GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

In a digital world where everything happens at the touch of a button, books emerge as one of the oldest and most potent resources humankind has invented. They hold great knowledge and can feel you connected. Books also help people deal with anxiety or depression by making them feel more engaged.

Whether you are an avid reader or would like to become one, here are some of the benefits that make reading an excellent habit!

1. Stimulates the brain:
Reading and mental stimulation go hand-in-hand. When you are reading something, you are focused on one task, which keeps your brain constantly active. As per various researches, the mentally stimulated brain can help prevent several diseases, including Dementia and Alzheimer.

2. Improves vocabulary:
Reading improves vocabulary, especially when you read newspapers, articles, and books every day. The more you read, the more you get exposed to new words and enhance your vocabulary. You'll be surprised at how easily you'll start inculcating the words you've read in your day-to-day life.

3. Releases stress:
Who doesn't have days when they are highly stressed? Reading your favourite books will take you to your personal leisure space, whether you are worried about work or your personal life. As you focus on reading, you will forget about the stress and uplift your mood. So, how about grabbing your favourite book to release your tension when you feel down?

4. Improves memory skills:
When reading a fictional book, you will have to remember many details about the characters to grasp where the story is going. All this directly impacts your brain's memory and plays a vital role in strengthening your short-term memory.

5. Enhances knowledge:
Since childhood, older adults have always told us that books are one of the tremendous seas of knowledge. There is no such thing as "enough" knowledge. There is always something new to know and learn about with plenty of world history and new inventions each day.

6. Keeps you open to new perspectives:
No two brains are alike. When you spend your time reading articles online, you will know how different people think, their thoughts, reactions to situations, how they view life, and much more. When you read the rights and wrongs, you will welcome new perspectives and see life differently.

7. Helps in improving writing skills:
Reading often helps you to analyse each writer's different writing styles better. As mentioned previously, it enhances your vocabulary; you will be able to write better as you open up to new words, thoughts, and more. Regular reading trains your brain to analyse information efficiently and polishes your writing skills!

8. Improves concentration:
Humans are prone to multitasking which disturbs concentration power. Spending 15-20 minutes a day reading a book or article will help you increase concentration and focus better. This is because when you are reading, you give all your attention to one thing.

After reading the points mentioned above, it is no surprise that reading provides too many benefits for you to miss out on! Isn't it amazing how reading can do wonders for your life and promote your well-being?

While reading provides various benefits, it is also vital to take care of your health by engaging yourself in different activities. Another healthy habit that can positively impact your life is having online health insurance to eliminate the financial burden in case of unexpected incidents. Nevertheless, we hope you always stay fit and healthy!

Click HERE to buy online health 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.

With the summer season right around the corner, it is time to take out your swimming trunks and goggles. For the past two years, the pools have been closed owing to the pandemic. But the numbers have been under control in recent past months, making way for pools to open up again with specified capacity. Although it's best to take refuge inside your homes in well air-conditioned rooms, taking a swim in your nearby pool is an option that most of us might consider. Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of people enrolling in swimming classes and actively making efforts to learn various styles of swimming. This article will prove helpful if you are new to swimming or want to polish your skills.

Today, we will look at a few common mistakes that people make while learning to swim and the ways to fix them.

1. Holding your breath:
Beginners commonly believe that the most crucial thing before diving into the pool is to hold your breath. Instead of helping themselves, they refrain from breathing to maneuver the waters.
A better solution to address this is to practice holding your breath on land before attempting it in water. This will help you control your breath more systematically and in a timed manner. Try inhaling and slowly exhaling while keeping a constant momentum.

2. Head too high:
One of the most common swimming mistakes is holding your head above water for breathing. It sounds surprising. How else are you supposed to breathe? When you lift your head, it causes your hip to drop down, slowing you down and increasing your resistance. Keep your head down, and when you need to breathe, you can do so from the side of the arm when it is out of the water's surface. Rotate your head to the side so that your mouth gets air to breathe.

3. Keeping your hips straight:
In the above passage, we discussed how the lowering of the hip could affect you negatively. Sometimes instead of rotating them, people use the upper body and the legs to move through the water.
Swimmers fail to realise that the most power comes from the hip. Utilising your core muscles and rotating your trunk will help you push through the water without tiring out your legs.

4. Pointing your toes:
Having straight pointy toes while swimming tightens up your muscles and makes it difficult for you to propel yourself in water. Swimmers should have flexible and loose ankles in water to maintain pace and direction. Practice curling your toes outside the pool. Try picking coins on the floor using your toes. Transfer them from one bowl to another to familiarise your toes with curling and being able to control them. This is the best way to train your toes before diving into the pool.

These are a few common mistakes swimmers make when starting their journey. Swimming can seem like a daunting activity, but it is sure to be one of the most enjoyable experiences with time. It is, however, advised to practice swimming under the guidance of certified coaches in well maintained and clean swimming facilities to avoid any health complications.

Another mistake that you should avoid is neglecting the importance of health insurance. Health insurance will act as your safety net in case of any injuries or accidents you might face while training.
A good tip would be to look for affordable health insurance plans, secure your finances against health ailments, and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Click HERE to know more about affordable health insurance plans.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

The Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs of the Government of India presented the Economic Survey 2022-23 along with the budget on the 1st of February, 2023, in the parliament. It projects optimistic growth in the Indian economy in the current year because of the high private consumption, increased investment and production activity, higher capital expenditure, and strong revival of the service sector post the dull phase of Covid-19.

The insurance sector in India has also grown at a rapid pace, especially after the pandemic. The 2022-23 economic survey indicates greater insurance penetration. Let us know more about it.

Insurance penetration and its pace:

Insurance penetration is the total insurance premium ratio to a country's gross domestic product in a particular year. It is a globally accepted indicator of the growth of the insurance sector of a country.

Insurance penetration in India was a meagre 2.7% in the year 2000. The 2022-23 economic survey reveals that it rose to 4.2% in 2020 and 3.2% in 2021. It is also slightly higher than the global average, pointing to the efficient functioning of the sector in India.

While greater awareness is one of the factors that has led to such positive figures, tech advancement in insurance sectors and the facilities to buy insurance policy online are also to be credited.

Insurance density:

Insurance density is the ratio of the total premium collected to the country's total population. In other words, it is the per capita premium of a country. The insurance density in India was $11.5 in the year 2001. According to the 2022-23 economic survey, it has risen sharply to $91 by 2021.

The density for life insurance was US$69, while that for non-life insurance was US$22 in 2021. The survey also indicates that savings-linked life insurance products are the highest selling in India.

Reasons for increased penetration.

1. Digitisation of the insurance market:
Many surveys state that the digitisation of the insurance sector in recent years has fuelled its growth in India. Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the implementation of advanced technology in the insurance sector have increased efficiency and enhanced synergy.
App-based policy sales and renewal, online premium payment, and speedy claim settlement processes have helped the sector to grow and penetrate rapidly. The permit to conduct video-based know-your-customer (KYC) documentation and rewarding low-risk behaviour has also helped boost demand and penetration.

2. Increase in FDI limits:
The survey also states that the increase in FDI limits to 74% in companies that provide insurance cover has helped bring foreign capital into the Indian insurance sector. 100% FDI has been allowed for insurance intermediaries like brokerages. This has helped the industry to snowball.

3. Post-Covid awareness:
According to the surveys, the non-life insurance sector will likely witness increased penetration due to post-covid awareness of health insurance. People have realised the importance of health insurance, due to which its demand is witnessing a steady rise.
The government also provides strong insurance support by promoting the mass health program "Ayushman Bharat." It annually provides a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per beneficiary family. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana is another innovative non-life insurance product operational in India. It provides risk coverage up to Rs. 2 lakhs and has contributed to greater insurance penetration.

The 2022-23 economic survey has correctly stated that insurance penetration is at a record high in India. While people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of insurance post the Covid-19 pandemic in India, the increase in digitisation and efficiency in the issue and claim settlement process has further led to greater insurance penetration.
Online insurance has been a blessing for the insurance industry and immensely contributes to increasing the demand for insurance products and boosting growth. Choose to buy insurance policy online to make the process easier and hassle-free.

Click HERE to buy 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.

A wide range of motorcycles is available in the market today. Every model differs in several ways. So, when purchasing a bike, it is crucial to know its specific functions like its engine, mileage, and fuel economy.

Overall, a durable engine design is crucial for a good motorcycle. Even though two-wheeler engines and their mechanisms have transformed drastically over the years, the two primary gasoline-powered combustion engine designs are — 2-stroke engine and 4-stroke engine. And while you may secure your two-wheeler by purchasing reliable bike insurance, it is essential to know which kind of engine is best suited for you.

If you have done your research, you may be familiar with these two types of motorcycle engines. Although, if you're new to the field, here are some points to help you understand!

Let's understand more about a stroke engine:

To understand the functions of the engines, you must know about their combustion cycle. The engine's combustion cycle or revolution involves the piston's continuous up and down movement.

A stroke is the piston's movement from one position closest to the valve to another, which is furthest away from it. At the end of every stroke, a spark causes the gas and air mixture to ignite, which invariably helps the bike move forward.

So, what are the significant differences between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine?

You may notice absolutely no difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine on the first look. In line with its function, 2-stroke and 4-stroke bikes follow the equal gas-powered internal-combustion standards. However, the main distinction lies within the number of strokes the two engines require to produce power. A 4-stroke motorcycle needs four piston strokes to complete the combustion cycle, while a 2-stroke motorcycle does it in two.

In a 4-stroke engine, the piston performs two strokes during a single cycle, completed by a return stroke. The power gets produced after every four strokes of the piston. The highlight of this kind of engine is that it does not need to pre-mix any fluids like oil and fuel.

Similarly, in a 2-stroke engine, the combustion cycle requires just one piston compression stroke and is completed by an explosion to generate power. The power gets produced when the piston achieves two strokes. In opposition to a 4-stroke engine, a 2-stroke engine requires the oil to be pre-mixed with the fuel.

Which engine is better?

4-stroke engines are definitely the better pick. Here are a few reasons why:

1. They offer more efficient fuel consumption and controlled usage.

2. 4-stroke engines are more durable in the long term.

3. While the 2-stroke engine is more powerful, it is highly noisy and creates a loud buzzing sound that the 4-stroke one does not.

4. Above all, 4-stroke motorcycle engines are more eco-friendly. 2-stroke engines emit far more toxic emissions.

While noting all these advantages of a 4-stroke engine, you must also remember that maintaining 4-stroke two-wheelers can be more expensive. They have many intricate parts that require more intensive upkeep. Its modified efficiency requires more investment of funds from your end.

Hopefully, this article helps you understand the functions of each engine and specifically pick which type works better for you! Don't miss out on securing your motorcycle with robust bike insurance. You may visit several policy features online and purchase the one offering the best value-to-money.

Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance to protect your bike from mishaps.

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 wide range of motorcycles is available in the market today. Every model differs in several ways. So, when purchasing a bike, it is crucial to know its specific functions like its engine, mileage, and fuel economy.

Overall, a durable engine design is crucial for a good motorcycle. Even though two-wheeler engines and their mechanisms have transformed drastically over the years, the two primary gasoline-powered combustion engine designs are — 2-stroke engine and 4-stroke engine. And while you may secure your two-wheeler by purchasing reliable bike insurance, it is essential to know which kind of engine is best suited for you.

If you have done your research, you may be familiar with these two types of motorcycle engines. Although, if you're new to the field, here are some points to help you understand!

Let's understand more about a stroke engine:

To understand the functions of the engines, you must know about their combustion cycle. The engine's combustion cycle or revolution involves the piston's continuous up and down movement.

A stroke is the piston's movement from one position closest to the valve to another, which is furthest away from it. At the end of every stroke, a spark causes the gas and air mixture to ignite, which invariably helps the bike move forward.

So, what are the significant differences between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine?

You may notice absolutely no difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine on the first look. In line with its function, 2-stroke and 4-stroke bikes follow the equal gas-powered internal-combustion standards. However, the main distinction lies within the number of strokes the two engines require to produce power. A 4-stroke motorcycle needs four piston strokes to complete the combustion cycle, while a 2-stroke motorcycle does it in two.

In a 4-stroke engine, the piston performs two strokes during a single cycle, completed by a return stroke. The power gets produced after every four strokes of the piston. The highlight of this kind of engine is that it does not need to pre-mix any fluids like oil and fuel.

Similarly, in a 2-stroke engine, the combustion cycle requires just one piston compression stroke and is completed by an explosion to generate power. The power gets produced when the piston achieves two strokes. In opposition to a 4-stroke engine, a 2-stroke engine requires the oil to be pre-mixed with the fuel.

Which engine is better?

4-stroke engines are definitely the better pick. Here are a few reasons why:

1. They offer more efficient fuel consumption and controlled usage.

2. 4-stroke engines are more durable in the long term.

3. While the 2-stroke engine is more powerful, it is highly noisy and creates a loud buzzing sound that the 4-stroke one does not.

4. Above all, 4-stroke motorcycle engines are more eco-friendly. 2-stroke engines emit far more toxic emissions.

While noting all these advantages of a 4-stroke engine, you must also remember that maintaining 4-stroke two-wheelers can be more expensive. They have many intricate parts that require more intensive upkeep. Its modified efficiency requires more investment of funds from your end.

Hopefully, this article helps you understand the functions of each engine and specifically pick which type works better for you! Don't miss out on securing your motorcycle with robust bike insurance. You may visit several policy features online and purchase the one offering the best value-to-money.

Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance to protect your bike from mishaps.

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.