GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

A regular motorcycle rider is aware of the everyday challenges of engine overheating, the exhaust getting clogged due to high pollution levels, and the electric wiring cracks after consistent usage. Besides these technical maintenance issues, you may face several obstructions to a smooth riding experience. While you can buy two wheeler insurance online and get immediate assistance for major problems, fixing the more minor issues can be confusing.

One of the most typical issues that two-wheeler riders face is extreme condensation of their speedometer and tachometer. While the majority of today’s advanced vehicles are equipped with premium instruments sealed much better against humidity and moisture, several models still face this issue.

Why does condensation occur in motorcycle instruments?

If you reside in a coastal town or a location with high humidity levels, you must face condensation problems with your bike. While four-wheelers have air conditioning to control the heat and humidity levels, two-wheelers still face significant concerns with condensation. The instruments in the two-wheelers are highly exposed to humidity and other weather conditions like rain, hail, snow, etc. The bikes often overheat due to prolonged hours of travel which can quickly cause condensation as the moisture from the environment can settle on the loosely sealed speedometer or tachometer.
Additionally, careless maintenance like washing the motorcycle with a high-pressure washer can lead to water entering several parts of the vehicle causing numerous complications.

Why is condensation on motorcycle instruments harmful?

If the covering on the speedometer or tachometer is not sealed tight enough, moisture can seep in, which can cause a blurred view of the dials. This condensation can be highly risky when on the road, as your knowledge of the speed and other technicalities about the motorcycle get compromised. This can confuse any rider as they need to know the appropriate pace to ride at and maintain it through their journey. While this issue can often occur, there is no need to panic as it can be fixed using some simple remedies.

How to avoid or get rid of the condensation on the motorcycle instruments?

1. If you spray water with a high-pressure pipe or washer to clean your bike, steer clear of the front area of the motorcycle that consists of the instruments.
2. If you choose to use water around the instruments while cleaning your bike, tape the meters with plastic or use a damp cloth to wipe the areas. Immediately wipe the vehicle dry to avoid water seeping into the electric system or engine.
3. If you are riding the bike during the monsoon and are caught amidst a shower, keep a dry cloth to dry off the vehicle.
4. Try to wipe the cover of the meters with a rag soaked with a bit of 90% rubbing alcohol. This is not a fool-proof method but may work for specific bikes.
5. Use a hairdryer at a moderate temperature to dry out the water droplets. Use the hairdryer from a distance to avoid any overheating.
6. Avoid opening or drilling any parts of the instruments as they can get further damaged. Ask for technical assistance from a trusted mechanic.
7. Go for a long, breezy ride. This ensures that enough wind passes through the instruments to dry off the moisture automatically.

On a conclusive note, it’s important to remember that condensation on the vehicle’s instruments is expected, and it is difficult to avoid. However, you must ensure you fix it using these few methods and prevent having a blurred view of the meters. Also, don’t forget to invest in two wheeler insurance online to protect your bike from unforeseen circumstances.

Click HERE to buy two wheeler 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 fuel prices have been skyrocketing and severely hitting consumers' pockets. With that, we see an increase in alleged fuel theft cases from the two-wheelers, making it even worse for riders. Petrol theft is a common problem faced by two-wheeler owners. Fuel theft is generally carried out by siphoning the petrol. The thief siphons the petrol from the fuel tank using a hosepipe attached to another vehicle or a storage container.

In this space, we will look at a few ways to avoid fuel theft from your two-wheeler.

1. Put a petrol lock:
An inexpensive yet efficient remedy to this problem is using a petrol lock. You can get this fitted onto your bike with the help of a local mechanic. The lock lasts for about 2 to 3 years, and getting it fixed barely takes five minutes. The cost ranges anywhere between a hundred rupees to two hundred rupees.
This lock adds security to your bike by avoiding any petrol theft. The petrol lock comes with a set of keys used to regulate the fuel flow. Once locked, the petrol flow is stopped, and you cannot move about unless it is unlocked.

2. Defensive parking:
Park your bikes close to a wall so that the fuel pipe is towards the wall. This makes it difficult to have access to the fuel pipe hence preventing the siphoning of the petrol. Although it’s difficult to always practice this method, one can be mindful of the placement of their vehicles in such a way that it hinders direct access to the fuel pipe.

3. Parking and garage facilities:
If you plan on leaving the bike for long durations, it is advisable to park your vehicles in proper garages or paid parking facilities. If you are someone who usually parks the vehicle outside the house, you must consider parking it in a more secure location that is away from trespassers. However, if you have to park outside, do so in a publicly accessible area. Thieves find it challenging to carry out these activities while under the public eye.

These are a few ways to prevent petrol theft from your vehicle. There isn’t much one can do to protect their vehicles from thieves, but taking note of the points mentioned above will prove helpful if you find yourself in a shady locality.

Another thing to note is that if you are someone who parks in a fixed spot in your office, gym, or other localities, then it becomes easy for the thieves to have access to your vehicle as they will be aware of your routine. So, switching up your parking spots can also help prevent theft. To ensure that your bike is not being subjected to petrol theft, keep track of your fuel level before parking the vehicle and look for scratches or damage in your fuel pipe.

If you notice any change in the fuel pipe or the fuel levels, it is best to take your vehicle to a mechanic and get the required changes done to ensure the safety of your two-wheeler. Before visiting the mechanic, look for two wheeler insurance India to safeguard your two-wheeler against incidents like theft, accidents, or damages due to natural calamities.

Click HERE to find out more about two wheeler 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.

No matter how convenient it is to own and ride a bike around the busy city streets, it comes with its own set of challenges. Even though two-wheelers are highly in demand today, before you decide to purchase one, it is essential to know about the issues you might encounter with them. Out of all the problems that motorcycle riders face, the gear not shifting properly while riding is the most common one.

The way you handle the gears can largely affect the quality of shifting in your bike. Some of the main reasons for poor shifting of gears in motorcycles are mentioned below.

1. Adjusting the shift pedal:
Factors outside of the engine can cause severe shifting problems. If you adjust the height of the shift pedal to your ankles, the linkage can be cramped against itself. As a result, the gear won’t fully engage on the final shift because the shift claw prevents it from pushing far enough.

2. Adjust the clutch cable:
There may be issues with the smooth shifting of the gear because the shift lever might become too stiff and changing the motorcycle's speed becomes challenging. This mainly occurs when the bike is cold and is caused due to the clutch cable. The locking adjustment needs to be readjusted, and pull the clutch lever a few times. You will notice a significant difference after.

3. Check the engine oil level:
Low engine oil levels can result in overheating of the motor, wear and tear of the mechanism, and a considerable amount of carbon deposits that can cause significant damage to your two-wheeler. These things damage various parts of the bike like its pistons, clutch plates, engine valves, and cylinder lining. Just as important as it is to buy bike insurance online, it is equally vital for you to check and renew the bike’s oil levels.

4. Inspect your motorcycle’s chain:
After years of riding the bike, the chain can become loose. It may have become loose for many reasons, such as rusting, etc. You need to clean the chain of your two-wheeler frequently using a cleaning agent or maintenance spray. Ensure you do this specifically after every ride you take along a muddy path or under extreme weather conditions.

5. Trouble with the transmission:
Another prominent reason for issues with shifting your gear could be caused due to a seized transmission gear. The presence of a foreign object between the gears may have resulted in a blocked gear. Some other possible causes for a seized gear are bent shift shafts or incorrect assembling of the transmission gears.
This issue will create resistance, and you won’t be able to change gears while riding or starting your bike easily. Get your two-wheeler examined by a mechanic to eliminate this resistance.

To sum it up, these are the few probable causes of poor gear shifting in your bike that you should inspect as soon as possible. Never delay or skip your two-wheeler’s servicing. Scheduled maintenance of your two-wheeler can protect it against internal damages and breakdowns. Get the servicing done at a trusted garage to examine all parts thoroughly and detect and fix if any flaws exist. Also, ensure that you invest in a reliable insurance policy for your bike. You may buy bike insurance online and avoid the unwanted involvement of intermediaries.

Click HERE to buy 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 breakthrough of the corona virus has led us to these challenging times. And staying healthy and disease free to prevent yourself from the virus is one crucial task. To prevent yourself from corona, it is advised to stay indoors. While staying indoors is the first step, you can’t be completely safe indoors without taking the safety measures that are needed to keep the virus away. Here are the safety measures that you must follow while staying indoors.

Maintain Social Distancing

One of the first steps to staying safe is maintaining social distancing. Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people facing issues like cough, sneeze, fever. However, it is advisable to maintain a distance from everyone, whether they show problematic symptoms or not. When you cough or sneeze, the virus travels to your body in the form of droplets from the other person. It is advised to stay at a distance and connect with your friends, family, and colleagues through technology like video calls, phone calls, and social media.

Disinfect your Belongings

The coronavirus's effect is widespread and can be infected not only from people around you but also in the presence of air. You are acquainted with using things that might be the cause of being infected with the virus. It is found that cardboard can hold the virus for 24 hours and on steel and plastic for 72 hours. This means everything you come in contact with, whether an order from amazon, zomato, or your belongings like phone, tablets, laptop, earphones, etc., need to be disinfected. Cleaning and disinfecting all your belongings from time to time is an eff

Boost Immune System

If you have a healthy immune system, you can combat the virus on the right level. For this, you need to boost your immunity. But how can you do it? You can easily do it by eating green and healthy vegetables and fruits. With this, ensure the intake of Vitamin C in your diet. If you are a tea freak, you should take ginger or lemon tea.

Hydrate Yourself

Drinking the required amount of water is always helpful in removing all the toxic substances that are present in your body. Make sure to hydrate yourself and drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Say no to flavored drinks and caffeinated drinks like coffee and increase water and smoothies' intake .that keeps you healthy and hydrated.

Practice Respiratory Hygiene

You already know the coronavirus If it is spread through coughing and sneezing. When you cough or sneeze, the respiratory droplets infected by the virus are released. This is why you must cover your mouth and nose while sneezing with a tissue or handkerchief. If you don't have a tissue in place, use your hands, and wash your hands quickly.

Wash your hands frequently

Not only cleaning the surfaces around you but cleaning yourself is a must-follow preventive measure for the coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventive Measures, you must wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap or liquid sanitizer in small intervals throughout the day. It is advised to use liquid sanitizers with 60% alcohol that effectively kills the coronavirus. Besides handwashing, keeping your face covered with a mask or any fabric is a must to prevent the virus from entering your body.

Seek medical help

Cough, cold, flu, and fever are the main symptoms for someone infected with the coronavirus. All the treatments for the coronavirus are conducted focusing on these symptoms. If you think you have been infected with coronavirus, observe these symptoms for 3-4 days and if not improved, seek medical help to get the right treatment at the right time.
We hope you are following all these preventive measures to keep the virus away. With the risk of coronavirus, it is important for you to have health insurance in India that keeps you at a safer place with the coronavirus and its treatment.

The New Age Insurance is evolving and we are seeing a lot of new age insurers entering the game alongside the traditional players

Pricing:

Traditional – Expensive as you pay for the operational costs
New age – Cost effective when the company is going paperless
Ease of Dealing

Buying

Traditional - As complicated as buying a house
New age – As easy as placing an order online

Communication

Traditional - As complicated as reading a report
New Age - As simple as reading an article

Claims

Traditional - Hurdles and bottlenecks throughout the process
New Age - Smooth sailing

Paperwork

Traditional - Maximum paperwork, more hassle
New Age - Minimum paperwork, maximum ease and convenience

Motorcycles require more maintenance than anticipated to stay up and running. Over a period, your bike tends to undergo severe wear and tear. One way to keep it functioning is by regular maintenance.

Oil leakage is a strong indicator of your bike being internally damaged. Figuring out the point of the leakage can seem like a difficult task, but there are a few methods that you can keep in mind to ensure your bike is not susceptible to oil leakage. The leading cause of oil leakage is worn-out oil filters. Broken seals in the oil filters allow the oil to escape, thus causing leakage.

In this article, we will discuss a few ways you can detect if your bike is leaking oil.

1. Filter cup:
A filter cup that is worn out or has misaligned fibres can cause the oil to spill out. The misalignment in the filter cup can be caused by improper tightening of fixing screws. Check for leakage around the cup, and if it is leaking from the bottom, tighten the hose clamp.

2. Carburetor:
A carburetor is an essential part of the engine. It controls the flow of air and fuel and assists in combustion. The bowl that holds the carburetor can cause leakage if it gets old and is incapable of sealing the carburetor properly.

3. Checking fuel levels:
Another foolproof method of figuring out oil leaks is checking the fuel level of your bike with a dipstick. After the bike has cooled down, take note of the dipstick levels. If you notice a change in the levels over time, there is a loss of fuel.

4. Clean the areas:
The most susceptible areas to oil leaks are oil filters, oil pans, filter cups, valves, and hoses. Detecting an oil leak is convenient by inspecting these parts. If you observe changes in these areas, there is a chance of spillage or oil leakage.

5. Use a cloth or a paper:
Putting a dry cloth or a piece of paper under the bike is another smart way to check for oil leakages. Leave these under the bike overnight, and if you notice any spots or stains, your bike's fuel is leaking.

6. Smoke from exhaust:
Sometimes you can tell about oil leakage by checking the smoke from the exhaust. While riding the bike, if you feel that the smoke coming out from the exhaust smells like burning oil, it is probably an indicator of oil leakage.

These are a few ways to detect oil leakage from your bikes. Leakage is usually an indication of improper maintenance and extreme wear and tear of your bike. To combat these problems and increase your bike's longevity, you must ensure your motorcycle undergoes proper care and regular servicing.

Problems like oil leaks can cause severe internal damage to your bike if left untreated for too long. If you miss out on these simple steps, you may have to replace various bike parts, which can be expensive. It is advisable to invest in a comprehensive bike insurance plan to avoid these extra expenses. By buying bike insurance, you ensure that your bike gets complete financial protection against any costs that will follow if it gets damaged due to an accident.

Click HERE to know more about bike 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.

Packing up and moving out can be a real chore. Uprooting your life from a place you call home and trying to fit into a new environment is also quite emotionally draining. Sometimes we do it for love, sometimes for a better future. Whatever the reason, relocating is always a challenge. Among the million things that have you at your wit's end, managing car insurance in India generally takes a backseat. However, just as you would tend to any other asset, taking care of your car insurance needs will hold you in good stead. Here are some tips to consider before you hit the road!

Notify your insurer about the move

We live in a digitally connected world. All it takes is a couple of minutes for you to shoot an email, drop a text or even call the insurer’s helpline number and give the details of your new address. It also makes it easier for your insurer to communicate with you regarding things such as renewal, processing a claim and most importantly, providing the service you’ve paid for!

Re-register your car

If you are moving across state lines, you must get your vehicle re-registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of your new domiciliary residence. However, prior to your relocation, remember to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO of your previous residence for a smooth transition. Once you get your new registration number, intimate your insurance company immediately so that the records are updated.

Re-evaluate your insurance needs

Depending on where you are moving, you may face a change in your insurance needs. If you’re moving to a metropolis like Delhi, brace yourself for never-ending traffic and possible nicks and bumps. In such a scenario, you may want to enhance your coverage. Similarly, if you are moving to a city like Mumbai, floods during monsoons are almost inevitable, where opting for add-on coverage like engine protection becomes a necessity. Consider all variables such as traffic, average drive time, safety, natural calamities, etc. and see if you need better coverage.

Implications of the move

Your relocation in all probability will affect the terms of endearment with your insurer. For example, ‘zonal risk’ is a variable insurance companies consider for premium calculations, and your move will have a direct impact on your annual premium. At the same time, the service quality may differ too. Do all the previous benefits carry over? Does your insurer have a strong presence at the new location? Do they have a robust network of garages? Get answers to all your questions before the move.

Look at your best interest

Insurance is all about your financial security and peace of mind. So if you have even the slightest doubt, don’t hesitate to look for another option. If you’re worried about losing out on your No Claim Bonus, fret not. You could easily carry over your NCB to an insurer like Magma HDI and continue to avail of all the benefits you previously enjoyed and more. A policy like Magma HDI's car insurance also provides safety against third party liability, damage, theft and natural calamities, making it a reliable choice wherever you go.

The end of the monsoon season is in sight, and even before we know it, we'll be ready for the winter days. The monsoon can be visually stunning, but it's not necessarily ideal for your bike. Post-monsoon brings a completely different downpour of problems for riders. This season demands a keen and prompt response to ensure your bike is in the best possible condition.

Now that the monsoon season is ending, you should give your bike its due attention. In light of the foregoing, we have compiled a post-monsoon maintenance checklist to get your bike road-ready. In that case, why delay any longer? Let's get this article rolling and prepare yourself for a thorough maintenance regime of your bike.

1. Tyres are important:
Don't let the air pressure in your tyres drop below the levels suggested by the bike's manufacturer. Inspect them for minor cuts that usually occur due to poor road conditions and potholes which might lead to more serious problems, such as a blowout. Make sure you inspect the tread depth of your tyres weekly. Make that the wheels are properly aligned and balanced.

2. Maintain battery:
If you want the bike's battery to last long with few problems, you should have it serviced right after the monsoon. Put some distilled water into the battery if needed. Look into the possible battery leakages. The bike must be in proper working condition and devoid of battery leaks. You should keep the motorcycle's battery fully charged if you haven't used it in a while.

3. Inspect the air filter and the exhaust:
Maintaining the air filter clean during the monsoon season is essential when airborne dust can quickly accumulate and clog the filter. Maintain regular air filter replacement schedules and increase cleaning frequency, especially during the monsoon days, since dust levels may grow in the winter. Check the exhaust for any residue or dirt accumulation due to flooding roads.

4. Don't forget to check the brakes:
Wet weather increases the likelihood that your bike's brakes will become more resistant to pushing, making riding in wet conditions dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an appropriate distance between the brake and the tyre.
Brakes that are either too stiff or too slack present a significant risk. If you experience screeching noise, it may be due to an oil shortage, or the front brake pads you’re your attention.

5. Remember the engine oil:
After the rainy season, keeping your bike's engine well-oiled is crucial for optimal performance and reliability. Before setting out on a long trip, ensure you monitor the oil level and keep it at the recommended level. Keep an eye out for any oil leaks that may have occurred because of the wet weather.
When carbon deposits are present, oil thickens, making it harder for engine parts to move. You should know that unclean oil will cause your motorcycle to use more gas and dramatically shorten the engine life.

This checklist of post-monsoon maintenance will be your go-to guide to having a fully operational bike ready to take you for your desired exploration.

Getting your bike serviced and having appropriate bike insurance will ensure your bike is maintained properly. Buying or renewing your bike insurance isn't as time-consuming or expensive as it was. Modern methods have made it possible to buy bike insurance online in minutes. Get yours now!

Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance online 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.