GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

With the world going digital, smartphones have become an important part of our daily lives. Being stuck at home during the pandemic, smartphones became the only salvation from boredom. And children, too, are getting addicted to digital gadgets as we progress in time. Keeping your child away from smartphones is tricky with schools and colleges conducting online classes.

With new-age technologies emerging so quickly and taking over the world, children are very intrigued with how things function. And with all the information available online, it would be one-sided to keep your child away from smartphones and other gadgets and devoid them of all the opportunities.

This blog will discuss the right time to give your child a smartphone. Let’s look at the factors you should consider as a concerned parent or a guardian.

1. Responsibility:
Are your kids responsible enough to handle an expensive device with care? They might bring up a lot of reasons, but as responsible parents, you must ensure that you set up a boundary for the conscious use of these devices to shield them from the risks of the internet.

2. Maturity:
You need to assess the maturity level of your kids before you give them a smartphone. The mind of a child is fickle and very easy to influence. Determine and validate their reasons. Dig a little deeper and have an open conversation about why they want a smartphone. Be their friend in the process.

3. Limitations:
Nobody knows your child better than you do. So ask yourself, can they adhere to limits and rules? Because while a smartphone can serve plenty of good purposes, it can also cause massive amounts of distractions, which can have adverse effects on their academics, physical and mental health, social interactions, etc.

4. Safety:
Online safety is a huge concern these days. Even more so with children since they do not understand the consequences of the invasion of privacy and data exploitation. Your child needs to understand the importance of online safety and how they should communicate with you in case of fraudulent transactions or hints of illegal activities.

5. Carelessness:
Social media is addictive. And once you realise how easy it is to stay in touch with the people you know or get in touch with new people, it becomes challenging to keep off the phone. Adults struggle with this addiction, so it’s somewhat obvious for children to get addicted to it as well. Many children tend to text while driving or in public places, posing a huge risk of accidents.

6. Value money:
Your child should understand the expenses that come with a smartphone and, therefore, use it cautiously. Kids need to be mindful of their internet consumption and use it according to their needs appropriately.

Now that you know when the right time to give your child a smartphone is, you need to think about your kids’ safety and how you can safeguard their wellbeing during emergencies. Stay stress-free by purchasing personal accident insurance online, which caters to your children’s needs in the best way possible. The younger generation is susceptible to accidents due to carelessness and distractions. Personal accident insurance online will ensure your child’s safety with guaranteed benefits and a reasonable premium.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy personal accident 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.

Insurance is an effective mechanism that protects the insured from the financial loss incurred due to damage to an asset. The prudent instrument protects high-value assets like vehicles, in the absence of which the victim has to shell out large sums of money to compensate for the damages to own property and third-party damages.

Despite the safety provided by online car insurance and its allied merits, sometimes the insurer does not approve a complete settlement, leading to being partially compensated. With proper knowledge regarding the procedure, related proofs, and some tips to remember while making claims, it is possible to receive a complete car insurance settlement.

Reasons for partial settlement:
Comprehensive car insurance is the easiest way to ensure that the insured is covered for maximum damages and receives the entire claim amount. If you haven't purchased comprehensive car insurance, you may encounter only a partial settlement for the following cases.

1. Depreciation:
Loss of value of a car due to wear and tear and usage is an inevitable factor that is considered while paying out claims. Damages to parts, including fibre and glass parts, tubes, tyres, etc., are only settled after considering their depreciated value according to the fixed depreciation rates and the age of the vehicle. A zero depreciation cover can help supersede this clause, but several conditions must be considered to avail of its benefit.

2. Partial car insurance coverage:
A partial cover protects the insured from the financial burden of third-party damages and has fewer inclusions while being less expensive than the latter. The policy restricts customisations and is ideal for infrequently used or old vehicles. The policy excludes NCB and its own damages, limiting its scope and increasing the financial burden on the insured.

3. Policyholder negligence:
Negligence while driving is a major cause of accidents. Suppose your insurer suspects that the driver was under the influence, negligent of general driving safety norms, or holding an invalid driver's licence at the time of the accident. In that case, your claim may be rejected or partially settled, depending on the severity of the issue and the claim amount.

4. Lack of proof:
It is essential to submit valid proof of the accident while filing a claim. With inadequate evidence, the insurer may not process the whole claim amount. Pictures of the accident site, eyewitness testimonies, and immediate filing of an FIR are some of the required proofs asked for by the insurer.

5. The car is used for business purposes:
If the insurer discovers that your personal car was used for business or commercial purposes at the time of the accident, you might not get a 100% claim or even a denial of the claim by the insurer.

Tips to speed up the claim settlement process:
While there is no fixed way to guarantee complete settlement, by following the below stated steps, you can ensure the fulfilment of your responsibilities to ensure that you receive the highest amount of claim possible.

1. Initiate the settlement process immediately:
Starting the process immediately after the accident is vital to ensure a quick settlement. It is ideal for raising the claim within seven days of the accident.

2. Keep all the relevant paperwork ready:
Each payment processed to rectify the effects of the accident, including maintenance of the car or replacement of parts, medical bills, the FIR copy, etc., should be maintained and provided to the insurer as proof.

3. Negotiate your demands:
Before reaching the final settlement, which you must ensure is in writing from the insurer, recheck if the amount is justified. Do not refrain from negotiating the sum with adequate reasoning. Consider seeking the help of a legal professional to make the process faster and ensure that your demands are satisfied.

When purchasing conventional or online car insurance, it is critical to read the fine print to ensure awareness regarding all the inclusions so that you can raise proper claims appropriately to settle at the earliest.

Click HERE to buy online 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.

In India, as in the rest of the world, countless single people and couples want to start a family. However, not everyone has the same level of luck, and natural conception may not be an option for certain men, women, or couples. Thus, surrogacy is viewed as an excellent option for resolving this issue.

However, there are several potential problems when deciding to go through with surrogacy. To safeguard intended parents' rights and surrogate moms, the Indian government has enacted new surrogacy legislation, which indirectly impacts online health insurance companies. Keep reading to find out what the law in India says regarding surrogacy.

The Surrogacy Regulation Act in India.

Surrogacy is a burning issue in many parts of the world, considering their complex surrogacy laws. Before commercial surrogacy was banned in 2015 in India, surrogates in India used to suffer victimisation due to the lack of protection by law. It means they had limited support from the law or any other form of government to protect themselves. Plus, they were to follow either the Supreme Court's lead or the advice of the Indian Council of Medical Research.

However, The Surrogacy Regulation Act came into force on January 25, 2022, ensuring fertility services' safe and ethical practices.

Who can get surrogacy?

A surrogate mother must be in good health and between the ages of 25 and 35. She must have been married at least once and raised a child alone. She must also be a close relative of the intended parents. A woman can only serve as a surrogate once in her lifetime under the new Indian surrogacy rules, down from a maximum of three times under the old law.

Regulatory framework for surrogacy in India.

There are two sorts of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational or host surrogacy. Artificial insemination with the father's sperm is the traditional method. It establishes the surrogate as the child's actual mother.

An embryo created via in vitro fertilisation is implanted into a surrogate mother in gestational surrogacy. It is widely held that gestational surrogacy is simpler than traditional surrogacy, which has led to increased cases involving gestational surrogacy.

Following is a summary of the recent legislation regarding surrogacy regulation, effective as of January 25, 2022.

1. Commercial surrogacy banned:
Commissioning parents in the legally permitted altruistic surrogacy arrangement are responsible for covering the surrogate's medical expenses and providing health insurance coverage. Initially, only commercial surrogacy was legal in India. Earlier, commercial surrogacy compensated the surrogate mother for her services.

2. Health insurance proof becomes mandatory:
Couples who choose surrogacy to have a child must pay for the surrogate mother's health insurance for three years. The IRDA must approve the insurer following the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act requirements. The sum insured must be sufficient to cover all costs incurred by the surrogate because of difficulties emerging during and after the pregnancy.

3. Additional protection for the surrogate mother:
The surrogate mother can end the pregnancy at any time during the surrogacy arrangement. The permission form format to be obtained from the surrogate has also been changed.
The couple must file an affidavit guaranteeing payment of expenses of the surrogate mother, including medical care in the event of illness or the surrogate mother's death and compensation for other losses.

The new surrogacy rules in India are intended to protect the rights of surrogate mothers by guaranteeing them access to online health insurance companies and policies if any difficulties arise during the pregnancy. While this is a positive development, India still has a way to go before we adequately safeguard the rights of surrogate mothers.

Click HERE to buy health insurance if planning for surrogacy.

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.

Health insurance policies are a useful tool to tide over any medical contingencies. It is essential for people of all ages, especially senior citizens, to purchase individual or family health insurance that can cover expenses incurred due to hospitalisation or any other allied medical costs. Its importance is only increasing as the medical inflation trends in India increase each year.

We know that age increases the risk of hospitalisation and medical expenses. This creates the necessity to purchase the best-suited comprehensive plan for senior citizens in the family. This article discusses the ideal period for filing a senior citizen’s claim and the time it takes to settle.

The ideal period for filing health insurance claims:

The period of filing the claim is essential in determining the time it requires for processing. Therefore, one must take all the necessary measures to facilitate a speedy claim settlement to benefit from the insurance policy.

Ideally, the insured should file their claim within two weeks for reimbursement claims. This is not a general time frame, as different policies have different time limits. However, claims filed after two weeks of hospitalisation are likely to be rejected or settled later, depending on the case.

Average health insurance claim settlement time:

As per the surveys and research done by the insurance industry, health insurance claims made by senior citizens take 28 days to settle compared to claims made by policyholders younger than 60 years, which take 23.2 days. These results have stirred up interest in the discussion to find the cause behind the delay.

The surveys also state that even the proportion of claim settlements is lower concerning specific conditions like diarrhoea, cancer, or prostate enlargement. However, it is the opposite when related to coronary heart disease. While this may seem alarming to those who have purchased health insurance in India for parents over 60 years, there are simple ways to avoid this.

1. What causes the delay in claim settlement for senior citizens?
The primary cause for the delay in claim processing is the delay in filing a claim. It is essential to ensure that the claim is filed and processed at the earliest opportunity. The findings state that senior citizens may take a while to file claims for numerous reasons, which may cause delays. To avoid late results, senior citizens must file a claim within a week or two and get assured of timely action.

2. A simple tip to ensure timely claim settlement:
It is often seen that young adults purchase health insurance in India for parents not just to protect them from bearing the burden of substantial medical bills but also to file for tax deductions.
However, to claim its primary benefit, it is essential to file claims on time. Since the elderly may require more time to do so, help from the hospital, staff, or relatives to file the claim in time will ensure that it is settled within 23.2 days instead of 28 days.

Carefully read the terms and conditions of health insurance in India for parents that specify information dedicated to senior citizens about the different inclusions and exclusions of the policy. Since medical bills and the risk of falling ill are greater at older ages, it is necessary to be fully aware of the benefits of different policies and file claims within the stipulated period. Help the senior citizens with a good life and healthy well-being!

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.

We have discussed various types of insurance on this forum: health, personal accident, general, home, health, two-wheeler, motor, and many others. As a consumer, the most important role you need to play is to be aware of the purpose and the benefits of the insurance you are looking for or are ready to purchase. Have you ever wondered about what to do in case of burglary and theft of your possessions with a high financial value? Is there any insurance that helps you cover the costs of the properties or possessions against burglary, stealing, robbery, and other types of theft?

This blog will discuss everything you must know about theft insurance in India, including what kind of losses it can help you compensate for, the claims, benefits, etc. In this space, we will shed light on all the information you should know before you get in touch with an insurance provider or an insurance agent to purchase a theft insurance policy.

1. We are getting started with the basics:
Let the first point cater to the question- What is theft insurance? Theft insurance comes in handy against burglary, stealing/robbery, and other types of theft. It protects against the loss of your valuables in the points mentioned above.
Theft, which will be significantly used in this blog, refers to all kinds of stealing/robbery activities. At the same time, burglary indicates the act of trespassing on someone’s property forcibly and taking away their possessions illegally.

2. Why should you have theft insurance:
Now that you know what theft insurance is, you need to understand the more profound answer to why you need theft insurance. To attain protection against such incidents, it is a good idea to have a theft insurance policy in place. Apart from home, if you own a shop or an office space with items of high financial value, a theft insurance policy helps you recover losses caused by such illegal acts on your property’s premises.

3. A note for you to remember:
You need to be aware of the difference between theft and burglary. Both these illegal acts have their respective covers under theft insurance and burglary insurance plans. To claim theft, you need concrete proof of non-consensual/not forceful and non-violent entry/attempts into the premises of your home or other properties.
Meanwhile, to claim burglary, you need to have solid proof of violent and pushing/forceful attempts to enter the premises to accomplish the burglary. Insurance plans cover theft and burglary, so you can explore all your options with your insurance provider, keeping the difference between these two threateningly illegal activities in mind.

4. What type of coverage and benefits are we talking about:
Always read all the terms and conditions of the insurance policy carefully, which will help you analyse and get more insights into the benefits and coverage limitations.
Theft insurance covers the risks and losses due to damage done by theft in your home or other spaces that you own. The insurance premium is decided based on the history of the claims made, the type of possessions, and the security measures within the property.

5. Limitations you must be aware of:
You will not be compensated for the theft insurance policy under the conditions which have been mentioned below:

● Silver, gold, and other high-value metals

● Hard cash

● Items stolen by members of the family

● Share certificates and possessions stolen by employees and house help

● Thefts that occur during stressful periods like wars, riots, natural disasters, calamities, terrorist attacks

● Absence of security or leaving the possessions uncared for/unlocked on your premises

● Forged theft acts

You must purchase the right theft insurance policy by exploring your options, talking to the insurance provider, and finalising the policy that caters to your needs in the best way possible. Reliable insurance will protect you against monetary stress in light of such unpredictable and dangerous activities.

Click HERE to learn more about purchasing a theft 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 world is adapting to digitisation, resulting in convenience and efficiency with the power of technology. The insurance industry has adopted various new and technology-driven concepts to ensure better customer support. Most official activities turned digital during the last two years due to the pandemic.

But many people believe that the online service mode is not very bankable, be it shopping, online payments, or online insurance. Even today, people choose the physical method because they believe it is more reliable and effective.

In this article, we will bust some myths and talk about all the benefits of online insurance and why you should buy motor insurance online.

1. No third party or agent is required:
One of the most significant benefits of buying motor insurance online is that you do not need an insurance agent to facilitate the process. When you purchase insurance from an agency offline, the insurance agent helps you identify all the covers in your insurance policy or any additional add-ons you might require.
When you switch to online insurance, you eliminate the need for this third party as all the information you require is readily available online. You can also compare various insurance providers and their costs. The cost you save on paying your insurance agent can be used for buying add-ons on your premium.

2. Ditch the paperwork:
Online insurance companies are making completely paperless purchases with bare minimum paperwork. All your IDs are digitally scanned and uploaded to your insurance portal, and the proposal form is also filled digitally. The digital copy is later forwarded to you for future reference. When you buy motor insurance online, you skip the hectic paperwork and contribute to a greener environment.

3. Instant policy:
The process of buying motor insurance online is faster compared to the physical mode. One can achieve everything instantly, from evaluating the policy holder’s profile to resolving the claim if opting for online motor insurance. All the documents and forms can be filled out from the comfort of your home and get instant policy issuance.

4. Compare online:
Since evaluating every motor insurance policy can be cumbersome when done physically, opt for an online comparison. Various websites with good customer reviews will enable you to make informed decisions on the different kinds of insurance policies, their premium amounts, and the overall customer experience.
Not only will these websites help you in comparison, but there are insurance calculators on various websites that can give you an approximate estimate of the total insurance cost. Read through the company’s website thoroughly to choose a tailor-made insurance policy. When you compare prices online, you know more about different deals available in the online market.

These are a few ways an online insurance policy is a better option than a physical one. Irrespective of the kind of insurance you buy, it is essential to remember that all your needs are met with your current insurance policy. Add value to your bike riding experience by investing in good motor insurance. Motor insurance is an intelligent way to ensure that you are safeguarded against accidents and damages and all the other expenses that your vehicle's maintenance might require. For your next renewal, buy motor insurance online to save money and time.

Click HERE to buy motor 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.

A comprehensive bike insurance policy protects you in case your bike gets stolen. It ensures the receipt of the total insured value or the IDV of your bike from the insurance company. This way, two wheeler insurance will reimburse you when you raise an insurance claim.

But what happens to your expensive belongings kept in the bike, such as your bag or wallet, that have disappeared along with your two-wheeler? Worry no more! You can now buy an add-on theft cover while purchasing two wheeler insurance online or offline to protect your personal belongings.

The benefit of theft add-on.

A theft add-on feature for your bike’s comprehensive insurance policy enhances its value by covering your personal belongings’ value. You can purchase this add-on cover while buying new two wheeler insurance online India or renewing the existing policy. The insurance company becomes liable to pay the amount mentioned in the add-on cover. The depreciation amount is deducted to date for your personal belongings in case your bike gets stolen.

Documents required.

You must provide the following documents to raise an insurance claim:

1. An FIR filed with a police station immediately after your bike is stolen

2. Original invoice of the items for which you are staking a claim or proof of ownership of the belongings stolen

You must inform the insurance company of the theft within 30 days of the bike being stolen. The insurance company will not entertain any claim post this period. Also, insurance companies will not accept claims for items not meant for personal use. It means the lost item should not be for trading or commercial purposes. Also, the item you are claiming should be inside or on the bike when it gets stolen.

Advantages.

Opting for a theft add-on to your bike insurance has several advantages:

1. Only this add-on assures you of reimbursement for the loss of your personal belongings present in your bike in case it is stolen.

2. This add-on protects your hard-earned money. You can have complete peace of mind and leave behind your belongings on your bike without worrying about their loss.

Limitations.

There are a few limitations of theft add-on to your bike insurance too.

1. Depreciation:
Insurance companies charge high depreciation for your valuables. The minimum percentage of depreciation charged is 20% which can go up to 80% for items over four years old. Hence, you may get a minimal amount for your lost personal belongings.

2. Documentation:
The formalities required to support your insurance claim for your personal belongings are cumbersome. For example, you may not have proof of ownership of all the items stolen with the two-wheeler and may not get the claim passed for them.

The theft of your bikes is not in your control. A standard insurance policy will only provide compensation for your bike and not your valuables. Opting for a theft add-on to your bike insurance is an intelligent choice. It has more advantages than limitations and will protect the valuables in your bike.

Similarly, opting for two wheeler insurance online India is a great choice. It minimises paperwork, saves time, and is much more convenient than buying an insurance policy through conventional channels. You can make an informed choice by comparing similar policies of all the service providers and choosing the best amongst them. Hence, ensure your peace of mind by buying your two wheeler insurance online India policy.

Click HERE to buy two wheeler insurance India 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.

Irrespective of age, health is easily one of the most overlooked aspects that are ironically detrimental to the quality of one's life. A few decades ago, maintaining health was not a matter of discussion as it is now, mainly because of the outbreak of viral infections, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits.

People of all age groups face health issues, the old due to their age and the young due to stress. The inconsistent lifestyles have become an open invitation to several health problems. And, as the severity of health conditions increases, it impacts your finances.

In unforeseen situations where you or your family may require to be hospitalised, a health insurance policy for family protects you from the rapidly rising medical cost. Managing finances during health emergencies can be daunting, but with the right insurance plan, you can handle everything well.

While it may seem complicated, keeping these factors in mind can help you buy the best-suited health insurance policy for family!

The need for family health insurance:

While most look at a health insurance policy for family as a means to claim tax deductions, it serves a far greater purpose. Medical emergencies are not preplanned, and without a comprehensive health insurance policy, you will have to pay for the expenses out of pocket.

These medical bills are almost in large amounts that are sure to vent your savings massively. Instead, upon paying a comparatively minimal premium annually, you can protect your spouse, children, parents, and parents-in-law under the same policy that covers any possible medical expenses.

How to decide on policy coverage:

While a health insurance policy for family is a one-stop solution to cover the entire family, it may not be enough based on your situation. If you are newlyweds or a young family, a family floater plan may suffice for your case.

Since medical emergencies are relatively infrequent at a young age, the premium is lower, and the cover is adequate. With time, as your family grows and the insured members' age increases, it is essential to take out individual insurance specifically catering to their health needs.

How much should your policy be for?

As medical inflation continues to rise, adjustments need to be made to these figures to accommodate any potential situations where a claim may need to be made. A cover of 5 lakhs should be the minimum for families with young adults. Since risks are fewer at this stage, premiums are also lower, and the amount is adequate to cover general medical bills.

With the increase in the insured members' age, the policy amount and premiums also increase. However, they do not rise proportionately, making it easier to purchase a higher-value plan at a relatively low increase in the annual premium amount. It is also necessary to factor in living costs and adjust these figures accordingly.

What is covered, and what is excluded?

While they are a convenient means of protecting your entire family without having to pay individual premiums for every member, there are certain exclusions to a health insurance policy for family that you must be aware of.

They generally include psychiatric medical expenses, provide annual health check-ups to all covered members, and even cover maternity-related costs. However, babies younger than 91 days and children over the age of 18 years cannot be included under family floaters. It also excludes any pre-existing medical conditions for which a separate cover needs to be purchased. Health insurance policy for family also has a waiting period, during which the insurance providers do not compensate for any expenses incurred.

A health insurance policy for family is a straightforward tool that protects your entire family at a low premium value from any medical contingencies. By attentively checking the inclusions and exclusions of the policy, one can ensure comprehensive cover for their family to combat health emergencies without any worries about finances.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance policy for family.

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.