GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

In the modern era, cars no longer remain a luxury. Instead, they have come under the list of essentials. While a four-wheeler is crucial for ease, accessibility, and comfort while travelling, it's not always possible to buy one on your own due to the heavy expenses. However, rental cars are the perfect solution.

While we're on the topic of rental cars, it is essential to understand rental car insurance as well. If, unfortunately, you end up in an accident during your driving, insurance will provide you with the right added protection and coverage. Now let's understand the working of rental car insurance.

1. There are different types of rental car insurance. You can select the one which caters to your needs best:

• Personal accident protection – It offers medical cost coverage for you and your co-passengers in case of personal injuries.

• Loss and Damage Waiver (LDW) – It is also called the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Rather than being a proper policy, this is a waiver scheme that prohibits the rental company from chasing after you in case of damage or if the vehicle is stolen.

• Supplemental Liability Protection – This provides cover against the damages done from your end.

• Personal effects coverage – This ensures coverage against personal items getting stolen from your rental car.

2. If you don't have auto insurance, it is advisable to get rental car insurance. A non-owner car insurance policy covers only liability. So, it is advised that you purchase damage protection. In addition, driving without car insurance is illegal, and you can get heavily fined if you do so.

3. Your personal policy does not cover the repair cost if you get into an accident and end up damaging the car. Therefore, think about purchasing a Loss and Damage Waiver (LDW) if you lack a collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal auto insurance policy.

4. Rental insurance is also beneficial if you're renting a car for a business trip or personal travel and are unsure about personal auto insurance coverage limitations.

5. Depending on personal car insurance to protect against the damages caused to the rental car can land you into paying a deductible. Instead, buy rental car insurance, which covers the cost of repair and avoids paying a deductible.

6. The cost of rental car insurance depends on several factors. It relies on the company you purchase the coverage from, the type of car you are renting, the state you are in, and the number of miles/kilometres you are travelling. Your costs will also increase if you purchase add-on coverages.

Now that we have taken a closer look at the working of rental car insurance, a wise option would be to think about your car and its protection against unanticipated damages. The best part about this whole process is that you can explore your options and buy car insurance policy online that suits your needs without any hassle. Travel without worry and explore the places you want to visit using an affordable commutation option and multiple insurance benefits.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy car insurance policy 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.

Owning a house is a dream that most of us wish to turn into reality. We come across pictures of beautiful properties and aspire to own one of them at some point in our lives. However, zeroing down on the house in downtown areas of the city can be an expensive deal. In a country like India, where the population growth is exponential, vertical housing or apartments are inevitable. Over the past decade, we have seen an increasing trend of housing societies and sky-high buildings making their way around the town.

This trend is more prevalent in metros or tier-one cities because of the rising working population. Therefore, buying an independent property in such a city requires an exorbitant price, forcing a second thought. However, the records for a smaller city present a different story, where people still have the ability and the assets to choose independent living and prefer doing the same.

Let's individually understand the perks of both apartment living and independent living and then leave a choice for you to take.

Benefits of apartment living:
Apartments these days are primarily built-in clusters within a housing society where several families reside with all the facilities such as supermarkets, gyms, pools, playgrounds, personal parking spaces, etc. People prefer this form of housing because it ensures easy accessibility, round-the-clock security, regular maintenance, orderly garbage disposal, and an overall community experience that boosts social connectivity.
Another reason why people prefer a pre-built house is because the total cost comes out to be way less than building a house right from laying the bricks. A significant hassle of building a house from scratch is the cost of the plot, legal formalities and clearances, and setting up electricity and water connections. So, choosing to go with apartments makes it more convenient and stress-free.
However, apartments come with a set design, and there is only so much you can do to make changes, which would add up to a surplus amount at the end of the day.

Benefits of independent housing:
Independent housing is ideal for those who enjoy living on their terms. While constructing your house independently, you will be able to choose the design and layout. You can customise the size and the number of rooms. The inbuilt design, windows, balconies, or terrace can all be according to your preference.
People interested in gardening can also benefit a lot from the space around the house. Independent houses ensure more privacy, as these don't share common walls, and there is a significant distance between two consecutive houses. Another huge benefit is that, over time, these kinds of properties fetch a lot of value. Land value is skyrocketing these days, so owning land and a house on it is a massive investment with great returns.

So these are a few benefits of both kinds of housing. House is a place you will call home eventually, so giving a reasonable amount of time and making the right choice that fits your lifestyle is essential. The choice between independent houses or apartments is yours to make, but opting for the best home insurance in India should be non-negotiable as it adds value to your home, may it be an apartment or a bungalow.

Click HERE to learn about the best home insurance 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.

Self-driving automobiles, previously thought to be a sci-fi fantasy, are now cruising the streets in some parts of the world, but there's a catch. They are not yet capable of reaching the benchmark of human drivers. Using the most sophisticated 3D imagery and Artificial Intelligence, car manufacturers want to provide users with a hands-free experience without jeopardizing personal safety. In today's post, we speak about the technology behind these cars and how they influence the future of mobility.

How exactly Self-driving automobiles work?
When the driver selects a destination into the car's navigation system, the software determines a route and drives the car towards it by tracing the route map. A revolving sensor mounted on the roof monitors a 60-meter radius surrounding the vehicle and generates a dynamic 3-D representation of the surroundings.

A sensor on the left rear tyre detects lateral movement to determine the vehicle's position to the 3-D map. Another couple of radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers calculate obstacle distances. The car's AI software is linked to all sensors and receives data from Google's Street View and integrated video cameras. Artificial Intelligence then mimics human perception and handles driving systems like steering and braking.

The vehicle's software constantly checks Google Maps & built-in GPS to be aware of landmarks, road signs, and lights. An override feature allows the drivers to take over the control of the vehicle whenever they want.

Now that you know how a self-driven car works. Let's look at its possible impact on our future.

1. Settlements:
People generally settle near their workplaces to avoid spending the time commuting daily. However, with self-driven cars, people will have extra time for other activities and personal leisure time as they won't have to drive, which means that they will no longer need to settle as close to the workplaces as before.

2. Fewer Accidents:
We know most accidents occur due to human errors. With no humans behind the wheels, there's no possibility of human error resulting in fewer accidents.

3. Mobility for disabled and elderly:
Differently abled people and the elderly will no longer have to depend on others to drive for them. They can just hop in and start navigating.

4. Fewer traffic jams:
Most traffic jams occur due to the congestion of the vehicles on the roads. Everyone wants to get ahead and, in the process, disrupts a free flow of traffic. Self-driving cars can cut down traffic by multiple folds. Sophisticated software and radars will have a sophisticated driving pattern.

5. Less human touch:
A self-driven car is all about software and sensors. They can never be 100% accurate and lack emotions and feelings. The inability to adapt quickly combined with a lack of emotions can have adverse impacts.

The possibilities for driverless cars are endless, and the imagination is at the top among car manufacturers. However, self-driving technology is not yet fully developed. It will take up a significant amount of time, and legal obligations before autonomous vehicles dominate the roads.

Till then, it's time to focus on what we have at hand. May it be a self-driven car or a non-autonomous car, safety always remains an important aspect for both the categories. And, when the safety of assets is concerned, insurance is the solution. So, as we talk about future technologies, why not consider purchasing online car insurance by making the best use of the internet and online resources for a hassle-free buying experience.

Click HERE to know more about online car 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.

It is the festive season in India, the perfect time for family get-togethers, mini-vacations and the excitement of shopping! Irrespective of the socio-economic factors and the varied buying habits of customers, Indians dominate the world in their crazy obsession with shopping.

And this creates an excellent business opportunity not only for the wholesalers but also the retailers. With super busy markets, sales reach new heights, and people begin to recognize themselves as shopaholics. But we can't blame them, can we? With all the exciting deals around, no one will be able to resist the urge to buy things.

And, so it seems like a pleasant occasion to buy the new bike you have wanted for a long time now. In this article, we will assist you in getting an excellent deal for the new bike you wish to bring home this festive season.

1. Evaluate different options: Check out all the options available to you, as the same bike might be available at different prices across different showrooms. Evaluating alternatives and substitutes always result in a better price. Compare the offers that all the showrooms or private dealers have for you during this festival. Always go for offers with a monetary discount and not just some freebies.

2. Do not rush, take it slow: Take your time to do things your way. People always have a fear of missing out. 'Last day' and 'limited stocks' are a few of the many things dealers say to make you swipe your cards. Also, don't stress if the festival ends. Often the sellers extend the offer for the next few days. If you miss Ganesh Chaturthi, there is always a Navratri sale, and the following is a Dhanteras offer, not to forget about the Diwali season. So, the bait of 'last chance, hurry up!' is not for you to fall prey to.

3. Payment mode of smart finances: We often neglect the payment mode thinking it does not make a huge difference, but it does. If you pay close attention, you will notice that net banking charges, credit and debit cards, or a payment application are different for different brands and dealerships. Certain bank cards provide you with an extra 5% or more discount. Making a cash payment at the counter might also earn you a concession. So do not overlook all these aspects if you want to grab the best deals that don't loosen your pocket much!

4. Beware of fake deals: Many dealers trick you by hiking prices just before the season starts and then provide discounts, making no difference in your price. Do not fall for freebies! Not all of them are useful. And if they attract you, you will only end up gathering a load of unwanted items.

Bike insurance will always be a necessity when you buy a new bike. Even the insurance companies flash exciting offers and unique festive benefits to attract potential customers. You can check the BIKE INSURANCE ONLINE, compare the deals of multiple companies, and buy the one offering the best value-for-money.

Do you think is it fair to select products solely based on their price? Sure, money matters, but so do standards and features. It is safe to do some market research beforehand to bring good fortune for you this festive season. Look beyond the offer and also focus on the specifications of the bike you decide to buy. That is how you make a real deal.

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.

We’re always talking about how densely populated India is but have you ever stopped to think what it means for us? Well, the metros are over-crowded for one, but there is more. 

It also means more people have to share the same amount of resources. Something as basic as healthcare becomes more expensive for most.

Our country’s total expenditure on health as per WHO statistics was 4.7% of our GDP (2014). This cost is only rising due to our sedentary lifestyle and the external factors like climate that we expose ourselves to on a daily basis. As much as we love our junk food and comfortable chairs, they really aren’t helping our health.

So, at a time like this, what can one do?

This is where health insurance comes in handy, even if we faced the same health problems as the generations before us, the prices we would have to pay would be a lot more due to inflation. But a good health insurance can work as a safety net that protects you from these expenses. There are things such as family medical history, environment and even our lifestyles that aren’t completely in our control, but how prepared are we for unforeseen events are.

But besides countering the effects of our changing lifestyles and rising medical costs, health insurance also gives you some additional benefits such as tax deductions. We know, a lot of people don’t invest in health insurance because they think it’s expensive but if anything, it’s helping you save money on two fronts – medical bills and taxes. All payments made as premium for your insurance are eligible for tax deduction under section 80D of the Indian Income Tax Act. In simpler terms, the amount you pay as premium is deducted from your total taxable income.

Now you might be thinking that you are healthy, and you wouldn’t really need hospitalisation and thus, health insurance. But here’s where you are mistaken. Health insurance doesn’t just help you during hospitalisation but throughout – from getting free health check-ups to day-care treatments and even dental procedures. Now, who doesn’t need a dentist every now and then, right? Moreover, you might be healthy now, but what about 10 or 20 years down the line? You can never be sure of your health then, but you can be sure that health insurance will be there to protect your finances.

Planning for the future is a must in this day and age. The ease of technology leaves you with no excuse but to click a few buttons to secure yourself. Health insurance is cited as one of the best investments that one can make. Not only does it lead to better financial planning, but it also removes a lot of questions you may have when an unfortunate situation does arise.

Choose a plan tailored to your needs and stay assured that if you ever need healthcare, you have something to fall back on.

Though there are many Online Health Insurance Companies in India, Magma HDI is a one stop shop for all your needs from a Health Insurance Policy Renewal or getting a new policy.

Does your business rely heavily on machines and equipment? If yes, then you surely must’ve heard about machinery breakdown insurance. Even if you haven’t, worry not, we’re here to explain

Businesses that have machines running day-in-day-out are susceptible to loss if there is any physical damage to the machines or if they break down. Even if the daily wear and tear are monitored, it is impossible to predict a breakdown. But what you can do is be prepared for such situations by having a machinery breakdown insurance.

What is covered by this type of insurance?

Loss or damage due to:

• A mechanical breakdown
• An electrical breakdown 
• Accidental external factors

The cover is applicable:

• When the machinery is operating
• When it is at rest 
• When it is in the process of getting dismantled
• When it is being overhauled or subsequently being re-erected at the same premises.

The machinery breakdown insurance that we provide also has the following additional covers:

• Air Freight
• Express Freight
• Insured’s own surrounding property
• Third party liability
• Escalation
• Additional custom duty

What is not covered by this type of insurance?

Loss or damage due to:

• Natural calamities like lightning, flood, earthquake, landslides, etc.
• Burglary or theft
• Damage caused due to impact by land-borne/water-borne craft.
• Wear and tear, faults or defects that existed when the insurance period started and was either known to you or ought to have been known to you. 
• Faults or defects for which the supplier is responsible either by law or under contract
• War or war-like operations
• Wilful acts or gross negligence on your or your representative’s part
• Accidental loss or damage due to overload experiments or tests requiring the imposition of abnormal conditions
• Loss of or damage to the different types of belts, ropes, chains, and other exchangeable tools
• Loss of or damage to objects made of glass, porcelain, ceramics, all operating media, etc
• Flaws, defects, cracks or partial fractures that develop gradually in any part not necessitating immediate stoppage

Machines and equipment form an integral part of some businesses. If your business is one of them, then you definitely must own insurance that protects your machinery against unforeseen circumstances. Specific insurance policies such as this one are made to ensure that if something does go wrong, business owners have a reliable option to fall back on.

Though the home is a synonym of safety, home burglaries are common and have gone up rapidly in recent times. Festival theft is another concern, and a study shows that the highest home burglary rate in India is during festive seasons. Read on to know about five preventive steps to ensure your home is a safer haven during the festival season and after.

Hiring a security guard or a watchman

Most of the housing societies execute due diligence on the security features, including hiring trained security guards. If you are not living in one of the high-rise buildings rather a private land-based home, then a security guard is a must for you. A trustworthy watchman is a resource who works as a deterrent to burglars and ensures the complete safety of your home. Opt for a guard from professionally licensed security companies and always take a security guard that has previous security experience and is adequately verified.

Under surveillance — installing CCTVs

Technology is more of a boon than a bane for all. According to a Delhi Police report, crime reports have decreased to half after installing CCTVs in Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk Market. The same statement holds true for most of the residential colonies. Installing CCTVs at your home allows you to keep an eye on suspicious elements and prevents any potential theft. During the festive season, it is more imperative to have a security scanner that alerts you about any suspicious activity around your premises.

Lock it all when you leave

During the festival season, there is a spurt in burglary, even in locked houses. When you need to leave your home, make sure that all your windows and doors are closed and properly secured. One of the biggest mistakes people make is hiding the keys in the most obvious places, under the rug or behind the nameplate. Also, don't let burglars assume that no one is in the house. Ask neighbours or depute someone to pick the newspaper from the doorways and switch on the door lights in the night.

Bank lockers are better than home safes

There is no argument that a bank locker is always a safer place for your valuables. Banks have a robust security system to safeguard your valuables. The presence of a security guard and a high level of surveillance to monitor entry and exit in the bank's locker room add another layer of security protection to your valuables. However, if you are still keeping jewelry and valuables for the festive season at home, use electronic safes ranging from mechanical safe to the wall-mounted high-end safes.

And, consider taking a home insurance cover.

Security tools and technology will help make your home secure to a certain extent, but considering the increase in home burglaries nowadays, nothing can be said with surety. A good head start would be opting for the best home insurance policy in india that safeguards your home from any loss and damage.

For regular people, bikes are only a form of commute. But for passionate bikers, riding is a rejuvenating, refreshing, and therapeutic experience.

Chances are, you may have never heard of the benefits of bike riding and only the dangers, especially from your parents. However, various studies show how bike rides can reduce stress and enhance cerebral functions. Riding has numerous other health benefits that you may have overlooked till now.

Let us now look at the physical and mental health benefits of riding.

1. Interacting with the environment:
When you go for a drive in your car, you are confined inside it. Although there is a window, people usually do not pull it down because of the AC or dust coming from outside. But, on a bike, you are out in the open with the wind blowing in your face. You can directly connect with your surroundings. You are closer to the trees and the essence of fresh air. An experience like this is undoubtedly bound to reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Core strength and stability:
When you are riding a bike, even just to the grocery store, you have to keep yourself upright. Maintaining correct posture while riding can enhance core strength, improve muscle tone and help keep the body in shape.

3. Calorie burn:
Did you know you could burn calories while bike riding? A one-hour motorcycle ride is estimated to burn about 200-300 calories if travelling on rugged terrain. So, to put things into perspective, if you ride a bike for one hour 5 days a week, you could lose 65,000 calories in a year.

4. Reflex enhancing:
Bikes are considered more dangerous than cars, and it’s because you need to be extra aware of your surroundings while riding a motorcycle than in a car. You need to be alert at all times, resulting in the riders developing good reflexes and improved brain alertness.

5. Neck strength:
If you are a neck and back pain victim, you will be thrilled with this benefit. Riding can improve your neck strength and is almost like therapy for your neck and back. However, for this, you need to make sure that your bike is fit for your body.

Bike riding is undoubtedly fun. Even if you are not a regular biker, riding in the open air once in a while can truly revitalize you from within. It can be a refreshing experience after a hectic day at work. Bike trips are an excellent way of connecting yourselves to new people and surroundings. The more you ride, the more you get to explore new dimensions of yourselves.

But, it is essential to be a responsible biker and ensure that you ride with the proper gear and required documents. Safety is paramount, and the same applies to your bike. As life insurance covers you for damages, your motorcycle needs ideal bike insurance coverage for its comprehensive security. So, before hopping on your bike, make sure that you have protected your asset with the shield of insurance.

Click HERE to get details about different bike 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.