GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

We have heard stories from our grandparents and parents about their struggles and how things were accomplished on foot back in their old days. And as much as we appreciate the ease of living under the present circumstances, we often end up being couch potatoes and getting everything done from the comfort of our homes.

In today's technology-driven world, machines are replacing human efforts. Almost anything and everything can be done with a few clicks, from getting groceries delivered to our doorsteps, a cab waiting at our gates, or booking a movie ticket.

But this ease and convenience come at a cost. Around forty percent of youth face various health issues from obesity and lethargy. Lack of physical exercise, long working hours, and an unhealthy diet have led to severe prolonged health issues.

In this article, we will look at how incorporating fundamental physical activity into our daily lives will yield significant benefits in the future. Let's talk about putting that smartwatch into use and getting ten thousand step counts into your daily routine.

1. It's a start:

Completing ten thousand steps can seem daunting for someone new to fitness. But the goal is to get at least the bare minimum exercise into our otherwise mundane lifestyle.
Start with 5000 steps without making it too overwhelming. An average person takes about three thousand to four thousand steps daily. Putting an effort and taking this up by a thousand steps counts is an achievement you can be proud of. Opt for stairs instead of elevators. Avoid taking your vehicles for everyday grocery needs; you are already a couple of thousand steps ahead.

2. The benefits:

Taking ten thousand steps daily can help you burn about two thousand to three thousand calories per week. This means you lose about half a kilo every week without trying. If you aim for weight loss, you might have to include more cardio into your workout regimen.

But the benefits of ten thousand steps a day are countless.

● Improves blood pressure: Walking promotes better heart health. This means that your heart can pump blood with less effort, ensuring your blood pressure is normal.

● Stable blood sugar levels: The glucose in your body is used up by your muscles when you are physically active. Hence, walking can lower your blood sugar levels over time.

● A healthy heart: Studies show that walking has significant cardiovascular benefits. By making an effort, you are reducing the chances of a heart attack.

● Improves sleep: Moderate exercises can help you in improving your sleep quality significantly. It also helps eliminate daytime drowsiness and reduces adults' need for sleep medications.

● Strengthens your lungs: Increased heart activity directly indicates more oxygen consumption. This strengthens the lungs and other muscles surrounding it.

These are only some of the many benefits you can gain by inculcating healthy habits. Taking care of yourself should not be a compulsion. Instead, it should be a part of your daily life.

An important thing to note here is that ten thousand steps do not promise a miraculous overnight change. The change in your body is gradual, and consistency is the key. Anything in excess can be harmful, so it is best to start slow. As mentioned above, start your way up from 5000 steps daily to 10,000 steps. A gradual increase of about a thousand steps is recommended to avoid injuries and soreness.

Another great way to look out for yourself is by investing in health insurance plans. There are many health insurance plans in India for you to choose from, depending on your needs. Health insurance is a safety net everyone needs to avoid unforeseen medical expenses that one might incur during various health examinations and treatments.

Click HERE to check out health insurance plans 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 past couple of years saw an increasing trend of people inculcating gardening in their daily lives. As people were locked down as the pandemic peaked, having a little plant companion was the best way to stay cheerful during challenging times. Having greens around not only enhances the house's beauty but also purifies the air and supplies oxygen.

While taking care of plants might initially seem daunting, gardening can become therapeutic once you know all the little knick-knacks. Today we will look at the tips and tricks that will help you start your gardening journey.

1. Start small:
Setting up your garden need not be expensive. Use the take-out boxes and old paint boxes lying around your house to pot new plants. You can find the seeds/saplings and the soil at dirt-cheap prices in your nearby nursery. Or you can even use the seeds from the groceries in your very own kitchen.

2. Succulents:
They can survive extreme weather conditions and require almost zero maintenance. They only need direct sunlight for at least 3-4 hours a day and water once a week. Since they are used to surviving in low moisture conditions, you can breathe easy, knowing your plant won't die.

3. Own your kitchen garden:
Having a kitchen garden gives you the positive reinforcement you need. Plants like tomato, ginger, garlic, and gourds do not take up much of your time. You can invest in the soil and see the returns. Using your homegrown vegetables and herbs will be the best reward you deserve.

4. Prepare your compost:
All you need to do is separate your kitchen waste and put it into a pot explicitly kept for this purpose. Then, mix the waste and soil every once in a while to ensure the soil takes up all the nutrients from the waste. This way, you will have your compost ready! Mix this while preparing your pot for new plants.

6. Preventing insects and mealybugs:
As a beginner, you might face challenges while buying insecticides. Making your insecticide solution at home can be an option for you. Adding 3 ml shampoo to one litre of water in a spraying pump and spraying it under the leaves is an excellent way to get rid of mealybugs.
Using diluted rice water is also an effective solution to get rid of tiny insect infestation on your plants. These home remedies are more efficient and cost-effective than the other chemicals.

7. Tools for beginners:
Tools are used to toss the soil, remove weeds and cut out any infected leaf. These can be done with any readily available tools in our homes. But if you must invest in your gardening toolkit, then spades, gloves, and pruning scissors are required in the beginning. Later, you can add forked trowels, garden forks, etcetera, when you build your garden further.

Since most of us are beginners, we should be careful when dealing with soil and tools. Chances are we might be susceptible to infections and Paronychia. They are mostly treated at home, but at times you might need to get yourself proper medications for the same. Getting a personal accident insurance policy would help you rest assured in case of any such mishaps. Planting and gardening can add value to your life, and having a safety net in the form of personal accident insurance only adds value to your experiences. Here's to hoping that this list is just the right motivation to start your gardening journey.

For more details on personal accident insurance policy, click HERE .

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 people think that buying a commodity like a car is a significant expense, especially if you have taken a loan. Understand that a loan is a liability, and if not managed properly, it could lead you to huge debts. Also, the maintenance and motor insurance can additionally cost more and affect your pockets.

Don't think that the market decides loan and interest rates, and you can do nothing to save the cost. In reality, the high-interest rate on the loan you borrowed affects your car loan. There are practical ways to save up on the loans of your car. Below is the guide to give you the best tips to save money on your car loan.

1. Constrain/control your credit:
Your credit history will directly affect the interest rate of the loan. If you have a low credit score, the lender may apply higher rates for your loan amount. Sort your credit report, and know that a good credit score will help you lock up the best deal on loans.

2. Navigate beyond the dealers:
Find ways to look beyond just one middleman/broker for your car loans. Getting advice or financing quotations from the dealer is not a bad option. But, when you shop for other things, do you stop at one halt and purchase? The answer is NO. So, do the same with your car loan options.

3. Buy an inexpensive car:
It does not sound like earnest advice, but at a point, it is proven logical. Getting a car is more about comfort and ease of life than merely a status symbol. Buy a reliable, best-fit vehicle that comes with lesser interest on the loan amount. Buying a car within your budget will also help you save up on motor insurance premiums.

4. Budget your down payment:
If possible, make sure to pay a substantial down payment on the purchase of the car. So, it will decrease the amount of interest on loans. Logically, the lower the principal amount, the lower the EMI will be.

5. Smaller tenure of the loan:
Opposite to the down payment, the tenure periods should be short. The lender will benefit from it if you have an extended tenure period. If you have a shorter tenure, you'll pay off the loan much faster. Also, interest components will be lower.

6. Count the processing fees:
The processing fee for the car loans is a one-time fee, and some banks waive off their prices during special occasions. So try to benefit from it by taking loans in that period. Also, make sure you don't get charged any extra in the name of processing fees, apart from general rates.

7. Go through the fine print:
One of the vital steps is to check all papers pertaining to the loan. Whether you take the quotation or make the final deal, read all the legal documents and understand them. Don't get trapped, and be conscious of the agreement while you are availing of a loan.

Stick to budgeting your loans. Be thoughtful with your financial position to consider the loan, interest, and ways to save up on your hard-earned money. There are ample ways to save the cost of your car loan payments. Don't rush the process and check every option before choosing the right one for your car. Like having good motor insurance comes with reasonable premium rates, a car loan can also be obtained with lower EMI if you make intelligent moves.

Are you looking for suitable motor insurance for your car? Click HERE .

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.

Did you know that fireflies glow in the dark to attract their mate and give out an honest evolutionary symbol that their babies are foul-tasting? Foul-tasting or not, these beetles have been attracting people for a long time.

People look up in fascination when these creatures dance in multitudes, trying to attract a partner from the opposite sex. So, whether you're trying to have a romantic getaway with your partner, trying to have a memorable trip with your family, or need some peace to meditate with nature, going to a place where you can see these stunning creatures at night is just the right vacation for you.

Back in our grandparent's stories, fireflies would be abundantly seen at the onset of every monsoon, busy attracting their mates. But due to the fairly recent change in the global climate, it's very rare to see this sight in cities. Here are 04 top destinations to see these mesmerising creatures.

1. Purushwadi:

Purushwadi is the most famous destination by far. It has been successfully holding a fireflies festival for many years. A tribal village situated about 200 km from Mumbai in the Western Ghats, one gets to experience the quaint village life along with the magic of the homestays and delicious food.
This has been made possible by local NGOs that work in rural tourism. It is a perfect getaway for city dwellers who want to experience peaceful rural life. It is easily accessible from Mumbai, taking about 05 hours by car.

2. Rajmachi:

As we welcome the season's first showers, one of the most exciting things this monsoon is to go on a night trek to Rajmachi fort. The Rajmachi Fort is about a 16 km trek from the Lonavala station, and you can spot fireflies after sunset.
The Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts offer stunning views of the valley, making it a popular destination among trekkers. The surrounding Sahyadri ranges are perfect for spotting fireflies. Another brilliant spot for experiencing this is around the Udhewadi village.

3. Mulshi Lake:

At a small distance of 50 km from Mumbai, Mulshi is a beautiful village that boasts peace and serenity like nowhere else. Mulshi is a scenic beauty with a plethora of sights, like waterfalls, rugged cliffs, green forests, and meandering hiking paths.
In these emerald green forests is the firefly display around Mulshi lake. Spend overnight at the local homestay, experience the fireflies show, and explore the area at night.

4. Sandhan Valley:

Sandhan Valley is a stunning carved valley with a 200 feet drop in the Western Ghats. Known as the valley of shadows, it consists of a deep narrow, floored ravine between the two high walls of a mountain range.
The commuting route is practically the same as Purushwadi, but from Igatpuri, one must head towards Samrad village. To get a local flavour out of the trip, try to get a villager to accompany you on the trek and make simple arrangements with them for food. For a few years, villagers have been providing travellers with tents to see the fireflies.

This experience is sure to be a rewarding one for enthusiastic travellers. Seeing these bioluminescent creatures in their natural habitat will surely be a treat to the eyes, mind, and soul. These destinations are close to Mumbai and Pune, both bustling and hectic cities. It is best to drive up there or take a local train. The roads often leading to these destinations are narrow and rocky terrains.

If you are considering driving up there, you must look out for the rough patches. Before moving out on a trip, whether long or just a short one, always ensure that you carry all the car's documents. Seat belts must be on, and if driving at night, drive slowly! Also, get the best car insurance before starting a new driving exploration!

Click HERE to know more about car insurance policies 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.