GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Personal information is an asset that one must safeguard at all costs. In the olden days, identity theft was limited to misrepresentation by misuse of a person's name and identity, but in the modern world, its implications are far more severe.

In the era of digitalisation, where a person's identity proofs are linked to their bank accounts and other financial databases, it is easy for a criminal to wreak havoc with a stolen identity. The most vulnerable personal identities generally stolen include social media accounts, PAN, Aadhar, email, and bank details.

While different kinds of thefts and infringements are often discussed, identity theft insurance in India is an under-discussed topic that few are aware of. It is essential to protect oneself from such contingent threats using adequate insurance. In the backdrop of a crisis, they play a vital role in recouping losses.

If you suspect that your identity has been impersonated, here are the steps you must take immediately.

1. Identify the violation:
The first step after discovering that there seems to be some misuse of your information is to determine the extent of unauthorised action. Once you have identified the broad area, which may be one of the following- credit, taxes, or government benefits fraud, amongst others, try to identify the source of misuse of information.

2. Notify appropriate authorities:
While you can trace the source of misuse by jogging your memory, it is often infeasible. Even if you can trace the origin, your immediate action should be to notify the concerned authorities of the fraud details. This means that there will be a different concerned authority to approach each type of identity misuse.
For example, you should notify the Department of Telecommunications if your documents have been used to register for a SIM card. For cybercrimes or online fraud, you should approach the cybercrime police department. Similarly, you should immediately notify your bank to stop the payments in case you witness any unauthorised bank transactions.

3. Identify the extent of the damage:
Once you have identified and reported the problem, it is time to find the damage incurred. You may simplify this by checking your bank statements and any financial databases by scrutinising any recent transactions that appear to be unordinary and unauthorised by you.

4. File for damages:
Once you have a general estimate of the amount of loss incurred, you can file a lawsuit under the existing laws in India that provide relief against such fraud after fulfilling the conditions. A lawyer's aid can help handle the case legally.

While these are the steps you can take after realising the theft of your identity, here are some precautionary measures to ensure that your confidential data is not breached.

● Never save passwords:
While saving passwords to your accounts provides convenience during login, it also increases your susceptibility to fraudsters looking for opportunities to steal your information.

● Do not use unreliable sites:
One must always be careful when sharing basic details or banking information on any site, especially for new or unrecognisable sites. Do your due diligence before taking on such risks to ascertain its authenticity.

● Utilise multiple authentications:
Most sites now offer 2-factor and 3-factor authentication to secure your account. Ensure that you optimise such facilities to keep your accounts and data safe.

● Dispose of physical copies of identification:
It is common for most official processes to require the submission of physical copies of original identification records. Ensure that the printer and receiver get rid of the documents immediately after the official use if fulfilled.

● Purchase identity theft insurance:
While it is not so common, it is ideal to purchase theft insurance in India to protect yourself from identity theft in case the need arises.

The constant development of technology brings convenience to our lives while opening new windows for mischievous minds to scam people and make profits. Always have the mindset to follow the above preventive measures to minimise or eliminate identity theft threats. And don't forget to have the best theft insurance in India for your rescue if you find yourself trapped in a fraud or compromised identity.

Click HERE to buy the best theft 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.

Marriage is a monumental step in anyone's life. And if you have made this important decision and are going to or have recently got married, one of the essential things to consider is your and your spouse's financial security!

Since you intend to spend your entire life together, you must have adequate health insurance coverage. Consequently, reviewing and updating your health insurance plan after marriage is essential to ensure the best coverage for you and your new family.

1. Understand your new healthcare needs:
While your health insurance needs may change, it is best to have in-depth healthcare knowledge on what type of coverage would best suit you and your family. Nowadays, most plans include outpatient care, prescription drugs, and hospital or facility stays for a fixed premium. Sometimes, your coverage may include vision, dental needs, and even mental healthcare.
Suppose you have a specific need for any coverage or want to consult about the best options for your family. In that case, we suggest you seek help from your medical insurance provider and financial adviser. You can also surf the internet to gain a comprehensive understanding of all online health insurance policies.

2. Add your spouse to an existing plan:
If you are satisfied with your current health insurance plan coverage, you can add your spouse to your existing policy.
Whoever owns the policy can initiate this process by submitting the necessary documents (such as the marriage certificates and KYC documents for the new member, comprising evidence of identification, proof of age, and pictures) and completing the necessary form. The adjustment will also require changes in the policy premium for the newly added member.

3. Include maternity benefits under your policy:
Most health insurance policies have a maternity waiting period of two to four years. You can only consider obtaining the wife's maternity benefits once the waiting time is over. Therefore, if you don't include maternity benefits in your plan now, you will be unable to utilise them when planning a family.

4. More add-on covers:
As a result of the many changes that marriage entails, you and your spouse may want additional protection for your family. Now is the time to look into online health insurance add-ons that you can include in your coverage to make it more tailored to your specific requirements.
In addition to maternity insurance, you should think about purchasing a critical illness cover, personal accident protection, or a top-up cover. These are all powerful add-ons to consider. As some of these coverages may come with waiting periods, making the decision as soon as possible is crucial.

5. Choose the right insurer:
When you update your health plan or acquire a new one to meet your post-marriage requirements, it is recommended that you switch to an insurer that provides superior facilities and services to get the most out of your new plan.
Therefore, if unsatisfied with your current insurance provider, you may easily switch to a new and potentially superior insurance company. Look for an insurer that provides you with various rider coverages and benefits.

Marriage is one of the most critical decisions in your life, and you must handle it responsibly. You must have not only the coverage you need but also the coverage that is best for your family. By doing your homework and researching the best online health insurance options available, you can ensure that you will protect your family's health for years to come.

Click HERE to buy the best online health insurance policy.

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 season has its own character and is anticipated to practically play a hot-and-cold game with us. The seasonal changes sometimes make us feel a little under the weather. More illnesses, particularly colds, are frequently associated with this unpredictability of the temperature and weather. The main reason is that individuals often make the rookie error of becoming overly impatient and slipping into summer mode too quickly!

While there is no way to prevent falling sick during seasonal transitions, opting to buy health insurance online India and taking a few precautions can help you minimise the chance of developing common illnesses.

Five considerations as the weather begins to change are listed below.

1. Drink enough water:
Commonly prescribed for most health issues, drinking adequate water is essential, especially for staying healthy during the changing seasons. If you consume enough water, you can remove all the toxins from your body. It keeps your throat and nasal passages wet, preventing bacteria from having a chance to survive. To clear mucus from your body, you must also maintain a very high level of hydration. Therefore, consume at least eight glasses of water daily to maintain good health.

2. Avoid immediate cooling or air-conditioning:
Want to do it? It could feel warm sometimes in the middle of the season, and you might want to turn on the fan or use A/C. Subjecting your body to such abrupt temperature shifts can make you ill. A simple flick of the switch might result in several issues, ranging from a headache to a dry and scratchy throat.

3. Keep clad in cosy attire:
Giving up your cardigans and sweatshirts just yet isn't the best option, but losing a few layers is perfectly acceptable. Dressing in woollen clothes provides warmth and protection throughout the winter. Exposure and diseases like the flu might result from not wearing warm clothing. Even though the weather may be warm during the change of seasons, you need to keep yourself warm. It could make you sick to switch to summer attire so quickly.

4. Continue your exercise regimen:
Regarding exercise sessions, there are no excuses at all. You may have been sluggish throughout the winter, but you must start working out again, especially when the seasons change. Exercise enhances the immune system and promotes blood circulation, which can help you avoid illnesses. Physical activity can shorten the duration of the common cold, one of the diseases most closely related to the change in seasons. Consequently, put on your athletic shoes and get moving!

5. Keep harmful substances at a distance:
To deal with your flue like feelings, refrain from using harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Although these could appear to make you feel better in the short term, they can make you feel worse over time. These substances increase your risk of getting sick.

Medical crises can happen at any time. You should immediately seek medical attention if you or any family member exhibit any sickness symptoms. Many symptoms, especially in youngsters and the elderly, are frequently dismissed as minor. This often leads to a minor issue snowballing into a significant illness that could have been prevented with immediate medical intervention. Instead of shying away from medical facilities due to the high healthcare costs, buy health insurance online India for yourself and your family to cover medical expenses.

Click HERE to buy health 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.

Regular office work requires prolonged periods of desk sitting. Because of this excessive sitting, people tend to get various health issues like obesity, diabetes and risk of some chronic diseases. This post will discuss how sitting all day at your desk can harm your health.

1. Sedentary lifestyles have become increasingly common:
People spend a lot of time sitting down, whether working, socialising, studying, or travelling. Whether behind the wheel, at a desk, or in front of the TV, most people spend over half of their day's hours seated. An office worker may sit for as much as 15 hours a day. However, the average agricultural worker spends less than three hours a day seated.

2. Calorie expenditure is reduced:
Calories are burned even while you're not exercising, just by standing, strolling, and fidgeting. This type of energy use is called non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), and not getting enough of it is a big reason people gain weight.
No significant energy is used up by sitting or lounging around all day. It has a significant impact on your ability to burn calories through NEAT. Research shows that those who work in agriculture can burn up to 1,000 more calories per day than those who sit at a desk.

3. The risk of gaining weight while sitting is higher than when standing:
On average, obese people sit for an extra two hours a day compared to their normal-weight counterparts. It has been shown that prolonged sitting throughout the day can cause weight gain and a number of other health concerns.
Obesity or fat accumulation can lead to increased risks of heart disease and also put pressure on other vital organs like the liver, kidney, etc. You may also experience early joint pain, stiffness of body parts, backaches, and reduced stamina and endurance due to inactivity.

4. Sickness is associated with inactivity:
According to an analysis of data on more than a million people, sedentary lifestyles are associated with an increased risk of severe health conditions, early signs of ailments like hypertension and diabetes in younger people, and even cause premature death.
An increased risk of type 2 diabetes by 110% and heart disease by 140% have been linked to a lack of physical activity over the long term. Research has shown that sitting for long periods or walking less than 1,500 steps per day can significantly increase insulin resistance, a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

5. Even if you work out regularly, you still are at risk:
Even if you work out hard for an hour, sitting for the rest of the day is still bad for your health. It is important to take short breaks and keep the constant movement of your body throughout the day to avoid getting at risk of health issues due to lack of motion. Regular walking and exercises are necessary to keep your body in its best shape.

While taking breaks is crucial, indulging in physical activities at regular intervals of the day is equally important. Those who spend their days sitting at a desk can benefit from investing in a standing desk or taking frequent breaks to walk around the office. Cutting down on how much time you spend sitting is just as crucial for your health as what you eat and how often you work out.

It would help if you also buy health insurance to ensure you get the best care possible without putting a strain on your finances during the time of need. Rising medical costs force many to make compromise with the situation. You can purchase insurance from the best health insurance company in India, which will keep you secure in such cases.

Click HERE to get insurance benefits from the best health 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 winter season is the perfect escape from the hot and humid climate. But what appears soothing to the youth can be troublesome for elders. Winter is a difficult season to withstand and maintain good health, especially for elders suffering from joint pain. This season comes with cold conditions, low atmospheric pressure, and dry air, making the muscles tight and rigid, which results in joint pain.

If you have elders at home and you're wondering how to make the winter season more enjoyable for them, here are a few tips for the best joint protection.

1. Move frequently:
The winter season makes elders lazy and feels less energetic. They avoid going out and prefer staying indoors, often sitting or lying on the bed to stay warm and cosy. However, they should avoid doing this as their body will become more rigid and joints achy.
Elders need to be active during the winter months. They may take up small household chores to keep their mind and body active. Even a brisk walk now and then inside the house will help. Frequent movement of the joints will ensure they are not jammed and do not ache much.

2. Regular exercise:
Elders should exercise regularly during winter to keep their bodies in shape and their joints in rhythm. However, they should take proper care while exercising and not overdo it as it can cause more harm than benefit. Light cardio exercises, yoga, and stretching can be helpful to keep the elders free from joint pain. Exercise can also help to cure existing joint pain, if any.

3. A restricted and healthy diet:
Winters are a great time for food lovers and munchers to grab quick bites while watching their favourite TV shows or movies. We tend to eat more which increases the sugar intake. This can negatively impact the body weight and invite unwanted health problems.
Elders need to restrict their diet and avoid overeating. More weight means more pressure on the joints, resulting in pain. Weight control will help them to keep their joint pain in control and keep other critical illnesses like heart issues, hypertension, diabetes, etc., at bay.
Moreover, they need to maintain a healthy diet. Food with anti-inflammatory properties helps to relieve joint pain. Such food includes nuts, seeds, fish, turmeric, garlic, onion, and dark green leafy vegetables.

4. Supplements:
Many supplements available in the market help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Elders may also opt for calcium supplements to make their bones stronger and healthier.

5. Dress-up adequately:
Elders should take adequate care while dressing up in winter. They should choose attire that will keep them warm at home or if they plan to go out. Good quality jackets and coats are a must while going out. Also, they should stock up on woollen gloves and socks to keep themselves warm. Adequate clothing will ensure they do not suffer joint pain even in the harshest weather.

6. Stay well hydrated:
We tend to drink less water and fluids in the winter than in the summer. Staying hydrated is very important for elders during winter. They should frequently drink water and even warm liquids such as soup and tea to feel energetic and fresh throughout the day. Proper hydration will help the body to maintain its temperature. Muscles will be more flexible, helping them to keep the joint pain in control.

Now we know how winter can directly result in joint pain, especially in the elderly. Following the above tips judiciously can help them to curtail or minimise it in the tough cold weather and create a comfort zone for themselves.

Similarly, you should consider the best health insurance in India for parents and elders at home. These plans are specially curated to minimise your worries about their health and medical expenses. Under all severe circumstances, a comprehensive health insurance policy will ensure the elders' well-being.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance in India for parents.

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.

Recent years have seen a rising number of women actively contributing in every sector. Whether police services, office-goers, or cab drivers, women are stepping out of their homes to build a future for themselves. Even with the ever-growing numbers of women workers, only fifty percent of women invest in general insurance as opposed to seventy-two percent of their male counterparts.

Why are the numbers so different? Although there has been a progressive shift in women's lives, general insurance was conventionally associated with the household males. During the earlier days, men were the sole breadwinners of the household and handled all monetary transactions. So, it was usually considered the males' responsibility to ensure that the family remained financially covered. This lifestyle trend has not been seen as evident as the societal change that women have faced.

This article will examine why general insurance is essential for women and how it paves a path to financial freedom.

1. Financial security:
It is important to remember that general insurance is an essential resource for the family. With more women actively contributing financially to their respective households, general insurance becomes an irreplaceable asset. It not only acts as a backbone to the family's financial stability but also provides tax benefits, adding more value.
In addition, general insurance covers many things, including travel, medical, artificial disasters, theft, etc. Therefore, general insurance is necessary for women to ensure their families' financial security if they become the household's sole breadwinner.

2. Financial independence:
Statistics show that most women, even when earning, depend on their spouses or family for financial knowledge. This is surprising in consideration of the rapid growth of women in all sectors of life. To combat this dependency and to be able to handle their own money, investing in general insurance is the first step. Taking care of your finances makes you confident and in charge of your own money without having to depend on anyone.
Having your finances sorted at every step will ensure that your children, parents, or spouse can have a comfortable lifestyle, safe and enjoyable vacations with no worries about lost luggage or cancelled flights, or you can visit the best hospitals without worrying about the bills going through the roof. There are so many advantages and benefits to favouring you.

3. Loans and debts:
Most households must rely on loans to pay for their houses, vehicles, and other significant expenses. In case of a mishap, general insurance will be able to help you cover the loss and ensure that you won't fall behind on your loan payments due to the distress of any emergencies.

4. Critical illness benefits:
Certain health conditions are specific to women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, etc. With an unhealthy lifestyle and heavy amounts of impurity in the food and drinks one consumes, these diseases have become a part of one in eight urban women populations. Comprehensive health insurance and critical illness protection can help you rest assured in case of such illnesses and cover the cost of the treatment.

These are just some of the many reasons women should invest in a general insurance policy. As mentioned, not only is it an intelligent way to secure your family's future, but it is also a way to ensure your financial liberty. General insurance is imperative to add value to your life and secure financial independence. As a responsible citizen, you should encourage fellow women to invest in general insurance India as the first step to their financial freedom and security. More power to every woman!

Click HERE to know more about general 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 pandemic significantly impacted every business globally, and the maritime logistics sector was no exception. However, this industry will continue to grow as the supply and demand cycle returns on track post-pandemic.

Maritime logistics involve preparing, implementing, and managing goods and information necessary for ocean carriage. Transporting goods via the ocean route is profitable, but it still has some risks, such as the loss or damage of goods. Marine insurance is a must, as it covers damage that may occur during transit between the starting point and the destination.

With the insurance cover, you can safely run your business, but you will need to stay updated about the latest trends. Here's a list of a few logistics trends significantly influencing the industry.

1. Circular supply chains:
The pandemic made many business owners realise they had to change their approach to developing shipping routes. It helps many businesses develop an alternate, more sustainable supply chain model for future global emergencies.
Shortening the current supply chain structure reduces ocean transit time and allows the industry to adopt an eco-friendlier approach and thereby improving product longevity.

2. New methods for data collection:
Maritime logistics also helps researchers and scientists to provide crucial statistics and weather forecasts. The researchers collect data from ships travelling in different oceans in various regions worldwide to predict weather and make other observations to curate possible solutions for efficient logistics.
The pandemic had put a brake on logistics which caused a lack of data collection for researchers. This made it challenging for researchers to provide accurate weather forecasting and analyse other crucial statistics. Now, researchers are using new methods like marine weather buoys for precise weather forecasts.

3. Automation and Digitalisation:
Tech-based automation shows significance in every sector and a strong future scope. For instance, many warehouses adopt automated processes such as cargo handlers, stacking cranes, unmanned unloaders, and more to improve efficiency and revenue.
Technology also makes the documentation and paperwork process digital. The digitalisation helps boost the organisation's productivity by improving turnaround time and work efficiency. You can expect automation and digitalisation to be an integral part of maritime logistics.

4. Real-time data visibility:
Live location becomes popular demand from consumers and clients. Trading partners and customers expect updates on order locations. With supply chain visibility, business owners help monitor order shipments and provide the clients with updated status of their goods. Knowing the real-time status of your shipping enables you to ensure that your ship and the goods are safe.

5. Systematic policy response:
The pandemic also caused the necessity of a systematic global policy for the logistics industry. Many new policies emerged as the demand for more features and coverage for international shipments. The logistics industry can witness more emergency policy response that helps maritime operations to have resilient and agile transport systems.

6. Decarbonisation:
Carbon emissions have been a major global problem for the last decade. Logistics ships are the main culprits for heavy oil emissions. These days, the enforcement of controlled carbon emissions has become strict, causing maritime operators to opt for fuel-efficient routes. The IMO (International Maritime Organization) aims to reduce greenhouse emissions and the carbon emissions caused by shipping by 40% in the next ten years.

Understanding the demands of consumers and the need for technology in the logistics process is the need of the hour to strengthen the maritime logistics sector in India. Business owners must plan and implement new trends in their logistics businesses to create better growth opportunities. Shortening supply chains can help lower carbon emissions and benefit the environment. Similarly, it would help if you also considered getting marine insurance to provide reliable coverage against losses due to damage to goods during sea transit.

Click HERE to buy marine 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.

Let's say you're a washing machine manufacturer. Due to some defect in the formulae of chemicals used in the hose pipe of your washing machine, it is more likely to burst. The product has already hit the shelves, and you're receiving massive backlash for the damaged goods and might be at risk of a few customers suing you. This event can potentially shut down your business as you don't have enough capital to pay for the legal fees. You are incurring huge losses now as you have to take down the products from the shelves.

The only way-out would be an insurance covering you against these unforeseeable liabilities. The insurance that is suitable for this situation is product liability insurance. Product liability insurance protects manufacturers, wholesale and distribution businesses, and retailers against claims that the product they have sold has caused harm to a customer, including either bodily or property damage.

This insurance is helpful for all kinds of businesses. Taking the above example of the washing machine, the company should be insured with this type of insurance. This is because when a lawsuit is launched, an enquiry is made on all the companies involved. Small businesses need it more than others because they usually don't have the capital to pay the customer and can quickly go bankrupt.

This blog explains why product liability insurance is a must for your company.

Coverage for design defects:
Design defects can bother customers long after the product has been manufactured and sold off. The customer, in most cases, can still sue the organisation which manufactures the product. Product liability reimburses you for the expenses incurred due to such design errors.

Coverage for manufacturing or production flaws:
The most crucial feature of product liability insurance is that it provides coverage for any manufacturing defects that might cause harm to a customer.

Protection against packaging concerns:
Sometimes the manufacturer does not provide an adequate warning on the product package, such as potential defects, instructions for properly using the product, or some allergenic substances. One example is how beverage companies have to warn if it is hot and not to be liable if the hot drink is spilled on a customer. Additionally, if there's some substance like peanuts or other common inflammatory substances in the product and it's not mentioned clearly, the manufacturer might be prosecuted. Product liability insurance provides coverage for all these situations.

Supplemental commercial general liability coverage:
Product liability policies generally work along with commercial general liability coverage to provide the company with insurance against such claims by customers.
There are several reasons to take product liability insurance as a business owner. But the payout certainly depends on which kind of policy you've chosen. The insurance cost depends on various factors, including your industry, the potential risks associated with that industry, your business's claim history, and the insurance company's policy limits. For example, getting cover for risky businesses like alcohol, tobacco, and contraceptives is challenging because of the high rate of lawsuits that are usually launched against them.

Insurance companies may charge you a higher premium for such kinds of businesses. It's always best to be insured to remain stress-free. Business owners should also invest in public liability insurance policy to provide the best coverage to third parties in the event of financial loss, injury or death due to an accident.

Click HERE to know more about public liability insurance policy.

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.