GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Owning a house is a dream that most of us wish to turn into reality. We come across pictures of beautiful properties and aspire to own one of them at some point in our lives. However, zeroing down on the house in downtown areas of the city can be an expensive deal. In a country like India, where the population growth is exponential, vertical housing or apartments are inevitable. Over the past decade, we have seen an increasing trend of housing societies and sky-high buildings making their way around the town.

This trend is more prevalent in metros or tier-one cities because of the rising working population. Therefore, buying an independent property in such a city requires an exorbitant price, forcing a second thought. However, the records for a smaller city present a different story, where people still have the ability and the assets to choose independent living and prefer doing the same.

Let's individually understand the perks of both apartment living and independent living and then leave a choice for you to take.

Benefits of apartment living:
Apartments these days are primarily built-in clusters within a housing society where several families reside with all the facilities such as supermarkets, gyms, pools, playgrounds, personal parking spaces, etc. People prefer this form of housing because it ensures easy accessibility, round-the-clock security, regular maintenance, orderly garbage disposal, and an overall community experience that boosts social connectivity.
Another reason why people prefer a pre-built house is because the total cost comes out to be way less than building a house right from laying the bricks. A significant hassle of building a house from scratch is the cost of the plot, legal formalities and clearances, and setting up electricity and water connections. So, choosing to go with apartments makes it more convenient and stress-free.
However, apartments come with a set design, and there is only so much you can do to make changes, which would add up to a surplus amount at the end of the day.

Benefits of independent housing:
Independent housing is ideal for those who enjoy living on their terms. While constructing your house independently, you will be able to choose the design and layout. You can customise the size and the number of rooms. The inbuilt design, windows, balconies, or terrace can all be according to your preference.
People interested in gardening can also benefit a lot from the space around the house. Independent houses ensure more privacy, as these don't share common walls, and there is a significant distance between two consecutive houses. Another huge benefit is that, over time, these kinds of properties fetch a lot of value. Land value is skyrocketing these days, so owning land and a house on it is a massive investment with great returns.

So these are a few benefits of both kinds of housing. House is a place you will call home eventually, so giving a reasonable amount of time and making the right choice that fits your lifestyle is essential. The choice between independent houses or apartments is yours to make, but opting for the best home insurance in India should be non-negotiable as it adds value to your home, may it be an apartment or a bungalow.

Click HERE to learn about the best home 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.

Self-driving automobiles, previously thought to be a sci-fi fantasy, are now cruising the streets in some parts of the world, but there's a catch. They are not yet capable of reaching the benchmark of human drivers. Using the most sophisticated 3D imagery and Artificial Intelligence, car manufacturers want to provide users with a hands-free experience without jeopardizing personal safety. In today's post, we speak about the technology behind these cars and how they influence the future of mobility.

How exactly Self-driving automobiles work?
When the driver selects a destination into the car's navigation system, the software determines a route and drives the car towards it by tracing the route map. A revolving sensor mounted on the roof monitors a 60-meter radius surrounding the vehicle and generates a dynamic 3-D representation of the surroundings.

A sensor on the left rear tyre detects lateral movement to determine the vehicle's position to the 3-D map. Another couple of radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers calculate obstacle distances. The car's AI software is linked to all sensors and receives data from Google's Street View and integrated video cameras. Artificial Intelligence then mimics human perception and handles driving systems like steering and braking.

The vehicle's software constantly checks Google Maps & built-in GPS to be aware of landmarks, road signs, and lights. An override feature allows the drivers to take over the control of the vehicle whenever they want.

Now that you know how a self-driven car works. Let's look at its possible impact on our future.

1. Settlements:
People generally settle near their workplaces to avoid spending the time commuting daily. However, with self-driven cars, people will have extra time for other activities and personal leisure time as they won't have to drive, which means that they will no longer need to settle as close to the workplaces as before.

2. Fewer Accidents:
We know most accidents occur due to human errors. With no humans behind the wheels, there's no possibility of human error resulting in fewer accidents.

3. Mobility for disabled and elderly:
Differently abled people and the elderly will no longer have to depend on others to drive for them. They can just hop in and start navigating.

4. Fewer traffic jams:
Most traffic jams occur due to the congestion of the vehicles on the roads. Everyone wants to get ahead and, in the process, disrupts a free flow of traffic. Self-driving cars can cut down traffic by multiple folds. Sophisticated software and radars will have a sophisticated driving pattern.

5. Less human touch:
A self-driven car is all about software and sensors. They can never be 100% accurate and lack emotions and feelings. The inability to adapt quickly combined with a lack of emotions can have adverse impacts.

The possibilities for driverless cars are endless, and the imagination is at the top among car manufacturers. However, self-driving technology is not yet fully developed. It will take up a significant amount of time, and legal obligations before autonomous vehicles dominate the roads.

Till then, it's time to focus on what we have at hand. May it be a self-driven car or a non-autonomous car, safety always remains an important aspect for both the categories. And, when the safety of assets is concerned, insurance is the solution. So, as we talk about future technologies, why not consider purchasing online car insurance by making the best use of the internet and online resources for a hassle-free buying experience.

Click HERE to know more about online car 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.

Bikes are never out of fashion, and every biker wants his favourite bike to be the show-stopper. You may have seen a lot of tastefully customized bikes and may be interested in modifying your two-wheeler. Different people have different reasons for customizing their motorcycles. Some do it for better designs, while others do it to improve performance or safety.

No matter the reason, here are four things that you should know before you shift into high gear and head straight to one of the bike modification shops.

1. What The Motor law says:
When considering change, the first thing to examine is if the law allows it. To illustrate, if you wish to update the engine to boost its power output, your registration certificate should reflect such modifications. As a result, you must go to the Regional Transport Office and have your registration certificate updated. Minor cosmetic changes, such as adding a sticker, are permissible without clearance. Each state has its own set of rules regulating the use of lights, indicators, license plates, and horns. Before making any changes to your bike, you must comply with the government's regulations, or you'll have to pay a heavy fine. Ensure that you stay lawful!

2. Types of Modifications and their Impact on premiums of 2 wheeler insurance:
Performance-based modification: Performance enhancements on two-wheelers often involve fuel-efficient technologies or mechanisms to enhance speed. Remember, a higher speed increases the probability of an accident. Given the danger, it will surely raise your 2 wheeler insurance premium.
Aesthetic modification:When you modify your bike to look more aesthetic, it raises the chances of theft, thus increasing the premium.
Safety modification: By adding security features to your bike, you reduce the chances of bike theft. As a result, you save money on insurance costs too.
Modifications for the disabled:If a specially-abled person rides a bike and is modified to meet the convenience, the insurance provider will not charge an additional premium.

3. Inform your insurance provider:
Keep your insurance company informed of any alterations you want to make to your two-wheeler. Some two-wheeler changes may result in an increased premium amount. Failure to disclose these modifications may be seen as unlawful, leading to claim denial by the insurer.

4. Get the job done by a professional:
While the potential for heavy-duty modifications to two-wheelers is restricted, you can still make many alterations. Paintworks, for example, are still permitted as long as they are within the RTO guidelines. Similarly, the installation of minor extras such as decals, visors, and engine fairings remains allowed. Make sure that only specialists perform these tasks.

Remember, your bike is a machine, and like any other machine, it has its limitations. Therefore, you need a skilled bike modifier who can assess your bike's capabilities, consider your needs in terms of adjustments, and then begin working on a plan.

Whether you modify your vehicle or not, you must hold valid insurance if you want to ride your two-wheeler lawfully on Indian roads. Also, you need to prepare yourself for uncertain events or situations like accidents, maintenance fees, and other service costs involved before they take a toll on your finances. So get reliable 2 wheeler insurance and forget all the stress.

Click HERE to know about the most economical plans for your 2 wheeled companion.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

It is the festive season in India, the perfect time for family get-togethers, mini-vacations and the excitement of shopping! Irrespective of the socio-economic factors and the varied buying habits of customers, Indians dominate the world in their crazy obsession with shopping.

And this creates an excellent business opportunity not only for the wholesalers but also the retailers. With super busy markets, sales reach new heights, and people begin to recognize themselves as shopaholics. But we can't blame them, can we? With all the exciting deals around, no one will be able to resist the urge to buy things.

And, so it seems like a pleasant occasion to buy the new bike you have wanted for a long time now. In this article, we will assist you in getting an excellent deal for the new bike you wish to bring home this festive season.

1. Evaluate different options: Check out all the options available to you, as the same bike might be available at different prices across different showrooms. Evaluating alternatives and substitutes always result in a better price. Compare the offers that all the showrooms or private dealers have for you during this festival. Always go for offers with a monetary discount and not just some freebies.

2. Do not rush, take it slow: Take your time to do things your way. People always have a fear of missing out. 'Last day' and 'limited stocks' are a few of the many things dealers say to make you swipe your cards. Also, don't stress if the festival ends. Often the sellers extend the offer for the next few days. If you miss Ganesh Chaturthi, there is always a Navratri sale, and the following is a Dhanteras offer, not to forget about the Diwali season. So, the bait of 'last chance, hurry up!' is not for you to fall prey to.

3. Payment mode of smart finances: We often neglect the payment mode thinking it does not make a huge difference, but it does. If you pay close attention, you will notice that net banking charges, credit and debit cards, or a payment application are different for different brands and dealerships. Certain bank cards provide you with an extra 5% or more discount. Making a cash payment at the counter might also earn you a concession. So do not overlook all these aspects if you want to grab the best deals that don't loosen your pocket much!

4. Beware of fake deals: Many dealers trick you by hiking prices just before the season starts and then provide discounts, making no difference in your price. Do not fall for freebies! Not all of them are useful. And if they attract you, you will only end up gathering a load of unwanted items.

Bike insurance will always be a necessity when you buy a new bike. Even the insurance companies flash exciting offers and unique festive benefits to attract potential customers. You can check the BIKE INSURANCE ONLINE, compare the deals of multiple companies, and buy the one offering the best value-for-money.

Do you think is it fair to select products solely based on their price? Sure, money matters, but so do standards and features. It is safe to do some market research beforehand to bring good fortune for you this festive season. Look beyond the offer and also focus on the specifications of the bike you decide to buy. That is how you make a real deal.

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.

Is working 9-5 taking a toll on your health? Sometimes we involve ourselves so much in work that we forget to pay attention on our health. Unfortunately, it commonly happens to every other working person. And even though we try our best to bring a balance, we somehow end up neglecting our health.

Most people blame their jobs for not being in good shape. However, it is no news that most of the population works in offices and remains at their desks for about 9-10 hours a day.

Such a lifestyle looks manageable while you’re young, but as you grow old, it starts to have terrible consequences on your health, including back pain, eye strains, stress, neck syndrome and those extra calories adding up to obesity.

Go through these five tips to find simple ways to balance your health and work simultaneously.

1. Drink adequate amounts of water and have healthy meals:

Pay proper attention to how much water you consume while at work. It is essential to stay hydrated throughout the day for an active mind and body. Similarly, eating a healthy lunch is an equally important part of a balanced diet. Make salads and fresh fruits a part of your meals. Eat reasonable portions and do not skip lunch. Avoid nibbling on snacks while working.

2. Frequent breaks:

Make sure you take a 5-10 minute break every 2 hours. Do not confuse yourself by thinking a break is a waste of time. On the contrary, you must consider it as a way to be more productive. Sitting at a place for too long can make you less productive. Just like any system, your body needs time off to keep performing in a better condition.

3. Hygiene and cleanliness of your workplace:

Your computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone can be a harbour for those germs just waiting to get you sick. Beware of your surroundings, ensure cleanliness and proper hygiene of your workplace. For instance, your desktop or laptop needs to be regularly cleaned. Use disinfectant, keep sanitizing wipes handy to clean the surface of your workplace and table often.

4. Follow a workout routine:

One of the good things you can do to stay healthy and in shape is exercise. Squeeze in a workout routine in your daily schedule as much as possible. Exercising for at least thirty minutes is recommended for keeping the best shape and health. Walking for a few minutes during lunch is also a great idea. Find a walking partner in the office whom you can join in for a daily walk.

5. Get a good health insurance:

In today’s world of stressful lifestyles, it is very important to have your health backed up by health insurance. Some companies have even made it mandatory for their employees to have one. Look for online health insurance, choose the best that fits you and purchase online health insurance without hesitation.

People always tend to turn a blind eye towards their health and end up prioritizing work over health. Take a note of the above valuable tips to ponder on staying healthy when at work. Work has no alternative, nor does health, so be wise and have health insurance backup.

WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE ONLINE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN THAT SATISFIES ALL YOUR REQUIREMENTS? CLICK HERE…

Maintaining your fitness might be a controllable factor, but predicting medical help indeed isn't. And we already know that the enormous hospital bills can suck up all of your savings, making you wish you had a health insurance plan.

There is no doubt that the benefits of an insurance policy are precious and useful at crucial times. However, with a sea full of policies out there, it can get tough to make a decision. To ease this, we've listed some critical aspects to consider before you buy Health Insurance Online in India:

● Determine Age-Related RequirementsOne of the most significant and primary aspects while buying health insurance is your age. Determine your and your family members' age before you proceed towards your purchase. Generally, the premium payable to individual plans depends on the age of the oldest member of your family. Another element is that many plans come with certain limitations in terms of the age for entry. While some allow age limits up to 60 years, others only cover up to 50 or 55 years. Likewise, the age for entry also depends on the type of policy you choose, while some permit newborns with 90-95 days and others start from age like 20 or 25 years. There might also be some policies that don't limit their coverage based on age-related factors. A piece of advice would be to check and verify the age limit when it comes to buying your health insurance.

● Determining Premium & Coverage Related Factors Many consider lower premium plans to be more favorable as there are fewer expenses involved. On the contrary, the lower premium plans have lower coverage period. The next time you see a policy with a low premium, try to verify the reasons. Look out for any different payment sources dated for future dates, restrictions; this will help ensure that you won't pay a great deal of money when you claim your policy. As far as there are no such additional costs or limitations on the coverage, you're good to go.

● Agreements On The Waiting Duration A waiting duration is where the insured person must wait for a particular duration due to prevailing health conditions like blood pressure, arthritis, thyroid, and more. Being well acquainted with the duration given by your policy can help you make the appropriate decision. Generally, the waiting duration ranges from 1 to 2 years or more, depending on each policy provider.

● Advantages Correlating To Hospital Bills The best part about buying a health insurance policy is that you don't have to pay any hospital bills as the insurance company directly sends out your coverage amount to the hospital. However, one thing to determine is that this coverage is only listed under individual hospitals; not all hospitals are part of their system.
However, can you imagine the number of form fillings and other tedious formalities that you can skip once you buy health insurance online in India?

● Coverage Benefits Before And After Your Hospitalization While you're looking at a specific type of insurance plan that primarily covers your hospital bills, make sure you check the coverage benefits. What you're missing out on are policies that cover hospital bills and the expenses associated before and after your treatment like physical check-ups, physiotherapist sessions, and more. When you pay for a policy, isn't it essential that you get all the benefits you'd admire? Save your medical expenses fully!

● Coverage Benefits Before And After Your Hospitalization While you're looking at a specific type of insurance plan that primarily covers your hospital bills, make sure you check the coverage benefits. What you're missing out on are policies that cover hospital bills and the expenses associated before and after your treatment like physical check-ups, physiotherapist sessions, and more. When you pay for a policy, isn't it essential that you get all the benefits you'd admire? Save your medical expenses fully!

● Coverage Benefits For Pregnancy One of the aspects that everyone misses out on is checking whether your policy covers medical bills related to your pregnancy. And you'd certainly be surprised to know that a lot of them don't. Also, many policies that cover this type of expense hold a waiting duration ranging from anywhere between 2 to 4 years. You can also plan your pregnancy accordingly.

Final words

Plan your policy ahead of time and consider what aspects are fundamental to you. This can certainly save you a lot on medical bills.

Quick tips:

● Navigate & Compare: These are the two primary things to consider before buying a health insurance policy.

● Check all the necessary related benefits.

● Ensure that the list of network hospitals are close to your vicinity.

The sea has always opened up numerous opportunities for humankind. And now, with cruises becoming popular in the travel culture, people want to avail this luxurious and unforgettable adventure. Sailing from one horizon to another, experiencing the waters, foreign sunsets, and the regal amenities of the ship, make a complete package and a perfect bullet on your bucket list.

Planning a cruise trip can be intimidating and overwhelming. Ships are now as high as six to ten storeys and can contain upto three thousand passengers! You'll come across people from various cultures and backgrounds when visiting different port cities and countries. With expansive breathtaking views of the ocean, enjoy the vibes of a unique vacation far away from the city crowd and hassle. Cruise companies make every effort to make the guests feel welcome and curate experiences that cater to all travellers' expectations.

In this article, we will discuss some essential things to know before you set out on a cruise trip.

1. Windowless cabins:
For first-time cruisers, this can come as a shock. Some rooms may look like a coach in a train (size), but they might not have a window. These cabins are small spaces and can be congested for some. If you are uncomfortable in tiny spaces, make sure you check the amenities before booking a room. You can always travel with a partner to split the cost of the room if the price is too high.

2. Dress codes:
Some cruises have strict dress codes for mealtimes. You can be turned away if you don't adhere to the code and show up in ripped jeans or anything that comes off as casual. Make sure you prepare yourself in advance, enquire about these rules and regulations, and pack your outfits accordingly.

3. Book a higher cabin:
If you get seasick, booking a higher cabin will help you have a fun trip without the stress of feeling nausea or seasickness. Consider your health as a priority while sailing. Carry all necessary medications along with you and take good rest. The more you look after your body, the better you will enjoy your trip.

4. Last-minute upgrades:
Amenities like bigger beds, rooms, complimentary spa services, rooms with balconies, etc., become available at reasonable prices and deals if they are not sold out by the time the ship sets sail. Check the last-minute offers, upgrade, and avail of the luxuries if you like a discount.

5. Pricey internet:
Phone companies slap you with high roaming charges if you keep using your data without checking the roaming prices or switching to roaming data packs. Most ships have Wi-Fi options for basic tasks like emailing, online meetings, etc. Check with your travel group while looking for Wi-Fi hotspots.

Now that we have discussed some essential things you should know before setting out on a cruise trip, it would be wise to insure your travel as well. Cruises are expensive and can be risky if you don't get your trip insured in case of some unprecedented situations. These can be very stressful monetarily. To avoid this, explore general insurance plans in the market and choose the travel plan which suits your needs.

Click HERE to learn more about 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.

'Travel' is often associated with beautiful views, fantastic food, and comfortable hotel stays. Yet, one of the lesser talked about things is the exhaustion one faces during the commute from home to the destination. Delayed flights, crowded lounges, and expensive food are just some of the many things we go through once checked in for the flight. However, airports need not be so stressful. Today we will look at some of the ways to survive exhausting flights and enjoy your flight.

1. Reach on time:
This is a no-brainer. If you are travelling domestically, reach at least two hours before. Many airlines these days have made web check-in available for passengers. So you can skip the long check-in lines and book your seat preference while opting for web check-in.

2. Breezing through security:
Security checks are one of the most dreaded procedures at the airport. A helpful tip can be to keep your laptop, mobile, and wallet handy to save you time in the queue. Another trick is to carry a clear bag to put them all in and then put that bag inside the tray. This way, your things are safe, and you can easily collect them back.

3. Carry an empty water bottle:
Staying hydrated is key to navigating through hectic airports and transit schedules. Water is generally not allowed during security checks, and buying from the airport can be expensive. Instead, carry a water bottle, and once you are through security, fill your bottle through the free water coolers available inside the airports.

4. Light cabin luggage:
Many of us have the habit of stuffing our cabin luggage. But remember that you have to carry your things for the next hour or so, and it can be worse if you are hopping flights. Sometimes there also might be a last-minute gate change, and running across the airport with heavy luggage would be a hassle. Therefore, it is best to pack light. Carry only essentials like water, snacks, and hand sanitisers in your handheld luggage.

5. Wear warm and comfortable clothes:
Wearing comfortable clothes while travelling is essential. The flight cabin can become extremely cold, and freezing for hours does not sound like a good idea. Besides, if you're taking a long flight, you might want to sleep.
So being in comfortable clothes can help you sleep better. Don't forget to carry an eye mask and a travel pillow to make the best out of the in-flight sleep.

6. Carry entertainment:
Waiting for flights can be a long and boring process. Make use of the free Wi-Fi at the airport and download shows, your favourite playlist of songs, and books you enjoy on your device. You can use them during your flight or while waiting to board.

These are a few tips and tricks that you can follow to make your trips less exhausting. Remember that any hiccups you face during travelling are part and parcel of nomadic life. What you can do is to be as prepared as possible. But to err is human, which is why you should invest in general insurance India so that the next time you travel, you are safeguarded against any extra expense and mishaps like damage or loss of luggage, etc.

Click HERE to know about general 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.