GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Buying a car is no more a family dream as people are investing in a car in their early careers. With the increase in pollution and traffic in most of the metro cities, ditching your two-wheeler for a car would seem a better idea for a comfortable ride to the office.

We get all excited while planning to buy a new car and would end up visiting various car showrooms to extract the best bid in our budget. However, when it comes to purchasing insurance for the Car, we would hardly care to see what it actually covers and prefer policies with minimum premium.

Purchasing the correct vehicle insurance is although little tricky, we present a primary point-agenda to buy the best vehicle protection with the best car insurance price in india to make your life simpler.

What should a comprehensive car insurance plan cover? 

1. Any damage to the Car due to Natural disasters: 

Since natural calamities are not in our control, anything such as earthquake, storm, cyclone, landslide, Tsunami, etc. must be covered in your plan.

2. Any damage Due to Man-Made disasters:

Any damage caused due to a terrorist attack, a riot, strike and during the transportation of your Car should also be compensated by your insurance plan.

3. Personal Accident Cover: 

It's imperative that your Car insurance also provides for you and your family in case of an unfortunate accident resulting in partial or full disability and even death. Under a comprehensive policy you 

4. Third-Party Legal Liability:

If a third party suffers any damages during the accidents or a surrounding property gets damaged, this cover protects you against the legal liability.

What is not covered under a Motor Insurance NOT cover?

• Driving the car under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Intentional loss and damage to the vehicle.
• If someone else is driving your car and it is damaged while being driven by that person.
• Driving without a license.
• Damage caused due to war, mutiny, invasion by the enemy, nuclear risk.
• Any mechanical or electrical breakdown of the Car due to Driver's mistake or because of the condition of the vehicle.

Always pick a top-rated agency 

If it's cheap, it's compromised, hence don't get attracted by any plan that assures a full coverage under a low premium fee. In case of an emergency, the priority is getting your claim as early as possible. Go for a reputed company in the market that provides fast claim settlements along with great customer service.

Key factors to consider before purchasing Car insurance:

• Allowance for the commute - If your Car is under repair, make sure your plan includes an allowance for the daily commute by your insurer.
• Cover for lost car keys - If you lost your car keys or someone has broken into the lock system, you will get cover for replacing the lock.
• Cover for hotel stay - Suppose your Car has become immobile after involving in an accident and you need to stay nearby while it is being repaired, your plan must bear the expenses of your stay in a hotel.
• No Claim Bonus - If you haven't filed a claim during the period of your policy, you can apply for a no-claim bonus. Also, if you make only one claim, you still get to keep your NCB.
• Repair of glass, rubber, plastic and fibre parts - If such parts of the car are damaged, you can get them repaired, and this does not affect your No Claim Bonus.
• Lost Personal Belongings and Baggage Cover - If your Car doesn't have an anti-theft device that is approved by the Automobile Research Association of India, the insurance company gives you cover for the lost personal belongings. 

Bottom line!

While you spend so much time researching the latest model, the jazziest colours, the snazziest of safety features, also choose the best car insurance policy in India that offers you higher protection against.

Thanks to higher disposal incomes and many attractive car loans available in the market, owning a car in India is no more a luxury. You spend a good amount of money to select a model, accessories, and safety measures like gear lock and central locking for your proud possession. But, have you ever given a thought about why your car requires a valid car insurance policy? As driving in India has its own perils, the Motor Act, 1988 made it mandatory for all car owners to possess a valid car insurance policy. 

The car insurance policy not only indemnifies you in the event of an accident, damage, theft, or loss affecting your car but also offers protection in case of third-party liability. Instead of treating your car insurance policy as an expense, you must consider it as a protection.

Here are some of the most noteworthy key points that will help you to understand the benefits of having car insurance.

• Monetary benefits of a comprehensive car insurance 

  One of the key benefits of a car insurance policy is the reimbursement in the form of financial benefits if the car meets with an accident or gets stolen.

• Cashless repair facility

  The benefit of cashless repair facility can be availed when an accident-related repair is completed in a network garage. Protection against losses caused due to natural calamities like earthquakes and fire.

• Protection against third-party liability and legal cases.

  A good car insurance policy provides you protection caused to a third-party, like injuries, damage to another vehicle, or death while using your vehicle.

How to select a recognized car insurance firm?

It is essential for you to know if the insurance company is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA). Before you plan to buy car insurance online from an insurer, validate that the company is featured in the IRDA list of authorized insurance companies.

How to check your car insurance status online?

Once you have purchased a car insurance policy, it is advisable to keep your Car Insurance details handy at all times which might be required at the time of filing an insurance claim.

If you are unsure about the status of your car insurance policy, then you can check it on the official website of the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB), which has been created by the IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority). 

When you are performing the car insurance policy status, check on the IIB website, you must take care of the following points:

• In case the car insurance policy has been issued recently, the details will not be available online.
• While entering the car number, do not use spaces or any special characters.
• Please note that data is available only for those policies, which have been issued after March 2010.
• This option can be utilized for a maximum of 3 times by using your mobile number or email id. 

With the car insurance status checks been made simple, it is easier for you to keep track of your car insurance policy. Make sure that you renew your car insurance policy before the expiry date of the present policy to enjoy continued protection against damages. 

These essential Car Insurance tips will help you file a claim with your insurer and get it approved without any hassles. You can also buy or renew your Car Insurance online instantly as per your preference.

Having a car insured takes many brainstorming sessions in which you have to consider several factors. The premiums paid towards a car insurance policy can be a wrecking ball to your hard-earned money. The requirement for purchasing a suitable policy is something that can't be overlooked. An ideal approach to manage this undesirable circumstance is to know about significant components that influence the vehicle insurance premium. The adequate knowledge of these determinants will enable you to have decent policy terms from the best car insurance company in india with the same advantages and deductibles. Here are some of the factors that directly affect the premium rates,

• Type of Car – Undoubtedly, the subject of your insurance that is your car determines your premium rates and is one of the significant factors considered under the premium bar as some of the vehicles are either stolen; lack specific safety measures or incur more repair costs.
• Driving Habits of the Driver – If you have a record of bad driving, accidents or too many traffic fines under your belt then the insurance companies may refuse to give insurance or charge the high cost of the policy as they strictly adjudge that another accident is prone to happen soon. However, if you make sincere efforts to drive safely, your record may lose value over time, and your insurance premiums can be more manageable for you.
• Demographic Factors – Things like your age, profession, geographical location have quite a weight on your insurance premium allocation. For instance, if you live in densely populated regions, then you are more prone to collisions, thefts or injuries hence higher the premium. Whereas, if you live nearly in a hamlet, then your premium may descend accordingly. Similarly, take age or gender; for example, if you are young and reckless, you may have to shell higher premium amounts. In some cases, women tend to pay lesser premium than man. No reason, just giving an edge to gender parity and all.
• Customized Car Insurance Policy- Another primary reason for increment and decrement of insurance premiums. A well-customized car plan that completes the necessities of your desired car may cost you high premium rates. Many insurance firms offer well-tailored policy plans that would prove beneficial to the insured on a personal basis.
• Car coverage and choice of deductibles - Insurance premiums may vary depending upon the type of coverage the insured chooses for their car. Types of coverage depend upon the state of the car; they could be collision, liability, comprehensive, personal injury protection coverage, etc. A deductible is an amount you pay before your policy period to pay for an uncovered loss, setting high deductibles indicates less money to pay in policy.

In the end, one must ensure that paying for car insurance is an essential part of owning a car. Hence, try to come with a pivotal decision that would lower your premium at any cost.

Health problems can occur suddenly and without preamble, and it can often mess up your financial planning with unexpected expenses. It has made health insurance important for every family to help decrease any unplanned financial burden. Though most of the companies provide their employees with health insurance coverage, it is not sufficient and can also exclude many ailments. Emergencies do not see our feasibility; hence, a reckless attitude towards health could put you in financial risk. Also, if we are paying for a thing, we tend to be very careful about the benefits we would be receiving.

However, it is not just about taking a health insurance plan; instead, it is about choosing the right health plan for your family to get the maximum benefits at the time of emergency. It is essential that you understand various factors that will help you choose the right health insurance policy .  Here are a few essential things you should know while deciding to buy a health insurance plan.

What kind of health plan suits you?

Health insurance plans can be indemnity plans and defined benefit plans. The defined benefit plan pays a lump sum amount for treatment without going into the detailed breakup of hospital expenses. On the other hand, an indemnity plan reimburses the hospital expenses. It is recommended that your health insurance portfolio should have indemnity plans and additional critical illness plans which are defined benefit plans. 

Which indemnity cover suits you: Individual health insurance or family floater?

If you want extensive coverage, individual health insurance is the option. In this type, you will buy separate plans for each member of the family, and premium for each policy will be based on the age, and respective sum assured. However, if you are a family person, it is recommended that you buy a family floater (FF) plan to cover your whole family. Then you will not need to buy separate policies for each family member. The premium for family floater plans is also less than individual plans, and there is a higher sum assured. The most important factor is that anyone can use the amount for medical treatment. Also, it is possible to cover parents if they are senior citizens with a slightly higher premium.

Other important considerations while choosing health insurance for your family:

• Select the sum insured based on your age and marital status, because the risk is less when you are younger, and it climbs as you grow older.
• Select a plan that has a minimum waiting period for pre-existing health conditions.
• Select a plan that allows you to renew at 75 or 80 years of age.
• Consider the range of hospitals that the insurer is affiliated with.
• Compare premiums and plans from more than one insurer and remember to read the customer reviews.
• Read between the lines to understand the exclusions.

Insurance does not guarantee good health, but it will help you in taking care of your loved ones the best way possible during health emergencies. 

As the world revolutionises and turns towards more eco-friendly options, the emergence of Electric Vehicles, or EVs, has also come to the limelight. They are not only cost-effective but a good eco-friendly riding option. They help in the reduction of harmful gases in the atmosphere. It keeps the balance of the environment intact. This, in turn, helps maintain the balance of global warming. The Indian Government has also prioritised shifting all vehicles plying on Indian roads to electric vehicles or EVs by 2030.

To make this possible, a lot of steps have been taken. The government wants to make EVs affordable, usable, and accessible to all. Are long charging hours stopping you from buying an EV? Batteries make up 40-50% of the cost of every EV right now. Additionally, battery charging can also take long hours. Hence, battery swapping was established as a plausible solution.

The battery-swapping policy was introduced in the 2022-23 budget. Let's find out more about it.

What is the new policy of the Indian Government?
The Indian Government has released a new policy focusing on two and three wheeler vehicles with electric-powered engines. The main purpose behind the policy introduced by NITI Ayog focuses on swapping the batteries instead of charging them. It is not only cost-effective but also ensures good time management.

How is swapping batteries better than charging?
There are a variety of merits that you can derive by swapping the batteries instead of charging them. These are

● Time management:
It is a known fact that charging batteries can be an extremely tedious process. It takes approximately an hour or more to charge a battery completely, which can be a waste of time if you are in a hurry. Instead, if you swap the battery, it will only take you a few minutes. It is because the batteries will already be charged.

● Space management:
The chargers that are present at the charging stations are furiously slow. Moreover, they can only charge one vehicle at a time. Instead, if you swap the batteries with a pre-charged one, you need not wait for your turn to charge. All the discharged batteries can also be charged once and used when ready.

● Cost-effective: Batteries can be costly, which limits the consumers to buy an EV. With the swapping of batteries, the batteries will be available on a subscription basis. This was done to make batteries and EVs affordable to all.

● Less anxiety:
One major issue with EVs is running out of charge before the destination. If the battery swapping stations are set up successfully, this will not be an issue anymore. You can easily swap the batteries in minutes and go to your destination without hassles.

These are some clear pointers on why battery swapping is a game-changer for EVs. The Government is trying its best to establish EVs as the future of India. We should also do our share in making the world free from pollution and carbon emissions. With methods like battery swapping, EVs can be more accessible and affordable. Make sure to buy car insurance policy online to keep your EV safe and sound. Contact your insurance provider to understand the terms and conditions better while covering an EV.

Click HERE to buy car insurance policy online for your EV.

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.

When purchasing insurance, people check the plan's conditions, coverage, and exclusions. A good insurance agency offers the best plans and benefits to its customers. But do you know how to identify an excellent general insurance company? If you want insurance for your home, business, or automobile, you must determine the best insurance agency for your requirements.

Here are some clear signs that help you choose a good insurance company.

1. Problem-solving:
A good insurance company can come up with creative solutions to your problems. You should ensure that the agency helps its clients with the right insurance plan according to their needs. If you get the right solutions, the insurance company is rated outstanding.

2. Genuine:
You should know that unethical insurance agents only stay in business for a short time. You can check the experience and reviews of old customers of an insurance company to determine whether they are transparent & genuine.

3. Ease of doing business:
If you can easily access an insurance company's product, you can put them in the category of a good insurance company. Some other factors that make the interaction between clients and insurance agents more seamless include online claim reporting, online bill pay, billing questions, policy changes, 24x7 customer service, and social media platforms.

4. Vast technical knowledge:
An excellent general insurance company knows how to sell its policy and win its customers' trust. You should expect that your insurance agency can instantly answer all your insurance, law, and tax queries. They must know income tax preparation, financial planning, and some other avenues of financial service to help their clients with their financial situations.

5. Customers delight:
You will feel encouraged to buy their product when you meet an agent or a team from a good general agency. Most good insurance agents are eager and excited, which makes it interesting and easier for clients to understand the details of their products.

6. Emotional intelligence:
If your insurance agency listens and empathises with clients, they can help you clear up your financial situation when you encounter a loss due to an accident. A good insurance agent is sensitive and able to understand the needs of their clients.

7. Good customer service:
Customer service doesn't mean being available at all times, but it should also solve your problems and satisfactorily answer your questions. Check whether the customer care team timely responds to their client's inquiries via phone, chat, or video calls. You may also go through the company's online reviews to get a clearer picture of their customer service.

8. A wide array of products:
If your agency offers comprehensive products and services that meet your specific needs, you can call them a good insurance company. You should check that they offer a wide assortment of general insurance, including motor, health, home, travel, commercial, and more. You should also look for optional features in the general insurance plan and decide on its requirements to get comprehensive coverage.

9. Sense of urgency:
A good agency has robust SOPs and processes for quick insurance approval. Consider the agency's time to explain its products and services, the application process, and other factors. You should check how fast your insurance agency can provide the claim money when needed.

Look for these signs in your general insurance company and decide whether they are the best agency for you. Choose the right insurance company that offers a wide array of general insurance products. You can benefit from the insurance plan if you encounter a loss or damage to your life, vehicle, home, or business.

Click HERE to know more about the best general insurance company 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.

If you're looking for answers to some frequently asked questions about two wheeler insurance, look no further. According to the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, every two-wheeler and four-wheeler owner must have third-party coverage. As a result, you must get either standalone bike insurance or a comprehensive bike insurance plan if you wish to cover the damages your bike sustains in accidents.

Many individuals need clarification on the numerous facets of a bike insurance policy. Therefore, we are addressing many concerns about a two wheeler insurance plan in this post in the form of some frequently asked questions.

1. What paperwork is necessary to submit an insurance claim for a two-wheeler?
Depending on your coverage and the damage experienced, you may need specific papers to submit a two-wheeler insurance claim. However, the necessary documents required to submit a two-wheeler insurance claim are summarised below:

● A current insurance policy agreement

● R.C. papers

● Driving licence copy

● As reported to the local police, a First Information Report (FIR)

● Pictures that were taken at the scene of the accident

● Other supporting records, if any

2. How much is my two-wheeler worth, and how is that determined?
Insured Declared Value (IDV), to which you are referring in this sentence, is the maximum sum for which you will be compensated if your two-wheeler is stolen or lost in its entirety. The manufacturer's suggested retail price determines the IDV of two wheeler, which is then depreciation-adjusted. Similarly, the IDV for non-factory-installed items is determined separately if they need to be added to the coverage at an additional expense.

3. What steps are involved in renewing my bike insurance?
Nowadays, it's effortless to renew your bike insurance thanks to the online renewal process of two-wheeler insurance. Most insurers notify the policyholder of the policy's expiration date in advance. Therefore, to renew your bike insurance online, go to the insurance company's website and complete a few easy steps. In addition, you can renew the insurance offline by going to your insurer's office or getting in touch with customer service.

4. Which situations fall under a bike insurance policy's exclusions?
The policy wordings for bike insurance coverage include specific information about the exclusions. Before purchasing your bike insurance policy, reading and comprehending the exclusions is crucial. It is advised to get clarification if there are any questions about the exclusions in your bike insurance policy.
Here is a list of typical exclusions that can be encountered while filing a two-wheeler insurance claim:

● Getting behind the handlebar when intoxicated

● Riding a motorcycle without having insurance

● Driving without a valid licence

● Nuclear risks-related harm

● War-related damage

5. What kind of additional coverage is offered for my two-wheeler?
You must purchase comprehensive coverage that includes any injury or damage to a third party and any harm to your two-wheeler if you want to protect it adequately. Similar to the above, an add-on policy like Zero Depreciation would guarantee the total amount of your valid claim is paid without considering the depreciation factor.
Repairs and replacements of certain parts made of plastic, fibre, glass, etc., are priced on a depreciation basis under IRDA regulations.

6. Where can I find the policy number for my bike insurance?
When you purchase a two-wheeler insurance policy, you will receive policy documents having the policy number for your bike insurance. The correspondence letters, emails, etc., that your insurer sends you regularly include your bike insurance policy number as a reference.

7. Why should I purchase online two-wheeler insurance?
The advantages of purchasing insurance online include the following:

● Comparing prices and assessing coverage alternatives on a free and user-friendly platform.

● A quick and helpful customer service team can address any issues.

● Post-sale services that are prompt and trustworthy.

● Assistance with the claims and related issues as soon as possible.

These are the most commonly asked questions when purchasing bike insurance which offer you good clarity about the application process, claim settlement, premium, inclusions and exclusions, types of bike insurance, renewal details, and much more. Let's get ready to buy your bike insurance today!

Click HERE to buy bike insurance and stay stress-free.

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.

Tulsi is a popular houseplant in India and is worshipped by people as a religious practice in different parts of the country. You can find a dedicated area for the tulsi plant if you visit the traditional Indian houses. But things have changed a lot nowadays, and people have also started keeping a tulsi plant in their apartments for its many benefits.

Having a tulsi plant at home can have many benefits, including calmness and happiness to the house. According to the ancient Vastu Shastra and Ayurveda, tulsi can benefit you in the following ways:

1. Tulsi leaves have medicinal values:
According to Ayurveda, tulsi leaves contain various medicinal properties. Taking tulsi leaves with honey can heal common coughs and colds. Moreover, tulsi leaves possess various natural antioxidants that kill free radicals in the body and improve the immune system. Regular consumption of tulsi leaves can help manage stress and high blood pressure. Notably, tulsi leaves feature multiple benefits without any side effects on your body.

2. Bring happiness to marital life:
It is believed that maintaining a tulsi plant in the east or northeast corner of your home can bring positive energy. As per the Vastu, a tulsi plant eliminates stress and brings happiness to your conjugal life. Gradually, your life will become happier and more peaceful.

3. Tea with tulsi leaves:
Tulsi can make your tea more refreshing and nourishing. Restaurants usually use dried basil to prepare such tea. But you can use fresh leaves if you have a tulsi plant. Tea is a source of various antioxidants, which improve your immunity, and when you add tulsi to it, the level of such minerals and antioxidants increases. The combination of tulsi and tea creates a warm beverage with many health benefits.

4. Insect repellent:
Many homeowners find themselves subjected to frequent insect attacks, and it often becomes annoying to tackle them. People use different kinds of toxic chemicals to remove insects, though these chemicals may harm pets and children in the house. Tulsi is a natural insect repellent, and your house can stay protected from mosquitoes, flies, and many other insects if you have this plant in your balcony garden.

5. Tulsi brings prosperity:
In Hindu mythology, the Tulsi plant has been represented as the form of the goddess Lakhsmi. So, it is believed that having a tulsi plant in the east or northeast part of the home brings good luck and prosperity. Having a tulsi plant in the house can protect you from unnecessary financial expenses. Also known as the queen of herbs, the tulsi eliminates negativity and spreads positive energy to the home.

How can you have a tulsi plant in your apartment? The tulsi plant needs direct sunlight for 4-5 hours a day. You can keep it on the window sill or balcony, where it can receive a good amount of sunlight.

So, these are some benefits of having a tulsi plant at home. Overall, people believe that tulsi brings peace, happiness, wellness, and good luck to a house. Your house will become a more beautiful place to live, though you must remember to invest in the best home insurance policy in India for financial peace during unexpected circumstances.

Click HERE to buy the best home insurance policy 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.