GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Several state and national highways link India's vast geography. The country's roadways network stretches over 5 million kilometres while consistently increasing and is one of the largest roadway networks globally.

This vastly interconnected system is financed by the Indian Government that collects a sum of taxes from the citizens for the regular maintenance of the roads. Therefore, it is integral for every citizen to pay their taxes on time for the smooth functioning of the roadway system.

What is Road Tax?
When purchasing a vehicle, an individual must pay the base manufacturing price and a few extra charges. These additional charges typically include registration fees, relevant motor insurance, and a motor or Road Tax. The road tax is a sum of money paid while purchasing a vehicle in the state or country. The tax differs in all states as it is subjected to different tax structures and clauses.
A certain amount of road or toll tax is levied on vehicles using the state or national highways. These taxes differ according to state regulations, highway distance, and other relevant factors.

Who determines the Road Tax?
These Government bodies typically determine the road tax:

1. The state government levies the state vat tax, toll tax, annual or lifetime motor vehicles tax, and passenger and goods tax.

2. The Central Government levies the GST, customs duty, central excise, central sales tax, and other additional charges depending on the vehicle category.

Who has to pay the Road Tax?
While purchasing a vehicle, motor insurance is not the only cost that the individual must incur. The road tax is a compulsory tax that the individual must pay while purchasing a new vehicle. In India, this tax is charged on both private and commercial vehicles. Every individual who purchases motorised vehicles such as bikes or scooters, cars, auto-rickshaws, or even buses and trucks, needs to pay the tax irrespective of the vehicle's size.
Although the vehicle's manufacturing cost price primarily determines this tax, it is typically calculated considering other factors such as the motor or engine capacity, seating capacity, weight, and cost price. Thus, the road tax paid by every individual differs based on the vehicle as well as the state of purchase.

When and Where to pay the Road Tax?
An individual must pay the road tax for a vehicle during its registration. Depending on the state's mandate, the tax can be paid with flexibility, either one-shot payment or in yearly instalments. The vehicle owners may choose to pay the tax offline or online as per their convenience. If one is shifting their residence to another state, they need to re-register their car in the RTO of the new state and then repay the road tax.
To sum up, paying the road tax is an essential duty of every vehicle owner as a responsible citizen to help contribute and maintain the country's roadway network. However, being responsible for your vehicle's safety is equally important, and you can achieve this by purchasing a motor insurance plan that offers complete protection to your valuable asset.

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.

Water is the solution to all problems, according to most people. And no doubt, it is indeed one of the most potent ingredients for a healthy life. Good skin, weight loss, better hair, or even mild headache, water is a cure for all. It is an essential resource for life to exist and flourish. However, excess of anything is poison. Similarly, excessive consumption of water can have several complications and side effects.

Surprising, isn’t it? This article is just for you if you want to know how overhydration can harm you. We will look at all the side effects that excessive water consumption can cause. Let’s take a look at different kinds of overhydration and their causes.

1. Overdrinking:

Overdrinking is a condition that happens when you drink too much water and your kidneys fail to flush out as much urine. This leads to water accumulating in your bloodstream, causing the dilution of essential substances.

2. Water retention:

This situation arises when the body cannot flush the water correctly due to various medical conditions. Several heart diseases and liver and kidney problems may cause water retention in your body.
The colour of the urine is a good indicator of water levels in your body. Pale yellow colour urine indicates the optimal amount of water in your body, while darker colour urine indicates dehydration. If, however, your urine is transparent, that is a clear indication of overhydration.

Now let’s take a look at the effects of overhydration:

1. Water intoxication:

When you consume more than five to six litres of water daily, you may start seeing symptoms of water intoxication. Some minor symptoms include headaches, cramps, spasms, vomiting, and fatigue. The more severe consequences of water intoxication can be seizures or blackouts.
If you start noticing symptoms like those mentioned above, rush to the nearest hospital. The excess amount of water in your body can lead to fluid build-ups in the cells leading to swelling. Swelling can lead to coma and seizures and can even be fatal if not given immediate medical attention.

2. Nausea or vomiting:

The symptoms of dehydration and overhydration are almost interchangeable. Since too much water is accumulated in the system, the body rejects the excess. This leads to diarrhoea or vomiting.

3. Headaches:

As the body’s salt levels deteriorate significantly, the cells swell. The swelling causes pressure inside the brain cells, causing severe headaches. Sometimes it can lead to clotting and troubled breathing as well.

4. Weakness and lethargy:

Like salt, the electrolytes dilute due to excess water in the body. Electrolytes are crucial when it comes to maintaining energy levels in your body. An imbalance in the electrolyte levels can lead to fatigue and weakness.
It can also cause muscle cramps and spasms. Your kidneys are working extra to flush out the unwanted water. This creates a hormonal reaction leading to drowsiness and feeling less energetic.

5. Swollen body parts:

Due to an increase in the water retention in your body, and the electrolyte imbalance, you may notice swelling in different parts of your body, such as the legs, lips and fingers. You may also notice a discolouration resulting due to hormonal changes caused by excessive water.

These are a few side effects of excessive water consumption. Excess water in your body can bring about various hormonal and other significant changes. Treatment for these should be taken under the guidance of a medical practitioner to avoid further complications. However, an immediate remedy to overhydration is the consumption of salts or electrolytes. Regaining the concentration of salt and electrolytes in your body can be a temporary cure.

Just like overhydration, there might be other issues in your body that you might not be aware of. Get an expert opinion to recognise any underlying issues and address them with proper and timely medication. Many online health insurance companies provide comprehensive coverage on all such check-ups and treatments that you might want to look into. Take advantage of this feature and benefit yourself and your loved ones.

Click HERE to know more about online health insurance companies.

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.

Spare parts can either extend the life of a vehicle or cause it to fail instantly. Often fake replacement parts are created without the consent of the manufacturer. As a result, it is difficult to distinguish between genuine spare parts and counterfeit replacements. Furthermore, because fake parts are less expensive, consumers are more likely to purchase them to save money and fail to verify their validity.

The performance of fake spare parts is inferior to that of original replacements. You never know when they'll give out and do harm to the car's workings or its passengers. Purchasing car insurance can protect you from any damage caused to your vehicle. Always compare various new car insurance rates to find the best deal for you.

Here are some of the reasons why fake spare parts are dangerous.

1. Safety is at risk:
Fake spare parts may endanger not only the safety of the vehicle but also its passengers. To give an example, if you were to buy fake brakes, you might have trouble applying brakes on time. Fake engine spare parts can also result in a short circuit, potentially dangerous to the engine's functionality. As a result of these factors, counterfeit replacement parts are considered a safety hazard.

2. Additional expenses:
The majority of individuals believe that acquiring cheap spare parts will save them a significant amount of money. However, it results in increased expenditure because the fake spare component will often fail to function. Instead, authentic spare parts will save money because they will last longer and come with a warranty.

3. Has an impact on the vehicle's warranty:
Warranties are valid guarantees for a specific period. The carmaker agrees to repair any defective spare parts or repair the vehicle. Using fake spare parts may void the warranty completely. Another critical reason to avoid using counterfeit spare parts is to protect yourself from identity theft.

4. Safety concerns for other vehicles:
If you use forged spare parts, your vehicle's systems will not perform to their maximum capacity. This means you will be putting other people in danger when you drive.

5. Poor quality:
Given the heavily low price of fake spare parts, the companies are frequently forced to compromise quality and appearance. Moreover, the materials utilised are of poor quality. As a result, these parts are not constructed to survive for an extended period. Therefore, spending a little more money on authentic parts is preferable rather than settling for low-quality counterfeit replacement parts that pose a higher risk.

6. Other potential risks:
For various reasons, it's best to avoid using counterfeit replacement parts. Like, at higher speeds, fake tyres might deflate and fall apart. Fake oil filters may be ineffective in filtering, making the counterparts go dry. This will have an impact on the engine's operation. Installing cheap seatbelts and airbags is a terrible idea that can be life-threatening during mishaps.

In addition to reducing the vehicle's depreciation value, buying fake parts is a poor decision for various reasons. These faulty spare parts can betray at any point, making them more dangerous. So, as a sensible customer and a responsible citizen, and refuse to buy fake spare parts. Also, check out the most affordable new car insurance rates that can protect you in the event of an accident.

Click HERE to know more about the new car insurance rates.

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.

If you have just come back from a long trip and your bike is covered in dust and looked nothing like you would want it to, then this article is for you. We will look into some of the essential things that need to be kept in mind when you plan on washing your bike to avoid making mistakes that might prove to be expensive later on.

Cleaning and regular maintenance ensure the long life of your two-wheeler. It helps you monitor any minute structural changes and avoid the accumulation of corrosive substances like road salt, grime, etc. Besides, needless to mention here, having bike insurance is non-negotiable, and you might want to look into some bike insurance online before reading on. A good bike insurance protects your bike with financial cover against any damages to it.

1. Cleaning kit:
Having your cleaning supplies in order before washing is essential to avoid latency and prevent the water from getting into places it shouldn’t. So, get your sponges, washcloths, spray bottles, microfiber cloths, and other items ready for ease of access and prompt use of them. Since each of these tools serve a unique purpose, it is advised to understand the purpose of each. E.g., Sponges are used to gently remove any dust particles while brushes are used to get into crevices.

2. Working condition:
It is crucial to have a good work area set up before washing the bike. Avoid washing it immediately after riding it. Let the engine cool down so that it does not go into a thermal shock when you wash it with cold water. Avoiding direct sunlight is also advised as it can dry up the soap faster, and any undue pressure can lead to scratches and watermarks on the surface.

3. Plug exhaust:
Ideally, the exhausts are structured to avoid water pooling, but having a rubber plug for your exhaust is a good idea. Make sure to plug the exhaust before washing the bike to prevent water from getting into the pipe and clogging the exhaust unnecessarily.

4. Choose your cleaning product wisely:
While many people believe that laundry detergent is a good choice for your motor vehicles, it is not the case. Products that are not explicitly suited for them can damage the paint and the structural integrity of the metal owing to the harsh chemicals present in generic detergents. Using foams can be a good alternative for washing brushes.

5. Do not use hosepipes:
Hose pipes can be the easiest way to water your plants, but it is not the best one when it comes to washing your bike. Directly streaming powerful jets of water can harm the paint job on your vehicle and can also lead to dirty patches.

Buying nozzle heads that can be attached to the tip of the pipe so that water can be sprayed harmlessly is a good choice. These are some things that you need to keep in mind before taking your bike to wash. Washing your bike for the first time can come with many questions. The tips above will help you in answering a few of those.

Owning a motorcycle is an excellent feeling, but it also comes with some responsibilities. Regular maintenance and proper servicing, albeit expensive, can ensure the longevity of your bike. However, having bike insurance promises that these services do not burn a hole in your purse. Therefore, without any delay, invest in bike insurance online, and provide the best care to your two-wheeler to cover more distances together.

Click HERE to know more about 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.

With fuel prices skyrocketing now more than ever, it has become a rule of thumb to ensure that the vehicles you purchase or use, are fuel-efficient. Consumption of a limited amount of fuel can be an escape from burning a hole in your pocket. Plus, fuel-efficient vehicles help to reduce pollution and smog. So, making your vehicle fuel efficient can cause significant changes in your lifestyle, and you can contribute your part towards the biggest concerns of climate change.

Are you looking for suggestions for reducing your carbon footprint through less fuel consumption? Or do you wish to make your vehicle more fuel-efficient so you don’t burn through your savings?

This blog will discuss how you can achieve a more fuel-efficient vehicle using various techniques. Here are the top three parts that can make your bike more fuel-efficient. Let’s get started.

1. Give a rest to those breaks:

Your bike will consume less fuel and give you a better mileage if you unnecessarily avoid using brakes. Also, by preventing rash and aggressive driving, you save substantial fuel. Accelerating out of bounds and then hastily using the brakes will cause your vehicle to consume more fuel and power, thus diminishing the whole purpose of making your vehicle more fuel-efficient.
Always ensure you drive within the specified speed limit and abide by the traffic rules. This will not only help your bike stay in good condition but also prevent any accidents.

2. Be careful about the frequent gear change:

Along with the brakes, you must also ensure that you avoid changing the gears frequently and hastily. Driving at a constant speed will not only help you be safe on the road but will also consume less fuel, thus raising the fuel efficiency of your bike.
If you continuously operate your bike in the highest gears even when you don’t need it, it will lead to unnecessary fuel usage. Instead, always ensure that the operating gears are suitable for the road conditions you are driving in.

3. Take care of the tyres:

You must take care of the tyres to ensure that your two-wheeler consumes less fuel and maintains a good grip on the road. To take care of it, check if they are not underinflated. In the case of underinflated tyres, drag is created, increasing the friction, thus requiring more power and fuel to move the bike forward.
This unwanted drag can make it difficult for you to drive your vehicle. Properly inflated tyres reduce the drag, thus requiring a low power supply from the engine. This results in lesser fuel consumption.

Now, you need to keep an eye on the pressure and the amount of air-filled in the tyres. They must be inflated according to the default prescribed levels set by the bike manufacturer. Anything more or less than the mentioned limits can cause damage to the tyres and, in turn, the bikes.

Some other ways to make your bike more fuel-efficient include:

● proper maintenance of the bike and all its parts, using authentic and manufacturer-recommended spare parts in case of any damage

● driving safely and calmly

● purchasing the best fuel for your motorcycle

● check the air filters, and in case of any clogging, clean them

● regularly cleaning up your engine

We hope this blog provided valuable insights on making your bike fuel-efficient. Saving on fuel and spending extra during damages is not a wise thing to do. The best solution can be to purchase bike insurance to protect your bike against any damages, some of which might be sudden. Therefore, you must explore different options and buy the best bike insurance online to cater to your needs.

Click HERE to know more about purchasing 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.

Just like any other part of your body, you must take care of your feet. Any ignorance can land you into severe issues such as extreme pain and discomfort while walking, hip problems, back problems, posture issues, hammertoe (pain issues in the joint of the middle toe), etc. The other common problem among women is metatarsalgia, a condition when the ball of your foot starts having pain and gets inflamed. This happens due to the constant use of high and tight heels.

Did you know there is a magical solution for all your feet problems? Orthopaedic shoes are one of the best options out there in terms of footwear. Orthopaedic shoes are made according to the doctor's advice and are accurate against foot problems. Foot troubles and conditions take quite a long time to heal; some might become critical if not taken care of initially. And orthotics are the best treatment that lasts longer and helps to heal. They act as a catalyst in your daily movement without any side effects.

Are you someone looking for more information on orthopaedic shoes? This blog will discuss the benefits of wearing orthopaedic shoes and quick tips for choosing the right ones. So, let's get started!

1. Boosts circulation:

Orthopaedic shoes are designed to improve circulation in the foot area instead of restricting the blood flow. The shoes help you adjust your feet, provide comfort, allow flexible movement, and improve the restricted blood flow. These shoes also provide immense relief from the pain in the nerves.

2. Improved support:

Suppose your shoes create discomfort while wearing or moving around. In that case, there is a considerable risk of severe foot problems like flat feet, metatarsalgia, and plantar fasciitis (pain in the heels due to flattening up of tissues that link the heel to the toes), etc.
These problems, if ignored, can go on to intensely affect your mobility and cause unbearable pain and discomfort. To avoid such grave health issues, wearing orthopaedic shoes provides an arch of support, proper padding, and cushioning for your heels.

3. Pain relaxers:

People who walk around ten thousand steps daily feel numbness and pain after a tiring day. Wearing orthopaedic shoes can help them ease into their routine and carry out their daily tasks effectively. It also prevents any redness and skin issues in the feet.

4. Say goodbye to the foot problems:

Orthopaedic shoes are your go-to solution against all kinds of foot problems like foot alignment, pain in the foot's arch, arch-related damages, etc. These problems can, over time, be corrected by the constant use of the right orthopaedic shoes. These shoes provide the best comfort, support, and cushioning to help your feet regain shape, alignment, and health.

While choosing the right orthopaedic shoes for your feet, do consult your doctors for the prioritising factors and dimensions required. Make sure to walk around in the shoes to analyse how the dynamics feel and be careful about the size. Buying the right size is very important. From formal to casual and stylish, there are multiple options of orthopaedic shoes.

That's a wrap on the benefits of wearing orthopaedic shoes and quick tips for choosing the right ones. As we talk about orthopaedic shoes and how they help keep your legs and feet in good health, it is wise to discuss health insurance for yourself and your parents. Specific problems come with age, and you must purchase the best health insurance in India for parents to ensure that they suffer no financial trouble as they grow older.

Click HERE to know more about purchasing the best health insurance in India for parents.

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.

Kidneys are vital organs of our body. These two small, bean-shaped organs are located on each side of your spine and help remove toxins from the blood, balance mineral levels, and regulate blood pressure. The only way to keep your kidneys healthy is by staying hydrated and eating a balanced and healthy diet.

Your kidneys can detoxify independently, but sometimes they may not function optimally. Less-functioning of kidneys causes symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and trouble sleeping. Making changes to your lifestyle and creating a diet strictly based on kidney-friendly foods can assist the body's natural detoxification process. If you're experiencing a retain of water, a little more tiredness than usual, or elevated blood pressure, it might be time to give your kidneys and the rest of your body a little extra attention.

The following are the simple steps to detox your kidneys at home naturally.

1. Increasing water intake:
Drinking less water can cause dehydration, a build-up of wastes and acids in our body that clogs the kidneys. The only way to remove these toxic wastes from your body is to drink lots of water. The amount you need to drink depends on your age, body weight, climate, and physical activity. Medical researchers recommend drinking about 4 litres of water for men and 3 litres for women.

2. Including healthy foods in your diet:
It is one of the first steps to get your kidneys back healthy and in optimal shape. A healthy balanced diet is essential for the proper functioning of kidneys.

Consider including the following foods in your diet:

• Lemon juice – Lemon juice is acidic, increases the citrus level in your urine, and suppresses the growth of kidney stones. It also filters blood and other toxins. Include daily intake of diluted lemon juice to reduce the formation of kidney stones.

• Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar helps prevent oxidative stress of the kidneys. The citric acid in apple cider dissolves kidney stones. It also helps lower blood pressure, balance blood sugar, and increase levels of antioxidants, which creates optimum conditions for kidney health.

• Watermelons and pomegranates – Watermelon hydrates and cleanses the kidney. It is also rich in the organic compound lycopene, which improves cardiovascular health and ensures the well-functioning of kidneys. The juice of pomegranate contains potassium salts which are also effective in removing kidney stones. In addition, the astringent properties of a pomegranate prevent stone formation and flush out toxins.

3. Boost immunity by drinking kidney-friendly juices and teas:
You can supplement your fluid intake with dandelion, alfalfa, or green juices. They are effective in reducing the chances of kidney stone formation. Beet juices contain betaine, which increases urine acidity and prevents calcium oxalate crystals (a common constituent of kidney stones). Other effective cleansing agents include coconut water, cranberry juices, and cherries.

4. Avoid kidney-threatening foods and habits:
Avoid bad habits, including smoking, drinking, and excessive coffee intake. Limiting processed foods, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, etc., will help maintain the kidneys' overall health.

Taking good care of the kidneys is crucial to feeling fresh and active. Before trying out a detox process, consult a doctor or dietician to ensure that you'll be consuming enough electrolytes and calories to support your everyday metabolism. In addition, conduct regular checkups and screenings to ensure the health of your kidneys.

We would also recommend you insure yourself with a health insurance plan to safeguard your health against any possible health issues. There are a plethora of policies available online, each with its distinct perks. Browse through online health insurance companies, compare their plans, and choose the best to stay fit.

Click HERE to browse through the best health 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.

The comfort and the ease of driving your new car are something that you always remember. However, with time, you start noticing small changes and don't feel the same comfort anymore. There could be many reasons for that. Wear and tear in the car seats, engine load, worn-out tyres, etc.

A car’s poor suspension could also be the reason for the growing discomfort. A fully functional suspension system ensures a smooth driving experience and keeps the vehicle under control. Over time the suspension system in the car experiences wear and tear and can take away from you a wholesome driving experience.

A suspension system comprises components such as wheels, tyres, springs, steering, etc. Different driving conditions govern these parts' longevity and wear off over time. To ensure that your car is working in proper condition, it is crucial to recognise any faults in the system and address them immediately to ensure safety while driving.

In this article, we discuss a few ways to check and maintain your car’s suspension.

1. Check air pressure:

Properly inflated tyres ensure that the chassis is protected from any damage. If they are not fully inflated, they can affect the vehicle's handling and performance. This can also be extremely dangerous when driving. To ensure that your tyre pressure is optimum, check it after driving every two thousand kilometres.

2. Wheel alignment:

Wheel alignment is another vital activity that ensures proper and risk-free driving conditions. The more challenging roads you take, the more likely your tyres are misaligned. Wheel alignment should be checked every two years or less, depending upon the kind of tracks you drive on. If you face difficulty while handling the steering or manoeuvring your vehicle, this indicates misaligned wheels.

3. Check power steering fluid:

If you enjoy the comfort of power steering or the hydraulic steering system, then maintaining and changing the fluids is part of your car’s regular maintenance. Check the level at least once a couple of months and replace it every three years. It is best to talk to a mechanic or refer to an owner’s guide to understand your car’s needs better.

4. Inspect shock absorbers:

If your car shudders or bounces abnormally when you drive, then these are indications of flawed shock absorbers. Make a visit to your nearest service centre to have the inspection of the shock absorbers. Ensure to get the shock absorbers checked after the first ten thousand kilometres and then annually. More challenging tracks and changing climates can cause wear and tear faster in the shock absorbers and might need to be changed sooner than mentioned above.

5. Accidents:

Slight irregularities can also affect the working of the chassis. If you have met an accident, hit a huge bump, or ran across a pothole, the chances are that some nuts and bolts could have disoriented from their original position. An inspection by a mechanic will help you rest assured and will not give you any trouble in the middle of the highway.

These are some ways to ensure that your car’s suspension works correctly. To avoid extra expenses or a complete breakdown, it is best to undergo regular servicing and check-ups for your vehicle. These services are a way of ensuring that every part of your vehicle is functioning effortlessly and efficiently.

Ignoring problems can lead to several damaged parts, which can be extremely dangerous when driving. Buy private car insurance India to ensure maximum safety and an amazing driving experience for your car. The right insurance boosts the longevity of your vehicle and undertakes expenses that might cost you a huge amount.

Click HERE to know more about private car 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.