GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Indian roads witness several incidents of massive accidents and crashes of vehicles every year. According to a report, the number of deaths per thousand vehicles in 2021 has risen from 0.45 to 0.53, meaning around 426 people die each day in road accidents. The main reason for road accidents is bad driving habits and negligence in following the traffic rules.

Bad driving habits also have an impact on your driving record, which can have a significant effect on your car insurance claim. Having a clean driving record is beneficial when making claims or buying insurance for your car. You should learn about all the lousy car driving habits and eliminate them to protect yourself and other drivers on the road.

Here are the most annoying driving habits that many drivers have.

1. Not driving in lanes:
It is a common car-driving habit seen in Indian drivers. Drivers lack lane discipline because they get improper training at car driving schools about the leftmost and rightmost lanes.

2. Tailgating:
Most drivers habitually fill the gap between their car and the car in front of them. Driving closely to another car is the most annoying as your car may hit other vehicles and cause traffic jams.

3. Wrong side driving:
Drivers often drive on the opposite side of the road when they find crowds or traffic on their side of the road. Driving on the wrong side of the road is a risky move to practice as it involves heavy chances of collisions.

4. Riding the clutch:
Feathering the accelerator while keeping the clutch pressed will damage the car's clutch cables, clutch plate, and pressure plates. You should avoid riding a clutch when you are on a busy road.

5. Not following traffic signals:
Most people skip the red light to reach their destination a minute earlier. However, hurrying for a minute can cost you a lifetime. Violating a traffic rule can get you into trouble, like getting a fine or challan and, worst case, your licence being suspended.

6. Not giving proper signals:
Some drivers need to consider giving indicators or hand signals more importance while making a turn or a forced stop. They suddenly take turns and put the vehicles from behind in extreme danger.

7. Using a phone while driving:
Texting or talking on mobile phones distracts drivers from the road, which causes them to meet catastrophic consequences. If you urgently want to talk to someone, then use the speaker and AUX facility of the car's music system.

8. Not wearing seatbelts:
Most people understand the importance of seatbelts, but some drivers don't wear seatbelts while driving on the road.

9. Driving under influence:
Alcohol and other toxic substances impair the driver's judgement and slow down the necessary responses for safe driving. Many drivers create a nuisance and chaos on the road due to intoxication and are the reason for choking the traffic.

10. Losing your composure:
Most road accidents happen because drivers lose their calm when they get stuck in traffic or encounter harsh driving by other drivers. Getting frustrated while driving can weaken your judgement, and you'll make wrong choices that might elevate your problems.

It is necessary to become responsible on the road and spread awareness about the annoying habits of drivers that may turn into fatal accidents on the road. You should also maintain a proper driving style to avoid paying higher premiums for car insurance. Follow the traffic rules and regulations to avoid putting your life and others in danger. It also helps you keep your driving record clean.

Click HERE to buy the best car 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.

The recent sales trends indicate a pickup in demand for two-wheelers in India as the Indian consumers have begun spending at par with pre-pandemic levels. However, Indians continue to undermine the importance of having insurance for their two-wheelers. Although made compulsory by the IRDAI to purchase a long-term third-party insurance plan, many still don't follow the mandate.

With the plethora of online resources available, there is no excuse for delaying insuring your two-wheeler anymore. Most insurance providers have made their services accessible online, making it extremely straightforward to purchase 2 wheeler insurance online.

Read on to debunk eight common myths surrounding purchasing 2 wheeler insurance online.

Myth 1: Purchasing online insurance requires you to be a tech-wiz.
False! It is incredibly effortless to purchase an online insurance plan for your two-wheeler! You only need a stable internet connection, basic vehicle details, and your personal details. Once you choose an appropriate policy on the insurance provider's website, fill up the data, and you will be redirected to the payment gateway.
Upon successful processing, your insurance policy details are emailed to you. It's just that simple! If it appears to be difficult, you can always refer to our simple 5 step guide to help you get the best 2 wheeler insurance online for your vehicle.

Myth 2: Online insurance is expensive when compared to offline.
Online insurance eliminates a middleman's interference, thereby eliminating any additional commission. Your insurance provider also gives further discounts and other benefits when purchasing insurance directly. How much better can it get?

Myth 3: It is complex to switch policies when purchased online.
What does the internet do? It makes things convenient! Purchasing online insurance is the easiest way to switch between plans. Although it is recommended to upgrade your policy rather than switching insurance companies, it is also quite simple if you need to change your insurance.

Myth 4: Making claims on insurance purchased online is challenging.
While the process of claim settlement varies from company to company, it has nothing to do with the mode of buying the insurance policy. The proper documents and proof according to the company's procedure will result in successful claims and reimbursement.

Myth 5: There are very few options to choose from.
Incorrect! With technology, comparison becomes easy, and so does accessing a wide range of options. Your preferred insurance company most likely provides a comparative differentiation between different plans, further simplifying the process.

Myth 6: 2 wheeler insurance online is risky.
Online insurance very clearly states what is included and what's not. It is transparent and comes with no hidden cost. The payment options are also safe and keep your data protected. There is clearly no risk in purchasing online insurance.

Myth 7: Purchasing online insurance leads to data leaks.
If you choose to purchase online insurance, you can rest assured that your personal, vehicle and payment details are in safe hands. All reputed insurance companies do all they can to keep your data safe.

Myth 8: No assistance provided.
Most insurance companies have live chat, email, and customer services options that allow you to get in touch with a professional in case of any queries or issues. Although it is easy to self-navigate through the process, you can still always ask for assistance.

Most myths surrounding online insurance arise from misconceptions. We have attempted to debunk all these misconceptions about buying two-wheeler insurance digitally. The future is digital, and we should be ready to welcome it by taking these small measures of making investments online. Purchasing insurance online is completely safe and provides significant value to your two-wheeler. Without further delay, make the purchase now!

Click HERE to compare and buy 2 wheeler 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.

Everyone from all ages and walks of life enjoys exploring new places, and there can be no better way to discover the best of India's exciting destinations than a road trip. Have you ever wondered why?

From city commutes to long-distance planning vacations, travelling by road has a special sentiment that binds travellers to its charm. After the restrictions for the pandemic have been lifted, travel by road has become all the more prevalent.

There are many reasons why road trips are considered the best way to travel. However, it is also important to prioritise your safety when taking up a road journey. Investing in personal accident insurance plans is the best way to do this. Go through the terms and conditions and understand the benefits offered if you ever find yourself in a problem and decide to claim your insurance.

Let's look at some of the perks of travelling by road to explore places.

1. It is more convenient and less stressful:
When you travel by road, you can connect with the quaint interiors of the country and visit offbeat places that can only be seen by road. Road journeys are convenient and hassle-free as you get the luxury to take as many pit stops as you want and enjoy your trip.

2. There will be no baggage issues:
When you're on a road trip, you will have the complete freedom to choose the luggage you carry with you. You will not be restricted to any limited baggage size or weight and can pack a significant amount of your wardrobe in your car.
This way, you do not have to repeat the same shirts on vacation. You can also carry things like a mini fridge or a large bag full of snacks and make your vehicle appear as a cool campervan.

3. It provides flexibility:
With road travelling, there is a lot of room for flexibility. You will not be restricted to any timings or protocols you must follow. The restrictions can take the fun out of travelling. But, when you have a personal vehicle at your service, you do not have to wait for public transport to take you to places. You can venture into the unknown without any questions asked.

4. They are easy on the pocket:
Road trips are easy on your pocket, especially when travelling with a group. As the pandemic restrictions are lifted, the cost of travelling by air or train has increased significantly. Although the fuel prices are high, they can still be lower than the cost of travelling by other means. Apart from that, the fuel cost will be equally divided when travelling with friends.

5. An immersive experience:
Travelling by road offers a myriad of experiences that are second to none. The long stretch of national highways, good inter and intra-state connectivity, plush food and shopping options, thrilling countryside roads, mountains, etc., make road trips exciting. Watching the sunrise next to the highway and sipping tea as you move towards your destination is a fantastic feeling that only road journeys can offer.

You should plan at least one road trip a year to better understand what makes exploration by road unique. Road journeys, rather spontaneous than planned, are one of the most memorable experiences. Take your friends or family along or plan it solo, just pick a destination and set off to discover places where roads lead to perfect moments.

No matter where you travel, you should always abide by the traffic rules, wear seatbelts, and carry all the essential documents. It is advisable to ensure your safety on roads and invest in personal accident insurance plans that can cover your medical expenses if ever you meet with an accident. With all this said, get ready to conquer the roads and absorb the vibrancy of places to make unforgettable memories.

Click HERE to know more about personal accident 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.

A car is usually the second most sought-after asset for any household in India after a home. Buying a car is not an expensive affair anymore as it is easy to get a car loan and repay it through a fixed monthly deduction from your account in the form of EMIs. But wait, there is more. You need to consider many other aspects than just the car's initial price.

You will incur many other expenses towards your car in the form of annual insurance renewal, fuel, maintenance, repairs, etc. You have to consider all these expenses while planning for a car.

Let us go through the best ways to manage your car financially.

1. How much to spend:
The first question that comes to mind while buying a car is how much to spend on it so that you are comfortable enough to meet the down payment, monthly EMIs, and other running expenses. You need to make a budget and jot down your monthly income on one side and current expenses, including other loan repayments, on the other side. It will give you a fair idea about how much spare money is left with you each month that you can spend on the car.
If the proposed EMI is more than the spare monthly money, you should go for a car of lower value. Understand that cars are meant to give us convenience rather than a financial burden each month.

2. Make a big down-payment:
Try to make a big down payment for your car, which will reduce your loan amount and ease the pressure on you to repay it in the following years. Also, you can bargain well for the interest rate when you seek a smaller loan.

3. EMI management:
Go for a shorter duration loan tenure. The longer the loan repayment period, the higher the interest you will pay on your car loan. By clearing your loan quickly, you will become the valid owner of your car much sooner and can sell it if you wish.
Once you have fixed the tenure, ensure you get all your EMIs. Missing an EMI will harm your credit rating. Poor credit rating makes it difficult for you to get a new loan from a bank or a financial institution for any purpose. Moreover, if you miss a few EMIs, the repossession agents will take away your car. This can be a major embarrassment for you and cause a lot of mental agony and pressure.
Your misery does not end here. If the lending institution auctions your car for a lesser amount than what you owe them, they will still come after you to get back this deficit.

4. Go for an extended warranty:
You often get an extended warranty with your car against some extra payment. This payment may pinch you initially, but it can be very useful if your car malfunctions during the warranty period. The warranty will cover the repairs and renewal expenses, and you will save a lot more than what you paid for the extended warranty.

5. Car refinancing:
After taking a loan while purchasing the car, you may find out that you are getting a better deal on repayment or interest from some other lender. In such cases, you can opt for a car refinancing facility. This will replace your existing car loan with a new one from another lender and help you save money.

6. Talk to your lender:
Sometimes it may become inevitable for you to repay EMIs due to financial constraints. In such cases, feel free to talk to your lender and modify your repayment schedule. After all, no lender wants to take the pain of repossessing your car and arranging its auction if an alternate payment schedule is available.

It is important to manage your car’s finance in the best possible way. You will enjoy a good credit rating from the agencies and save money by paying the lower interest on your car loan.

Car insurance is another way to manage your car financially. It will provide security and cover all expenses if your car gets stolen, has an accident, or gets damaged due to natural calamities such as a fire or an earthquake. Buy car insurance online India and save further on insurance costs right from the comfort of your home. It’s time to make the right investment to get the best returns.

Click HERE to purchase car 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.

Road trips are one of the best ways to rewind after a hectic work schedule. With the constant work-related stress of life, it's imperative to get out of your house once in a while to gain a fresh mindset and increase one's productivity. For women especially, such trips at least once a year are vital to set free and get rewarded for all the hard work. But whenever travel and women come together, emotions go out of bound. From planning the itinerary to packing up stuff, the excitement of the trip can be felt way before its commencement. However, packing can be quite a herculean task in itself.

Deciding which items are essential during a road trip can be confusing. Following are a few packing tips that can be a saviour for women travelling solo or in a group.

1. Luggage:
Handbags are a woman's best friend on a road trip. Lugging around your suitcase on a road trip does not sound ideal for anyone, especially on road trips where you're constantly on the move.
The primary concern with a handbag full of stuff is that they take a toll on your shoulder and hands, which is easily avoidable if you take a backpack that fits your body correctly. This helps the weight to get evenly distributed across your back.

2. Clothing:
It is recommended to bring as few clothes as possible without running out of options of clothing to wear. Select the clothes in such a way that you can mix and match them to make different combinations.
It's always advisable to bring a higher number of undergarments, though, as there might not be a lot of opportunities to clean clothes along the way.

3. Toiletries:
Bring along your toiletries in a small, travel-friendly pack and keep it in an accessible place so that it is not a hassle every time you stop at a hotel for a night's stay.
Most hotels provide bare essentials, but it's always best to carry your own. Bring along minimal makeup for the trip in sample-sized containers to avoid it taking too much space in your luggage.

4. Entertainment:
Road trips can get a little boring at times, with endless roads to travel before reaching the destination. When looking out the window to see the scenery becomes too monotonous, you need a good book to read to pass the time.
So, get that book you meant to read for the longest time along with you in your backpack. If you're travelling with friends or family and looking for a group activity, blast your favourite playlist in the speakers to make a memorable ambiance in the car!

5. Safety products:
As a woman traveller, the top priority is safety. It can be unsafe for lone female travellers to travel on deserted roads to unknown places, especially at night. But that's no reason to stay holed up in your house all year. Getting a lock for all your belongings is essential to prevent them from getting stolen.
Also, for your personal safety, get a personal alarm that rings loudly if you press it. This is a better alternative to pepper spray as it is legal in all countries and is small and easy to carry around. Also, check up on your private car insurance India to have a backup in case your car breaks down in the middle of the trip.

Road trips can be an exhilarating experience for those who want to rejuvenate themselves after monotonous weeks of work. You can make packing less daunting and more enjoyable by bringing the above tips into practice. If you are travelling solo, then get your car serviced properly before setting off on the trip. Also, check the crucial documents like your driving licence, car's PUC, and insurance papers. Be up to date with your private car insurance India to stay stress-free during the trip. Happy travels!

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.

One adorable aspect of motorbikes is the sense of excitement that quickly emerges once you start riding. By sharing this passion for bikes, scooters, or both, you may instantly connect with other riders you've never met before from all walks of life.

Riding with a group of passionate bikers is a mesmerising experience, and it never fails to give you the kick you always expect from touring in a group. Staying connected and ensuring clear communication while riding is crucial to keep the entire group organised with proper coordination. Well, this can be achieved by a few basic hand gestures and signals that riders use to communicate their message to the group.

As we know, action speaks louder than words. Similarly, communicating through actions or gestures is the best way to interact with the group while on tour.

Here are some basic motorcycle hand signals commonly used by the bikers.

● Increase speed: Swinging your left arm up and out straight.

● Slow down: Swing your left arm to your side with the palm facing down, straight out in front of you.

● Right turn: Right arm extended, bent at a 90-degree angle, and clinched.

● Left turn: Left arm and hand extended, palm downward.

While not the most thrilling signs, it's important to understand these basic gestures and use them wisely.

Newest rider in the group:

You might have little riding experience if you recently bought a bike or scooter and joined a biker's community. It becomes daunting at first to create bonding and synergy with the group, but as time goes on and with every new trip, you start vibing with the gang.

But as a new two-wheeler owner, you may have little riding experience and fear the chance of accidents. Therefore, when you purchase a new bike or scooter, be careful to choose a comprehensive bike insurance policy to safeguard your asset. You can also select specific add-ons to strengthen the coverage, providing peace of mind while riding.

Easy-to-Use group ride signals:

● Follow me: Straight up from the shoulder, left arm, palm outward.

● Road hazard: Use your left hand to indicate the left side and your right foot to indicate the right side.

● Fuel: Left arm extended, pointing to tank with extended finger.

● Stop: Left arm down, and palm turned back.

● Comfort stop: Extending the left forearm, clenching the fist in a quick upward and downward motion.

● Refreshment stop: thumb to mouth, fingers closed. Particularly during long-distance trips, where frequent rest stops are necessary.

A few less common hand signals used by the riders:

● Pull off: Pull off with the left arm set up for a right turn and the forearm angled toward the shoulder.

● Come: Swing in an arc from the back to the front with the left arm extended 45 degrees upward, palm forward pointing with the index finger.

● Single file: Straight up the index finger and left arm.

● Double file: Left arm with the index and middle fingers extended straight up.

If you want extra points, use these signals to organise your group or to impress your fellow riders. Although these signals aren't quite as amazing as the "wave," which make your group rides more entertaining and safer. Please heed the following advice and don't worry.

But before you head out on a bike trip, it is important to thoroughly get your bike serviced and fix the problems, if any. Validate all your essential documents like driving licence, PUC, and bike insurance. If your bike insurance has expired, immediately renew it to get reliable coverage for your bike throughout your trip.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance for your new bike.

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’s the time of the year when the weather is most unpredictable. You might wake up to scorching heat, and the moment you decide to head out for your grocery run, it’s raining. The uncertain weather is not the only annoying part of the season, but the hoard of illnesses that it brings with itself is more frustrating. Runny nose, body temperature and shivers, sore throat, and the list goes on.

This article will look at a few ways to ensure good health and boost your immune system during the climate transition phase.

1. Increase your probiotic intake:
Probiotics are microorganisms that promote the better health of your gut. Since almost eighty percent of your immune system is based on your gut, it is essential to keep your gut healthy. Probiotics improve the digestive health and the immune system of your body.
Your gut comprises millions of bacteria, and probiotics are responsible for finding the balance between good and bad bacteria. Certain strains of probiotics can also help mitigate the effect of allergies and inflammations. Fermented foods such as yogurt, idli, paneer, etc., are excellent probiotic sources and must be part of your daily routine.

2. Sunlight is important:
Natural sunlight is the best antidote to everything. Fifteen minutes of direct sunlight changes your mood instantly and makes you feel healthier and more refreshed. It helps maintain the biorhythm of your body. Vitamin D, commonly known as nature’s flu shot, is found abundantly in sunlight and is crucial for the immune system. Not only you but your rooms should also be subjected to sunlight.
Sunlight acts as a natural purifier and kills germs and bacteria. Keeping your windows and doors closed makes you breathe stale and humid air. Fresh air and abundant oxygen supply are imperative for the good health of everyone inside the house. Research also suggests that one can sleep better if exposed to the sun for at least ten minutes daily.

3. Eat as many vegetables as you can:
Green vegetables are rich sources of Vitamin B, which is important for cell regeneration and DNA synthesis. They contain low calories and a high fibre content that is considered extremely healthy for your overall gut and bowel health. Vegetables are full of minerals vital for your body to work properly for a long time. You may try out a few interesting recipes for vegetable soups and salads to add flavour to your diet.

4. Regular exercise is the key to fitness:
The benefit of exercising regularly is a piece of common knowledge for everyone. If you do not wish to spend hours at the gym working out, you can opt for moderate exercise.
Walking, cycling, climbing stairs, etc., are some simpler ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life. Ideally, achieving ten thousand steps is considered best for your body. But you can start with two thousand steps and gradually work your way up to ten thousand.

5. Steam:
Since most of the diseases during this season are either colds or flu, steaming is an excellent way to clear your respiratory passages of bacteria or viruses. Climate change also tends to dry out the mucous membranes that can affect the air and blood flow. Steaming can help loosen the mucus lining inside your lungs and nose.

These are some ways to ensure the health of yourself and your loved ones. These tips are helpful for everyone, irrespective of their age or gender. Encourage the elders at your home to walk outside for their better health. Aged members of the family suffer the most during the season transition phase. Another effective way to ensure the good health of your parents is to buy health insurance. Invest in the best health insurance in India for parents and give them the confidence to stay fit without any worries about finances.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Accidents are the most common cause of neck injuries. If your neck hurts after a car accident or other event, it could signify a serious problem. It's essential to observe for signs of a severe injury that will take more time to heal.

Immediately get in touch with a doctor if you experience persistent and excruciating pain at regular intervals, even after taking adequate rest and medications. You may even contact a personal injury lawyer if another party is to blame for your accident. Your medical bills and other expenses could be covered by cash compensation.

Identification of a severe neck injury.

Minor neck pain is a common health condition. It can be caused by awkward sitting positions at work, physical strain, and other factors. This ache, though, quickly fades away with time or relaxation. Pain that is strong or persistent may indicate something more serious. A serious neck injury could lead to the following:

• Pain that shoots through your arms or legs, followed by numbness

• Pain that is severe or doesn't go away

• Difficulty in breathing

Severe neck injuries mainly result from slip-and-fall incidents. Avoid severe complications and get immediate medical attention, as it could be life-threatening.

Neck injury diagnosis.

Your doctor will assess the damage and pain following an accident. It frequently consists of these exams:

● MRIs

● X-rays

● The CT scan

● A blood test

Serious neck injuries and their types.

The following injuries can result from trauma to the head, neck, or shoulders:

● Herniated discs: After an unexpected accident, spinal discs may tear, bulge, or leak.

● Pinched nerves: During an accident, bones or tissue may push up against nerves, and excruciating pain may result.

● Neck fractures: While uncommon, broken necks can occur. A neck or spine fracture requires prompt medical attention.

● Spinal cord injuries: Damage to any part of the spinal cord can result in paralysis and other serious bodily alterations, including paralysis.

A sudden backward or forward force on the head can result in whiplash during an accident. Whiplash can be more serious, but it typically gets better with time and rest. More serious neck injuries from an accident may be hidden by whiplash. You could think your pain isn't that severe. The discomfort and signs could, however, worsen over time.

Following a neck injury: What to do.

You might be entitled to compensation if someone else has caused you a neck injury. By taking the following actions, you can defend your legal rights and create an injury claim:

● Inform the police or the owner of the property about your accident

● Document the accident site and any visible injuries with photographs

● If your injuries worsen, get in touch with your doctor

● Save all your medical bills and other proof of your injuries

● Contact a personal injury attorney to ensure you know your rights

Time can make neck injuries worse. Get admitted if your neck pain worsens and you start to feel numb, weak, dizzy, or like you can't control your bowels or bladder. When it comes to your neck's health, it is better to be safe. Accidents are unpredictable, and they occasionally pose a more significant threat. In India, many people are still conservative about purchasing accident insurance, even though it is just as important as other health insurance.

Don't forget that accident insurance can protect your family financially if you get into an accident that significantly impacts your life or leaves you permanently disabled. It would help if you looked for the best personal accident policy in India to keep yourself financially covered and focus more on recovering from the injury.

Click HERE to buy the best personal accident 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.