GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

There is no question that motorcyclists are crazy about their bikes and want to keep them glowing all the time. Most of the time, even seasonal changes won’t derail their desire to have a shining bike. Seasonal changes like wet and humid weather harm the two-wheelers most, mainly the rusting. Rust is an awful deal to handle when the bike has seen mud, water, ice, and road salt.

But there are DIY hacks that help you combat rust and preserve the life of your two-wheeled companion. In today’s article, we’ll discuss some clever, useful hacks that will help you handle rust efficiently.

1. Lemon Juice to remove rust:

The acidic nature of lemon helps eliminate rust in its early stages before it affects the inside metal. Here’s how to use it:

• Collect ample lemon juice in a cup.

• Apply the juice thoroughly onto a ball of steel wool with the help of a spoon, or simply dip the steel wool in the cup.

• Rub the rusted areas gently with steel wool.

• Wipe away the extra lemon juice and rust particles using tissue paper, done!

*keep the juice away from your eyes and any open wounds as it may cause burns due to its acidic nature. Wear gloves and glasses for precaution.

2. Get rid of rust using potatoes and salt:

When it comes to organic cleaning, this small technique is fantastic to have on hand. Here’s how you can use this duo to get rid of that adamant rust;

• Cut a potato in half.

• Rub the sliced portion of the potato on salt, thoroughly coating it.

• Rub the salted potato over the rusted parts vigorously. Slice the salted end of the potato off and dip it in extra salt as needed.

• Thoroughly rinse afterwards.

The oxalic acid present in potatoes naturally helps dissolve rust, while the salt works as an abrasive.

3. Sandpaper to scrape off the rust:
Use sandpaper to get rid of rust from parts such as engine and transmission, as these parts require precise attention. A slight deviation can throw everything off if not done correctly.

4. Baking soda to remove rust:
Make a thick mixture of water and baking soda and rub it all over the rusted surface. Let the paste settle on the bike's surface for about an hour. Rub the surface with steel wool. Rinse thoroughly with water & dry it using a paper towel.

5. Scrubbing – the good old way:
Simply scrubbing using a wire brush is also effective in getting rid of rust from larger bike parts. This technique, however, is not suggested for chrome parts of your bike since you may wind up scratching them.

Although these organic rust removing techniques are excellent, most of them are acid-based, and they have the potential to damage your bike, particularly in areas with mixed materials such as steel + rubber or steel + plastic.

It's best to hand over your motorcycle to experts for rust removals if it is heavily covered in rust. They make sure you get the best results while assuring the perseverance of your bike. A good 2 wheeler insurance provides the security covers with these aspects as well, including rust remover. So if you have 2 wheeler insurance, you can claim the rust repairs under it. Be a responsible owner and make investments that can yield you considerable profits. After all, your two-wheeler is a prized possession, and maintaining it in good shape should be your priority.

Click HERE to know more about 2 wheeler insurance.to know more about 2 wheeler 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.

Whether you are driving a motorbike or car, having a valid licence is mandatory. Most driving licences are issued for approximately 20 years or until the driver turns 50 years (whichever is earlier). Therefore, you need to renew your licence once it expires. Note that your driving experience and capabilities during your previous licence will not be considered for the renewal of it. Additionally, if you do not renew your licence until a year after the licence’s expiration, you will have to go through the entire process of getting a licence again.

Moreover, your driving licence is valid up to 30 days from expiration. Gone are the days when you had to stand in a long queue at the RTO’s office for the renewal of your licence. Due to covid’s second wave, the government issued a hassle-free way to apply for the renewal online in just a few simple steps.

No matter which state you reside in, you can easily apply for renewal from the comfort of your home. Continue reading the blog to discover all the vital steps you can take to get your licence renewed.

Steps to renew your driving licence online:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan Sewa Portal of MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) by clicking HERE
or head to HTTPS://SARATHI.PARIVAHAN.GOV.IN/.

Step 2: Next, enter your state’s name on your screen.

Step 3: You will now be redirected to the page with various options. Select “apply for DL renewal.”

Step 4: Now, a page with instructions will appear. Carefully read each instruction to avoid committing any mistake.

Step 5: Click on “continue” at the bottom of page and proceed further to the application form.

Step 6: Now, fill your application. Enter your previous driving licence’s number and date of birth and click on “continue.” Fill all the details and provide information as asked on your screen.

Step 7: Depending on your state, you may also require to upload your signature and photo.

Note: If you need to make changes to your medical certificates, you may have to book a time slot to undergo the RTO test.

Step 8: Now, the site will take you to the acknowledgement page, where you can see your application ID. Additionally, all the application details will be sent to you through SMS on your registered mobile number. Make sure you print out the acknowledgement for future reference.

Step 9: The final step is to make the payment and verify your payment status. You can pay through a debit or credit card. Usually, the fees may vary from one state to another.

Simply follow the above steps to renew your existing licence in a fast, convenient, and hassle-free way. Never drive a vehicle without a proper licence. If you are caught driving without a licence and valid insurance papers, you will be fined with penalties. Be a responsible driver; keep all your essential documents ready with you at all times, including your car’s insurance papers. If the insurance is due, make an online motor insurance renewal to ensure the benefits of your policy and protect you against any mishaps.

Click HERE to get the best quotes for online motor insurance renewal.

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.

Following year-long debate and discussions, the Indian government finally allowed CNG kits for two-wheelers as well. Interestingly, CNG kits can efficiently be installed even in mopeds with about 81.75 cc to 136.25 cc capacity. However, there are some restrictions on the installation of CNG kits in two-wheelers. ICAT and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) respectively approve only Euro-III-type automobiles to install these CNG kits.

CNG costs much cheaper than petrol or diesel and gives clean fuel to two-wheelers. This suggests that converting your two-wheeler into CNG will prove to be economically practical.

Advantages of installing CNG conversion kits:

• Natural gas is a cheaper alternative to petroleum as it costs almost one-third of petrol in some states of India. Natural gas is as cheap as 49.40 rupees per Gasoline Gallon Equivalent (GGE).

• CNG is less harmful to the environment than petrol. Compared to petrol and diesel, natural gas emits much less hazardous pollutants and hydrocarbons, thereby reducing the adverse effects of harmful emissions on the environment and human health.

• When compared to gasoline, CNG produces fewer toxic carbon deposits when burned. As a result, the engine is cleaner and more efficient. It removes the carbon deposits that taint the oil, reducing the need for oil changes.

• India has a well-developed pipeline network and abundant natural gas reserves. Switching to CNG fuel can help our nation to be less reliant on the import of oil.

• CNG can save your bike from getting green taxes. Vehicles that pass the automated fitness centres test are given a green tax at the time of registration. However, vehicles with CNG kits are exempted.

Disadvantages of installing CNG conversion kits:

• CNG tanks require more space. As a result, you may have to give up some room off your two-wheeler. In addition, a CNG cylinder can be a little heavier, which can be a difficulty in the handling of the two-wheeler.

• There are a limited number of CNG filling stations. Therefore, people who live in places with no easy access to CNG filling stations won't find CNG conversion the most efficient option.

• The cost of a CNG kit and the initial installation is high that refrains a decent population from installing these kits on their two-wheelers.

Experts believe air pollution will substantially decrease if more two-wheelers owners decide to switch to the CNG option. With global environmental issues bringing new challenges time and again, finding greener solutions and implementing them is a need of the hour.

Installing a CNG kit in your two-wheeler is not enough to improve the mileage and save additional expenses. Another thing to consider about CNG fitted two-wheelers is the expensive repair cost in case of an accident. Therefore, you require extra protection of a 2 wheeler insurance. Check out Magma HDI’s 2 wheeler insurance online and make your journeys stress-free and financially safe against adverse situations.

Environment-friendly and sustainable practices can be our first step towards a secure future. If you’re ready to compromise with the minor discomforts and consider pollution as a bigger threat, then switching to natural alternatives is the best choice that you can make!

Click HERE to get your 2 wheeler insurance online with us.

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 city, highways, and the sky above look much more beautiful at night. And, driving alongside the stars and the pleasant winds is a memorable experience. But apart from the nicer part, night time driving is also dangerous. One of the main reasons is the decreased visibility during the night due to the low contrast and the glare of the headlights of vehicles coming from the front.

The probability of a fatal car accident increases three times during the night. When we are exhausted and sleepy, our reaction time is slow, and we cannot think or make any decisions correctly. As a result, our overall spatial and environmental awareness decreases.

Due to the condition and unpredictability of Indian roads and traffic, driving at night is a challenge. Still, if you are planning to take a long road journey at night, follow these 09 safety practices.

1. Driving at a slower speed:
37% of night time road accidents are due to speeding compared to only 21% in the daytime. We advise you to drive at a speed lower than you typically do on the same road in daylight.

2. Drive with someone:
It is always better to drive with someone at night as the two of you can take turns driving every two hours. This way, both will receive some rest, and neither will be too exhausted while driving.

3. Take a nap:
Whenever you start feeling drowsy, pull over and take a nap. Even an hour’s rest will keep you going for the next three to four hours. Ensure that the place you pull over is safe; a restaurant’s parking lot or petrol pump is better than a random spot on the highway. Remember to lock doors and check your surroundings properly.

4. Maintain a safe distance:
It is an essential practice for driving. This becomes even more important during nights because our reaction time and judgment abilities are always lower than in the daytime.

5. Dim the lights:
Avoid using high beams on busy roads as you will only be blinding the other drivers. But in case the lights on the highways are dim, switch to using high beams.

6. Drunk driving:
Drunk driving is illegal; still, many drivers don’t consider it serious. So, even if you do not drink, you are likely to meet many other drunk drivers on your way. Therefore, drive with caution as drunk drivers are likely not to follow signals properly and abruptly stop or switch lanes. Even if it's not your fault, you may have to pay the price. Here, good car insurance can assist you with covering the financial losses.

7. Clean your car:
Focus more on the windscreens and windows as this will increase the visibility. Keep the wipers in proper working condition. Fix any cracks or scratches in the glass as they are likely to scatter light.

8. Be well rested:
If you know that you will be driving at night, it is advisable to rest appropriately the day before. Also, take care of your eyes, wear anti-reflecting glasses to avoid high beams.

9. Eat a light meal:
Having heavy meals will make you feel sleepy and bloated, therefore stick to fruits and vegetables, and stay away from fast food.

Driving at night is not the safest choice but by being alert, sober, and following the practices mentioned above, we can make night journeys safe and convenient for you and other commuters. Also, driving at night does not mean you remain in the dark when it comes to your car insurance. Purchasing ideal car insurance and adhering to traffic laws and driving ethics can assure vehicle safety under all circumstances.

Looking for car insurance? Click HERE to get the best quotes.

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.

Buying a home is probably the most significant investment that someone makes in their life. But how often do we cherish and maintain it? The idea of climbing over roofs and crawling in small spaces to clean and check things does not excite anyone, but it certainly is necessary.

Few things need to be done more regularly than others, such as weekly cleaning your windows and wardrobes. Cleaning the drainage pipes, washrooms, and bathrooms can be done once or twice a month.

If thinking about home maintenance gives you a headache, do not worry. We have created the seasonal maintenance checklist for your home to make things easier for you.

But what are the main things you need to focus on?

• The exterior of your house

• Plumbing and drainage systems

• Electricals

• Security system

• Heating and cooling systems

1. Spring:

'Spring cleaning' is crucial as this is the humid transition period between winter's cold temperatures and upcoming summer heat.

• Check the overall condition of the roof.

• Pour water into floor drains; this will help prevent sewage odours and clean the gutters.

• Schedule your AC for service and replacement of its filter.

2. Summer:

Summer is all about spending time with your friends and family. So, this checklist suggests what you would require to do to prepare for a fun summer holiday.

• Remove dead grasses, lay flower beds, ensure everything looks fresh, and water your garden or house plants regularly.

• Check all the hoses for any wear and tear or leaking issues and fix them immediately if you find any.

• Deep clean the interiors and exteriors of your house, including the driveways and sideways.

• Pest Control during this season is crucial, mainly to prevent mites from damaging your furniture.

3. Monsoon:

Monsoons dominate India’s climate. Indeed, they bring the much-needed water for our crops, but they are also accompanied by strong winds, floods, and power cuts.

• Ensure no stagnant water accumulation as it is the breeding ground for mosquitoes and many other insects.

• Install an effective ventilator to prevent the musty odour from the damp walls and things.

• The constant dampness can cause bugs and fungus on your carpet and rugs so take measures to prevent that.

• A complete waterproofing of walls and ceiling is necessary.

4. Autumn:

The autumn season is the best time to run an overall maintenance check of your home as it is dry, and the temperature is often comfortable.

• Inspect your doors and windows for any cracks, and if there are, get them fixed.

• Check the paint, and if you are planning to paint your house, autumn is the best time.

• To remove the accumulated sediments, clean your water taps, showerheads and water heaters. This will prolong their life and their efficiency.

5. Winter:

Most of us love to be cosy and stay indoors during winters, so it makes sense to focus more on the indoors during this chilly time of the year. But, winter is a season of a few marquee festivals of India, so take this opportunity to keep your home shining. This will even keep you engaged during the cold season.

• A thorough inspection of plumbing is essential. The pipes will likely develop cracks and leaks when the water gets cold.

• Check the heating and air ventilation systems of all appliances.

If you follow this easily doable checklist, you will considerably save your time in maintaining your home in the long run. Not just the maintenance but also the security of your home is equally important. Include a point of home insurance in your checklist for additional protection from unexpected mishaps. Buy home insurance online to get the best deals on your plan. You may even stand a chance to get lower premiums if you have worked upon the security of your home by installing safety equipment and systems.

Click HERE to buy home insurance online.

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

As per recent statistics, India has got into the top 5 of most cyber-attacked nations globally by recording more than 1.1 million cyber security assaults in the previous year alone. With the corporate industry being a large sector of revenue generation and economy booster in India, assuring digital security becomes a primary concern.

Businesses are a primary target of cybercriminals as they can gain access to clients’ sensitive data and severely compromise it. Data is the new oil, and the industry is valued in trillions. No business can afford the risk of data leaks, living in the internet-driven world where we are surrounded by many mischievous minds known as hackers.

The practical ways that businesses can implement to ensure safety from cyber threats are mentioned below.

1. Set up Firewalls:
It is the initial line or rather a wall of defence against cyber-attacks. It blocks unauthorized access from outside of the organization and blocks people from within the organization from visiting or opening malicious links.

2. Keep your systems up to date:
System updates are crucial as they consist of security patches designed to protect from the latest security threats. Keeping your system up to date will also help in boosting the operational performance and deriving optimum results.

3. Anti-virus software:
Antiviruses identify, block, and respond to harmful software on your system. Even if you use your system carefully to prevent it from malicious software or files, antivirus software is an essential component of a comprehensive security plan.
Antiviruses scan every file on your system and compare it to known viruses and other forms of malware. If it detects a harmful file, it will block the program from executing and avoid the multiplication of viruses to corrupt the system.

4. Virtual Private Network:
Businesses can improve their online security by setting up a Virtual Private Network. A VPN will shield your business' internet traffic from hackers by channelling all of your data via a strongly encrypted tunnel. The initial milestone to hack systems starts with targeting an IP address. As a VPN hides your IP address, Attackers won't be able to take control of your system.

5. Insurance to the rescue:
A public liability insurance policy protects businesses from the impacts of cyberattacks. This includes security for lost revenue resulting from a cyberattack, payments made to hackers to retrieve data, third-party coverage for losses, lawsuit expenses, and fines.

Other Security measures to practice:

• Reduce the collection of personal and sensitive information from clients as much as possible.

• Educate employees about cyber security through assessments.

• Encrypt important data using the best encryptions procedures available in the market.

• Back up your valuable data at regular intervals.

• Don't forget to shield your cloud storage.

While businesses must digitalize to meet the demands of their consumers, at the same time, they must show their preparation for the adverse technologies and the hackers behind them. Despite having all efforts, if a security breach occurs, a public liability insurance policy can offer the cushion that allows the business to survive the crisis.

So, wisely invest in effective antivirus software technology to ensure a safer environment in the working ecosystem.

Click HERE to buy a public liability insurance policy for your business today.

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.

Rising fuel prices have compelled car owners to find practical solutions to improve the mileage. There is a way out; substituting petrol and diesel-run cars with CNG options. With India putting more effort to reduce pollution and fossil fuel consumption, CNG is receiving more consideration as a more affordable and ecological fuel alternative.

But, do CNG cars have an excellent reputation now? It is because of the assumption that these cars do not require much maintenance, which is entirely wrong! Irrespective of the fuel type, all vehicles need proper care to give a better performance. Now the question arises; how exactly do we boost the mileage of our CNG cars?

Here are our best tips to improve the fuel efficiency of your car and cover more distances.

1. Servicing:
This might sound obvious, but many people still fail to do it. Servicing your car on time improves the mileage of the vehicle. If both the engine and the gas kit are appropriately maintained, the car performance goes up.
And just like the car, the fitted CNG kit also requires proper servicing. It does not matter whether your service station installed the CNG kit or the company had already fitted it; regular inspection and servicing are necessary.

2. Inspect for leakage:
When you get a CNG kit fitted locally, there are chances of damage to your vehicle. Also, when the CNG kit gets old or uses local parts, there can be a leakage in the pipe connecting to the cylinder. It may lead to the wastage of gas and a possible reduction in the car's mileage.
To get the best mileage from your car, you should regularly check your vehicle for any leakage issues. This will improve your car's performance and even reduce the chances of any mishaps.

3. Tyre pressure:
This alone can make a huge difference. Always keep your tyres inflated. If you have ever used a bicycle, you know how difficult it is to drag it with a flat tyre. The same concept applies to cars; cars will have to use more power to pull themselves if the tyres do not have sufficient pressure. Here is an extra tip; overinflate your car's tyres a bit, not to the point where they explode but a bit extra than the company specifications. Here is why; tyres will never be perfectly round in shape. They always squish a little at the bottom to create a flat contact patch with the ground, and more the air, less the area of the contact patch. This will make the car move quickly.

The mileage of a CNG car is approximately two times more than that of a petrol car, and by following the above tips, you can upgrade it to a better level. Don’t wait to refuel the gas until the indicator drops to the empty sign. Driving with less gas in the tank can affect the mileage.

Only improving the car's mileage is not enough to cover more miles. Another thing to consider about CNG cars is their maintenance and repair cost in case of an accident. Therefore, you require additional protection by purchasing insurance. Check out Magma HDI’s online car insurance and make your journeys stress-free and financially safe against adverse situations.

Buying a new car? Click HERE to get the online car insurance quotes.

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.

Have you experienced dull headlights of your vehicle during your journey in the night? Your vehicle headlights get faded over time, and they appear unappealing and significantly decrease the light output. The protective layer on the headlight wears off due to the Ultraviolet radiation from the sun, dust particles in the air, and even the heat generated by the headlight bulb.

You might consider purchasing a new pair of headlights in such a situation. This, however, would be a costly affair. There are solutions by which you can clean those hazy headlights without buying a whole new set or even replacing them. Here are some ways you can fix the foggy headlights issue.

1. Cleaning the vehicle's headlights with a toothpaste:

Here's how you can do it.

• Initially, moisten the headlamp with some water to allow the toothpaste to distribute evenly on the surface.

• Apply a layer of regular toothpaste on the headlight and rub it using a toothbrush or your finger. Gently rub it for a few minutes.

• Keep the toothpaste for around 10 minutes.

• Then, it's time to clean the toothpaste.

• Use a paper towel or a microfiber cloth to wipe. And you’re done.

• To wrap things up, apply a coating of vehicle wax to ensure that the headlights remain clean for an extended period.

2. Using Vinegar and Baking soda:

• Dust off the headlights.

• Dilute some vinegar with water and spray it on the headlights.

• Wipe off the solution using a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

• Mix vinegar with baking soda in the proportion of 2:1 (2 for vinegar and 1 for baking soda)

• Begin rubbing this solution onto your headlights. Wipe in circular movements with a clean cloth until you get the desired results.

• Once finished, clean the headlight using a wet sponge and apply vehicle wax.

3. Using carbonated soft drink:

Surprisingly, this hack works!

• Wipe the headlight using a wet cloth.

• Spray the carbonated drink onto the headlights.

• Let it rest for around 10 minutes.

• Wipe it off with a sponge and later rinse it with water.

• You may not get the desired results in one attempt. This process is time-taking and reflects its results late, so repeat the process until satisfied.

• Apply vehicle wax.

These were some quick DIYs for your foggy headlights. And, if done correctly, you’ll observe optimum results by saving a considerable amount of money.

But, there are specific detergents and products available for this purpose in the market to give you more detailed results. If you're not satisfied with these home remedies, choose an off-the-shelf product to clean your headlamps. You must maintain your headlights in good and shining condition because they ensure clear vision during the darker hours of the day and even signal an approaching vehicle while overtaking.

Despite all these DIYs, if the headlights’ situation appears severe, then visit the automobile mechanic to replace them altogether. Your motor insurance company in India mostly covers the cost of servicing and replacements. So, don't bother making payments out of your pocket. Instead, contact your insurer and inform them regarding the repairs, and you will indeed receive help.

Click HERE to browse through the motor 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.