GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Cars are almost our second home as we spend 2-3 hours daily commuting in them. Most of us love to go for different types of fancy car accessories available in the market. Accessories make our car ride comfortable and convenient. Also, they add style to the car and make it look sportier and cooler.

But, do you know that a few accessories are mandatory by law, without which you cannot drive on Indian roads and can be fined. Let us explain them to you:

1. High-security number plate:
High-security registration plate or HSRP is mandatory to be used on your car along with the colour-coded sticker that comes with it. We cannot install fancy number plates with fashionable fonts just to make our car look stylish and unique. HSRP has been made mandatory in India from 1st April 2019.
This number plate is made of aluminium and cannot be removed from a vehicle once installed. It also has a unique 10-digit permanent identification number (PIN), so it cannot be cloned or copied. If you do not have an HSRP on your car, you can be fined anywhere between INR 5000 to INR 10000, depending on your state. Also, repeat offenders can be charged a compounding fine of INR 5500.

2. Lights:
You will be surprised to know that there are rules regarding the various types of lights you use in your car. These lights include car headlights, sidelights, tail lights, and registration plate lights. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, functional headlights, sidelights, taillights, and registration plate lights are mandatory.
Non-functioning lights can make you go blind at night, or vehicles approaching from the other side may not see you. In either of the cases, you may meet with an accident. You can be fined if any of these lights are not working properly, as this can be hazardous for you and other vehicles on the road. .

3. Rear and side-view mirrors:
Rear-view mirrors are a mandatory accessory for your car as per sections 5 and 7 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act. You can be fined for not driving with a rear-view mirror. Similarly, police can penalise you if you drive around without side-view mirrors or if they are folded!

4. Horn:
Cars must have an electric horn that can warn other vehicles around them that they are approaching. Driving your car with a faulty horn can attract a fine of INR 500 for the first time and INR 1500 for every subsequent offense. However, the fine amount can vary from one state to another.

5. Wipers:
Wipers are essential because they are the key tools for visibility during heavy rains. Driving without wipers is illegal, and you can be fined for that. If you get stuck in heavy rain without a wiper, you will not be able to see anything in front of you clearly, and there will be a high chance of an accident.

You can have a long list of fancy accessories to make your car stand out from the crowd, however, you should not neglect the above list of mandatory accessories required by law. Travelling without them can attract fines and penalties.

Renewal of motor insurance timely is also mandatory by law. Driving your car for a day after your motor insurance expires is also illegal. Do not delay the renewal, as you can conveniently get online motor insurance renewal without visiting the insurance office. Be safe, be protected.

Click HERE to get the online motor insurance 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.

While we live in a more digital world, it's natural for our elderly population to feel left out of meaningful conversations. Many young individuals also find themselves in the self-imposed isolation of the virtual system.

With age, bodily functions are hampered, and our elders don't have the energy as before. Their mental health also takes a toll and is impacted because of the fear of being unable to match with the current generation. The increasing age draws anxiety and health problems, making elders feel lonely and less productive. It is important to consider the elderly who may be alone and far from their children and other loved ones.

Do you have older parents at home? We have listed some measures you can take to lessen the loneliness your elderly parents may feel.

1. Get them out with people:
Social interactions decline with age. The seniors among us can attest to this truth more than anyone else. Their isolation can be alleviated by encouraging them to interact with others. Sometimes, interaction with new people might lead to lifelong friendships. Age shouldn't be a barrier to meeting new people and making new acquaintances. While making new friends is always exciting, a downpour of old memories comes with existing friendships.
Parents have lived longer, so it is natural for them to have lots of anecdotes to share. It just takes someone to listen for them to feel better. So, don't miss out on listening to their stories. Research shows that when seniors are provided opportunities for introspection, they report higher levels of satisfaction with both their lives and the world at large. By learning to control their feelings, they will become warmer, friendly, and, most importantly, less lonely.

2. Encourage for plant / pet:
You can lift seniors' moods and enrich their routines by gifting a plant or animal to care for, giving them a touch of responsibility and affection. In addition, there appears to be a correlation between senior citizens who keep pets and a lower incidence of health problems requiring medical intervention. Caring for plants at home or a nursery and looking after pets help keep the elders occupied with positivity and enjoy cheerful company.

3. Rely on experts:
Geriatric care managers can help seniors who don't have close family nearby. Typically, geriatric care managers are seasoned physicians or carers who figure out how to best meet the emotional and social requirements of their elderly patients.
Caregivers for the elderly spend the opportunity to get to know their patients, start friendly conversations, and engage them in mentally stimulating activities like games and mindful tasks like painting, singing, yoga, etc. Perhaps going for affordable health insurance plans for parents that may include professional services and additional health benefits should be your priority.

4. Communication:
Communicate often with your ageing loved one and engage them in conversation. Your close family member might appreciate more frequent phone calls from you. Communication is the best way to bond with your elders and make them feel valued.

5. Remind them of their importance:
Inviting them to join in on the festivities is a great way to show them how much they mean to you. Inspire them to reach their potential, but avoid giving the impression that any help you provide stems from a sense of obligation on your part. Express your affection for them and let them know that they will always be an important member of your family.

Loneliness doesn't pose an immediate health risk. Therefore, some people might not take the possibility of it seriously. While isolation might not seem like a problem, it can become one if left unchecked. Elders usually don't open up about the problems they face so easily with their family members. Studies and statistics show that the elders are more likely to require hospitalisation, so you must do everything you can to keep them in a positive frame of mind and reward them with affordable health insurance plans for parents to ensure their wellbeing.

Click HERE to buy the best and affordable health insurance plans 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.

Fuel prices are soaring daily in most Indian states and have a cascading impact on the public. Owning an EV or electric vehicle is still a far-fetched dream for most of us because of its unaffordability due to high prices and the absence of charging infrastructure across the country.

The price of CNG or Compressed Natural Gas has also touched all-time highs making it unviable to replace vehicles running on conventional fuel, i.e., petrol and diesel. So how do we save fuel and, eventually, our hard-earned money?

Let us go through some efficient measures to drive smartly and save fuel.

1. Accelerate smoothly:
Never accelerate suddenly since the engine uses maximum fuel when it achieves speed from being stationary. Therefore, the harder we accelerate, the more fuel it consumes. Make it a habit to accelerate gently, helping the car steadily gain speed. Always go easy with your car!

2. Drive in economy mode:
Most cars nowadays come with an economy or eco mode that maintains a balance between fuel efficiency and speed. Also, drive below the speed of 80-90 kmph, which is considered the ideal speed limit to achieve and maintain fuel efficiency. Anything over it will result in a higher fuel burn rate and a lower average per litre.

3. Manage your gear shift wisely:
Driving your vehicle in the right gear can help you save considerably on fuel. You put undue pressure on the engine if you drive in the wrong gear, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

4. Maintain correct tyre pressure:
Always maintain correct tyre pressure as under-inflated tyres resist proper rolling, putting more pressure on the engine. This will lower mileage, burning a hole in your pocket in the long run.

5. Use air-conditioning wisely:
A vehicle’s air-conditioning system burns up much fuel, resulting in lower fuel efficiency. Avoid using the air-conditioning system when your car is stationary or idle for a long time. Switch off the AC and roll down the windows when possible. Use the re-circulate option in your vehicle while using the AC.

6. Use your car wisely:
You can save fuel even by being smart in using your car. Do not make unnecessary and multiple trips to the supermarket all day. Prepare a list of things you need to buy, and when your list is big enough, go and get them. Also, go for carpools. It will be wise for four or five colleagues to carpool if the route permits, go together to the office, and divide the fuel cost rather than everyone going by their personal vehicle.

7. Ditch the extra weight:
Travel light. Ensure your boot is not full of unwanted stuff that adds weight to your car. Also, remove the carrier when it is not in use. Driving light can help you be more fuel-efficient.

● Anyone running a business with a steady stream of customers coming in and out of the building daily.

● Corporation owners who attend to numerous clients each day.

Following are the types of burglary insurance available under the general insurance India category.

8. Use “Fastag”:
Make use of a “Fastag” while driving on a highway. With it, you can cross a toll booth in a few seconds, helping you save on fuel.

9. Use “cruise control”:
Use the “cruise control” feature in your car, especially while driving on a highway. This will help you to maintain a constant speed without needing to push the accelerator constantly, giving you much better fuel efficiency.

10. Avoid idling:
Switch off your engine whenever you have to make a stop for over 20 seconds. Switching off and restarting will consume less fuel than your engine being on while your car is stationary.

Apply these efficient measures to drive smartly and see how you save fuel and eventually money over a few days. You can also buy the best car insurance to get complete protection at low premium rates and comprehensive car insurance benefits. Be smart, save money, and choose the best!

Click HERE to buy car insurance and insure your car with reliable coverage.

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.

Owning a car is not an easy task. You need to check the car features, mileage, prices, road safety, inner functionalities, maintenance, and servicing are a few things on a very long list. And one of the most critical points on this list is insurance. It would be best if you keep up with the premiums and renewal dates. Not everyone has sufficient information about insurance before they purchase it. This is why you must gather all the pointers from your insurance provider or agent before exploring your options.

Are you looking to purchase insurance and trying to understand the options? Are there any differences based on the type of car you own? Well, this blog is all about how different types of car engines impact insurance costs and will help you gain better insights about car insurance before you get one or switch your insurance policy.

1. Let’s discuss different engine sizes:
A car engine has two main parts: a few cylinders and a piston. And as we are aware of the combustion process where the fuel goes through the burning process in the cylinder. This provides sufficient energy for the piston to function, and through various connected mechanical systems, the generated power helps you drive the car.
Car engines are segregated according to the fuel volume of the cylinders. They are classified as under 1.0-litre, 1.0 to 2.0-litres, 2.0 to 3.0-litres and 3.0-plus. Diesel engines have a similar classification, except there will be no car with a less than one-litre engine capacity.

2. How do different engine sizes impact your insurance costs:
The power of your car majorly depends on the size of your engine. If your vehicle has a big engine, it is considered powerful. And this ultimately means that your car insurance will come under the higher tab/group. And if your insurance group is on the higher end, your insurance is bound to be expensive in most cases.
Exceptions to the size point discussed above are cars with turbocharged engines. These engines are extremely powerful and packed. Hence, they are smaller in size. A machine with a one-litre capacity today will usually be turbocharged. But since it provides a power-packed performance, the turbocharged engines are expensive, which raises the price of your insurance too. However, check with your car insurance company if your policy covers turbocharged engines.

3. What does it mean to have a powerful car:
Chances are that if your car comes under the category of powerful vehicles, it has an engine that delivers high and fast performance and reaches top speeds within seconds. Thus, there is a prediction that the thrill might make you more vulnerable to road accidents, making your car more prone to damages you will claim on your insurance policy.
This cycle raises the price of your insurance because the compensation for your claims about your powerful car will be bigger too. A similar process goes with expensive cars. The fancy technology, the sky-high prices, and the threat of your expensive vehicle getting stolen push the cost of your insurance.

But other factors are involved in determining your insurance and premium prices, including your driving history. Look for the best car insurance company in India that provides premiums and benefits perfectly matching your requirements.

And while we are discussing car insurance, claims, and premiums, you need to understand the importance car insurance holds. Especially if your car ends up being part of an accident or unfortunate circumstances, insurance will come in handy to keep you financially stress-free. At the same time, you focus on getting your vehicle fixed and resolving the situation. So, you must purchase your car insurance from the best car insurance company in India.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of the best car 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.

We all have noticed that whenever a brand launches its new car, there are different versions/variants. These variants have additional features and are placed at different price ranges. The base model is set at the starting price, while the top model takes away the cake by being priced higher. But why do these companies launch variants of the same car model and provide different features?

While purchasing a car, you need to look at various resources to educate yourself about different brands and their cars, your budget, the features you want, and the type of car you want. Are you finding it difficult to arrive at a final decision about which car you want to buy? Or have you finalised the model of the vehicle but are confused about the variant? Here's our guide. This blog will answer this question and provide sufficient information to make an informed decision.

1. There are multiple versions of a car. Why?
Car manufacturers have been creating different versions of a car. The term" variant" refers explicitly to a specific vehicle version. Car manufacturers prefer this method to market their products and distribute the needs of different sections of people. This way, they attempt to persuade their target audience for a particular vehicle and are forced to buy a variant on the upper end from what they initially set out to purchase. The distribution of features is finely done, targeting to expand the car's sales potential.
There is absolutely no fixed number of variants when it comes to the automobile industry. Car manufacturers can launch any number of variants of the same car model and tweak the features strategically to lure in the customers. The variants usually depend on the popularity of the car model, the brand, the consumer loyalty and the brand's reputation and accountability, etc.

2. The number of different features you should look for.
As we discussed earlier in the introduction, other parts in the variants of a car model lead to the difference in the price range. And these price ranges determine which car is under your budget and more accessible to you. But what are some of the features you as a customer should be on the lookout for?

Interior material:
There might be differences in your car's interior from the model in the high ranges. You will notice differences between the seat cover of the variants, and the personalisation options provided might seem limited too if you compare with the cars on the higher end.

Safety always comes first:
Every car today usually comes with several airbags, increasing as you go towards the higher-end variants. Apart from that, many safety features are incorporated into all vehicles in the current times. But the level of safety aids might differ in the car variants and models. Base level cars provide the standard features while vehicles in the higher end comes with premium safety features, which creates the allurement in the market.

Other determining features to look forward to are engines, fuel efficiency, mileage, navigation systems, and other technologies. So, take a wise decision to decide between the different versions of the same car that fits your budget and requirements. The prices are rising, and there seems to be no relief anytime soon. Therefore, in unpredictable times, you need to safeguard your crucial assets like cars with insurance.

Purchase car insurance to ensure you are one step ahead and can focus on resolving the situation. Also, remember, as there are different models and variants of cars available in the market, there are several car insurance options with different prices. You must determine the best car insurance price in India and invest in a comprehensive coverage plan.

Click HERE to learn more about the best car insurance price 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.

Many people love riding motorcycles. It's fun, daring, and adventurous. Whenever we talk about bike fanatics, we imagine a young adult riding a motorcycle with cool bike gear, taking a long trip in an aesthetically beautiful location. But, are motorcycles only for the youth?

Senior citizens also love riding bikes. But when it comes to the type of bikes they should go for, you must take care of certain factors given their age, mental conditions, body, fragility, accidental risks, road conditions, driving skills, etc. Are you looking for advice on how to help the seniors in your family take up their hobby while ensuring they stay safe? This blog will provide tips for choosing the right motorcycle for seniors. Let's dive in.

1. Ensuring the body to be fit to ride:
The number of senior citizens' road accidents has been rising worldwide. They are likely to get seriously injured or even die in bike crashes. Senior citizen accidents rose by almost forty percent, and the leading causes are a lack of protective gear like helmets, driving at high speed, and drinking and driving.
All these three reasons are against the road safety regulations, and one must consider this before getting a bike for the senior member of their family. Some other reasons for aged people to be prone to road accidents include vision impairment, sensory delay, reduced reaction time, balance and alignment issues, reduction in brain size, weakness, lack of bone strength, etc.
One must keep these factors in mind before you help the senior citizens hit the road on their own. If there are any such issues, you need to ensure their safety and consider the best options like accompanying them on the exact vehicle, being around whenever they drive, setting limitations of driving if the senior member is comfortable with it, etc.

2. Picking the right motorcycle and getting back to practising:
First and foremost, you must consider all possibilities and risks before going out to get a bike. Safety comes first. You need to purchase a motorcycle that suits and prioritises their driving skills, size, handling capacity, and security.
Some things you need to take care of include their height and weight, which have changed over the years and are still variable. Their size should be enough to operate all the controls and set their foot on the ground so they can control the bike whenever there is a sudden need. Their weight also should be able to handle the body and design of the bike. The weight of the senior member would determine their ability to manoeuver the bike quickly and efficiently. So, you need to ensure that you get a lightweight bike for them so that they can operate and balance it easily, even on uneven terrains. Maintaining bike control is essential for yourself and others on the road.
If not, it can potentially cause dangerous accidents leading to severe consequences. And last but not least, you need to help them plan their itinerary if they choose to go for a trip, and help them practice in a nearby area with decent roads, which would also help a beginner.

Those were some of the best tips for choosing the right motorcycle for seniors. The senior family members have the right and freedom to live their passion of biking and enjoying their retired life. If you are an older person, then just follow the above tips and encourage yourself to set out on short leisure rides or long adventurous trips.

But during any of these daily or weekend activities, the unpredictability on the road is always a concern. So, to ensure that even if you end up in difficult circumstances which can potentially cost you a hefty amount, you should buy the best two wheeler insurance in India to ensure that you focus on getting your ride fixed instead of fixating and worrying about finances. Get your gear, wear your helmet, and get ready to hit the road again!

Click HERE to know more about the best two wheeler 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.

If you are suffering from health issues and other illnesses, health insurance is crucial in covering the expenses for treatment and medicines. A safety net in the form of health insurance can take a significant load off yourself and your family. However, it can be nerve-wracking if your health insurance claim does not go through. An insurance claim can be rejected for various reasons, and depending on your insurance provider, they may or may not provide clear reasons why the claim was denied.

So, if you are worried about claim denials and want to know the next steps that need to be done, this article is for you.

What are the reasons for claim denial?
There can be many reasons why the insurance company may reject your claim. Upon receiving a claim, the insurance company cross-checks every document from the policyholder to verify the policy's validity and the claim's authenticity. Some of the significant reasons for claim denial are issues with the cover. There is a list of illnesses and treatments that insurance doesn't cover. If your claim falls under such a category, the insurance company can reject your claim. Other reasons could be missing information, expired validity, and lack of supporting documents.

How can you rectify and reapply?
If you are eligible to reapply, you should thoroughly go through every document and ensure that there is no missing information and that all the supporting documents are attached. After providing these documents, you can reapply for your insurance. However, if the reason for prior rejection was an expired policy, then you cannot reapply for the insurance. The validity period of your policy is the only contract holding the insurance company accountable to you. If a claim was made without an active policy, the insurance company is authosied to reject the claim.

How to write a letter of appeal to the insurance company?
This is probably one of the easiest and most effective ways to undo claim rejection. Write an appeal letter to the insurance company stating facts and attach supporting documents to strengthen your case. Papers such as treatment plans, medical bills, etc., are some examples of the supporting documents that you can use. If your claim looks valid to the insurance providers, they will approve them immediately.

Who is an ombudsman, and how can they help?
If none of the steps mentioned above works, you should consider going to an ombudsperson to review your claim. An ombudsman is an officer appointed by the government for the policy holders' fair disbursement of insurance money. Any grievance against an insurance company can be made to an insurance ombudsman. If your insurance claim was rejected or the company has not responded to your appeal, then the ombudsman is responsible for resolving the issue.
After careful consideration, the ombudsman recommends a settlement or an award that must be complied within the next fifteen to thirty days.

These are a few things you can do to ensure that your health insurance claim is approved. Health insurance claim rejection is not something that you need to stress about. Understanding why the plea was rejected and rectifying the issues will help you reapply for health insurance. Insurance companies must be careful against fraudulent claims, which is why they have stringent policies to disburse the insurance amount to the rightful people.

Before buying your health insurance in India, read all the papers carefully. Understanding the terms and conditions before purchasing your policy ensures that you have no trouble at the time of claiming the insurance. Analyse your requirements and opt for a tailor-made policy for you to reap the benefits of health insurance.

Click HERE to know more about health 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.

In the modern era, cars no longer remain a luxury. Instead, they have come under the list of essentials. While a four-wheeler is crucial for ease, accessibility, and comfort while travelling, it's not always possible to buy one on your own due to the heavy expenses. However, rental cars are the perfect solution.

While we're on the topic of rental cars, it is essential to understand rental car insurance as well. If, unfortunately, you end up in an accident during your driving, insurance will provide you with the right added protection and coverage. Now let's understand the working of rental car insurance.

1. There are different types of rental car insurance. You can select the one which caters to your needs best:

• Personal accident protection – It offers medical cost coverage for you and your co-passengers in case of personal injuries.

• Loss and Damage Waiver (LDW) – It is also called the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Rather than being a proper policy, this is a waiver scheme that prohibits the rental company from chasing after you in case of damage or if the vehicle is stolen.

• Supplemental Liability Protection – This provides cover against the damages done from your end.

• Personal effects coverage – This ensures coverage against personal items getting stolen from your rental car.

2. If you don't have auto insurance, it is advisable to get rental car insurance. A non-owner car insurance policy covers only liability. So, it is advised that you purchase damage protection. In addition, driving without car insurance is illegal, and you can get heavily fined if you do so.

3. Your personal policy does not cover the repair cost if you get into an accident and end up damaging the car. Therefore, think about purchasing a Loss and Damage Waiver (LDW) if you lack a collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal auto insurance policy.

4. Rental insurance is also beneficial if you're renting a car for a business trip or personal travel and are unsure about personal auto insurance coverage limitations.

5. Depending on personal car insurance to protect against the damages caused to the rental car can land you into paying a deductible. Instead, buy rental car insurance, which covers the cost of repair and avoids paying a deductible.

6. The cost of rental car insurance depends on several factors. It relies on the company you purchase the coverage from, the type of car you are renting, the state you are in, and the number of miles/kilometres you are travelling. Your costs will also increase if you purchase add-on coverages.

Now that we have taken a closer look at the working of rental car insurance, a wise option would be to think about your car and its protection against unanticipated damages. The best part about this whole process is that you can explore your options and buy car insurance policy online that suits your needs without any hassle. Travel without worry and explore the places you want to visit using an affordable commutation option and multiple insurance benefits.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy car insurance policy 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.