GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

With globalisation, the world has become a closely-knit village. It isn't easy to imagine a life without an international supply of goods and services that provide both convenience and luxury. However, while the flow of capital and ideas has been facilitated with the ease of internet transmission, transporting goods and services continues to take time and money.

With the expansion of international trade and travel, there is great emphasis on transporting goods most cost-effectively in the least amount of time. In such a backdrop, freight companies have seen an increased demand for overseas cargo shipments. They pay great care to ensure that your cargo reaches its destination safely by taking adequate measures to minimise risks.

On an individual level, you can ensure that the cargo is protected against any incidental damages by following the tips given below.

1. Proper packaging:
For an international shipment, the most significant issue is the risk of damage while in transit. It is best to take preventive methods while packing the goods instead of blaming the freight company after the loss has been faced. It is essential to choose the right packing supplies and ensure they are securely packed.
Also, consider the handling of the cargo while packing. Since it is known that goods are stacked on top of one another and moved using transporting vehicles like forklifts, ensure that your packaging is resistant to rough handling and is stackable. Keeping these in mind will ensure that your goods remain safe and your packages are easy to deliver.

2. Attention to fragile items:
No matter how much emphasis is placed on fragile items, it is inevitable to discover minimal damage to such delicate goods. While there is no way to eliminate the risk, proper packaging can minimise such losses.
Ensure that the package indicates the delicateness of items inside so that it is handled with care and cushion using adequate protective supplies. Consider purchasing insurance for fragile items offered by freight companies, similar to buying a fire or marine insurance India.

3. Internal cushioning:
It is known that freight companies transport large volumes of cargo daily. With such large numbers, it is difficult to ensure that each package is transported without damage. Therefore, customers should take preventive measures at the packing stage to minimise damages by providing adequate internal cushioning to the goods using bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and extra supplies to ensure the structural safety of the package.

4. Weight limitations:
Transportation charges are based on the weight of your cargo. Ensure you are not penalised by weighing your packages appropriately while filling out documents. A wooden crate may add to the weight of your parcel and increase shipping charges, but it ensures that your goods reach their destination securely.

5. Customs and Duties:
Each country has its own set of rules regarding imports. Ensure that your cargo fulfils the criteria of the destination country, the necessary documentation is filed in the proper order, and prescribed fees are paid.

6. Mode of transportation:
Factor in the cargo's nature, fragility, perishability, and delivery due date before selecting a suitable mode of transport for the goods to be delivered. For example, shipping by sea, although takes longer but is a cheaper option. By considering such factors, it is necessary to determine the best route of transport.

7. Proper insurance:
Since your cargo is set to travel long distances in uncertain conditions, it is best to purchase an insurance policy for your shipment to prevent shouldering any loss of goods in transit. Irrespective of the mode of transport, several policies like air cargo insurance and marine insurance India can minimise such losses.

International transport of goods has become an inevitable part of the modern supply chain. While freight companies are considered risky, however, with mechanisms like marine insurance India, you can share such risk with the insurer and safeguard your finances. Keep the above tips in mind, purchase the right insurance, and get ready to send your cargo overseas.

Click HERE to buy the reliable marine 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.

The foremost priority for any parent is to make their children financially secure by the time they turn eighteen and are ready to take on the world. In the growing years, your children may even decide to start up some business of their own for which they will require funds too. Also, you must consider the high living costs if your child decides to study or work in big cities like the metros. It is crucial to allocate funds to aid your child's education at foreign universities, considering the boost in international education opportunities.

Efficient financial planning is the key to being future-ready and meeting all expenditures to secure your child's future. We have designed our guide to help you plan your finances in the most appropriate way to ensure your child's bright future.

1. Start early and set your goals:
The first tip is to start as early as possible and set realistic and achievable goals. You should decide how much funds you will require to satisfy your child's aspirations. It need not be an exact amount; a close estimate will do. Calculate how much money you can save and put aside every month for your child from your current income.

2. Investing:
Investing your savings will make them grow; hence, you must decide where to invest this money. Ideally, your investment should be more in equity and less in safe-haven assets such as debt funds, fixed deposits, and gold, considering your long-term goals. Equity has the power to give you compounding returns over the years and grow your money exponentially. However, it is associated with risk.
Fixed deposits and debt funds will give you relatively lower returns, but they will be steady and safe. You must make smart decisions while investing your capital into these investment instruments.

3. Choosing the best schemes:
You will need some money for your child in the short term to meet her schooling and living expenses and more money in the long term for meeting her higher education expenditure. Allocate your investment between different asset classes accordingly and choose the best possible schemes available for the same. Invest in avenues that allow withdrawals without a long lock-in period to meet your short-term needs.
You can take the mutual funds route to invest in equity if you are not comfortable with investing in the stock market directly. Equity comes with many options, such as investing in different economic sectors, market capitalisation per your time horizon, etc. You can also buy government bonds and gold directly from outside sources.

4. Appropriate insurance coverage:
Insurance keeps your family secure in case you or your member meets with an accident. Hence, invest in a good insurance policy as per your individual need. What will happen to your child's future if something happens to you? Take a general insurance cover so that your children get fruitful benefits. Similarly, go for a mediclaim or comprehensive health insurance policy from the best health insurance company in India with a full family cover so that you are under no financial stress if anyone from your family meets with an emergency and requires hospitalisation.

5. Nominee appointment:
Never miss out on filling in the name of a nominee while investing anywhere. Fill in your spouse's name or a reliable third person, but do not leave the field blank. Only the nominee will have legal access to your investments in case of your sudden demise.

6. Regular review:
Review your investments regularly. If your investment is not performing as expected, change it to other investment options with higher returns. Similarly, keep checking your mutual funds' scheme performance and change it if it underperforms for a long time.

Proper financial planning will help you to secure your child's future. The above tips will keep you stress-free, and you will have a sufficient corpus ready by the time your child goes for her higher studies or is ready to start a venture. Reliable insurance coverage from the best health insurance company in India and good investments will be the perfect formula to turn your child's dreams into reality while being in their best state of health and well-being.

Click HERE to buy insurance from the best health insurance company 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.

Raising kids is no picnic. Parents' entire world revolves around their children. Several aspects factor in their upbringing, including education, health, financial aid, culture, tradition, habits, and much more. Nutrition is one of the most critical quotients to take care of during your initial parenting years. Your children's health during the formative years determines several things about the upcoming phases in their lives and how they would reflect in their lifestyles. And amongst the various components of children's health is the development of their brain, which would then influence their learning capabilities, socialisation, co-curricular, ambitions, etc.

Catering to your kids' basic nutrition requirements is essential. But at the same time, have you ever thought about how different types of food can enhance your child's brain? How can it affect their mind and the abilities that come with it? We have the answers. This blog will provide a barrage of options to include in your kids' diets. So, here is the list of superfoods to add to your kid's diet for better brain health.

1. Berry merry:
Your child's diet should include berries rich in antioxidants (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, etc.). They are an abundant source of vitamin C, reducing cancer chances in the later stages of life. The brighter and more vibrant the colour of the berries, the more nutrients they are believed to have. So, make sure you give your children the rainbow diet of berries without fail!

2. Yoghurt, please:
It is a snack proven to be rich in protein. Enhance your child's brain health by inculcating unsweetened yoghurt in their diet. Dairy products such as yoghurt are rich in substances like iodine, which has been scientifically proven to help develop your child's brain by improving its cognitive function and growth. Sufficient levels of iodine in your kid's diet can help reduce risks of cognitive impairment compared to children who are habituated to lower than required amounts of iodine.

3. Eggs are a must:
An immense protein source, eggs are essential to your child's diet. Egg yolk contains choline, a significant nutrient source aiding brain development. Eggs can be served in various forms-burritos, rolls, wraps, omelettes, poaches, etc., attracting children to eat without trouble. They also help in providing energy and strengthening the bones in the body, which would help in later stages of life by reducing the risk of the brittleness of bones and injuries.

4. Oranges all the way:
A very popular source of vitamin C, oranges are one of the children's favourite fruits. Besides being rich in vitamin C, they are also a huge booster for your child's cognitive health and development. They enhance blood flow when consumed in the form of juices, fruits, or foods. A boost in the blood flow when it reaches the brain increases nerve activity, thus improving the overall cognitive performance of the brain in the long run.

Other superfoods include beans, oats/oatmeal, fish (rich in omega 3), leafy greens like spinach and lettuce (rich in vitamin E and K1), cocoa, nuts, peanut butter, and many more.

The list of superfoods mentioned above includes food items readily available in the Indian markets and have high nutritional value for your child's brain and body. We hope that the options discussed above provide sufficient alternatives and reasoning behind why you should include these food items in your child's meals and how they enhance their brain health.

We just discussed how essential it is to take care of your children's brain and overall physical health. At the same time, it is also necessary to create an extra layer of protection for you and your loved ones' health against unprecedented circumstances. You must get a robust health insurance policy for family to combat such situations. With the introduction of digital services, you can get an online health insurance policy for family with all the relative information from the comfort of your home.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can buy a reliable 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.

Biker jackets are a must-have safety gear for bike-riding enthusiasts. They provide comfort, protection, and safety and help you make a style statement. Originally biker jackets were made from leather since they provided durability and insulation. However, in recent years, textile and mesh jackets have also evolved as good substitutes for leather in making biker jackets.

Here is a complete guide on choosing the best biker jacket to make your riding experience safe and stylish.

1. Safety:
The main function of a biker jacket is to provide the rider with safety and adequate protection in case you meet with an accident. It equips with a protective layer that a regular shirt or a t-shirt will not provide. Hence, go for a biker jacket that is strongly built to withstand the effect of impact or abrasion. Leather scores over textile or mesh in this department as it can withstand the effect of abrasion and will not tear even if you fall and are dragged on the ground.
A biker jacket should have adequate padding to absorb the energy from the impact and minimise injuries to the rider. Biker jackets are made to protect your spine, shoulder, and elbows to reduce the devastating effects of a serious accident. Some jackets are made with hard plastic armour to provide extra cushioning.

2. Durability:
A biker jacket will usually cost much more than your regular bomber jackets due to their build and quality. A biker jacket made of leather will be more durable than jackets made of textiles or mesh. Spending money on safety is a worthy investment, so make the right choice and the best riding jacket.

3. Comfort with the right fit:
A biker jacket should be comfortable and lightweight, along with being durable. Hefty jackets will make you feel bulky and uncomfortable over long bike rides. Correct fitting is crucial so that you feel comfortable in it. You can opt for jackets with removable soft inserts and use them as needed.
The jacket should allow adequate airflow, which will be helpful on a hot day. Also, the collars or arms should not flap while riding but allow the air to flow through so that the jacket does not become a distraction while riding. Remember that your bike and posture will significantly impact the fit of the jacket you need. While a regular, relaxed fit touring jacket can be great on a cruiser bike in which you need to keep an upright posture, the same jacket can be annoying and of poor fit if you have to ride a sportbike in a crouched position.

4. Style statement:
A biker jacket that lacks style is a big no for any biker. Your jacket should be designed such that you can make a style statement wherever you go. Race jackets or biker jackets should be colour-blocked and of vibrant colours to catch attention even from a distance. They should provide you with a sporty look. Some come with metal skid plates on the shoulder and elbow areas and most come with a reflective piping design to make your jacket look more stylish and provide safety.

A good biker jacket is similar to two wheeler insurance. Jackets save bikers from the impact of the accident, and two wheeler insurance provides them with adequate coverage and protection in case of a mishap. Invest in the best two wheeler insurance in India to be your saviour and true companion in unforeseen circumstances.

Click HERE to buy the best two wheeler 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.

With the changing lifestyle and inconsistent routines, more and more people fall prey to various diseases. These diseases can be by the force of genes, environment, lifestyle, or a combination of all. All these diseases can contribute significantly towards the downfall of health. In the long run, it can lead to serious health issues.

One of these diseases is gangrene. This disease occurs when the tissues in the body die due to loss of blood supply by illness, injury, infection, or other health problems. Usually, the area of impact for this disease lies in the toes, foot, fingers, or limbs. When the condition is extreme, gangrene can also be present in muscles or organs. Different types of gangrene exist, and all of them need medical attention immediately.

Such diseases are highly prevalent in the world. You should protect yourself and your family members against these health adversities, especially look after your parents. To ensure safety, you can invest in the best health insurance in India for parents.

What are the symptoms of gangrene?

Here are the symptoms that you should look for in terms of gangrene.

● Severe pain

● Shriveled or dry skin

● Numb skin

● Inflammation

● Shiny or hairless skin

● Presence of blisters

● Fatigue

● Fever

● Discharge from the affected area

● Red, brown, or purple skin

What are the risk factors of gangrene?

The risk factors are:

● Presence of a weak immune system

● Diabetes

● Smoking

● Severe injury

● Artery disease

● Frostbite

● Obesity

How is gangrene diagnosed?

Once your symptoms are in the open, you must seek medical assistance immediately. Your doctor will ask you about all the possible symptoms and suggest a few diagnostic tests to confirm the disease. These are:

1. Imaging tests:
Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs are a great way of determining the spread of gangrene in your body. It also helps to know about possible gas build-up in the tissues.

2. Blood tests:
Blood tests are simple yet effective ways to diagnose gangrene. It helps to know the abnormalities in the blood and in looking at signs of possible infections. It is also based on the presence of WBCs or RBCs in the blood.

3. Cultures:
This is yet another way to diagnose the disease. A part of your tissue, blood, or fluid is taken as a sample. It is then viewed under the microscope to determine tissue damage.

4. Surgery:
It is an elaborate procedure that will help you determine the spread of gangrene in the body. It is suitable for the internal spread of the disease.

What are the ways to treat gangrene?

Every treatment for gangrene focuses on preventing infection spread, removing dead tissue, and total recovery. The ways and means to treat gangrene are:

1. Antibiotics:
Antibiotics are effective in preventing the spread of infection in the body. It can be taken orally or injected into the body through a needle.

2. Surgery:
Through surgery, the dead or infected part of the tissue is removed from the body permanently. It helps prevent the infection's spread to other parts of the body.

3. Oxygen therapy:
This method puts you in a special chamber with oxygen at a higher pressure than usual. It contributes to tissue healing and prevents bacteria growth.

These are the possible ways to treat gangrene successfully after you have been diagnosed with it. People with diabetes, especially the population above 40 years, are at a higher risk of gangrene and need to take extra care by regularly checking their blood sugar level and ensuring that it is controlled. Proper diet, enough sleep, less sugar intake, daily walking, and little physical exercise are needed to keep such diseases at bay.

Regardless, it would help if you always had your health insurance in emergencies. It would help if you buy the best health insurance in India for parents and secure their health with the right coverage for their age.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance in India for parents.

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 healthy body caters to a healthy mind, resulting in higher efficiency and productivity at work. Therefore, it is in the best interests of any organisation to motivate its employees to stay fit and healthy. It will promote positivity in the workplace. Moreover, when the leader makes efforts for the health and well-being of the employees, it inspires the team to work harder and stay united as one family.

Here are some ways in which you can inspire your team to lead a healthy lifestyle.

1. Schedule a periodic doctor visit at the office:
The best way to motivate your employees to lead a healthy lifestyle is by scheduling periodic visits to a certified doctor or organising a health camp in the office. A doctor is best to guide every employee according to their individual needs. He can counsel them regarding general health and wellness issues. Moreover, he can prepare a diet chart for them, which is very helpful in promoting a healthy lifestyle and bringing mindfulness to their working routine.

2. Promote healthy eating habits:
Encourage employees to bring healthy meals to the office and avoid junk food daily. Get a couple of microwaves installed in your office so that they are motivated to bring food from home and warm it up in the office.
Give them short breaks between long working hours so they can relax, grab a small bite, have tea or coffee, and come back fresh at their desks or workstations. Encourage your team members to consume healthy food items like fresh juices, soups, salads, and multi-grain cereals. Make arrangements for fresh juice vendors in your office so that employees have a healthy choice of drinks as well.

3. Promote gyms and workouts:
If your office can afford to open a small gym for your employees in the office premises, there is nothing better. You can influence your team to compulsorily work out at the gym at least 3-4 days a week. You can organise small interesting competitions for them at the gym, motivating them to participate.
If a gym at the office is not possible, tie up with some gyms that will provide special discounts with membership to your employees. This will make your team valued, and you will pave the way for their healthy lifestyle.

4. Discourage smoking and drinking in the premises:
Smoking and drinking alcohol frequently and beyond limits can be the worst enemy of your and your employee’s health. Discourage your team from taking alcohol. Guide them about how it can negatively impact their well-being. Do the same for smoking. Encourage them to quit if someone is in the habit of smoking.

5. Destress workshops:
Keep chit-chatting with them at the workplace so that they are comfortable enough to share their problems at work with you or your HR department. Relieving them from stress can be great for their health.
You can encourage them to listen to music for some time or listen to a podcast. If not, you can at least arrange short mind-relaxing activities in the cafeteria and other common areas. These can be good stress relievers and keep your employees cheerful.

6. Health insurance:
Get health insurance compulsorily for all your employees. Ask the insurance provider to offer rebates and discounts if an employee wants to increase his cover. An insurance cover provides your employees with security in case they or their family members meet with some health emergency.
Also, they feel emotionally safe and are dedicated to their employer for care and health insurance coverage provided to them. This can result in higher productivity and efficiency of employees, resulting in higher profits for the business.

Employees are the lifelines of any organisation, and as a good leader, you need to guide them to excel in their professionalism and develop a good work-life balance. Hence, you need to take care of them and their health. Along with promoting a healthy lifestyle, educate your employees about the importance of a good health insurance policy that provides them with the required financial assistance in case of any mishap.

Click HERE to buy health insurance for your loved ones.

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 motor insurance policy is a must as it provides you with a safety net in case your vehicle meets with an accident, gets damaged by unforeseen events such as floods and earthquakes, or is stolen. It's a way of showering your concern for your valuable asset and investing in its longevity.

Also, it is mandatorily required by the law to have all the essential documents such as a valid Driving License, Car Insurance Certificate, Registration Certificate, and Pollution Under Control Certificate before you drive your vehicle on Indian roads. So, now that we understand the importance of motor insurance India, how can we add more value to it? Let us have a look at some of the factors that can help us do the same.

1. Insured Declared Value (IDV):
Most of us get lured by the policy with the lowest premium amount and opt for it blindly. We usually fail to check our policy's Insured Declared Value (IDV). The IDV is the sum for which the insurance company is insuring our vehicle, and it puts a cap on the insurance company's liability to reimburse us in case of total damage or theft. The lower the IDV used by the insurance company or the agent, the lower will be the premium amount.
Never go for a low IDV of your vehicle just to pay a lesser premium amount. Always ensure that the IDV in the policy reflects the fair value of your vehicle. This will ensure you get an appropriate reimbursement in the unfortunate incident of theft or complete damage to your vehicle.

2. Emergency Assistance Cover:
You can opt for this cover if you don't want to get stranded in case of a breakdown. Such cover will help you to get assistance such as refueling, towing, flat tyre change, or repair of any mechanical failure by the insurer in the city and even on highways within a specified time.

3. Engine Protection Cover:
This cover will add value to your motor insurance India policy in case you reside in areas that are prone to heavy waterlogging and flooding. It will cover damage or failure of your vehicle's engine due to water ingression or oil spill. However, insurance companies usually provide this cover only to vehicles not older than five years.

4. Zero Depreciation Cover:
This add-on cover is highly recommended for high-end vehicles or vehicles with expensive spares. It excludes the depreciation part from the coverage amount. Thus, you get full coverage and can claim the full cost of the vehicle parts that have been damaged in an accident. Without this cover, you will get reimbursed only for the depreciated value of your vehicle parts.
Your motor insurance premium will go up by 15%-20% with this cover. But it can help you save a lot of money if your vehicle meets an accident and gets damaged. Insurance companies usually provide this cover only up to the first five years of a vehicle, and only a few provide it after that in lieu of a higher premium.

5. No Claim Bonus (NCB):
Insurance companies provide a No-Claim Bonus or NCB for the year you do not make any claim on your motor insurance India policy. This is initially 20% in the first year and increases to 50% in the subsequent years if you do not make a claim.
You can also avail the benefit of NCB in your new policy if you have accumulated it in your previous motor insurance policy. This may happen if you sell your car or change your insurance service provider. Therefore, do not raise a claim with the insurance company if the damage is minimal or the repair amount is lesser than the NCB you will earn on your policy.

6. Personal Belonging Cover:
What will you do if your expensive gadgets, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, get damaged when you meet with an accident in your vehicle? Go for a "Personal Belonging Cover," and you can get your personal belongings covered under your motor insurance policy.

Your motor insurance policy can give you standard protection against accidents, damages, or theft. However, if you are wise enough, go for add-ons in your policy like those mentioned above and enjoy complete protection from any damage that may arise in the future. Be secure, be wise, and choose the motor insurance India policy that provides you with the best overall package at the lowest premium amount.

Click HERE to buy a reliable motor insurance India policy to safeguard your vehicle.

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.

This is the era of personalisation. Consumers demand insurance services that can be customised according to their needs. It's no more just shop talk and several policies they need to purchase to cater to all their insurance demands. And in such saturated markets with various available alternatives, customers choose those with a customer-centric approach and excellent after-sales services.

According to various consumer surveys, more than half of the potential and current customers are willing to pay more if the customer service and customisation needs seem lucrative. This mainly involves millennials and gen z's. In that case, almost all the brands are now serving consumer needs in every possible way- content marketing, social media, products, and services.

Are you trying to understand the insurance sector's take on personalisation and centralising their services around their customer base? This blog will discuss several pointers regarding customisation in insurance industries to provide customers with precisely what they need.

1. Future analysis:
It is essential to analyse the current patterns to predict the future projections about the product, the consumer demand, and the scope for improvement with more policy features. These specific parameters are strong values that help determine your business's appearance five years later

2. Simplifying the processes:

While product-based industries will find it a little easier to customise their customer experience, the insurance sector still demands a lot of technical understanding from the customers' ends to avail of the insurance services. It makes it a little difficult for the potential consumers who are new to the insurance world and have just started adulting and taking money matters and investments into their own hands.
And a lack of technical understanding and knowledge can often lead to mistrust in the budding relationship between the insurance company and their customers. Insurance services with 24*7 human and virtual assistants, digitisation of various application processes to help people complete the procedure from the comfort of their homes, etc., have helped the insurance sector boost their customer-centric strategies and receive excellent feedback.

3. Conversations with customers:

Apart from digitising the services and making them convenient, the insurance companies need to have a transparent dialogue with their existing and potential consumers about their services and operations to curate a trustworthy relationship. The insurers need to have an informative dialogue about the markets and their
vulnerabilities so that the second party does not feel strange about the entire process. This will further benefit consumers and insurers as they can have easy conversations about various investments.

Curating reliable customer services and a dash of empathy and trust would do wonders for a better consumer relationship. Reputed insurance companies keep updating their services in line with market trends, current financial trends, critical customer demands, and personalisation options.

Customers can reap similar benefits and personalisation while purchasing general insurance plans. The introduction of technology and customer-centric strategies have made it convenient for customers to invest in their desired insurance plans. The online buying process is helping insurers and customers build a strong connection with a hassle-free process, quick response time, and no involvement of intermediaries. This digital revolution will shape the insurance industry's future for more years to come.

Click HERE to know more about how you can analyse various general insurance plans.

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.