GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Buying a car is an exciting process that takes lots of planning, budgeting, and sacrifices to finally achieve your goal of owning a vehicle. Especially amid economic uncertainties, it becomes essential to maintain these high-value purchases to minimise the effect of depreciation.

While insuring your vehicle with the best car insurance India policy is one way, taking effective care is another to minimise wear and tear and keep your car in its best shape. This ensures its longevity and also yields a greater resale value for you.

Apart from regular maintenance, keep these lesser-talked-about tips in mind to increase your car's lifespan!

1. Inspect your engine light:
The engine is the heart of your car. The vehicle’s check engine light indicates potential problems that may require urgent inspection. Often, drivers do not heed the indication and allow the issue to persist for a while before they notice it and get it checked, by which the problem has already escalated.

2. Protect your car from the sun:
Just as harsh sun rays damage humans, cars that stay in direct sunlight are likely to suffer damage to the paint and interiors, resulting in increased maintenance costs in the long run. Ideally, park your car in a garage or shade. In case not possible, invest in a quality sun cover and interior shades that keep the cabin cool.

3. Organise your trips effectively:
This may come as a bummer for driving enthusiasts, but instead of multiple short trips for your daily errands, club your tasks together to reduce the wear of your engine.

4. Ensure you break-in properly:
After buying your new car, ensure you break in as per the manufacturer's guidelines in the manual. Generally, it is recommended to keep your speed under 80 kmph for the first 1600 km without excessive load.

5. Keep your car clean:
It may seem like a hassle to focus on keeping your car clean at all times, but we often underestimate the damage accumulated dirt, road tar, and rust can do to your vehicle's appearance. A quick cleanup once or twice a week with a car cover to protect it when parked can go a long way in maintaining your car after regular waxing and cleaning services.

6. Keep your keychain bunch light:
It may seem like an unrelated tip, but it is best to avoid linking other keys and accessories to your car key. A heavy bunch in the ignition will likely bounce around while the vehicle is in motion. The weight and movement together can wear out the ignition ridges and lead to ignition switch failure.

7. Choose a comprehensive insurance:
While buying car insurance India, make sure to check the features and ensure that the exclusions are minimal. It is ideal to purchase an add-on feature that covers any exclusions to provide complete coverage for any damages that may occur.

8. Prepare appropriately for long-term storage:
If you do not continuously use your car for more than a month, leaving it in the parking may not be the best option. Fill up fuel and consider adding a stabiliser after consulting an expert. Ensure to disconnect and remove the battery when discontinuing use for long periods to prevent draining.

Good maintenance is key to increasing the longevity of your car. By following appropriate driving guidelines and the manufacturer's instructions with regular servicing supplemented by purchasing comprehensive car insurance India, you can ensure that your vehicle stays in its best form for long periods!

Click HERE to buy a reliable car insurance India 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.

Driving is a skill that requires utmost responsibility while behind the wheel. While several uncontrollable factors cause accidents, motorists must always ensure they are non-negligent, careful, and alert while driving to minimise the risk of accidents.

One controllable factor that may lead to mishaps is drowsy driving. While sleep is uncontrollable, one must never drive in a dazed state of mind. While car insurance renewal may cover the loss to your vehicle, it does not suffice for the mental and physical trauma that results from accidents.

If you frequently feel drowsy while at the wheel, here are some tips to shake off the haze and drive alertly!

1. Break up your driving frequently:
Take a brief break from driving every 100 miles or two hours, regardless of how well you've slept the night before. Plan your route so that you may frequently stop to stretch, get some fresh air, and grab a snack or refreshing drink.

2. Drive cautiously at the drowsiest hours of the day:
Since your body's internal clock tends to make you sleepier between midnight and six in the morning and early afternoon, try to avoid driving during those times.

3. Sleep well at night:
A restful sleep of seven to eight hours is essential before a lengthy journey. When you feel drowsy, park at a safe spot and take a quick power nap.

4. Travel with a friend:
Bring along a passenger who can share driving chores and keep you awake because most drowsy driving occurs during a solo journey.

5. Avoid night-time driving:
Avoid driving at night if possible because it makes people sleepier and less aware. If you work a second or third shift, abstain from driving when your body is most used to sleeping.

6. Avoid using sedatives and alcohol:
Alcohol and other sedative drugs disrupt your sleep and make you feel sleepy the next day. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.

7. Consider your health:
If you frequently have difficulties falling asleep, speak with your doctor to see what the issue might be. As with sleep apnea or narcolepsy, modest signs of exhaustion can occasionally indicate more severe health problems.

8. Get a caffeinated drink:
Pull up to a petrol station and buy a coffee, tea, soda, or energy drink for a fast dose. Caffeine enters the system and starts its impact after a half-hour. So, if you regularly consume it, you might not get the appropriate benefit.

9. Be alert for cautionary signs:
Look for an instant opportunity to stop and relax if you have any drowsiness. Don't try to push through if you're exhausted. Always remember that it's better to be safe than sorry.

10. Engaging radio programs to hear:
Turn on an exciting radio program to keep your mind engaged and awake if you're travelling alone or your passenger's talk has run dry.

11. Watch out for sleep-inducing tricks:
Some individuals use their windows, air conditioning, or radio to make themselves more alert, but doing so can take your focus off the road. It is preferable to pause and give your body the rest it requires rather than using these tactics.

12. Do not rush things:
Give yourself some additional time to react on the impromptu roadside excursions. Being rushed increases your chance of an accident and injury and decreases your likelihood of taking the necessary driving breaks.

Getting enough sleep is the best defence against drowsy driving over the long term. Focusing on your sleep hygiene, which includes your routines and environment, can help prevent drowsiness while driving.

You can endanger yourself and others if you find yourself nodding off while driving. We encourage you to undertake timely car insurance renewal to minimise the risk of accidents and efficiently deal with damages due to mishaps.

Click HERE to get your car insurance renewal done.

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.

With the onset of the New Year, travel experts predict a significant increase in tourism despite the possibility of an incoming recession. As the covid-19 has restricted travel for a long time, travel enthusiasts view their hobby not just as a leisurely interest but as a priority. Before making your travel plans in 2023, renew or purchase general insurance that covers travel-related losses and makes your journey less worrisome and more enjoyable.

Check out these forecasted trends before planning your perfect vacation in 2023!

1. Growth of ecotourism:
Ecotourism focuses on observing natural habitats of flora and fauna and untamed wildlife with the intent to preserve and appreciate it. Also known as nature tourism or wildlife-watching tourism, the activity is expected to become popular with the constantly increasing interest of nature enthusiasts.
Several travel agencies now organise such tours and curate itineraries in well-preserved habitats with ample support from local experts and communities to educate tourists and display a side of nature beyond standard safaris.
Before going on such trips, consider the allied risks of the activity and ensure that you have appropriate insurance, like general insurance, that covers any potential accidents and costs you may incur.

2. Focus on sustainable travel:
Sustainability is no longer just a passing phase but an aspect of travel that is expected to stay for years. With Millenials and Gen Zs showing an interest in minimising their travel impact, the tourism industry is adapting to their preferences.
While itineraries in the past used to be all about extravagance and fancy travel without a care for its impact, the effect of travel on the local economy, environment, and community are factors that tourists now keep a check on. The sustainability movement is set to grow in the year and will directly impact travel.

3. Domestic destinations to win favour:
With soaring inflation and the incoming recession, prudent decisions are the need of the hour. Despite the rising costs and uncertainties about the future, travel enthusiasts are not settling for another year of staying cooped up at home.
Instead of cancelling or postponing plans, travellers are altering their plans to stay within their budget while deriving the greatest value. Local destinations are predicted to see a significant rise in footfall in 2023 with their relatively lower accommodation costs and other expenses.

4. Business travel and remote working:
Despite the relaxation of restrictions, many companies are choosing to allow remote working as an option for employees to reduce office expenses and provide flexibility of working from anywhere.
In the last two years, several employees have spent their time working from a remote destination while on vacation, allowing them to travel while working. The trend is expected to continue with a rise in business trips, retreats, and recreational events.

5. Unique experiences to take centre stage:
Almost 75% of responders to a survey focused on Indian travellers' preferences indicated their intention to savour out-of-the-box experiences. While domestic travel is set to be significantly high due to budget constraints, expenditures on experiential activities are not left far behind, with the desire to explore offbeat cultures and cities to gain unique experiences.

6. Focus on savings:
Travellers are focusing on mindful budgeting to prepare for their upcoming travel plans, and most of their travel fund is set to come from their savings. Budget-friendly destinations with affordable transport, accommodation, and plenty of attractions are vital factors that tourists are looking for while planning their trips.

With careful research and planning, it is easy to successfully plan your trips in 2023, despite the expected economic slowdown. By keeping track of budgets, loyalty programs, off-season activities, and purchasing general insurance, you can make the most of your trip while staying within your budget!

Click HERE to buy the best general insurance in India before your next travel trip.

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.

Can you imagine a car without a windshield or with a cracked windshield? A car windshield caters to various functions, such as keeping dirt and debris out of the vehicle, preventing the heat and glare from the sun, saving the driver from an impact, providing a clear front view to the driver, and much more.

Taking proper care of your car's windshield is not difficult or expensive. All you need to do is regularly check for any cracks and fix them as soon as possible. Proper care and maintenance make the windshield last longer and keep the passengers safe. Additionally, purchasing car insurance India can help shoulder the burden of replacing any car components due to an accident.

If you are planning a long trip, here are a few tips to ensure the safety of your car's windshield.

1. Review the condition of windshield:
Parking at the wrong spot, especially for long periods, can damage your car's windshield beyond repair. Due to extreme temperature exposure under direct sunlight, the windscreen gets stress cracks. Such stress cracks lead to an increase in windshield breakage risk. Moreover, such damages can get worse due to constant temperature fluctuations.
Whenever you decide to leave for a trip, ensure the windshield is in good condition to prevent glass breakage and maintain the glass's durability.

2. Fix every crack:
Before leaving for any trip, ensure your car's windshield is crack free. Ignoring small cracks or chips in their car's windshield can result in bubble formation between the cracked glass layers. Regardless of the bubbles' size, they can severely damage the windscreen if left unattended. It is essential to fix them immediately because if you don't, you might have to vent your pockets to replace the windshield after you return.

3. Replace the windshield wipers timely:
Some car owners don't know, but the windshield wiper affects the glass's health in many ways. Along with the windshield, taking care of the wipers is also essential. It is common knowledge that wipers have an internal metal structure with a rubber coating on the outside. The rubber coating wears off regularly, revealing the metal frame. Using metal on the glass can weaken it and lead to scratches. Therefore, check the condition of your wipers before leaving on your trip to prevent the exposed metal's pressure on the glass.

4. Windshield tinting:
The windshield is the largest glass surface of a car that facilitates proper traffic visibility for the driver. Since parking under shade may not always be possible, laminating your windshield may minimise the impact of harmful UV rays and block out sun glare to a certain extent to preserve the strength of the glass.
We recommend approaching a professional mechanic or your authorised car servicing centre to ensure that you adhere to the mandated visibility limit of applying laminated tints that allow a minimum of 70% light transmission. While car tinting kits are readily available, self-modification may result in your insurer rejecting your claim against car insurance India.

Considering the massive investment required to purchase and maintain your car and its components, it is essential to take preventive measures when leaving your vehicle unused for long periods. Your car demands regular care to be in its best shape and ensure effective functioning. Additionally, consider buying car insurance India to cover any replacement costs or damages that may arise from involvement in accidents.

Click HERE to buy car 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.