GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

We have heard stories from our grandparents and parents about their struggles and how things were accomplished on foot back in their old days. And as much as we appreciate the ease of living under the present circumstances, we often end up being couch potatoes and getting everything done from the comfort of our homes.

In today's technology-driven world, machines are replacing human efforts. Almost anything and everything can be done with a few clicks, from getting groceries delivered to our doorsteps, a cab waiting at our gates, or booking a movie ticket.

But this ease and convenience come at a cost. Around forty percent of youth face various health issues from obesity and lethargy. Lack of physical exercise, long working hours, and an unhealthy diet have led to severe prolonged health issues.

In this article, we will look at how incorporating fundamental physical activity into our daily lives will yield significant benefits in the future. Let's talk about putting that smartwatch into use and getting ten thousand step counts into your daily routine.

1. It's a start:

Completing ten thousand steps can seem daunting for someone new to fitness. But the goal is to get at least the bare minimum exercise into our otherwise mundane lifestyle.
Start with 5000 steps without making it too overwhelming. An average person takes about three thousand to four thousand steps daily. Putting an effort and taking this up by a thousand steps counts is an achievement you can be proud of. Opt for stairs instead of elevators. Avoid taking your vehicles for everyday grocery needs; you are already a couple of thousand steps ahead.

2. The benefits:

Taking ten thousand steps daily can help you burn about two thousand to three thousand calories per week. This means you lose about half a kilo every week without trying. If you aim for weight loss, you might have to include more cardio into your workout regimen.

But the benefits of ten thousand steps a day are countless.

● Improves blood pressure: Walking promotes better heart health. This means that your heart can pump blood with less effort, ensuring your blood pressure is normal.

● Stable blood sugar levels: The glucose in your body is used up by your muscles when you are physically active. Hence, walking can lower your blood sugar levels over time.

● A healthy heart: Studies show that walking has significant cardiovascular benefits. By making an effort, you are reducing the chances of a heart attack.

● Improves sleep: Moderate exercises can help you in improving your sleep quality significantly. It also helps eliminate daytime drowsiness and reduces adults' need for sleep medications.

● Strengthens your lungs: Increased heart activity directly indicates more oxygen consumption. This strengthens the lungs and other muscles surrounding it.

These are only some of the many benefits you can gain by inculcating healthy habits. Taking care of yourself should not be a compulsion. Instead, it should be a part of your daily life.

An important thing to note here is that ten thousand steps do not promise a miraculous overnight change. The change in your body is gradual, and consistency is the key. Anything in excess can be harmful, so it is best to start slow. As mentioned above, start your way up from 5000 steps daily to 10,000 steps. A gradual increase of about a thousand steps is recommended to avoid injuries and soreness.

Another great way to look out for yourself is by investing in health insurance plans. There are many health insurance plans in India for you to choose from, depending on your needs. Health insurance is a safety net everyone needs to avoid unforeseen medical expenses that one might incur during various health examinations and treatments.

Click HERE to check out 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.

The past couple of years saw an increasing trend of people inculcating gardening in their daily lives. As people were locked down as the pandemic peaked, having a little plant companion was the best way to stay cheerful during challenging times. Having greens around not only enhances the house's beauty but also purifies the air and supplies oxygen.

While taking care of plants might initially seem daunting, gardening can become therapeutic once you know all the little knick-knacks. Today we will look at the tips and tricks that will help you start your gardening journey.

1. Start small:
Setting up your garden need not be expensive. Use the take-out boxes and old paint boxes lying around your house to pot new plants. You can find the seeds/saplings and the soil at dirt-cheap prices in your nearby nursery. Or you can even use the seeds from the groceries in your very own kitchen.

2. Succulents:
They can survive extreme weather conditions and require almost zero maintenance. They only need direct sunlight for at least 3-4 hours a day and water once a week. Since they are used to surviving in low moisture conditions, you can breathe easy, knowing your plant won't die.

3. Own your kitchen garden:
Having a kitchen garden gives you the positive reinforcement you need. Plants like tomato, ginger, garlic, and gourds do not take up much of your time. You can invest in the soil and see the returns. Using your homegrown vegetables and herbs will be the best reward you deserve.

4. Prepare your compost:
All you need to do is separate your kitchen waste and put it into a pot explicitly kept for this purpose. Then, mix the waste and soil every once in a while to ensure the soil takes up all the nutrients from the waste. This way, you will have your compost ready! Mix this while preparing your pot for new plants.

6. Preventing insects and mealybugs:
As a beginner, you might face challenges while buying insecticides. Making your insecticide solution at home can be an option for you. Adding 3 ml shampoo to one litre of water in a spraying pump and spraying it under the leaves is an excellent way to get rid of mealybugs.
Using diluted rice water is also an effective solution to get rid of tiny insect infestation on your plants. These home remedies are more efficient and cost-effective than the other chemicals.

7. Tools for beginners:
Tools are used to toss the soil, remove weeds and cut out any infected leaf. These can be done with any readily available tools in our homes. But if you must invest in your gardening toolkit, then spades, gloves, and pruning scissors are required in the beginning. Later, you can add forked trowels, garden forks, etcetera, when you build your garden further.

Since most of us are beginners, we should be careful when dealing with soil and tools. Chances are we might be susceptible to infections and Paronychia. They are mostly treated at home, but at times you might need to get yourself proper medications for the same. Getting a personal accident insurance policy would help you rest assured in case of any such mishaps. Planting and gardening can add value to your life, and having a safety net in the form of personal accident insurance only adds value to your experiences. Here's to hoping that this list is just the right motivation to start your gardening journey.

For more details on personal accident insurance policy, click HERE .

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.

Most people think that buying a commodity like a car is a significant expense, especially if you have taken a loan. Understand that a loan is a liability, and if not managed properly, it could lead you to huge debts. Also, the maintenance and motor insurance can additionally cost more and affect your pockets.

Don't think that the market decides loan and interest rates, and you can do nothing to save the cost. In reality, the high-interest rate on the loan you borrowed affects your car loan. There are practical ways to save up on the loans of your car. Below is the guide to give you the best tips to save money on your car loan.

1. Constrain/control your credit:
Your credit history will directly affect the interest rate of the loan. If you have a low credit score, the lender may apply higher rates for your loan amount. Sort your credit report, and know that a good credit score will help you lock up the best deal on loans.

2. Navigate beyond the dealers:
Find ways to look beyond just one middleman/broker for your car loans. Getting advice or financing quotations from the dealer is not a bad option. But, when you shop for other things, do you stop at one halt and purchase? The answer is NO. So, do the same with your car loan options.

3. Buy an inexpensive car:
It does not sound like earnest advice, but at a point, it is proven logical. Getting a car is more about comfort and ease of life than merely a status symbol. Buy a reliable, best-fit vehicle that comes with lesser interest on the loan amount. Buying a car within your budget will also help you save up on motor insurance premiums.

4. Budget your down payment:
If possible, make sure to pay a substantial down payment on the purchase of the car. So, it will decrease the amount of interest on loans. Logically, the lower the principal amount, the lower the EMI will be.

5. Smaller tenure of the loan:
Opposite to the down payment, the tenure periods should be short. The lender will benefit from it if you have an extended tenure period. If you have a shorter tenure, you'll pay off the loan much faster. Also, interest components will be lower.

6. Count the processing fees:
The processing fee for the car loans is a one-time fee, and some banks waive off their prices during special occasions. So try to benefit from it by taking loans in that period. Also, make sure you don't get charged any extra in the name of processing fees, apart from general rates.

7. Go through the fine print:
One of the vital steps is to check all papers pertaining to the loan. Whether you take the quotation or make the final deal, read all the legal documents and understand them. Don't get trapped, and be conscious of the agreement while you are availing of a loan.

Stick to budgeting your loans. Be thoughtful with your financial position to consider the loan, interest, and ways to save up on your hard-earned money. There are ample ways to save the cost of your car loan payments. Don't rush the process and check every option before choosing the right one for your car. Like having good motor insurance comes with reasonable premium rates, a car loan can also be obtained with lower EMI if you make intelligent moves.

Are you looking for suitable motor insurance for your car? Click HERE .

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.

Did you know that fireflies glow in the dark to attract their mate and give out an honest evolutionary symbol that their babies are foul-tasting? Foul-tasting or not, these beetles have been attracting people for a long time.

People look up in fascination when these creatures dance in multitudes, trying to attract a partner from the opposite sex. So, whether you're trying to have a romantic getaway with your partner, trying to have a memorable trip with your family, or need some peace to meditate with nature, going to a place where you can see these stunning creatures at night is just the right vacation for you.

Back in our grandparent's stories, fireflies would be abundantly seen at the onset of every monsoon, busy attracting their mates. But due to the fairly recent change in the global climate, it's very rare to see this sight in cities. Here are 04 top destinations to see these mesmerising creatures.

1. Purushwadi:

Purushwadi is the most famous destination by far. It has been successfully holding a fireflies festival for many years. A tribal village situated about 200 km from Mumbai in the Western Ghats, one gets to experience the quaint village life along with the magic of the homestays and delicious food.
This has been made possible by local NGOs that work in rural tourism. It is a perfect getaway for city dwellers who want to experience peaceful rural life. It is easily accessible from Mumbai, taking about 05 hours by car.

2. Rajmachi:

As we welcome the season's first showers, one of the most exciting things this monsoon is to go on a night trek to Rajmachi fort. The Rajmachi Fort is about a 16 km trek from the Lonavala station, and you can spot fireflies after sunset.
The Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts offer stunning views of the valley, making it a popular destination among trekkers. The surrounding Sahyadri ranges are perfect for spotting fireflies. Another brilliant spot for experiencing this is around the Udhewadi village.

3. Mulshi Lake:

At a small distance of 50 km from Mumbai, Mulshi is a beautiful village that boasts peace and serenity like nowhere else. Mulshi is a scenic beauty with a plethora of sights, like waterfalls, rugged cliffs, green forests, and meandering hiking paths.
In these emerald green forests is the firefly display around Mulshi lake. Spend overnight at the local homestay, experience the fireflies show, and explore the area at night.

4. Sandhan Valley:

Sandhan Valley is a stunning carved valley with a 200 feet drop in the Western Ghats. Known as the valley of shadows, it consists of a deep narrow, floored ravine between the two high walls of a mountain range.
The commuting route is practically the same as Purushwadi, but from Igatpuri, one must head towards Samrad village. To get a local flavour out of the trip, try to get a villager to accompany you on the trek and make simple arrangements with them for food. For a few years, villagers have been providing travellers with tents to see the fireflies.

This experience is sure to be a rewarding one for enthusiastic travellers. Seeing these bioluminescent creatures in their natural habitat will surely be a treat to the eyes, mind, and soul. These destinations are close to Mumbai and Pune, both bustling and hectic cities. It is best to drive up there or take a local train. The roads often leading to these destinations are narrow and rocky terrains.

If you are considering driving up there, you must look out for the rough patches. Before moving out on a trip, whether long or just a short one, always ensure that you carry all the car's documents. Seat belts must be on, and if driving at night, drive slowly! Also, get the best car insurance before starting a new driving exploration!

Click HERE to know more about car insurance policies 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.

Have you ever felt bored of your mundane daily routine and wanted a much-needed break? Overlanding helps you get away from all the stress of your work and refresh your mind and body, boosting the state of your mental health. It is a travel experience that focuses on a scenic destination away from the bustling city life. With this, you will get the chance to be closer to nature and give your body the rest it deserves.

Let's understand the tips that will make your overlanding trip memorable.

1. Plan well before you go:
You must decide on an adventurous overlanding route through the pleasant countryside and remote destinations. Do deep research about the destination, consider the weather predictions, and ensure favourable camping conditions. To avoid heavy traffic, accidents, or mishaps, you should know what particular amendments your car requires to suit the terrain.

2. Have basic survival skills:
Despite planning efficiently, mishaps occur, and you need to be prepared for any scenario. You might get minor scars or bruises while on the adventure, so carry a basic first aid kit to ensure you can treat minor wounds to avoid any infection. You might get stranded in an unfamiliar area, so it is always advisable to carry maps of surrounding regions in digital and physical forms. You should be capable of changing a tire in case of a flat tire. Adjust to the different weather conditions as your journey progresses.

3. Budget according to your needs:
Overlanding is a cost-effective travel experience. However, you might need to allocate your daily budget based on your needs. You can take inspiration from travel bloggers/vloggers and use similar tactics, or you can carry more resources to satisfy your needs. You should take into consideration your food, vehicle maintenance, and living expenses such as mobile connectivity. Save more by cooking food yourself and camping instead of staying in overpriced hotel rooms.

4. Comfortable dressing:
Wear clothes that are comfortable to be in for long durations. Pack appropriate attire for your activities and make sure it is compact. You can hand wash your clothes or use laundry rooms on your stops to clean and dry your clothes. It is also advisable to wear a roomy pair of good shoes that grip any terrain.

5. Carry essential equipment:
Carry equipment that protects you from excessive cold, wind, and rain, such as umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, gloves, and earmuffs. Emergency dry, nutritional snacks and bottled water should be a part of your travel inventory. Additional tools such as flashlights, fire extinguishers, and gas always make your trip must also be part of your travel checklist.

6. Take precautionary measures:
Safety is an aspect that you can never compromise with when planning an Overlanding trip, especially if you're travelling solo. During the journey, it's just your car and you who are for each other. So, keep spare wheels that fit your vehicle in case of a flat tyre. As roads are a package of undesired events, it is always advisable to get car insurance so that you return with good memories and no financial worries. Opt for online car insurance if you haven't bought one, hit that road less travelled and enjoy that overlanding adventure of a lifetime!

Overlanding journeys expose you to pure and unaltered experiences and introduce you to life in a way you might not have thought of. These trips also boost your self-growth as you learn to make arrangements to sustain yourself in any situation.

Click HERE to know more details about car insurance before you set on a trip.

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.

Clear vision is critical for safe driving because it accounts for over 90% of our driving reaction time. Unfortunately, our eyesight changes dramatically at night, and we lose a significant amount of depth perception, colour vision, and peripheral vision. After dusk, the glare of oncoming traffic obstructs our eyesight even more.

As a result of this momentary blindness, accidents are bound to occur. Here, we bring some handy tips to reduce high beam glare problems while driving at night. However, remember that investing in a motor insurance policy is of utmost importance for all vehicle owners as it provides total protection against physical damage or loss due to natural or artificial disasters. Therefore, before stepping out, check your online motor insurance renewal and keep your documents in order.

Now, check these helpful tips to reduce high beam glare problems while driving at night.

1. Anti-glare glasses:
Examine your vision regularly. Ask your optician about no-glare corrective lenses if you wear prescription glasses. Check your glasses for scratches, which can exacerbate glare. Also, exposure to glare while day driving can hamper your vision at night. Wear polarised sunglasses throughout the day to protect your eyes and lower the possibilities of vision impairment while driving at night.

2. Spotless windshields and other glass surfaces:
During the day, a dirty windshield may not be apparent, but it might produce glare at night. Refraction of light and distorted vision on the road can occur due to the glass's streaks. Clean the inside of the windshield, as plastic compounds can accumulate on the glass over time. Remove the filth and oxidised rubber from the edge of the wiper blades with a paper towel and windshield washer fluid to help keep streaks at bay.

3. Position the car mirrors:
The placement of a car's mirrors can help control the intense glare and avoid blind spots to get an accurate judgement of vehicles approaching from both sides. Change the "night" setting on your rearview mirror with the lever on the mirror. Cars' lights will still be visible behind you, but they will be much dimmer.

4. Don't look straight, look right:
Avoid being blinded by high beams that hit you square in the face by looking down the right side of the road. Concentrate on the lane's edge or the painted edge line until the automobile passes. At hilltops, at curves, and crossroads, be mindful of oncoming vehicles' unexpected bursts of light.

5. Take a break:
If you're driving at night for an extended amount of time, take frequent stops. Taking a break relieves fatigue and allows your eyes to recover.

6. Be conscious:
Take basic precautions to avoid blinding other motorists. To begin, make careful use of your high beams. Use your low headlights most of the time and high beams only when essential. Slow down and make sure you have control of your vehicle if another driver uses high beams and fails to dim the lights as you approach.

These tips can assist in driving in the dark without being blinded by other vehicles' headlights. Shield your car with online motor insurance renewal against any such automobile accidents.

Click HERE to do your online motor insurance renewal in easy steps.

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.

Transportation is one of the essential parts of our day-to-day lives. Whether it is for commercial purposes or personal use, vehicles have turned out like our favourite support. Legally, the law doesn't allow the use of personal vehicles for commercial purposes. However, a recent announcement shows that private car owners can use their vehicles for commercial transport and work purposes under some provisions.

The use of the private vehicle as commercial makes the transport 30% cheaper. You must be wondering whether to use the personal vehicle for commercial use or not? And if yes, then how?

As you read this blog, you will find the best tips to use your vehicle for commercial purposes.

1. Know everything about licensing: Before the government imposed rules on vehicles, there were only two categories of license: transport and non-transport. However, the same license is now allowed to drive two or more different vehicles, considered only if both are LVMs (light motor vehicles). So, before assigning your personal vehicle for work purposes, it is crucial to understand the licensing method.

2. Type of your commercial usage: You may introduce your private vehicle to commercial use in several ways. Converting it into a taxi is the most common method. Apart from taxis, convertible trucks / tempos, school buses, minivans for goods transportation are quite popular. In the case of two-wheelers, the same license is allowed, with the permission / allowance to operate as public transport. You can also use it for exporting or importing goods.

3. Know about taxation/laws: According to the motor vehicle act, vehicles should be given rights and respective licenses according to their class and not the type of vehicle. This rule made it convenient for private vehicles to be used for commercial purposes. As of now, there are no separate endorsement/taxes charged on it.
Initially, you need to follow the conversion process to convert the vehicle into a commercial one. Do it with the valid registration number and by filling a form named "Conversion of Vehicle". You can find all the details about the same on the RTO website. Do some research at your end, or you may even ask expert personnel to make the entire process smooth.

4. Be thorough with the insurance policy: When you run a private vehicle as a commercial, the insurance policy may differ. For example, the usual car insurance may not remain the same when you use your car as a taxi or for other business purposes. You can confirm the details and changes in the car insurance policy from your insurance company.
Also, don't forget to use the appropriate number plate after the conversion of the vehicle.

Just like private vehicles benefit from insurance and other rights, commercial policies also provide the same vigilant coverage. Enforcement of legalities by the authorities has become easy now. Dissolved licensing and flexible transportation rules are encouraging steps for the people who want to convert their vehicles for commercial purposes.

So, if you wish to expand your business or provide your vehicle as a transportation fleet to other companies, these tips can help you understand it better. Remember, holding good car insurance and the appropriate license is the key to driving vehicles' safety and successful conversion.

Click HERE to get the best deals on 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.

How often have you heard people complaining about their bad posture? Many of us have been subjected to remarks about our lousy posture. Poor posture has the notion of signifying timidity, insecurity, and lack of confidence. But, it can get more concerning than these behavioural issues.

Improper posture may have adverse long-term health effects. It can result in reduced circulation, consistent back pain, fallen shoulders, and weakness of joints. Are you already observing such issues due to your poor posture? Fret not, as you can fix most posture-related problems with regular exercise, mindful use of gadgets, and occasional hospital visits.

If you are looking for ways to rectify your back alignment, this article will help you regain the correct posture to make you feel confident and healthy again!

1. The correct way to sit and stand:

People often neglect their posture in everyday activities such as standing, sitting, or sleeping. While it is difficult to keep track of your posture constantly, it becomes significantly easy over time. While standing, focus on keeping your legs flat on the floor, shoulders wide apart, and head upward.
This ensures that your calf, back, and neck are relaxed. Tensed muscles can have several long-term implications, such as sprains, torn ligaments, etc. Similarly, keep your back straight, your legs flat on the floor, and your arms resting on the table while sitting.

2. Proper exercises:

Exercises such as bridges, planks, hip stretch, etc., are easy and effective choices to realign your postural alignment. A trainer or expert can guide you to practice the correct postures.
Maintaining the wrong form while exercising can lead to muscle soreness. Be careful and avoid the issue from becoming more problematic for you.

3. Consult a chiropractor:

A chiropractor is an expert trained to help you with improper alignment, knots, and other ailments. People are subjected to excessive strains due to long working hours or intense workouts. These strains can severely affect the body's functioning and daily activities. A chiropractor exercises spinal manipulations to soothe affected areas. This helps in relaxing the muscles and avoiding any serious injuries.

4. Identifying the signs:

Headaches, joint pains, restricted motion, and shooting pains indicate incorrect posture. Sometimes, these issues can result from a particular activity done during the day, such as lifting heavy weights, sitting for long hours, uncomfortable travel, etc.
Stretching and using hot water bags in these situations can help relieve the soreness. If the pain persists, it is time to visit your doctor.

5. Movement is necessary:

Sitting in one place continuously for hours can severely affect the lower back and shoulder. Make sure to leave your seat every hour to give your body some movement. Stretching your legs, arms, and back also proves effective in such situations.

6. Invest in posture-friendly equipment:

Everything starting from the mattress we sleep in, the shoes we wear, the chair, the car seats, etc., heavily determines a significant part of our postural alignment.
Hence, it is vital to choose these things after careful consideration. Buy shoes with good cushioning to avoid straining your heels and calf muscles. Ensure to flip your mattress every six months, and switch it up for a new one every six to eight years. If you feel discomfort in your office chair, notify the people in charge or invest in a comfortable cushion.

These are a few ways to overcome lousy posture and misalignment. Regular exercising, good eating habits, and ample sleep are a few things that you should never compromise on. You must undergo routine checkups to recognise any latent issues your body might face and fix them soon.

Getting health insurance is an intelligent way to avoid extra expenses you might incur during treatments and checkups. Do not forget to look into the best health insurance in India for further assistance with your insurance needs. It can be the best aid for you during emergencies.

Click HERE to know more about the best health 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.