GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

As two-wheelers turn old, their performance and the quality of their internal parts start to deteriorate. Significantly, the engine gets severely affected, which leads to more fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Such two-wheelers are then considered not fit to ride.

If you own an old two-wheeler and wish to ride it on Indian roads legally, then you need to have a fitness certificate for it. The Government of India has made the renewal of fitness certificates convenient by introducing the 'Parivahan Sewa portal' that operates entirely online.

Applying online is a hassle-free process as you only need to fill out a form and submit all the required documents to your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) for verification.

In today's post, we will take you through the step-by-step process of renewing your two-wheeler's fitness certificate online:

1. Go to the official VAHAN website. Begin the renewal process by going to 'Online Services' and selecting 'Vehicle Related Services.'

2. After that, choose your state. Next, click on 'Application for Fitness Certificate' and enter your bike's registration number and chassis number.

3. Following that, generate an OTP using your registered phone number. Enter the one-time password (OTP) that you received on your phone to proceed with the process.

4. Go to the 'Payment' option and complete the transaction to start the renewal fee transfer.

5. After completing these procedures, take the appropriate documentation to your local RTO to complete the two-wheeler fitness renewal process. Officials at the RTO will perform a fitness test on your bike and verify your documents to complete the process.

Steps to renew fitness certificate of two-wheeler offline.

Here is how you can acquire a fitness certificate for your bike offline:

1. Visit the local RTO

2. Fill out an application for a fitness certificate renewal

3. After that, attach the required documents to the application

4. To finish the procedure, pay the RTO the renewal fee for your bike fitness certificate

The officers will review your submitted documents and schedule an appointment for your bike's inspection. You must arrive at the designated centre on time. Here, your two-wheeler will be thoroughly investigated, and if it qualifies the desired parameters, you will be issued the fitness certificate for your bike.

Note: Although the renewal process is the same for both two and four-wheelers, the fee differs for both types of vehicles.

Complete list of documents you will require:

• Tax token

• Registration certificate

• Vehicle permit

• Pollution Under Control Certificate or PUCC

• Valid two-wheeler insurance policy papers

• Passport size photo

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1989, a vehicle's registration is only acceptable if a valid Vehicle Fitness Certificate accompanies it. Commercial and private automobiles are required by law to have a fitness certificate. Failing to submit a fitness certificate carries a punishment of Rs. 100. For consecutive violations, the fine is increased to Rs. 300. If you don't have a valid fitness certificate, you'll be fined between Rs. 2,000 to 5,000.

The law also mandates two wheeler insurance India. Failing to have both these documents can lead to hefty fines. Save yourself from the trouble and get the fitness certificate and insurance today. You can only enjoy riding your two-wheeler if you keep the required documents up-to-date and avoid landing yourself in any unwanted trouble.

Click HERE to buy the best 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.

While electric vehicles are capturing the vehicle market, petrol and diesel-based cars still need to be put in trend. Maximum Indian citizens today own fuel-based vehicles, be it two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. But these fuel-based cars also have a history of superseding one another. Petrol cars have always been the favoured alternative amongst fuel-based vehicles.

Initially, diesel usage focused on heavy vehicles operated for commercial purposes like duty trucks, etc. But with the advancement of technology today, diesel vehicles have become widely popular and opted for daily use vehicles like passenger cars.

But do you know that your motor insurance premium changes for the type of car you use? Fuel may be the reason. Want to know how? Without any further delay, let’s get started.

1. How much is your car’s price:
Diesel-powered and petrol-powered cars are priced differently in the Indian market. Usually, the price of vehicles that have diesel-powered engines is high when compared to their petrol-powered counterparts. A higher price directly reflects on the motor insurance and premium prices.
Therefore, the more expensive a car you have, the higher the motor insurance premium you have to pay. So, figure out the maintenance and premium charges you will have to pay in the future and create a budget in advance so that you do not get surprises of additional premiums like motor insurance.

2. Repair influences the premium charges:
Yes! Even the cost of repair influences the motor insurance premium prices. The repair charges for diesel-based vehicles are much higher than those for petrol-based cars. Therefore, the company charges high premiums for your motor insurance to help cover the claims if you make any in the future. Similarly, if your car has expensive spare parts or is priced in the high-end range, the companies will charge you high motor insurance premiums.
This proves that fuel has a massive impact on premium charges. Having this information before you make any purchase will help you put things into perspective, especially budget-wise. Many factors should be considered when someone decides to purchase a car, one of which is the motor insurance, its premium charges, claims, add-ons, and other features which vary from one insurance provider to another.

3. Is your car fuel efficient:
Fuel efficiency is another influencing factor that determines higher motor insurance premiums. While petrol-powered cars have great starting and ignition power, diesel-based cars are beneficial for vehicles purchased to last longer.

4. Let’s have a look at the engine:
The engine capacity of your petrol-powered car is lesser than that of diesel-based cars, thus raising the motor insurance premium prices for diesel-powered vehicles. The better the engine capacity, the higher the premium. Who knew that fuel could be such a powerful influencing factor in the premium prices of motor insurance?

5. Cannot miss IDV (Insurance Declared Value):
If the market value estimation is high, the IDV will be increased, directly impacting the premium. Usually, the IDV of diesel-based cars is high, which leads to a rise in premium prices.

We hope this blog gives you a crisp and clear idea about your motor insurance premium charges. This will help you arrive at a decision or educate you about motor insurance and what factors impact the premiums which will come out of your pocket. And there is no doubt about how crucial it is to purchase motor insurance to protect your car and yourself against the financial burden.

Click HERE to learn more about motor 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.

When it comes to motorcycles, many accessories can enhance your riding experience. Whether a seasoned rider or a beginner, carrying certain accessories can significantly improve your comfort and safety. When you have the proper accessories, riding a motorbike is an exhilarating, even more, pleasurable experience.

This blog will discuss the one-stop guide for motorcycle accessories you must always carry. Without any further delay, let's get started. The following list of some essential motorbike accessories should be on your must-have accessories list.

1. Reduce the minor vibrations through hand grips:
Hand grips seem like a small addition, but they can significantly enhance your riding experience. Do you know how annoying vibrations on your handlebars are; maybe you've ever felt them. A nice set of hand grips can lessen vibrations and improve the smoothness of your riding.

2. Protect your motorcycle using disc brakes:
You worry about someone taking your motorcycle when you leave it parked in an isolated location. A disc brake lock can add a level of security for you. Although some might counter that disc brake locks can be broken, having an extra layer of protection helps prevent burglars. A disc brake lock that beeps if someone tries to tamper with it can also be a good option.

3. Use your phone conveniently with a phone holder with a charger:
A motorcycle phone holder is essential for riders who want to use GPS properly while riding. A sturdy phone holder with a charger helps you to navigate your route without taking your hands off the handlebars. You may use this holder to mount your phone and access GPS.

4. Safeguard your shoe for the convenient operation of your motorcycle by using a proper gear shift pad: The lack of proper rubber padding on gear change levers might cause long-term damage to your shoes. Your shoes will be protected and last longer if you use a rubber gear shift pad. Choose a shift sock that you may place on the gear lever if you do not want to wear the shoe pad.

5. Pack your things in a motorcycle tank bag:
Carrying small items while riding is inconvenient, but a tank bag can help. It would be best to consider using the Tank Bag to transport your goods. It features a clear map pocket where you can keep your phone. The material is sturdy and durable and comes at pocket-friendly prices, so you don't burn through your savings.

6. Purchase cleaner and chain lube for lubrication:
For the chain sprockets on your motorcycle to last a long time, your chain must be kept clean and lubricated. In India, most mechanics lubricate the chain using motor oil that has been burned, which might harm your chain. Buy a better chain lube set, including a handy cleaning brush that simplifies cleaning.

7. Riding comfort with an air suspension seat:
When you ride a long distance on bad roads, you may experience back pain and discomfort. You can avoid the unpleasantness of terrible roads by using an air-suspension seat. This seat can be utilised when your passenger is an older adult, a pregnant woman, or someone with back issues.

You can carry these few accessories to make your ride smooth and enjoyable. Now, let's talk about safety! You need to purchase motor insurance to protect your vehicle against heavy and unprecedented damage and save yourself against the monetary stress of getting your motorcycle repaired. Once you explore the options and get the best motor insurance to cater to your needs optimally, you must also remember to renew bike insurance online at equal intervals to keep availing of the benefits.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can renew 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.

As a bike owner, you know that your vehicle requires routine maintenance, tyre replacements and bike insurance renewal. But how often do you consider your vehicle's suspension? Your suspension system works hard to make your ride comfortable by smoothing out bumps in the road and keeping the wheels on the ground. Bike owners often overlook that part when it comes to repairs. But how can you know if there's a problem with your bike's suspension?

Here are some of the most common signs of suspension issues. Keep in mind that these are extreme instances, and your suspension system may be subtler. It all depends on the bike's handling.

1. Unreasonable bumpiness:
The primary function of suspension is to facilitate a smooth and comfortable ride, even on bumpy roads. If you start to feel every bump in the road, it's a clear sign that your shock absorbers are failing and should be replaced. Conducting a bounce test can help you check the efficiency of the absorbers. Do this by placing your entire weight on the back of your motorcycle. Release the vehicle and count how many times it bounces. If it bounces more than three times, there is an issue with your suspension.

2. Thud or rattle from suspension:
In most cases, your shock absorbers should be almost noiseless when in use. It's a concern if it starts making more noise than usual. The seal separating the damping oil from the pressurised nitrogen charge may be broken, resulting in a noise during compression and rebound. A knocking noise is even more concerning since it indicates that something inside the shock collides with something it shouldn't. If you continue to ride it, the damage will be consequential - and costly to repair.

3. Oil leak:
Oil coming from the air seals or adjusters is the first sign of an oil leak, but it usually leads to a lack of damping soon after. As the oil accumulates dirt, it may create a horrible black sludge accumulating around the end of the shock shaft. If you notice this, it's only a matter of time before your shock is damaged.

4. Lack of damping:
Even the most mechanically uncaring riders should be aware of this, but that isn't often the case. You might find it difficult to control your bike while riding. Check if the rebound and compression damping settings are still working correctly. If they don't seem to be making a difference, it's time to get it checked out.

These are some of the most prevalent suspension issues. Regularly check your suspension system, do some maintenance or replace parts if required. Neglecting your bike's suspension problems can adversely affect its performance and functioning. It can also impact the rider's physical wellbeing due to jerks that gradually result in back pain and other health issues.

Besides regular maintenance, bike insurance is both a legal requirement and a wise investment. It protects you from losses that may occur due to an accident or theft, and it can even cover the expenses involved in your bike's repair and servicing.

Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance that fits your needs.

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.

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.