GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Automobile theft instances have increased drastically throughout the country. In older times, thieves used to steal a less guarded motor vehicle using standard keys. To counteract this, automobile manufacturers designed the keyless remote system, prompting thieves to become more tech-savvy. As a result, thieves began stealing automobiles by employing black market gadgets that could delete data and even replicate the signalling of the keyless remote.

As a result of all this, owners have started installing anti-theft devices in their motor vehicles. These gadgets serve as an alert system and help save money on auto insurance rates.

How exactly do these devices affect the insurance premium?
Your insurer is responsible for compensation if your automobile is stolen. Automobile insurance providers recommend anti-theft systems to prevent criminals from taking your vehicle and, as a result, avoid paying the expense of your loss. If your car has a lower chance of getting stolen, the insurer will also benefit from it. Thus, every motor insurance company in India will provide discounts on the amount you pay to insure your vehicle.

Now, let us talk about some anti-theft devices that you might want to check for your motor vehicle too.

1. Alarms:
When the alarm system detects an unwelcome touch, it makes a loud noise. A burglar is likely to ignore your automobile if you have an alarm system because it attracts attention.

2. G.P.S. trackers:
You can track your automobile while it's moving when the G.P.S. technology is installed. Some versions even allow you to get warnings by push notifications and text messages on your phone.

3. Remote Disabling System:
These are some of the latest developments in anti-theft technologies. These gadgets link to your smartphone and allow you to brake, downshift, or decelerate. A con about these devices is that they are a bit expensive and hence seen less in passenger vehicles.

4. Kill Switches:
It's a switch attached to one of the automobile's critical starting components to inhibit the electric flow to that component when it is turned on. When the switch is toggled off, the connection to the component is restored, allowing the automobile to start normally.
You must conceal the switch in an unnoticeable location so that no one who accesses your vehicle knows its location.

5. Mechanical Immobilizers:
These are the most affordable anti-theft solutions in the market. These include steering locks, tire locks, bonnet locks, gear locks. While they prevent a vehicle from moving, there is a possibility that thieves can carry your vehicle away by towing it and later remove the immobilizers forcefully. Therefore, it's better to pair these devices with additional anti-theft devices.

A vehicle is like a partner, and buying one comes with specific responsibilities. Besides maintaining and servicing your automobile, you also need to prioritize its security. Always install anti-theft devices and give your vehicle the benefits of a double layer of protection with full motor insurance. Remember, your insurer evaluates the safety standards maintained by your vehicle. Therefore, installing security gadgets in the car can reduce the premiums offered by your motor insurance company in India.

Click HERE to learn more about our motor 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.

Travel adventure always has its benefits for your quality of life and overall well-being. Getting your family and friends into one car and driving to different locations to explore the culture, people, wildlife, food, heritage sites, etc., is a thrilling experience.

But let's talk about off-roading? It's an activity pursued on unconventional terrains that don't have a proper paved way. It's carried out on rugged tracks like deserts, mountains, dirt tracks, river beds, etc. There are variations of off-roading, including rock racing, cross country trails, dune bashing, etc.

Sounds intriguing? Certainly, but since off-roading needs unique locations and uneven terrains, you might wonder which places offer these experiences. This blog will discuss some of India's best places to go off-roading.

1. Gir forest national park, Gujarat:
Route 2-6 through the Gir forest national park offers an off-roading experience (35 kilometres) where you can enjoy the beauty of wildlife and see asiatic lions, spotted deer, nilgai, sambar, and numerous other flora and fauna that will make your journey mesmerising.

2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:
Divided into two parts called the Great Rann and the Little Rann, Rann of Kutch is one of the greatest wonders of India. It has dry and dusty terrains but hides a few marshy surprises beneath the sand. The clay mud retained makes driving through these areas challenging but exciting at the same time!

3. Zoji La Pass, J&K:
Zoji La pass is a challenging and tricky trail in Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at a great height, and specific points in the course do not allow more than one vehicle to pass. You can enjoy the view of the snow-covered mountains and the beautiful sceneries the state has to offer. This place is worth all the efforts and challenges.

4. Kanha national park, Madhya Pradesh:
Situated in the districts of Mandla and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park is a tiger reserve. The national park's safari is listed amongst India's most popular off-roading trails. It occupies an area of 940 sq kms.

5. Bisle ghat, Karnataka:
This beautiful trail in Karnataka takes you along a route consisting of almost fifteen waterfalls. The trail is narrow and challenging, but the scenic views of the panoramic ghats make it worth trying.

While off-roading may seem enticing, especially for people who love adventure, it can be risky too. You need to understand all the dangers and be a skilled driver to go off-roading in rugged terrains. Ensure that you have enough food, water and first aid kits in case of an emergency. Never underestimate the safety aspects of off-roading.

You will also need some equipment for ease and precautions. These include GPS+maps, spare tyres, shovel, rope, and ensure that you have a tank full of fuel.

From our discussion above, you can gather that it is a challenging activity and requires your vehicle to function efficiently. The dangers associated with it indicate that there are possibilities of damage to the car. These extreme roads will test your car's performance to its core. To ensure that your vehicle is protected against any severe damages, you need to get it insured. And keep up with the car insurance renewal dates to enjoy your trip wholeheartedly without any stress.

Click HERE to know more about car insurance renewal.

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.

Pregnancy is a challenging time. Many nurturing, care and precautions ensure that the baby and the mother stay healthy. A lot of support is required from the family during the pregnancy. And it is essential to keep the mother happy as these things can eventually affect her mood, hormones and safeguards the baby’s health and wellbeing.

You cannot risk the slightest ounce of things. Women take care of many things and go through multiple challenges while carrying the baby. They have to curb many activities, food, drinks, etc., to ensure that the baby’s health doesn’t get affected. A lot of sacrifices come across on the journey of a to-be-mother.

But, you also need to bust the stereotypes and myths that pregnant women cannot drive. They just need to be extra careful to ensure they don’t cause any harm to themselves and the baby or end up over-exerting themselves by driving around for the chores.

Are you looking for some pointers on how you need to be careful about driving a car during pregnancy? Here are a few best tips for ladies to get started.

1. Avoid jerks:
You might be driving through a road that is in poor condition or under construction, and there is a lot of debris lying around. Make sure not to panic or speed up. You need to minimise the risk of jerks and bumps. Be calm and steady. Jerks and high speeds can trigger nausea in pregnant women since they are highly prone to motion sickness.

2. Comfortable position:
Your back needs to be well-rested. Do not force yourself to sit upright as it might put a physical load on your belly, affecting the baby and posture. Lean back your seat to a convenient position that makes it easy to drive and causes no stress on your back, belly, or chest.

3. Breaks are important:
You cannot run the risk of clots or swelling in your feet and palms. You can get out of the car, stand, and stretch as much as possible. Consult with a doctor about postures. Avoid experimentation during this crucial time.

4. Comfort essentials:
You can use a seat pillow, back support, or a neck pillow according to your choice and convenience to support your body and stay comfortable during driving. These handy and supportive equipment help your body retain the posture without putting too much stress on your body. This would eliminate the chances of discomfort or putting any physical pressure on the baby.

5. Artificial fragrances are a no go:
You should eliminate any weird and stale-smelling gases before you start driving the car. Roll down the windows or blast the a/c to ensure there is no hint of stale smells. Staying in the presence of such gases can cause detrimental effects on the baby. Avoid using artificial car fragrances too. They contain toxins and chemicals which can have adverse effects on the health of the pregnant lady and the unborn child.

That’s a wrap on a few best tips for ladies to drive a car during pregnancy. Also, make sure that you carry a complete kit with pregnancy and delivery essentials for an emergency. You also need to ensure that your car is well maintained to avoid any troubles while the ladies drive the vehicle during pregnancy.

Purchasing car insurance would help you protect your vehicle against financial damages. Do your research and browse multiple options and buy the one which provides you with the best car insurance price in India and caters to your needs.

Click HERE to know more about where you can find the best car insurance price 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.

Toxic waste should not be thrown in the trash, flushed down the drain, or dumped in the yard. Instead, you must dispose of these liquid wastes to avoid damaging the environment, groundwater contamination and save yourself and others from the polluted surroundings.

In this post, we have provided ways to dispose of automotive fluids and chemicals safely.

1. Used engine oils:
These fluids can contaminate millions of gallons of groundwater and disturb pedogenesis. So, for the appropriate disposal of these oils and recycling them, you must follow these simple methods.

• Store all the used oils: If you change engine oils frequently, you must have a separate container that holds all the used oil. Most retailers sell their oils in a reusable container, making separating and storing the used oil easier. Once you have sorted the oil, you can return it to the dealer after labelling it as "WASTE OIL." Your retailer will then recycle the oil for the petroleum industry or use it in furnaces for burning purposes.

• Recycling the waste: Once you have drained the used oil from your vehicle, you can use it for oiling your cycle chains, motor chains, or you can use it for other minor household purposes.

NOTE: Do not use waste oil in any vehicle. This will damage your engine and lower the performance of the car.

2. Antifreeze or Coolant:
Initially, you have to drain out all the coolant in a clean pan from your radiator without spilling a single drop of it. Once you have done that, store the coolant in a tightly sealed bottle at a place away from children. To recycle used coolant, you can give it to a mechanic or a car utility shop.
Many shops have machines that recycle the used coolants by filtering out the glycol from the previously used coolant. They add specific additive packages and solvents that turn it into a new coolant. After this process, all that is left is a teaspoon of sludge that can be disposed of with the other insoluble particles.
But there is a catch here: you will have to ensure that no other fluid is mixed with the coolant while transferring it. Even a single drop of oil or other substance will make it nearly impossible to conduct the recycling process.

3. Brake fluids:
Disposing brake fluids is easy and does not require much effort. All you need to do is collect all the brake fluid in a container and keep it in the open air. As the brake fluid is alcohol-based, it will evaporate in two days. As a precautionary measure, make sure that you keep the container away from the reach of pets, children or a source of fire or ignition.

The chemical fluid used in cars can be fatal for the environment. Once these chemicals are mixed into the atmosphere, they can disturb many living organisms' and adversely affect the ecosystem. Not just this, if these fluids make their way into any other part of your vehicle, they can cause severe damage. The repairing of the damaged parts can drain your pockets significantly. However, you can avoid this by investing in a car insurance plan that will cover the expenses of the repair work and servicing. Get online car insurance to avail the benefits of policy add-ons for financial freedom.

Learn more about the benefits of online car insurance 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.