GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

A lot of stress surrounds the idea of getting your package shipped overseas. Knowing that your cargo will travel a long distance, you will want it to reach its destination safely.

While sending your package overseas, there are a few crucial things that you should keep in mind to save time and effort. The best thing you can do is look for a reputable and trusted cargo shipping company that will take care of your package. If you're sending a cargo for the first time, then there are several things you must know.

While you plan to ship your cargo, consider securing it with reliable marine insurance. For this, you need to be familiar with different marine insurance companies that offer this insurance at the best rates.

And to help you choose the best cargo shipping company, here are a few tips to make the right decision.

1. Competitive prices:
Pricing is one of the first things to consider when you choose a cargo shipping company. It would help if you did ample research about the average cost of shipping overseas.
In this way, the companies will not be able to scam you into paying more than usual. Consider a company that delivers on time and takes full responsibility for the goods to reach safely.

2. Delivery timeline:
The delivery timeline is also very important whenever you ship a package overseas. It can take days, weeks, and even months to reach your desired destination. Before you choose a company, enquire about their delivery timelines and make sure they are reliable and intact. The arrival of the package on the estimated date is significant.

3. Safety:
It is always wise to opt for a cargo shipping company that has been registered and procured a business license and permission from the concerned government authorities. Make sure to research it in advance, so you do not lodge yourself in a possible scam later. Try and track down customer reviews and feedback as well. Your package will be valuable and worth thousands of rupees. Safety is essential and it should not be compromised in any way.

4. Reliable insurance:
Your package should have good insurance to back up its security. Go for marine insurance companies that provide comprehensive and hassle-free coverage for your cargo package. This ensures that you get compensation, if things, unfortunately, go wrong.

5. Tracking:
Before you choose any cargo company, ask them about tracking mechanisms. In this way, you can follow the whole movement of your package through live tracking status. Your cargo shipping company should provide you with the tracking details. If it doesn't, avoid choosing that company.

6. Customer care:
Every cargo shipping company should have a functioning and active customer care service to answer all your queries related to the shipment. Make sure that you do a thorough background check on the company you are choosing. Select a company with an active customer service with 24/7 support.

When you invest your valuable time, effort, and money in sending the parcel to your family or friends, you always expect it to reach them safely and on time. These tips should be your priority when choosing a cargo shipping company for your goods. Additionally, it would help if you purchase insurance to cover the financial loss if your cargo gets damaged due to mishaps. Research the top marine insurance companies that offer relevant insurance for all your needs, compare their policies, understand the terms, and then make a final decision.

Click HERE to know more about marine 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.

In a world riddled with war and crime, it is always good to know that if need be, you can defend yourself. With active crimes rising daily, it is best to have some tips and tricks under your belt to protect yourself and your loved ones. One way to ensure your safety is by enrolling in self-defence classes. There are various kinds of self-defence methods that you can practice, such as karate, krav maga, boxing, judo, etc.

Choosing the one that best suits you and piques your interest can make learning more enjoyable. People have professed the importance of self-defence for women and children, but what is important to remember is that self-defence is for everyone.

This article will examine the importance of self-defence classes and why you should consider enrolling in one.

1. It helps your physical form:
One of the most crucial elements of self-defence is timely reflexes. If you are put in a dangerous situation, your mind and body should manage to work in sync. You can only achieve this with practice. Training can help you inculcate the necessary conditioning and helps you with a better fight or flight response.
Your body prepares for an adrenaline dump with the right amount of practice. Adrenaline dump is a reaction the body goes through in case of unprecedented dangers. Since the adrenaline rush lasts only a few moments, it is crucial to act immediately for the best outcomes.

2. Builds confidence:
When people are timid, they tend to undermine their skill set and are incapable of protecting themselves. Self-defence is an excellent way to build confidence and protect oneself in times of need by believing in their skill set.
Being confident helps you defend yourself and leaves a lasting impression on people. If you are aiming for overall development, self-defence can be extremely helpful.

3. Master discipline:
Excelling in any field requires hours and hours of hard work and dedication. The same applies to self-defence. The more hours you put into mastering this art, the better you will get the results.
The urge to improve yourself can drive you to a dedicated routine, which builds a disciplinary lifestyle. So, taking self-defence classes helps you stay focussed, grounded, and more aware of your surroundings.

4. Fighter instinct:
When faced with life-threatening or dangerous situations, it is best to start acting as early as possible. The quicker you are with your thinking, the sooner you can fight through your opponent or potential threats.
The power and the speed of your attack will help buy you some time before the attacker attacks again. You can utilise this time to escape or attack the opponent to keep yourself safe. These seconds can play a vital role in deciding your survival.

5. Makes you more goal-oriented:
Your goals at any particular time can be as small as achieving the perfect kick or as daunting as escaping a kidnap. Upon seeing an improvement in form, you only want to better yourself and make yourself well equipped to withstand any attack. Setting these small goals can significantly impact your form and energy.

These are a few reasons self-defence should be a part of everyone’s life. If you have children, it is best to give them an early start. We are constantly surrounded by news of mugging, killing, robbery, and kidnapping. Preparing yourself and your loved ones for any such thing is the best way to ensure their safety and welfare.

Another crucial way to ensure full protection for your family is by enrolling in personal accident insurance India. Personal accident insurances are the much-needed safety net that gives fruitful results during emergencies. Your insurance provider will help you financially to avoid an unnecessary burden on your shoulders to deal with the situation.

Click HERE to buy personal accident 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.

Critical illness insurance covers serious health conditions that require expensive and long treatment. Such illnesses include cancer, paralysis, stroke, organ transplant, heart attack, coma, etc. The treatment for these illnesses can drain your savings and negatively impact your financial condition.

The recovery is time-consuming, beginning from the detection phase to a myriad of medical tests to surgery and then gradually returning to normalcy. All this will cost us much more than any normal health insurance coverage. This creates the need to have dedicated insurance cover for critical illnesses that are affordable and provide robust protection.

Let us look at the best tips for affordable health insurance plans for critical illness.

1. Comprehensive critical illness insurance policy:
A comprehensive critical illness insurance policy gives us a lump sum amount after we submit the required documents to the insurance company. You can use this sum to pay for the treatment cost, including diagnosis, hospitalisation, any surgery in the process, and the doctor's fees. The sum assured under such policy is fixed. Hence, you can plan your insurance coverage as per your specific needs.

2. Buy it as a rider:
You can buy a critical illness insurance policy as a rider to your existing health insurance policy. Hence you will not need to buy a new insurance policy to get this cover. Also, try to get this additional coverage in the health insurance policy provided by your employer to save money.

3. Low cost:
A critical illness insurance policy does not cost us a very high premium. The premium for such policies is much less than that for your regular health insurance. However, these covers provide us protection only for specific situations. Hence, they should never be used as a substitute for your regular health insurance policies.

4. Compare the premium charged:
Always compare the premium charged for critical illness insurance policies of different companies and select the most affordable one. You can do a detailed online search instead of visiting every insurance company's offices individually.

5. Check for the exact inclusions:
Always check the features and the exact inclusions of the policy because they may vary with every insurance company. Do thorough research and list what the policy does not cover. For example, your policy may state that it covers cancer. But it may also be mentioned in the fine print that it will provide a cover for cancer only after it reaches a certain level of severity.

6. Waiting period:
Look for a policy with the least waiting period. Usually, you can raise a claim for a critical illness after 90 days from the date of commencement of your policy. If you have a pre-existing major disease, the cover may start as late as 48 months from the commencement of the policy.

7. Age limit and benefits:
Always ensure the age limit until your policy provides you with insurance coverage. This will be helpful to you when you cross 60 years of age. There are some companies that provide a lifelong cover. Hence, it is advisable to choose such plans. Also, you should assess the benefits of your policy, such as NCB (No-claim bonus), in case you do not make any claim in a year.

Critical illnesses can result in the loss of your job, partial or permanent disability, and leave you with no source of income. The high cost of treatment can result in draining your pockets as the coverage provided by standard health insurance policies is insufficient for such misfortunes. The solution is to go for the best critical illness insurance policy available. The above tips can help you to choose the most affordable health insurance plans for critical illness upon which you can rely in times of actual need.

Click HERE to buy the best affordable health insurance plans 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.

Adventure sports have always been the best option for people who call themselves adrenaline junkies. They give you the thrill that knocks out your everyday life's monotony. There are different types of adventure sports, like river rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, trekking, rock climbing, skydiving, and much more.

In this blog, we'll discuss parasailing, a sport that has created a special bond with adventure enthusiasts. Parasailing is an adventure sport that gives you the joy of sailing in the air while your parachute is towed by a motorboat or jeep. If you plan to enjoy this activity on your next beach vacation, consider this blog for an enjoyable experience.

1. The weather is an essential factor:
The parasailing conditions need to be suitable, and the timing of the day has an effect. Usually, a clear sky and a less windy time are preferred, so most people plan their parasailing trip in the mornings.

2. Get well acquainted with the equipment:
Knowing your parasailing equipment and its functionalities is a must. Even if you cannot understand the mechanics of the equipment in detail, you should be aware of the purpose of the essential tools which will keep you safe. The life jacket is provided to keep you safe if you need to land in water during emergencies.
The body harness helps keep you seated and is joined to the ends of the tow bar. The harness aids in eliminating your discomfort and helping you maintain a balance during sudden movement shifts. And the tow bar is attached to a parachute to help you glide smoothly and land without any significant danger.

3. Get complete information about the restrictions:
To restrict the risks to the bare minimum, the parasailing institutes set certain limitations regarding the prospective client's age, height, and weight for parasailing. These restrictions are also influenced by certain factors, such as the wind level. Still, you must check in with the guide who will help you to avoid any threats to your health and life.
The minimum age limit for the riders is usually around sixteen to eighteen years, and the minimum weight in case there are multiple riders is supposed to be about 150 pounds. But these limitations vary, so check this with your parasailing guide.

4. Your outfit:
Swimming-appropriate outfits help since they are snug and would help if you land in water or experience waves. But anything comfortable is a must, and the bottoms should fit you well so that you are focused on the experience and not distracted by the discomfort caused by your outfit. These experiences are not everyday things, so you better eliminate all sorts of discomfort, stress, and distractions to make the moment count.

5. Research the company:
Read the online reviews about your parasailing company/institute and check their ratings. You must go to the right agency with all security measures intact, trained professionals, quality equipment, and SOPs to take care of their riders. Always ask all the questions to clear your doubts before going in.

6. Carefully listen to the instructions:
Before they put the parasailing gear on, the guide will give you all the information you need, even though you are riding solo or with multiple riders. They will tell you the landing postures, which part of the equipment will help you ride low, high, turn, etc. Always ensure to clarify your doubts before you begin.

That was the complete guide for people trying parasailing for the first time. As we discussed, while adventure sports allow you to experience the unforgettable, they also involve a certain level of danger to your life. Therefore, browsing personal accident insurance plans as a mitigation strategy for unpredictable circumstances is essential. Choose the one that suits you best before planning your adventure trip.

Click HERE to learn how you and your friends can get personal accident 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.

With the temperature rising continuously, it is becoming harder to eliminate using air conditioners in our homes, offices, malls, and even our four-wheelers. Imagining life without ACs can be daunting to sustain the heat. Remember that one day when you got into your car, and you realised that the air conditioner was not working? It did feel like you would melt away. Winters are still a bit bearable, but travelling during summers and monsoons without the air conditioner in your vehicle can be an awful experience.

So, how can you predict your car's air conditioner is wrecked? Which part of the air conditioner would you need to change, and how would you know? Don't worry. This blog will discuss all the symptoms of an air conditioner repair.

But first, let's understand a little about your car's air conditioner's compressor:

The compressor is considered the central organ of the entire air conditioner system. Call it the AC's heart, if you will. It helps ensure that the refrigerant is flowing smoothly, which would provide the top performance of the air conditioner. Usually, an issue with the compressor results in low-effective cooling. And not just that, it can be quite dangerous if a compressor has some fault and there's a specific load on the air conditioner. We need to be aware of these signs that indicate the need to change the AC compressor.

1. Low cooling issues:
The first and the only sign you can quickly notice is the level of cooling. Having experienced a smooth performance from your four-wheeler's air conditioners on your trips to the market or work, you will be able to differentiate when the cooling is not that effective. This marks that the compressor cannot regulate the refrigerant flow smoothly, thus needing a replacement.

2. The annoying noise:
You might hear a loud, irritating and unusual noise whenever you switch on the air conditioner in your car. To address the issue, it is usually advised that you replace the entire cooling unit with a better and more compatible one for your car's manufacturing and other systems. Ensuring that your new unit is consistent with different electrical setups in your vehicle will help you avoid any damages that can endanger the car's safety, void the warranty of various systems, and violate the rules and regulations.

3. Clutch troubles can be experienced:
Faulty air conditioner compressors can cause issues with the clutch. It might seize or break, which ultimately indicates a power issue, and the compressor cannot access sufficient power from the engine.

4. Check the air vents:
Even if the compressors of the cooling unit of your car are faulty, you still need to ensure whether or not the air vents are clear for the air to flow without any obstructions. Clogged air vents can cause a disturbance in the smooth airflow from the air conditioner, thus lowering the levels of effective cooling inside the car. Clean the air vents and check again. If there is still an issue, the air conditioner's compressor must be checked thoroughly and replaced.

5. Fuse box examination:
Before deciding to go ahead and replace the compressor or the entire cooling unit, check the fuse box properly. While a faulty compressor is the cause of leaks in a refrigerant or low cooling, examining the fuse box leaves you with no second thoughts about changing the compressor.

Replacing the entire cooling unit and other repairing and servicing costs can be a substantial financial burden, even more so when you land in unfortunate circumstances that might cause severe damage to your car. Get a car insurance to avoid financial stress and ensure the longevity of your four-wheeler. You need the best car insurance which would serve your needs in the most efficient ways. Explore your options and do not delay buying reliable insurance to safeguard your asset against unfortunate events.

Click HERE to know more about the benefits of 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.

Learning a new skill and mastering it can be challenging and time taking. The same applies to car driving. Beginners first need to understand the various functionalities of a car. Then they take time to build and sharpen their road sense. Furthermore, they need to constantly practice to hone their driving skills.

However, driving on a single road can be a new game for many. Beginners will especially face challenges adjusting themselves to the single road. If you are a novice driver and wish to learn the tips to drive efficiently on a single-lane road, here's our guide to help you get started.

1. Acquaint yourself with the car:
The first thing any beginner should do is thoroughly acquaint himself with his car and its features. Cars have different gear patterns, and the responsiveness of the clutch and brakes also differ from one car to another.
Single roads usually have much heavier traffic than double-lane roads. A beginner should understand how his car responds with the press of the accelerator, brake, and clutch. Applying all three must happen in a rhythm. This understanding is essential to help beginners drive and maneuver their cars effectively through the traffic and potholes on single roads.

2. Traffic rules and road signals:
A beginner should familiarise himself with the prevalent traffic rules. This will help you save money by way of fines and penalties. You should also be familiar with the different signals and signboards put along the roads and indications used by other drivers. If speed breakers are approaching, you should lower your car's speed by seeing the board of "speed breakers ahead" on the roadsides.
Also, you should know that if a vehicle approaching you on a single road is flickering its headlights, it means that the driver wants to pass first. These factors will avoid unnecessary traffic jams, inconvenience, and the possibility of an accident.

3. Correct seating position:
You should adjust your driving seat according to your height and comfort. You should be in a comfortable position to easily access the car's pedals. Also, the seating position should help you maintain good posture so that you do not develop strains or backaches while driving through the busy single lane.

4. Slow speeds:
As a beginner, you should avoid driving fast or carelessly. Slow driving on a single road will ensure you fully control the car. Generally, the traffic in peak hours on a single lane is heavy, so drive with caution. Always Keep your eyes peeled to help you reach your destination safely.

5. Maintain safe distance:
Maintaining a safe distance from the car or vehicle in front while driving on a single road is essential. Due to the heavy traffic, vehicles brake suddenly on such roads. There will be no space to swerve and change lanes on a single road. Hence, the chances of an accident increase.

6. Take a double-lane road where possible:
As a beginner, you should always look for an alternative way to reach your destination by taking double-lane roads wherever possible, even if you have to cover a few extra kilometres.

7. Avoid driving at night:
Beginners should avoid taking a single road at night unless it is very necessary. This is so because the beam light of the car coming from the opposite direction often makes it difficult for beginners to see clearly. This problem is more severe on single roads as the space between cars is very less.

Summing up the entire discussion, we conclude that beginners should tread with extra caution while driving on single roads in India. People tend to drive as closely as possible to other vehicles in traffic, which can be troublesome for beginners. Fret not! Follow the above tips and be confident in your driving skills, practice traffic rules, and maintain lane discipline.

It is also essential for you to have valid car insurance as it is mandatory by law. Secondly, a good car insurance India plan will protect you against any possible damage while driving and compensate you for the repair and maintenance of your car.

Click HERE to buy a reliable car insurance India policy.

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.

Cancer is one such illness that affects the patient and their family emotionally and mentally. According to recent studies, cancer rates are alarmingly increasing day by day. It can happen to anyone, irrespective of age, health, or lifestyle. Keeping these increasing numbers in mind, getting health insurance to manage expensive cancer treatment is ideal. Moreover, many insurance companies offer easy and quick health insurance policy renewals to avoid complications and get you financially protected.

Factors to consider when purchasing a cancer health insurance.

There are a lot of insurance plans in the market, which makes it confusing to find the right insurance company. It is important to purchase the right policy that matches your requirements to get the desired benefits in the event of a need. Understand that not just buying but timely cancer health insurance policy renewal is the best way to remain financially protected.

1. Type of policy:
Look for insurance policy features that specifically meet the needs of life-threatening diseases like cancer. You can also buy a cancer coverage add-on with your original health insurance policy or opt for the critical illness insurance policy that covers expensive medical charges.

2. Policy coverage:
Cancer treatments can jeopardize your lifelong savings. While some people can bear these expenses, some take out heavy loans to cover them. Thus, choosing a maximum sum assured and policy coverage is ideal. Also, look for an insurance provider that offers quick and hassle-free health insurance policy renewal.
During the critical cancer stage, you may be unable to work and provide income to the family. Therefore, ensure that your plan offers sufficient money to cover your lost income and medical expenses.

3. Waiting period:
Keep in mind that every health insurance plan comes with a waiting period. The waiting period for a particular disease can differ from one insurer to other. You may not be able to claim the medical expenses till your policy comes into force. Therefore, look for policies with shorter waiting periods or quick health insurance renewal to avoid increasing costs.

4. Prior medical history:
You may not know, but most insurers do not offer cancer coverage to those with a prior cancer history. Thus, if you have already survived cancer, your application has a chance of being rejected by the insurance company. Thus, disclose all health-related information with the insurance company when you buy a health insurance policy or consider health insurance policy renewal.

5. Insurance company:
Besides looking at the policy offerings and benefits, choosing the right insurance company is essential to ensuring a smooth purchase and claim settlement experience. It is recommended to check the insurance company's online reviews, customer support, claim settlement ratio, etc., and then choose the best policy.

6. Premium:
Another important factor to consider while purchasing cancer health insurance is the insurance premium. An insurance broker may offer maximum benefits, but if the insurance premium is out of your budget, all of these things do not matter. You must think twice before purchasing or considering health insurance policy renewal if the premium is out of budget.

While many want to avoid such dreadful illnesses, preparing yourself and your family for the worst is always a wise decision. Therefore, purchase or ensure regular health insurance policy renewal today to secure your tomorrow.

Click HERE for health insurance policy 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.

Imagine you're out with your car for some work, and suddenly another over-speeding vehicle rams into your car from behind. A scary situation, isn't it? Worrying about the damages is not a concern if you have the right protection. Car insurance is the immediate step you should buy to ensure that you are compensated fairly and stay financially stress-free.

When you begin choosing insurance from the options available, you always look for competitive premiums which are affordable and fully effective. Although you can get substantially low car insurance policies, you will not be able to enjoy all the benefits and features.

Let's have a detailed look at why you should not opt for the least-priced car insurance.

1. Unavailability of essential benefits:
The least-priced car insurance often strips you of the major benefits. Not all expensive insurance policies need to offer you all the benefits, but the least-priced ones offer you none. For instance, it may not even cover accident costs if someone else is driving the car at the time of an accident. Some insurance companies very cleverly offer you a low premium to attract you to their insurance policies. You must properly inspect your policy before determining the one you want to buy.

2. Impacts policy coverage:
The cost of the car insurance policy is directly proportional to the level of coverage it provides. If your insurance is cheap, the coverage will be lower too. There might be third-party insurance involved, which requires the protection against damages to the third party. You can be accountable for major crises in terms of losses or damages.

3. Lack of cashless claims:
If your insurance policy is cheap, you may not be able to enjoy cashless claims. This means that you will not be able to avail the facility of getting your car repaired in a garage that falls under your insurance. Under other circumstances, you will not be required to pay any money from your pocket. But with cheap car insurance, you are forced to pay for the damages before you apply for a claim.

4. Unsatisfactory customer service:
It is a known fact that the reputed insurance agencies ask you for a premium which is justified. This means that you will receive top-notch and priority treatment as a customer. You will be given the best support and care by the customer service of your designated insurance company. They will pay attention to all your complaints and resolve them on priority. In the case of cheap insurance, you will face unsatisfactory responses to your queries. Always keep that in mind.

5. Greater deductibles:
A deductible is a partial amount paid by the policy owner during the settlement of an insurance claim. With this feature in your car insurance policy, you need to pay a small deductible for your claim. However, for the least-priced car insurance, you need to pay a larger amount as deductibles. Only after the payment, you'll get the claim amount. This is how they loop you in for trouble. Always ensure that you read your documents carefully and ask all the right questions.

These points are enough to evaluate decently priced car insurance instead of a cheap one. Always make sure you explore all your options and purchase the best car insurance, which would cater to all your needs in the best way possible. By saving a few bucks today, you risk losing a lot of money tomorrow. Hence, choose wisely while getting car insurance to protect your car against hefty damages in unfortunate situations.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of car insurance and the process of determining the best option for you.

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.