting the vehicle's mechanical condition, and purchasing two-wheeler insurance India, you can get your hands on a beneficial asset that can provide you with value for years to come!

Here is a checklist of bike parts and inspections to run through before purchasing a used motorcycle.

1. Engine:
The engine is the heart of any vehicle. To check the engine's condition, request the seller not to run the bike. A cold start is the best way to gauge the engine's usage and wear and tear. Look out for smoke from the exhaust pipe or any sputtering noises. Oil leaks are another sign to keep a watch for.

2. Drive chain and sprocket:
While these components may seem highly technical, they are readily identifiable parts in all two-wheelers. Simply put, it refers to the bike chain and the chain wheel, which facilitate gear engagement, acceleration, and power transmission.
Ideally, the chain should only have a slack of three-fourths of an inch to function appropriately and should not shift off the wheel when prodded. If the wheel displays signs of corrosion or wear and tear, it indicates a poorly-maintained bike. Ensure you list your dissatisfactions and factor them in when negotiating a fair price with the seller.

3. Tyres:
Well-maintained tyres are essential for a safe riding experience. Put the motorcycle on its centre stand and check its tread depths. Ensure that they are not too deep, which results in poor gripping and an excess risk of accidents. Cracks along the inner side or rubber toughening are signs of weathered tyres.
Also, check the wheel alignment by spinning the rear wheel. Any wobbling or creaking are indicators of weathered wheel bearings which require replacement. Ensure you check the tyres thoroughly to estimate the cost of repairs and acquisition of the used motorcycle.

4. Visible frame:
The motorcycle's frame can be challenging to inspect depending on the effort spent to spot the issues. Scratches and dents may be the signs of accidents that inevitably affect the overall functionality of the bike's components.
In case you purchase such bikes, even after buying two wheeler insurance India, you may not be able to claim the insurance amount due to the vehicle's poor condition before the accident.

5. Under-seat storage:
An often overlooked part, the under-seat storage locking mechanism, must be checked when purchasing the vehicle. Feel around the space underneath the seat to ensure that it is steady to fit your belongings.

6. Odometer:
Contrary to popular belief, it is easy to replace an odometer. Sellers of old vehicles can tamper with the odometer and try to sell off an old bike as a relatively new one. After inspecting the motorcycle as per the above checklist, check the odometer reading. Ensure that it is aligned with the condition of the vehicle.

While this is not a comprehensive list, it covers the essential things to check before purchasing a used motorcycle to protect yourself from misrepresentation and unfavourable deals. Additionally, since used bikes have a relatively unsafe perception, we recommend buying 2 wheeler insurance online to protect yourself from the risk of financial losses due to accidents.

Click HERE to buy a robust 2 wheeler insurance online for your motorcycle.

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.

Much like oil, the coolant in your car is a special fluid that can't be overlooked. Although, in comparison to oil, the coolant needs less attention. Car owners often tend to neglect it, which can severely damage the vehicle and potentially be life-threatening.

This post will give you a clear idea about what will happen if you drive with low or no coolant.

What is coolant?
Coolant is a combination of water and antifreeze. It has a greater boiling point than water, and works at higher temperatures and pressures to regulate the heat generated in the engine. It takes heat from the engine and radiates it back into the atmosphere via your radiator.

Here are the effects of driving with insufficient coolant.

1. Overheating:
The main function of a coolant is to extract heat from the engine. A shortage of coolant may cause your car engine to overheat. If you continue to run an overheated engine, there could be irreversible damage, such as pistons welding to the cylinders.

2. Engine cutoff:
Modern vehicles feature a safety mechanism that will turn off the engine if it suffers considerable damage due to a lack of coolant. Although this function can help you save on engine repairs, it can leave you stranded on the road.

3. Damage to the water pump:
The water pump’s function is to circulate coolant throughout the engine. The pump will continue to run dry if there is insufficient coolant. If the pump goes dry, racks and pockets of air will form in the coolant channel. This increases the pump’s burden and can destroy it permanently.

4. Damage to engine:
The engine blocks are not the only sections that can be damaged by overheating. Many other components can become exposed to heat.
Below is the overview of parts that may suffer the wrath of an overheated engine:

• Head gaskets

• Cams and pulleys

• Warped or bent connector rods

• Crankshaft

• Piston timing

• Connecting rod

5. Decreased mileage:
Your car's engine will be less efficient if you don't have enough coolant. Friction generates more heat, which means more energy is spent. As a result, the fuel efficiency is dismal.

How to identify low coolant levels?

1. Dashboard Warning:
The coolant warning light will light up on your dashboard when car sensors detect a low level of coolant. Keep an eye on your dashboard; it is essential to note that not all cars, especially the older ones, have this feature. Therefore, consider manual checking of the level periodically.

2. A.C. blows hot air:
If your AC unit starts blowing hot air, it is a sign of a lack of coolant.

3. Lower mileage:
Your car starts to consume more fuel per km and shows reduced engine performance.

4. Temperature gauge rise:
The temperature levels of internal components start showing an unexpected spike due to the low level of coolant.

It is vital to make regular coolant checks a habit. If your car's coolant runs out, pull over immediately. Let the engine cool to a safe operating temperature before going to the nearest garage.

If you're unable to drive to a garage, have your car towed to avoid the risk of further damages. Car insurance proves to be a valuable investment in such situations. So, purchase a car insurance policy that provides you with your desired benefits and adds value to your four-wheeler.

Click HERE to invest in ideal car insurance that meets all your requirements.

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.

Technological advancements are visible in a country like India, where economic developments are happening rapidly. These changes are accelerating the growth in all sectors, including the automobile sector. The car industry is an essential growth driver of the Indian economy, and a lot is yet to be done in this field.

Additionally, the Indian economy is set to grow by 7.4% in the coming years. This will significantly impact the automotive industry as well. Car sales in the country have grown by 50% in the last few years, and it is set to record more in the coming years. Automobile ownership will take a giant leap and be a convenient option for most commuters.

However, with such growth, the risks also increase. This also leads many fraudsters to take different ways and means to hack and steal. As the existing state of motor security in India is inadequate, every motor insurance company in India is trying to protect people against such crimes.

All next-generation cars must follow more security regulations to address these challenges. Let's have a detailed look at them.

What is the current scenario of vehicle security in India?

Like everything else, the car security statistics of India are not satisfactory. Every year, more advanced means of theft are discovered. Car theft, hijacking, and robbery are common matters these days. The cars are also more prone to theft because there aren't enough safe parking spaces, which makes them easy targets for carjackers.

What is car hacking?

The automotive industry is under the radar of cyber criminals every day. As the technology is being developed, the risk increases. Vehicles are more connected and automated than ever. This allows cybercriminals to hack into the system and steal valuable data.

They make use of malware to get into the vehicle's system and gain access to all the connected devices as well. These mischievous minds can use this to steal financial data, personal information, and the car.
They make use of malware to get into the vehicle's system and gain access to all the connected devices as well. These mischievous minds can use this to steal financial data, personal information, and the car.

What can be done to prevent it?

After the car theft crime rate is increasing rapidly, the Indian government initiated various guidelines for the automobile industry. These security regulations need to be thoroughly followed by all future vehicles. These rules will keep drivers safe and expect to reduce the crime rate. These are

1. Security standards:
The government is trying hard to elevate the safety standards of vehicles. This means that all vehicles need to be equipped with GPS trackers in the future. Additionally, an anti-theft device should be placed too.

2. Using a High-Security Regulation plate:
HSRPs come with a non-removable snap-on lock which is irreplaceable. All the vehicle details, like chassis and engine numbers, can be collected and stored in a secure database using HSRP. These unique number plates will bring uniformity by eliminating the use of fancy plates. This can also aid authorities in easily tracking your vehicle's registration number.

3. Update all software:
It is crucial to regularly update all security patches of your vehicle's firmware and other IoT software to eliminate any possibility of hacking or breaches. Another advanced solution for connected vehicles includes public-key infrastructure (PKI) that ensures a superior level of security.

4. Awareness:
Regular awareness drives and car security campaigns are mapped out for all car owners so that they can be prevented from theft. This also includes educating them about tracking devices, hacking, etc.

5. Accessible public transportation:
The government is creating a massive public transportation infrastructure for the general public's convenience. Buses and metros are being developed every day, and more cities are being included in the list of metros. This will reduce the dependence on private vehicles.

The future of next-generation cars relies on technology. GPS trackers, Bluetooth connectivity, and anti-theft devices are the future of the automotive industry. They will be mandatory in the future. Every motor insurance company is considering them while planning out their insurance policies.

Click HERE to buy a policy 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.

Being healthy is one of the essential human development goals that has now turned into a necessity of the hour. Kidneys plan an essential role in enhancing the functions of our body, and like all organs, they have a due place in our system. Health risks can come untimely, and it is advisable to subscribe to any of the available, Affordable Health Insurance plans to enjoy protection against the financial cost of treatment. But it is equally important to follow specific tips through which you can fight even the toughest of kidney problems: -

• Eat right It is an essential component in maintaining your health, and there is no way you can hope to make some progress with a healthy lifestyle if you don’t eat right. Fresh fruits, whole grains, frozen vegetables, and low fat/fat-free dairy products are some of the essential food components that must be focused upon. It is vital to cut back on salt and added sugar along with a particular focus on maintaining less 2300 milligrams of sodium every day.
• Physical activity and aiming for the right weight An active schedule of about 30 minutes on most days can aid in keeping the calories and cholesterol under control. You can always consult a health care provider about the right kind of exercise that suits your physique. Use the NIH body weight planner to tailor your calories and the physical activities that will help you in maintaining the right weight. Being obese exposes you to various health risks, using a dietician can be extremely helpful.
• Indulge in stress-reducing activities To manage stress and cope with your problems, just the right way to improve emotional and physical health. Meditation or yoga are some of the most popular styles in which you can gain physical and mental health benefits. Stress can also be significantly reduced if you are sleeping on time. A human body needs about 7-8 hours of proper sleep to maintain all the inappropriate systems conditions.
• Avoid alcohol intake It tends to increase blood pressure, thereby adding to calories, which can lead to weight gain. Other health issues add to additional risks, thus making the need to search for affordable health insurance plans. Keep a tab on the consumption of alcohol and make sure that it does not exceed one drink a day. It is also advisable to avoid counter pain medications, especially the regular usage of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, since they have the potential to damage kidneys.
• Keep a regular tab on your blood sugar Your glucose numbers every day and make sure they are near the goal you are aiming for. Maintaining your blood sugar level is one of the most efficient ways to be alert for any diabetic issues. Maintain a regular tab over your blood pressure number and take all the medication that has been prescribed by your health care provider.

These are some of the most effective ways through which you can keep all the kidney problems at bay. However, you must focus on browsing through affordable health insurance plans to get an idea about the best offers available online from leading insurance companies.

One of the best ways to safeguarding your finances while availing medical treatments is getting health insurance. Good health insurance protects you and your family against the various health risks that life toss at us over time — it lets us have that peace of mind.

However, not all the claims that are raised are settled. There are various reasons for a claim application getting rejected. A claim rejection could lead to much unwanted financial stress. By making sure of certain things, you can put away the anxiety of your claim rejection.

Here will look at the reasons why health insurance policies get rejected.

Claim process

Health insurance is a contract between the insurance provider and you. To make sure that all the terms in the agreement are retained while filing a claim, you need to input correct details in the application. If you decide to hide any bit of information about your health in your insurance documents, then you may get into some trouble while filing a claim. Misinformation can lead to your claim being rejected.

Health conditions

Some health insurance companies do not provide cover for specific illnesses. So if you happen to fall ill with these diseases, then your insurance might come of no use. It is advisable to get an insurance which has support for critical illnesses, as it will save you much hassle later on. To begin with, you should get a thorough health checkup (most of the insurance companies provide this option). This will help you know what the potential illnesses that you might face in the future are.

Policy period

Health insurance policies expire after a certain period, depending on the terms that you have agreed with. Expired health insurance is no good. If you make a claim after your health insurance has expired, then your claim is bound to be rejected. Make sure that you keep on paying your insurance premiums before your policy expires, or get insurance which lasts you throughout your life.

Exclusion policies

There are certain conditions — depending on the insurance provider — under which you are not liable to file a claim. These conditions are also called insurance exclusions. So if you happen to raise an insurance claim against these exclusions, then your policy might get rejected. To deal with this situation, it is best to read the policy terms and conditions carefully. You can even consult your insurance provider if you do not understand a particular clause.

If you are looking for a good health insurance policy for family or yourself, then Magma HDI health insurance can, indeed, be an ideal option. It provides you cashless hospitalization of an extensive network of hospitals across India and offers you features such as optional cover for critical illnesses so that the health of you and your family is secured at minimal costs.

Most car insurance plans are usually aimed at providing the services for one year, post which they are renewed. However, not being satisfied with the kind of services you have been receiving from your insurance company can be extremely disheartening. In this situation, you can decide to compare and buy a car insurance policy online. While switching car insurance may seem like an easy task at the outset, there is a lot of research that goes into deciding since you aspire to receive the best services. Here are some of the most critical factors that must be kept in mind before shifting your car insurance: -

• Premium and car cover There is no guarantee if you will receive a change in the car premium, and this is entirely dependent on your insurance company. However, like all things, even this may vary according to the risk covered by the premium, which is again determined on the base of zonal risks. It is only natural for the insurance company to ask for a higher premium if you are aiming to locate yourself at a catastrophic prone zone like floods or earthquakes.
• Importance of no claim bonusThis is one of the most important factors of every general policy. Shifting your car insurance may lead you to wonder about the NCB points earned during the previous investment. You can finally heave a sigh of relief since NCB is offered to the insurer for every year that goes unclaimed and is definite to follow you, despite your location. Be it changing the vehicle or switching to a new insurance provider; you can always hope to find your earned NCB everywhere with you.
• Importance of upgrading cover A new place means a shift in requirements and needs. It is always advisable to analyze your vehicle before availing any insurance service since you will then be equipped to make the right decisions. While aiming to Buy Car Insurance Policy Online , be sure to get a comprehensive insurance policy with third-party coverage. This will aid in protecting your car from any potential damage that may occur to being involved in an accident, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, among other things.
• Evaluate your reasons It is important to understand why you are tasking a drastic step of changing your car insurance. While the reasons may be many, increased car insurance premium brings with it additional financial responsibilities. You need to be sure about the decision you are taking and should be able to afford the premium.
• Inform your current insurer When you inform your current service provider, they are sure to provide you with ample reason to stay. They may even meet you to resolve your grievances. If you feel your problems have been resolved, stick the decision to stick to your current service provider or changing it depends entirely on your convenience. Also, an additional tip is to not just focus on low premiums, since there are other features like, list of network garages and customer service efficiency that must be kept in mind while availing any insurance company’s offer.

You can always check details about a car insurance policy online and carefully analyze every feature that comes with different companies to make the right decision.

The returning riders, also known as the born-again riders, are folks who previously rode motorcycles and want to get back into it. No matter how professional you were in the past, continuing something after a break has some adverse outcomes. Therefore, if you have given up riding for any reason and wish to reclaim it with your two-wheeled companion, there are a few risks you need to keep in mind.

This article will thoroughly guide you with the best tips to avoid mishaps for returning riders. We suggest investing in bike insurance for your two-wheeler before you restart your lost desire to ride a bike again. In case you already have one make sure it is up-to-date.

1. Begin slowly and safely:
Returning riders should take it easy at first and gradually gain confidence while riding. Start your first few trips with short distances and ideally in minimal traffic conditions. Do not push your limits and end the journey whenever necessary.

2. Know which bike to start with:
If you have not hit the road for a long time, consider going for a moderate bike at the beginning. Compared to the bikes you rode in your days, the current models can be overwhelming for you. For example, if you decide for high horsepower and remain unsuccessful in handling it, your motivation will hit the ground. It will leave you disappointed and undermine your confidence. Hence, go for a manageable bike at first, and once you've acquired confidence and improved your road sense, you may always upgrade.

3. Consider taking a refresher course:
Although this sounds a bit unnecessary, basic training at a motor learning school helps you regain control of the two-wheeler and understand the updated traffic. Even if you can't seem to find a physical course, the internet will never let you down. Numerous articles, podcasts, videos, vlogs, and blogs regarding this subject will guide you in the right direction.

4. Learn and adapt to what has changed:
Regardless of the gap in your riding, the technology and regulations would be different when you start over. The machines used in today's bikes are advanced, tyres have anti-skid grips, and the braking systems have improved. Try to acquire the knowledge of up-gradation as much as possible to avoid facing issues about adaptation to new things.

5. Don't skip the riding gears:
Never neglect your safety gear. If your gears from earlier do not fit you anymore, get new ones right away. There is no acceptable reason to skip wearing your riding gear for any occasion.

6. Learn how to unlearn:
The future is for those who can learn to unlearn numerous times throughout their lifetimes. This should be a motto for born-again riders. Forget all the myths and misleading facts from the old days and make space for new logic and learning. Technology progresses every day, and so does the experience based on it. Gain knowledge of it prior and incorporate it into your riding style as often as possible.

We hope to assist you in making your transition easier than possible. The above-compiled tips will surely do the job. Also, having bike insurance will boost your confidence and ensure a happy return to biking. So, if you’ve made up your mind, then you’re set to dominate the roads again!

To get the best bike insurance, click HERE .

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.

How well are you prepared for a situation like a brake failure? Well, most people can't imagine the correct answer. Imagine you are driving comfortably, and your eyes are engaged on the road. Then, when you approach traffic or a speed breaker, you hit the brake pedal, but your car doesn't slow down. You repress harder this time, but you are still speeding. Are brake failures terrifying to even think about? It's best to prepare for such panic scenarios.

Brake failures usually are not recognized beforehand; they hit you when you are in motion. It can be a panicking situation leaving the driver clueless and inviting a potential threat to his life.

In today's post, we'll talk about the dos and don'ts to stop your car safely when the brakes fail.

What to do?

1. Don't lose your cool:
We understand it's easier said than done but try not to panic. This will only put you and the passengers in unnecessary danger at the time of an actual stressful situation.

2. Go easy on the throttle:
Immediately take your foot off the accelerator pedal. You don't want to speed up even by mistake as it can only worsen the situation and make the vehicle handling uncontrollable.

3. Pump the brakes:
Press the brake pedal multiple times to generate enough pressure in the hydraulic system of the brakes. This can miraculously work out, and you'll be able to halt your car even after brake failures.

4. Lower the gears:
If the pumping doesn't help, shift into a lower gear gradually. Doing this increases the mechanical resistance, referred to as engine braking.

5. Engage handbrakes:
Some cars can restrict you from shifting to extra-low gear until the car has slowed sufficiently. In such cases, handbraking comes in. When you engage the handbrakes, do so gradually. If you suddenly apply them, your car can go skidding to make the situation worse.

6. Turn on the AC to the maximum:
Turning the AC to the max will take a few kilowatts of power. Turning on all extras will cause resistance to the alternator that can help you slow down.

Other dos:

● Keep your vision on the road at all times.

● Turn on the hazard lights. This will notify other drivers that you're in an emergency.

● If you notice an uphill road, use it to your advantage. Taking your vehicle to it will help you curb the speed.

● Wear your seatbelt at all times.

● Follow the speed limits on all roads.

Now that you know what to do. Let’s discuss the don'ts real quick:

● Do not continue driving on cruise control.

● Do not cut the ignition or change the gear to neutral as you will lose the full control.

● Do not shift from higher gear to low gear drastically. The same goes for handbrake. Do not engage it at once. This can cause skidding.

● DO NOT shift to reverse gear. This will completely shatter the gearbox, and further will not allow you to downshift.

● Don't move sideways with a speeding vehicle. Yes, it increases friction, but you run the danger of spinning out.

● Do not run into a concrete wall or a block to crash stop; go for shrubs and bushes.

When such situations arise, you are in danger and the rest of the commuters around. Therefore, you must think rationally and make decisions. You and your car can sustain damage in such scenarios; having reliable car insurance at your disposal will help you recover from it. If you have one, check for your car insurance renewal before you hit the roads. Car insurance renewal is a ticket for extended protection of your prized possession.

Also, don't ever overlook the necessity of having your car serviced at regular intervals so that critical safety systems, such as braking, are well maintained.

Car insurance renewals are possible online now. Click HERE to do it right now.

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.