GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Outsourcing some of your important work to dedicated vendors is becoming increasingly frequent. These third parties are often not under your control and may not provide complete insight into their information security processes. Some vendors have strong security standards and risk management procedures, while others may not.

When your vendor's or business partner's computer system is hacked and sensitive data is exposed, this is known as a third-party data breach. Cybercriminals can target any vendor in your company ecosystem, and industry experts estimate that third-party companies are responsible for over 60% of all data breaches.

Data breaches are not only disruptive but also expensive. A breach can be challenging to recover from, especially for small businesses that cannot absorb the expenditure. However, public liability insurance can help enterprises survive. So, if you're a business owner, get a quote online to reduce your risk.

Avoiding a data breach can seem challenging as the volume of information grows and the threat landscape changes. However, this is not the case. Here are four helpful suggestions for preventing data breaches in your company.

1. Audit third-party vendors' cybersecurity:
It's critical to assess the risk of collaborating with a third party thoroughly. Neglecting this can create an alarming situation for your organisation. You can regulate the security assessment by incorporating questionnaires that inspect the security policies of the third party.
Thoroughly analyse all the security touchpoints to obtain a clear picture of vendor cyber risk. Companies should automate assessments to make them swift and scalable.

2. Incorporate a security policy into your contract:
Every organisation should have a written information security policy that covers all aspects of managing data on their network. This includes what data can be collected, how to manage it, how long each type of data should be retained for, the level of security controls required for each data type, etc.

3. Limit access to data:
There is a considerable risk of a breach if sensitive data is accessible to all vendors without limits. Therefore, limiting and regulating the data access to vendors must be practiced to protect your company against data compromise.
With so many distinct departments and vendors associated, it can get complicated. As a result, knowing all the risks pertaining to the organisation becomes critical.

4. Continuous monitoring:
The online world is fluid, and cyber threats are always changing. Furthermore, businesses constantly release new software and technologies that may expose them to attacks. Because of the ever-changing world, performing periodic cyber risk assessments of your third parties is no longer sufficient.
Instead, to avoid third-party data breaches, it's critical to keep an eye on your suppliers for new cyber vulnerabilities and receive real-time notifications about any changes in their procedures.

Following these four practices will lessen the chance of a data breach in your company. You can substantially improve cybersecurity by prioritising data protection and selecting the proper tools to assist you. Also, it's essential to have public liability insurance to pay for expenses related to a breach. Choose the right plan for your business by comparing public liability insurance prices online and adding a strong layer of financial security.

Click HERE to know more about public liability insurance prices.

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 two-wheeler not only makes the commute between two places easy, it also becomes a convenient option when you want to skip the traffic.

And, as you notice the several other benefits of using a two-wheeler, you choose the best services for your bike. A well-maintained motorcycle gives the best performance and comfort. Be it the service centre or the insurance provider; you do not want to take either of these lightly. However, owing to the fast-paced life that we are leading, it can become challenging to keep note of the next bike servicing or the renewal of your bike insurance.

Choosing the best insurance provider can be a daunting task, but you can find the best options and renew bike insurance online with little research and time.

This article will look at a few things you need to keep before renewing bike insurance online.

1. No Claim Bonus:
No claim bonus or NCB is a reward that your insurer provides when you have not made any claims in the previous year. An NCB is a testimonial of responsible driving. The benefit is in the form of concessions or discounts for future renewals. Even if you switch or sell your previous bike, your NCB stays with you and is applicable on the next purchase.

2. Coverage:
You don’t need to continue with your previous policy. You can opt for insurance policies that provide better coverage at lower premiums. Over your last term, you must have realised what other services you require. Hence, choose increased coverage or make changes as per your requirements.

3. Setting the IDV:
During every renewal period, it is advisable to change your IDV. You can decrease or increase the insured declared value that the insurance provider is bound to pay you in case of a total loss of your bike. Understanding IDV is crucial to assessing the correct value for your vehicle. Opting for lower IDV means you are underinsuring your motorcycle while choosing higher IDV means a higher premium.

4. Add on covers:
While renewing your policy, you can opt for various add-ons on your insurance cover. This is an intelligent way of reaping more benefits for a slightly higher premium. These add-ons are worth the extra premium. Zero depreciation, passenger assistance, roadside assistance, NCB protection are a few options you can choose.

5. Choose in advance:
It is illegal to drive a bike without valid insurance papers. So instead of waiting for the last minute to change or renew your insurance, it is best to start looking for options before the end of the policy period. This way, you can have ample time to consider various options before you make the final decision.

These are the few things you need to keep in mind before renewing your bike insurance. Do not forget to miss out on the renewal dates, as it can affect the continuity of your policy and other benefits.

Choosing the right insurance can be a challenging task, but do not be afraid to ask questions to your insurance provider to clear your doubts. Their job is to help you figure out the best options for you. Read reviews online, as they can help you assess the credibility of the company you are opting for. You can renew bike insurance online quickly and efficiently with these things in mind.

Click HERE to renew bike insurance 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.

The thought of a road trip gets us all excited. It sure becomes very energetic, fun, and memorable with all our close family members and friends. As a thumb rule, you always double-check everything on your “packing list” to ensure you don't miss out on any essential item.

If you do this for yourself and your family members, how about double-checking your car before starting a road trip? Your car’s headlights also play a vital role in ensuring a safe journey during the night and avoiding any mishaps on the road.

In this blog, we will be discussing the checklist for the headlights of your vehicle that you need to take care of before starting your trip.

1. Got a fuse problem:
Check and see if you gather all information regarding the fuse blowout of your headlights. If you are sure of the damage, examine for loose wires. If you find any issues, fix them at the earliest. And if nothing works, replace the headlights (especially if there is a high beam bulb problem).

2. Do not delay replacement:
Examine the light emitted from your car’s headlights. Do you suspect that they have dimmed? If you conclude that your lights have dimmed (called burnout), you must replace the headlights with new ones to avoid risking your safety on the road, especially during the night time. Uneven terrains and night driving can be risky when you have burnt-out headlights. It poses threats of accidents and compromises the car's safety, the driver, the passengers, and other vehicles on the road.

3. Make smart changes:
Whenever you feel that there is a need to replace the light bulbs of your car's headlights, always make sure that you do so in pairs. If the light has dimmed, exchange the old bulbs for the new ones in twos. That way, it would make the headlights consistent instead of one old and one new light bulb, which would create a difference in the intensity of the light beam. It would make it difficult for other drivers to understand the indication and affect your visibility on the road.

4. Align the beams of light:
Turn on the headlights of your car and check the light beams closely. Make sure that the light is aligned and aimed at the road. If the light is directed towards the vehicle approaching your direction, it may cause an accident as the other person would find it difficult to see what is in front of them. This would result in a fatal crash endangering car occupants and other vehicles on the road.

These were some tips you could take care of related to your car’s headlights. Few other pointers include upgrading the versions of headlights compatible with your vehicle and other DIY hacks for which you wouldn’t always need a professional mechanic to help you with minor replacements, etc.

And while you ensure the checklist of your car’s headlight before heading on a trip, it is also essential to verify that your car insurance is updated. Keep track of your car insurance renewal dates to avoid interruption in the benefits and save your policy from lapsing.

Click HERE to know more about car 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.

Hand numbness affects all bikers, from beginners to professionals. A few hours into riding a bike, you may begin to feel tingling in your palms and fingers. The stinging sensation is caused by compressed nerves in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist and might last several hours.

You shake it off in the hopes of alleviating the dull ache, but it doesn't seem to work. So, what is the solution? Even if these techniques do not eliminate the condition, they can at least assist in easing or lessening the numbness while riding.

1. Wear protective gloves:
Vibration stresses the nerves and forces you to hold more tightly than usual. Wearing padded gloves might assist but make sure they're not too tight since this can complicate the issue.

2. Alter your arm position:
Keep changing your grip on the handlebar throughout the journey to prevent exerting the same persistent strain on your wrists.

3. Loosen up the elbows:
Relaxing your elbows engages your torso muscles, relieving strain from your hands. Let your elbows rest in all situations to allow you to soak vibrations from the road.

4. Maintain body balance:
Don't forget about your core. Maintaining your body's balance while riding may dramatically reduce the amount of pressure on your hands.

5. Tune-up your bike:
Ensure that the bike's suspension is correctly tuned and the tyre pressure is perfect before every ride. Decreasing the vibration is crucial to experience a smooth ride.

6. Get your bike altered to fit:
Bike fitting suggests moving the seat rearward, lowering it, adjusting the tilt, and elevating the bar. This will distribute your weight back and away from your hands.

7. Have a hold:
Consider adopting thicker, softer, and sticky grips so you don't have to grasp the handlebars as tightly. Another alternative is to use ergonomic grips. They're designed to assist you in positioning your hands correctly and relieving pressure spots.

8. Utilize your core:
Take note of your general position and the amount of involvement of your back and core muscles when riding. By focusing your conscious attention on your body's mechanics, you'll be able to make real-time modifications to ease the pressure on your arms and hands.

9. Physiotherapy:
If the numbness in your hands worsens or persists, you should seek medical advice from a physical therapist. They will determine the treatment by assessing the problem's root cause.

10. Stretching:
A few minutes of full body stretching before each trip will also reduce your muscles' numbness and strain. Basic stretching and strengthening exercises for your hands, wrists, and forearms will help prevent hand numbness.

It's common to exert strain on your arms and shoulders while biking. This usually happens unintentionally when you are in an unwanted environment, such as a traffic jam. Even if we take it easy and try to let go of the pressure, our hands and shoulders still tense up. As a result, discomfort and continuing difficulties in the muscles of the upper back result from this circumstance.

It's not just you who faces problems due to excessive riding, your bike also suffers through wear and tear and may eventually get damaged. Be prepared for this by looking up appropriate 2 wheeler insurance online that offers you the best-suited benefits for your needs and ensures the safety of your possession.

To get 2 wheeler insurance online, 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.

An engine is the core of our car, and you would want it to be in perfect shape every time you turn on its ignition. An engine tune-up consists of checking, diagnosing, and fixing minor problems that come up in the engine with regular usage of the car. This process includes checking the spark plugs, wires, distributor caps, air filters, oil filters, fuel filters and wiring, etc.

Regular engine tune-up helps extend your car's life and increase its efficiency. Let's understand how you can get your car's engine tune-up done.

When do you need a tune-up?

The odometer is the first and foremost thing that can tell us that your car's engine needs a tune-up. If your car has completed the minimum number of kilometres specified by the vehicle manufacturer, after which an engine tune-up becomes due.

Other signs that can indicate that an engine tune-up is required are lack of power and pick-up, decreased fuel mileage, erratic running, problem in starting, malfunctioning lights flashing on the dashboard, etc.

How can you get your car's engine tune-up done?

You should always go to an authorised service centre recommended by your car manufacturer for an engine tune-up. Any outside service provider or mechanic should never do your car's engine tune-up, as it may null and void the engine warranty.

The basic steps for an engine tune-up are as follows:

1. Replacing plugs and wires:
The first step in an engine tune-up is thoroughly checking the ignition system and its functioning. The spark plugs, coils, plugs, wires, and any other electrical part that helps in the car ignition are to be inspected.
For example, ignition wires can break down or wear out with usage. It can result in misfiring, performance loss, rough idling, and, eventually, making your car cylinder dead. Similarly, we need to check whether the ignition coils are in good shape and working properly. It can also lead to engine misfiring, poor acceleration, low fuel mileage, etc.

2. Filter change:
There are various types of car filters, such as oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, and cabin filters. Timely cleaning of filters is essential for improving engine performance and efficiency. If the filters are dirty, the engine will toil hard to get the required air, fuel, or oil, thus making it choked and perform poorly.

3. Belts and hoses:
All hoses need to be checked as they transfer vital fluids across the engine. Any disruption in the hoses will result in engine malfunction. Similarly, we need to check various belts that help the engine to run efficiently as they wear down, turn brittle, crack and eventually break with time and usage.

4. Right liquids:
For a car engine to perform perfectly, it needs a variety of fluids in perfect proportion, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluids, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, etc. There is a regular change interval for each of the fluids. The change also depends on your car usage.

If you use your car regularly and run around a lot, you will need to change these fluids frequently and vice-versa. If you do not change these fluids timely, they can lead to engine malfunction and even breakdown.

Regular and timely engine tune-up is very important for keeping your car fit. It ensures that your car runs efficiently and its heart- the engine is in perfect shape. It also helps to increase the life of your car.

To address the car's safety, you must purchase a private car insurance India policy. It protects your car from any damage or loss that it may suffer from fire, theft, accidents, natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, etc. It also provides coverage from third-party liabilities. Hence, you must choose the right insurance service provider to provide adequate coverage and protection in times of need.

Click HERE to buy private car 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.

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.