GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Correct packaging is the most crucial part to ensure your package arrives at its destination in the best condition. As of today, over 90% of global cargo shipping takes place via the waterways. Goods are damaged every day as a result of poor packaging and lack of shipping knowledge.

Cargo comes in various sizes and forms, and there is more careful packaging required for damage-free shipping. It might feel overwhelming, but we can help you choose the best packaging for your products. With this guide, you'll be able to secure your items as they go through the challenging shipping procedure.

1. Identify the nature of the cargo:
Foremost, separate the delicate and sturdy items from each other. Make sure you bubble wrap all the fragile items adequately before putting them into the package. If the shipment involves liquid items, keep them in a leak-proof and spill-proof container. Leave the sturdy items for the last; they require the least amount of cushioning among all.

2. Go for heavy-duty boxes:
Protect your cargo with as much coverage as possible by using robust, thick boxes that will not burst open during shipment. Thick boxes offer an additional degree of protection not present in standard shipment boxes. If you're not satisfied with one box, add another box to make it two times stronger by layering your package.

3. Choosing the proper cushioning:
A proper cushion will protect your cargo against shock, vibration, dents, or distortion. Cushioning comes in various forms such as paper filling, corrugated board pads, foam & bubble wrap, to name a few. Keep in mind these few pointers while selecting the cushioning material:

• Cargo sensitivity

• Transport-related stressors

• The cushioning material's stress range

*Pro-tip: After packing the box, give it a firm shake. If you hear articles are moving around inside the box, your package needs extra cushioning.

4. Tape the box well:
Cover your package with strong tapes that can hold all the folded ends of the box in place and prevent it from opening up during the shipping process.

5. Make your boxes water resistant:
Even if the shipping goes successful, unexpected wet conditions during loading and unloading at the docks could damage the cargo. Protect your boxes from such situations by shrink-wrapping them.

6. Label the boxes:
Proper labelling aids in the seamless operation of shipping. From sorting to timely delivery, label your package accurately. For example, if the box contains fragile items, mention it on the box with 'This side up' label to guide the carriers to keep the side of your box upwards.

7. Insure your cargo:
There is always the possibility that your package might get damaged during shipment. The carrier could be exempt from liability for cargo damage or loss under the law to worsen the situation. This is where marine insurance protects your package. If you insure the goods under marine insurance, it will protect them against all unavoidable losses during the shipping process.

As a shipper, you have various options for ensuring that your goods arrive at their destination in the best possible shape. Always select a reputable carrier, pack your cargo with the utmost care, offer detailed handling instructions and secure it with marine insurance so that your valuables get delivered unaltered.

Click HERE to know about the best marine 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 retail business in India has evolved amongst the most diverse and fast-paced businesses in the world. As per the FDI confidence index, India is the world's fifth-largest player in the retail sector. It is a highly competitive section that needs a lot of planning, because, with so much competition, one decision can easily make or break your business.

Starting your retail business is exciting but also challenging at the same time. From ensuring the correct products to giving good after-sales service, every bit counts. For this occasion, Seth Godin correctly said, "The only thing worse than starting something and failing is not starting something." So, to help you succeed in your venture, we've put down some key aspects to look after.

These key points help you establish your business and flourish in the long run.

1. Research has the most prominent role in the success:
You must research to understand better your target market and the type of customers you want to attract. Along with that, it is also crucial to determine whether the product you're trying to sell has any demand. It will also assist you in choosing the best possible location for your business based on demographics. Above all, good research and market analysis will give you an edge over all the competitors.

2. Manage your capital smartly:
Managing your capital will help you sustain your business plan. Setting up a current bank account is not enough. Your budgeting, finances, cash flow, payments, and invoicing are of utmost importance too. Consider having a good accounting software. It is fast, reliable, and more accessible than physically maintaining records.

3. Market your business correctly:
People love unique things and creative ideas. When you have an identity and design for your store, you stand out. Market your venture in a way that makes your brand feel appealing. Apart from traditional forms of marketing, use the digital marketing, social media and online campaigns to promote your store on internet. Set up a website, put email marketing in action, and watch your business flourish and your customers multiply.

*Pro-tip - Your in-store design, & layout play a significant role in attracting more customers.

4. Abide by the law:
There are numerous legal obligations you need to follow while setting up your business. Consulting a legal professional or a business counsel to determine which laws you must comply with, is always recommended.

5. Protect your business:
You need to be ready for unforeseen circumstances; there are various ways to protect your venture, one of the most crucial is insurance. Having the correct insurance can assist in safeguarding your company, consumers, and money. The type that businesses go for is public liability insurance. Magma HDI provides you with the best public liability insurance in India, so ensure that you make a wise decision and protect your new business with financial safety.

To wrap up, consider all aspects mentioned above to help you in your approach to a new start. Don't forget your objectives and goals, as it gives you a direction to figure out ways to operate your business successfully. So, keep the grind going on, and make your dream business bring you fortunes.

Click HERE to know more about public liability 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.

Dry vans are the most preferred shipment method used for transportation. There are various advantages and benefits of dry van shipping, and you can use it to transport different products safely. Dry vans are preferred so much because they are completely enclosed on all sides, assuring safety to their contents.

If you are thinking of establishing a shipping business, dry vans are an excellent start for you. They are a popular choice in the shipping industry. Other than that, it is easier to buy online motor insurance for dry vans than loggers or tankers. Buying insurance not only protects you and your vehicle from damages but also covers legal liability for injuries caused to other drivers. Let's have a look at a few facts about dry van shipping.

1. They are versatile:
One of the best things about dry vans is their versatility. Dry vans are fully enclosed and come in various sizes. They are suitable for shipping anything to everything, such as non-perishable foods and beverages, household goods, clothing, textile items, plastic, and building products.

2. Favourites of freight transportation:
Dry vans are the most common, popular, and demanded freight transportation in the shipment industry. These vans look like boxes on wheels and have no temperature control. Therefore, goods that are temperature-insensitive can be quickly shipped using dry vans.

3. They offer protection to the goods:
Dry vans are entirely enclosed from all sides. This feature protects the goods from bad weather, such as rain, snow, or direct sunlight. In addition, the goods stay packed inside and safe from damage due to extreme climatic conditions or rough physical jerks. Dry vans are also theft-proof. This is why they are frequently used vehicles in the shipping business. Freight claims are also usually low in the case of dry vans.

4. They have hardwood flooring:
Dry vans today usually have a hardwood floor which is subject to damage. Wood is vulnerable to moisture that may come from freight or through open doors. This is a sensitive issue, but taking preventative measures and keeping up with the vehicle’s maintenance can help prevent damage to the floor.

5. High demand for dry vans:
These trailers are particularly widespread, but demand remains high, resulting in restrictions. In addition, due to the significant development of the retail sector, shippers have had much more products available, creating more demand for dry vans in recent years.

6. Dry vans are not suitable for perishable items:
If you want to ship food items or liquids that require refrigeration, you will essentially require this addition to your truck. Dry vans do not usually ship perishable or temperature-sensitive items, and you need to customize the carriers by installing refrigeration systems.

7. They have a maximum length limit:
You can find dry van trailers in various sizes. However, the maximum length allowed on the road is 53 feet. A dry van can carry up to 45,000 pounds of cargo at once.

Dry van shipping is worth all the hype it has created over the years as it is one of the world's most dependable, convenient, and cost-effective modes of transportation. If you choose dry van transportation, you can assure that your shipment will arrive at its destination safely and securely.

However, as a responsible business owner, you must opt for insurance to increase protection for your shipment business. Motor insurance is best suited for dry van trailers as they go off for shipping. With bare minimum effort, you can buy online motor insurance and get a cover for your dry van.

Purchase your online motor insurance HERE .

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.

Toddler years are the most crucial milestones in your kid's life that emphasize utmost transformation, growth, and development. The child begins to consume table food and adopt new tastes and textures in 1-3 years. And once your baby imbibes these habits, the importance of a healthy diet comes into play.

A good diet provides them with the nutrients they require for overall health, energy to play, move about, and participate in the growth and development of their body. Feeding your newborn with just breast milk is acceptable for the first six months or a year, but now it is time for your kid to start absorbing what they need from a range of meals.

Here are a few pieces of advice to get you started with feeding your child the right way.

What should a toddler eat?
Offering your child a range of meals from each food category with diverse tastes, textures, and colours is the best idea to come up with. A regular meal and snacking schedule might benefit your child in developing good eating habits. Try to follow a pattern for feeding them around the same time each day. Give your youngster 3 modest meals, plus a couple of snacks, but a healthy one, within every two or three hours.

What is the recommended amount of food for a toddler?
Every kid is unique, and the quantity of food they require varies according to their age, activity level, pace of growth, and appetite. Your child's appetite may fluctuate daily. The mood, health, time of day, and food supplied to your child can all influence their diet. It is all based on averages in nutrition, so don't worry if you don't meet the target every day. Instead, focus on providing a broad range of nutrients in your child's diet every time. Begin by serving tiny portions of food at meals and snacks, and then allow them to crave for more.

What to avoid feeding toddlers?
Examine and avoid food items they have an allergic reaction. Also, be careful with the food items that can choke them. Always chop the food items into tiny pieces and keep an eye on them as they eat. Avoid greasy, complex, and sticky foods especially.

Whole grapes, vast portions of meat, chicken, and hot dogs, as well as candies and cough drops, are all slippery meals. Nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, raw carrots, and raisins are small, hard foods. Peanut butter and marshmallows are sticky foods. You need to acquaint yourself with the proper knowledge of food categories and how those categories will benefit your toddler.

Being constantly concerned for your child is quite natural. Every parent ensures to provide their kid with the best things available. With some excellent guidance, it can ease a bit. Model some good eating habits and let your child see you and follow them. However, due to undetected disorders, a kid may not consume the proper diet. If you're still distressed that your child isn't consuming a balanced diet, consult a doctor.

Don’t forget to cover your toddler with the benefits of health insurance. You no longer have to wait 18 whole years to get health insurance cover for your children. All it requires is to look up online health insurance that covers the entire family and children, and you’ll be flashed with multiple Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Choose the policy that suits the best for your child’s requirements.

To look for online health insurance, click HERE .

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 tales of our brave freedom fighters and their over-the-line selfless deeds are always an inspiration to the whole nation. One can never entirely express gratitude for their sacrifices for our nation’s independence from the British Raj. As we get farther from the year 1947, our gratefulness only grows more and more. This year on March 12th, in honour of our 75th Independence Day celebration, the Government of India started a national initiative to celebrate the glorious years of freedom – “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.

This campaign is an attempt to cherish the relentless work of the citizens who contributed to India's evolutionary path to success and prosperity. This movement carries the ability to allow the vision of unleashing India 2.0, driven by the ethos of Atmanirbhar Bharat, a seed sown that is now a tree and bearing fruits. The campaign starts precisely 75 weeks before our 75th Independence Day that falls on 15 August 2023.

The main objective of this campaign is to hold a series of events to celebrate the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat in all sectors nationwide. India has marked its supremacy in Technology, Governance, Development, and Reformation through unmatched efforts empowering it to be a global superpower soon.

Several socio-cultural programs are conducted in conjunction with the Amrit Festival of Independence. These programs shall run on regional and state levels for educational and cultural aspects aiming to positively influence the lives of Indians and foster the development of India on a global scale. Various states and institutions have shown their enthusiastic participation in the campaign in multiple ways, including a 350 km run for defence staff members, an ITBP cycle rally, various exhibitions, and many more.

Another significant move towards the campaign was launching a mobile app this November. The Government of India unveiled the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav app to provide a single source of all information pertaining to India's 75th-anniversary festivities. The app is accessible for all smartphone users and contains information on the AKAM-sponsored happenings. According to a statement released by the ministry of culture, the main page allows users to overview the app's unique and diverse content. This app is a digital library of wonderful experiences showcasing various sections, from highlighting the inspiring stories of our unsung heroes to embracing the noteworthy achievements made by our country.

The effort taken by the government to acknowledge the courage of our warriors will surely warm our hearts. This campaign displays a strong message to the world about the spirit of Indians and embarks on the splendorous journey of India from battling for independence to celebrating it. With such a strong nationwide initiative, the least we can do is play our part in it. So, let’s drench our hearts with patriotism and come together as one big family to contributing to the Mahotsav in any possible way. The entire nation is looking forward to unbinding the future of the new India- India 2.0! Jai Hind!

With the rain slowly subsiding and the roads getting clearer, Mumbaikars can finally get on their bike for a nice, pleasant ride. Now, you can finally say goodbye to the cloud-laden sky, dust off your bike, and hit the road for some hot cutting chai as you delve into the sceneries that your trip is going to offer. So without further ado, let’s look at the five best riding destinations in Mumbai. However, before you set out on your ride, make sure that you have access to the best two-wheeler insurance in India so that you can stay out of legal trouble.

1. Durshet

Durshet is located 64 kilometers from Mumbai and is known for its jungle safari and water sports. It’s hidden well in the laps of the Sahyadri mountain range and is covered in lush greenery. While you are here, you can take a dip into the shimmering cold water of the Amba river to refresh your senses. If you are someone who finds pleasure in visiting holy sites, then there are several temples around for a good morning walk that will fill you with a sense of devotion — the astounding nature only adds up to the serenity of this place.

2. Mulshi Dam

This dam is located 127 kilometers from Mumbai and is known for its several forts. It is a perfect place to get your camera out and click some amazing pictures that will decorate your gallery. The dam, which is constructed on the Mila river, works as a hydroelectric plant. The monsoon is particularly a good time to visit this place as you can see the river at its full flow while the mist fills the atmosphere, mesmerizing you with its beauty.

3. Malshej Ghat

Located serenely in the Sahyadri range, the Malshej Ghat is located at a distance of 154 kilometers from Mumbai. A bike ride here will offer you the naturally decorated view of lakes and valleys. It has some unique flowers that will make you take your camera, and perhaps never put it back. During the rainy season, you can even spot a few flamingoes perching, feeding themselves. It is a must-visit if you are into trekking, bird-watching, and hiking.

4. Vihigaon Waterfalls

The Vihigaon waterfall is located at a distance of 115 kilometers from Mumbai city. It is known for having the highest peak in Maharashtra — the Kalsubai. It is hidden in the greenery and can offer you some great treks that have some mesmerizing views. You can dive deep into the calmness which this place offers, which makes for an ideal spot for having a picnic with your friends and family. On top of everything, the waterfall offers a great view. It is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

5. Thoseghar Falls

Thoseghar Falls is located at a distance of 230 kilometers from Mumbai, which makes it a great place for bike rides, as you will be spending enough time on the road. The place receives abundant rainfall, and during monsoon, the waterfalls gush at high speed which makes it a pleasant sight. You can either sit around the lake or take a dip in it or merely gaze — there’s always enough to do at this place. With so many places to go around all you have to do is top up you fuel tank and hit the road. However, make sure that you get the best two-wheeler insurance in India so that safety becomes a top priority.

Driving is an adventure! You hold the steering wheel, buckle your seatbelt, get on the road, and roar your way through. The experience is even better on the highway where you have the chance to speed up. However, when on the road, one must watch out while speeding — as the popular saying goes: speed thrills, but kills! Driving safely is essential for many reasons. First and foremost, it is for your safety — you have to get back home to safety, a home where your family waits for you. Besides, driving is just not about trying not to overspeed to avoid accidents; it is also about having your car papers (insurance and registration) right so that you do not land into any legal trouble. You can start with getting your documents in proper place as it is mandatory to have registration and car insurance in India) Here, we will look at a few reasons why you should consider driving more safely than ever. .

Driving safe is eco-friendly

Driving an engine which lets out smoke, in the first place, is not suitable for the environment. However, more often than not, it is unavoidable. So if you do not want to leave large carbon footprints behind you, the best you can do is drive safely, economically — making sure that you use less fuel which also cuts down on carbon emissions. When you are driving carefully in economy mode, you will use less fuel, which indeed is good for the environment in the long run.

Financial gain and safety

Besides the fact that safe driving cuts down on fuel usage, it also helps you save money on your car insurance. If you have not made a single claim during your term of your car insurance in India, then you end up paying less money on your insurance premiums. You will also be earning more with the No Claim Bonus (NCB) on your car insurance if you do not meet with an accident within your insurance term.Another significant part of driving safe is that you will avoid any road accidents. According to a report, more than 1,50,000 people are killed annually in road accidents every year. The best you can do to avoid such circumstances is drive safely.

Sets a good example

If you drive safely, you also set an excellent example for others. For example, if you have a teenage child, then you will want them to drive safe too. If you explain to them the importance of driving safely and practice it on the road yourself, then it is highly likely that your child will learn from you and follow your footsteps. By looking at you, young drivers can be ‘peer pressured’ into driving safely, and this will be good for everyone. With so many reasons to drive safely, it is crucial that you make a safety note for your car as well. It becomes important that you get good car insurance in India. Magma HDI car insurance comes with numerous features that make it a popular choice for car owners. With a Magma HDI insurance, you get a personal accident cover and access to additional legal liabilities. Besides, you get access to other features such as access to anti-theft devices, no claim bonus, and a discount on your insurance premiums, among others.

For a lot of us, learning how to ride a two-wheeler involved tripping and falling, messing up the gears, and what not! Initially, it required someone to sit behind us to make sure that we do not accelerate much and that the bike does not go astray. The day you realized that you learned to ride was the day when you kissed freedom. The feeling was new, enthralling. A single, gentle twist at the accelerator could send you roaring. Learning how to ride can be challenging. However, before you begin your learning endeavors, it is essential to make sure that you have got your bike insurance in place. Having two-wheeler insurance online in India can save you much trouble as you maneuver your way with your first bike, trying to master its control. Here, we will look at a few hacks for new two-wheeler learners so that their learning curve is smooth and hassle-free.

Don’t put weight on the handle

It is easy to assume that a tight grip on the handle will make riding more comfortable, but it is not quite so. When you have a tight grip on the handle, it becomes hard to steer the bike. The trick here is to have a loose grip on the bike’s handle. Most of the time, you don’t even have to turn the handle. When you are cruising at a moderate speed, a little bit of weight-leaning through the handle does the job of steering.

Watch out on your brake technique

There is one rule which goes with putting on the brakes: when you brake your bike, do not brake all of a sudden, unless of course there’s a bovine in front of you, which could be highly likely while driving around Indian towns. Make it a point to practice braking on both the front and rear wheel together — this will make the bike slow down more smoothly.Also, remember that you should avoid using the clutch while braking, as the chances are that your bike might skid and fall. Holding on to the clutch while putting on the breaks can have disastrous consequences on slippery roads.

Accelerate gently

Do not accelerate your bike all of a sudden. It will just waste fuel and work up your engine for no good. Besides, a sudden increase in speed could make the bike go out of hand. The ideal way around it is accelerating slowly, gently. Moreover, it will also help you maintain that balance as the bike slowly gains speed.

Before you set out on the road, it is essential to make sure that you have good insurance at hand. Magma HDI two-wheeler insurance online in India comes with long-term insurance plans that can help you stay away from any legal trouble while you master your riding skills. A Magma HDI bike insurance stands out as it has support for anti-theft devices and. Among other features, you also get access to personal accident cover, which ensures your financial safety as well.