GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

We all follow different sleeping patterns and habits. Some people like to sleep more, while some tend to avoid sleeping at all. Many fall asleep the moment their head hits the pillow, whereas others struggle to get any sleep throughout the night.

Inconsistent sleeping patterns can be hazardous to health. It disintegrates the whole sleep cycle and leads to various health problems. Sleeping too little or too much can be problematic in their ways. But how is oversleeping a bad habit? How can it affect your health negatively?

There are several reasons why oversleeping is bad for your health and can lead to severe problems. These problems can affect your health adversely. You must always have a health insurance policy handy to deal with unexpected medical expenses. Also, ensure that you take care of your health insurance policy renewal to enjoy the seamless benefits without interruptions.

Let's look at various things related to oversleeping.

How much sleep is adequate?

The amount of sleep you should get throughout the day varies for different people. If you're unwell or tired, you will require more sleep. If you are young, you're likely to fall asleep faster due to increased physical activity.

It is recommended to get over 7-9 hours of sleep at night. Any sleep above this can result in oversleeping. The various ill effects of oversleeping are mentioned below.

● Diabetes:
If you sleep more than the designated time at night, you are likely to be on the verge of developing diabetes. Oversleeping puts one at risk of a spike in sugar content in the body. Even not sleeping enough can lead to the same problems.

● Back pains:
Research has shown that oversleeping can be one of the causes of back pain due to disoriented sleep positions for long hours. It is recommended to perform certain exercises to help you deal with such back pain and, most importantly, avoid oversleeping.

● Obesity:
Oversleeping can cause weight gain drastically. If you sleep more than 9-10 hours, you'll likely develop obesity over five to six years. The reason is that your body goes into relaxation mode while sleeping. Lack of physical activity reduces the BMR, impacts digestion, and results in fat accumulation.

● Depression:
Not just physical ailments, but oversleeping can also lead to mental health issues. People who sleep more than usual are likely depressed. While oversleeping, one decreases their chance of recovering from depression.

● Headaches:
If you're prone to headaches and migraines, oversleeping can worsen it. Whenever one sleeps more during the weekends, it can disrupt their sleep cycle. Irregular sleep patterns can lead to persistent headaches. This is because it fidgets with the neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain.

● Heart disease:
A lot of research has been conducted to validate that oversleeping can lead to increased heart disease. It puts you at risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to a sedentary lifestyle and lethargy. Oversleeping causes obesity which in turn puts pressure on the heart.

● Impaired fertility:
Women who oversleep can find it difficult to conceive. It is also the same for women who sleep less than the given time. It can affect their cycle badly and disrupt the hormone levels in the body.

● Death risk:
It is alarming to note that oversleeping can lead to an increased risk of death. It can also be directly linked to the risk of developing a stroke.

Everyone should sleep only 7-8 hours throughout the day. It is best to avoid napping during the day to sleep better at night. One should also maintain a good diet and exercise to keep themselves fit and energised. Prioritise your health, practise mindfulness, develop a sound sleep routine, and invest in health insurance to keep away your worries. You should also complete your health policy renewal on time to avoid problems later.

Click HERE to get your health insurance policy renewal done.

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.

People with insomnia do not get enough sleep, and most of the days do not wake up feeling refreshed. The cause of sleep deprivation varies among individuals. Sleep deprivation is associated with various issues like weariness, difficulties focusing, mood fluctuations, and poor job performance. However, most cases of insomnia are caused by stress, an unpleasant experience, or abnormalities in the sleep cycle. Severe insomnia can only be cured via treatment. However, short-term insomnia is manageable.

If you have trouble falling asleep after retiring for the day, no matter how weary you are, here are some home cures you may try.

1. Yoga:
Yoga is considered a proven method to improve sleep quality and boost mental well-being. It also helps reduce stress, enhance physical performance, and increase concentration.
Remember to choose a style that emphasises moving meditation or breath work over strenuous physical motions. Slow, controlled motions help you to maintain your attention and concentration. Practicing the poses before going to bed might help you relax and unwind.

2. Meditation with awareness:
Mindfulness has been shown to improve well-being by lowering stress, building tolerance, enhancing good mood, and even strengthening immunity. It also has a positive influence on one’s sleep quality and schedule.
There are many free and commercial mindfulness videos, applications, and podcasts accessible online. People who want to experience mindfulness may decide to take a class, join a local weekly workshop, or visit a retreat.

3. Magnesium:
The magnesium generally produced in our bodies also aids in promoting a balanced sleep-wake cycle. Taking a daily magnesium supplement may help patients sleep better and for more extended periods. Consuming magnesium-rich meals, particularly in the evening, may aid in inducing better sleeping patterns.

4. Lavender oil:
For years and years, people have used this essential oil as a natural medicine to enhance sleep and produce feelings of relaxation. Lavender oil may be used as a pillow spray, patch, massage oil, or aromatic diffuser to help sleep. Lavender promotes sleep onset, healthy sleeping habits, and sleep patterns.

5. Practice sleep hygiene:

In its most basic form, sleep hygiene outlines a person’s nighttime habits and activities.

Individuals may improve their sleep hygiene by doing the following:

● Avoid computers, laptops, mobile phones, and televisions at least an hour before night

● Making the bedroom dark with muted lights, thick drapes, and blinds, or wearing earplugs and eye masks

● Avoid liquor, tobacco, and caffeinated drinks in the evening

● Maintaining a regular bedtime pattern that involves sleeping at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning

● Abstaining from eating large meals for dinner

● Take a hot shower or bath before going to bed

As per the studies carried out, insomnia is a frequent disorder with up to one-third of individuals suffering from it at some age. There are numerous cures and practices that a person who has insomnia might attempt to enhance their sleep. However, these home remedies will only work for people with minor insomnia.

We recommend consulting with a doctor for anyone going through chronic insomnia. Also, almost every health insurance covers the medical treatment for this disorder. Remember to get your health insurance policy renewal on time to avoid the last-minute hassle and avoid the lapsing of your current plan.

Click HERE to get a 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.

Insurance policies, including non-general and general insurance plans, have gained popularity among Indians. While the increased penetration rate is a welcome change, protecting policyholders against potential fraud becomes essential. Insurance companies are taking adequate measures to spread awareness and educate potential policy buyers about possible crimes that involve fake policies, fraudulent insurance agents, mis-sold policies, etc.

This blog informs you about insurance traps you might be prone to and helps you elude them.

1. False alerts: reviving expired policies –
One of the many ways scammers trap innocent people is by calling them about policies that lapsed a while back due to payment failure. These dormant policies are then illegally accessed by telemarketers, who call up policyholders, informing them of good news. According to them, policyholders can now get a bonus on their policy, but you can only access it with a fee. They may also try to sell new policies. You can easily avoid this trap by being vigilant and reading the fine print of your policy.
To prevent scams and fraud, IRDAI is also regulating the insurance sector by digitalising it. An e-Insurance Account is a digital portfolio of all your non-general and general insurance plans, which helps keep track of policy tenures, switch, or buy policies at a single click without any hassle.

2. A guaranteed return providing investment sans market volatility –
The lack of financial literacy is mainly to blame for this misconception. As the uninformed public continues to hear of the short-term successes of a small section of well-informed investors who do due diligence before making their financial decisions, they crave similar results without putting in as much effort.
Taking advantage of the situation, insurance agents often pitch general insurance plans as alternatives to conservative investments like a fixed deposit and promise high returns. While the money put towards any insurance policy is a better investment than letting it sit idle, such claims are not backed by proof and must be avoided.

3. Getting pitched insurance policies as a tax-saving investment –
Tax planning is usually seen as a dreadful task that most individuals undertake only when essential. Therefore, some folks jump at it when the most effective sales pitch comes in, saying that an additional insurance policy would give you tax cuts (because of 80C) and would be a suitable investment. The tax-saving months before March are when these fraudulent pitches are made, and people need to determine whether the investment is necessary in the first place.

As the insurance sector evolves, insurers must make policyholders aware of the role of general insurance plans as a protective cover rather than a mode of investment to minimise your tax burden.

Your overall financial and tax planning for the following period should be done at the beginning of the current financial year. It is crucial to consider all factors, including your current investments, non-general and general insurance plans you might have taken, your kid’s school fees, and other expenses. Start early, and you won’t be in a hurry to reach the deadline, so you can read the fine print on all the documents and do apt research before signing on anything.

Click HERE to learn more about general 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.

A car has the capacity for durable and comfortable rides, ensures safety, and is a significant investment. All this has given cars an upper hand over all the other vehicles.

Although buying a car can be easy if you have enough money, it is not always the only thing. With a car, there are a ton of other responsibilities. One is getting your vehicle covered and ensuring the car insurance renewal is done on time.

There are multiple options available for car insurance online and offline. This can leave you to require more clarifications. One such option lies in the comprehensive car insurance that covers almost every damage that might trouble your car. From man-made problems to natural disasters, you'll get compensation for all the damages. However, this insurance might cost you more money than usual. Is it worth to have comprehensive car insurance, or is it just exhaustive? Let's find out!

What is comprehensive car insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance is not mandatory insurance by law, but most people prefer to buy it. It is because it comes with many benefits that set it apart from the other options.

Comprehensive car insurance will cover own damage (OD) as well as third-party damages. It covers all damages due to natural calamities, accidents, theft, man-made issues, and even fire. Natural calamities like floods, cyclones, and earthquakes are covered. Acts like vandalism and riots are listed under man-made issues.

What are the benefits of comprehensive car insurance in India?

1. Complete coverage:
This insurance type is the only one that offers complete coverage to a car, including its total or partial loss due to own damage and third-party damages. It also compensates for the death or disability of the owner-driver, third party, or property damage.

2. Best returns on investment:
Comprehensive insurance eliminates the need to buy separate policies to cover own damage and third-party damages. All the benefits can be obtained from a single policy, including the personal accident cover. This helps in saving money and offers the best ROI.

3. Liberty to add optional covers:
You can purchase additional covers like zero-depreciation, no-claim bonus, tyre protection, engine protection, breakdown assistance cover, etc. This makes your base policy stronger.

4. Cashless benefits:
Yes! You may enjoy cashless benefits while claiming your comprehensive car insurance when you get your car repaired or serviced in a network garage. You don't have to pay even a single penny for the damages!

You may have understood what comprehensive car insurance is all about. But, did you imagine to whom this insurance type would benefit the most?

1. The city drivers:
Cities signify constant traffic jams, chaos on roads, and persistent risks of accidents due to overcrowded roads and indiscipline traffic situations. Metropolitan residents must buy this policy to provide all-round protection to their cars.

2. The adventurers:
If you love to plan road trips and explore places frequently, this insurance can do wonders for you during emergencies with its road assistance cover.

3. New owners:
If you have bought a new car, the first step should be buying comprehensive coverage to improve the longevity of your new asset.

4. Premium and luxury car owners:
If you own premium and expensive car, having this insurance in your investment portfolio can be fruitful.

5. Obsessed with your car:
Even a small dent or scratch on the car panics you. Then you must opt for comprehensive coverage to calm your nerves and stay stress-free regarding compensation for any damage to your car.

You should keep various pointers in mind while buying comprehensive car insurance in India. Owning an asset is a crucial responsibility and ensuring its safety is paramount. Comprehensive car insurance has seamless benefits that make it a reliable investment option and less exhaustive compared to its counterparts. Regardless of the policy you buy, get the car insurance renewal done on time to avoid your policy from lapsing.

Click HERE to get your car insurance renewal done on time.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

We have all heard the famous proverb, "a sound mind lives in a sound body". Both are integral parts that should be taken care of to lead a healthy life. In this blog, we will discuss some methods to sharpen your brain and polish your cognitive skills.

You can call your brain the control centre of your system since it processes all you see, hear, touch and think. Your brain perceives different sensations, sounds, images, etc., and conveys the signal to your whole body, signalling it to respond accordingly. Incredibly, this process happens within a matter of seconds.

It is crucial to take extra care of your brain's health and mental wellbeing. Dietary and lifestyle changes help combat cognitive-related issues such as mental health problems, anxiety and depression and help in enhancing creativity.

Here's how you can sharpen your cognitive abilities.

1. Relieve stress:
Develop a habit of taking walks daily and breathing in the fresh air. Other relaxing activities can include getting a massage, reading, meditation, etc. These activities help release the tension and stress from your body and lower your cortisol levels which tend to affect the memory sections of your brain.

2. Sleep well:
Sleeping at least eight hours a day is crucial to maintaining a sound mind. Quality sleep helps your mind commit things to memory and improve your brain's retention capacity.

3. Play:
Include games like crossword, sudoku, and puzzles in your daily schedule. These games intensify the usage of brain functions, thus helping in improving your reasoning and retention abilities.

4. Doodling:
Recent research has proven that doodling and colouring activate your brain's reasoning and problem-solving region. These activities enhance the blood supply to the prefrontal cortex and strengthen your mind's analytical and attention capabilities.

5. Dark chocolate:
Dark chocolate has been proven good for your physical and mental health. Studies have found that it contains flavanol, a substance that boosts your brain's memory retention, functioning, and processing abilities.

6. Reduce sugar consumption:
Consumption of carbohydrates and a sugar-rich diet can slow down your brain as your body takes time and energy to break down these substances. Consuming too much sugar also leads to depression and heart diseases, thus risking your physical and mental health.

7. Exercise:
Research has shown that lifting weights help in improving cognitive abilities. People who lift weights tend to increase their spatial memory. It helps in memorising the environments one is in at any given moment. Spatial memory enables you to remember layouts of a room or how you arrange things in your space. People who achieve their physical goals by walking strengthen their verbal memory.

These are some techniques that can help improve your cognitive skills. Apart from the above tips, you may even practise mindfulness by indulging yourself in daily yoga and meditation sessions. Yoga and meditation These healthy practices can keep your brain active and impact your productivity.

A wise option would be to protect your and your loved ones' health against unprecedented circumstances. To stay monetarily stress-free in health emergencies, explore multiple options and purchase the best health insurance policy in India.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy the best health insurance 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.

Helmets are protective headgear that can save your life in case you fall from a running two-wheeler or collide with another vehicle. Also, wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler is compulsory under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Imagine if a helmet can detect drunk driving, location tracking, navigation, a hands-free device, and several other functions other than just protecting your head during a ride. Yes, this is all possible with the advent of intelligent helmets.

This article tells how smart helmets are set to change your riding experience.

1. Detecting a helmet:
Many two-wheeler riders do not wear a helmet intentionally. Also, some may forget to wear it while leaving home or the office. This can be dangerous to their lives in case they meet with an accident on their way. Smart helmets are equipped with Force Sensing Sensor (FSR) that detects whether the rider is wearing a helmet. It senses actual human touch. If it does not detect it, you will not be able to turn on the ignition of your two-wheeler.

2. Alcohol sensor:
Smart helmets can also be fitted with a gas sensor that can identify the alcohol content from your breath. It can be placed right in front of your mouth, detect if you are drunk, and prevent your vehicle from starting. This can be very helpful in avoiding an accident due to drunken driving.

3. Accident detection:
Smart helmets can detect accidents and alert a phone number by sending a message. It makes use of accelerometers and vibration sensors for this purpose. A free-fall sensing unit can detect when the two-wheeler falls freely and is not in control. Similarly, a vibration sensor senses signals and pressure and sends a message to the registered mobile number. This can be life-saving in times of an accident as the receiver of the message can instantly rush to the accident spot or alert friends, police, and an ambulance to reach the spot.

4. Over-speeding and rash driving alert:
Smart helmets can also alert you if you are riding above the speed limit fed into it or are driving rashly. Such alerts warn you to reduce your speed and drive carefully.

5. Bluetooth connectivity:
Smart helmets can be connected to your bike and mobile phone via Bluetooth. This can allow you to make calls or answer them safely while riding your two-wheeler.

6. Navigation, location tracking, and recording:
Smart helmets come equipped with a GPS device that can accurately tell the rider’s location. This can be useful in times of emergency or theft of your two-wheeler. Also, they can help in navigation while you are riding your two-wheeler.

You can also install hi-tech cameras on your smart helmets. They can record and store all the details of your rides, such as speed, distance covered, time taken, etc. This can be very helpful for bikers and racers.

Smart helmets are a world in itself, with numerous options for adding or removing applications and additional devices per rider needs. They can completely change how you have been riding your two-wheelers. They help to make your rides much safer and technologically advanced than a regular conventional helmet.

Why just rely upon a smart helmet to alert and protect you in case of an accident? Choose from a wide variety of 2 wheeler insurance online after comparing them thoroughly. Protect yourself from any sort of financial losses that you may suffer due to an accident or theft of your two-wheeler.

Click HERE to buy 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.

Reverse driving and parallel parking are two things that most people are scared of. Parallel parking takes some practice and extreme caution. The same goes for driving in reverse. Expertise in these driving techniques helps in becoming a skilled driver.

If driving in reverse scares you, here's what you need to know. This blog answers all your questions and more information on driving in reverse gear to understand how you can gain confidence over your anxious mindset about these driving techniques. So, without any further delay, let's get started.

1. It is not a big deal:
Many expert drivers get confused and anxious while driving in reverse. Due to nervous feelings, they might even mess things up and land in collisions. Therefore, it is vital to make yourself comfortable and relaxed in your position to get an accurate view of the traffic and the path you need to reverse.
You can place your foot on the brake and for your confidence, turn around to ensure you get a clear view of the pathway. Ensure that you keep your seatbelt intact and ask the passengers to fasten their seatbelts properly.

2. It is time for the reverse gear:
After positioning your seat, fastening your seatbelt, and adjusting your mirrors to get a clear rear and front view, you need to shift your gear to the state in which it indicates R, i.e., reverse gear.
After performing this entire process, you can slowly put your foot on the accelerator pedal and put slight pressure, just enough for your car to move, avoiding the risk of any collisions. Slowly release the clutch after putting your foot on the pedal. Drive the vehicle in reverse at a carefully vigilant speed, and park your car right where you want it to be.

3. Mirrors at the right angle:
You must always ensure that you keep looking in the passenger side mirror to be aware of any other vehicles or objects in the surrounding area, especially when driving in reverse gear. This will avoid any risk of collisions or accidents with things that might come your way. Mirrors even help you get a better view and understanding of available space to park your car correctly.

Some other tips to take care of while you are driving in reverse include placing your right hand on the steering's upper portion to gain optimum grip, going reverse in a straight line, stopping the car at the desired position slowly to avoid any jerking, doing a complete 360-degree check before you begin to reverse in a particular location, etc. Make optimum use of a rear parking camera that will assist you in observing the obstacles and parking your car precisely.

We hope this blog will help you drive in reverse more comfortably than before and help you alleviate your stress. Always wear your seatbelt while driving to ensure safety. And while we are talking about safety, understand the importance of purchasing car insurance to safeguard your car from financial distress due to damages. Therefore, to stay on top of your insurance coverage and continue to enjoy the privileges, you need to make sure that you take care of your car insurance renewal.

Click HERE to learn more about car insurance renewal and the tips you need to know when you pay your premiums.

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 bike drive chain consists of interconnected oval loops made of metal, forming a roller chain. The teeth of a sprocket gear mesh with the holes in the links of the chain. The mechanical force from the engine puts the bike chain in motion, which causes the bike's wheels to rotate. Hence, a bike's drive chain is an important part and must be handled properly.

A drive chain is usually the dirtiest part of our bike. It is oiled and greased, catching loads of dust and mud from the roads. Here are some tips for maintaining your bike's drive chain to ensure longevity.

1. Periodic cleaning:
Regular cleaning keeps it free from dirt build-up, rust, and breakage. You should regularly check your drive chain by lifting the rear wheel of your bike off the ground and manually rotating the drive chain. You should check every chain link and use a firm brush to clean them.
If you hear squeaking sounds from the chain while riding your bike, it is time for relubrication. Also, you should check for tight links that are not bending easily. Clean them properly and lubricate them to ensure their free movement. It will also prevent rust build-up.

2. Lubricant quality:
Always use a good quality lubricant to ensure its longevity. It should be specifically made for a bike's drive chain and should not be just any lubricant.
Dirt and mud damage the drive chain. The lubricant should be such that it should minimise the accumulation of dust and grime on the drive chain. Also, it should be long-lasting as the drive chain will wear down and get damaged if the lubricant is less or missing.

3. Do not over-lubricate:
Over-lubrication is harmful to the drive chain. It will attract more dust, mud, and concrete from the roads and damage the drive chain. To ensure smooth operation, you should always wipe off excess lubricants with a rag.

4. Thorough cleaning of the drive chain:
In case you ride your bike through muddy roads frequently or use it on rough terrains such as a mountain, you should remove the chain completely when it becomes excessively dirty. You can remove it yourself or seek the help of a mechanic.
Use a good quality chain solvent available in the market and soak your chain in it for the prescribed time. Then scrub hard to remove the dirty grime from the chain links. The solvent will do its job, and your chain will become clean and grime-free. Relubricate your drive chain once completely dry, and put it back in the bike.

5. Stretched chains:
Sometimes your bike's drive chain seems to stretch and become loose. This is because of normal wear and tear of the chain with usage. A loose drive chain cannot provide a good grip for the movement of the wheels and may even slip from its cog.
Check for a loose drive chain regularly, and get it fixed as soon as you find one. Ignoring it may cause further damage to the drive chain, and you will have to replace it.

The drive chain of your bike is a very important part of its smooth running. You must take good care of the chain to keep it in its best shape. Clean it regularly and keep it sufficiently lubricated to ensure its longevity.

Buying a good bike insurance policy for your bike is another important thing that you need to do to ensure a glitch-free ride. Buy bike insurance online after comparing it with the policies of several companies. You can do this from the comfort of your home or office without physically visiting any insurance company. Go for the best bike insurance policy as per your specific needs and enjoy complete protection, security, and peace of mind.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance online.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.