GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

India’s cultural diversity is like no other nations. With every few sq. km, you can experience a new language, culture, values, and most importantly - food! While everything else changes, the warmth of the people of India stays unchanged. Every region organises different fairs that celebrate their culture and religion.

These fairs are essential to the cultural identity of different regions. They also provide great entertainment for tourists and boost tourism in these areas. These traditional fairs make for great family vacations where tourists can enjoy the rich heritage and different customs unknown to them.

While these cultural fairs are great for vacations, they also bring along the risk of being exposed to new environments, activities, and the potential risks of accidents. You must purchase travel insurance from a general insurance company to protect yourself and your family against such incidents.

After ensuring that you have an active travel insurance policy, you are all set to explore these famous cultural fairs to learn more about the cultural integrity of India.

1. Jaipur Literature Festival:
The Jaipur Literature Festival is a unique celebration held over five days that promotes literature, ideas, and discourse from eminent authors. It is the world’s largest free literary festival that provides a platform for intellectual discussions and for local artisans to showcase their handicrafts. The music stage is another attraction that draws massive crowds and provides a stage for up-and-coming local artists.

2. Uttarayan Festival:
The International Kite Festival, held in multiple cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Surat, draws people from all across the world. The Kite Festival begins in Uttarayan, similar to the Uttarayani Festival, which celebrates the approaching harvest season. The festival features regional Gujarati delicacies enjoyed by thousands of fairgoers.

3. Hornbill Festival:
The indigenous people of Nagaland celebrate the Hornbill Fest. The state government organises it to promote harmony amongst various tribes and protect their culture. Held in Kisama, the festival displays the varied traditions and arts of tribes.
A music festival and rock contest are also held during the same period attracting many tourists. Visiting the festival provides insight into the Naga arts, sports, music, food, culture, handicrafts, and more.

4. Rann Utsav:
Rann Utsav is celebrated in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The white desert festival lasts over four months and celebrates artisans, folk dance and music, traditional handicrafts, and culture. It provides a great boost to the economy and engages visitors in a plethora of activities that keep them busy throughout their stay. The unique feature of this fair is the provision of luxurious campsites that keep visitors satisfied without compromising on luxury while enjoying the culture of Kutch.

5. Kumbh Mela:
Celebrated four times over a cycle of 12 years, the Kumbh Mela is the biggest fair organised in India. The site of the fair changes every time it occurs. The Mela at Prayag attracts the most pilgrims of the four sites. If you wish to experience religion and unified diversity, Kumbh Mela is the perfect fair to do so. The visitors to the fair come from different walks of life and come together to stay true to their religious beliefs.

6. Baisakhi Mela:
Baisakhi is the festival that celebrates the onset of spring. Similar to Makar Sankranti, it is celebrated in the state of Punjab, which is a primarily agricultural state. It marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year and begins with a round of prayers in the morning at the local Gurudwara. Langar, Bhangra, and Gidda usually follow throughout the day. The Baisakhi Mela also includes stalls set up by local artisans and local performing artists where you can enjoy the traditional vibe of Punjab.

Each region celebrates festivals differently and has its unique charm. While some are lively, others are more focused on culture and traditions. Experiencing the cultures of different regions is an unmissable opportunity that must be taken with care. The best way to do so is by purchasing an insurance policy from a general insurance company that keeps you and your family safe throughout your trip.

Click HERE to buy general insurance to keep you protected on your next trip.

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.

Are you someone who loves visiting new places? Many of us love to treasure those memories we create on our vacation. As much as it feels tempting to capture moments, we can't brush off the mess of problems that come with travelling. From exploring the best sightseeing to learning more about the history and culture of a place, it can be daunting for travellers, especially firsttime visitors.

This can impact the fun of travelling as you might miss out on the best experiences on your trip due to incomplete knowledge about that place. And this is where the local guide comes into the frame, as no one other than them knows best about the local excursions of a destination.

First things first, local savvy guides are those who give homely experience even in unfamiliar places. Let's see how hiring a local guide when travelling to new places can make your trip memorable.

1. Hassle-free:
It can be challenging at times to explore the streets while visiting places. You don't know what to speak and often get lost in the big crowds. Private local guides make it hasslefree, giving you tidbits of inside information. In this nuanced world, they help you with dinner reservations, vehicles, hotel bookings, etc. No one can beat them when it comes to their places. So, no language barriers anymore!

2. Personalised tours:
Local tour guides know the places like the back of their hand. So, keeping your best interests in mind, they curate some of the top itineraries for you to take part. You would have missed many of these off-the-beaten-path spots otherwise. Even if you miss a booking, your tour guide is your lifeline. They can manage last-minute bookings and make your journey convenient.

3. Time and cost efficient:
You can vouch that despite the internet, we are not informed about a plethora of destinations. We are unaware of proper timings, directions, etc. With local contacts and tricks under their sleeves, local guides can make you skip the lines, book restaurants, give in-depth knowledge of places, and much more than you think. This reduces costs and time since you don't have to go for intermediaries for every trivial aspect.

4. Educate and engage:
Local tour guides are not just local people taking you through the city. They are highly educated, specifically in the areas of architecture, cuisine, history, and art. They are trained in many areas, from entertaining kids to catering to adults throughout the tours. They make travel more exciting and enjoyable. Their expertise makes complex destinations easy to navigate through. A tour guide is a must when you go sightseeing as everything seems different from their perspective.

*Important note:
When you visit a new country, you risk getting lost or, worse, might run into accidents. Safety should be at the forefront at all times. So, it is always recommended to purchase the best general insurance India. A general insurance policy covers the unanticipated costs and ensures your travel safety. These costs include misplaced checked-in baggage, lost connecting flights, missed passports, etc.

At the bare bones of it, travel guides are beneficial, especially in a crowd full of unfamiliar faces. So, no more hustle to find the best travel places, food destinations, etc. Your travel guide will make your journey exciting by adding traditions and historical information brimming in the amazing destinations.

Next time you visit any new destination, ensure to hire a local guide to savour the best local experiences that are sublime and enticing. Vacations are one of the best stress busters. Make the best use of resources to make your holiday unforgettable.

Click HERE to buy general insurance India before your next trip.

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 home-based business is crucial when we do not have a formal business setup but have a strong business idea and are motivated enough to go for it. We should not fear starting such a business. Who knows, going down the years, our idea blooms into a big business and takes us up through the success lane.

However, we need to be passionate about our ideas and ensure our commitment to them. Always be open to failures and struggles, and be determined to race your way through all the hardships, and success will be yours!

Are you motivated to get started with your home-based business? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you design the roadmap of your business most effectively.

1. Talent assessment:
Assessing our strengths and talents is one of the key things we need to do at the start. Brainstorm what talents you have that you can implement in your business. Improvise the idea according to your skills, prepare a chart mentioning your weaknesses and areas that require improvements. Start working on them so that they do not act as a hindrance in your business venture.

2. Assess product/service feasibility:
The next step is to assess whether the product or service you want to sell has substantial market potential or not. An idea without good market potential can lead to failure and investment loss. Identify your target customers and markets. You need to assess whether your business idea can be executed successfully from your home or not. For example, you cannot start a manufacturing unit at home. You need to figure out these things before planning to bring your business into the market.

3. Pricing and cost assessment:
Once you have a clear product or service that you want to offer in mind, assess how much it will cost you to make or acquire it. This is especially important in case we plan to sell a product. Find out the cheapest available source for that product. Once you have the cost idea, survey the pricing at which the product sells in the market. Don't miss out on counting the overhead costs as well, such as electricity bills, maintenance, repairs, breakages, and the cost of manpower if you need to hire. Add them to the product's cost price to arrive at a fair selling price. The pricing should be lower than other similar products in the market. Your product and brand are new, and you must penetrate the market with competitive pricing. Do a similar exercise in case you plan to offer a service. Remember, correct pricing can make or break your business.

4. Finances:
Figure out your sources of finance for your business idea. If you have sufficient funds to start with, there is nothing better than it. In case you are looking for a loan from a bank or a financial institution, draw up a project report which you can present to the bank for financing. Always plan for working capital and emergency funds well in advance. A business idea will fail if it is not backed by proper financing.

5. Implementation:
Once you have the above points in place, implement your plan. Be serious about your implementation process from the very first day. Mark and maintain a separate work area for yourself at home. Create a positive work environment using the appropriate setup, furniture, lighting, and equipment. Make sure that you keep your costs low initially; else, you will run out of cash soon. Maintain a strict work schedule; otherwise, your daily household work will take over, and you will deviate from your implementation plan.

6. Build a team and give wings to your dreams:
It is time to build a team of like-minded people who can take your business to new heights. Hire or partner with talent, explore and target newer markets and customers, and expand.

Your home is the basis for the implementation of your new business idea. Keep it safe and secure by choosing the best home insurance policy. Get a general insurance online quote and look for the home insurance plan that best suits your requirements and budget. Any damage to your house can shatter your home-based business idea. Don't let that happen, and get your home insured today.

Click HERE to buy or renew your home 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.

Who doesn’t love a private swimming pool? People of all ages have the time of their lives in the pool. You can go swimming, have floating meals, spend quality time with your loved ones, organise pool parties, and so much more. Building a swimming pool on your own house’s premises is an alluring deal. But as amazing as it sounds, there are multiple things you need to consider before you start constructing your pool.

What factors need to be considered before and during the pool construction process? Are there different types of pools? If so, which would be the best fit for your house? This blog will discuss all the answers to the above questions and much more.

1. Be thoroughly educated about the local laws and regulations:
You need to make sure that you are aware of the local municipal corporation laws and the rules of such types of construction, as many cities and states have different sets of rules that you need to comply with. You need to check in with the authorities and the designated officials to ensure that you do not violate the terms and end up in trouble for the same.

2. Determine the reason for the construction of the pool:
You need to make sure that you are clear about the reason behind building the swimming pool. Is it for exercise or pleasure? Which set of people would use the pool more- children or adults? Suppose it is children that you are focusing on while constructing the pool. In that case, you have to ensure that the depth is not more than 1.5 ft, and if it is for adults, then not more than 4 ft (the guidelines regarding these measurements might vary), according to the safety purposes.

3. Types of pools and which one do you want:
Fibreglass, vinyl-lined, and concrete are the three significant categories of in-ground swimming pools can be classified into. Fibreglass pools have fewer varieties in shapes and sizes, which can be difficult in case you want to construct a pool in your backyard or some area within your premises that would require multiple customisations. In cooler regions, fibreglass and vinyl-lined pools are preferred over concrete pools due to their flexibility.

4. What would be the ideal location for a pool:
It would be best to consider multiple factors before finalising where to construct the pool. These include more sun exposure and fewer trees to avoid getting leaves into the pool and eliminate contamination risks. Otherwise, you will have to spend the entire day cleaning and filling up the pool due to dirt and debris in case of heavy rains or winds. Steer clear of any electrical pipeline, wires, sewers, etc., above or underneath the pool to avoid any risks of shocks. Lastly, the pool must be in the visible range within your premises so you can quickly check on the people in the pool or if there are any other potentially dangerous factors.

Other factors that you need to take care of are filtration techniques that would suit your pool and fit your budget optimally, pool sanitisers, the budget, and the type of workers you might need for the process safety gears and protocols, etc.

Know how you can build a swimming pool in your house? Well, now you do. Beautifying your house and upgrading it by installing various entertainment sources helps you create the home you have always dreamt of. It is a massive part of building memories. But apart from the entire up-gradation and decoration process, you must ensure that your sweet abode stays secure against any damages. Apart from investing in pool construction, it would be best if you also considered buying home insurance. Buy best home insurance online India to make the purchase hassle-free. You can get instant solutions for all your queries and good customer satisfaction while making claims or paying premiums through the online portal.

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

Sustainable living has different definitions for different people. It ensures that your lifestyle incorporates the three R's-reduce, reuse, and recycle, which eventually helps build a better environment, help with climate change, and develop a culture of harmony and mindfulness while going about your daily schedule.

There are several aspects to sustainable living, which include better alternatives to the material of everyday objects, energy efficiency, promoting the greens, veganism, saving resources, proper garbage disposal, repurposing ideas, opting for eco-friendly methods, conserving rainwater, and many more.

But how can one opt for sustainable living at home? Is it expensive? How can you make your switch towards sustainability? This blog will help you explore everything about sustainable living at home.

1. Replace your light bulbs:
Check the light bulbs around your house. You might be using the traditional bulbs, which consume higher energy to provide a low output level. Switching to low-energy-consuming light bulbs helps you in saving five times the energy consumed by regular bulbs for a high source of brightness.
They last longer, thus allowing you to reduce the costs of constant changes and replacements and help you save big bucks! All in all, you get a much better deal with these Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).

2. Turn off those lights:
Often, our family members (not to exclude ourselves) do not have the habit of switching off the light, fans, and other electrical appliances when leaving the room. This is something that we need to be mindful of. There may be a lack of understanding of the gravity of wastage of resources when you leave all the lights on.
Still, it takes considerable non-renewable resources to generate the power to keep those electrical appliances running. Sustainable living promotes energy conservation at the top of its list. And along with the earthy resources, you also save a lot of money when you switch off those lights when not in use!

3. Get that vitamin D:
Our lifestyles have started revolving around our corners of the house where we seldom take an opportunity to go out in the sun. But as much as our body needs that vitamin D, sunlight is one of the best light sources, which can liven up your premises. You can rearrange the furniture set up of your house to enhance the impact of sunlight passing through your doors and windows.

4. Be mindful of the garbage disposal:
We might not grasp the weightage of segregated garbage disposal, but it is essential to dispose of the waste of your house categorically biodegradable and non-biodegradable. These can be turned into compost and manure for the healthy growth of vegetation or recycled as per the best waste management process.

5. Cannot miss the solar energy:
You need to install solar panels and water heaters in your house to take complete advantage of the heat and light coming from the sun. This will help you replenish the energy and consume it mindfully. This way, you can contribute to conserving the non-renewable resources we use today for power generation. You will also see a significant drop in your electricity bills.

Some other tips for sustainable living include finding better alternatives to paper towels, avoiding the usage of artificial fragrances, using eco-friendly cleaning detergents, using efficient brushes for washing your dishes so that you can efficiently clean them without wasting water, etc.

Upgrading your lifestyle for the better and in more mindful ways can be a difficult start but will be worthwhile in the end. Your home can get the switch it needs. And while you transform your way of living, it is equally essential that you protect your abode, which treasures all your memories and provides you with the warmth and comfort you need. To accomplish this, you must purchase home insurance from the best home insurance company in India to avail all the benefits in case of unforeseeable circumstances.

Click HERE to know more about the benefits of buying insurance from the best home 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.

The terms and conditions of insurance policies might get a little confusing for an average person to understand. The technical language of the information presented can take some time to get acquainted with, which is why the insurance companies send their officials or agents to help you navigate the entire process and have digital services and chat assistants available for help 24*7. While the customers have an idea about what the home insurance usually provides coverage for and their intent of purchase, there are certain things they might be unaware of.

Do you have a complete idea of the type of coverage home insurance provides? What are some of the strangest things you might be able to secure under the insurance? If you have these questions, don’t worry. Following are a few weird things that your home insurance covers. Let’s discuss.

1. If a plane crashes:
Difficult to believe, right? The rarest of the rare cases is if a plane crashes into your house. But yes, your home insurance does cover the damages that might be caused due to a plane crashing into your house. Any objects falling from the sky which can potentially cause severe damage to your home are covered under your home insurance. Although, you need to make sure that you cross-check these details with your insurance provider.

2. Destructive riots:
Riots can take a destructive route when they rise to a huge scale. In such cases, sometimes the parties involved in the riots and those trying to control the outrage get into a defensive mode and cause mass destruction of properties. If there are any damages to your house during the riots, your home insurance provides coverage for that.

3. What if your pet bites someone:
Your home insurance might cover the cost of the treatment in case your pet bites someone within the perimeters of your house. Despite this, you might have to stay prepared if the person who got bit sues you, but you can stay assured of the coverage of those hospital bills.

4. Wild animals are also on this list:
This is for residents who usually have wild animals roaming around. Although humans and animals have become accustomed to their way around each other, you never know when the wild beings get agitated and, therefore, can trigger the possibility of a stampede.
In such situations, if there is any damage due to the stampede, your home insurance also provides coverage. But ensure to check the details carefully as some animals might be left out of this benefit (for example, rodents, possums, etc.).

5. Be careful about the parties you throw:
Some home insurances might cover the cost of damages caused during the parties organised in your house. Your insurance might cover these damages, but you might end up in trouble if someone gets injured. Check-in with your home insurance provider to ensure that the damages incurred during parties are covered under your policy.

Some other weird things covered under your home insurance include theft of cover identification, damage due to meteors, etc. And in the interest of protecting your home and your family against damages incurred due to unfortunate circumstances, you must get the best home insurance policy in India. Your home is not just a space where you live; it carries an important place in your life.

It is a place you return to after a long day at work, comforts you during the sad times, houses the best memories, and provides your family a safe zone where they can stay and create their own lives. Therefore, you must get the best home insurance policy that caters to your needs in the best ways possible.

Click HERE to know more about the benefits of buying the best home insurance policy 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.

Every legitimate and eligible citizen of India is supposed to pay Income Tax regularly within the specified time limit as per the government regulations and norms. The taxable amount is based on an individual’s annual earnings. There are different tax and income slabs defined respectively by the Indian government. One must consider their earnings and calculate their taxes accordingly. These taxes are righteously used for the benefit and progress of the country.

But amidst all these details, were you aware that insurance, apart from protecting you and your assets against various risks, also is a substantial tax-saving benefit? This important question may give you a broader perspective on the insurance and tax-paying correlation. We have all the information you will need to understand the perks of insurance and how it can be a tax-saving choice. Let’s dive deeper into the facts!

Which policies help you fetch tax benefits?

Insurance options that will help you avail of full benefits along with tax-saving options include:
● Retirement plans and policies
● Health insurance policies
● ULIPs-Unit Linked Insurance Policies

All these insurance policies can be categorised under similar yet slightly different sections of the Income Tax Act regulated by the Government of India.

Understanding the tax deductions.

Various types of deductions can influence the tax benefits you can get on your health insurance. Let’s understand what 80C and 80D tax deductions are. Tax deduction can be claimed on your taxable income on premiums valuing around Rs. 1.5 lacs.

These premiums are supposed to be paid for insurance policies in your name, spouse’s name, or your children’s/child’s name/names. If you are someone who has paid their premiums, you can avail of 80C and 80D tax deductions annually.

The 80D deduction.

The 80D deduction dictates that if you have a health insurance policy in your name or the names of your spouse and children, the tax-deductible income can be Rs 25,000 on the insurance premiums.

According to section 80D, there are various other prospects for this deduction, but we will now consider this information to discuss the tax benefits further.

The 80C deduction.

According to section 80C of the Income Tax Act, the tax-deductible you can claim is worth Rs 1.5 lacs of insurance premiums. If you purchase a single premium policy, you can only claim the tax benefits under section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Under section 80D, if you have a health insurance policy under your name along with a dependent with the minimum age of 60, you can claim a tax deductible on the dependent’s health insurance.

Protecting your financial assets against unprecedented situations and getting compensation for your financial losses is essential. Times can be very unpredictable, and you might never know when you will need a lot of money. Exhausting your savings is not a wise option here. You need to think beyond and try to avoid burning a hole in your pocket.

While being mindful of your expenses and determining a budget is one of the top solutions here, insurance is another way you can stay secure about your assets. It is vital to purchase the right general insurance after exploring the market and determining the one that can cater to your needs in the best way possible.

Click HERE to know more about general 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.

Plastic bags have become a necessary evil in today's day and age. Everything from the packaging of everyday items to utensils, we have seen a massive increase in plastic usage across households. However, plastic has dire effects on the environment. Polluted rivers, channel blockage, pollution, and animal choking are some of plastic's environmental hazards.
Looking at the various damaging implications of plastic usage, activists and other environmentalists have raised their voices against the excess and single use of plastics.

In response, many governments have banned the manufacturing and usage of plastic. Even after the ban on single-use plastic, the complete absence of plastic is impractical. The ease and efficiency of plastic packaging are seldom matched by anything else. This makes plastic an almost irreplaceable part of our lives.

But if you are a responsible human being and want to make a small contribution to the environment, this article will help you reduce plastic waste in your home.

1. Use jute or cotton bags:
Plastic is one of the most convenient options when it comes to shopping. Opting for a plastic bag at the counter is more convenient than carrying cloth bags. By carrying your bags, you are not only saving the environment, but you are also avoiding the excess charge levied on plastic bags. Cloth bags or jute bags are better alternatives to plastic bags. They are reusable, washable, and durable. Consider carrying your carry bags for your next grocery run.

2. Avoid plastic utensils:
Want to carry a tiffin to your office or college? Are you reaching out for the fancy plastic containers? Then you need to reconsider your choice. Plastic utensils such as lunchboxes and water bottles release toxic chemicals into the food, and when consumed, these can cause serious health issues like cancer and heart problems. Storing food in plastic containers can have dire health effects on your body and affect the food's composition.
It is best to opt for steel tiffin to keep your food fresh for longer. People also use microwavable plastic dishes to reheat their food. This can be highly toxic. Switch out the plastic vessels for glass containers. Instead of storing the spices and pulses in plastic boxes, reuse the glass containers you already have. Various pickles, jams, and oils come stored in glass packaging. Remove the sticker and reuse it. This helps you save money and keep yourself and your family healthy.

3. Replace your bathroom essentials:
There are many options available in the market that are more eco-friendly. Opt for locally sourced soap and shampoo bars instead of purchasing a new bottle. Buy refill packs for handwashes and invest in ceramic soap dispensers instead of plastic bottles. Choose wooden toothbrushes and combs as these are eco-friendly and healthier options for your teeth and hair.

4. Change your grocery habits:
People find it more convenient to buy packaged food, be it fruits and vegetables or meat and other farm products. Most of these packaged foods are frozen and lose their nutritional value after some time. Instead, explore your nearest local markets and buy fruits and vegetables from local vendors. By doing this, you are helping the locals while reducing plastic use.

These are some ways in which you can ensure that your home reduces the use of plastic. Being mindful is a small step towards making the planet a better place for your children and the future generations to come.

The above measures can help your home get rid of plastic, but have you considered its safety? Safety is paramount, and when it comes to assets like home, then it is a necessity. To add more value to your homes, invest in home insurance India. Home insurance is a safety net against any expenses incurred due to damage, theft, and other accidents. In case of any mishap, you can be assured that your insurer can make up for your expenses and loss.

Click HERE to know more about 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.