GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

How often have you heard the phrase intellectual property? Any creation that stems from one's mind or intellect is called intellectual property. It can take any form, starting from a painting, a design, an invention, or a tune. There is no set category for intellectual property.

An intellectual property, more commonly known as IP, is the foundation of a new creation. It is imperative to protect your IP to avoid fraudulent use or reproduction. There are many ways in which one can ensure that their ideas are not plagiarised or used without proper consent. Patents, copyrights, and trademarks are a few ways to protect IP.

Did you know that there exists an insurance for intellectual property? This article will shed light on intellectual property insurance and everything you need to know about it.

Let's understand what intellectual property insurance is:

Intellectual property insurance helps companies or individuals to cover the cost of litigation and court trials in case of being accused of IP violation. It also covers those who want to sue a company with an IP violation lawsuit. With the growing number of startups, IP has become a valuable asset. It is the foundation of a company's ethics, and a solid IP can help it reach new heights.

The increasing competition and the need to leave a mark in the venture capital market have led to various fraudulent cases of IP infringement. Since IP is one of the most valuable assets in recent times, the cost of IP litigation is expensive. Intellectual property insurance is a must to cover the cost of the exorbitant court proceedings.

Types of IP insurance:

Let's take a look at the kinds of IP insurance available –

1. Infringement defence:
This policy is for those who need to be safeguarded against a party who claims IP infringement against them. This defensive insurance policy acts as a safety net for companies that are held accountable for infringing patents, trademarks, or copyrights. Since the litigation costs for these cases can be very high, the policyholder need not worry about the costs. The policy provider is bound to make payments for all litigation expenses, settlement amounts, and other damages.

2. Abatement enforcement coverage:
This policy is for those IP holders who need assistance and resources to enforce their IP rights and claim infringement against others. This enforcement coverage enables the company to proceed with the legal proceedings without worrying about the legal fees. This policy also ensures that any damage is paid in full to the policyholder if the opposing party decides to counter-sue.

Big and small companies have claimed that the biggest challenge they face at the beginning of a new product launch is intellectual property risk. Various trade secrets, product building, and marketing strategies fall under intellectual property. IP insurance cover will protect your product in the market and help evade baseless lawsuits.

Intellectual property insurance offers a wide range of covers, including but not limited to infringement liability, contractual liability, enforcement, intellectual property rights protection, and other disputes. Add covers, and customise your insurance needs depending on the company or product you intend to launch in the market.

Over the years, we have seen various technological advancements bloom, with start-ups shaping the country's future. Putting in years of hard work only to realise that your work or idea has been copied by someone else can be one of the most frustrating and painful experiences. To avoid such situations for yourself and your company, do not forget to buy general insurance online. As discussed above, these insurances will significantly help anyone looking to claim or deny an infringement. All one needs to do is in-depth research on the insurance category to invest and look out for the best available options. Hard work has no substitute, and so does security.

Click HERE to buy general 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.

Technology has taken the world by storm, and new inventions and innovations every day are seamlessly becoming part of our daily lives. In this article, we will talk about the emerging technology trend of insurtech in the world of insurance and understand how it will change insurance in the coming times.

What is insurtech?
Insurtech is a combination of the terms insurance and technology. This term was coined to define the culmination of digitalisation, technology, and insurance. Insurtech is the modern-day solution to all insurance-related qualms and queries. Applying novel technology trends such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and extensive data analysis has helped insurance make advancements in leaps.

What are the benefits of insurtech?
The benefits of technology have been countless over the years. Combine that with insurance, and you have diverse opportunities in the insurance sector. Not only has the involvement of technology made it a more straightforward and less cumbersome process for the policy provider, but it also has made buying insurance a quick and easy task for the consumer.
Technology intervention has aided the insurance provider in calculating the overall credibility of the customer. The mammoth task of manually analysing and decision-making by policy providers has taken a back seat as technology like machine learning has made the process faster and more accurate.

Insurance companies can now target a wider audience and cater to their specific needs while sitting miles away with the help of technology. Factors such as customer acquisition and onboarding, global expansion of business, and enhancing the user experiences help companies draw more happy customers. It also has allowed insurance companies to handle and process claims efficiently.

When it comes to the customers, what better than sitting in the comfort of your home and buying online general insurance? Thanks to AI, insurance prices are tailor-made per the customer's needs. This gives a chance for companies to ditch their standard pricing methodology and stick to a more dynamic cost analysis.

What are the components of insurtech?

Insurtech has a variety of components, but it can be broadly divided into two components –

1. Technology-based:
● Artificial Intelligence: The process of automation to yield better and more accurate results.
● Machine Learning: The collection, collation, and analysis of vast chunks of data to determine a pattern.
● Internet of Things: Objects with sensors or processing abilities that can aid in risk assessment.
● Apps: For a better customer relationship experience.
● Blockchain: To improve security and protect sensitive information.

2. Solutions based:
● Appetite Solutions: Helps to find the best policy for a client across existing policies in the market.
● Data Solutions: Easy access to personal actionable data for respective users.
● Payment Solutions: Digitised payment solutions help for a better customer experience.
● Quoting solutions: Automated quote generation, thus reducing the waiting time for customers and policy providers.

What are the applications of insurtech?

1. Customer verification:
The KYC or "know your customer" is a process that all insurance companies must follow. A huge amount of data needs to be processed to ensure the legitimacy of the customer. Insurtech has made the process hassle-free by storing data directly from the issuing authority.

2. Claim management:
With automated analysis of claim documents, standardised records evaluation is maintained and later verified by agents or policymakers.

3. Detecting fraud:
Insurtech can verify policyholders' claims and crosscheck any duplicate transaction or third-party interference to ensure that no fraudulent claims are made.

These were a list of some key elements of insurtech. As mentioned above, technology is a boon to customers and policymakers alike and can benefit both parties. Customers can also use general insurance plans to safeguard their assets with the best coverage. Checking out online general insurance plans can be a smart way to explore various options and select the ones with more advantages, good premiums, and the ones that will give the best returns on your investment.

Click HERE to know more about online general 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.

The penalties for traffic defaulters have increased steeply with the passage of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill in the year 2019 in India. For instance, the fine for driving without a licence has been increased from INR 500 to INR 5000. Similarly, the penalty for over-speeding has increased from INR 400 to INR 2000.

Also, the police have been extra vigilant, and as a result, the issuance of traffic challans has significantly increased in the last couple of years. Do you wish to stay protected and avoid draining your hard-earned money by paying for hefty traffic challans due to over-speeding your vehicle? Let us see how you can achieve this and prevent over-speeding.

1. Be mindful of the speed limit:
Although fast driving seems thrilling to some people, driving over the speed limit has grave consequences. The speed limit has been put in place by city traffic police with many factors in mind, including the friction of the surface of the road and whether it has schools or hospitals nearby. Be careful and pay attention to board signages alongside the roads. Ensure to drive your vehicle within the speed limit as per the signage on the respective road.
Over-speeding might not only affect your life but also put the lives of others at risk. According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2020, 71% of accidents were related to over-speeding on Indian roads, resulting in 66% of fatalities. Pay close attention to signboards when driving, or you might incur a fine of up to INR 4000.

2. Yellow lights mean slow down:
Everyone is in a hurry to reach their destination. Although jumping a light might seem like a minor offense at any given moment, it causes severe accidents in India. To deter the public from jumping a red light, fines have been levied that range up to INR 5000, and the driver can even be sent away up to a one-year prison sentence for this offense with the suspension of their driving licence.
To avoid such consequences, be prepared to stop right when the yellow light comes on, and stop a few metres before the stop line. Try not to block the zebra crossing and create inconvenience to the pedestrians.

3. Speed camera alert applications:
You will be surprised to know that there exist applications that can alert us of upcoming speed cameras from a few hundred metres in advance. Moreover, most of these applications are free and convenient to operate.
However, use these devices as a reminder that you are over-speeding your vehicle, not as an escape from speed cameras. Make a habit of following the speed limit set by the traffic police.

4. Never drink and drive:
Often drinking provokes you to do things you don't usually do when sober. And, one very common concern among drivers is rash & fast driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a punishable offense in India, and you will get a hefty traffic challan for drunken driving and over-speeding when intoxicated. Moreover, it can lead to serious accidents and cause property loss and lives.
Hence, do not drive when you have consumed alcohol or are heading out for a party. Book a cab to get back home if you are drunk, even if you came in your car. Otherwise, ensure that a non-drinking friend takes the wheel for you.

Another important thing is never to run away or escape the spot if a police officer finds you guilty of violating a rule and stops you. Always accept that you’ve made a mistake and support the officials doing their work.

You should always follow the above steps to avoid getting traffic challans and paying fines. Receiving challans is not a good feeling, and repeated mistakes can make you face severe consequences. So, be a responsible driver and ensure the above traffic practices that help you avoid getting fined due to over-speeding. In addition, car insurance online India can protect your car with adequate coverage against any possible damage due to an accident.

Click HERE to buy car insurance online India and stay protected while driving.

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.

Honking while driving on the road is a serious topic and a primary source of noise pollution. Persistent noise from honking can lead to stress, annoyance, depression, and hearing impairment. It also causes road accidents due to sudden distractions. If you are wondering why people honk so much, you should understand the psychology behind it.

Reasons why people honk their horns so much.

Generally, it would be best to use a horn to avoid collisions, when necessary. However, drivers also honk for other reasons, such as

1. Honking by habit:
Most Indian drivers honk just because they feel like it, even if it is unnecessary. You may find honkers honking at turns, at blind corners, and at pedestrians walking or crossing the roads. Drivers also honk recklessly during a traffic jam to move the traffic. In this behaviour, the driver needs to show more awareness and patience.

2. Honking as a way to communicate:
In India, drivers use horn honking to communicate without words with other drivers on the road. Drivers use several horn-honking patterns, each with a different meaning. For instance, drivers use single honking when waiting outside their friend's house or when someone is in front of their vehicle, which means "I'm here".
The double horn means, "please don't be dumb", and the triple horn means, "I am upset that traffic has not moved". Some aggressive drivers use the repeater triple horn to tell other drivers that they are more important and ask them to get out of their way.
Another form of aggressive horn honking used by large vehicles is the big blast, meaning "I can do whatever I want because I am mighty".

3. Continuously honking at high speeds:
You may have seen a reckless driver going forward and constantly honking, leaving everyone behind. Such drivers are always in a hurry to arrive on time for work, meetings, or other events. However, irresponsible driving habits are dangerous and can cause more havoc on traffic.
You should avoid driving in a hurry or using a horn unnecessarily. While talking about safety, buying online motor insurance is essential to protect your vehicle from damages.

How to reduce unnecessary honking while driving:

● Most people need to learn the severity of unnecessary honking and its disadvantages. You should spread awareness about honking and noise pollution to your friends, family, and neighbours.

● Take driving lessons from renowned driving schools to learn the basics of honking etiquette, like avoiding honking at no-honking zones, near hospitals, schools, forest areas, etc.

● Unnecessary honking can also lead you to pay a ticket (challan). You should learn about when and where you should not honk.

● The government should impose strict laws against unnecessary honking and a maximum dB limit for large vehicles.

There are many reasons why drivers and riders like to honk so much. If you are like most drivers in India, you should learn the reasons behind drivers honking their horns and ways to reduce them. Once you understand the basics of honking etiquette, you should tell others to spread awareness.

In addition to honking etiquette, it is also essential for drivers to have motor insurance to protect them from fines and damage costs in the future. You can get online motor insurance quickly with minimum documentation and without the hassle of physically visiting the insurance company's office or paying a commission to an agent.

Click HERE to buy new car 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.

India is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the world. Be it some government hospitals or super-specialty hospitals, they are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled doctors. However, with the rising costs of treatments and healthcare, buying health insurance is necessary for everyone. Even with all the facilities, timely treatment is often not easily accessible, so people keep turning to premium healthcare.

Super-specialty hospitals promise premium services at the cost of steep expenses, and most people from middle-class backgrounds cannot afford these treatments. This is also the reason why most people invest in health insurance. But, with increased services, the cost of premiums will also significantly rise.

If you want to reduce your health insurance premium without compromising on the services, this article is just for you.

1. Start early:
Since most health insurance plans consider your age and medical history to calculate premiums, starting early can save you a lot of money on premiums. A younger body has a better immune system, and thus the risk of diseases or illness is significantly low. If you are someone who has already been diagnosed with age-related issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, or other heart conditions, then your premium amount will also increase. To ensure that you are getting a policy at the best rates, start early and invest in the best health insurance in India.

2. Online health insurance:
Online health insurance has a lot of benefits, but the most significant of them is how cost-effective it is. With online insurance, you can avoid broker fees and other administrative charges. You also can buy health insurance from anywhere, with the freedom to choose the desired policy by comparing multiple plans.

3. Compare plans online:
There are many health insurance policies in the market and deciding on the one that suits your choices can be overwhelming. But in the long run, having an informed idea of various aspects of your insurance policy will be helpful. You can compare insurance covers, premiums, and add-on costs online. With the internet at your disposal, comparing various insurance companies is a smart way to ensure that your company is not overcharging.

Another great alternative is to use the online insurance calculator. Different companies have a calculator that helps you calculate the overall cost of your insurance. Once you enter all the covers you need, this calculator will give you a rough estimate of your health insurance plan. Compare different prices online to choose the best option for you.

4. Extended validity:
Most insurance plans have a validity of one year. However, some companies provide significant discounts on policy periods of two to three years. Not only you reap the benefits of fantastic deals but getting a policy that extends to three years also helps you evade the annual renewal costs on your policy.

5. Family plans:
Health insurance is mandatory not just for ourselves but also for our families. However, the cost of buying health insurance for every family member can add up to a lot. This is why insurance companies have initiated family health insurance plans. Family plans provide comprehensive coverage to your family members. A family insurance plan is a smart way to cut costs on individual premiums while also maintaining the scope of various covers.

These are a few ways in which you can ensure cost-effective insurance planning. Thorough research on different insurance companies and their policy plans can help you make an informed decision that suits your budget and provide maximum coverage. Remember that health insurance is essential, but what is more important is to take good care of your health. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits are a simple start to leading a healthy and happy life. Invest in the best health insurance in India for your loved ones to safeguard yourself against any expenses you might incur in hospital and medical bills.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance in India.

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

Car parking has always been a major challenge in most metro cities. The number of cars on the roads is constantly increasing while the parking space and the available supporting infrastructure have yet to develop at a matching pace.

A traffic challan for violation of parking rules is very pinching and bothering. What do we do if there is not much free legal space available for parking our car? The legitimate answer is understanding the car parking rules to avoid traffic violations.

Let us go through the five car parking rules that one must know.

1. Way of parking:
According to section 122 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a car owner should always park his car in a manner that does not cause any inconvenience to other road users. Also, the way of parking the car should not be dangerous, nor should it cause any obstruction to other vehicles and users of the road.
If there is a signboard depicting the correct manner of parking your car on the roadside, you should abide by it and park your car accordingly.

2. An abandoned or unattended car:
According to section 127 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, you cannot abandon your car or leave it unattended at a public place where you cannot legally park it.
A police officer with jurisdiction in that area can tow your car away or make it immobile by using methods such as clamping the wheels. Also, you or the person in charge of your car will be responsible for paying the towing charges.

3. Prohibited parking:
You cannot park your car in a no-parking zone or any spot where parking is prohibited, on a footpath, on the wrong side of the road, on private property without the owner's permission, alongside a parked vehicle so that you do not obstruct the traffic flow, in front of any gate that blocks the entrance to any place, in front of a school or hospital entrance, near a bus stop, a traffic signal, or a road crossing.
Also, your vehicle should not obstruct the view of a signboard. You are not permitted to park at a bend, at the top of a hill, or even near or on a bridge so that you do not obstruct incoming traffic.

4. Parking restrictions at home / society:
Even your housing societies or homes have car parking rules you must follow. You should park your car so that it does not obstruct or block your neighbour's gate.
It is illegal to park your car at the boundary of your own house if your parking style obstructs the neighbour's gate in any way. He may be unable to open the gate of his house fully. In such a case, he can file a case, serve you a legal notice and obtain an injunction restricting you from blocking his gate.

5. Blocking a parking lot exit:
You cannot park your car in front of another vehicle in a parking lot in such a way that his way is obstructed, and the owner of that vehicle is unable to take his car out. In such a case, he can call a cop, and you will have to pay a fine for blocking his way.

Parking fines differ from one city to another in India. Understanding the parking rules in your respective cities is crucial to avoid traffic violations. So, abide by these parking rules to avoid catching yourself in chaotic situations and save on fines and penalties.

Similarly, having a good car insurance policy will help you save on other penalties, as car insurance is mandatory to drive legally in India. Also, it will provide coverage in case of an accident, a mishap involving your car, or even if it gets stolen. Hence, go for the best car insurance in India and forget the stress of expenses involved in unexpected situations.

Click HERE to buy the best car 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.

The time of a health crisis is a vulnerable time for you and your loved ones. And this moment of panic is where most frauds occur, where mischievous minds exploit your vulnerability with their fraudulent strategies. Everyone can't look into the small details of fraud unless they understand how it takes place beforehand.

Medical emergencies are a time of great financial insecurity. A lifetime of savings can be drained due to your loved one getting into a sudden accident or the unexpected detection of chronic disease. In this time of need, health insurance is a great boon. It can provide you and your dear ones with much-needed protection from financial disaster. However, it is imperative to have the correct information to avoid falling into the trap of health insurance fraud. You won't ever want your hard-earned money to go to waste by falling prey to frauds or scams.

This blog gives you some pointers you can keep in mind to safeguard yourself from health insurance frauds.

Most common types of fraud:

Before getting into how to protect yourself from this deceit, here are some of the most common ways people can swindle money from your health insurance policy –

1. Medical identity theft: This type of fraud involves scammers using your personal information to charge fraudulent bills or make health insurance claims in your name.

2. Marketing scams: If you do not do adequate research about the company's reputation and decide to buy insurance, it may result in the company taking a high premium from you but not responding to any claims. These companies give out forged insurance documents to individuals and then become untraceable.

3. Ambulance fraud: Holding the spot of being the most overlooked type of fraud, ambulance fraud comes in the form of unnecessary charges and facilities you might not have taken, paying huge dividends to scammers.

Tips to safeguard yourself from scammers –

1. Take your time: The biggest red flag in an insurance company is when they ask you to make hasty decisions. Avoid schemes that promise you a lesser premium or better claim if you sign immediately. It is advisable to take your time with the decision-making process and be sure what kind of policy is necessary for you.

2. Be wary of unsolicited calls: Reputed insurance companies rarely call individuals to market their health insurance policies; if they do, they never pressure a customer. Be cautious of aggressive salespeople. However, even if the salesperson seems to be from a reputed company, you must never share your personal information or documents without proper research about the company.

3. A hard copy of policy and seller's signature: Request a copy of the policy they offer, complete with the company's seal and seller's signature.

4. Extensive research on plans: Become familiar with the kind of plans that insurance companies usually offer. This will help you be aware of unsolicited advertisements to sell insurance policies. Understand that if something is too good to be true.

5. IRDA licence: If an agent does not have an IRDA licence, there is a higher probability that they are a scammer.

6. Avoid online transactions: It is safer to avoid sending any money online to the agent upfront unless it is an IRDA licenced insurance firm.

Researching a quality health insurance policy is already a demanding process. The process is complicated, from finding a good plan to cover all your needs to looking for a reputed doctor in an emergency that your insurance covers and then claiming the insured amount. This is when people are most susceptible to getting scammed by fraudsters.

Be careful while opting for a health insurance policy, and always remember to read the fine print. Always buy from genuine insurance firms and avoid the manipulative sales tactics of agencies. Rely more on your personal research for buying the best health insurance and guarantee yourself trustworthy and reliable protection.

Click HERE to know more about 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.

The trend of automobiles that exude luxury isn't on the decline anytime soon. With several unique yet functional features rolled out by top manufacturers to entice drivers, the automobile sector continues to evolve.

Sunroofs are one such feature that has been in the market for long enough but continues to catch the fancy of many automobile owners. While they let in the fresh air and natural light on the go, many owners avoid purchasing cars with sunroofs because they fear excessive maintenance.

If you feel the same, here are some tips to keep your car's sunroof in good condition:

1. Clean it frequently
Dust and debris can easily get lodged inside the sunroof due to its positioning. The component's performance will be compromised if it gathers trash and dust particles beside and within. It is essential to clean the sunroof from top to bottom, including the areas surrounding it. Your car's sunroof will remain spotless and operate smoothly with regular cleaning.

2. Annual deep clean
You should thoroughly clean your car's sunroof once a year with the following:

● Clean the sunroof properly
● Now pump low-pressure air through the drain tubes to clean the trough
● The last step is to insert a thin, flexible, non-puncturing wire into a drain tube, twist it anticlockwise, clockwise again, and gently push it farther into the line.

3. Use appropriate cleaning products
Never use any cleaning agent or solution to clean the sunroof. You can harm the quality of the rubber seal in the sunroof by using a harsh or improper cleaning agent. The best advice from professionals for cleaning a sunroof is to use warm tap water or isopropyl alcohol (IPA). 4. Set it free to move
Inspect the working parts of your car's sunroof if it sticks or seems to be moving slowly to look for cracked or stripped gears or a build-up of dirt and debris. To find the location of the issue, start your car and cycle the roof between the open, closed, and vent positions. After a few cycles, clean everything if it works more smoothly, and lightly lubricate all visible moving components with a mild, heat-resistant grease. If you hear a squeaking noise or see the sunroof not opening and closing correctly, visit an expert mechanic to rectify the problem.

5. Look for rust around the hinges
You should check the mounting hardware for any signs of rust or wear and tear if the sunroof in your automobile is manually operated. Moisture can also cause it to corrode. The hardware won't rust or sustain any damage if it is properly maintained. You should pay close attention to the mounting hardware and clean it properly when cleaning the sunroof.

6. Lubricate the moving parts
Lubrication is necessary for a sunroof's moving parts to operate effectively. But, using the proper grease is crucial to ensure efficient and trouble-free operation. Conventional mineral grease is inappropriate for lubricating components in a sunroof. For this, you must use heat-resistant grease. This grease is designed for high temperatures.

7. Pay close attention to any unusual sounds
Remember to listen for any odd noises from your sunroof while opening and closing it. When opened and closed, you must adequately clean the sunroof if it makes a scraping noise. The sunroof auto glass is likely to shatter if there is a popping sound. Consequently, before the issue worsens, it is critical to seek professional assistance.

The correct operation of a sunroof depends on regular maintenance. Your sunroof can get damaged due to improper care. Take your car to a service centre that fixes auto glass if the sunroof makes odd noises even after proper maintenance. While we are discussing your car's upkeep, it is also crucial to buy car insurance. Reliable car insurance can protect your asset from mishaps and monetary stress.

Click HERE to buy the best car 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.