GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Owning a house is a dream that most of us wish to turn into reality. We come across pictures of beautiful properties and aspire to own one of them at some point in our lives. However, zeroing down on the house in downtown areas of the city can be an expensive deal. In a country like India, where the population growth is exponential, vertical housing or apartments are inevitable. Over the past decade, we have seen an increasing trend of housing societies and sky-high buildings making their way around the town.

This trend is more prevalent in metros or tier-one cities because of the rising working population. Therefore, buying an independent property in such a city requires an exorbitant price, forcing a second thought. However, the records for a smaller city present a different story, where people still have the ability and the assets to choose independent living and prefer doing the same.

Let's individually understand the perks of both apartment living and independent living and then leave a choice for you to take.

Benefits of apartment living:
Apartments these days are primarily built-in clusters within a housing society where several families reside with all the facilities such as supermarkets, gyms, pools, playgrounds, personal parking spaces, etc. People prefer this form of housing because it ensures easy accessibility, round-the-clock security, regular maintenance, orderly garbage disposal, and an overall community experience that boosts social connectivity.
Another reason why people prefer a pre-built house is because the total cost comes out to be way less than building a house right from laying the bricks. A significant hassle of building a house from scratch is the cost of the plot, legal formalities and clearances, and setting up electricity and water connections. So, choosing to go with apartments makes it more convenient and stress-free.
However, apartments come with a set design, and there is only so much you can do to make changes, which would add up to a surplus amount at the end of the day.

Benefits of independent housing:
Independent housing is ideal for those who enjoy living on their terms. While constructing your house independently, you will be able to choose the design and layout. You can customise the size and the number of rooms. The inbuilt design, windows, balconies, or terrace can all be according to your preference.
People interested in gardening can also benefit a lot from the space around the house. Independent houses ensure more privacy, as these don't share common walls, and there is a significant distance between two consecutive houses. Another huge benefit is that, over time, these kinds of properties fetch a lot of value. Land value is skyrocketing these days, so owning land and a house on it is a massive investment with great returns.

So these are a few benefits of both kinds of housing. House is a place you will call home eventually, so giving a reasonable amount of time and making the right choice that fits your lifestyle is essential. The choice between independent houses or apartments is yours to make, but opting for the best home insurance in India should be non-negotiable as it adds value to your home, may it be an apartment or a bungalow.

Click HERE to learn about the best home 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.

Self-driving automobiles, previously thought to be a sci-fi fantasy, are now cruising the streets in some parts of the world, but there's a catch. They are not yet capable of reaching the benchmark of human drivers. Using the most sophisticated 3D imagery and Artificial Intelligence, car manufacturers want to provide users with a hands-free experience without jeopardizing personal safety. In today's post, we speak about the technology behind these cars and how they influence the future of mobility.

How exactly Self-driving automobiles work?
When the driver selects a destination into the car's navigation system, the software determines a route and drives the car towards it by tracing the route map. A revolving sensor mounted on the roof monitors a 60-meter radius surrounding the vehicle and generates a dynamic 3-D representation of the surroundings.

A sensor on the left rear tyre detects lateral movement to determine the vehicle's position to the 3-D map. Another couple of radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers calculate obstacle distances. The car's AI software is linked to all sensors and receives data from Google's Street View and integrated video cameras. Artificial Intelligence then mimics human perception and handles driving systems like steering and braking.

The vehicle's software constantly checks Google Maps & built-in GPS to be aware of landmarks, road signs, and lights. An override feature allows the drivers to take over the control of the vehicle whenever they want.

Now that you know how a self-driven car works. Let's look at its possible impact on our future.

1. Settlements:
People generally settle near their workplaces to avoid spending the time commuting daily. However, with self-driven cars, people will have extra time for other activities and personal leisure time as they won't have to drive, which means that they will no longer need to settle as close to the workplaces as before.

2. Fewer Accidents:
We know most accidents occur due to human errors. With no humans behind the wheels, there's no possibility of human error resulting in fewer accidents.

3. Mobility for disabled and elderly:
Differently abled people and the elderly will no longer have to depend on others to drive for them. They can just hop in and start navigating.

4. Fewer traffic jams:
Most traffic jams occur due to the congestion of the vehicles on the roads. Everyone wants to get ahead and, in the process, disrupts a free flow of traffic. Self-driving cars can cut down traffic by multiple folds. Sophisticated software and radars will have a sophisticated driving pattern.

5. Less human touch:
A self-driven car is all about software and sensors. They can never be 100% accurate and lack emotions and feelings. The inability to adapt quickly combined with a lack of emotions can have adverse impacts.

The possibilities for driverless cars are endless, and the imagination is at the top among car manufacturers. However, self-driving technology is not yet fully developed. It will take up a significant amount of time, and legal obligations before autonomous vehicles dominate the roads.

Till then, it's time to focus on what we have at hand. May it be a self-driven car or a non-autonomous car, safety always remains an important aspect for both the categories. And, when the safety of assets is concerned, insurance is the solution. So, as we talk about future technologies, why not consider purchasing online car insurance by making the best use of the internet and online resources for a hassle-free buying experience.

Click HERE to know more about online car 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.

Bikes are never out of fashion, and every biker wants his favourite bike to be the show-stopper. You may have seen a lot of tastefully customized bikes and may be interested in modifying your two-wheeler. Different people have different reasons for customizing their motorcycles. Some do it for better designs, while others do it to improve performance or safety.

No matter the reason, here are four things that you should know before you shift into high gear and head straight to one of the bike modification shops.

1. What The Motor law says:
When considering change, the first thing to examine is if the law allows it. To illustrate, if you wish to update the engine to boost its power output, your registration certificate should reflect such modifications. As a result, you must go to the Regional Transport Office and have your registration certificate updated. Minor cosmetic changes, such as adding a sticker, are permissible without clearance. Each state has its own set of rules regulating the use of lights, indicators, license plates, and horns. Before making any changes to your bike, you must comply with the government's regulations, or you'll have to pay a heavy fine. Ensure that you stay lawful!

2. Types of Modifications and their Impact on premiums of 2 wheeler insurance:
Performance-based modification: Performance enhancements on two-wheelers often involve fuel-efficient technologies or mechanisms to enhance speed. Remember, a higher speed increases the probability of an accident. Given the danger, it will surely raise your 2 wheeler insurance premium.
Aesthetic modification:When you modify your bike to look more aesthetic, it raises the chances of theft, thus increasing the premium.
Safety modification: By adding security features to your bike, you reduce the chances of bike theft. As a result, you save money on insurance costs too.
Modifications for the disabled:If a specially-abled person rides a bike and is modified to meet the convenience, the insurance provider will not charge an additional premium.

3. Inform your insurance provider:
Keep your insurance company informed of any alterations you want to make to your two-wheeler. Some two-wheeler changes may result in an increased premium amount. Failure to disclose these modifications may be seen as unlawful, leading to claim denial by the insurer.

4. Get the job done by a professional:
While the potential for heavy-duty modifications to two-wheelers is restricted, you can still make many alterations. Paintworks, for example, are still permitted as long as they are within the RTO guidelines. Similarly, the installation of minor extras such as decals, visors, and engine fairings remains allowed. Make sure that only specialists perform these tasks.

Remember, your bike is a machine, and like any other machine, it has its limitations. Therefore, you need a skilled bike modifier who can assess your bike's capabilities, consider your needs in terms of adjustments, and then begin working on a plan.

Whether you modify your vehicle or not, you must hold valid insurance if you want to ride your two-wheeler lawfully on Indian roads. Also, you need to prepare yourself for uncertain events or situations like accidents, maintenance fees, and other service costs involved before they take a toll on your finances. So get reliable 2 wheeler insurance and forget all the stress.

Click HERE to know about the most economical plans for your 2 wheeled companion.

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.

It is the festive season in India, the perfect time for family get-togethers, mini-vacations and the excitement of shopping! Irrespective of the socio-economic factors and the varied buying habits of customers, Indians dominate the world in their crazy obsession with shopping.

And this creates an excellent business opportunity not only for the wholesalers but also the retailers. With super busy markets, sales reach new heights, and people begin to recognize themselves as shopaholics. But we can't blame them, can we? With all the exciting deals around, no one will be able to resist the urge to buy things.

And, so it seems like a pleasant occasion to buy the new bike you have wanted for a long time now. In this article, we will assist you in getting an excellent deal for the new bike you wish to bring home this festive season.

1. Evaluate different options: Check out all the options available to you, as the same bike might be available at different prices across different showrooms. Evaluating alternatives and substitutes always result in a better price. Compare the offers that all the showrooms or private dealers have for you during this festival. Always go for offers with a monetary discount and not just some freebies.

2. Do not rush, take it slow: Take your time to do things your way. People always have a fear of missing out. 'Last day' and 'limited stocks' are a few of the many things dealers say to make you swipe your cards. Also, don't stress if the festival ends. Often the sellers extend the offer for the next few days. If you miss Ganesh Chaturthi, there is always a Navratri sale, and the following is a Dhanteras offer, not to forget about the Diwali season. So, the bait of 'last chance, hurry up!' is not for you to fall prey to.

3. Payment mode of smart finances: We often neglect the payment mode thinking it does not make a huge difference, but it does. If you pay close attention, you will notice that net banking charges, credit and debit cards, or a payment application are different for different brands and dealerships. Certain bank cards provide you with an extra 5% or more discount. Making a cash payment at the counter might also earn you a concession. So do not overlook all these aspects if you want to grab the best deals that don't loosen your pocket much!

4. Beware of fake deals: Many dealers trick you by hiking prices just before the season starts and then provide discounts, making no difference in your price. Do not fall for freebies! Not all of them are useful. And if they attract you, you will only end up gathering a load of unwanted items.

Bike insurance will always be a necessity when you buy a new bike. Even the insurance companies flash exciting offers and unique festive benefits to attract potential customers. You can check the BIKE INSURANCE ONLINE, compare the deals of multiple companies, and buy the one offering the best value-for-money.

Do you think is it fair to select products solely based on their price? Sure, money matters, but so do standards and features. It is safe to do some market research beforehand to bring good fortune for you this festive season. Look beyond the offer and also focus on the specifications of the bike you decide to buy. That is how you make a real deal.

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.