GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

As we get older, our body becomes subject to more wear and tear. Several adults develop comorbidities and illnesses as they hit the milestone of 50. At this stage, getting medical tests and screenings is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and habits.

While maintaining overall wellness is important at any age, adults are more prone to discovering their underlying health issues at this age. This is when it becomes imperative to get well-rounded annual health checkups to ascertain any medical worries and improve their quality of life.

Unfortunately, along with a sense of wisdom, getting older also brings a list of health complications. While investing in health insurance in India can secure your parents' medical worries, conducting annual health checkups is paramount.

Benefits of annual health checkups for adults above 50.

1. Discover health issues early on:
Getting health checkups involves various scans and blood tests. There are several things you can learn from these tests. When shown to your physician, they can point out any deficiencies and more extensive problems that your tests may reflect. Knowing about these health problems as soon as possible is key to controlling and managing them effectively. You may not be suffering from any symptoms early on. However, it's better to learn about these issues by running tests before matters get out of hand.

2. Know about a disease you're at risk for:
Your tests can also help your doctors find any problems leading to more severe diseases or illnesses in the future. Knowing your family's health history and comparing it with your own can help draw parallels and understand what condition to prepare for.

3. Manage chronic diseases effectively:
With every annual checkup, you can learn how many changes your body goes through. You can also know when you may develop long-term comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, asthma, arthritis, etc., that need hands-on treatment.

4. Save time, effort, and money:
Precaution is always better than cure. Regular checkups can help you prevent illnesses and save you from dealing with severe symptoms later on. Even though you may have secured the retirement life of your parents by investing in health insurance in India for parents, it is always better to know about the upcoming challenges you need to cope with. This saves the amount of time, effort, and money that needs to be spent controlling the health complications that get worse with time.

5. Make better lifestyle choices:
Health issues do not arise simply due to hereditary or genetic makeup. They can also occur due to unhealthy and toxic lifestyle choices. A regular habit of indulging in unhealthy food, liquor, and other narcotics can adversely affect your health.

Unhealthy habits like smoking can cause respiratory and blood toxicity. Getting annual health checkups can help you understand what physical issues these unhealthy habits are causing and how to fix them.

To sum it up, adults need to understand the importance of getting annual health checkups once they turn 50. Ignoring your health will only lead to more problems in the future. Encourage the elders in the family to get yearly checkups on time to avoid undue stress and health concerns. Remember to consider health insurance in India for parents to cover the medical needs of your parents and loved ones.

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance in India for parents.

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.

Running a business is seen as a highly lucrative earning opportunity. However, the efforts, resources, and time required to envision, set up, and grow a business are not discussed enough. While the process is challenging, the true extent of an entrepreneur's sacrifices and the venture's uncertainties go unnoticed.

Considering the volatile settings in which a business must find foundation and prosper, insurance services are a boon that entrepreneurs must benefit from to protect their vision from risks, third-party lawsuits, and compensation claims. One such perk is commercial general liability insurance that provides an enterprise of any size belonging to any industry with the combined benefits of a product and public liability insurance policy.

If you own a business or plan to run one in the future, here's all you should know about commercial general liability insurance.

Defining commercial general liability insurance.

An insurance offering for companies and businesses, a commercial general liability insurance policy is a comprehensive protection from financial losses due to legal claims of bodily injury or property damage arising from business operations. Applicable for accidents caused by the non-negligence of the proprietor, it helps in risk management and ultimately protects the reputation and finances of a business in the long run.

The unique offering is an inclusive product and public liability insurance policy, making it a dual-benefit financial coverage for manufacturers of physical and intangible products and protecting them against claims that may be raised by third-party stakeholders like suppliers, customers, etc.

Coverage extent.

Often considered a comprehensive business insurance cover despite specific exclusions, commercial general liability insurance covers the following risks –

1. Third-party damages and injuries:
Any unintentional accidents that result in bodily injuries or losses for third parties while on business premises are covered under the policy. Therefore, the business can raise a claim in case of any reimbursement of medical bills of the injured or the cost of replacing or repairing any damaged property of third parties. It also includes accidents that cannot be traced back as wilful mischiefs, like accidental fires.

2. Advertising lawsuits:
Amid the highly-competitive environment with unclear and relatively lax laws relating to advertising protocol, it is common for businesses to battle in court over intangible assets like ideas, campaigns, strategies, and patented copyrights or trademarks.
While such issues may arise without ill intent and a genuine lack of awareness, a lawsuit may result in slander, public discontent, or even loss of business due to a change in public sentiments. While the issue and compensation for the party at fault is a judicial matter, the legal expenses borne by the business owner can be reclaimed, as legal and settlement costs are covered under the policy.

3. Product quality discrepancies:
The effective use of a product is highly dependent on its quality, which makes it a significant factor to maintain on the manufacturer's checklist. In case of any issues with the final quality of the product marketed, the consumer is entitled to sue the business for the product quality issues, which may result in end-user harm. This is a serious allegation that can jeopardise the future earning capacity and perpetual continuity of the firm.
While manufacturers must ensure that such serious issues do not surface, commercial general liability insurance protects the business from lawsuits and reimbursement costs.

4. Privacy invasion:
To set your product apart, endorsements may do wonders for increasing its reach and enticing consumers to purchase. But you must always have the legal provisions to use such material directly. Without such an express agreement, the commercial general liability policy can help settle with the aggrieved party outside the court and reimburse you for the compensation.

The above extent of coverage offers a general guideline of the inclusions of the two-in-one product and public liability insurance policy. We encourage business owners to do due diligence before purchasing business insurance to ensure their organisation enjoys comprehensive protection!

Click HERE to buy the best public liability insurance 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.

Many people are passionate about cars and love to add them to their collections with multiple vehicles of different classes and brands. Are you someone who owns multiple cars? If yes, your primary concern would be maintaining the insurance documentation of individual vehicles

What's the solution? If you own more than one car, you can have a single insurance policy covering all your vehicles. Yes, you read it right. The IRDAI offers a provision of paying a single premium for your multiple cars under a multi-vehicle policy or motor floater policy.

Let's understand in depth about this motor floater policy.

Merits of a multi-vehicle policy:

● It can cover up to 05 personal cars registered under a single owner.

● Helps in reducing the hassle of paying and managing multiple premiums and remembering the renewal dates of different policies for different cars.

● Customisation flexibility is offered to the insured to add or remove the cars covered in the policy.

● When you insure more than one car with the same insurance policy, you can be sure that you will save money and get better deals. The likelihood of long-term benefits is assured.

● A hassle-free process will result in less paperwork, and both the insurance provider and car owners may find the process convenient. The management and renewal of the insurance will be simpler for car owners since there will eventually be a single due date for all cars.

● The premium will be calculated and charged based on the usage of the cars, which is a crucial advantage for the insured.

Limitations you must be aware of.
There are a few restrictions you should be aware of before choosing to purchase multi-car insurance.

● Policy premium burden:
With a single renewal date, payments would typically be in substantial sums. Compared to allocating funds for various programs in an equitable manner, this significant money may put a strain on your finances.

● High-risk driving:
If the owner-driver is considered under the high-risk category, the policy's total cost may go up. Thus, it is important to have disciplined driving behaviour and a good record to avoid paying hefty premiums.

● Failure to renew on time:
Failing to renew your car insurance before expiry could cause all the cars covered by the policy to expire. This will happen because there will be a single renewal date for all the cars. If you forget to renew the policy on time, all the cars could become uninsured. Furthermore, you risk losing the NCB on all the cars if you go past the 90-day grace period following the renewal date.

Even though there are a few significant restrictions, insurance companies are working on solutions that could eliminate them, such as simple payment choices and extended grace periods so that you can have best car insurance in India.

*Imp:
The multi-car or motor floater policy is in its initial stage of formulation in India. It has some clauses and is applicable for selective services. Make sure to check further details with your insurance company for a better understanding and get the best out of your car insurance plan.

Click HERE to buy the best car 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.

A personal accident policy covers the loss or damage to the policyholder due to accidents. Considering that unforeseen accidents may happen at any time, one must always be prudent and purchase the best personal accident policy in India for complete coverage. However, does purchasing multiple personal accident policies result in payouts from various insurers? Read on if you need clarification about whether you can claim insurance from multiple insurers for a single accident.

Types of personal accident policy.

An insurance company provides several personal accident plans with differing inclusions, conditions, etc. Here are some of the best plans you can consider opting for, including –

● Individual personal accident insurance plan:
This personal accident plan covers death, and short and long-term disability for individuals due to an accident.

● Group personal accident insurance plan:
This personal accident plan offers primary coverage for more than one person. Usually, employers provide this policy for their employees as an additional perk.

What does a personal accident policy cover?

Under the personal accident policy, you can get coverage for the following damage or loss, including –

● Permanent disability cover: Under this cover, the insurer will pay a pre-agreed amount to the nominee if an accident leads to permanent disability.

● Accidental death cover: In this cover, the nominee will receive the sum assured of the policy if the policyholder dies.

● Temporary total disability cover: In this cover, the policyholder will get the pre-agreed amount if the accident makes them bedridden for some time.

● Permanent partial disability cover: In this cover, the policyholder will receive 100% of the benefit of the sum assured if the accident inflicts permanent partial damage to them.

Standard exclusions from a personal accident policy.

Let’s take a look at the list of exclusions under the personal accident insurance policy:
● Pre-existing disability or injuries
● Intentional suicide attempt
● Childbirth or pregnancy
● Accidents caused due to intoxication
● Non-allopathic treatments
● Taking part in dangerous sports
● Committing a criminal act
● Suffering from a mental disorder

Can you claim from multiple personal accident policies?

It is perfectly legal to purchase and hold multiple personal accident policies. The policyholder can claim from all the individual accident policies for an accident if the damage falls under the section inclusion.

Having multiple personal accident policies is beneficial as they provide extra layers, and the family of policyholders receives more money from different insurers during an emergency. However, if you claim insurance from multiple personal accident policies in a year, the premium will be increased when you renew the policy.

How to claim personal accident insurance from multiple insurers?

Follow these steps to claim insurance from more than one personal accident policy.
● You can make cashless claims from the hospital that your insurance company is in contact with.
● You can also use reimbursement claims when not treated at in-network hospitals. In this method, you pay the hospital bill first, and the insurer reimburses you. You need a few documents to make a reimbursement claim, such as bill receipts, claim forms, discharge summaries, prescriptions, and claim settlement summaries (if you claim from multiple insurers).

While choosing a personal accident plan, check its features, benefits, inclusions, and exclusions. The best personal accident policy in India covers various damages and losses and provides additional perks. Also, when claiming for a personal accident plan, keep a copy of your documents handy for a fast claim process.

Click HERE to purchase the best personal accident policy 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.

Having two-wheeler insurance helps you during unprecedented financial situations such as accidents, natural disasters, theft etc. A comprehensive plan covers the damages and repairs you might require in the future for your vehicle.

Over time, with new insurers coming to market and new insurance plans taking centre stage, we find ourselves wanting to make a switch. You might be tempted to change your insurance provider or simply want an upgrade.

This article will help you better understand things you need to look out for before changing your two-wheeler insurance.

1. Sometimes, due to a lack of attentiveness from your previous insurance provider, you might want to make a switch. You can look up the renewal process of the 2 wheeler insurance online. Insurance companies provide a hassle-free renewal process.

2. Instead of switching your insurance provider, you can simply upgrade your plans. At the time of renewal, ask your insurance provider to brief you on all the best and updated insurance plans. You can also check online and find the kind of upgrades the company provides.

3. If you need to switch services during your current policy, you can conveniently do that. First, you will have to close your existing policy. Most insurers will refund you with a few deductions. The switching process is generally hassle-free. You are required to submit documents to cancel your old one once the new insurance provider has given you cover.

4. If cost is the primary reason for you to switch, you should first compare the 2 wheeler insurance available online. Sometimes an insurance company may provide you with more cover for a few extra hundred bucks. If that’s the case, you might want to stick with your existing provider.

5. Look into factors like customer service, efficiency, claim settlement ratios etc. This gives you a better understanding of the company and their market ratings. This plays a massive role in choosing the best insurance provider for you.

6. The following documents are to be kept handy in case of a change of insurance provider:

• Identity Proof

• Address Proof

• Registration certificate

• The previous insurance policy document

• Passport size photo

7. While making the switch, don’t forget to look into the add-ons that the new policy provides. Add-ons such as roadside assistance, engine cover, etc., might increase the premium of your insurance, but it also assures prompt and easy service.

This is a comprehensive list of things you should keep in mind while changing your insurance plans. Remember that the insurance providers are there to help. Asking the right questions and understanding all the services your insurance provider is willing to provide can go a long way. With easy access to technology, you can go onto the internet, analyse various options, and choose the 2 wheeler insurance online that suits you the best.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you need to make these decisions before renewing your policy. Since riding a vehicle with no insurance is a punishable offence. Hence researching beforehand should be your priority.

Click HERE to take a look at 2 wheeler 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.

Since Covid-19 hit the world, nothing has been the same. From individuals to industries, every aspect has undergone a massive transformation—changes that are leading to a disruption beyond the bounds of the economy and the global market. We saw extreme survival, lockdowns, economies tanking, corporates trying to run businesses with work-from-home options, and much more.

During lockdowns, businesses, start-up founders, analysts, and corporate professionals across the industries began to figure out the patterns of changing consumer behaviour and the solutions to address their demands.

We, too, believe that the insurance industry is experiencing profound change. The ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and insurers can no longer lean on old standard practices. With people being worried for themselves and their loved ones, investing in insurance meant investing in a healthy life. This has responded to the change in the insurance sector and marked the start of a revolution!

The following are the few emerging trends I believe will change the insurance industry landscape.

Insurance is not about products anymore.

It is almost weird to think about how the insurance sector is not "product-led" anymore. Safeguarding one's assets, health, life, homes, vehicles, and other aspects highlights the severity of having insurance. For example, you can consider health insurance a consumer product, but it is no longer about the "product" game.

The insurance sector is gaining recognition as a "service-oriented" industry. Constituting the perfect experience, right from being the potential customers' first choice to educating them about how their needs are going to be met, helping them throughout the process and beyond, addressing their grievances and providing solutions, and easing up the entire redemption process in the times of need is how you foster and strengthen your customer relationships. With so much focus on instant gratification, insurance companies need to curate an indispensable "service" – something that is hard to replace. We at Magma HDI endeavour to bring these practices into practicality.

Taking efforts to push digital transformation initiatives forward.

The Indian insurance market is encountering a massive technological shift. Digital-first business models are replacing traditional insurance practices. Gone are the days when insurance agencies relied on the older patterns of customer management, applying outdated systems and business thinking. The rise of state-of-the-art technologies has given new hope to age-old insurance practices, which we are the "modern legacy" powered by digital technologies. Digital-first insurers can offer relentless support, ensure transparency, and entrust their customers with realistic and practical solutions.

With these digital initiatives in place, the insurance sector can defy all stereotypes of being considered "conservative". This shift will push insurance companies to collaborate with different technologies developed by the IT sector and keep improving their services to ensure a seamless customer experience. Digitisation is the new cool. And the insurance sector is happily jumping on the bandwagon.

Personalisation is key.

Insurance companies need to admit that the habits and mindsets of consumers have changed with time. Personalisation is the new way of interaction that insurance companies need to adapt to volunteer the special interest of their customers. Tweaking your benefits and providing opportunities in a way that speaks "your" language, something unique to "you", is how we have been challenging the existing conventional work approach.

Data is the greatest resource in personalisation. This data includes the basic information, location, behavioural data of customers, etc. Making the right use of the collected data, the customers expect a personalised experience that can improve the relationship the company has built with them.

Delivering personalised services helps you strengthen your equations with your customers and prove that you, as an organisation, value their loyalty and contribution to the company's growth. It assures them that the company is standing strong with them. The other benefits of personalisation include an increase in sales, a boost in company’s reputation and the number of converts, customer retention, insights into consumer behaviour, and much more!

The transition of the insurance industry from traditional to digital, is making headlines and grabbing everyone's attention. The innovative-first approach and efficient technological solutions are leading the way to more promising insurance transactions and trusted customer relations. Your products might be one in a million but curating a perfect customer experience takes you to the top.

The industry is at a pivotal moment in developing forward-thinking insurance services, as the market is grappling with change at an exceptional speed. These are exciting times to take a step ahead and build deeper relationships with customers throughout the customer journey.

Being an entrepreneur brings a lot of risk to the table. Insuring your business against liabilities and risks is a wise consideration. Business insurance can help a company protect itself from unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, theft, unintentional injuries, etc. It is of utmost importance for a business owner to be able to assess the risks involved with their line of work. They should consider the needs of their business so that one mishap does not wipe out their entire life's work.

Irrespective of whether you are just setting up or are an established player in your niche, specific policies like public liability insurance in India are essential to cover your business from lawsuits and compensations.

Here are some kinds of insurance that can help cushion the liabilities your business may face in uncertain conditions.

1. Property insurance policies:
For your small start-up business, you spend most of its capital on inventory. In the case of damage to the property, it is tough for businesses to replace or repair damaged property. Some companies never recover from this. So, it is paramount to insure the physical location, tools, and other industry-specific equipment against damages.
However, most property insurance policies don't protect businesses from natural disasters like cyclones and floods, so it's best to talk to your insurance company about all the policy clauses beforehand.

2. General liability insurance:
This insurance helps you bear the costs of legal fees and other liability claims arising from third-party injuries due to your product or business. The entire cost of any legal proceedings that arise from a lawsuit against the company has to be paid by the owner. Whether working in an office setting or remotely, you should be insured against this possibility as it can significantly impact your finances. Research public liability insurance in India before choosing the best policy for your needs.

3. Worker's compensation insurance:
Worker's compensation insurance is mandatory in most cases. This policy is necessary in case of employee injury, death, or illness. It also covers the legal fees if the deceased's family decides to sue the business. Slip and fall injuries may also happen within your premises, and you might have to incur considerable hits to your business by paying off medical costs.

4. Professional liability insurance:
Professional liability comes under the same realm as general liability insurance but has a different use. This insurance is solely for errors or lack of proper service and is also called errors and omissions insurance. It covers the financial repercussions of negligence on your part in rendering any services. However, this policy is usually industry-specific, so it is wise to take expert advice from your insurance company for your specific profession.

5. Business interruption insurance:
In the event of any natural disaster or other unforeseen situations like a riot or a strike in the work area, a business cannot continue uninterrupted. This results in a loss of income due to the stoppage of the ordinary course of a business. In this case, business interruption insurance comes in handy, as it compensates the company for its lack of income in the time it takes for them to get back on its feet again.

6. Commercial vehicle insurance:
Any company that uses vehicles for commercial purposes should insure their vehicles against any damage caused by unforeseen accidents, fire, or theft. This is mandatory in India, but you should research your options to get more comprehensive coverage.

Buying insurance, especially public liability insurance in India, is an essential step in any business owner's journey. Research all your options thoroughly and make an informed decision. Take account of all the risks and accordingly prepare a strategy to mitigate them without sustaining any loss. The growth and security of your business rely on your alertness and preparedness to avoid falling prey to financial loss due to unexpected mishaps.

Click HERE to know more about public liability 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.

Natural gas is commonly used at homes for cooking and heating purposes. It is a fantastic fuel and is highly convenient for domestic purposes. However, since the gas is combustible, a leakage in large amounts can cause suffocation and death.

As natural gas is colourless and odour-free, it is always difficult to find any gas leak signs in your home. Also, remember that it might not have physical indications or smells. So, how can you identify natural gas leaks? Let's look at everything you need to know.

Detectors for Natural Gas leaks.

1. Propane & Natural Gas Detector:
The goal of these sensors is to notify about grills or stoves being switched on. Many homes use sensors to detect whether the youngsters in the family are tampering with the grill or stove. These sensors come in both connected and wireless forms. If you have a hardwired sensor, you can use a wireless transmitter to connect to it.

2. Carbon Monoxide Detector:
When these detectors sense a particular level of carbon monoxide in the air, they go off and sound an alert. It has a combination of different sensors that help it function, such as

• A biomimetic sensor changes colour as it absorbs carbon monoxide, and this colour shift activates the alert.

• The silica chip's circuitry system detects carbon monoxide, which reduces the electrical resistance and causes the alarm to sound.

• If the electrodes in a chemical solution present in the detector come into touch with carbon monoxide, they detect variations in electrical currents, triggering the alarm.

Traditional ways to detect a gas leak.

1. The smell of a rotten egg or sulfur:
Natural gas and propane have unique odours for a particular reason. Gas processing companies employ mercaptan as a safety additive because it gives the colourless and odourless gas a distinct odour. Most people associate this odour with rotting eggs or sulfur. So if you smell anything of such nature, investigate for a gas leak.

2. Dead vegetation:
Although you can't see the gas pipelines beneath the soil, a visible patch of dead vegetation can signify a leaky gas pipeline underneath.

3. Hissing sound:
You may hear a mild hissing sound coming from your gas line if there is a leak. This is a solid sign to get the line diagnosed immediately.

4. The bubble test:
Combine a teaspoon of detergent with a cup of water. Apply this solution to the area you believe is leaking and watch for bubbles to form. This signifies that gas is leaking from that location.

The possibility of a gas leak can be frightening, but understanding how to recognise danger and what precautions to take can help you relax. When it comes to gas leak detection, using the methods outlined above can assist you in determining whether your family and house are in danger.

One more step in maximising safety is to get insurance for you, the loved ones and your valuable assets. Browse through different plans of general insurance companies in India and analyse your requirements. Buy the plan that meets all your needs and safeguard your home against these risks.

Click HERE to explore insurance plans from one of the best general insurance companies 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.