GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Motorcycles are a highly preferred mode of transport in India. While they are easily accessible, there continues to be a majority of the population that has second thoughts before buying them. Shared bike services have recognised the gap and mushroomed in response to market needs.

These short-term rental providers help reduce transport expenses in urban cities.

Despite their affordability, safety is a priority that cannot be compromised with these commute alternatives. Purchasing bike insurance online for your rented bike is a necessity to protect yourself from the cost of accidents. Additionally, running a comprehensive inspection can serve as an adequate preventive measure.

Here is a quick list of components to check before riding a rented bike.

1. Sound tyres
The most obvious component to inspect is the tyres. A safe ride needs to have well-maintained tyres and wheels. A glance will provide enough basis for the wear and tear of both elements. Multiple puncture signs, debris stuck in the ridges, deflated tubes, and worn tread depths are common concerns regarding tyres. For the inner wheel, closely evaluate the spokes' positioning to ensure safety.

2. Sturdy bike chassis
The general frame of the bike must be sturdy. A thorough check of all its essential functions will eventually give you an idea of the usage and condition of the motorcycle. Before leaving the facility with a bike, ensure you have tested its component adherence. A firm shake of the motorcycle will help make this clear. Rattling sounds are a sign of caution to look out for. The older the vehicle, the greater the sounds and the higher the risk of accidents.

3. Working brakes
Brakes are the safety net that can prevent accidents when coupled with riding expertise. A bike with failed brakes is a disaster waiting to happen that you must avoid. Ensure that you test the brakes with high priority. You must check the pressure required to engage the lever and the effective pace of braking. While bike owners often overlook it, bike renters must ensure that the front and rear brakes function flawlessly.

4. Check for any fluid leaks
Bikes do not appear as complex machines but are made of various parts. Many of these components require fluids that lubricate the inner bearings to ensure proper functioning. Some fluids essential for running your vehicle are fuel, clutch, radiator coolant, brake fluid, etc. While you may not know the exact location of each part, a quick check around the bike will expose any leaks. Also, check that these fluids are topped up to ensure optimal functioning.

5. Stands
An assumed to be non-integral part of a two-wheeler are its stands. Check the condition of both- the centre and side stand to ensure the bike is stable when parked. A proper chassis check will reveal any slack in the springs' tension or structural issues with the stands.

6. Indicators, horns, and lights
For a safe riding experience, giving clear indications while on the road is essential. By providing clarity, riders can communicate their intent clearly and prevent accidents. For ensuring smooth communication, the horn and indicators are critical. Test the functioning of indicators, horns, and lights.

Additionally, ensure that your signal reaches other riders. The head, tail, and brake lights deliver your indication. If you see any issues, notify the service provider immediately.

While shared bikes are extremely convenient modes of transport, riders and bike owners must inspect their two-wheelers properly before taking them for a ride. It is their responsibility to prioritise safety and derive value for their money. Additionally, riders and bike owners must consider purchasing bike insurance online to protect themselves against the financial cost of accidents.

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.

In a country like India, where rash driving is very common, you must be extra careful about your actions on the road. You need to be familiar with all the traffic rules and regulations. It is because you endanger yourself, your co-passengers, and even the pedestrians on the road while driving. Following traffic rules saves you from unwanted damage and getting penalised. You should also have bike insurance to secure your motorcycle and finances in a crisis.

Although bike insurance is a good investment, what does it cover? Suppose you meet with a small accident. Is it okay to file a claim for minor dents or scratches? We will answer them all for you in this article.

Is it worth it to claim insurance for bike scratches and minor dents?

Bike insurance claims can be tricky. If you are new to the world of insurance, you will find it challenging to decipher everything. You may face difficulties filing a claim for something that is rightfully yours.

Before you file a claim, you must keep a few things in mind. The first is the extent of the damage done to your vehicle. The second is the type of policy that you have purchased. It determines the level of damage it covers.

With a comprehensive policy, you can file a claim for damages that occurred to your bike. However, if you have third-party insurance, the scenario will be different. In the case of third-party insurance, you will not get the cost for all the damages done to your bike as it covers the damages to a third party's vehicle.

So, for your comprehensive motor insurance policy, access the damage done to your bike and the extent of it. If you believe that the damages are beyond regular repair, you can file an insurance claim. However, you should not file the claim if you think the dents and scratches are repairable and will cost you nominal. In such a case, you must save the insurance claim for a future crisis. It is always better to be on the safer side!

What are the advantages of not claiming insurance for minor dents?

There are many hidden benefits of not claiming bike insurance for minor damages to your bike, including

● Low premium:
It is known that the premium will increase significantly when you claim insurance. It can be bothering for you to pay the increased premium after that. To avoid this, you should not claim minor damages as it will keep your finances in control, and you will enjoy a low premium.

● Lack of claim bonus:
The No Claim Bonus feature in bike insurance offers discounts to policyholders when renewing the policy for not filing a claim during the policy period. The discount increases for the years if you do not raise a claim.

Understanding the basics of bike insurance, such as coverage, inclusions, and future implications is a fundamental requirement before deciding to claim bike insurance. It is usually never worth claiming for minor dents as it can be less fruitful in the long run. Do your due diligence before making major financial decisions, such as purchasing bike insurance, raising claims, etc. Wisely utilise insurance benefits to ensure the best compensation for the damages incurred.

Click HERE to buy the best bike 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.

Bikes are nothing short of an adventure on two wheels. While they have always been highly preferred in the Indian market due to their convenience, relative inexpensiveness, and ease of learning and riding, bikes are also doubling as a means of thrill providers over the last few decades.

With the varied topographical diversity in India, adrenalin seekers that enjoy motorbiking have found new joy in off-roading. While taking your bike on the road not commonly taken may give you momentary exhilaration, keeping your safety in mind before taking on such adventures is essential. Purchase a bike insurance policy that covers accidents resulting from such extreme sports.

Before getting started on your off-roading journey, consider purchasing these add-on covers to your bike insurance –

1. Engine protection:
The bike's engine is quite literally the heart of the machine. Ensuring it is in excellent condition is essential, especially when taking on challenging terrains. Since off-roading involves steep and rocky inclines, it puts tremendous pressure on your bike's engine. This makes it more likely to break down and leads to high engine repair costs. This add-on provides coverage for all expenses allied with engine repairs and maintenance.

2. Zero depreciation:
Wear and tear is a natural occurrence, and your bike is no exception. Usually, in case of raising a claim, the insurance company only admits a partial amount of the insured sum after factoring in the depreciation costs of the bike parts. However, buying a zero-depreciation cover can help you receive a higher claim amount than in the absence of such cover, making it easier to finance the cost of replacing bike components.

3. Theft of personal belongings:
Unlike regular riding, dirt biking requires special equipment that enhances the rider's safety. Such personal belongings are often expensive and require additional care to maintain. In case your riding gear gets stolen, a personal possessions cover can help you recover the insured sum or the cost of the stolen assets, providing peace of mind and financial security.

4. Roadside assistance:
Breakdowns may be frequent, even for regular bikes used for standard conveyance purposes on paved roads. Harsher terrains inevitably lead to greater chances of bike breakdowns due to multiple uncontrollable factors and mechanical failures. In such emergencies, it is necessary to have a backup plan to rely on. A roadside assistance cover provides reassurance of help in unforeseen conditions, making it a key requirement to purchase.

5. Outstation emergency cover:
The outstation emergency cover is necessary for off-road biking enthusiasts who enjoy long-distance biking adventures away from their residences. Generally, most bike insurance companies state the scope of coverage to be outside a 100-kilometre radius from the place of residence stated in the policy papers.

Can you buy specific bike insurance for your dirt biking adventures?

If you are a beginner to the sport, you may think of purchasing the above-stated add-on covers as a hassle and wonder why not buy an all-inclusive dirt biking insurance policy to protect your bike. Whether you intend to use a regular motorcycle for adventure sports or own a dirt bike, most insurance companies in India do not offer specific off-roading bike insurance. However, you may get comprehensive bike insurance that provides extensive coverage for your bike.

As the activity gains popularity, we expect the Indian insurance industry to adapt to the changing demand and provide suitable security cover for adventure activity. Until then, if you wish to take on the thrilling activity, we urge you to purchase the requisite add-on covers to make your bike insurance policy's coverage comprehensive for your needs.

Click HERE to buy bike 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.

Brain power is directly affected by several nutritional factors that enrich our body through the food we eat. Proper nutrition intake helps to boost our cognitive well-being. Our brain constitutes merely 2% of our body weight but consumes almost 20% of the overall energy utilisation. Hence, it is always searching for nutrition, and it becomes our duty to fulfill this need.

Is there any particular nutrient that can boost your brain power? You will be surprised to know that magnesium plays a significant role. Let us know more about it in detail.

*Note
It is crucial to invest in the best health insurance policy in India to avoid venting your pockets while dealing with treatments or medical emergencies.

1. Energy production
Magnesium produces unimpaired energy required by mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells. Magnesium also enhances the activities of the essential enzymes useful in energy production.

If energy production is not optimal, our brains may not function properly. There can be a negative impact on its cognitive powers. Hence, magnesium is essential in our body to facilitate energy production and boost our brain power.

2. Neuronal processes
Other than energy production, magnesium is important for neuronal processes too. It regulates neuro-transmitting signals in the brain. It is the key to the prime neurotransmitters- GABA and glutamate.

Magnesium also helps to maintain sufficient calcium content in the brain cells and regulates the activity of calcium channels. High magnesium levels in the brain can help enhance your memory and learning power. Also, it strengthens the process of synaptic plasticity, which can delay cognitive decline due to ageing.

An increase in magnesium levels in the brain may also increase the pace of neural stem cells production. It can promote neurogenesis in adulthood and improve the brain's adaptability to changing external environments, mood regulation, and cognitive flexibility. Magnesium can also help to maintain proper blood flow to your brain by helping to control oxidative stress and inflammation.

3. Brain decline
Various studies have proven that low magnesium levels can result in a decline in the brain's performance. People who have Alzheimer's disease come up with low levels of magnesium in their cerebrospinal fluid. Studies also show that people using magnesium oxide are less at risk of developing dementia.

Research also shows that magnesium plays a significant role in healing traumatic brain injuries. People treated with magnesium sulphate showed a favourable outcome and recovery within 12 hours. Studies have also proven that magnesium affects the functioning and health of a normal brain.

4. Magnesium-rich foods
Now you must be clear about the power of magnesium in boosting your brain power. But what are the foods that are rich in magnesium? Here's a complete list.

Dark chocolate, spinach, avocado, pumpkin seed, bananas, cashews, leafy green vegetables, whole grain, legumes, almonds, brown rice, black beans, yogurt, fish, and sunflower seed are some foods that are a rich source of magnesium.

Magnesium helps to boost your brain power and cognitive well-being. Increase your intake by consuming more food rich in magnesium. Magnesium is also important for several enzyme reactions impacting your bones, blood sugar, and nerves.

In addition to taking a magnesium-rich diet, you must buy the best health insurance policy in India that can protect you from unplanned financial burdens. Your health can deteriorate anytime, and you may require surgery. Health insurance will cover you in such instances. Do proper online and offline research and opt for the best health insurance policy in India that provides good coverage at the most reasonable premiums.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance policy 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.