GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

With the world evolving, more changes are being made for a sustainable environment. One such significant development has taken place in terms of electric vehicles. They are cost-effective and eco-friendly fuel alternatives and will likely be the future of the automobile industry.

Electric vehicles have gained huge popularity and fame in a very short time. Over 19 lakh people are driving electric vehicles on Indian streets today. The Indian government has prompted the purchase of electric vehicles by giving a lot of incentives. These incentives can be availed by all individual buyers who want to invest in an electric vehicle and save the environment.

Since 2019, the Indian government has presented numerous schemes and rules in the budget for individual buyers. One of the most enticing schemes of these is the exemption of taxes. Whenever someone buys a new electric vehicle, they can save a lot on taxes. Surprising, right? Well, we will help you navigate through the details of this scheme in the article.

If you plan on buying an electric scooter or car, you should also buy new car insurance or two-wheeler insurance to keep your vehicle safe. Insurance is a worthwhile investment and a reliable resource to ensure financial safety during an emergency.

Now, let's look at the specifics of the incentives that the Indian government has specified for electric vehicle owners.

What is 80EEB?
Everyone looks at various ways to save taxes during the financial year's end. The 80EEB was introduced by the Indian government in the year 2019 for the promotion of electric vehicles. In the 2019 budget, it was indicated that an individual could claim up to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs deduction on their interest for a vehicle loan. This vehicle loan should be issued to purchase an electric vehicle.

Under this Income Tax Act, taxpayers can claim this deduction only once in an assessment year. The loan must be taken out for the purchase of an EV only. It will not work for any other vehicles, including hybrid models. The loan interest will be deducted for individuals only. It will not work for businesses or organisations.

Another important aspect concerning this vehicle's purchase includes the deduction in the Goods and Services Taxes. To promote the buying of EVs, the GST on the vehicles has been reduced from 12% to 5%.

Which vehicles fall under section 80EEB?
Not all vehicles fall under section 80EEB. You must know the specifics of the vehicle before you file a deduction in the interest. Under this section, any vehicle equipped with an electric motor powered by an electric battery is deemed eligible. The EV motor operates on the conversion of electric energy into mechanical energy.

What are the terms and conditions for claiming the deduction?
Let's summarise the terms to make it easy for you to make a decision
● The loan should be taken out for the purchase of an EV only
● The deduction is only offered on the interest amount of the loan
● The loan will benefit only individuals
● The loan should opt from a reputable financial institution
● The deduction claim can only be extended up to Rs 1.5 Lakhs. It cannot be exceeded.
● The deduction does not apply to an organization, a company, or a partnership firm

These are some of the most important pointers that you should keep in mind while you're buying an electric vehicle. With an EV, you can contribute to the environment and save substantially. It is high time that we switch to options that are eco-friendly and beneficial to the environment. You should also buy new car insurance whenever you decide to purchase a new EV to safeguard it from loss due to damages.

Click HERE to buy new car 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.

Natural calamities like floods are unpredictable and can cause significant damage to life and property. They can disrupt normalcy and leave people struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster. Floods are dangerous and can cause financial instability if you are unprepared for them. Are you wondering how to safeguard your finances from the damages done by floods?

Personal accident insurance plans offer a range of benefits that can help minimise the impact of natural disasters such as floods. These insurance plans cover accidental injury, disability, and death caused by floods. They can help cover medical expenses, loss of income, and even temporary accommodation expenses.

In this blog, we will discuss in detail why personal accident insurance is essential during floods and how it can help protect you and your family during such natural disasters.

1. Protection against accidents
Floods bring along with them the possibility of several accidents. Personal accident insurance plans provide protection against accidental injury, disability, or death caused by floods. The coverage can provide financial assistance in case of medical expenses, temporary or permanent disability, or even death.

2. Medical expenses
During floods, medical expenses can rise significantly due to increased waterborne diseases. Personal accident insurance plans can help cover medical expenses, which can be a significant financial burden, especially for low-income families.

3. Loss of income
Floods can also result in loss of income for those who work in affected areas. Personal accident insurance plans can provide financial assistance in the form of compensation for the loss of income.

4. Quick disbursement of funds
Personal accident insurance plans usually offer quick disbursement of funds, which can be crucial during emergencies such as floods. In the aftermath of a flood, you may need immediate access to funds to cover medical expenses, temporary accommodation, or repair damages. Personal accident insurance plans can provide this quick access to funds when you need them the most.

5. Affordable premiums
Personal accident insurance policies are generally very affordable, with premiums much lower than other insurance policies.

6. Easy to purchase
Personal accident insurance policies are easy to purchase, and the application process is usually straightforward and quick. You can visit the websites of the insurance companies and apply online with a simple process which is a matter of a few clicks.

7. Offers customised coverage
Personal accident insurance policies can be customised to meet the specific needs of the policyholder. This means that the policyholder can choose the level of coverage they need based on their individual circumstances and budget, ensuring they have the appropriate protection during floods.

Personal accident insurance plans provide peace of mind during floods. Knowing that you are covered in case of any accidental injury or disability can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with such natural disasters. Apart from the primary coverage, personal accident insurance plans also offer additional benefits such as ambulance coverage, hospitalisation expenses, and accidental death benefits. These other benefits can provide further financial assistance during floods.

In conclusion, floods can be devastating, but personal accident insurance plans can provide financial assistance during these difficult times. The coverage offered by these plans can help reduce the economic impact of accidental injury, loss of income, medical expenses, and property damage caused by floods. It is essential to have personal accident insurance plans to protect yourself and your family during natural disasters like floods. They are affordable, customised to suit your needs, and offer flexible payment options, making it easier to manage your finances in times of distress and danger.

Click HERE to learn more about the personal accident 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.

Most drivers would agree that driving is a non-challenging task for the most part. Driving on straight, flat roads is a breeze if you practise lane driving and indicate clearly. New drivers face issues only when they face inclined roads. Greatly dependent on the driver’s skill, confidence, judgement, and the slope gradient, with the following tips, you can zip through meandering bends on slopes with ease!

While perfect control over the ABCs- Accelerator, Brake, and Clutch can help prevent accidents, car insurance helps minimise the financial damages that result from accidents. Therefore, before you take on the task, purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy that covers the risk of any mishaps you may encounter on your driving adventures.

1. Do not panic
The first step towards driving failure is panicking. Approach the situation level-headedly when you spot an incoming inclination. It is natural for the car to roll back while you steer it upwards. However, with your right leg ready to switch from the accelerator to step on the break and your left hand ready to engage the hand brake, clear assessment can help you avoid collisions on your ascent.

2. Avoid paddling
Paddling is a technique that relies entirely on car pedals. It requires great concentration and skill to gauge when to switch between the brake and the accelerator. It eliminates the need for handbraking. Drivers start the climb by engaging the clutch and brake before putting the car in first gear. When the gear is engaged, you must shift from the brake to the accelerator while slowly releasing the clutch.

You need to ensure that the pressure applied on the accelerator is not too hard, as it ruins the pedal functioning in the long run. It also adversely affects the car’s engine and excessively consumes fuel. Considering that car insurance does not compensate for accidents caused by engine damage due to long-term use, it is best to avoid the technique.

3. Familiarise yourself with the handbrake
Straight, flat roads do not require drivers to use the handbrake regularly except while parking. However, using the handbrake while starting your vehicle on inclinations is ideal. Ensure that you are used to engaging and disengaging the brake lever. While most automobiles have a standard handbrake, some may have an awkwardly placed or difficult-to-engage lever that you must familiarise yourself with before tackling slopes.

4. Use diesel-induced torque efficiently
Diesel cars have an advantage over petrol or CNG vehicles in terms of engine torque. Torque is the ability of the car to perform, which is directly impacted by its fuel. A diesel-fueled car on inclined roads is ideal for faster acceleration and a firm grip, minimising the chances of rolling back.

5. Maintain distance from the car ahead
While maintaining a safe distance is necessary on all roads, slopes are critical to prevent collisions if the car ahead rolls back. This prevents you from panicking and making poor decisions due to a lack of time to act.

6. Stick to lower gears
The lower the gear, the lesser the resistance and the easier the climb. While starting the climb, stick to the first gear and move up to the second or third gear at most if the inclination gradually reduces. If you feel your car rumble, reduce your acceleration, engage the clutch, and drop the gear to prevent your engine from shutting down.

7. Use the handbraking technique
The paddling technique used moderately while relying on the handbrake is the best approach for uphill drives. While ascending, the car is put in first gear and accelerated slowly immediately upon release of the handbrake. This makes the car move forward. To take the vehicle further, apply pressure on the accelerator and slowly release the clutch.

Driving upwards on a slope may initially seem daunting, but even beginners can ace the task with adequate practice. As a precautionary mechanism, one must always purchase car insurance with a sufficient sum and coverage to minimise the cost of accidents and allied damages.

Click HERE to buy the best car 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.

Are you someone who loves to travel to new destinations and locations? Then, we have something exciting to present to you. Travelling simply does not mean going from one place to another. If you truly want to experience a location and its surroundings, you need to dive deeper. Exploring a place does not only mean going to underrated places or trying the most interesting food combinations. It also means to immerse yourself in the culture of a place completely.

Engaging yourself in the culture of an unknown land can be an awakening experience for you. It is most commonly known as cultural immersion. With cultural immersion, you need to surround yourself with a particular culture. It requires interacting, spending time with the locals, and getting to know them better.

Cultural immersion can enhance your travel experience and help you get the real feel of a destination. It is also associated with volunteering in an ethnic group or spending some time away from home in a foreign land. Regardless, you should check out the general insurance online quote before you embark on your journey. It will keep you safe and secure.

We have curated a list of things you should keep in mind while you immerse yourself in a culture:

1. Study the customs
Before visiting any new land, you should research its history, culture, and customs in-depth. You should have a basic understanding of the way people meet and greet here. Try gathering more information about the languages spoken, the food, and the local lifestyle. Many cultures are very orthodox and hold their customs very dear to themselves. Knowing about them in advance is important to avoid any trouble later.

2. Try local food and drinks
Every destination has some authentic local delicacies that are worth trying. You will miss most part of your cultural immersion if you do not experience the cuisine of that area. You can dine with the locals or ask about the famous food joints to explore. You can also visit various places and try different food during your stay at the destination.

3. Learn the language
The native language of a place plays a crucial role in its culture. Learning the basics of the language before you embark on your journey is recommended. Although learning a new language is difficult, you can always try with a few words. You can start by memorising words like 'Thank you,' 'Sorry,' 'Please,' etc. Although they are little phrases, they can go a long way.

4. Take the local transportation
Instead of a posh taxi or cab, you should try public transport to experience a region's culture. You will save a lot of money and also be part of the local life. Travelling with locals provides you with an opportunity to interact with them. It helps you understand people and their lifestyles better.

5. Try underrated destinations
You should not restrict yourself to a set itinerary every day. They are monotonous and boring. You should seek advice from locals and ask them for unknown or hidden destinations. These places will not only be less crowded but also give you a chance to immerse yourself in the hidden beauty of a region.

These are some pointers that should be kept in mind by every traveller during cultural immersion. Don't constrain yourself to mundane and superficial exploration. Cultural immersion is one of the best ways to explore a destination and be a part of the everyday life of a particular place. However, travelling and exploring can sometimes be tricky and chaotic due to unexpected circumstances, flight delays, and overbooking at hotels. Before starting your journey, you should check the general insurance online quote, as it provides extra protection against financial loss.

Click HERE to get a general insurance online quote.

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.