Here's How You Can Fix A Dent

Driving a motorcycle is an adventurous experience. Imagine yourself wearing a stunning pair of sunglasses and driving on a countryside road, winds of which sway your hair, and a stupid dent on your bike. Brakes! You see how a simple dent can cause the entire experience to lose its sheen and wonder. That is why we recommend you to get your dent fixed. A dent, which can be a result of an accident or due to careless management of your bike, can be quite expensive to get repaired and freshly painted. However, a dent, big or small, can be easily removed at home using some handy tricks. Of course, if you are careful enough, you would already have bought a two-wheeler insurance policy which would cover your expenses pertaining to the repair of the dent.

Things You Might Not Know About South Korea

Over the past few years South Korea has been a trending international travel destination. However even though tourism has been on the rise and the country is welcoming more and more foreign visitors each year, there is a lot we still do not know or understand about South Korea’s cultural traditions and unique customs.

We did a bit of scouting around to come up with our own top 5 cool facts and quirks about South Korean culture, so you are better prepared on what to expect when you visit the country. Knowing these cultural facts is not only fun and fascinating, they can help you to better understand South Korea and conduct yourself in a socially acceptable manner during your visit.

Fact #1: Lot of South Korean Men Use Make Up Daily

Beauty and external appearance is a big deal in South Korean society. Both women and men are super conscious of their looks and go to great lengths to maintain what is considered a perfect appearance. Cosmetic surgery is quite common and some stats suggest that South Korea is the hub of cosmetic surgery in the world. It is also reported that eyelid surgery is the most common cosmetic procedure that most South Korean women go in for. As for many South Korean men, using makeup as part of their daily routine is not uncommon at all.      

Fact #2: South Korea Has the Lowest Number of Overweight People in the World

Whether it their healthy diet or genetics, South Korea along with Japan can be proud of the fact that majority of its citizens are fit. These are the only two countries in the world with the least number of obese people.

Coronavirus Vaccines: Who Should & Who Shouldn’t Take Vaccines – ICICI Lombard

The COVID-19 disease, which gripped the world during early 2020 after the rapid spread of coronavirus, has had detrimental effects on the world till now. Not only it has resulted in the untimely death of millions of people around the globe but also it ruined the economy of many countries. In India, the coronavirus has caused the death of more than 1.6 lakhs people till now.

However, things are expected to improve after the vaccines for covid-19 were introduced by different countries around the world. In India, the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech released the covid-19 vaccines known as ‘Covishield’ and ‘Covaxin’ respectively. In January 2021, the Health Ministry of India introduced its plan to begin a vaccination drive to vaccinate the Indian population against this disease.

However, not everyone or anyone is supposed to take the vaccine right away. In the first phase of the vaccination drive, the healthcare workers and frontline warriors against the covid-19 disease received the vaccine. Whereas, during the second phase, people above the age of 60, and those above the age of 45 with co-morbidities are being vaccinated.

Both SII and Bharat Biotech as well as the Government of India have listed the risks and side-effects associated with the covid vaccines. Read on to know who should and who should not take the covid vaccine in India.

Who can take the vaccine?

During the second phase of the vaccination drive, the Government of India has allowed the people above the age of 60 and those between 45 to 59 with co-morbidities to take the vaccine. It means that anyone falling in this age range (barring a few exceptions which we have mentioned later) can take the covid-19 vaccine in India.

Those with co-morbidities are required to submit a certificate of co-morbidity, duly signed by a registered medical practitioner, for taking the vaccine. This certificate can either be uploaded at Co-Win 2.0 by the beneficiary itself while registering for the vaccine or a hard copy can be submitted at any covid vaccination center.

Here is the full list of co-morbidities:

• Heart failure during the past year
• Post cardiac transplant or Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
• Valvular Heart Disease
• Congenital heart disease with severe PAH
• Coronary Artery Disease with past Hypertension or diabetes
• Angina with past Hypertension or diabetes
• CT/MRI documented stroke with past hypertension or diabetes
• Diabetes or Hypertension for more than 10 years
• Kidney/Liver/Hematopoietic stem cell transplant
• End-stage kidney disease on Haemodialysis or CAPD
• Current and prolonged use of oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medications
• Decompensated cirrhosis
• Severe respiratory disease requiring hospitalization in past two years
• Lymphoma or Leukaemia or Myeloma
• Cancer or cancer therapy
• Sickle cell disease or Bone marrow failure or Aplastic anemia or major Thalassemia
• HIV or AIDS infection
• Persons with disabilities

Does Your Car Insurance Policy Cover Damages Due to Flood?

Monsoon has already arrived in most parts of the country. Although, lesser people are seen on roads due to the Covid-19 pandemic, those who need to take their cars out should be ready to face water-logged conditions. As per the Meteorological Department of India, various parts of the country, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai can witness moderate to heavy rainfall this monsoon.

So, before you take your car out of the parking lot and face the wrath of this season, it’s important for you to know about a few things. First of all, you should know how to drive if it’s raining and what to do if you witness water-logged streets. Also, you must procure a comprehensive car insurance policy (if you don’t have it already) to stay financially protected against the adverse situations.

But, do you know if a comprehensive car insurance plan cover damages caused due to water ingression or flood? Is it enough to provide you an adequate coverage during the threatening monsoon season? What should you do if your car gets submerged in water? Continue reading to find answers to all such questions.

Does your car insurance policy cover damage due to water ingression?

There can be no specific answer to this question. That’s because it largely depends upon the type of car insurance policy you have purchased for your car. In case of a standalone third party car insurance, no damages will be covered by your car insurance policy as it covers only the damages sustained by an unknown third-party and not your own car.

On the other hand, a comprehensive car insurance policy may cover the damages due to water ingression or flood, but only partially. It’s because although a standard comprehensive car insurance policy provides coverage against all types of natural disasters, including flood, inundation, storm and water ingression, any damage to the car’s engine is usually excluded.

It means that the damages to the car’s body and its parts would be covered but any damage to its engine won’t be covered by a standard car insurance policy.

During the monsoon season, instances like water ingression due to flood and waterlogging on streets, hydrostatic lock or starvation of lubricants, leakage of oils etc. are very common. These incidents can cause temporary or even permanent damage to a car’s engine and gearbox.

What’s the way out?

As mentioned above, a normal car insurance policy with own-damage cover protects car’s body and other mechanical parts but it does not cover any damage to its engine or gearbox. In such cases, the car owner may have to pay for the losses out of his/her own pocket. However, there is a way through which you can get these damages covered by your car insurance policy.

What you can do is add an Engine Protection Cover to your motor insurance policy while buying or renewing it. The engine protection cover is an add-on cover or rider that you can attach to your basic car insurance policy to enhance its coverage at a nominal addition to the premium amount.

An engine protection cover provides protection against any damage to the internal parts of an insured car’s engine and gearbox, arising due to water ingression or leakage of lubricating oils. These are usually not covered by standard comprehensive car insurance policies.

You can also supplement your policy with a zero-depreciation car insurance cover. A zero-depreciation cover negates the impact of the depreciation on the insured car’s parts. It means that even if your car is five years old, you will get full compensation for any damage to the car’s engine or body, without the depreciated amount coming into the play.

Everything About the Delta Plus Variant of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic struck in December 2019 and since then, have wreaked havoc in the entire world. Till date, approximately 19 crore cases of Covid-19 have been reported across the globe, resulting in more than 40 lakh casualties. The spread of this disease reached its pinnacle by mid-2020 but slowed down a bit in 2021.

However, just when the world thought that the end of the pandemic is near, a new covid variant named “Delta Plus” was spotted by the experts. This strain of coronavirus, which has been found in more than ten countries so far, is seen as a cause of concern among the health experts as it is believed to mutate rapidly and can transmit much more easily. Buying health insurance would be the great option in this pandemic to save your savings.

Also, the doctors believe that the new covid delta variant can cause more severe symptoms in the infected patients, as compared to other strains. Continue reading to know all the information that is there in the public domain about this covid variant so far.

What is the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19?

The new Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 has been formed due to a mutation in the delta variant of the coronavirus, which is also known as the B.1.617.2 variant. As per the experts, the cause of this mutation is the delta variant acquiring the spike protein mutation K417N to form a new variant which is scientifically called AY.1 variant.

According to the doctors, the new covid variant has almost 40-60% increased ability to transmit and can cause more serious symptoms in the infected patients. Also, the positivity rate as well as death rate can go up due to this variant.

Where was this variant first found?

The first case of the covid delta plus variant was found in Europe in March 2021. Since then, health experts around the globe along with the World Health Organization (WHO) have been keeping a close watch on the impact and transmissibility of this covid-19 variant.

England was one of the first countries where the delta plus variant began to spread. Till date, this variant of the coronavirus has been found in more than 10 countries, including India and Nepal. As per the Union Health Ministry of India, around 300 cases* of Delta Plus variant of Covid-19 has been detected in our country so far.

Apart from India, the cases of delta plus variant has also been found in the United States of America (USA), UK, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, Russia, China, Nepal, and Poland.

What risks does this variant pose?

As we have already mentioned, the new Covid variant possesses 40 to 60% increased ability to transmit*. As per the WHO, “the delta plus and other circulating variants of the coronavirus pose a high risk to public health, as they have demonstrated an increased transmissibility”.

Furthermore, the Government of India as well as health officials have declared this variant of coronavirus as a “variant of concern”. Also, this variant is believed to reduce the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody treatment technique, where an antibody cocktail of Casirivimab and Imdevimab is used to treat the patients infected with the coronavirus.

As per the SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), the delta plus variant of Covid-19 is a cause of concern due to the following reasons:

• Increased transmissibility
• Strong binding impact on receptors of lung cells
• Potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response

Coronavirus vaccine: What happens if you delay your second dose of vaccination?

The COVID-19 disease that gripped the world during the early months of 2020 after the rapid spread of the COVID-19 variant had detrimental effects on the people and the economy. It led to the untimely death of millions of people across the globe and adversely affected the economy of many countries. In India, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is more than 4 lakh to date. So, it is important to be covered with a good health insurance plan which can cover COVID-19 related expenses.

However, the situation has started to improve, and the death rates are declining, after the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines by different countries around the world. In India, the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech released the two COVID vaccines labelled ‘Covishield’ and ‘Covaxin’, respectively. In January 2021, the Health Ministry of India started possibly the biggest vaccination drive anywhere across the world to vaccinate the Indian population against this disease. Vaccines have shown promising results in minimising the threat of the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. The immune response to vaccines is so reliable that the public health department has started a mass drive to provide booster shots to frontline workers. The disease control and prevention departments are confident in the booster shots' effectiveness. However, the additional shots are only available to a selected group of people and will be made available to the general public following the authorisation or approval of the government.

Gaining immunity against the coronavirus requires a person to get two full shots or doses of the COVID vaccine. The second dose of Covaxin can be taken after 28 days of the first dose, whereas for Covishield, the time between the first and second doses should be at least 84 days. However, due to multiple reasons, many Indians have missed the timeline for taking the second dose of the COVID vaccine.

In this article, we will evaluate what can happen if you delay your second dose of COVID vaccination. But first, let’s look at some possible reasons that can lead you to miss your second dose of vaccine:

1. Health concerns

Some health concerns and recent complications can prevent you from taking your second dose of the COVID vaccine on time. As per the doctors, if you’ve contracted COVID-19 during the last two-month period, or if you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms presently, you should not take the vaccine shot.

2. Pregnancy

If you get pregnant after the first shot of COVID vaccination, your second shot might get delayed. Right now, there is not much data and additional information on how COVID vaccination can impact an expecting mother and the foetus. Hence, it’s advisable to consult your Ob-Gyn physician before taking your second vaccination dose during pregnancy.

3. Unavailability of vaccine

The unavailability of vaccine doses is one of the major reasons behind many Indians missing their second dose of COVID vaccination. Although the Government of India has initiated the biggest vaccination drive in our country, India's huge population means that we can't rule out inadequate vaccine supply.

4. Lockdown

The second wave of coronavirus in India was devastating. As a result, strict lockdowns were imposed by various state governments across the country, which prevented many people from going to the vaccination centres for taking their second jabs.

What if you miss your second dose of vaccination?

It’s never advisable to miss your second dose of COVID vaccination. You must positively try to get your second shot within the window mentioned in your vaccine certificate. If you fail to take the second shot, you may remain less protected from the deadly coronavirus. And in case you get infected with the virus, the chances are that the vaccine will not be effective.

As per a statement from the Former Head of the Indian Council for Medical Research, the first dose of the COVID vaccine only does the “Priming” job. It means that it creates a booster immunity in a person’s body against COVID-19. However, complete immunity is attained only after receiving the second dose of vaccine within a stipulated period.

Also, the partial immunity achieved from the first dose can diminish over time if the second dose is not taken. The majority of people who died after receiving their first dose died due to their vaccination being incomplete. Hence, it’s very important to get the two doses of COVID vaccination within the pre-determined period.

And if, for any reason, you miss your second dose of vaccine, visit the CoWin app or portal and schedule your appointment for your second dose of vaccination as early as possible.

What Could Hike Your Two-Wheeler Insurance Premium?

The two-wheeler industry in India has grown rapidly. In the absence of public transport during the pandemic, a greater number of people are now purchasing two-wheelers. Indian roads are expected to get flooded with these vehicles in future. According to a recent  report, domestic two-wheeler sales are likely to grow by 6-8% over the next five years as the economy comes out of the covid-19 induced downturn.

As the traffic will increase, so will the number of two-wheeler accidents. Especially, given the poor condition of Indian roads and the fact that many Indians often ignore traffic laws and safety measures. More than a third (37%) of those killed in road accidents in 2019 were two-wheeler riders, noted a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ report published in October, 2020.

Hence given the situation, motor insurance is a must-have for all two-wheeler owners. In case of an accident, the insurance policy will protect you from the financial liabilities arising from the accident. However, before you start browsing insurance policies online, you should first understand how the premium is calculated.

The following paragraphs will explain factors affecting two-wheeler insurance premium quote:

1. Type of coverage

In India there are two different types of motor insurance policies available - third party and comprehensive. Third-party insurance is mandatory by law, but it only covers damages/injuries to the third party involved in an accident. A comprehensive policy, on the other hand, covers third-party liabilities as well as own damages/injuries.

Since comprehensive two-wheeler insurance offer more coverage, their premiums are higher than third-party insurance premiums. While you can select any one of the two, you should preferably opt for a comprehensive policy for the added coverage and benefits it offers.

2. Add-on covers

Add-on covers are usually recommended for two-wheelers. There are different types of add-ons available with two-wheeler insurance plans, such as zero depreciation, roadside assistance, high-end electrical and non-electrical accessories. All of these come at an extra premium.

4. No Claim Bonus (NCB)

No Claim Bonus is a discount that is offered to you for every claim-free year.  If you are renewing your bike insurance and have not filed any claim in the past year, you are entitled to a discount on the insurance premium. In this way the insurance company rewards you for being a responsible rider.

NCB is usually 20% in the first claim-free year and can reach up to 50% in the fifth claim-free year, depending on the provisions of the policy document. If you have accumulated NCB, you can use it to reduce your two-wheeler insurance premium considerably at renewal.

5. Anti-theft devices

Anti-theft device is a security feature which reduces the chance of your two-wheeler theft. This in turn helps in reducing the risk for the insurance provider. Just like how the insurers compensate for higher risk by charging a higher premium, the lower risk is rewarded with a lower premium. So, if you do not have such security devices installed on your two-wheeler, it can hike your premiums. 

Understanding Black Fungus - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit India severely. The Delta variant (also call the Indian variant) of the coronavirus, which is believed to be behind the rise of second wave of COVID-19 in India, spreads much faster and can have a very drastic effect on the infected patients. As a result, the positivity rate of coronavirus as well as the mortality rate is much higher this time around. Buy health insurance policy that provides coverage against all hospitalization-related expenses, including coronavirus and black fungus treatment.

Even as India continue to struggle with the impact of COVID-19’s second wave, rising cases of black fungus infection among those recovering from the virus brought fresh concerns for the Government and citizens alike. As per the Central Government’s data, there were about 8,848 cases of black fungus infection in India on 22^nd May, 2021. And these figures were spiraling at a rapid rate.

Experts are calling this infection “A Pandemic within Covid-19 Pandemic”. As per the reports, number of people dying due to black fungus infection in India is steadily increasing. From black fungus symptoms, to causes, to its treatment, we have discussed everything you need to know about this disease in this article. Continue reading.

What is Black Fungus?

Also known as Mucormycosis, black fungus disease is a fungal infection which is presently seen in patients who are suffering from COVID-19 with co-morbidities such as HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, and Mellitus cancer. If not controlled during its initial stages, black fungus infection can prove to be fatal for the patients.

What causes Black Fungus?

Black fungus or Mucormycosis is basically a rare fungal infection which is caused by a group of moulds or fungus known as Mucormycetes. These moulds are considered separate from plants and animals kingdom, and are found in plants, soil, water, decaying organic matter, and sometimes in animals and humans.

As per the doctors, the primary reason behind the development of fungal infection in a COVID-positive patient is prolonged exposure to moisture during oxygen therapy. Use of ordinary tap water in flow meters of oxygen cylinders are also believed to cause black fungus infection. This can also be triggered due to the use of mould-tainted oxygen pipes and humidifiers.

Who all are at risk?

As per the Ministry of Health, black fungus infection in India is mostly detected amongst people who are recovering or have recovered from the COVID-19 disease. This infection can occur anytime to a coronavirus patient i.e. either during his/her hospital stay or several days to few weeks after discharge.

People who have sinus problems or those who are on medications for lung problems are most susceptible to catch black fungus infection during the treatment of COVID-19. Besides, those who are suffering from diabetes, cancer, blood malignancies, and iron deficiency are prone to this fungal infection.

How to Get Pollution Under Control Certificate Online?

To tackle the rising air pollution in the country, the Government of India has laid down standardised rules for allowing emission levels from motor vehicles. Under this rule, all motor vehicles in India have to mandatorily undergo an emission test and if their emission levels comply with the norms, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is awarded to them.

This is done to ensure that every vehicle is safe to run on roads, without creating much air pollution. Different classes of vehicles have different emission levels and it is compulsory for every vehicle in India to have a valid PUC certificate. Non-adherence to this rule may attract traffic fine or imprisonment or both.

In this article, we will tell you more about a PUC Certificate and you will also get to know how to get PUC certificate online as well as offline for your vehicle. Continue reading.

What is a PUC Certificate?

A PUC certificate, also known as the Pollution Under Control certificate, is a Government-issued document that is awarded to a vehicle if its emission levels are found to be within the permissible limits. As per the Central Motor Vehicles Act, a valid PUC certificate must be present with every vehicle on the road at all times.

The PUC certificate of a vehicle contains the following information:

• Vehicle’s registration number
• Serial number of the PUC certificate
• Date of the emission test
• Validity date of the PUC certificate
• Reading of the emission level of the vehicle

The PUC certificate can be obtained by a vehicle owner by paying a nominal fee which ranges between ₹ 60 to ₹ 100.

What is the validity of a PUC certificate?

For new cars and two-wheelers, the PUC certificate is provided by the dealer itself and is valid for one year from the date of registration of the car. Post that, the PUC certificate of the vehicle needs to be renewed as per the Government’s guidelines. For vehicles that are more than 5 years old, the PUC certificate comes with a validity of six months.

However, in case of adverse readings, the time frame for the validity of a PUC certificate will depend upon the recorded emission levels.

How to obtain a PUC certificate?

The PUC certificate for new vehicles are provided by the dealer and it comes with a validity of one year. Post that, you need to follow the steps mentioned to get a PUC certificate for your vehicle:

Step 1 – Find a PUC centre near you. It could be a petrol pump or a government-licensed auto emission testing centre or a private emission testing centre.

Step 2 – Get the exhaust pipe of your car or two-wheeler scanned by the testing executive at the PUC center. The emission levels of your vehicle will get recorded.

Step 3 – You will be required to pay a requisite fee to the testing executive. If the emission levels of your vehicle are within the authorised limits, you will be provided with a PUC certificate containing your vehicle’s emission readings.

7 Amazing Bike Maintenance Tips in Rainy Season

Riding a bike can be one of the most entertaining things you can do. If you’re a bike enthusiast, you are probably aware of the fun and convenience a bike can bring to you. You can not only whiz past the peak-hour traffic and reach your destination quickly but also reduce your fuel expenses significantly by opting for a bike for your daily travel. Government has made motor insurance mandatory while driving on the Indian roads.

However, with monsoon gripping the country, the chances are that rain could come in any time, and you may encounter wet and slippery roads. Riding in bike in such conditions can be extremely challenging. Buy a bike insurance as it will secure you from any financial losses occurred due to road accidents. Here are a few bike riding tips for the rainy season to make this a little easier:

1. Check the condition of your bike’s tyres

During the rainy season, the roads become wet and slippery. Hence, it’s very important for every bike rider to get a firm grip on the road and the tyres of his/her bike help him/her with that. Therefore, the tyres of your bike need to be in a very good condition before you take your vehicle out during the rainy season.

Inspect your tyres properly for wear and tear. If you think they are not in a proper condition, it’s better to replace them than taking a risk. Check for the tyre treads. It’s essential to have adequate tread depth as it helps in dispersing water and ensures a firm grip on wet roads.

2. Wrap yourself in waterproof gear

Before you begin a ride on your bike during monsoon, it’s crucial to wrap yourself in a waterproof riding gear. Get a strong pair of waterproof riding boots, raincoat or waterproof jacket, rain proof pant, a pair of gloves, and of course, a sturdy ISI-marked helmet. Make sure there is no way for the water to enter and make you wet while you’re riding your bike.

Besides offering you a comfortable ride, this will also ensure your good health. However, make sure your gear isn’t too tight. You should be able to feel comfortable in it and it should not restrict your movement while you are riding.

3. Ensure maximum visibility

Rains can hamper visibility to a large extent while you are riding your bike. Hence, you should take extra precautions during this season. Avoid using dark or tinted glasses while riding during the rainy season. Also, make sure the visor of your helmet in clear and scratch-free to ensure maximum visibility.

If your visor seems to be damaged, it’s better to replace it before the monsoon sets in. Also, keep your headlights on all the time to make sure you can clearly see the road. If you are still experiencing hampered visibility, you can take a halt and wait till the weather clears a bit.

4. Get your bike serviced

The last thing you would want is getting stuck in the middle of the road amidst rains and thunderbolts. It can be a horrifying experience. Hence, it’s prudent to get your bike serviced before the rainy season to ensure that it doesn’t break down in the middle of a journey.

Also, you must follow proper bike maintenance tips to make sure your bike is in a smooth condition. For example, change its engine oil, oil filters, and air filters. Make sure that all the tyres are properly inflated, and all the lights are working.

How You Can Renew a Driving Licence Online Without Visiting an RTO

How to Renew Your Driving Licence Online

Is your driving licencee going to expire soon? If yes, then the ongoing pandemic and need for social distancing is no excuse for not renewing it on time. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had announced that several of the services provided by the Regional Transport Offices (RTO) will be made available online as well. If your driving licence is due for renewal, you will be pleased to know that it is one of the 18 services provided by the RTOs that is available online now. You can do it through Aadhaar-based authentication.

In addition to licence renewal, the other services that can be availed online at the Parivahan Sewa website include change of address in driving licence, replacement of driving licence, international driving permit, change in name, change in biometrics etc. The Government has made a motor insurance mandatory while driving on the Indian roads.

Renewal rules

Application for driving licence renewal is accepted in the last 30 days of the validity of the existing licence. If the renewal is applied not more than 30 days after the expiry of the licence, the renewal is done with effect from the date of expiry. However, in case of a delay of more than 30 days between the date of expiry and date of application, the renewal is made with effect from the date of receipt of proper application. Besides, a fee of Rs 30 is also charged in such cases. An application made after five years of expiry of the driving licence requires the formalities of a fresh licence. As driving licence is compulsory while driving a car, car insurance is also compulsory.

Top 6 Trends Witnessed by Automobile Industry During The Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in the entire world since the start of 2020. The Governments of various countries, including India, were forced to implement strict lockdowns to keep the people inside their homes and control the spread of the deadly coronavirus. As a result, several industries faced severe financial slump which brought a global recession.

The Indian automobile industry too went through a very tough phase after the imposition of first lockdown in the country in March 2020. Sales figures started plummeting and inventories were mounting up for the manufacturers. As the revenues took a severe hit, the automobile sector in India went through its worst phase since 1997-98.

However, once the lockdown restrictions were eased, India’s automobile industry started emerging out of the headwinds. With rapidly increasing demand in the country for personal mobility, the sales figures started to rise once again, leading to a slow but steady recovery for the automobile sector post lockdown. ICICI Lombard allows convenient purchase and renewal of car insurance online as well as offline.

In the meantime, some ground-breaking trends were observed in various facets of the industry. Most of these trends got accelerated due to the pandemic and are now shaping the future of India’s automobile market. Let’s have a look at some top trends in automobile industry of India witnessed during the pandemic.

1. Rising preference for personal mobility

Covid-19 has changed the preferred mode of commute among most of the passengers in India. A survey by PGA labs revealed that almost 56% of people in India prefer to use a personal vehicle instead of public transport for their daily commute. This increased preference for personal mobility has led to an increase in demand for private vehicles and therefore for Motor Insurancetoo, as it is compulsory for all the personal vehicles.

2. Increasing penetration of alternative-engine powertrains

The alternative-engine powertrain has been garnering a rapid demand in the recent years, especially in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment. A substantial change has been noticed in the consumers’ perspective, with preference for alternative engine increasing to 49% in 2020 from 39% in 2019.

Moreover, as per a PGA labs survey, nearly 35% of car buyers are willing to pay a premium of more than ₹ 1 lakh for electric mobility. Further, favorable Government policies such as Fast Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II), reduced GST rates on EVs etc., have also contributed towards an increased preference for electric vehicles among the consumers.

3. Increasing preference for connectivity features in vehicles

Though connectivity features in vehicles manufactured in India are yet to develop as compared to countries like Germany, Japan, and the USA, entry of global automotive OEMs in the Indian market has given rise to a new trend. Recent vehicles such as MG Hector, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Venue have impressive factory-fitted connectivity features.

These cars have garnered the attention of the consumers, resulting in huge sales volumes. In the second half of 2020, Morris Garages sold 15,930 units of Hector, whereas Kia received more than 1 lakh bookings for Seltos within five months after its launch. This trend is expected to accelerate with the number of connected cars on Indian roads estimated to reach 1.7 million by 2022.

6 Safety Tips to Change Motorcycle Engine Oil

There are a few things in life that can provide you more thrill than riding a motorcycle. Be it running swiftly on highways or whizzing through the peak hour traffic, a motorcycle is undoubtedly the most convenient and affordable mode of commuting. However, just like any other machine, a bike or motorcycle also requires maintenance and a bike insurance policy as it not only covers your bike but also protects you in an emergency.

One of the most important components of bike’s maintenance is changing its engine oil on a regular basis. Without the regular changing of bike’s engine oil, the engine can get overheated, friction between its moving parts can increase, and its overall performance can suffer. Also, the fuel efficiency of the bike can decrease.

According to the experts, bike oil change should be done at least once in every six months or after every 2,000 kilometres. As a responsible bike owner, you should make sure to maintain this frequency for changing your bike’s engine oil. Read on to learn some quick tips that can help you perform this simple bike maintenance task with ease.

1. Gather your tools before beginning the process

As with any other process, the first step towards your bike’s oil change is to gather all the tools you may need. These include a can of fresh engine oil, new oil filter, a drain pan, measuring beaker, funnel, and some basic tools for opening and tightening nut bolts such as a screwdriver and adjustable socket wrench.

Apart from this, you must also keep your bike’s service manual book handy. It will help you know the exact process of oil change, specific type and quantity of oil required for your bike, as well as the information about the frequency at which you should change your bike’s engine oil.

2. Maintain proper frequency for changing your bike’s engine oil

You should maintain proper frequency to change your bike’s engine oil. Usually, mechanics advise to change your bike’s engine oil every six months or after every 2,000 kilometres. However, for more exact information on the correct frequency for your bike’s oil change, you should refer to its service manual book.

While taking a longer time to change your bike’s oil may cause a decline in its engine’s performance and fuel efficiency, doing it earlier may result in nothing but wastage of money.

3. Use the best engine oil only

It’s very important to use the best engine oil for your bike. Some mechanics may advise you to go for a cheaper engine oil to save some money. However, that’s not the best practice to follow. It can result in your bike’s performance getting affected. You can go through the service manual booklet to know about the best suited engine oil for your bike.

Also, you should purchase the engine oil only from manufacturers or trusted dealers. Chances are that others may dupe you by providing a duplicate or adulterated engine oil which can be very harmful for your bike.

All You Need To Know About Electric Bike Insurance

In the last few years, the popularity of e-bikes has grown tremendously in India. The users of these electrically operated vehicles spend ten times less on fuels when compared to petrol-run vehicles. No wonder the future belongs to electric bikes. However, there are a few aspects of e-bikes that confuse first-time buyers. Insurance is one of them. To ensure you don’t face such confusion, we have put together everything you should know about electric bike insurance. Let’s begin!

Is insurance needed for electric bikes in India?

If you own a vehicle with a 250-watt electric motor and a top speed of 25 kmph, you can use it without any motor insurance. It might surprise you, but such electric bikes don’t even need registration or a license. Even a helmet is not compulsory, although wearing one always keeps you safe.

It is up to the owner of an e-bike whether they want an insurance policy for the vehicle or not. However, for high-end electric bikes, insurance is compulsory.

What type of insurance do you need for electric bikes?

You can get a regular two-wheeler policy to insure your e-bike. The two-wheeler policies usually fall under two major categories:

1. Third-party insurance:

Third-party liability insurance is what the government has made mandatory for two-wheelers in India. If an e-bike owner hits someone on the road, then their policies will take care of the damages caused to the other party. This includes both property damage and medical expenses.

2. Comprehensive insurance:

This is the most popular form of insurance for two-wheelers, including e-bikes. A comprehensive insurance policy gives you coverage against damages to the third party plus yourself and your bike in case of an accident.

What’s covered in a bike insurance policy?

Though coverage depends on your choice of service provider, here are some common things covered by most bike insurance policies online:

1. Personal accident cover:

You get coverage against the damage caused to you while driving an e-bike. The insurer reimburses your medical bills and the amount spent on your bike repairs.

2. Damage due to natural disasters:

If a cyclone, earthquake, hurricane, or any other natural disaster causes damage to your bike, you get compensation.

3. Man-made disasters:

If someone harms your bike as a part of a theft attempt, robbery, terrorist activity, or vandalism, you receive coverage to fix the damages. Also, there is coverage for the damage caused to the third party due to your vehicle.

5 Reasons Why Your Car Insurance Claim May Get Rejected And What You Can Do

In some rare occasions, insurance companies reject car insurance claims from its customers. This is generally done when an insurer feels that the claim filed by its customer is not valid or genuine. In such a scenario, the insurance provider doesn’t pay for the damages to the insured car and the car owner must bear this cost out of his/her pocket.

Such a situation can be extremely stressful for any car owner as the repair bills can easily run into several thousand or even lakhs of rupees. Of course, you would never want yourself to be put in such a situation. But what if your car insurer rejects your claim even if you have all the genuine reasons to get it approved?

In this article, we will discuss some common car insurance claim rejection reasons and what steps you can take if an insurer rejects your car insurance claim. Read on.

Reason 1 – If your claim is found to be non-genuine

When you file a car insurance claim, your insurance provider appoints a surveyor to inspect the genuineness of your claim. The role of this surveyor is to inspect your car and the damages and determine whether it matches with the accident’s narrative. If the surveyor feels that your claim is not genuine, he/she might reject your car insurance claim.

Hence, it’s important to file a claim only when it’s genuine and necessary. There is no point in trying to dupe the insurer by narrating a false accident story as it will only lead to the rejection of the insurance claim. If a surveyor isn’t satisfied with your claim, it’s you must convince him about the authenticity of your claim.

Reason 2 – Inability to produce the required documents

Another common reason for the rejection of motor insurance claims is the inability of the policyholder to produce the required documents. Usually, when a customer files a car insurance claim, insurance companies ask for some basic documents such as policy document, Registration Certificate (RC) of the car, FIR copy (in case of theft), driving license and Aadhar card of the driver/owner, etc.

If you’re not able to submit any of the documents asked by your insurance provider, your car insurance claim might get rejected. Hence, it’s crucial to collate all the required documents before filing a claim. If your claim has been rejected once due to improper documentation, you can file it again with all proper documents.

Reason 3 – If you are found to be violating traffic rules when the accident happened

A car insurance policy provides coverage against unfortunate road accidents or natural calamities. However, it doesn’t cover the damages caused to an insured car if the driver or claimant is found to be violating traffic rules, including drink and drive, driving without a valid driver’s license, making illegal modifications to a car etc.

In such cases, the car insurance claim will be outrightly rejected by the insurance provider and there’s nothing that you can do about it. The best way is to follow all traffic rules and maintain safety standards while driving your car. Also, when you make any modification to your car, you must inform your insurer in advance.

Why is it Important to Cancel Your RC After Scrapping Your Car

Buying a car is like a dream come true for many. It provides them with a feeling of pride, luxury, and achievement. After all, a person spends a considerable chunk of his/her savings to buy a car and keep it in top condition. That is why, every responsible car owner chooses to get financial security for his/her car with a comprehensive car insurance policy.

However, despite of all the precautions you take for your car, you can never rule out the possibility of an unforeseen mishap such as fire, theft, road accident etc. These incidents can either damage your car partially or can lead to its total loss, in which case you must mandatorily cancel your car’s Registration Certificate (RC).

What is total loss of a car?

As per motor insurance terms, total loss of a car refers to a situation where it gets damaged to such an extent that it cannot be repaired again. Or, if the cost of repairing a car is more than its Insured Declared Value (IDV), the car is said to be in a state of total loss. In such cases, the insurance company pays the full IDV of the car to its owner and sells the car to a scrap dealer.

The total loss of a car can take place due to an unforeseen mishap, such as road accident, earthquake, flood, tsunami, fire, theft, etc.

What is the registration certificate of a car?

The Registration Certificate or RC of a car is an official document that is provided to the car owner after its registration. A car’s RC basically states that it is registered with the Indian Government and is, hence, fit to be driven on roads. It contains the unique registration number of a car, its engine and chassis number, name of the car owner, and the expiry date of the RC.

You can get your car’s RC either from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where you’ve registered your car or you can download it from the Government’s “Parivahan Seva” portal.

Why is it important to cancel your car’s RC in case of total loss?

In case of total loss of a car, the insurance company pays the IDV to the car owner and sells the remains of the car to a scrap dealer. The scrap dealer then breaks down the remains of the car into small pieces and use them for the purpose of recycling. After the car is scrapped, the car owner needs to get the registration certificate of his/her car cancelled.

As per Section 55 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, it is the responsibility of the car owner to cancel the RC of his/her car after scrapping it. He/she needs to inform the RTO about the scrapping of the car within 14 days to get its RC cancelled.

Everything You Need to Know About Co-Pay in Health Insurance?

In the world of sky-high medical expenditures and sudden health problems, health insurance is undoubtedly necessary. A well-formulated health insurance cover gives you access to competent and quality healthcare facilities at all times. It helps you tide over medical expenses in a planned manner without creating a financial burden.

However, they entail a considerable premium amount that deters many individuals from taking an insurance cover, thereby isolating themselves from the host of benefits offered by the health insurance policies.

Insurance companies provide the health insurance co-pay feature as a part of their policy that you can use to reduce the premium payable amount. In this article, we shall discuss what is co-pay, its features, and benefits for insurance holders.

What is co-pay in health insurance?

The co-pay feature is an optional clause offered by health insurance companies in their policy. It is an arrangement between the policyholder and the insurance company wherein they share the medical expenses based on a mutually decided co-pay percentage. 

This co-pay percentage is the share of medical expenses that shall be borne by the policyholder in the event of a medical eventuality covered by the policy. For example, Ananya takes a health insurance cover with a co-pay feature of 15%. She incurs a medical bill amounting to Rs. 1 lakh. With the co-pay feature, Ananya will have to pay Rs.15,000 (1,00,000 x 15%), and the insurance company shall cover the balance. 

You may wonder, why would one take a policy where he/she has to pay out of their pockets? And why would the company offer such a feature?

Benefits to the Insured

• Reduced premium

The insured pays a specific portion of his/her medical expenses under the health insurance co-pay scheme. This feature provides the insured person with a direct benefit in the form of a reduced premium amount which is otherwise quite significant. Higher the co-pay percentage, lower the premium amount.

• Direct savings

Health insurance policies are of a pre-determined tenure, and you have to pay the same premium amount irrespective of whether you file a claim or not. With a co-pay health insurance cover, you pay a relatively lower premium amount. If you do not have any claim during the policy period, you have direct savings in the form of a lower premium amount.

Benefits to the insurer

• Promotes honest customer behaviour

Co-pay health insurance brings about a sense of ownership among the policyholders. It is common for policyholders to avail the services of expensive, luxury medical facilities unnecessarily and cover the expenses by filing claims with the insurance company.

In co-pay health insurance covers, policyholders realise that they will have to bear a portion of the medical expenditure, even if nominal. The clause encourages them to opt for services that are necessary and reasonable. 

• Reduction in misuse and fraudulent claims 

Insurance companies are often faced with inflated medical bills and fraudulent claims due to a nexus between healthcare facilities, insurance agents, and scammers disguised as policy holders. In such situations, insurance companies have no choice but to pay claims for medical services that were, in reality, not rendered to patients. It creates a dent in the insurance companies’ profitability and operations. 

With co-pay health insurance policies, patients know that they have to pay a certain sum of the expenses from their own pockets, which naturally keeps frauds at bay.  

All You Need To Know Break In Period In Car Insurance

As per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, a car insurance policy is mandatory for all motor cars running on Indian roads. As per the latest amendment to the act, driving a car without a valid car insurance policy can attract a penalty of up to ₹ 2,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both. Hence, non-renewal of your car insurance in time can bring not only the legal hassles but also the financial risks.

However, purchasing or renewing your car is not that easy. You need to take a number of decisions such as the type of policy you want to purchase, selection of add-on covers, choosing the insurance provider etc. In order to make an informed decision, you need to be aware of the different terms and jargons related to the car insurance policies.

One such term is “Break-in Period” in a car insurance policy. In this article, we’ve tried to elucidate what exactly is a break-in period in car insurance and why it is important for you to know about this term before buying a car insurance policy. Let’s get started.

What is “Break in Period” in car insurance?

A car insurance policy is an annual contract that needs to be renewed every year. If you look at the policy document carefully, you will find that the date from which the insurance cover came into effect and the date at which it will terminate is clearly mentioned in the document. To ensure legal compliance, you need to renew your car insurance policy before this expiry date.

However, due to your busy schedule, you may sometimes forget to renew your car insurance policy in time. And if you miss the deadline to renew the policy, even by a day, it results in a break in the policy. However, most insurers allow a 90-day grace period to renew your car insurance policy. By renewing your policy within this period, you won’t lose the No-Claim Bonus benefit. You may still have to go through car inspection depending on your insurance company policy.

The time period between the last date for the renewal of your car insurance policy and the date on which it is actually renewed is known as the “Break-in Period” of the policy. For example, if your policy renewal date is 1^st March and you renew your policy on 15^th April, then there will be a 45-day break in the policy which will be known as the break-in period.

Your car insurance policy remains inactive during the break-in period and any financial or legal liabilities arising during this time will have to be borne by you.

Tips to Choose the Right Bike Helmet

You spend a considerable amount of time and money to buy your favourite bike. You leave no stone unturned to keep it in top condition. You must have purchased a comprehensive bike insurance plan to protect it from unforeseen adversities. But, what about the helmet that you will wear while riding your bike?

Undoubtedly, a helmet is the most important safety gear that you need to wear while riding a bike. In case of a road accident, it protects your head and brain from serious injuries. In the absence of a helmet, the rider’s head can suffer severe injuries which is preventable with a helmet. Hence, choosing the right bike helmet for yourself is as important as buying and maintaining your bike.

However, while buying a new bike helmet for yourself, it’s not just the colour and graphics that you should look at. There are far more important things which you should consider, such as the helmet’s type, size, shape, and safety certifications. Apart from that, we at ICICI Lombard do recommend to get yourself a motor insurance as well, to safeguard your vehicle from any damages! Below are a few tips that can help you choose the right bike helmet for yourself:

1. Know the size and shape of your head

Every individual has a different body structure. Just like a T-shirt, a bike helmet comes in different shapes and sizes. Majorly, it’s available in three sizes – M, L, and XL – and three shapes – round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. It’s important to know the size and shape of your head and buy a helmet accordingly.

Wearing a wrong size helmet can do more harm than good. A loose helmet can fail to provide optimum protection to your head whereas, a tight helmet can put pressure on your head which can result in headache, dizziness, and compromised blood circulation.

2. Know the right type of helmet for you

You should have the proper knowledge of different types of helmets available in the market and what’s the best for you. Basically, there are four types of helmets:

1.Open face helmets

These are among the most common and easily available helmets in the market. These are lightweight helmets that offers great ventilation. These helmets do not have a jawline and hence, exposes your face for proper visibility and ventilation. These helmets are hence, fit for short city rides but not recommended for high-speed rides.

2.Full face helmets

These helmets cover the whole face of the riders and provide them an added layer of protection. They also protect the jaws of the rider as they have an immovable jawline in front. These helmets are therefore, fit for long, highway rides where you need to ride your bike at high speeds.

3.Modular helmets

Modular helmets are the combination of half and full-face helmets. These helmets can be converted into full-face or half-face helmets as per the rider’s wish. These helmets are specially designed for city riders who occasionally go for high-way rides.

4.Motocross helmets

These are full-face helmets but with a different build and structure. Unlike a normal full-face helmet, these helmets are designed to be lightweight, and offer more visibility and ventilation for the rider. These helmets are most suitable for riding in off-road conditions.

3. Look for the ISI logo on the back of the helmet

The Indian Standard Institute (ISI) has been authorised by the Government of India to ensure standard compliances for industrial products since 1955. An ISI logo on the back of a helmet assures that it complies with respective quality standards which are necessary for bike riders in India. Therefore, while buying a helmet, you must check the ISI mark on its back.

In fact, if you’re caught riding a bike in India without wearing an ISI-certified helmet, you may get penalised by the traffic cops. As per the latest notification issues by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it will be mandatory from 1^st June 2021 for all two-wheeler owners to wear an ISI-marked helmet while riding their vehicles.

Holi Car Care Tips: Steps to Protect Your Car From Stains and More

Holi, the festival of colours, is here and you must be excited about the joy and ecstasy it offers. This festival calls for splendid celebrations with vibrant colours, water balloons, and water guns. However, while we humans revel in Holi celebrations, our precious cars often become victims to the madness and mischief all around.

It is common for cars to get painted with blue, black, and red stains all around their bodies. Removing these Holi colours from cars can get really painful and burdensome. It gets even more stressful when the interiors of a car, including seat’s upholstery, dashboard, and floor mats get dirty and spoiled. Not only this, water ingress can even cause damage to your car’s engine and other mechanical parts.

In this article, we will discuss how to remove Holi colours from your car. We will also discuss how you can ensure your car’s paint stays protected during Holi celebrations. So, here are a few simple tips to keep your car safe and protected during Holi.

1. Park your car in a closed space and cover it

It might seem obvious, but you should make sure your car is not parked in an open space during the time of Holi. Anyone can throw the splashes of colours on your beloved vehicle and stain it badly. Hence, it’s prudent to park your car in a closed parking space and keep it covered using a car cover.

Make sure to cover your car completely, i.e. from its roof till the wheels. This will keep your car protected from colours, dirt and water during Holi celebrations. While buying your car’s cover, you should ensure that it’s of optimum quality and water proof.

2. Apply car wax or Teflon polish on your car’s body

Before you take your car out for a drive during this time, don’t forget to apply a coating of car wax or Teflon polish on its body. This will ensure your car’s paint protection even if it gets some colour stains. And not just that, applying Teflon coating on your car’s body will also protect your car from rusting and damages caused due to sunlight.

You can either buy car wax polish from a nearby auto shop and apply it yourself or you can take your car to a mechanic or service centre to get it coated with Teflon. Remember that applying wax polish is a cheaper option as compared to Teflon coating, but the latter is more superficial in quality.

3. Protect your car’s interiors with cling wraps or plastic covers

Remember that it’s not only the exteriors of your car that needs protection. It is equally important to protect the interiors of your car from getting stained or damaged. In fact, it is a difficult and stressful job to clean your car’s upholstery if it gets soiled. In case it gets damaged, fixing it can turn out to be a costly affair.

What you can do is use cling wraps or plastic covers to cover your car’s interiors, including its seats, dashboard, steering wheel, doorknobs, gear knob, headrests, and backrests. You can also use old clothes, bedsheets, towels, or curtains to cover the interiors of your car.