GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Morning chill, dense fog, and cold weather are the signs of winter's arrival. Even visualizing yourself riding through the empty roads in freezing weather can shiver you with cold. Riding a motorcycle in winter can be challenging. Therefore, proper winter gear, clothing, and some tips are essential to consider while planning cold weather riding.

In this space, we've shared our best recommendations to make your winter motorcycle riding plan fool proof.

1. Warm yourself up; feel the heat:
Layering! Wind-blocking is simply the formula. Before you even think about your bike jacket, you need to put some layers of clothing barriers in place right near to your skin. Here's a brief guide.

• The base layer – a warm t-shirt

• A hoodie or fleece

• Motorcycle jackets – leathers aren't particularly appropriate for the cold. Instead, choose a warm, waterproof textile alternative

• A neck warmer or snood – especially if you're riding on the highway

• And finally, suitable warm gloves

• Layering your torso isn't enough. Invest in winter boots, layer-up socks, and pants

2. Charge up your batteries; don’t let them chill:
The chilled months can be difficult for your bike's battery since the colder temperature delay its chemical processes, causing it to cease operating. To keep it charged, you must ride your bike regularly. Utilizing a trickle charger to keep the battery completely charged can also help.

3. Ensure visibility; keep your vision clear as your enthusiasm:
Install a pin-lock and wipe your helmet visor with running water to keep it clear and fog-free. Don't go scrubbing since the salt and grime will damage your visor and cause it to become foggy.

4. Helmet; not for fashion but protection:
You should consider purchasing a winter-specific helmet with reduced front-end ventilation. And a visor that doesn't allow fog to settle in. Only buy a helmet that has ISI certification.

5. Clean your bike; to have consistent running:
Cleaning your bike in winter can be difficult, especially if you know you'll have to do it regularly. But hear us out, cleaning off the road salt can make a significant difference in the start of corrosion. You can use a protective lubricant and anti-corrosion spray to avoid components from melting into a puddle. It will also make cleaning the bike faster and easier. Winters invite unexpected damages and repair works to your bike. Next time when you buy warm clothes to be winter-ready, consider checking your bike maintenance and bike insurance policy to ensure your preparedness against the weather.

6. Monitor the weather; be the forecast expert:
Following the weather forecast is a must for every motorcyclist, especially during the winter months. By checking the weather online, you can prepare for a foggy day or lovely day accordingly.

Whether you’re planning for a long ride or a short trip to your neighbourhood store, cautious riding is essential to help navigate cold and wet roads. The freezing weather outside determines more than you think; when to slow down, be smooth, maintain enough distance for braking, following essential tips and ensure bike insurance to cover you for any eventuality. So check back regularly the above tips for comfortable riding and keep you protected on the bike throughout winter.

Click HERE to know about the best bike insurance plans before your next bike ride.

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.

We all know how much effort we have to put in to maintain a car that we drive daily. Now imagine the maintenance needed for one we do not drive that often. Of course, it is not essential to take care of an idle standing car in your garage, but it is vital to keep its maintenance top-notch irrespective of driving.

To help you get better at maintaining an idle car, we have mentioned some tips below that you can follow without going out of your way!

1. Change the oil frequently:
The engine is the heart of any vehicle. So even if you are not driving the vehicle, you must ensure that you are taking care of the engine and that the engine oil is changed frequently. This keeps the engine lubricated and improves the life of your vehicle. So you do not have to worry about its maintenance if you decide to use it in the future. Moreover, the engine is the most expensive part, so you might have to pay a hefty sum if it is damaged.

2. Go for a short drive:
When the manufacturers make a car, they keep it running throughout. So your vehicle's engine oil often circulates to the different parts of your engine and provides lubrication. When you leave your car idle for a long time, the engine parts tend to lose their lubrication and face damage. Also, if it is not used for a long time, your vehicle's battery will drain eventually.

3. Clean your car:
If you know that your vehicle will be idle for a long time without being touched, then you must have a routine to clean its interior and exterior regularly. You can cover your vehicle with a car body cover; this will protect it from all the dust, leaves, moisture that otherwise can ruin its texture. A car's paint undergoes severe damage due to factors like moisture, weather or climatic conditions, substance damage, etc. Schedule a bubble bath for your less operational vehicle at least once every month to maintain the glaze of its exterior.

4. Check for rodents and pests:
An idle car is the perfect breeding home for pests and rodents. The vehicle being untouched will make it an ideal environment for infestation. Rodents can put down the electrical circuits, seat cushions, wires and severely damage the interiors. All of these things will make your car of no use later on. So while cleaning your vehicle, make sure that you are also getting it checked for rodents and pests to keep them away.

5. Disconnect the batteries:
While your car is idle, it is best to unplug the battery terminals to avoid corrosion. Ensure that you wear gloves and keep the ignition turned off. While unplugging the battery terminals, you must unplug the negative one first and then the positive one.

6. Maintain your car insurance renewal:
Keeping your vehicle idle and unused will land you in trouble later. These problems can be anything from the engine to corrosion of parts too. So to ensure that you do not have to pay for the damages, you must also ensure your car insurance renewal.

Car maintenance can be challenging and time-consuming, but your work will be less complicated with the tips mentioned above. They will ensure your car doesn't get damaged or face any trouble. Whether you are operating it or not, your car is your responsibility, and looking after its maintenance should be your priority as an owner.

Click HERE to buy the best car insurance 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.

Bungee jumping is a growing obsession for thrill-seekers. It is one of the terrifying and exhilarating moments of your life when hanging with an elastic rope and throwing yourself off a great height. There are no signs of decline in its popularity, with the gen-z and millennials becoming the trendsetters.

It is a mental hurdle, and by overcoming it, you will experience the freedom which is unparalleled to anything. And once you have experienced your first jump, you won't be able to wait for the second. You want to face the fear and get a craving for jumping into the unknown. So, here are ten tips for you to follow before attempting bungee jumping.

1. Do not visualize:
Though your thoughts suggest otherwise, why expose yourself to the risk of overthinking and psyching yourself out? Avoid thinking about how anything could go wrong. Dwelling on things beforehand never helps.

2. Get ready to face your fear:
Yes, the events that lead to the final moment will scare you. Climbing to that height, wearing the safety equipment will panic you. Just before the jump, the adrenaline will numb your senses. And once the instructors say 'jump', you dare to leap.

3. Choose your location:
It is true; the scenic surroundings will be the great background of your experience. Pick a place you genuinely like and are comfortable with. It is not just about the jump but the whole experience. Choose to jump over a forest or river, whatever feels serene to you.

4. Do not stress-eat:
Especially people with a fear of heights tend to overeat. To remain active, consume energy drinks, fruit juices, or bland food. Overeating leads to vomiting, and that will spoil your mood.

5. Choose a reputed company:
Do some research to find a company that has expertise in this business. Find whether they have adequately trained instructors and follow all the safety measures. Check online reviews, costs, and experience before coming to a decision.

6. Safety must come first:
Remember that, apart from choosing a trustworthy and reputed instructor, you also need personal accident insurance to cover any mishap. Many adventure companies even ask you the same at the time of registration. So, if you don't have one, you can still buy personal accident insurance online.

7. Comfortable clothing:
Go for comfortable clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, and pants. The goal is to feel free and light, so avoid dresses, skirts, or extra accessories.

8. Do not look down:
The instructor asks you to always look straight. Do not look down, as it will only give you more anxiety. Instead, viewing straight helps you relax and be in the moment.

9. Trust the process:
Thousands of people have successfully tried bungee jumping before you, so do not worry. Also, have faith in the instructors; they are professionally trained and probably do this a dozen times a day!

10. Bring someone along:
Sharing this extraordinary experience with a friend is the best way to feel less tense. Thus, if you have a partner, you will make a memory with them for a lifetime.

Once you float in the air, enjoy every single second of this gentle swing. A reputed instructor makes you feel safe in the air and have the experience of a lifetime. Stick to these guidelines, follow all safety precautions, and have personal accident insurance online before you take your first jump and feel accomplished, feel unstoppable.

Thought about getting a personal accident insurance policy yet? Click HERE to know more.

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.

Road trips with your closest friends promise many fun memories and thrilling experiences. But have you thought of taking a cross-country road trip with your travel friends? Cross-country road trips are a fun way to explore the country's diverse and local landscapes. It also leaves space for new additions to the itinerary as you can make pit stops whenever you want to and travel at your own pace.

Planning a cross-country trip involves lots of thought and readiness in all aspects. Physical and mental preparedness is paramount when deciding to plan such extensive journeys. From budgeting to making the itinerary and ensuring the excellent condition of your bike to taking care of your health, the complete road map of your trip should be ready in advance.

In this article, we will take note of a few things to keep in mind before you take that much-awaited road trip with your friends on your bike.

1. Calculate the duration of your trip:

It is essential to calculate how much time you will need to spend on the road to the chosen destination. Depending upon the duration, you will have to decide the number of pit stops you will take and the lodging facility if you plan on halting for the night. Driving non-stop can be tiring, so chalking out the timelines for driving and resting would be an excellent way to give your body some rest.

2. Choose your stops before beginning the trip:

Doing thorough research on the entire route and marking important places to visit is an intelligent way to undertake long road trips. While choosing the places of significance, note other important things such as fuel pumps, public toilets, hygienic restaurants, etc.

3. Booking and lodging:

Booking your lodging well in advance can help you avoid the last-minute panic of finding a place to find good shelter. If you are working with a flexible schedule, look for options on the go. This will give you space for exploring newer routes, and you might stumble upon some hidden gems on the way.

4. Packing and checklist:

It is best to pack light while travelling on a two-wheeler. Since the weather can be pretty unpredictable, choosing bags with rain covers is a clever idea. Add first aid, emergency medicines, sunscreen, and snacks to your travel kit.
Another way to avoid bulky packing is to opt for vacuum packing. Vacuum packing helps in the compression of all your clothes and other essentials. This way, you save space and cut down on the number of bags you need to carry.

5. Preparing your two-wheeler:

Before taking a cross-country road trip, you must take your bike to the service centre. Check for tyre pressure, wheel alignment, brakes, engine performance, etc. Change engine oil if required. Before setting out on the journey, ensure that all your paperwork is in place. Remember to check the batteries and fill the fuel tank before you leave. Another essential thing to note is to insure your bike with 2 wheeler insurance. If you already have, consider getting add-ons such as breakdown assistance, damages due to floods, accidents etc.

A road trip can be enjoyable and one of the most exhilarating experiences if appropriately planned. Keeping a few things in mind and being responsible will add value to your experience.

As mentioned above, your health and bike are essential for your road trip to succeed. Keep a first-aid kit for common medical emergencies during your travel. Also, remember to have a comprehensive 2 wheeler insurance to ensure that your bike is covered and safeguarded against any unprecedented expense you might incur during your trip.

Click HERE 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.