GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Buying a car in India is seen as more than just a mode of convenient travel. It is seen as an investment and a status symbol too. In such pursuits, people spend way more on their vehicles than they should.

However, considering the income disparity, uncertainty of economic activity, and rising costs in the current scenario, purchasing such high-value assets without security is not feasible. This makes car insurance a necessity.

Despite the benefits of car insurance, there are several things a policyholder has to consider while going through the buying process. It is essential to remember the policy period and renew it before it lapses. Read on to learn all about a car insurance lapse.

What is a policy lapse?

Car insurance is an annual mandatory policy as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. The policy document needs to be renewed within the date mentioned, after which it becomes due and expires—failing to renew it before its expiry is called the lapse of a car insurance policy.

Need to prevent lapse.

A policyholder cannot claim damages incurred after the policy has lapsed since it is no longer valid. Such expenses have to be borne by the policyholder himself. Hence, to protect yourself from getting into such a situation, it is essential to renew your insurance before it lapses.

Effects of a lapse.

Apart from bearing the entire cost of damages by oneself, several other problems arise from allowing your car insurance to lapse, including:

1. Vehicles with lapsed insurance policies must undergo the inspection process, which is rather tedious and time-consuming.

2. After your policy lapses, the premium amount on your policy may be revised and will likely be greater than the amount you were previously paying.

3. Fines and penalties are often inescapable while renewing a lapsed motor insurance policy.

4. If you are found to be driving a car without valid insurance, you may have to shell out a fine of up to INR 2000 as per the present rules in case of your first offence. For repeat offenders, the penalty amount increases, and you may be imprisoned for up to 3 months.

5. Since your insurance is no longer valid, you lose out on the accumulated amount of the No Claim Bonus.

Renewing car insurance after lapse.

Depending on the duration after the lapse, you can proceed with the steps stated below:

1. Within the grace period: Insurance companies usually offer a grace period of up to 90 days post-lapse. If you renew your policy within this period, you may avoid paying additional fees altogether or only have to pay a nominal amount.

2. Post-grace period lapse: If the grace period window has passed, immediately contact your insurer. While some may still allow renewal, be prepared to purchase a new policy if your insurer rejects your request to renew the policy.

3. Post-permanent lapse: If it has been a long while since the expiry of the policy, including the grace period, purchasing a new car insurance policy is the only route remaining. It is inevitable to undergo a car inspection for this process. Ensure you keep track of the policy duration and expiry to prevent making the same error again.

Keeping track of minute details can be challenging amid hectic schedules. Therefore, insurers do their part by sending electronic notifications through texts or emails to alert you about the upcoming renewal of your car insurance. While it is an aid you can benefit from, it is ideal to set self-reminders or set up automatic payments with your bank to stay on top of all things related to car insurance.

Using effective self-reminding mechanisms makes avoiding the consequences of a car insurance lapse easy. Ensure that you compare policies and keep track of periods each time you renew your policy.

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 joy of having a companion is truly unparalleled. While some are fortunate to have multiple family members, some adopt pets to count on as their extended family and sail through life's journey together. However, irrespective of the type of pet, it is a significant decision that requires tremendous planning, which comes with several responsibilities.

You must think carefully before getting a pet to ensure that you can provide an appropriate home environment which is safe and happy for it. Having a house insurance India provides personal belongings cover to keep your home safe from the shenanigans of your beloved pet.

Additionally, consider the following tips to pet-proof your home while making it a haven for your furry friend!

1. Inspect your flooring:
Carpets are a standard accessory in most households but and are an easy way to sweep things under the rug. However, for this very reason, they may be a terrible addition to homes with pets. They accumulate bacteria and pet hair, making the house dirty and a breeding ground for diseases. Hardwood floors or non-white tiles are alternatives that can keep your home looking clean and prevent the build-up of dander and fur.

2. Keep fragile items and antiques away:
Adopting a pet may seem like an activity with only fun involved until you see the sacrifices and additional effort required. Before you get your pet home, ensure that you stash away all your fragile and high-value items for the long term in high locations. This way, you can prevent the possibility of damages that are bound to happen as your restless pet explores its new surroundings.

3. Secure all electrical outlets:
Think of getting a pet as the same as welcoming a baby home. You must go through all the motions of baby-proofing the home to keep your bundle of joy- in this case, your pet, safe. Ensure all electrical gadgets are out of reach and all wirings are secured to prevent accidental shocks. Since pets are prone to chewing on all they can sink their teeth on, regularly inspect and secure any worn wiring.

4. Stock up on space separators:
Most effective when in their younger ages, blockades help keep your pet away from specific sections of your home where you cannot continuously supervise or where you wish to keep them away from. Ideally, section off areas where you have large machines like the washing machine or dangerous equipment like the kitchen or your bedroom if you wish to restrict pet access.

5. Get particular about cleanliness:
Pets are messy creatures. No training can eliminate their tendency to make a mess. Use lint rollers to get pet hair off furniture and periodically vacuum the floor to eradicate dirt and pet hair accumulation. Keep your indoor trash cans covered to prevent your pet from knocking them down and creating a more significant problem.

6. Make use of furniture covers:
Depending on your pet's activity levels and age, restricting its access to particular sections may be futile. Therefore, it may be better to use preventive accessories like furniture covers that protect your expensive sofas, lounge chairs, tables, and even bed covers when not in use.

7. Create an exclusive pet zone:
We often hoard items to maximise the space in our homes, leaving our pets with minimal space to stretch out. Ensure that you allocate a small area in your house for your pet to play without obstructions.

Before you welcome your pet, check the above parameters to provide it with a safe habitat. Buying house insurance India is a prudent move to cover financial losses that may occur to your shared home. Depending on its coverage, the policy may even cover pet damages to the house. We hope you have a wonderful time with your pet and enjoy seeing it grow.

Click HERE to buy the best house 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.

Due to the threat of a global pandemic and the surge of different health crises, everyone now should have health insurance. Health insurance coverage can significantly safeguard you and your family from medical expenses during an emergency. This occurrence can be erratic and unexpected, and to protect the family, you or your family can purchase health insurance individually. Or, it would help if you bought a family floater health insurance plan to offer comprehensive coverage to your loved ones.

What is a family health insurance floater plan?

A family floater plan is health insurance that allows your entire family to benefit from a single health plan. These plans cover every family member under one single umbrella policy. Also, they are cost-effective because only one premium payment is needed for all beneficiaries simultaneously.

What are the advantages of getting family floater health insurance?

One of the best things about buying family health insurance is that it covers people of different ages. Neither senior citizens nor even infants require you to have separate insurance coverage. Here are some of the more notable advantages.

1. The Convenience of policy selection:
A family health plan makes it simple to choose a policy that provides coverage for all beneficiaries at once. There is no need to manage the renewals of many policies for various family members or go through the process of shortlisting them all.

2. Adding new members:
Family health insurance policies generally provide maternity benefits. It is simple to add them and provide coverage for newborns and pregnant women. So, if you are planning to start a family soon, choosing a family floater health insurance plan with maternity benefits can be a good deal.

3. Reasonable premium:
Since single-family insurance covers the entire family, coordinating several policies and their renewal dates is optional. In addition, compared to standalone individual health policies, single coverage can be modified to meet beneficiary demands at an affordable cost. Using the online health insurance premium calculator, you can quickly calculate premiums.

What should you consider when buying a family floater health insurance policy?

There are other factors to consider when purchasing individual health insurance coverage. These rely on the individual needs of each family member. Here are some recommendations for choosing a family floater health insurance policy in India.

● Your policy's coverage:
There are various features that you can review before deciding on the final coverage. Coverage is the most important thing to consider when choosing one of these policies since it varies from one to the next.

● Your plan's adaptability:
You must choose supplemental coverage to cover specific age-related ailments. If you start a family, you might have to select maternity coverage. Keep this flexibility in mind when choosing a family floater health insurance.

● No-fuss experience with claims:
Choosing a plan with fewer documentation requirements and other benefits can help you receive a seamless claim experience even though the settlement process is largely the same across insurance companies. Consider a policy that has a high claim settlement record.

Now that you know the benefits and how to choose a family floater health insurance plan, use these helpful suggestions to have your family covered and enjoy the peace of mind you deserve. Addressing your entire family's medical needs may appear daunting, but with the proper knowledge and appropriate insurance coverage, you can get the best deal. Compare different policies online, and understand their clauses, premium, and benefits before making the final decision.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance plan for your family.

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.

Are you taking delivery of your new car? But do you know that there are some prerequisites before signing any papers? Suppose you discover a problem after driving your new car away from the dealership; there are chances your dealer may refuse to take responsibility.

To avoid such a situation and ensure that everything is in working order, set up a pre-delivery inspection checklist and do the due diligence. Also, before you hit the road, be sure you have adequate motor insurance coverage from the best motor insurance company in the event of an accident.

Following is a list of things to look for when you take delivery of your new car.

1. Exteriors of the car:
A car might get damaged while being transported from its manufacturer's facility to a dealership stockyard. Check for dents and scratches, paying particular attention to the bumpers and the sides. In addition, look at the paintwork and the finish. Bring any repaint spots, scratches, or dents to the dealer's attention as soon as you detect them.

2. Check the electrical components:
Inspect and test all of the vehicle's electrical components, such as the lights, power windows, in-car entertainment, and the instrument cluster. When an automobile is left in a stockyard for an extended period, rodents often chew through the wiring, resulting in costly repairs. Furthermore, the battery should not be too old. If it is, ask the salesperson for a copy of its warranty card.

3. Interiors of the car:
After completing the exterior inspection, check the vehicle's carpeting, seats, console, and glovebox. You may check to see any wetness in your carpet by taking off the floor mats. Also, inspect the glasses and mirrors for cracks or scratches.

4. Make sure the tyres are in good condition:
Ensure that the tyres are not older than the car by checking the manufacturing date. A hardened rubber compound in old tyres could reduce road traction and cause them to wear out faster than they should. Also, inspect the spare tyre to ensure it is correctly inflated. Then examine the toolkit to ensure that it contains all the necessary tools.

5. Make sure the A/C is working properly:
Turn on the air conditioning and check how quickly the interior cools down. Vehicles that are parked in the dealer stockyard for long accumulate dust. Dirty air ducts can lead to bacterial growth, which is harmful to human health.

6. Check the engine:
Keep an eye out for indicators of fluid leaks and a damaged engine cover under the bonnet. Examine the fluid levels in your vehicle to ensure that they are at the proper levels for your engine oil, coolant, braking fluid, and windscreen cleaning fluid, among others. Furthermore, the engine compartment should be free of dust and debris.

A brand-new car will rarely cause any difficulties during driving. However, when it comes to maintaining security, ensure that you get comprehensive insurance from the best motor insurance company. Compare different motor insurance plans and select the one that provides you maximum benefits and the best premium. And yes, always take the delivery of your new car in the daylight because you will be able to spot defects, scratches or repair work, if any.

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

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.

Driving a lorry at night can have several advantages, including reduced traffic, availability of parking spots, and a magnificent night sky. While nighttime lorry driving may be relaxing, it is critical to practice safe night driving to avoid mishaps. According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways of India, road deaths increase three folds at night.

As human eyes have poor night vision, with decreased depth perception and peripheral vision, it is no coincidence that the highways are dreadful and dangerous after the sun sets.

The best safety tip would be to not drive after dark, but if your schedule mandates you to do so, here are some tips that will help keep you safe on the roads.

1. Adjust the headlights:
Check that your lorry's headlights are correctly set. When it's dark, use upper beams whenever it's safe to do so. Uppers beams can see twice as far ahead as dipper. Switch back to dipper when you're within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

2. Follow speed limits:
It's a fundamental reality that humans can't see as clearly during the night as in the daytime, no matter how excellent their vision is. So, driving slow at night helps you see the warning signs or other vehicles better. Slow down even more during severe weather and foggy conditions due to less visibility.

3. Reduce glare:
Maintaining a clean windshield is vital to reduce the blindness that an approaching vehicle's headlights may cause. Furthermore, replace your wiper blades regularly to maintain a clean windshield.

*Additional tip – Staring at an approaching vehicle's beams can slow your response time. When you see such lights, gaze toward the center or right side of the highway until traffic passes. Moreover, adjust your mirrors so that headlights from vehicles behind you do not blind you.

4. Beware of your limitations:
As per the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways of India, most police-reported truck collisions are caused by sleepy driving each year. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep before you get behind the wheels. If you ever start experiencing fatigue, pull over right away and rest or refresh.

5. Be responsible:
Do what you expect of others, don't use upper beams unnecessarily, don't drink and drive, always use your side indicators while driving, flash your lights before overtaking, etc. Remember, even a small thing can trigger a severe collision and lead to an accident, so be a responsible driver.

Additional Tips:

• Maintain the health of your truck by carrying a routine maintenance

• Cover the truck with motor insurance. You can also buy motor insurance online now

• Overloading is illegal as well as causes much trouble while driving

• Never forget to wear your seatbelt

• Turn on the mp3 player to avoid feeling drowsy but ensure you don't keep the volume too loud as it might prevent you from listening to the vehicles outside

• Take periodic refreshments breaks

Whether you're a novice or an expert, the roads are uncertain. As we earlier said, the best tip is to drive during the daytime, but if night driving is inevitable, these tips will surely benefit you in driving safely.

Visit HERE to buy motor insurance online now.

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.

Asthma is a health ailment that can take a severe toll on your health. In this condition, the air passage observes inflammation, and the bronchioles of the lungs swell, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma affects the functioning of your lungs and can lead to various long-term diseases as well.

While you can control asthma most of the time, it can affect your daily activities and may even be fatal. If not addressed correctly, the symptoms can worsen over time and lead to severe asthma attacks.

Today we will look at a few ways you can control your asthma.

1. Identifying triggers:
Almost all cases of asthmatic attacks arise due to a triggering agent or underlying factors. It could be pollution, smoke, allergies, exercise etc. Identifying what triggers your asthma is essential to prevent attacks as much as possible. One handy way of doing this is by keeping notes for a few weeks. Take into account all environmental and emotional things that affect you.

2. Avoid allergens:
Once diagnosed with asthma, you can do allergy tests to learn what you are allergic to. A comprehensive understanding of what causes allergies can help you prevent them in the future. Contact with allergens can cause inflammation which may block your airway and worsen your condition due to poor respiration.

3. Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy or Allergy shots are injected to help mitigate allergic symptoms. Over a period of time, these small doses of specific substances allow the body to adjust to them and become less reactive in the future.

4. Avoid smoke:
If you are asthmatic, you should avoid smoke from vehicles, incense sticks, and cigarettes. Even passive smoking can be a deadly trigger for your asthma. Always carry masks, inhalers, and your asthma medication wherever you go. When stuck in situations where you're unable to avoid the smoke, use masks to cover your face thoroughly. Protecting your air passage should be a priority when you're in crowded places.

5. Take medications:
Even if your asthma has been under control for a while, never skip your medications. Asthma medications are designed to help to prevent symptoms and attacks over time. Skipping on your medications can be dangerous.

6. Keep your environment clean:
Sometimes the bare minimum can go a long way. Regularly vacuuming your couches and floor can help keep dust at bay. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the air's moisture and prevent mold growth. Install air purifiers to get rid of dust mites. Lastly, don't forget to change your bedsheets and liner every week to ensure maximum protection from dust and allergies.

These are a few ways in which you can prevent an asthmatic attack. However, in case of a severe asthma condition, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Having medical reports handy at all times is a good idea to give the doctors a better understanding of your medical history.

We are often not prepared for the expenses we might incur during visits to doctors. Costly medical bills should be the least of your worries in such times. Having the backing of an insurance provider is especially helpful. Consider this a reminder of your health insurance policy renewal and prevent it from lapsing.

Click HERE to know more about health insurance policy renewal.

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.

India's vast network of national highways is usually busy with trucks carrying hefty cargo across the states. Transportation of heavy-duty materials and goods is majorly carried out by trucks. Their labour happens to be an essential work that contributes to the entire country's economy and aids multiple industries in flourishing and growing.

As essential as the transportation of the loaded cargo is, it can be a complex process to manage. Hauling loaded shipments for kilometers at a stretch is a strenuous activity and can become dangerous. Due to their massive size and load, several rules and regulations are levied upon the lorries. There are standard weight limitations to be followed to avoid any road accidents. All shipment companies and truck drivers must follow these safety provisions.

What are the basic truck requirements to keep in mind?

1. The weight of the load or cargo must be evenly positioned in the vehicle. Distributing the weight evenly throughout the truck ensures that its balance is maintained while driving. It also guarantees that no part of the truck is heavier than the rest so that it drives safely across the distance.

2. The cargo must be positioned and secured firmly in its place. If any items of the shipment move with the truck's movement along the road, it can cause the lorry to tip over or fall while making a turn. This can cause major road accidents and distract the driver from driving.

3. The regulatory bodies imply a standard weight limitation depending on the truck's size. The driver must ensure that these weight limitations and norms are adhered to before setting off on their journey. Not only can they be heavily fined for disregarding these rules, but they can also cause significant weight displacement of the vehicle, leading to severe accidents.

What are the risks of overloading the trucks?

1. The mechanical components of the truck are proportional to its smooth functioning. The weight limits are placed to protect the vehicle's mechanical parts from the damage caused by overloading. Parts like the suspension and engine can be easily damaged.

2. Heavy loads cause high amounts of pressure on the vehicle's braking system. The driver is forced to push harder on the brakes to stop sooner, impairing the system. Extreme pressure on the brakes can significantly increase the possibilities of brake failure.

3. Like the truck's mechanical parts, tyres can also deteriorate due to truck overloading. It causes a significant chance of them blowing out. A tyre blowout can cause the cargo to shift, displace its weight and lead to accidents. If the driver is unable to steer the truck to safely move out of the road, it may cause a major road collision and pose a threat to other vehicles on the road.

Understanding the risks of overloading trucks is essential to securing yourself, people, and vehicles. Following the safety protocols and driving with alertness and lesser (permissible) load is key to avoiding landing into unwanted mishaps. Investing in a motor insurance scheme can ensure your truck's safety at all times and get you compensated in case of damages. A good motor insurance can help you secure your finances and make your journeys stress-free.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance to safeguard your truck.

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 the internet being easily accessible even in remote areas, today, people engage and entertain more through the digital world. Social media is proving to be a significant source of entertainment worldwide. However, it turns out that it is also one of the rising causes of bad mental health. Primarily, the rise of social media has long-term consequences and adverse effects on people's mental health, including cyberbullying, depression, and severe anxiety.

People think that social media is a mood booster, which is true but under certain limits. Excessive socializing can make things odd for you, majorly affecting your mental peace. Let's take a look at how social media is affecting people's mental health.

1. Comparing our lives with others:
The comparison is one of the primary reasons why people feel socially isolated. As we scroll down our social media feeds, we start comparing our lives with other people. This may be in terms of money, their day-to-day activities, looks, or happy moments. Unfortunately, the habit of comparing ourselves to others is linked with symptoms like anxiety, depression and loneliness.

2. It triggers sadness:
The more you use social media, the higher it triggers your sadness. For example, a person already dealing with mental health issues may see things that can make her feel down. This way, people feel the fear of missing out, leading to higher anxiety.

3. Low self-esteem:
People on social media are all about showing off materialistic things. We tend to feel excluded from these show-offs, which can lead to higher insecurities. Seeing someone ‘perfect’ on social media further lowers self-esteem. You'll begin to judge your self-worth, and that's dangerous.

4. Social acceptance:
Social media has taken over people's minds by its craze for ‘followers’ and ‘likes’. Youth indulge in the thoughts that if they don't get a certain number of likes or followers, they are probably not good enough or aren't socially acceptable.

5. Abrupt sleep cycle:
Social media is like that one toxic addiction you want to leave, but you can’t. According to research, almost two-thirds of the youth check their social media at least once before sleeping. Sometimes you may come across a specific post, and you decide to check about them more out of curiosity. Within a blink of an eye, you'll lose hours just scrolling on social media.

6. Leads to jealousy:
Besides comparing ourselves to others, another way social media affects one's mental health is by inducing jealousy. Seeing other people's success stories, luxurious accessories, and vacations can be envy-inducing. This vicious cycle of jealousy can lead to severe consequences.

The rise in the influencer culture has further brought plenty of side effects on today's youth. Unfortunately, draining mental health can affect one's physical health too. While these health problems may not look concerning, they can turn out more significant and take a toll on your overall well-being, productivity and finances in the future. Therefore, it is in your best interest to get HEALTH INSURANCE so you do not drain yourself financially to protect your mental well-being.

Social media is not just scrolling feeds and looking at what's going on in other people's lives. If you use it wisely, social media is a perfect medium to make you productive and happy. You will find profiles and posts related to improving your well-being, practising mindfulness, drawing positivity through education, and even the importance of mental balance, health insurance and a perfect lifestyle.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance that fits your needs.

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.