GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Searching for your perfect home can be quite overwhelming, and renting can make it even more stressful if not done correctly. Renting a house is generally referred to as a property occupied by somebody other than the house owner. There are several things one must consider before finalising a house, and you need to ensure that you clarify all your doubts before arriving at a conclusive decision and paying.

In this article, we will discuss what you should know before renting a house for the first time. These points will not only help you stay calm while renting but also ensure that you make a well-informed decision before going ahead with the agreement. After all, it's going to be your home once you move in.

1. Location:
Think about the location before moving in. Notice the surroundings and the essential services and facilities available in the vicinity. Is it a school or a pub? Will you be comfortable with loud music and traffic noise? Check the area for essential services for you before signing the agreement.

2. Amenities:
Check the amenities like the washing machine, geyser, air conditioner, etc., if they come along with the house. It is your responsibility to examine these inventories and their working and get the landlord to confirm their satisfactory working in writing. It would be best to ask the landlord to clarify the repair or replacement of these appliances.

3. Release clause:
A release clause entails that the tenant must pay a fee and find a replacement if they wish to release themselves from the contract and move out of the house. Discuss the clause with your landlord beforehand.

4. Repaint:
Enquire if your landlord will be repainting the house before you move in. And if they have any plans to paint or deep clean the house, it would be good to get the work done before you sign the tenancy agreement and make the payment.

5. Pets:
It is a good idea to discuss if pets are allowed during the negotiations with your landlord. Breaching the tenancy agreement by keeping a pet can lead to possession and eviction in the future.

6. Water:
During the house inspection, open the taps and shower and check the water pressure. In case of a problem, negotiate with your landlord before signing the agreement.

7. Advance:
Usually, landlords ask for two months' payment in advance, but there is no fixed amount. They can maintain discretion about the deposit amount. Make sure you bring this up during your negotiation or agreement.

8. Terms and conditions:
Read the agreement very carefully. You can challenge terms and conditions you are uncomfortable with or find confusing. But you must do this before you sign the deal. Never sign an agreement without having complete knowledge about it. Any carelessness done during this period can have adverse consequences later.

Now that we have discussed the things you should know before renting a house for the first time, it would be wise to verify with your landlord if he has purchased home insurance for the home. Being covered under the umbrella of the best home insurance in India can keep you relaxed and free from worries of any damage or theft at your rented apartment. Ensuring security should be on the top of your priority list before shifting to a rented home.

Click HERE to know more 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.

Life is full of unexpected events, but the downside is that even the slightest miscommunication can put your goals at risk. A good general insurance lets you choose your protection against the costs of accidents and natural disasters — from theft to car collisions, fire damage to travel mishaps. And with this flexibility, you can mix and match the coverage you need from a general insurance online quote and get an affordable and customised plan.

Let’s understand the necessity of travel insurance:
Travel insurance seems unnecessary, and travellers underestimate the significance of travel insurance, as its purpose only comes to the fore when things go wrong. For example, if a flight gets cancelled unexpectedly, or if you get sick while travelling.

Travel insurance is a particular type of insurance that covers you for travel-related perils. It is not the same as your regular home, car, or health insurance. And, if you want to know why it is so important, read on.

1. Loss of luggage:
Landing at your destination and finding out your luggage is missing? And you're stuck with only the stuff you brought along - which isn't much. Fortunately, most insurance companies will provide a certain amount as compensation for such incidents as part of their policy.

2. Cancelled / Delayed trip:
If you plan to postpone, cancel or rearrange your trip, you can rest easy knowing that your travel insurance policy may provide you with financial protection. Trip delays, cancellations, and curtailments are all covered in case of an emergency.

3. Hospitalisation and Emergency expenses:
Travelling doesn't mean that you are entirely safe from the risks of getting hospitalised. Travellers often fall ill in the middle of their trip and have to even stay in a hospital if the situation worsens.
The holiday can turn into a nightmare if you don't have a valid policy covering hospitalisation expenses. Your travel insurance covers all your transportation, food, and medical expenses on getting hospitalised during your trip.

4. Fraud Protection:
It can happen to anyone. You're enjoying a vacation, and all of a sudden, your financial security gets compromised. Maybe you lost your debit credit card, or worse — you notice a fraud transition on your credit card. Maybe this is the first time such an incident has occurred to you, but it could happen again.

5. Liability protection:
While you're on your trip, keep an eye out for any personal injury or property damage. You could be held legally liable for it. But just because something is likely doesn't mean it will happen. With proper liability protection in place, you won't have to worry about paying for others' mistakes.

If you're concerned about safe and worry-free travel, there's no better time than now to buy travel insurance. Increased awareness means that more and more consumers are looking for a way to protect themselves when they travel.

Are you someone who wants protection and doesn't want to risk losing your vacation money or belongings? In such an accident or illness, there's no better time than now to get travel insurance. General insurance online quote is essential for financial security. These policies protect you against all possible financial risks, including travel you might face in your life. It is also a great way to protect your other assets and valuable possessions.

Click HERE to get general insurance online quote.

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.

For soon-to-be parents, a lot of significant changes seem to be right around the corner. Parents spend the months of the pregnancy expecting the baby and several lifestyle changes. While buying all the necessary items like baby clothes, diapers, and cribs is essential, making sure your home environment is safe for the baby is just as important.

First-time parents might look around their home and feel confused about what modifications to make to protect their baby. They might even question the need for it. However, as overwhelming as the responsibilities of a newborn can be, it is integral that parents appropriately baby-proof their homes.

Even though experts claim that your toddler will likely get a few bumps and bruises with every alteration you make to your home, parents still must childproof their home. Since knowing where to begin the process can be baffling, here are some simple tips to follow!

1. Be aware of heavy objects:
Children start crawling, walking, and running in no time. As they grow older, they will begin pulling and pushing things around. This is when heavy objects can become an issue. Whether it’s heavy showpieces or furniture, if the toddler pulls or tugs on them, they may cause an injury. So, make sure to keep the glassware or delicate pieces away and keep the heavy objects out of the baby’s reach.

2. Secure electric plug points:
Toddlers around the 15-17 months age range quickly become fascinated with sticking their fingers or other things in any place they might fit. Most of the time, they turn out to be electric sockets. Parents must be aware of this habit and how dangerous electric points can be.
Use tight-fitting electrical outlet covers to ensure that the baby cannot stick their tiny fingers or jam pens, pencils, or toys into the electric points. You must also confirm not to leave lamps or other appliances with their current on if they are within the baby’s reach.

3. Keep the dangerous home supplies out of reach:
Cleaning and other home supplies contain plenty of harmful chemicals in them. Once kids are allowed to consume food and liquids, they may start to put random items into their mouths.
Small objects are a choking hazard, and it is essential to keep them out of reach. House supplies like cleaning agents and liquids need to be stored at a height or locked in a cupboard so that the child does not have access to it.

4. Place door and window stoppers:
Appliances and furniture have doors that can easily open. Once the child can reach them, installing stoppers to these doors and windows is crucial to prevent them from hurting themselves. Suppose you’ve invested in reliable home insurance India plan; you can add these necessary babyproofing objects to your house.

5. Do away with the mats and tablecloths:
Children have a habit of running around the house. They may accidentally slip on mats and rugs placed in various corners of the home. Tablecloths that hang low are easily accessible to the kids who can pull on them along with all the items placed on them. This can not only hurt and injure them but also damage household items.

To conclude, these tips can give you an excellent start to babyproofing your house to protect your child. With all the wear and tear your home undergoes, babyproofing can be stress-free if you have the right home insurance to rely on. Your ideal home insurance can even cover you for unexpected losses or damages or provide compensation in case of mishaps like theft, fire, earthquake, and natural calamities, etc.

Click HERE to buy the best deals on home 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.

The majority of house buyers and sellers use the services of real estate brokers to make the process hassle-free. A real estate broker is a middleman who connects a buyer and a seller. An experienced broker can help you secure a good deal while keeping both parties' interests in mind. Unfortunately, the real estate sector in India is rife with misinformation and uncertified real estate agents.

As a result, finding the perfect broker is crucial in making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. Finding the right real estate broker is as important as finding the best home insurance policy. Here is how to pick one.

1. Authenticity:
Reputation is a key component in the real estate sector. A reputable broker maintains relationships with developers, owners, and other real estate professionals. Question at least two clients about the agent's authenticity, knowledge, service quality, and, if possible, the pricing of homes they acquired through your agent. Preferably opt for a licensed broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Brokers must be RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) registered in addition to being a part of a reputed organization. The state's RERA website posts all of the agent's info. You can look up these facts on the website using the registration ID of the real estate broker.

2. Understanding of the neighbourhood:
When looking for a real estate broker, the first thing you should look for is someone who knows the neighbourhood. Your broker should be well-versed in the local market conditions.
A good real estate broker is well suited to reveal the nitty-gritty of an area, the real estate inventory, and the prospects. It's also necessary to know current property trends. You'll be in good hands if you find a broker familiar with the local rules and regulations regarding property purchases.

3. Potential prospects:
Do not finalise a broker on the spur of the moment with a single offer. Investigate the market and speak with at least two or three agents. You can ask questions, learn about their experience and working style, and determine their areas of specialisation and professionalism by meeting and interviewing a few possible brokers.

4. Brokerage:
It's critical to negotiate your agent's fee upfront without ambiguity. In most Indian cities, the fee is usually 2% for transactions worth more than Rs 50 lakh and 1% for transactions below. Real estate brokers frequently skip the fee section and charge a high percentage after the contract is closed, leading to disagreements.

Buying a home is both a financial and emotional investment. Many homeowners will also agree that purchasing a home is a complicated job. The right real estate agent can make the process less stressful while ensuring that you get a decent deal.

After finding a great deal on the house, the sense of claiming it as your own is unquestionably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is suggested to purchase home insurance coverage to protect your new home from undesired circumstances and shield your personal space with a layer of financial protection.

To know more about home insurance, click HERE .

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 best view arrives after the hardest trek," and there is no denying that. The beautiful valleys, the breath of fresh air, the stunning views are just a few of the many rewards you get at the end of a trek. We have heard about the experiences of avid trekkers, and each of them, without fail, has mentioned that everyone should go trekking at least once in their lifetime.

Trends show that more and more people are leaning towards new outdoor experiences, and trekking is something they want to enjoy. While choosing a destination isn't challenging, zeroing in on the other aspects of your travel becomes essential. One crucial question is whether to travel solo or in groups. Today we will try to shed light on both of these to help you make an informed decision before your next trip.

Why travel solo?
People have often associated trekking with catharsis. They enjoy the peace, quiet, and sometimes the mini-adventures that come with it. Navigating through unknown roads, climbing treacherous terrains, cooking your food, and enjoying your solitude is what any travel enthusiast dreams of. This means that you are fully responsible for everything that happens during that trek, and the experience is unique to you.
Another vital aspect is that since you are the sole proprietor of your journey, every decision made and every skill used comes from your judgement. This is an incredible way of learning your strengths and making yourself confident for future solo trips. The added benefit of going solo is that you set your milestones.
You aren't worried about being left behind, you don't have to race to the top to ensure you get the ideal spot for your tent, and you don't have to depend on other people's time. Instead, you get to explore like a wanderer.

Why travel in a group?
Shared knowledge is the best knowledge. When you travel in a group, there is a chance you might meet skilled travellers. Travelling with them helps you gain better insights into immersive experiences, and more often than not, they have tips and tricks to help you in your journey to the top.
There is a zeal associated with travelling in groups, where people constantly support each other and share new stories. There is a powerful sense of euphoria when you stand together, looking at the beautiful view from the top with each other. In addition, there is a distribution of responsibilities, some help in pitching the tent, some help in lighting the fire, and others help with the cooking process.
Travelling in a group ensures the safety of everyone, and in case of injury, there is always someone to help you. And by the end of your expedition, you make many new friends with whom you share fond memories.

These are some of the benefits of travelling solo and in a group. Treks can be a wonderful experience if done right, and in a country like India, there are a plethora of options that you can explore. Some groups conduct annual treks. Signing up with one can be an excellent start to your trek experience.

Keep in mind that your safety is of utmost priority no matter how you travel. So carry a first aid kit, visit your doctor for a checkup, and don't forget to buy general insurance online to get exciting deals and protect yourself from landing into unnecessary trouble.

Click HERE to buy general 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.

Painting your house can be a great way to improve its appeal, increase its monetary value and overall make you love your place even more. The best part is that painting does not even cost you much if you use the right tips and tricks. However, before picking up the paintbrush, remember that it is not child's play.

The gratifying project of giving your house a new look with a fresh coat of paint can become taxing if you follow the wrong ways. To make sure your home stands out in the neighbourhood, you must take an informed and measured approach to painting.

Before you make your selection, here's something you should know.

1. Hire a professional or do it yourself:
Decide on whether you want to hire a professional painter or do everything yourself. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Professional painters will cost more, but they will do the job faster and with correct procedures that non-professionals may not.

2. Choosing the appropriate colours:
The colour selection might be time-consuming due to the importance of each family member's shared decisions and choices. To observe the impact and brightness of the colours, purchase paint samples and apply them to any two sides of the wall. Or check out the colour palette of different paint companies and then choose.

3. Deciding on the best time to paint:
If you want to paint the building's outside walls, you should do so during the summer months so that the paint does not take as long to dry. Otherwise, paint only in the late mornings and early evenings when the weather is warm enough for the paint to dry.

4. Calculating the cost of painting:
You'll need to calculate the entire painting cost, including the equipment, expert painters (if you're employing them), paints, primers, and other supporting materials.

Before you begin the painting process, keep the following recommendations and practices in mind:

• Examining the house:
The painting should begin with a thorough examination of the entire area. Before applying a paint coat, make a list of every crack, hole, and structure that has to be fixed.

• Figuring out how much paint you'll need:
It's much easier to calculate and estimate the amount of paint that needs to be purchased once you've taken down the measurements of the area that is to be painted. It is generally a good idea to buy more paint than you need.

• Getting rid of old paint:
You must remove the old paint if it has deteriorated and flakes have begun to appear on the unsightly walls. Use a paper scraper to remove the old paints. This will eliminate the blemishes from the walls and clean them by removing the undesired dust.

• Cleaning the residence:
Professionals usually do cleaning and remove everything from the house. Before painting, clean the house to prevent dust from adhering to the walls. Remember to use a cloth to cover any other areas and big furniture you will not be painting.

• Begin the painting:
After these preparations, the paramount step is to paint the wall. First, spray the paint on the wall using a sprayer and then roll it down with a roller. Many specialists recommend that you employ the back-rolling method.

The next step is to let the paint cure for at least 24 hours since it will take practically an entire day to completely dry.

Painting is just one more method to nurture your home and take good care of it. Another approach is to get a low-cost home insurance India plan. This will cover your property from various catastrophes and ensure longevity by adding value to your prised possession.

Click HERE to buy a reasonable home insurance India plan.

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.

Cleaning our home is a regular task for all of us. It improves hygiene and promotes physical and mental well-being. Tidying the mess around you gives you clarity of thought and can be therapeutic. But sometimes, sorting the mess doesn't help, and a deep cleaning process is needed.

It might sound stressful, but no need to worry. This blog is a room-to-room manual for deep cleaning your home without getting tired during the process. We have broken it down into small doable tasks that are easy to follow.

But before we begin, go ahead and declutter the mess around you to make it convenient to move around freely while cleaning. Once you have sorted your scattered possessions, follow the subsequent points to proceed with room-wise deep cleaning.

1. Bedroom:
Remove the beddings and put the bedsheet and pillow covers into the laundry. An extra spin would help in drying them faster. Air dry your synthetic pillows. For heavy comforters, a laundry facility would be helpful. You can clean your mattress by sprinkling a little baking soda on it, letting it sit for an hour, and then using a vacuum cleaner to extract all the dirt. Next, declutter your closet by pulling out the clothes you won't wear and donating them. Finally, get all the blazers and the crease-prone garments on hangers to organise your closet.

2. Kitchen:
Start by wiping all the cabinets and external surfaces. You can use newspapers or mats to put on the shelves to avoid dust on the surfaces. Take all the things off your shelves and wipe them using suitable cleaners. Wipe the refrigerator inside out after emptying it. Follow the same process for the stove, dishwasher, and other appliances if possible. Wipe the countertops using cleaner liquids and let them dry.

3. Bathroom:
Some shower curtains have labels that mention if they're washable. Make sure to check yours before you wash it. Afterward, rehang to let it completely dry. You can also wash your plastic shower line or purchase a new one. To remove the water spots and soap scum, use heated distilled white vinegar for the doors and scrub with baking soda using a non-scratch pad. Finally, declutter your washroom cabinets, clean the surfaces, categorise the items, group, and arrange them. Do the same with your first aid and medicine cabinet.

4. Living room:
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean all the furniture. Remove the cushions for easier access to the deepest corners. Collect all your showpieces and photo frames from the shelves and wipe the surfaces with cleaners. Now take all the photo frames and clean them gently using a microfiber cloth. This will help you avoid scratches. You can use a thin dusting wand to clean beneath the surfaces of electronics. Go through all your CDs and DVDs and if they're not of use anymore, collect them to donate or sell.

Use these tips as your guide to deep clean your home without any hassle and stress. Also, ensure to safeguard your home and buy home insurance online. With the world going digital, you can explore your options and buy home insurance online in India with only a few clicks. Additionally, online insurances offer exciting benefits and deals to the policyholders to opt from and take advantage of.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy home insurance online 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.

The year 2022 is specifically crucial as the pandemic has caused individuals from all around the globe to pause and reconsider how they have handled their funds over the last couple of years. While the idea of plotting financial goals in the aftermath of the pandemic recession may seem daunting, it is an excellent time to participate in a different type of financial goal-setting.

As we are just getting started with 2022, remember, the sooner you begin, the better you will achieve your financial objectives. So, to help you start your journey to financial freedom, we have written this blog which points out 6 goals that you should meet. Let us take you through each of them briefly.

1. Build an emergency fund:
A liquidity backup set up for emergencies and unexpected bills is known as an emergency fund. You can use these savings for unanticipated costs or payments that are not part of your regular expenses. It can act as a financial cushion when you are looking for a job change, are unemployed, and support you during the uncertain times of Covid-19. It's just like an umbrella, not much of use most of the time but tremendously valuable when needed.

2. Savings for a home:
Owning a home is one of the most popular financial objectives people seek to fulfill. It is evident that people must work hard to achieve this goal. Planning for it may be difficult but not impossible if you start early. To appropriately fund this aim, you must first analyze your financial flow and requirements. Check your spending habits and invest in schemes that will earn you a good return in the future.

3. Adequately insure yourself, your family, and your assets:
You and your dependents can face numerous financial hazards if not adequately insured. Health insurance is crucial in today's times. We cannot deny the importance of general insurance in India for your other assets like a house, motor vehicle, etc. There are many good companies offering health and general insurance in India.

4. Invest for your retirement:
Saving for your retirement is a crucial financial long-term goal. Keeping a retirement fund to live comfortably and pay for medical expenses in your later years is essential. However, achieving this goal will be wholly dependent on your financial portfolio and spending habits over the years unless you have other forms of passive income.

5. Savings for your next generation:
With an average of two kids per household in our country, the university and upbringing cost is very high. You would indeed desire the best college and educational facilities for your offspring. However, paying for all the tuition fees and other costs of having kids is not that easy. After attaining your financial freedom, planning for your next generation is the most important goal you should look forward to.

6. Being debt-free:
Staying out of debt is a must for your financial wellness. This will ensure that you achieve your other financial objectives without any hurdles. Whether it's repayment of loans or clearing credit cards debts, make a strategy to get out of it as soon as possible.

Setting financial objectives will be one of the most important things you will have to do every successive year. If you're a married individual, you'll notice that many of these targets aren't purely personal and heavily involve your partner. Having communication with your partner and financial adviser can help you work together to get the most out of your resources and meet your financial targets. Happy New Year and happy financial planning!

You can check the most economical plans HERE.

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.