GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

It's an old adage "New or Old - Home is where the heart is". Whether you have moved into a new house or have just had your entire house renovated, you want to make sure that it is safe from calamities. You need to make sure that you can reduce the damage to your house in case there is a natural disaster and that you won’t need to pay a hefty amount trying to fix that damage. One of the best ways is to always have home insurance. With there being so many in the market, it isn’t that difficult to find the best home insurance in India. Here are some ways to secure your home against calamities: -

Get Home Insurance: Always having home insurance in place is one of the best ways to protect your house from any calamities. Home insurance will cover a certain proportion of the costs of repairing or will protect against any damage due to fire, a flood, an earthquake or other such disasters. So, if there were to be a calamity, you wouldn’t need to pay for all the costs of repairing from your own pocket; the insurance company will pay for most of it. Do a little research and choose only the best home insurance in india.

• Have a strong foundation: If you live in a house and not an apartment in a building, make sure to bolt the house to the foundation. When constructing or renovating the house, make it a point to secure the house to its foundations so it won’t be uprooted when there is an earthquake, especially if you live in an earthquake-prone region.
• Know how to turn off the utilities or electricity: When there is a natural disaster, the chances are that you won’t really have a lot of time to turn off all the electrical switches, water taps or the gas. So, you must always be prepared. Know where the main electrical board is or where the main source of the gas is, so you can just turn them off during an emergency instead of scampering around trying to turn off individual taps or switches.
• Do not put off any repairs: Whether there is a tap leaking, a hole in the wall or the roof, or the door isn’t properly hinged to the wall, do not procrastinate when it comes to fixes these problems. You cannot predict a disaster, and when it does hit, the slightest gap or the smallest hole will allow water to enter into the house and eventually flood it. In case of a storm or tornado, a loose door could ultimately break, and you wouldn’t have much protection from the strong winds or the damage they may cause.
• Try to use fire-proof materials: Trying to construct the house entirely with fire-proof material is not possible. However, the wires used must be all fire-proof. During a natural disaster, wires can possibly cause a fire, and using water to put it out would only be more dangerous. So, you must make sure that the wires you have running all over your house will not catch fire.

Being a homeowner, you need to keep a lot of things in mind to ensure that your property is safe from any damages and a natural disaster is something no one can predict so the only option is to be fully prepared.

The changing season affects our health, especially when it is winter. The chilly days are known for causing flu, cold and inviting other viral infections and allergies. There is not much we can do to prevent outdoor allergies, but we can take steps to stay safe indoors and keep our home allergy-free!

To help you with it, we have made a list of important tips for each area of your house to keep them allergy-free. Follow these steps to create a healthy environment for you and your family.

Bathroom:

Your bathroom is the most prone to mold due to the high moisture present. And the key to preventing this fungus is proper ventilation and regular cleaning:

1. Install and use an exhaust fan while showering to let out as much moisture as possible.

2. Remember to wash your towels regularly.

3. To prevent mold growth, it is best to clean your showerheads, sinks, bathtubs, and other faucets with bleach every once in a while.

4. Stagnant water can be problematic even in the bathroom, so empty your bathtubs, buckets, and sinks of any standing water and clear the drain blockage.

5. Avoid wallpapers; instead, paint your walls as mold grows under the wallpapers.

6. Cleaning is a priority; make sure to scrub the toothbrush holders, soap containers, and shelves too.

Living room and general tips:

The living room is where your guest usually hangs out the most. Therefore, it is even more critical to create a safe, comfortable, and allergy-free space for them:

1. Manage indoor plants properly. Please keep them in a dry place, check for mold growth, ensure good airflow by placing them at a proper distance and spray the soil with fungicide.

2. Pay attention to the décor. Reduce the amount of dust collecting things like stuffed animals, heavy curtains.

3. Keep your pets in a confined region and bathe them once every week.

4. Keep wall decorations to a minimum.

5. Air conditioners are perfect dehumidifiers, and they also filter out pollen and discourage cockroaches.

Bedroom:

It is our favourite huddle zone. Therefore, it is necessary to take extra measures to keep this place allergy-free:

1. Periodically wash your pillowcases, bed sheets, linens, floor mats, and curtains.

2. Try to vacuum at least once a day and use a hose to reach every corner.

3. A bed is a heaven for dust mites; it is warm, relatively humid, and has a lot of food in the form of dead skin cells; therefore, clean your bed every day and consider buying dust mite-proof covers.

4. Wash your comforters and pillows regularly.

5. Do not forget to clean your windows. Vacuum your window sills and use cleaners to wash the glass.

6. Use air filters if there is no proper ventilation through windows.

Kitchen:

Most of the allergens and diseases are born in the kitchen. But, by maintaining a clean, ventilated, and dry space, we can control the growth of allergens:

1. Do not leave the dishes uncleaned overnight. It is best to wash them instantly after use. Also, dry them; never put wet dishes in the cabinet.

2. Please do not allow the food to go down the drain, as it will block the drain, leading to mold and stinking sinks.

3. Clean your refrigerator and try to consume leftover food as soon as possible.

4. Only cleaning the countertops after cooking is not enough. Regular mopping and dusting are essential to maintain proper cleanliness.

5. Take the trash out every day as garbage bins can spread way more germs than you think.

6. Make a note of the food allergies you or your family members have. And avoid buying such food.

Considering the above tips, you will manage your home’s health and keep the spaces free from allergens. Financially safeguarding your insured belongings is never a bad idea. So, think of investing in a house insurance plan to protect your home with a promise of trusted safety.

Click HERE to know more about the house insurance plans best suited for your requirements.

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 mornings are lazier, and the showers are a little hotter. Hoodies are out of the cupboard; winters are here! While we are desperately seeking to warm ourselves and our houses to a more comfortable temperature, it is important that we first ensure fire safety in our homes. While it's not necessary that fires only happen during the winters, even a BBQ in the warmer months can cause an outbreak. Therefore, you must be prepared for such incidents if they may arise.

Every year, people lose their lives as a consequence of house fire incidents. However, if you plan fire safety measures correctly and safeguard your house, you can prevent a deadly fire from breaking out at your home.

Check this fire safety instruction guide that will help you be on your marks if things go south.

1. Keep multi-use fire extinguishers at important places of your house:
Place fire extinguishers near the areas of your home which have a high probability of catching fire, such as the kitchen, utility area, prayer room, and laundry area. Purchase only the ISI-certified product. Make sure you're familiar with the operating of the extinguisher.

2. Install and maintain smoke detectors at your residence:
Install smoke alarms/detectors in each room. Preferably, use a hard-connected system so that the signal is audible throughout all the rooms. Consider a professionally installed fire alarm system for an even higher level of security. If you use battery-powered smoke alarms, make sure to check the batteries regularly and replace them every six months.

3. Install a fire sprinkler system all over the property:
Installing a fire sprinkler system provides additional fire safety benefits. For big houses, sprinkler systems are often effective when they are operating on automated suppression. Fire sprinklers can safeguard and save all of the property's inhabitants as well as the property itself. They have in built sensors that detect smoke and fire that trigger the water sprinkling process to control fire outbreaks.

4. DO NOT overload switches:
When you overload your power outlets, you significantly increase the chance of an electrical fire in your house. For example, connecting an electric heater to a multi-board or multiplug is dangerous. These heaters consume a lot of energy and, in many situations, can overload the electric circuit, creating an undetected meltdown inside the wire. When left unattended, this can rapidly turn into an ablaze.

5. Look after your practices:
Cooking? Don't leave the gas unattended at any time. People who smoke in the house should be cautious; make sure the burning cherry on your cigarette does not touch anything. Prayer rooms should have proper ventilation, and the ‘diyas’ and incense sticks should have a dedicated place away from anything combustible.

Pro-tip: Have an escape plan ready for the residence. Gather all the family members and share the fire exit plan and an escape route. Examine all available exits and evacuation routes in your home and your apartment. Practice that drill every once in a while to get used to it.

With the winters just around the corner, this is the time when you use room heaters most to keep your home warm. But you might know that room heating is the most common cause of fires. Therefore, it is essential to protect your property from any blaze with all precautions in place. Get in touch with a reliable fire insurance company that will be your guiding hand in unfortunate times. A Fire insurance company will compensate for your loss against unforeseen events like lightning strikes, explosions, or unintentional fire due to short-circuits.

Click HERE to know more about fire insurance plans for your home.

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.

Flying thousands of feet up in the air for the first time is always one of the best experiences in life. Picking a window seat for stunning views, excellent food, comfort, and convenience are a few things you can associate with air travel. When you are boarding a plane for the first time, you have different emotions; your eyes sparkle with anticipation, your heart races with delight, but there is a lot of confusion that daunts you. Few of us wait impatiently for our first ever flight journey, whereas others are a bit worried, and it is natural.

So, to prepare you for this incredible experience, we have put together a guide that will make your first-ever flight journey more exciting and less daunting.

1. Turbulence is normal:
Even regular flyers are still afraid of turbulence, but it is nothing to be scared of. Engineers design the planes to undergo much more shaking than you could have imagined.

2. Arrive early:
Usually, people adhere to the reporting times given by the airlines. Still, being early for your first flight makes you a little more relaxed to adjust to the atmosphere at the airport. The spare time lets you complete the baggage check-in, collect boarding cards, security formalities and cross the immigration counter with ease.

3. Know about the airline's luggage policy:
How much luggage would you be allowed? How much should they weigh? What all things are you restricted to travel with? What if your luggage is misplaced? Acquaint yourself with all these important guidelines to avoid chaos.

4. Not all noises indicate dysfunctional aircraft parts:
Commercial planes are super complex machines. And it is pretty normal for devices to be noisy. For example, when retracted or deployed, the landing gear sounds like a thud that usually startles people. But, even the engine will be relatively quieter once the aircraft is in the air at a certain altitude.

5. Prepare yourself for motion sickness:
The likelihood of having it in mid-air is less because you do not experience twists or turns as you do in a car or a bus. But, some people have aerophobia that makes them feel sick and anxious mid-air. There are air sickness bags in each seat, and you can bring pills for yourself.

6. Choose your seat according to your liking:
Window seats let you peep outside with a few of the most sensational sights; on the other hand, aisle seats give you the option to take a walk more frequently during the journey. Consider your choices if you get the liberty to select your seat.

7. Carry these useful items:
Bring good noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks or neck pillow with you if you wish to have a few good hours of pleasant sleep. Use onboard entertainment music to engage you throughout your flight and make you rejoice in the journey with the melody of beats.

8. Comfortable dressing:
Aircraft's economy class seats are not the most luxurious ones out there. So, for a comfortable journey, choose breathable and stretchable clothes and footwear; think about the weather too.

9. Keep your cabin baggage light:
Wisely choose what you will pack in your cabin baggage. Remember to put the liquids, medicines, wallet, and electronics on top as, during checking, you might have to remove them for inspection.

The first trip can be a nervous one, but if you're confident and enthusiastic, you'll never say 'no' to flight journeys. Everyone has had an enjoyable first flight experience that becomes a story that they often recollect.

Also, as you pack your bags, it is essential to ensure some security in terms of insurance before boarding a flight. We recommend having general insurance plans as these will prove to be helpful all the time. General insurance plans include protection for your travel and will be beneficial to cover passport loss, any loss of baggage, or medical emergencies. So, keep the worries aside, and get ready to check in for your first flight experience!

Are you travelling internationally for the first time? Click HERE to know about the essential travel 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.

Whether you own a two-wheeler or a car, you should always ensure that you know everything about its maintenance and insurance. Getting insurance for your vehicle is of utmost importance. It protects your vehicle from severe damages by giving you compensation and solves third-party disputes.

However, just getting insurance for your vehicle is not enough. You also need to check out the various additional services offered by the insurance. This way, you can choose the most comprehensive insurance for your 2 wheeler. You must also inquire about all the essential terms relevant to your insurance. One such term is a constructive total loss. Although the term sounds complicated, it is not.

This article will help you to understand various aspects of a constructive total loss.

What is a constructive total loss?

You will likely file a claim for your 2 wheeler insurance only when your vehicle has suffered severe damages. Once you have filed a claim, the insurance company will inspect all the damages and reimburse the amount accordingly. Either you will get cashless compensation or money for the repairs. The damage is assessed well, and only compensation for the damages is provided.

If the vehicle is in dire need of minor repairs or servicing, the insurance company will reimburse that. It can also refund the amount for the replacement of bike parts. However, reimbursement only occurs after all the deductibles are assessed carefully. No matter the damage's severity, you will only get compensation up to the Insured Declared Value or IDV. You will not get any claim money that exceeds the IDV value.

There is also a major catch here. For instance, your two-wheeler undergoes irreversible damage. In such a case, the bike will be beyond repair. The insurance company can then declare it as a total loss. In other words, if the repair cost for the vehicle far exceeds its value, it results in total loss.

It is said that when the repair cost is more than 75% of the IDV, it is impossible to reimburse it. The constructive total loss takes place here.

Let's assume that your two-wheeler gets stolen. Then what will happen? In such a case, your insurance company will reimburse you for the IDV of your vehicle. The claim for theft of your bike will be treated as a total loss claim. The reimbursement amount will be sans the deductibles and depreciation.

How do you apply for a constructive total loss claim?

Now that you are familiar with constructive total loss let's look at the various steps to file a claim. They are:

● Go to the official website of your insurance company

● Look for the claims process tab or page

● You will see blanks to fill in your information

● Provide all the necessary information carefully

● After that is done, verify the self-inspection of your bike through the link sent to your mobile number

● A surveyor or inspector may be sent to get your vehicle inspected. Cooperate with them

● Once everything is done, you can submit all the required documents and forms

These easy steps can get you a total claim from the comfort of your home. You need to keep all these things in mind before you file a claim for your 2 wheeler insurance under constructive total loss. Once you give the correct information and abide by the guidelines, you can access the claim amount.

Click HERE to buy 2 wheeler insurance to protect your motorcycle from unexpected damages.

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.

There really isn’t the right time to go on a trip. Sure, you might need to take fewer leaves from work or school if it’s sometime in June or December when everyone is on vacation. But a vacation is a vacation. And it’s an exciting time; you are busy making plans about all that you’d do once you get there, all that you need to buy before leaving, packing up your suitcase and other such things. But that isn’t all. You shouldn’t get so absorbed in making all the plans that you forget to be thoroughly prepared for the trip. For instance, to safeguard your car when you are on your vacay, you should get it insured from the best car insurance company in India. There are some tips you should always keep in mind when travelling, no matter where. Some of them are as follows:

• Keep your belongings in a secure place: When you are travelling, there are chances of being pick-pocketed. Try keeping your wallet and identity proof in an inside pocket if possible or keep your bag towards the front side if they are kept in there. When staying in a hotel or hostel, do not keep your belongings scattered around and keep your luggage locked at all times. If you are travelling abroad, keep your passport and other documents in a locker if available.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Make sure to research well about where you’d be staying. Do not forget to find out details about the area where you’d be lodging. If you don’t, you might end up staying in an unsafe or dangerous neighbourhood. In case you do end up in such an area, try not to go out after dark, especially alone.
• Keep people informed: Whether you are travelling alone or with friends or family, it is always a really good idea to let people know where you are and what you generally intend to do that day. This way, in case something were to happen, or you aren’t able to contact anyone during an emergency, they would know where you are and can perhaps get to you or could inform the authorities if need be.
• Be careful when using public Wi-Fi: It is great to have Wi-Fi around you, so you don’t need to use up your mobile data but be careful when connecting to it. If you end up connecting to a network that isn’t secure, you could fall prey to hackers who might steal important information from your phone such as bank details or might even obtain your house address etc. It is key that you practise caution when using an unknown network since you could become a victim of cyber-crime.
• Beware of strangers: There is absolutely nothing wrong with making friends when out on vacation. In fact, it is great to make friends in different places. However, you mustn’t trust just anybody you meet. You can never really know - someone’s intentions so you must avoid giving out personal information or going just about anywhere with people you have just met.

Trips are a great way to destress and just have a good time, but it is necessary to be careful when travelling. You must take good care of your things, including your vehicles. For instance, if you plan a road trip with your friends, do not forget to choose the best car insurance company in India, so you are protected in case of a problem.

There's no room for an apple to fall, especially in Indian cities. Cities are buzzing with a huge population of students and working professionals. We often see our family and friends move out of their hometowns to turn over a new leaf. Some flee to pursue their dreams, and some to live independently.

This appears like a window of opportunity for the apartment owners to give their flats as paying guest accommodation. This way, they can earn well and gain the confidence to drive a small business. Being a highly rewarding sector, some individuals have already started to build their brands on PG accommodations. Their presence gives us a clear hint about the opportunities and profitability of this sector.

All in all, it's a booming industry. This fear of missing out in the market makes people convert their apartments to paying guest accommodations. But isn't it essential to know the risks and rewards before deep diving into this sector? Don't worry. We have got you covered.

Risks:

1. Legalities:
Converting your residence into a PG accommodation states that you are renting it for commercial purposes. Commercial properties require compliance with certain formalities and permission from municipal authorities, police, fire department, etc.

2. Security:
To prioritise the tenants' safety, ensure the installation of CCTV cameras and appoint a guard for additional security, and maintain the records of visitors.

3. Background check:
It is crucial to know your paying guests before closing the deal. So, verify their official documents, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or authorised identity card, and keep additional photocopies of these with you for records and future reference.

4. Agreement:
The rent agreement serves as an official document of mutual understanding between the occupant and the landlord. You need to mention all the terms in the contract. Once the contract is signed, you can move to the next step of closing the deal.

5. Damage to property:
The tenant should be responsible for maintaining the original condition of the PG except for everyday wear and tear. In case of any damage, it should immediately be brought to the landlord's notice.
As a landlord, you can insure your apartment with home insurance which would safeguard your property in case of any burglary, fire, or natural calamity.

Rewards:

1. Greater monetary benefits:
PG business can be a money-spinner for you. On average, a PG accommodates 5-6 individuals. So, a PG can earn you up to 10x of what you could make by renting out the apartment. Paying guest accommodations in metropolitan cities can earn you between 6,000 to 50,000; for other cities, it can range from 3000 to 20,000 per head per month. This can be an excellent source of side income that can be a significant financial benefit, especially for the middle class.

2. Passive income source:
PG can be a great passive income source for you while you can continue your own job/business. Converting your apartment into paying guest accommodation would be an excellent decision. However, complete all the necessary procedures and legal issues before converting it to a PG.
Don't forget to undertake the safety of your apartment by investing in home insurance, which would protect your belongings and your apartment from damages that mostly occur due to natural disasters and/or manmade misadventures.

If you have a good living space that is not occupied, then PG renting is a good decision you can make to get monetary benefits from your asset. But it is important to be clear on the terms before dealing with tenants. Never trap yourself in a problematic situation by making rash decisions.

Do your best research and background check of the desired tenant and stay updated on your home insurance renewal. Follow these basic yet vital steps, and you are all set to rent your apartment.

Click HERE to buy the best home insurance policy for your PG accommodation.

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.

Insurance plays an essential role in a person's life and safeguarding hard-earned assets, whether a home, car or business. It is a backup plan to minimise the loss and have efficient damage control when things go wrong. Although most people know the benefits of buying insurance, they often make mistakes due to insufficient knowledge in this field and a lack of in-depth research. Several false pieces of information circulate and get viral on the internet, confusing the buyers, which results in wrong decisions.

In the article, we'll learn about home insurance and people's general queries regarding making the right purchase. Like other insurance products, home insurance pays you for the construction costs and covers the damage due to any unfortunate event.

However, there are numerous things that you need to learn before buying insurance for your home. Before starting your personal research or contacting your desired general insurance company, pen down all your points and doubts. Never take haste steps, and keep control of the entire process in your hands.

Consider these five most frequent questions that ensure you choose the right home insurance.

1. What factors determine the premium on a home insurance policy?
Generally, factors such as location, features, and characteristics of your house determine the insurance policy's premium. Installation of safety and surveillance devices, claims history, and lifestyle habits also affect the policy's premium.
The closer your house is to an area that experiences frequent natural calamities or robberies, the higher it costs to insure it. You can lower your premium if you have good credit history and haven't made any claims. You can also ask your insurance agent how they determine your home's premium to ensure you pay the right premium.

2. What are the replacement costs and the market value of your home?
An insurance company is only interested in your home's replacement cost. You should ask your insurance company about the replacement cost of your home. It is the cost of constructing your house with the equal or similar utility if it was damaged in any unfortunate event. In contrast, your home's market value is your house's price in the real estate market.

3. What does cancelling a home insurance policy mean?
Cancelling an insurance policy means the company no longer covers the insured house. Policyholders and companies can cancel an active policy. Ask your insurance agent when their company can cancel your active policy. Carefully understand all the clauses and possibilities that may void your home insurance.

4. Are there any limitations in a home insurance policy?
Most home insurance policies don't cover losses due to the earthquake or war. Check the list of exclusions on your insurance policy before you get it. However, some policies have specific limits for items, including securities, jewellery, money, and silverware.

5. Does the home insurance policy cover water damage?
Most policies don't provide coverage for water damage. If your general insurance company doesn't offer water damage coverage, you can ask for other policies or add-ons that cover water damage to add more protection to your house. It would be best to look for water damage coverage in the policy, including damage from the spring thaw, snowmelt, burst mains, overflowing rivers, and heavy rains.

Make a list of these five crucial questions before considering any home insurance plan. These questions help you select the best general insurance company. You can also add more questions to your list. Don't forget to ask for a discount when buying multiple insurance plans together. Buy smart and buy the best!

Click HERE to buy home insurance from a general insurance company that suits your requirements.

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.