GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Do you travel a lot by road? Are you tired of waiting for your turn at toll plazas on the interstate highways or expressways? Do you wish to get done with it as quickly as possible? If yes, then you must get a FASTag! As the name suggests, a FASTag is a tag which is a mean to ensure faster transit across toll plazas. The tag is placed on the windshield of the car and uses Radio Frequency Identification Technology. The tag is scanned by the tag readers placed at toll booths who then deduct the toll amount from the FASTag account. All toll plazas placed along the national highways are now using FASTag for payment of toll as per the guidelines of the government of India.

As the balance in FASTag reduces, the user needs to reload the balance in the linked wallet account or the linked bank account. By eliminating the need for cash payments at toll plazas, FASTag ensures a quicker and smoother flow of traffic.

The following reasons highlight how using a FASTag can help you save time on your journey: -

● Quick payment - As there is a FASTag affixed to your car, you wouldn't have to search your wallet for cash which ultimately reduces the duration of the transaction and your time is saved.

● Less fuel wastag - As you do not need to stop and restart your vehicle, less petrol or diesel is burned, which saves your fuel tank from draining quickly.

● Hassle-free recharge- You can easily recharge your FASTag using various methods like Internet banking, mobile wallet apps, NEFT, RTGS or even your credit and debit cards.

● Message alerts - Every time your FASTag is used, you get an alert SMS on the mobile number registered with the card which ensures the prevention of its misuse.

● Long validity- A FASTag is valid for five years, which means you need not worry about changing it frequently.

● No requirement of cash - The work of cash is taken over by the FASTag. Therefore, it eliminates the necessity of carrying cash for toll payments.

● Online portals- You can check the transactions made using your FASTag whenever you wish using specific web portals meant for the same.

Now, onto some Frequently Asked Questions: -

How to get a FASTag?

To buy a FASTag, you can ask the toll plaza employee for their sales department, or contact authorized agencies or banks that sell them. Many platforms offer car insurance quotes online and sell FASTag as well.

How much does a FASTag cost?

Generally, a FASTag can cost you around two hundred rupees for the purchase, which excludes recharge expenses.

Where is it placed?

FASTags are affixed on the windshield of the car in a very specific manner that allows the scanners placed at the toll plaza to scan it.

How to know if your card has been used?

As stated in the above benefits, a text message is delivered to the registered mobile phone when the FASTag is used. This is a sort of confirmation to the owner that payment has been made.

Do you need to maintain a certain balance?

You don't need to maintain a balance for sure, but yes there is a minimum value for a top-up of the tag which amounts to a hundred rupees.

Where is a FASTag valid?

Throughout the country, a FASTag can be used to make payments at toll plazas regardless of the city or state.

While getting FASTag will help you zoom seamlessly on the highways, do remember to check car insurance quotes online to get protection against possible accidents and incidents while on the road.

Medical issues are being observed as a rising problem, mainly because of drastic lifestyle changes, improper nutrition, and irregular physical activities. The best way to tackle medical adversities is by prioritising your health and never neglecting the symptoms that your body throws at you. Most health conditions develop over time due to your habits, while some are even hereditary.

One common issue is swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles. There can be multiple reasons for swelling, including physical injuries, medicinal reactions or allergies, and underlying conditions like cholesterol, diabetes, etc. If you see a frequent swelling pattern in your legs for a month, seek medical help, as it may be something to worry about. Leg swelling happens for two main reasons - edema and inflammation.

Let's explore more about them.

Factors causing edema
Several factors contribute to edema or fluid buildup in one or both legs. Here we discuss some major factors that require immediate medical assistance.

1. Congestive heart failure
When the heart is too weak to pump blood to body parts, this condition is termed congestive heart failure. Such a reduction in blood supply leads to fluid buildup, especially in the legs. Besides swelling, a person may also experience trouble breathing and constant tiredness.

2. Veins
Two vein issues can cause leg swelling and other problems in the body. Those are:
● Clotting in veins: A blood clot can form in any vein in your leg, which can break off and easily travel to your lung. This can lead to a life-threatening situation if left unnoticed. Other than swelling, if you also experience constant leg pain, cramps, or red or blue skin, immediately visit your doctor, as these might be the symptoms of vein clots.
● Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins: A person suffers from these conditions when the valves inside the leg veins cannot maintain the blood flow up toward the heart. Instead, the blood gets collected in pools, resulting in varicose veins. Other than swelling, you may also experience achy legs, pain after sitting and standing for too long, and dry, irritated skin.
If you experience these problems, visit the doctor to start your treatment.

3. Reaction from certain medication
Not every medication suits our bodies. Some cause side effects such as swollen legs, hair fall, irregular menstrual cycles, etc. Pain in the legs can also be a symptom of a medicine reaction. Notice the change in your body and talk to the doctor about getting alternative medicines that have zero to minimal side effects.
Factors causing inflammation
Some of the common causes that lead to inflammation in our body are listed below:
1. Arthritis
Anyone can develop arthritis at some point in their life. Due to the constantly changing environment, it is open to older adults. Diseases like gout, knee bursitis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are becoming more common among people of all ages as they ignore proper care of their bodies, diet, and physical well-being.

2. Sprains and broken bones
Getting broken bones or twisting your ankle also causes swelling. It's our body's natural reaction to the injury as it moves the fluid and white blood cells into the injured area and releases the chemicals that speed up recovery. Some of the common injuries are mentioned below:
● Achilles tendon rupture: It is our body's largest tendon, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When it tears, you might experience a sharp pain in the back of the ankle and lower leg. The pain is so intense that a person may be unable to walk. ● Cellulitis: It's a severe infection that happens when bacteria get in through the crack in the skin. It is most common in the lower leg and ankles. Other than swelling, a person may experience tenderness, pain, a reddish skin area, blisters, and dimpled skin.

These were a few common reasons for frequent swelling in the legs. Your legs must be in the best shape to ensure pain-free and smooth movement. Give proper rest to your legs, and indulge in 10-15 mins of daily exercise like jogging or brisk walking.

Irrespective of the medical issues, one should always visit the doctor to rule out any worst outcome. Undoubtedly, any treatment can cost you heavily to your pocket. Therefore, getting health insurance from the best health insurance company in India to cover your medical expenses is ideal. Such insurance policies can help you in your time of need.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best health insurance company 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.

A home is a place of comfort, protection, and security, but a fire breakout can rapidly turn it into dust. Various sources, including electrical failures, kitchen accidents, and malfunctioning appliances, can start fires. A fire breakout can be disastrous, causing significant damage to your property and personal items and possibly resulting in death. As a homeowner, you must take the essential precautions to prevent fires and safeguard the safety of your property and loved ones.

This blog discusses "expert's advice on preventing fire outbreaks at home." We'll review some of the best ways to protect your home from fire threats and the importance of obtaining the best home insurance in India. Following these suggestions and purchasing the appropriate house insurance coverage, you can protect your home from fire damage and enjoy peace of mind. So, without any delay, let's begin!

1. Install smoke alarms
Installing smoke alarms is one of the most effective strategies to avoid home fires. Smoke alarms detect smoke and notify you during a fire. This will help you to take the required precautions to prevent further damage. Install smoke alarms in each room and check and replace the batteries regularly.

2. Be careful of faulty appliances
Faulty appliances are one of the leading causes of home fires. Appliances must be handled with care and inspected regularly for flaws or damage. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the appliances in accordance with their recommendations.

3. Check electrical wiring
Faulty electrical wiring is another major cause of home fires. Inspect your home's electrical wiring regularly for signs of wear and tear. Repair or replace any damaged wiring or electrical components immediately to avoid fire hazards.

4. Cook safely
Cooking mishaps are a significant cause of home fires. Practicing safe cooking skills and using caution when using the stove or oven is critical. Always keep combustible things away from the cooking area, and never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking.

5. Keep flammable objects away
Keeping flammable objects away from heat sources is critical to prevent home fires. Ensure that all flammable materials, such as cleaning solutions, paints, and petrol, are kept securely away from any heat source.

6. Have an emergency plan
Having an emergency plan can go a long way toward preventing home fires. Prepare an exit plan for a fire, and teach your family how to use fire extinguishers.

7. Obtain the best home insurance in India
The best home insurance in India is essential to protect your home from fire damage. A comprehensive house insurance policy covers fires, natural catastrophes, theft, and other unanticipated events. You get compensated for your loss and are relieved from financial stress due to the fire outbreak.

8. Conduct regular inspections
Inspecting your home for fire hazards regularly will assist in discovering potential threats and avoiding fire outbreaks. Periodically inspect your home, particularly the kitchen and electrical wiring, and take the required precautions to prevent fire threats. Install water sprinkler mechanisms, smoke detectors, and fire alarms to ensure safety against fire catastrophes.

Every homeowner is responsible for preventing fires in their homes. A fire breakout can be disastrous, causing significant damage to your life, property, and personal items. By following the expert's advice and taking the required precautions, you can ensure that your home is safe from fire threats and that you live in a secure atmosphere. In addition to these precautions, obtaining the best home insurance in India is necessary. A comprehensive house insurance policy covers fires, natural catastrophes, theft, and other unforeseen events, providing financial security and peace of mind. You can research alternatives and select the best home insurance in India to meet your requirements.

Click HERE to know more about how you can purchase the best home insurance in India and its benefits.

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 always necessary to change the engine oil timely to improve the performance and sustain the long life of your bike. However, many people ignore the importance of quality engine oil, which severely damages the engine and the bike's overall performance. Therefore, in this post, we'll discuss when you should change your bike's engine oil and why it is required to keep it in ideal condition.

When it is time to change the oil
To know when to change the bike's oil, you have many indicators that you need to keep an eye on. Your bike gives you several alerts indicating issues with the engine due to low oil levels or the need for replacement. You might hear weird sounds when giving ignition or revving your bike. Low oil level or poor quality oil can severely damage the engine and leave you to bear a massive repair and maintenance cost.

Below are some signs that will help you change the oil on time.

1. Read the manual
It might be possible that every bike has a different requirement when dealing with the engine. Read the bike manual to understand the guidelines and specific requirements for your bike. You can also learn about engine type, driving conditions, climate, etc.

2. Oil level
Check the oil level in your bike with the help of a dipstick. If you find the oil below the given level, you should look to change the oil.

3. Oil colour
You'll find a clear orange colour. As time passes and you use the bike regularly, the oil turns black due to impurities, wastes, and remains. When you find the oil dirty and get a foul smell, it is time to change it.

4. Engine performance
When you don't change the oil, you can't expect the desired performance from your bike. It is the case when your bike's oil turns black, and you should change it at the earliest. If left unchanged, you'll keep getting sluggish acceleration, reduced fuel economy, and poor performance.

5. Mileage
Generally, manufacturers suggest a rider to change the oil every 3,000–5,000 km. Changing the oil is always advisable when you cover this distance on your bike.

6. Unusual engine clatters
Untimely oil replacement might increase friction and wear on engine parts, leading to unexpected noises. So, if you hear any noise or clashes, you must change the oil. On the other hand, if you use your bike for high-performance racing, off-road biking, or long trips, you should always look to change the oil timely. These tours can strain your bike's engine and cause its performance to go down.

Points you must be aware of about the oil change
● Synthetic oils perform longer instead of the normal engine oils. You get better mileage and performance from your bike's engine. Also, thoroughly read the user manual to get clarity on oil changing.
● Regularly keep checking the oil level with a dipstick. Look at the colour and density of the oil.
● Visit the local garage and inspect your bike's engine for an oil change.
● Always use the best quality engine oil recommended by the bike manufacturer to avoid harming the engine and its parts.

It is evident to regularly monitor your bike's engine oil to enjoy a smooth riding experience and ensure the engine's longevity. Along with checking the engine oil's quality, you must also look for reliable bike insurance. Accidents can occur at any point. Therefore, you must protect your asset with comprehensive coverage. So, insurance and a timely oil change are two basic requirements that must be fulfilled on time for a stress-free and enjoyable riding experience.

Click HERE to buy reliable 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.