GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

"The bat is not a toy, it's a weapon. It gives me everything in life, which helps me to do everything on the field." These wise words of the Indian skipper Virat Kohli are enough to inspire any young batsman.

The feeling of striking the ball in solid defense or in a swing that deposits the ball whizzing away to the fence is unforgettable. But it requires sweating on the ground to be the ‘best batsman’.

Remember that there is no hack to ace your batting performance without working with immense training. To achieve your dream, you will have to undergo strenuous training sessions. We’ve some essential tips that will guide you in developing, improving, and maintaining your striking abilities.

Gripping your bat:
Grip variations can do wonders when you know what shots you want to play. Let us explain how correctly holding the bat can help you play the best shot.

● Rounding the grip: With this grip, you can open the entire face of the bat. It's beneficial for playing square drives with a full face. If you’re someone who loves striking more towards the offside, then this shot can do wonders.

● Gripping the bat closer to the bottom: This will offer you more control and allow you to generate more bat speed. The bottom hand is dominant to play more intricate strokes.

● Gripping the bat closer to the top: This type of grip extends the batsman's reach; it's more convenient to hit strokes on the front foot. However, this grip does not create much power, so pick the short deliveries smartly.

Grill in the Drills:
Drills help improve your muscle memory, eventually improving your reflexes. Drilling for at least half an hour will improve your actions and make you a better hitter. Below, we've listed a few drills which will be critical for your batting. You'll find video tutorials of each mentioned drill online. Look them up and start practicing.

● Shadow batting (pretend to strike an imaginary ball with your bat to train your mind before facing the actual ball)

● One hand batting (making those arms stronger)

● Hanging ball drill (learn to coordinate your bat and body depending on the movement of the ball)

Perfect stance for the best shot:
When you take a stance, attempt to bend your knee, and get into a comfortable position to shoot the ball. If you shorten the distance between your knees, you may find it challenging to perform the perfect shot in cricket.

If you have difficulty playing shots on the leg side, you are said to have a "closed off" stance. This means that you're too sideways in your approach. To overcome this, you need to maintain an open posture. It puts you in a balanced position from which you may make room for yourself and play the shot comfortably.

Remember, cricket is rated as a dangerous sport, and if enough protective gear is not used, it could lead to severe injuries. Tiring hours of regular practice on the pitch and the gruelling net sessions also make you vulnerable to many injuries; some of those can be even life-threatening. In addition to protective gear, always protect yourself for overall safety with ideal personal accident insurance to avoid financial worries. It can make you feel protected so you can enjoy your sport with complete peace of mind. Follow your passion and put in your best techniques and stroke play to mastering the art of batting!

Click HERE to know about the best personal accident 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.

The growing number of vehicles plying on the roads have notable implications on traffic congestion and highway accidents. According to statistics recorded by the Indian Road Congress, road accidents occur in India every four minutes!

Most of these incidents happen due to the drivers' incomplete knowledge and failure to follow traffic rules. Although stringent measures are taken to punish the faulty drivers, individuals continue to believe in a few myths regarding the laws that can put their and others' lives at stake.

Here are eight common myths about traffic laws in India that you should not believe.

1. There is no need to follow traffic lights at night:
People think that there is no need to follow traffic lights after a particular hour at night. But, they forget that they are not the only ones driving at night. Although some intersections display blinking amber traffic lights, it doesn't mean the high-speed crossing is allowed on those signals. These blinking traffic lights indicate you to proceed with caution without stopping.

2. You can overtake from the left:
India is a right-hand driving nation, so a driver should overtake another vehicle from the right-hand side; that’s what even our laws say.
However, there is an exception. If the driver in the front has indicated to take a right turn, you can overtake that vehicle from the left side while maintaining a distance. But, always give appropriate indications while turning and even follow the indications given by other drivers.

3. Parking anywhere you want:
Parking, as per our convenience, has always felt normal in India. Parking anywhere is okay if the road doesn't have a 'No Parking' sign. People tend to park their vehicles everywhere as long as there is no towing van insight. However, it is essential to park the cars properly to ease the traffic for everyone.

4. Reversing on a one-way street:
People find it convenient to reverse a car on a one-way street because they don't see this as an offence. In such scenarios, the logical concept of 'vehicle facing the same direction of traffic flow' is untrue and can be a significant driving hazard. It is prohibited to reverse on a one-way road, as it interrupts the ongoing traffic.

5. You don't need insurance for an old car:
Another crucial myth is that we don't require motor insurance policies for old cars. However, driving without valid insurance documents can land you in trouble. So, if you don't have one and are driving your car, buy motor insurance online to avoid distress during your driving.

6. Seat belt is not required for slow driving:
There are countless advertisements put out to emphasize the importance of seatbelts. Yet, many drivers consider that seat belts are not required for low-speed driving. They assume that seat belts are used to avoid being "caught" or "getting a ticket" rather than for safety reasons. The myth that you do not need to wear a seatbelt has put a lot of lives in danger.

7. Hands-free are allowed while driving:
The traffic law has banned using phones while driving; still, many believe that using a hands-free device is acceptable. Is attending calls more important than your life? This shouldn’t be the case, as any distractions while driving can be a potential risk.

8. Drink and drive:
According to traffic laws, the permissible limit of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in a person's blood is 30 mg per 100 ml (0.03 percent). To explain it, even one drink of 30 mg can wander your thinking, blur your vision and impair your reflexes. There is a myth that if you drive slowly after a drink, you can still handle the road. Such overconfident drivers can be moving threats to other drivers that are sober and responsible.

Remember, ignorance is not a reason for doing something unlawful on the road. While many drivers are cautious, the mishappening still occurs due to mistakes from the other side. Always have motor insurance for the financial protection of your vehicle. You can buy motor insurance online from a reputed motor insurance company for safety on the road.

Prevention is always better than cure, but not everyone is fully clued about 'safe driving'. So clear up that confusion and misinformation about traffic rules. It is time we change the common motor law myths.

Click HERE to buy a motor insurance online for your vehicle.

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.

“Music is the soundtrack of your life” – Dick Clark.
It is unimaginable to have a life without music and the ability to enjoy it. For most of us, music has been a medium that helps us navigate through the daily hustle of our lives. Few of us are blessed with singing ability, while the others are not.

Irrespective of whether we know or don’t know singing, we enjoy it in our solitude limited to our bathrooms or bedrooms. In this article, we will discuss a few ways to improve this craft and support your singing voice while being in the comfort of your home.

1. Warm-up:
People commonly discuss the importance of warming up for a sports activity but conveniently forget the importance of the same during singing. There are various ways to warm up your vocal cords to prepare before singing. Various jaw and muscle exercises such as blowing through your lips and sticking out the tongue can go a long way.
Another way to warm up your vocal cord is by humming tunes. Indian classical musicians use “sa re ga ma”. Using different variations of these notes is an excellent way to practice pitch and voice modulation.

2. Hydrate yourself:
If you are confused about what to drink before the event, then your answer is water. Drinking lukewarm water during rehearsals helps lubricate your vocal cords. Hydrated vocal cords ensure that you put forward your best performance. Another great alternative is herbal tea which has plenty of health benefits for your throat.

3. Take breaks:
Like any other activity, your vocal cords need rest as well. Over exerting your voice can lead to cracks, soreness, and itchiness that can tear your voice while performing. This can also lead to allergies and also aggravate any pre-existing problem. Hence you must avoid practicing on the day of the event. However, if it is mandatory, try not to strain your voice. Instead, try humming.

4. Avoid harmful substances:
Cold and aerated drinks should be avoided entirely for the good health of your vocal cords, as the high content of sugar in aerated drinks are harmful to your vocal cords. Smoking is highly detrimental to your vocal health and can lead to long term damage. When you smoke, you are subjecting your vocal cords to toxic materials—everything you breathe in passes through your throat, which can lead to permanent damage.
You should also be mindful of carrying masks or scarves while travelling through a highly polluted environment. While drinking alcohol has no direct effect on your vocal cord, it is dehydrating and inflammatory, hence not advisable for singers.

5. Do not sing if it hurts:
If you feel a strain on your throat, it is best to avoid singing. Straining your vocal cord can be devastating and can cause cysts in the long run. It is best to give your throat the rest that it needs. However, if the problem persists, visit your doctor.

6. Regular check-ups:
It is wise to visit your ENT specialist regularly. If you are experiencing any trouble, your doctor will examine the underlying problem. The doctor might suggest a few scans and medications that you can take for the speedy recovery of your throat.

These are a few ways to take care of your throat and your singing voice. As mentioned above, consider going to the doctor when you feel any kind of uneasiness associated with your throat. Avoid straining your vocal cords. If you are considering regular checkups, investing in health insurance will be a good idea as it will act as a safety net in case of any expense you might face during your treatment.

Click HERE to know more about health 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.

At-home gatherings are now again in fashion post-pandemic. However, throwing a simple house party requires the right mindset, preparation, and skills to have an epic event. Make sure everyone will enjoy themselves if you're planning to host a dinner party, a modest birthday celebration, or any achievement.

Your gathering will be the party of the year if you follow these easy hosting recommendations.

1. Make a plan:
No matter how big or small, house parties are necessary to celebrate all of life's significant occasions. We've discovered from some of the event experts that preparation is half the pleasure. Prepare the invitee list in advance, deep clean your dining area or living room, and also remember to set up little sanitising stations throughout the gathering.

2. Decor objectives:
The house's decor would be the next thing to be played with. The cushions and upholstery can be changed to suit the occasion. As colour coordination is essential for tying the space together, you may use flowers to fill the day's mood. These simple and quick modifications give the impression that a lot of work was put into them.

3. Play quality music:
Party vibes are incomplete without happening music. Play fantastic playlists to keep the party going, whether it is an afternoon brunch with friends, a baby or bridal shower, or a holiday party. Keep the sound manageable so you can converse with your guests.

4. Proper lighting:
A well-lit space is needed every day, especially when you have company. Make sure all windows are open and provide plenty of natural light for a gathering during the day. In the evening, warm lighting creates a cosy atmosphere. The proper lighting transforms a room instantaneously, bringing out all of your home's lovely nooks and places.

5. Pay attention to the minor details:
Having additional closet space for jackets might be a simple example of this. These thoughtful additions will give guests the impression that you put a lot of consideration into this at-home party.

6. Absolute clarity:
First, ensure your environment is clutter-free, especially the hosting area. This advice is very relevant when young children are present because they frequently leave their playthings in impromptu locations throughout the house. Remember that a clean space feels airy, pleasant, and warm.

7. Understand your guests:
This is essential to mastering the art of entertaining at home. Understanding your visitors' preferences, dislikes, and ideas about what is most enjoyable is necessary. Take advantage of their preferences or encourage them to try new dishes you have prepared for the occasion.

8. Play games frequently:
A basic board game or a deck of cards should always be available if your party turns into a game event. At night's end, these essentials are impressive. Outstanding cuisine, good company, and extraordinary beverages are the ingredients of a successful party.

9. Ask for assistance:
You might want to appear to have it all together. We are here to tell you that just because you are having a party doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. Invite your friends to bring wine, dessert, or other light fare food. A little aid can go a long way.

Nobody wants to feel tense during a party, dinner, or other function. Make everyone feel as though you are happy to have them there.

Also, a home is one of the most important investments you may strive to make throughout your life. However, you need to secure and protect this crucial life investment. House insurance India can help protect your home and your belongings against unanticipated events like burglaries, fires, floods, storms, and explosions. Buy the best house insurance India policy today, and always be prepared to celebrate good times at your dream home.

Click HERE to buy the best house 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.