GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

How often have we dreamt of going on a perfect road trip with friends? Most people prefer to take cars or SUVs for road trips, but many biker gangs tell us about the fantastic opportunities you can come across while touring the country on a bike.

On a motorcycle trip, you interact with the local community more closely, navigate treacherous roads more efficiently, and skip traffic jams. But all said and done, not everybody has access to fancy bikes that are meant for long trips. The question remains, do you need to compromise on the thrills of life just because you do not have a certain kind of bike? Not at all!

In this article, we will examine why commuter bikes can also be used on long road trips and the few things you need to remember before taking your bike out.

1. Riding:
The time and the distance covered plays an important role in long road trips. It is easier to maintain a high speed in higher capacity bikes, whereas in lower capacity bikes, the engine starts to sputter beyond a speeding limit.
If you intend to take a commuter bike on a trip, it is best to stick to a speed that does not force your engine and the body to shake vigorously. Remember to increase the acceleration and use breaks smoothly whenever required.

2. Braking:
It is challenging to maintain a standard speed when you have open and empty roads ahead of you. But it is important to remember that standard bikes have different braking efficiency than superior motorbikes. Maintaining a tunnel vision and keeping track of everything ahead will help you in these conditions to use brakes efficiently.
Also, maintain a significant distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. So, in situations where you are required to brake suddenly, you have ample time to avoid crashing.

3. Clothing:
Irrespective of the bike you ride, it is best to wear appropriate clothing to avoid injuries and bruises in case of accidents or crashes. A good quality helmet with a clear visor, riding boots, and gloves are essential parts of your bike accessories. Throw in a pair of knee guards and armour jackets for added protection.

4. Maintenance:
Before taking that much-awaited road trip, it is important to keep yourself and your bike in healthy condition. Do not forget to take your bike to an expert to get it checked for any defects and faults. Remember to check your bike's braking system, spark plugs, and engine efficiency before taking it out on a ride. Also, carry essential medicines and lots of water to avoid fatigue and lethargy.

These are a list of a few things that you need to remember while taking your commuter bike on a road trip. With regular maintenance and caution, remember that your commuter bike is a trustworthy option if you want to travel and explore more.

Even though they might have a low-power engine, with the right handling and proper planning, you can surely enjoy a memorable long trip with your commuter bike. To add more value to your bikes, do not forget to invest in Bike Insurance Online to safeguard yourself against any expenses you might incur in repairs or accidents.

Click HERE to buy bike 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.

Hitchhiking is not as common in India as in other western countries. Thanks to the rising safety issues and the constant reminders from our mothers on why we should not talk to strangers, hitchhiking or offering a ride to strangers is an alien concept. However, over the years, we have seen a hitchhiking trend among young travellers to save some money. But how safe is it to offer a ride to strangers? What are the things to look out for when hitchhiking someone? If these are some of the questions you have when you think of hitchhiking, then this article might be able to help you with those.

Here, we will look at some safety measures to ensure your safety in situations like these.

1. IDs and bags:
If someone has asked you for a ride and you want to help them, then the first thing to do is to check their IDs. Crack open the window slightly and take a picture of their ID on your phone. If they have bags or carry-ons, ask them to place them in the boot space with their ID in the bag. Ensuring they are empty-handed while sitting inside the car makes you less susceptible to attacks and robbery.

2. Show pockets:
Ask the hitchhiker to empty the pockets before entering the car. This way, you can ensure that the person is not carrying knives, scissors, or other equipment that can be used to attack or steal from you.

3. Keep them in your range of vision:
Never let them take the back seat. You must keep them seated where you have a clear vision of their actions. This is a crucial point to remember to ensure your safety.

4. Do not take food from them:
If they offer you food or drinks on the way, do not eat them. These can be quickly spiked using drugs that do not alter the taste of the food. Narcotics and sedatives can be used to make you unconscious. This is the leading cause of car theft in this country.

5. Do not hitchhike a group:
If you are driving alone, it is best to hitchhike solo hitchhikers. That way, even in an attack, you will need to worry about handling a single person.

6. Always be alert:
This is a no-brainer. If you want to help out a stranger, you have to be prepared for the dangers you might face. Always keep pepper spray and other tools that, when used, give you ample time to escape.

7. Do not hitchhike in new locations:
It is best to avoid getting strangers on board if you are a tourist. This is a common way of scamming people for money and other belongings. If you are new to a place, you might not be able to get immediate help and can also be unaware of escape routes.

If you want to hitchhike someone in your car, you need to keep these things in mind. Remember that not everybody is a thief or a fraud. Hitchhiking is an efficient way to cut costs while travelling, and youngsters depend heavily on hitchhiking to commute between places. Sometimes people need genuine help. If possible, provide food and water to roadside hitchhikers and call for help if you can.

On that note, take essential steps to safeguard yourself and your car against theft and vandalism and invest in a Car Insurance policy. If you do not have these essential add-ons, consider getting them during your next car insurance renewal.

Click HERE for 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.

Personalisation is a key to reaching the customers' hearts in the current times. Every brand has been trying to create its products with options to add a personalised touch for the consumers to feel like their own. The entire marketing world has been trying to come up with ways in which they can win this race and convert more customers to purchase their products and keep coming back for more. Personalisation, as a critical factor in today's customers' buying patterns, has a considerable influence and can change the game in the market.

We can comprehend personalised touch in small products like clothing, accessories, soft toys, sports kits, skincare items, and much more. But, can you add this unique touch to your car? Are such options available in the market? Are these choices limited? Are you someone who is looking for the answers to these questions and perhaps some more information on the same?

This blog answers all these questions about personalising your car and whether it is a good idea. Let's get started.

1. Number plates: yay or nay?
Customers pay extra money selecting a unique number to add that personalised touch to the vehicle. And this personal number will help you fetch a good deal as it amps up your car's resale value when you want to switch to another vehicle and close an agreement on the car you currently own.
On the plus side, a personalised number will make you part of the cool collector's club in the world of cars. It creates a "connoisseur of cars" persona for you as well.

2. Increases the level of safety while driving.
Adding a personal touch to your car requires a massive investment of money. The amount of money you spend depends on the features of your vehicle you want to modify and the accessibility of the tools, among other factors involved here.
But since you spend quite a large amount of money, you try to protect your car against any damages. This leads to you making mindful choices on the road, including taking extra safety measures while driving, ensuring that you obey the traffic rules even in urgent times, and avoiding any "road rage" type of scenario.
You can customise your mirrors to lessen the chances of blind spots in your vehicle while driving. You can get a complete view of your car's positioning and the vehicles near you if you decide to get a 180-degree mirror.

3. Upgrade the entire look.
You can get High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps for your car, which would help you upgrade the look of your vehicle and come in very handy by improving the visibility when you are out on the road during the nighttime.
These HID headlamps work with a light temperature and emit subtle blue light, which elevates the look of your car. The blue light not only looks attractive and complements the car's exterior but has been proven easy on the eyes and does not blind the driver coming from the opposite direction.

Speaking of investing money into upgrading the look of your vehicle with the help of personalisation, you also need to ensure that you protect your car against damages. Not all accidents come with a warning and are your fault. But you must ensure that you wouldn't want to get involved in such chaotic situations.

You must have car insurance to stay stress-free financially and focus on resolving the situation if you end up in one. Explore all your options, check in with your current insurance provider, and Buy New Car Insurance which caters to your needs in the best ways possible.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can buy new car insurance.

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.

Two-wheelers have been around for decades. Almost every average family in the country owns a two-wheeler which they use to run errands. The purpose of the two-wheeler depends on several circumstances and the motive of the commute. Two-wheelers are the most popular personal transportation services and fall into the affordable category. The prices increase depending on the type of the two-wheeler, its purpose, and its features.

But have you ever thought about the history of these vehicles and how they grew so prevalent in our country? How did they first come into circulation? Well, we will sail you through the evolution of two-wheelers in India through this blog.

1. What was the purpose of two-wheelers?
The two-wheelers were developed to provide people with a safe and convenient option for smooth rides. They have evolved over the years, and we now have bikes that range in lakhs with multiple fancy features, a dream of every bike fanatic. Now let's take a road down memory lane and revisit the evolution of two-wheelers in India.

2. The era of vintage bikes.
We all know the brands that manufacture classic and vintage-style bikes. Apart from being known for their royal appearance and elegance, these bikes represent a class apart from how they steal the show in the market. It was the year 1902 when a single-cylinder engine motorcycle was sold first time in India. Purchasing or owning a bike of this category used to express a solid and respectable financial status and background, rather than just being considered a bike used for everyday purposes.

3. What happened after the classic bikes became old news?
The market welcomed other two-wheeler brands which manufactured these noisy bikes that would leave their impressions behind by the loud sound of their silencers or by the whiffs of smoke released. The era of scooters came in as these bikes became popular.
The design, the efficiency, and how it differed from the widely popular bikes ignited its charm. The popularity of scooters escalated beyond expectations in the 70s till the late 80s, and there used to be a waiting period for the purchase! The crazy high prices of the scooters did not discourage the people from waiting for an extended period to bring them home.

4. Welcoming other foreign brands.
At the beginning of the '80s, India became a popular destination for various foreign brands to make their sale. The two-wheeler industry formulated partnerships with these brands to bring them to India at a cost affordable to the Indian audience. The collaboration with these companies grew exponentially, with the foreign brand names becoming a standard of every Indian household.
Today, the bike industry has diversified, from comfortable tourers to compact city bikes and from fuel-efficient to race engines.

Some more informative pointers to understanding the evolution of two-wheelers in India include how these landmark bikes and other categories became a reference model for the other brands' style, design, and comfort patterns. Now, we are heading into the era where electric two-wheelers are no more a concept but a reality!

Quite interesting to visit how two-wheelers in India became widely popular. And while we revisit the timeline of these developments, you need to be aware of how crucial it is to safeguard your two-wheeler. Being a bike owner feels fantastic, but living your responsibilities as the owner is paramount.

You must hold yourself accountable to maintain your bike's best shape. This can be possible with the help of two wheeler insurance. 

Take your search online, and find the Best Two Wheeler Insurance India to buy coverage that keeps your asset safe and sound. Invest in a policy that ensures the best returns and an efficient claim settlement process.

Click HERE to know more about the benefits of buying the best two wheeler 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.

All-terrain vehicles, popularly known as ATVs, are a new trend in the automobile market. With many options bombarding the automobile industry, be it utility ATVs, sport ATVs, or children's ATVs, it is difficult not to know about them. This article will look at all the options, their functionality, their working, and why they are becoming a popular adventure option.

What is an ATV?
An ATV is a popular off-roading option designed to travel on four wheels. There are two subcategories to ATVs. The first one is a TYPE I ATV, designed to be used only by one person, and no other passengers can be on board. TYPE II ATVs are more popular amongst tourists and can board two to three people depending on the vehicle's build.

ATVs are also built-in various sizes and for different utilities, and we will look at each in the next section of this article.

What are the different kinds of ATVs?

1. Sport ATVs:
If you enjoy adventure and the occasional bouts of an adrenaline rush, then sports ATVs are just for you. They are made especially for speeding and tricky turners. It glides smoothly across corners and different surfaces. Sports ATVs are the perfect machine for motor enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of speed and sports.

2. Utility ATVs:
These ATVs are for more labour-oriented work and to transport heavy objects from one place to another. Some ATVs come with levers that can lift heavy objects and place them in different positions as per the requirement. With mighty engines, these can navigate through any terrain, including rocky and hilly areas.

3. Side by side ATVs:
These ATVs or quads can seat up to four people. These are not operated using handlebars. Instead, they are equipped with steering and provide riders with an experience similar to driving a car. These can be used in snow, sand, and deserts.

4. Youth ATVs:
They are designed for younger people, especially children looking to experience ATVs. These are equipped with full safety measures to ensure the protection of riders at all times. The engines are not as powerful as normal ATVs and range between 50cc to 125cc.

5. High-performance ATVs:
As the name suggests, these are high-performance vehicles, as they are equipped with extremely powerful engines, more than the power and acceleration compared to other ATVs. The engine capacity ranges anywhere from 350cc to 700cc.

Why are they a popular sporting option?

Because of their agility, speed, and ability to manoeuver different kinds of terrain, ATVs have gained traction over the years. Watching these can be fun and thrilling. Many sporting activities happen around the year, and if you enjoy all kinds of riding or racing, ATV sporting is a must.

Driving an ATV requires a lot of physical exertion, skills, and tactics, which is why it is a challenging and interesting option for adventure seekers. Trail racing, motocross, cross country, desert racing, hill climbing, etc., are some of the more popular ATV sports in the country.

Having discussed all the important elements of an ATV, it is time to shed light on the importance of careful driving and maintenance of your vehicle. While ATVs are an interesting option if you enjoy riding, keeping yourself and others around you safe is important. Always wear safety gear and helmets while driving ATVs.

Remember to take your ATV for regular servicing and maintenance to ensure their longevity and optimum functionality. Do not forget online Motor Insurance Renewal to safeguard yourself against the costs and expenses of maintaining an ATV.

Click HERE for 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.

Owning a bike is a fun and thrilling experience. Bikes make it easier and less time-consuming, whether you have to go to your office, ditch the cab surcharges, or go for a monthly grocery run. Adding to that, impromptu road trips, midnight drives, etc., are some of the bonuses of having a bike. Familiarising yourself with every inch of your bike brings you closer to your bike and helps keep your bike functioning properly for a long time.

But there are many parts of the bike that not everyone is familiar with, and even if they are, they might not know the importance and the maintenance of the same. In this article, we will take up one such part of your bike's body and deep dive into understanding its mechanism and usage. We will discuss your motorcycle's Upside Down fork or USD forks.

1. What is a USD fork or upside-down fork in your bike?
A USD fork or the upside-down fork is foldable, fitted in an upside position on your bike. Most modern bikes are equipped with these for better movement and agility of your motorcycle. Their primary purpose is to reduce the unit's weight by loading heavier components onto the lower part of the fork. USD forks also enhance the strength and integrity of the different elements in your bike.
USD fork is responsible for handling the suspension of your motorcycle. As opposed to the telescopic forks, in USD forks, the sliding tube is on the lower side of the wheel. Since it is fixed with the help of a triple clamp, it is better suited for handling heavyweight and maintaining the weight of the suspension system. Most heavy-duty and racing bikes have USD forks in them.

2. What is the use of USD forks?
Sports bikes are meant to give high performance concerning pick up, speed, and torque. The USD forks permit the riders to use their bikes efficiently without compromising the quality of their riding experience.

3. What are the disadvantages of USD forks?
Although USD forks perform better, they are way more expensive than conventional telescopic ones. And since the cost is a crucial factor in making bikes, the motorcycle's overall cost increases significantly when the manufacturers use USD forks. Another disadvantage of the upside-down fork is that since it is more susceptible to shock absorption, the suspension is likely to wear off over time.

4. How to maintain USD forks?
Lubrication is the key to keeping your fork working efficiently and for an extended period. Ensuring no contaminants in the lubricant is one key factor to keep when maintaining your USD forks. Oil-based lubricants are best for such suspension systems. Ensure that the seals in your suspension are proper. The seals make it easier for the system to keep the dirt and oil separate.

Mudguards are another way to ensure the wheel's dirt and dust are thrown up and do not get into your suspension fork. Take your bike to an experienced mechanic and get a mudguard fixed to avoid contamination.

Remember that your bike is only as good as your maintenance. Regular servicing and maintenance are crucial to keeping your bike in perfect condition. To ensure you are not compromising on the care, buy bike insurance . Bike Insurance is a safety net that protects you from any extra expenses you might incur in damage or repair of various parts. Also, always ride with proper gear and with all the valid documents.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance.

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.

Ten minutes of your time on a road, you can see many bikes, varying designs, different builds, unique colours, etc. Some people choose to customise their vehicle according to their liking by changing the frame, engine, headlights, horn, or handlebar for a better driving experience.

You might wonder how these changes help with the riding experience and why is the standard built not sufficient? Experienced bikers know what suits their bikes better and what would give them a better riding experience. To match their vision, they customise their bikes.

This article will take up a less talked about subject; Handlebars. How do different handlebars affect the riding experience? And what are the different kinds of handlebars available in the market?

Let's discuss a few types of handlebars available in the market and their benefits.

1. Clip-on handlebars:
They are a set of two-piece components fixed directly onto your front fork. Because of this, no extra tools or materials are needed to fix the handlebar. Since the set-up is fairly simple, it gives great flexibility and movement to the bike. These are more specifically used for racing and sporting bikes.
The most significant advantage of clip-on handlebars is that they can be adjusted as per the rider's requirements. Since these are lightweight, it's easier to manoeuvre. For the bikers to handle the bars, they need to bend forward, which gives them a great aerodynamic push during racing.

2. Z-bar handlebars:
These angular handlebars aren't too wide or tall. These are better suited for bikes that have a narrow build. These are a budget-friendly alternative as opposed to other handlebars. They offer one of the most relaxed driving positions and are sufficiently agile for better manoeuvring. These handlebars are better suited for casual riding as opposed to clip-ons that are made for sports bikes.

3. Moustache handlebars:
Moustache handlebars give better control to the rider, especially when navigating treacherous roads. For off-roading, moustache handlebars provide a better stance to the rider so they can navigate and enjoy the view without worrying about their handlebars' position.

4. Frisco handlebars:
Narrow frames characterise Frisco handlebars, and the handles are turned towards the biker. These are fitted into narrow bikes with high-rise chassis. These bikes have a better ground clearance than any other bike model.
The Frisco handlebars are made specifically for these bikes to navigate through heavy traffic or congested roads. The smaller handlebars might provide less radius, but they help manoeuvre through heavy traffic.

5. Ape hangers:
Half of the bike enthusiasts consider these the most comfortable set of handlebars available in the market. For tall riders, these can be the most comfortable, while for others, if it is not set according to their height, the hands and back would go numb. These give a more upright position and eliminate the need to hunch over. These are supposedly the best handlebars in the market for long road trips.

These are a few of the most common handlebars in the market. Remember to talk to an expert mechanic who can understand your vision and comfort before adjusting a handlebar. Handlebars and other accessories add the desired look and comfort to make your riding experience more fun and comfortable. Wondering how to add more value to your bikes? Invest in Bike Insurance . 

Bike insurance is a safety net against all the expenses you incur during your bike's course tenure. Boost the longevity of your bike with a comprehensive insurance plan and get benefits that will help you in the long run.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance.

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.

As the fuel prices are skyrocketing, it has become quite a concern for ordinary people to afford them. Still, the type of fuel your car needs stays at the top of their requirement list. Having the clarity on the kind of car you own, you can make a well-informed decision about the type of petrol you should choose. And for the people who are still new to the world of vehicles, there are two kinds of petrol- power petrol and normal petrol.

But how do you determine which one would be the most suitable for your car and what are their results? If you have these questions, we have your answers. This blog will discuss power petrol or normal petrol and understand which is best for your car. So, let's get started.

1. Types of petrol in India.
First and foremost, let's get acquainted with the situation of petrol in India. If you go to a gas station, you usually get three types of petrol: unleaded (normal), Power/premium (turbojet, Hi-speed, etc.), and Speed octane (high octane) petrol. The difference between premium petrol and normal or unleaded petrol is that power petrol has a comparatively higher number of octanes. Different types of petrol have other numbers of octanes.

2. What are the advantages of using premium/power petrol?
Using power petrol has several advantages. Higher efficiency can be achieved, which can thus help fuel usage more economically. The power fuel helps in an improved fuel combustion capacity of the engine, thus helping in less consumption and providing better results.
Power petrol also enhances the engine's strength. The stronger the engine, higher the speed and acceleration it can achieve. You might often find deposits in the injector and intake valves which might carry them off into the mechanism of the engine. Power petrol helps eliminate such contaminants and residues, which helps in the smooth functioning of the machine, thus increasing the combustion levels.
It also aids in reducing the banging of the engine, thus de-stressing its work and increasing its longevity. This further decreases the number of harmful exhaust releases through the silencers of your car. Lessening such toxic releases from the silencers also helps reduce pollution and contributes to a cleaner environment. Premium petrol also helps handle and boost your car's ORI (Octane Requirement Increase).

Some other advantages of using power petrol over regular/unleaded petrol include the lower chances of input valves' fusion, the better and smooth riding of the vehicle, and much more. Although it is a little more expensive than normal petrol, your car's mileage is boosted if you start using the power petrol, which helps you efficiently minimise the frequency of fuel expenditure.

We hope that the information proves helpful in arriving at an informed decision. And in the interest of your vehicle, you also need to safeguard your vehicle from unforeseeable damages or accidents which can land your car in trouble and put you under financial stress.

To avoid such issues, you need to get Motor Insurance which would act as financial aid and help you handle the situation efficiently with your insurance provider. Put your research work to the test and purchase the best motor insurance India that will help you efficiently deal with the repair and maintenance of your car.

Click HERE to know more about the benefits of buying 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.