GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

There are thousands of tourists in India at any given point of time. While many stays in one city or area for the entire duration of their stay, others choose to move around and explore. One of the most common ways of discovering new places is renting a car. As someone visiting another country, you would love to see all that you possibly can in the short time that you are there and driving around is great to do that. However, it is essential to keep in mind the necessity of car insurance. Here are five reasons why tourists make it a point to get car insurance: -

• Covers the Costs of Repairs: As someone coming from outside the country, there are high chances that you don’t know how to drive on the right side of the car. While it is possible to learn how to do so, there can be an accident. If that happens, having car insurance in place helps because it’ll cover the cost of repairs. Depending on how severe the damages are, having the costs covered can be of great help, since they can be quite expensive.
• Provides Extensive Financial Protection: Again, the costs to be covered would depend mainly upon how severe the accident and so, having insurance would protect you from significant expenses. Whether there is vehicular damage, minor injuries, loss of sight, disablement, or even death, car insurance would cover the costs or provide compensation. You would not have to pay a lot out of your pocket since the insurance would take care of medical bills or repairs.
• Reduces Liability: If there is an accident, there are chances that someone else was affected as well, whether it is damage to their vehicle or whether they were physically hurt. By taking Third Party Liability, you would not only be saved from having to pay for their damages but also from the legal ramifications; the insurance would cover all that. Getting Third Party Liability is mandatory in India. By getting car insurance, tourists can avoid getting involved in legal procedures while visiting.
• Covers the Cost of Treatment of Passengers:
• By opting for the best car insurance policy in India, you would protect yourself from extensive costs due to a car accident (either medical bills or repair costs). There are high chances that your co-passengers would be protected. If during an accident, not just you but your co-passengers get hurt, the insurance policy would also compensate for their damages; it would cover hospital visits, medical bills, any surgeries or operations, etc.
• Compensation after Death: Unfortunately, driving cars can lead to not just accidents, but, the accident can cause death as well. In this case, the car insurance policy you have chosen could provide compensation to the family, depending upon its terms or coverage. The demise might seriously affect the daily life of the family, and the insurance policy might help pay for their expenses.

Whether you are a tourist or a native, finding the best car insurance policy in India is no longer a difficult task since there are hundreds in the market. All you need to do is thorough research and choose the plan which offers maximum coverage and compensation in the event of a car accident.

Cars become a second home to those who love travelling and driving. Be it driving long distance or shorter ones, before we start off to any destination we need to ensure that we are stocked up on essential things that will come handy in emergency situations. As goes the saying, precaution is better than the solution, it’s better to be well equipped than to wait for help.
Still feeling unsure of what should be the essential things that you should keep in your car?
Well, we bring to you the 5 most important things that your car must have.

● Documents-

These are the things that should be your topmost priority. Documents like registration papers, the license and insurance papers, are a vital and most crucial thing that should always be in your car in a safe place. In case of any emergency like an accident, these papers are essential and required for any legal procedures. Also make sure to include the car manual, your emergency contact numbers, health cards with your medical records. Emergency contact numbers would help someone to call and reach out to your near and dear ones when you are in need and are unable to do so.

● Safety kit-

Before heading out anywhere, you should always carry the first aid kit with you at all times. A safety kit includes band aids, antibiotic creams, pain-relievers, tweezers, cottons, and many more. It is not only important but also crucial to ensure you do not need to wait for the first aid to arrive when in need. You can administer it to your fellow travellers or even yourself when required. A safety kit provides you with the immediate medical aid that is indispensable and very essential in saving lives. A safety kit does not only include the medical aid, but also includes the survival tool kit.

● Dry food-

Every time you drive, the other most essential thing to be stocked upon is the non-perishable food items. These can be anything starting from energy bars to the dry fruits and nuts. Dry foods ensure you do not end up being hangry when driving.

● Spare parts and tools-

Spare parts and tools like duct tape, match sticks or lighter, window breaker, flashlights, etc, are another list of important things that you should make sure to carry before you drive any car. When driving, there are times you end up with road emergencies like a flat tire and having a spare part and knowing how to change the tire makes it easier and quicker for you to reach your destination.
Not only do the spare tools and parts facilitate a smooth drive, they also ensure you do not need to run and search when having an emergency.

● Health essentials-

Every person has their share of health emergencies. Especially when you are a woman driver, you need to maintain your health hygiene whether you are on the roads or anywhere in the world. Keep a health essential kit to make sure your health does not take a back seat when driving and travelling. Clean microfiber cloths, packs of ‘lady’ products, sunscreen, your kit of prescribed medicines that you might need incase of any health emergency and tissues.

If someone were to tell me in 2019 that many of us would be using a screen in 2020 as if our lives depended on it, I would dismiss them entirely. But with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing us to sit across a laptop or our cell phones for academics, work, or recreation, we seem to be headed towards the reality I initially dismissed.
We wake up to our social media notifications. Go about the day jumping from one online lecture or work meeting to another. Fall asleep to an episode of a web series or responding to personal messages. As you can see (pun intended), in this newfound reality, it is our eyes that undergo a considerable amount of agony, inhaling all of that blue light.
More and more individuals have realised the need to care for their eyes in this pandemic. So here are a few ways in which you can do the same as well:

1. Monitor Distance - Room Lightning - Eyewear

It will be ideal if you place a computer screen at an arm’s length and 20 degrees below your eye level. This position helps avoid eye strain. Make sure you have enough diffused lighting in your room. Too much or too less light can cause the eyes to experience stress. Lastly, it is highly recommended to wear anti-glare glasses or lens when working on a computer all day long.

2. 20 - 20 - 20 Rule

If your eyes are dear to you, you should continue showering them with some affection by observing the 20 - 20 - 20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and fix your gaze on an object 20 feet away for a total of 20 seconds.
Unless you have a measuring tape, it will be difficult to measure 20 feet accurately. Being sureshot about the distance is not the key. The idea is to stare at something far away - maybe a building across the street or a tree. It takes about 20 seconds for your eyes to relax. And you can set a reminder for every 20 minutes. This is how you perform the rule!

3. Sleep Well

One common mistake that some of us make while going to sleep is that we do not cover our rooms in enough darkness. Our bodies are known to sleep well due to the release of a specific hormone called melatonin. And this hormone is produced in response to darkness — the more the melatonin, the better the quality and quantity of our sleep. So make sure to pop an eye mask while inviting the ZzZs.

4. Avoid Rubbing

Your hands are covered in dust, germs, dirt and whatnot. And these can be easily transferred to your eyes each time you rub them. To avoid irritation or infection, avoid touching your eyes directly with your hands.

5. Limit Substance Use

You thought smoking could only affect your lungs and heart? Think again. Research shows that smoking can cause dry eyes - a condition causing them to feel itchy, stingy and red. It can also increase the risk of developing cataract.
Consuming too much alcohol can lead to a condition named optic atrophy, wherein the nerve endings of the optical system get damaged, resulting in low vision or complete loss of it.

Right from childhood apart from studies we are taught about being safe in general, there are numerous ways in which you could hurt yourself, and thus, it is essential to know the dos and don’ts in your daily life. Something quite likely to cause a lot of damage is fire; no wonder today people have become more concerned about finding the best fire insurance policy in India so that any costs incurred due to fire damage are covered.

Here are five things your parents would have surely taught you about fire safety:

• Know the Emergency Number: Regardless of whether you are a child or not, it is highly necessary always to remember the fire emergency helpline number, which happens to be 101 in India. While there are some steps you can take if there is a fire, it is always better to call the fire department to ensure that there is no trace of the fire left. Moreover, as a child, if there is no one around, you were most likely not able to do much, and calling them would be the only option.
• To leave immediately: If you see a fire, especially one which is growing, you should leave the premises immediately. There is no saying how the situation might escalate, and you might end up getting hurt or severely injured if you stay indoors or hide somewhere.
• Electrical fires: One of the most common reasons for a fire is electrical. Often, there is a shortage of power, or the wires might break, causing a fire. You must know never to try to put it out with water since you might get a shock.
• Don’t play with flammable objects: Every household has objects such as lighters, matchboxes, candles, and other flammable ones, which could potentially cause a fire. It is essential to explain to children what these objects are for, and what damage they could cause if played with, like fire can be harmful and how these objects make use of fire, instead of merely keeping them away, especially since children are curious by nature. Also, when cooking, children should not be allowed near a burning gas and should not be left alone in the kitchen.
• Keep heaters and other appliances away: Most people use heaters during the winters to keep warm, and they must take precautions to keep such appliances away from the reach of children. You must ensure that their toys are nowhere near the heater or that they don’t play around such appliances since there is always the possibility of knocking it over and causing a fire.

While it is very crucial to take all the precautions when it comes to fire and to teach children about its possible threats, it is also essential to have a fire insurance policy in place to cover any costs due to fire. You must make sure to choose only the best fire insurance policy in India to ensure that you would not have to pay a considerable amount to repair any damages.

Motivated employees are the biggest asset of any company or organisation. They not only increase the overall productivity of the company but also generate better output. But the question arises, how to keep the employees motivated?

By implementing and following certain practices in the workplace, you can ensure that your employees give their best and develop both as a staff member as well as an individual. Given is a detailed explanation of the best practices to be followed in a corporate office:

• State your expectations clearly - Many times, bottom level workers feel crushed under the expectations of the middle-level managers or employees. Therefore, as an executive, is utmost important for you to be very clear about what you expect from your employees. You should elaborate on the quality of work you expect from them, timelines, personnel role is in a certain project, and so on. This way, they do not feel the burden of work or meeting deadlines at the very last moment. Build a strong foundation of communication and mutual support.
• Involve the employees - A surefire way to make any employee feel important is by involving him/her in the important decisions of the company. By taking their advice or opinions, you establish a feeling of trust and authority. For example, managers can ask their subordinates for their views on marketing strategies. This is bound to be successful as the employee gets motivated to work harder thinking of your company as his own!
• Encourage feedback - Employers tend to establish dominance over their staff members. If that is the case in your organization, it needs to be changed! As an employee, you wouldn't want your superior to ignore all the suggestions and feedback you provide, then why should you neglect those of your team? A great way of building strong relationships with your employees is encouraging them to provide feedback after every meeting and respond to any issues or queries they have.
• Fulfil their individual goals If you wish that your employees work for the betterment of your business, you must think of their personal goals. In many ways, you can add to their individual growth - for example, you can give regular bonuses, you can periodically increase their salaries. This way, they develop a stronger relationship with you as well as your company.
• Use their talent : Any employee can develop a feeling of boredom or monotony if they work in an area which doesn't utilize their skills or talent. This not only results in dissatisfaction amongst the employees but also leads to a counterproductive routine in the organization. It is best to recognize the specialization of an employee and hire him on a suitable designation as well as assign him to work accordingly. This way, the tasks allocated to him will be done in the best possible manner and reduces the chances of that employee leaving your company.
• Be open to errors: Humans tend to commit errors. Your employees too might make some of the other mistakes at some point in time. In such situations, it is best to take necessary corrective measures and guide them to not commit such mistakes in the future. Rather than   scolding them or making them feel bad about what happened, you must accept the mistake and be open towards it.

You can also make them aware of beneficial insurance policies and can help them in buying home insurance online if they moved to the city for working in your company. This way you can earn their trust as an employer and can expect the same from them.

With so many options in the market today, it is no longer a difficult task finding the best personal accident insurance policy in India still, before you buy one it's essential to know a few things.

First and foremost, what is accident insurance? It is a type of insurance that provides the insurance holder with compensation, in the event of an accident, death, dismemberment, loss of sight or other senses, medical expenses, etc. It is important to understand that it is not the same as health insurance but is complementary to it. Since choosing accident insurance is a significant decision, here are some points to consider: -

• What Does the Policy Cover: One of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing accident insurance is what all does it cover. It must include all the daily activities(mode of commute, work environment, residential locality, cause of calamity such as fire, water, etc.) which could lead to an accident, at home or elsewhere. The more it covers, the better.
• What are the Benefits of the Policy: Accidents or injuries is a broad category, and it is imperative to know what the benefits are that come with the insurance policy. It would be best if you found out whether it includes permanent/temporary and total/partial disablement, loss of senses (eyesight, hearing, etc.,), accidental death, and others, along with whether there is an ambulance facility and it covers hospital bills. The nature of your daily activities will largely determine the benefits that come under the policy.
• What are the Benefits to the Family: It is not enough to find out about the benefits that are provided to the insurance holder; you also need to know about the benefits being offered to the family. In case, there is a death, permanent disablement or loss of income, the policy which provides the maximum benefits to the family and promises to cover major costs is the one to buy.
• Find Out About the Company: Something vital that you need to take into consideration is the insurance company's reputation. Make sure to go with one which has managed to build its standing in the market for years and has a solid background. Since accident insurance has a lot to do with your life and health, you must do all the necessary research and take the time to choose a well-reputed company.
• The Premium that Needs to be Paid: A very crucial aspect of any insurance is the premium that you need to pay, and it is the same with accident insurance. Premium is the amount that needs to be paid regularly to maintain the insurance's validity. You must select a plan wherein the premium is well within your budget, and there is a balance between the premium being paid and the benefits provided.

When it comes to a matter of life and health, there is no room for complacency. You need to make sure to choose only the best personal accident insurance policy in India if you want expenses to be covered and relief to be provided in the event of an accident or calamity.

Most people are familiar with motor insurance, its benefits, and its exclusions. It is an efficient financial instrument that supports us when our insured vehicle encounters an unfortunate incident. Motor insurance comes with many optional coverages that may be useful to you. Did you know about the Return to Invoice or RTI coverage? Choosing this coverage while you buy motor insurance online can be a great help. Let's learn more about RTI coverage, its benefits, and its functionality.

What is "Return to Invoice" in motor insurance?

Return to invoice is an optional coverage for your car insurance. It lets you get money equal to the car's original value, also called the invoice value. This coverage is not required by law, so you can buy motor insurance online and include RTI coverage as an add-on. It is an application you use when your car faces total loss, such as if someone steals it or it gets fully damaged by fire or a natural calamity.

How does it work?
In normal car insurance coverage without an RTI add-on, you can get the maximum claim amount as your car's "insured declared value" (IDV). IDV is always less than the invoice value of the car.
However, with car insurance having RTI coverage, you can get the maximum amount of claim on the invoice value of your car. In simple words, when you have RTI coverage in your car insurance, you can get the road value of your car when it is stolen.

How is it calculated?
You can easily determine the amount of insurance that comes with RTI by looking at the car's total price when you buy it. The return to invoice includes the total car price, such as road tax paid, ex-showroom price, and registration cost.

What is covered in Return to Invoice?
If your car gets stolen or damaged beyond repair, you can raise a claim against the RTI. Let's look at the different circumstances when this coverage can benefit you:

● When you don't have secured parking

● Living in an area where car thefts are common

● Living in an area prone to natural calamities such as floods, landslides, and more

What does not apply in the Return to Invoice?

Sometimes, the RTI cover may not work, and you can't claim the insured amount. Here are some situations when this cover is not applicable, including:

● Damage to your car when someone else is driving

● You can't avail RTI add-on if your car is older than 3 years from the buying time

● You can't avail of the RTI cover for minor dents and grazing on the car body

● You must submit a copy of the FIR to process the return-to-invoice claim

Benefits of Return to Invoice in motor insurance.

Some benefits of RTI in car insurance include:

● It increases the scope of your car insurance coverage

● It is beneficial when you live in an area where car thefts are common

● It is available for new cars. Hence, you can give your new car more care with this cover

● It is available with a comprehensive car insurance policy

Once you understand everything about the Return to Invoice, consider adding this optional cover. RTI can help you when your car is damaged beyond repair. If you live or park your car in a place where theft, natural calamity, or fire is common, you should add RTI to your policy when you buy motor insurance online.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance online.

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.

A cashless garage facility is one in which an insurance company has a tie-up with a garage. Whenever you meet with an accident or file an insurance claim for repairs, you will not have to settle the bill in cash at these garages. The insurance company will directly pay the bill. However, you have to bear some nominal charges for processing the claim. Also, some compulsory deductibles exist as per the insurance policy’s terms and conditions.

Not all garages will have a tie-up with your respective insurance company. The list of network garages is easily available with your insurance company. You need to verify it with your insurance provider and search for the nearest garage that will provide you with a cashless facility. Let us see how a cashless garage facility can be helpful to us.

1. Hassle-free claim settlement:
Insurance companies are directly connected to the network garages. Hence, you do not need to visit multiple garages to complete the repair work. You can directly go to the network garage after informing the insurance company, provide the required documents, and that’s it! The garage will take it over, and the insurance company will settle the bill. The entire claim settlement process becomes hassle-free.

2. Prompt service:
As mentioned above, not all garages are covered in the cashless network list of the insurance company. Hence, listed garages provide prompt and good quality repairs and renewal services to maintain harmonious relations with the insurance company. This can be helpful to you, and you’ll get quick service and timely delivery of your vehicle.

3. No cash payout:
This is one of the most important benefits of a cashless garage facility. In the non-listed garage, you have to settle the entire bill in cash at the time of delivery of the car. Accidents do not come informed. Hence, such sudden bills can put you under a financial burden. The repair costs of modern-day cars are hefty and can cost several thousands of rupees in one go.
A cashless garage facility will release this financial burden from you, and you’ll not have to pay any repair costs from your pocket. Minor documentation and deductibles charges can be easily met. This facility makes the claim settlement process swift, and you do not have to worry about footing the repair bill.

4. Transparent billing and quality service:
The insurance company and its surveyors are in constant touch with the network garage. They provide a big chunk of work to the garage regularly. Hence, the network garages abstain from committing any fraud, using sub-standard components and parts, or engaging in over-billing while repairing cars. Hence, we are assured of fair and transparent billing and top-notch service.

A cashless garage facility is a blessing for all vehicle owners. It makes the claim settlement process convenient, hassle-free, and fast. Also, it relieves us from paying sudden and heavy repairs and renewal charges when our car meets with an accident. We get quality work at reasonable prices.

But first, you need to have a valid and functional motor insurance policy for your vehicle to enjoy a cashless garage facility for it. Always renew your insurance policy on time and never let it expire because accidents do not announce before occurring. Opt for online motor insurance renewal, which makes the renewal process effortless. You can do it from the comfort of your office or home, at any time of day or night. Also, you are saved from the hassle of meeting with the insurance agent or going to the insurance office for renewal. Go the modern way; choose online motor insurance renewal.

Click HERE for hassle-free 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.