GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

We often see new models and designs of the buses plying in the neighbourhood. These buses with new technologies are not only designed to look aesthetically pleasing but also to support aerodynamic needs and the vehicle’s functionality.

Bus engines and their placements play a crucial role in the handling of the bus, its performance, and impacts the passenger experience. It is difficult to make a call as to which engine is better suited for the bus. Various characteristics factor into what kind is better, and we will look at them.

In this article today, we will discuss the pros and cons of rear and front engine buses so that you can have a detailed understanding of both options.

Benefits of the rear engine:
1. The rear engine does not block the centre or the front of the bus, thus making it easier for passengers to walk and aiding in the free flow of traffic.
2. Rear engine buses are comparatively lighter than front-engine buses.
3. The rear-engine buses have a quieter cabin due to the location of the engine at the rear. This gives a better driving experience for the drivers with less disturbance from the engine noise.
4. It aids in better visibility and comfort for the driver.

Disadvantages of the rear engine:
1. The engine takes up space in the back, thus providing lesser luggage space.
2. Rear engine buses are more expensive as compared to front engine buses.
3. Since the vehicle’s entire weight upon an uphill journey is concentrated on the back, it becomes difficult to traverse hilly roads.

Now, let's look at the merits and demerits of the front engine.

Benefits of front engine:
1. The weight of the bus is well balanced on all wheels.
2. The different parts of the bus, such as the engine, clutch, etc., are easily accessed for any repair or maintenance.
3. Better cooling since the radiator is attached to the front, and it gets a natural draft of air due to the forward movement of the bus.
4. There is more luggage space at the back of the bus.

Disadvantages of front engine:
1. Since the engine is in the front and amidst passengers, it can be loud for everyone.
2. Heat emanating from the engine makes driving inconvenient.
3. The horizontal steering becomes challenging to maneuver for drivers.
4. Reduced cabin space due to the presence of an engine in the cabin.

These are some of the benefits and disadvantages of each of these buses and their engine types. It is difficult to say which is better simply based on the positioning of the engines. Various other factors, such as fuel efficiency, driving comfort, the safety of people on-board, etc., are to be considered when investing in heavy-duty vehicles. This article solely focussed on the engine type to help you understand the different functionalities of said buses.

Even when investing in the best option available, you have to take care of your vehicle’s regular maintenance and upkeep. Keeping a tab of service cycles, investing in good motor insurance, and timely online motor insurance renewal is crucial for your vehicle’s longevity and efficient functionality. Hence, do not skip on these essential aspects of vehicle care.
Regular maintenance can help you extend the lifetime of your big machines. At the same time, motor insurance acts as a safety net to guard you against any expense that you might incur due to accidents, thefts, or other forms of damage.

Click HERE to know more about online motor 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.

Summers in India are pretty difficult to handle as the temperature can exceed over 45 degrees celsius, making it arid and humid. Humans can quickly get affected due to such hot weather, and it becomes unbearable to travel anywhere. While you can take care of yourself by drinking sufficient fluids and staying hydrated, your car needs an equal amount of maintenance,
especially in the summers. You must have seen how difficult it gets to drive anywhere during the hot season. Due to the temperature rise, the car becomes too hot to sit in and drive during a peak summer day.

Are you wondering how to keep your car cool during summers? Read this blog till the end to understand the tips to get the best results and protect your car from high temperatures.

1. Support solar technology by getting a solar-powered fan:
You can get a solar-powered fan for your car to cool down car interiors. It's better to use the sun's energy and heat instead of getting roasted. The solar fan helps balance the air inside the vehicle by extracting the hot air from the cabin. Regulating the process of constant circulation prevents overheating and avoids the stuffing of hot air.

2. Cross ventilation is a solution:
We all know how cross-ventilation works in our homes, kitchens, etc. Similarly, whenever your car is parked in the summers, especially if it is parked under the sun, it would be an intelligent solution to open the car's windows just enough to let the air pass from one window to another and circulate inside the cabin. Thus, a single temperature will not be maintained, and the car would be more comfortable to drive.

3. Park at the right place:
Look for some shade and park your vehicle under it to maintain a relatively low temperature for the car's body. A shade will protect the car's body from getting overheated due to the extreme temperatures and exposure to the direct sun, thus making the cabin bearable to sit and travel in. You can also cover your car to safeguard it against the hot weather, but it is a little more hassle than finding fully covered spots which provide shade to your vehicle.

4. Think about your steering wheel:
Summers spare nothing, not even the steering wheel of your car. Due to the hot climate, your car cabin temperature rises and affects the steering wheel, making it too hot to hold. You can cover your steering wheel with a light cloth to counter this. Avoid darker steering covers as they tend to absorb heat from the sun, making it unbearable for you to touch the steering wheel.

As we discussed protecting your car against high temperatures and how you can keep it cool, it is also essential to safeguard your vehicle against other damages that you may or may not see coming. Purchasing car insurance is an intelligent choice to cover your priceless possession under the safety net of financial benefits. But you need to make sure that you are aware of all the terms and conditions, including the new car insurance rates, before you make your final decision.

Click HERE to know more about the new car insurance rates.

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.

Fuel is one of the essential things needed for your bike to function efficiently. It generates power in your bike and makes it operable. You cannot risk being low on fuel or having no fuel in the tank. But there are times when you forget to fill up the fuel tank, and get stuck in an area with no petrol pumps around, or the fuel starts leaking, and you don't notice until the very end. What are you supposed to do then?

For such situations, bike manufacturing companies brought in the concept of reserve fuel. The reserve tank permits you to drive your bike till you find the nearest petrol pump and refill your tank. It is a fail-safe option in your main tank whenever you are stuck in a no-fuel situation.

However, this raises questions. Is it appropriate to ride your bike on reserve? What will happen to the bike's performance and efficiency? Let's address these.

1. No warning:
You can run your motorcycle on reserve all the time, but you might use up all the fuel without any warning signs that your tank is empty. This means that your bike can stop suddenly due to zero fuel, and you would have to push it to the nearest gas station.

2. Less power:
Driving on low fuel puts pressure on your bike's engine. As a result, the engine's power deteriorates over time and hampers your bike's performance significantly.

3. Practice occasionally:
The two reasons mentioned earlier are why you should not run your bike on reserve all the time. But it is advised that running your motorcycle on reserve from time to time is a good practice as it is essential to occasionally use the fuel in the lower part of the fuel tank. But, ensure that this is carried out periodically and doesn't become a habit.

4. Dirt collection:
In the previous point, we discussed that it is necessary to use the fuel in the lower part of your fuel tank. Why is it essential to do so? The lower part of your fuel tank is where a lot of dirt, dust, water, etc. is collected. And when you avoid riding your bike in reserve mode, all dirt and moisture can accumulate and fill up the reserve tank. This might end up clogging the main tank.
This accumulation can be challenging to deal with. It will involve a lot more tank maintenance, and frequent visits to the mechanic to get the tank cleaned, fixed, or even replaced, none of which is quick and easy to manage.

So, all in all, is it good to ride your bike on reserve all the time? It sure does not cause any severe harm as long as you are careful. Switching your motorcycle to the reserve mode means that the fuel will flow from the reserve tank instead of the main tank to the carburetor.

While riding in reserve is one of the many questions about motorcycles and their maintenance, other factors contribute to your bike's proper and efficient functioning. It is wise to insure your bike to protect it against any sudden problems with the parts or severe damages, which might involve a lot of repair expenses. Try investing in reliable motor insurance India and assure your bike a long life.

Click HERE to know more about motor 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.

Hand numbness affects all bikers, from beginners to professionals. A few hours into riding a bike, you may begin to feel tingling in your palms and fingers. The stinging sensation is caused by compressed nerves in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist and might last several hours.

You shake it off in the hopes of alleviating the dull ache, but it doesn't seem to work. So, what is the solution? Even if these techniques do not eliminate the condition, they can at least assist in easing or lessening the numbness while riding.

1. Wear protective gloves:
Vibration stresses the nerves and forces you to hold more tightly than usual. Wearing padded gloves might assist but make sure they're not too tight since this can complicate the issue.

2. Alter your arm position:
Keep changing your grip on the handlebar throughout the journey to prevent exerting the same persistent strain on your wrists.

3. Loosen up the elbows:
Relaxing your elbows engages your torso muscles, relieving strain from your hands. Let your elbows rest in all situations to allow you to soak vibrations from the road.

4. Maintain body balance:
Don't forget about your core. Maintaining your body's balance while riding may dramatically reduce the amount of pressure on your hands.

5. Tune-up your bike:
Ensure that the bike's suspension is correctly tuned and the tyre pressure is perfect before every ride. Decreasing the vibration is crucial to experience a smooth ride.

6. Get your bike altered to fit:
Bike fitting suggests moving the seat rearward, lowering it, adjusting the tilt, and elevating the bar. This will distribute your weight back and away from your hands.

7. Have a hold:
Consider adopting thicker, softer, and sticky grips so you don't have to grasp the handlebars as tightly. Another alternative is to use ergonomic grips. They're designed to assist you in positioning your hands correctly and relieving pressure spots.

8. Utilize your core:
Take note of your general position and the amount of involvement of your back and core muscles when riding. By focusing your conscious attention on your body's mechanics, you'll be able to make real-time modifications to ease the pressure on your arms and hands.

9. Physiotherapy:
If the numbness in your hands worsens or persists, you should seek medical advice from a physical therapist. They will determine the treatment by assessing the problem's root cause.

10. Stretching:
A few minutes of full body stretching before each trip will also reduce your muscles' numbness and strain. Basic stretching and strengthening exercises for your hands, wrists, and forearms will help prevent hand numbness.

It's common to exert strain on your arms and shoulders while biking. This usually happens unintentionally when you are in an unwanted environment, such as a traffic jam. Even if we take it easy and try to let go of the pressure, our hands and shoulders still tense up. As a result, discomfort and continuing difficulties in the muscles of the upper back result from this circumstance.

It's not just you who faces problems due to excessive riding, your bike also suffers through wear and tear and may eventually get damaged. Be prepared for this by looking up appropriate 2 wheeler insurance online that offers you the best-suited benefits for your needs and ensures the safety of your possession.

To get 2 wheeler insurance online, 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.

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.