GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Tobacco has been killing people for centuries, but people still don't consider it one of the biggest public health dangers the world has ever faced. Smokers are susceptible to various chronic and fatal diseases such as lung cancer, respiratory diseases, asthma, heart diseases and stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and osteoporosis. Moreover, female smokers may also face complications in pregnancy.

Hence, it is imperative that smokers should opt for the best online health insurance to ensure the right coverage during an emergency. Here's all you need to know about health insurance for smokers.

1. Need and importance:
India has a large population of around 120 million people that smokes. Moreover, smoking kills over 8 million people every year. They are also prone to various fatal diseases that need expensive long-term treatment.
Therefore, smokers should opt for a good health insurance policy. It will help them protect their hard-earned money and prepare them financially for the enormous hospital expenses they may incur because of illnesses caused due to their smoking habit.

2. Premium:
Health insurance policies for smokers usually command around 30%-40% higher premiums than other regular health insurance policies. This is because a smoker is more susceptible to diseases and gets hospitalised than a non-smoker. Many risks are involved in providing a health insurance policy to a smoker. Insurance companies offset this risk by charging a higher premium for covering a smoker's health.
The premium also varies according to the number of cigarettes a person smokes in a day or a week. A smoker who smokes more will have to pay a higher premium than a smoker who smokes fewer cigarettes in a day. Also, insurance companies increase the premium on a smoker's policy if he suffers health problems later on due to smoking.

3. Disclosure requirements:
A smoker must disclose his smoking habits and the number of cigarettes he smokes in a day when he buys the health insurance policy. Even if a person smokes just one cigarette daily, he should disclose it to the insurance company. An insurance company can reject the claim on the grounds that vital information relating to health was wilfully non-disclosed at the time of buying the online health insurance policy. They can also declare the policy null and void.
If a person turns a smoker after buying a health insurance policy, he should inform the insurance company about the same. This will make his claim settlement process hassle-free. The insurance company may modify and increase the premium and ask for a medical test too.

4. Benefits:
A health insurance policy for a smoker has numerous advantages. Smokers can need expensive treatments as they can catch diseases fatal to life, such as cancer. The policy will keep them financially protected and cover their hospital bills in such a situation. Moreover, they can enjoy cashless treatment benefits with their policy. Such policies also come with tax benefits on a smoker's premium under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

A health insurance policy should be purchased as a shield by any smoker as there are high chances of them being diagnosed with life-threatening diseases of the lungs, chest, and even cancer at some stage of their life. Smoking kills people, and the policy can provide financial support to smokers in times of medical emergencies.

It is always good for smokers to become aware of the dangers of tobacco and quit smoking. In addition, they should do adequate research and opt for the best online health insurance policy. They should go through minute clauses and details of their policy that may be affected due to their smoking habit. This will ensure financial protection, stability, and hassle-free claim settlement at a later date.

Click HERE to buy an online health insurance policy.

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.

It is difficult for us to pick out the best insurance providers in the market without having in-depth knowledge about the company. You should not choose your insurance company by merely watching their advertisements in the media or by what your agent suggests. Always get in-depth knowledge about the credibility of the insurance company, its financial strength and stability, and the capability to support you financially in times of need.

Here are a few key ratios that will help you better understand an insurance company and which you should consider before buying insurance.

1. Claim Settlement Ratio:
This is the first and foremost ratio you should consider when choosing your insurance company. It denotes the number of claims settled by the insurance company per 100 claims it receives.
Even if an insurance company with a low CSR offers you a policy at a lower premium than others, you should avoid buying it. After all, such savings can be futile if your company rejects your claim during a medical emergency. The whole purpose of buying an insurance policy is forfeited in such a case. Hence, the company with the highest CSR should be given preference.

2. Liquidity ratios: Liquidity ratios tell you how capable the company is of meeting its financial obligations and claims raised by the policyholders. An insurance company should have good liquidity and be able to fulfill its payment obligations in case a huge number of unexpected claims come up suddenly at any point in time. This can happen in catastrophes such as floods and earthquakes when many people may raise insurance claims in a short period.
It also provides information on an insurance company's capability to meet its current liabilities from its liquid assets. A ratio of less than one will mean that the company may have to sell its long-term investments or borrow money to meet its current liabilities. This can be a worrying situation for the company and the people buying its insurance policies.

3. Solvency ratios:
Put theoretically, a company's solvency ratio measures its capacity to meet its debt obligations and other financial commitments. The current solvency ratio prescribed by the IRDAI for insurance companies is 1.5 in India. A ratio lower than 1.5 is a cause for concern for insurance buyers. It may result in bankruptcy risk if the company faces many sudden claims.

4. Earnings ratios:
The following two important earnings ratios ascertain the profitability of the insurance company and its competitive strengths.
Combined ratio:
There are several operating expenditures, commissions, and claims that an insurance company has to meet. Their cumulative total should be less than the total premium earnings for that period. A lower value of the combined ratio is advisable.
Return on net worth:
This ratio tells us the profit-earning capacity of an insurance company concerning its net worth. It considers the profit earned by the company after tax and indicates the overall return on equity of the insurance company. A higher ratio is better and preferable.

It is an arduous task to choose the best insurance company in the market, especially when so many big companies operate in the field of general insurance. A buyer should carefully review the above ratios and rate the available options accordingly. Before buying its policy, a good understanding of the insurance company is of utmost importance.

A policy buyer should be confident that his decision to choose one insurance company over another is sound and backed by statistics and numbers. After all, the insurance company should stand by his side and provide him hassle-free financial assistance in times of real need and emergency.

Click HERE to buy the best general insurance that keeps you financially safe.

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.

Standalone own-damage car insurance is optional, unlike third-party car insurance. However, you must buy your standalone damage car insurance since it will help you get coverage for damages to your car during an accident or a natural or man-made disaster like a fire outbreak, theft, flood, etc.

What is covered under standalone damage insurance?
By looking at what this policy covers, let's better understand how standalone car insurance functions. A typical own-damage policy will protect from the following:

● Accident-related damages or total loss

● Vehicle theft

● Damage that is beyond repair as a result of fire, lightning, explosion, or self-ignition

● Natural calamities such as landslides, earthquakes, or floods can cause damage

You can file a standalone damage car insurance claim with your car insurance provider if your vehicle is damaged as a result of one of these events. Nowadays, raising a standalone damage car insurance claim is simpler than ever before. You can visit the insurer's website, log in, complete a form, evaluate the damage to your automobile, and then make repairs after the claim is approved.

Factors that affect standalone car insurance premiums.

Your standalone car insurance premium can easily be impacted by a change in any of these variables.

1. Insured Declared Value:
Your car's IDV, or insured declared value, is its current market value and a key component in calculating its own-damage premium. If you decide to give your car a greater IDV, your standalone car insurance will be expensive.

2. Age of the vehicle:
Your vehicle depreciates with time and loses value. As a result, if your car is older, your car insurance premium will decrease.

3. Your location:
If you drive in an urban, congested area, such as a big city, your own-damage auto insurance rate will go up. This is because there is always a chance that the car will be stolen or damaged. The danger is also lower, and the premiums are lower in smaller towns and villages.

4. Car safety:
Installing safety features on your car reduces the possibility of damage. For instance, airbags reduce the likelihood of your vehicle sustaining damage, minimising car insurance premiums.

5. Model of the vehicle:
Any damage caused by an accident to a pricey or luxurious vehicle could be very costly. Due to the high risk associated with such a vehicle, the standalone insurance policy premium for own damage will also be expensive.

6. Engine cubic capacity:
Your car's engine cubic capacity significantly impacts your premiums. Compared to vehicles with engines under 1500cc, the damage premium for vehicles with an engine capacity beyond 1500cc will be higher.

7. No Claim Bonus:
When you renew the policy, your rates will be reduced if you haven't made any claims for auto-related damages during the policy year. As a result, avoiding these claims allows you to pay lesser premiums for your standalone own damage insurance.

Who should buy standalone damage insurance?
If you just have third-party auto insurance at the moment, it is advised that you purchase your standalone damage coverage. It increases the range of protection for your vehicle during emergencies like a car accident, a man-made disaster, or a natural disaster.

Here is the formula to calculate standalone damage car insurance premium:

You must know your car's Insured Declared Value (IDV). Using the formula below, you can easily determine your four-wheeler's IDV:
IDV= (showroom price - depreciation cost) + (cost of any car accessories - depreciation cost)

Once you know your car's IDV, you may use the following method to determine the cost of standalone own damage insurance:
Standalone Damage premium = IDV X (Premium Rate) + Add-on Covers - Policy Discounts and Benefits

Check for new car insurance rates before investing in standalone damage insurance. Contact your insurance provider to get the desired answers if you have any queries.

Click HERE to buy a car insurance policy.

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 onset of the pandemic initiated an active interest in maintaining health and ensuring health insurance policy renewal. However, the quarantine brought with it several other challenges. Schools, colleges, workspaces, and other leisurely spaces such as parks, gardens, and malls were closed. The average person was stuck in a difficult predicament.

Even post normalisation, the main barrier to fitness is the lack of time in an individual's busy schedule. Be it a student or a working professional, going to the gym may only sometimes be possible. Finding the time and an easy-to-access nearby gym within your budget is strenuous. The one-stop solution to all these problems is working out at home. It seems like an arduous task, but once you can take out some time for your workout during the day, these hacks will significantly help.

In this article, we will explain how an effective equipment-free workout routine is perfectly attainable!

Before we start, here's a pro tip: You can use household items for greater resistance training. Getting stronger, fitter, and leaner is achievable without regular gym equipment like dumbbells. Use standard cans instead of hand weights and your laundry basket as dumbbells. A pile of your books works too! Creatively use weighted household items to enhance the effectiveness of your workout.

Exercises to start with when working out at home

1. Body weight squats
Bodyweight squats are a staple across all home workouts, irrespective of fitness ability. Depending on the variation you engage in, you can strengthen your back, glutes, calves, core, and thighs and maintain great posture. Start with a basic squat and gradually take on advanced forms of the humble squat.

2. Push-ups
Push-ups are one of the most common yet tricky exercises. They are an all-in-one solution if you are short on time and need to get your blood pumping quickly. With variations suitable for different age groups and fitness strengths, push-ups are a universal favourite for fitness freaks. It engages the chest, arms, shoulders, and core and improves overall balance. Being one of the most effective yet challenging exercises for your upper body, it is a must-try.

3. Walking lunges
This works best with an open space, like a long corridor. It targets the midsection of your body effectively and helps maintain posture. Always keep your back straight to avoid injuries.

4. Plank
Simply the starting position for push-ups, this exercise will engage your core and abs extensively if done in 45-second intervals. Make sure to keep your back straight. A simple online search will help visualise the exercise. However, do not be fooled by its simplicity. It is challenging to maintain this position, irrespective of your current fitness abilities. Start slowly in 5-10 seconds and gradually increase your plank duration.

Once you're comfortable with the exercise, look up variations that can help engage multiple muscle groups, making for a comprehensive workout. Before participating in such intensive training, consider health insurance policy renewal to protect yourself against the medical costs of any health emergency or accident.

Lastly, but most importantly, don't forget to warm up before each workout by doing a couple of jacks, marching on the spot, and knee bends. This will prevent you from injuring yourself by pulling a muscle. However, injuries are unpredictable while doing a high-intensity workout. Therefore, health insurance policy renewal should be a top priority to avoid losing on to the financial benefits.

Click HERE to know more about health insurance policy 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 purchasing a car is a huge deal, that is not all. You also need to invest in the upkeep and maintenance of your vehicle to increase its longevity. The car manufacturers have a set of rules and regulations regarding the servicing and maintenance of your car, like the distance limit before the first servicing, availability of the original parts, the fittings, etc.

Do you need clarification on authorised service centres and local garages to ensure your car is in its best condition? Here’s all you need to know.

1. Professional mechanics:
Authorised service centres provide you with the best-seasoned persons and specialised mechanics to service a particular company or type of car. These mechanics can have a closer look and understand any unusual issue that might pop up in your vehicle. They can provide the best insights and the accurate method to rectify the problem.
Local garages have mechanics, but their professionalism might require validation. They have a reputation for using the quickest methods or resolving issues using trial and error without actually having a deeper understanding of the working and what consequences the current problem might have. Lack of proper servicing can lead to a decrease in the life of the car, hefty costs of damage repair, and cause more troubles in the functioning of your vehicle.

2. Latest gears and equipment:
The authorised service centres always ensure that they have the latest equipment as prescribed by the companies for various models of their cars. As the brands are manufacturing vehicles with advanced technologies and upgrading their features, the spare parts and other gears should be upgraded without meddling with the warranty, even if there is a problem with your vehicle.
Whereas, with local garages, this is a massive issue. Usually, they do not have the latest manufacturer-recommended parts for repair, which might end up voiding the warranty and causing further damage to the circuits and other systems of the car.

3. Time consumption and quality of services:
Authorised service centres take complete responsibility for customer care and quality services. While this is a massive plus against the local service garages, the waiting time is quite a factor that acts as a con for these service centres. There is a huge waiting list and a time taking procedure you must go through before you can get your car back in good shape.
If you approach a local garage to fix the issue with your vehicle, you will get your car back in no time. However, regarding the quality, even if it is a coat of paint on a small area that was hit against a harsh surface, you will be able to mark the difference between the fixtures of an authorised centre compared to the local garage.

While local garages provide quick, budget fixes to your issues, it is very evident that the authorised service centres are the smarter option of the two. Your vehicle is a massive investment, so it is wise not to cheap out regarding the maintenance, servicing, and compromising its safety. And you might end up in consequential trouble, which burns a hole in your pocket due to your reluctance to opt for quality service.

So always make an intelligent decision, one of which is to ensure that you purchase the best car insurance in India to stay financially stress-free during any unfortunate situations that might cause damage to your car. You can now buy the best car insurance in India, which is suitable for your needs, from the comfort of your home.

Click HERE to learn more about purchasing 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.

If you have ever randomly searched for road safety statistics relating to India, you would be concerned. According to data provided by many research firms, the road crash severity, i.e., the number of deaths per 100 road crashes, was 38.6. This implies that over a third of road accidents lead to fatalities. Our numbers are also the highest amongst all countries, making this an issue that requires immediate attention.

While infrastructure and planning of roads are partly to blame, so is driver negligence. Considering that over half the vehicles on roads are 2-wheelers, it becomes necessary to practise safe driving since 2-wheelers do not have the bare minimum safety that cars provide and lead to more significant damages if in an accident. With increased regulations, the demand for 2 wheeler insurance has risen steadily.

Still, riders continue to take unnecessary risks in the form of 3 or more riders, underage driving, and helmet-less pillion riders. While your 2 wheeler insurance covers the driver and vehicle, does it also cover pillion passengers? Read on to find out all about it.

Inclusion of a passenger in 2-wheeler insurance:

2 wheeler insurance is considered a comprehensive cover but is not in reality. By carefully reading the fine print, one can find multiple exclusions which can be added to the cover as an add-on facility. One such cover is to protect your passenger.

If you are considering whether or not to purchase the add-on, we strongly urge you to do so. Since two-wheelers are more vulnerable to accidents, minimal damage to the riders is inevitable. While your comprehensive plan covers you and your vehicle, buying an add-on will insure your pillion rider's life.

Inclusions of the add-on:

The add-on primarily lightens your moral responsibility towards your pillion passenger to keep them protected as long as you're responsible for their safety. In the following events, the insurance company approves the claims filed:

● Compensation for the death of the passenger to their legal heirs

● Payment in case of partial or permanent disability to the passenger

● Reimbursement of hospitalisation expenses incurred to treat the passenger

Who should consider buying the add-on:

While 2 wheeler insurance is mandatory for all, we recommend considering a pillion-passenger add-on as the same. However, suppose any of the following cases apply to you, then consider purchasing it at the earliest to minimise the extent of the financial burden you may have to face.

● If you regularly have a pillion passenger travelling along

● If your regular passenger happens to be a child or a senior citizen, it is best to cover for contingent mishaps

Exclusions to consider before filing claims:

This add-on is undoubtedly helpful in insuring your fellow rider’s life. However, before filing a claim, you must ensure that the following:

● The driver has a valid licence

● The driver was not under the influence of any substance

● The driver must be the owner of the vehicle and must purchase the policy and add-on in his name

● The accident must not be intended to be an act of self-injury by the driver

These are generally excluded conditions that reject a claim. Since making 2 wheeler insurance mandatory, its penetration has significantly increased. Authorities should also consider making policy equipped with comprehensive benefits to cover all related parties and ensure maximum protection of the riders and vehicle.

Click HERE to buy a reliable 2 wheeler 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.

Ever since the world reopened after the Covid-19 pandemic, people have been making the most of their lives by travelling to different places and quenching their thirst for "wanderlust."

With the advent of the hustling lifestyle, people have become distant from nature, which is why travel has become an essential part of our lives. The popularity of travel vlogging on various social media platforms is helping users to get information about different types and destinations for trips, tickets, luxurious hotels, and much more. Travel has also become a career for many folks who have grown tired of corporate life.

With such an advancement in this sector, different travel experiences serve the various interests of people. Are you looking to explore much more than your regular itinerary? Check out these unique tourism niches in 2023 in this blog. So, without any further delay, let's get started!

1. Agricultural sites have become popular:
Agro-tourism, which involves organised tours and trips to agricultural farms and other farming sites, has recently gained popularity. These trips provide insights into the cultivation world and serve an educational purpose for people of all ages. Organic farming and agro-tourism have proven worthwhile for people who believe in consuming organic produce, are intrigued by the culture, or are building their businesses in the same sector. Apart from the tours to farms, agro-tourism has multiple activities like the detailed study of flora and fauna, horse riding, cooking sessions, wine tasting sessions, and much more.

2. Stars will always amaze you:
The universe will never cease to mesmerise you. The night sky is a world of its own, with stars as its main characters. Stargazing tourism is one such activity that will always be on the bucket list of anyone who can dream of lying under the stars and gazing at the beauty of the universe, which is beyond our imagination. Hardcore travellers and explorers are huge enthusiasts of stargazing tourism. Places like Norway, Iceland, Spiti Valley, Rann of Kutch, and many more provide the perfect stargazing spots.

3. Making to this list are VR and AR:
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are part of a travel niche called "armchair tourism." Gaining its market during the pandemic, virtual reality provides you with the perks of travel without leaving your sofa. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the downfall of the travel industry called upon a revolution. To accustom themselves to this new reality, VR and AR became popular and provided the much-needed escape from the dreary and dark times as the entire world shut down. Several hotels and brands from the travel industry include a virtual tour to give a glimpse of what they offer their potential customers, along with igniting excitement.

4. Solo trips are a must:
Solo adventures, especially women's solo trips involving treks, adventure sports, ethnic tourism, etc., have become increasingly popular over the past few years. The newfound opportunity due to financial freedom and a much safer environment has encouraged people to travel independently and see the world through their perspectives. Organised solo trips have started exploring lesser-known destinations. They have popularised the culture of exploration as solo women also want to cater to their own choices for their adrenaline needs.

And as we discussed travelling in 2023, it is a wise choice to discuss securing your trip to combat the monetary stress of unprecedented situations that can disrupt your travel plans. Purchasing general insurance is an intelligent decision to ensure that you stay stress-free in the financial aspect while travelling and enjoying it to the core. You can explore the options and extract a general insurance online quote, including all the details and the prices provided by different travel insurance providers. Plan and choose the one which best caters to your needs.

Click HERE to learn more about formulating a general insurance online quote and its benefits.

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.

Do you own a business and are undoubtful if you need to purchase a public liability insurance policy? This post will discuss why you should get public liability insurance, the advantages, and a list of businesses requiring it. It is advised to have a public liability insurance policy if you deal with members of the public or clients to ensure protection against damage to third-party.

Following are the businesses that are at risk of going bankrupt due to a single lawsuit if they don't invest in the public liability insurance policy:

1. Businesses that produce chemicals

2. Restaurants

3. Contractors

4. Hospitals

5. Universities and colleges

Let's first define public liability insurance policy before discussing these five businesses.

What is insurance for general culpability?

Public liability insurance protects businesses and their owners from being sued if someone gets hurt within their property or causes damage to someone else's property. This insurance pays for the damage costs, which otherwise the insured might have to pay.

For instance, if you host an event and a public member is harmed within your property, your public liability insurance will pay for any associated legal fees and compensation claims that the injured party may make.

What all is protected by public liability insurance:

• Property damage and physical harm

• Cost of counsel

• Cost of a claim
 

What is excluded from the policy:

• Reputational damage or another form of slander

• Accidents involving employees

You can purchase general liability insurance (GLI) if you want more protection. GLI protects a broader range of people, like business owners, employees, and vendors, from these risks.

Here are a few examples of firms that unquestionably require public liability insurance policy.

1. Businesses that produce chemicals:
After the Bhopal disaster in 1984, the government required any company working in a dangerous area to have public liability insurance. The Public Liability Insurance Act of 1991 requires you to purchase PLI coverage to protect yourself from lawsuits arising from accidents and harm to the public.

2. Restaurants:
A necessary component of any restaurant business is public liability insurance. PLI safeguards eateries from the expenses associated with damages. Accidental hot food spills, cutlery that falls, and slick floors are possible scenarios. It also protects the business if a customer claims damages because they got sick from the food.

3. Business owners:
If you do construction, plumbing, or electrical work on a client's property as part of your business, you must have public liability insurance. While working there, the insurance will defend you from any claims against you for injuries to individuals or damage to the customer's property or equipment.

4. Hospitals:
Hospitals are another business that could be sued for injuries or damage to property that happens while doing business. Any harm or death caused due to the doctor's negligence in this situation is not covered by PLI. For such a risk, doctors need professional indemnity insurance coverage.

5. Colleges and universities:
If a fire breaks out on the grounds of your school or college and a few students are hurt, PLI will pay for the cost of legal defense and any compensation demanded by the injured students or their families.

We've talked about a few specific businesses that require public liability insurance, but this is a partial list. Public liability insurance is a requirement if your business interacts with customers, staff, or the public.

Finding a good insurance company and the best coverage for your business takes time, consistent efforts, and deep research. Once you've decided, you'll have an insurance agent to offer advice based on his knowledge and experience. Nowadays, things have become digital, and you can easily buy a public liability insurance policy online with just a few clicks and a hassle-free payment process. It is recommended to always seek legal advice to find the best solution based on your situation.

Click HERE to buy a reliable public liability insurance policy 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.