5 Essential Car Insurance Tips for Beginners

During the monsoon, the weather is pleasant and everything around you is green and looks fresh. However, if you are a biker, then monsoons bring with it a myriad of problems. You need to be extra careful as you have to make your way through potholes and ride on slippery roads. Yes, you need to take extra care to maintain your bike during the rainy season. So, here we are with some bike maintenance tips that will help your two-wheeler brave the rainy season.

How To Maintain Your Two Wheeler In The Rainy Season?

Here are four simple tips to maintain your bike during the rainy season

1. Get an anti-rust protection layer applied

   While the monsoon brings much-needed respite from the hot weather, the moisture in the air can cause potential damage to the parts of your two-wheeler. Damp climatic conditions can cause certain parts of the bike to rust. If this is not taken care of, rusting can cause the parts to disintegrate. The best way to protect your bike from rust damage is to ensure that the chain and battery terminals are well-lubricated. A basic motorcycle maintenance tip to prevent rust formation is to apply petroleum jelly on the rubber oil seals.

2. Choose covered parking spots

   During monsoon, it’s advisable not to park your two-wheeler in the open. Unlike four-wheelers, rainwater can get inside your bike and cause damage to the electrical components, making your bike prone to long-term issues like rusting and electrical failures. So the easiest of all motorbike maintenance tips is to park your bike under a shed. If you are not able to find a shed, then use a waterproof bike body cover to protect it from rain. Also, never park your bike under a tree during monsoon as heavy rain may cause a branch or the tree itself to fall on your two-wheeler and damage it.

3. Have the tyres checked

   Yet another basic bike maintenance tip for monsoon is to get the tyres checked regularly. Getting tyres checked is critical because the roads tend to be extra slippery during the monsoons. As such, it is very important to keep your tyres in good condition. Make sure the rubber has not worn out and do not wait to change the tyres until they are completely worn out. Old and damaged tyres can increase the risk of accidents and other related incidents leading to vehicle damage.

4. Service the brakes

   The list of bike maintenance tips in rainy season also includes getting the brakes serviced. Continuous exposure to rainwater can cause the brake pads to get jammed. Before the start of the monsoon, it’s best to have a professional take a look at the brakes and make sure they are functioning well. Also, when you are riding your bike during the rain, maintain a good distance from other vehicles and apply brakes gradually. Applying brakes suddenly on wet roads can cause the bike to skid.

Get bike insurance online

Now that you know how to protect your bike in rains, follow the above-mentioned tips to keep your bike in a good condition and secure it with a comprehensive bike insurance policy. Having two-wheeler insurance is legally mandatory in India. It protects your bike against theft, calamities, and other risks.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

FASTag, from the National Highways Authority of India, is a sticker that is affixed on the windscreen of a vehicle. This sticker uses Radio Frequency Identification RFID Technology to deduct toll payments from the wallet linked with the FASTag account. A FASTag is valid for a period of five years. You are probably aware by now that FASTag is mandatory for all category ‘M’ and ‘N’ vehicles in the country. These categories include four–wheelers that transport passengers and/or goods. You may wonder whether there are any benefits of FASTag for vehicle owners. The answer is a definite YES. Let’s take a look at 5 real FASTag benefits for motorists in the country.

1. Eliminates the need for a cash transaction

One of the main advantages of FASTag is that it eliminates the need for cash transactions at toll plazas. Cash transactions are one of the major reasons for traffic jams at toll booths. Now, motorists can enjoy a hassle–free experience as they zip through toll plazas without needing to shuffle around for change wile making payments.

The removal of the need for cash transactions has another important advantage. Due to the pandemic, we all prefer to have a contactless experience and now with FASTag, you can pay toll fees without exchanging physical notes and coins.

2. Reduces wait times

Long queues at toll booths will soon be a thing of the past as FASTag lets you sail through without having to endure an extended waiting time. This helps save time and fuel that would have otherwise been wasted in a frustrating wait in queue.

3. Easy recharge methods

Your FASTag can be easily recharged online in a matter of minutes (or less). You can easily load the amount you need from your credit card or debit card or even use net banking.

4. Easy tracking of toll expenses

If you need to keep track of FASTag expenses for reimbursement purposes, then you will love FASTag. Each time you pay a toll tax, you receive an email and SMS message. You can use these to understand what your expenses have been on your commutes. Now, you don’t have to manually note down each toll fee.

5. Paperless and environment friendly

FASTag is also extremely environment friendly, an important feature in these times when we all need to reduce our carbon footprint. When there are no queues at toll plazas, there will automatically be a lower consumption of fuel. Plus, the automatic deduction of the fee from the account linked eliminates the need for a paper receipt given for cash transactions.

As we can see, there are so many benefits of FASTag being made mandatory. As a motorist, remember that there are certain other mandatory documents that you need to be able to drive your vehicle on the roads in the country. These include an active driving licence and a valid car insurance policy (at least third–party insurance). Apart from these, you also need to have a valid PUC (pollution under control) certificate for your car.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Two-wheeler vehicles are a popular mode of transportation, offering convenience and efficiency, especially in congested urban areas. However, with the increasing number of vehicles on the road, the risks associated with riding a two-wheeler have also escalated. This makes having a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy not just a legal requirement but a necessity for safeguarding yourself and your vehicle. While many know the essential benefits of two-wheeler insurance, several lesser-known advantages can significantly enhance your coverage. This article explores five surprising aspects of two-wheeler insurance that you might not know.

1. Long-term Insurance for Two-Wheeler

One of the most convenient features of two-wheeler insurance is the option for long-term coverage. Instead of renewing your bike insurance policy annually, you can opt for a long term two wheeler insurance plan that covers your vehicle for two or three years. This saves you the hassle of yearly renewals and ensures continuous coverage, reducing the risk of policy lapses. Additionally, long-term policies often come with discounts on premiums and better no-claim bonuses, making them a cost-effective choice for many riders.

2. Safety for Pillion Riders

A comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy can also extend its protection to pillion riders. With the right add-ons, you can include personal accident cover for your pillion rider. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the insurance will cover medical expenses, hospital charges, and even compensation for permanent disabilities or loss of life. Ensuring the safety of your pillion rider is crucial, and this feature provides an added layer of security for your loved ones.

Also Read: Difference Between Comprehensive and Own Damage (Od) Two-Wheeler Insurance

3. Various Add-Ons

Two-wheeler insurance policies offer a range of add-ons that can enhance your coverage. These add-ons, available for an additional premium, allow you to customize your policy according to your specific needs. Some popular add-ons include:

• Zero Depreciation Cover: This add-on ensures you receive the total claim amount without any deduction for depreciation on parts.
• Engine Protection Cover: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing the engine due to damage caused by water ingress or oil leakage.
• Roadside Assistance: Provides help in case of a breakdown, including towing services, minor repairs, and fuel delivery.
• Consumables Cover: This covers the cost of consumables like engine oil, nuts and bolts, and lubricants not covered under the standard policy.

These add-ons make your bike insurance policy more robust and tailored to your needs.

4. Legal Protection

In the event of an accident where you are held liable for causing injury or damage to a third party, your two-wheeler insurance policy provides legal protection. This includes covering legal expenses and compensation claims up to a specified limit. This coverage ensures that you are not financially burdened by legal proceedings and can focus on recovering from the incident. It is a crucial aspect of two-wheeler vehicle insurance that offers peace of mind and financial security.

Want to understand the legal importance of bike insurance? Read our detailed blog - Why Is It Mandatory to Have Bike Insurance in India?

5. Cover for Lost Accessories

Another lesser-known benefit of two-wheeler insurance is the option to cover lost or damaged accessories. This includes electrical and non-electrical accessories such as headlights, indicators, and custom modifications. In case of theft or damage, the insurance provider will reimburse the cost of these accessories, ensuring that your bike remains in top condition without additional financial strain. This feature mainly benefits those who have invested in high-quality or custom accessories for their two-wheeler.

Conclusion

Two-wheeler insurance is essential for every rider, offering protection against various risks. Beyond the basic coverage, several hidden benefits can significantly enhance your policy. From long-term insurance options and safety for pillion riders to multiple add-ons, legal protection, and cover for lost accessories, understanding these aspects can help you make the most of your two-wheeler insurance policy. When you buy two wheeler insurance, consider these features to ensure comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. With the convenience of online bike insurance, securing your two-wheeler has always been challenging. Explore the options available and choose a policy that best suits your needs, ensuring a safe and worry-free riding experience.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Do you consider your car a necessity or a luxury? These days for many people, a car has become essential enough that there is a dependency on it for getting around, running errands and managing day-to-day tasks. While owning a car has been comparatively easy and accessible to a lot of people it comes with the responsibility of car insurance.

But even though car insurance premiums can often feel like a burden, there are a few ways to reduce them without compromising on coverage. Here, we'll explore how to reduce your car insurance cost and five smart driving tips that can help you with the same.

Tips to Reduce Your Car Insurance:

1. Take Your Car Out Only if It's Necessary:

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce car insurance costs is by minimizing your car use. Many insurance companies offer usage-based insurance policies, where premiums are determined based on the actual distance you cover and the frequency of your drives.

By reducing unnecessary trips and going for public transportation or carpooling when possible, you can lower your insurance costs.

2. Follow All Traffic Rules While Driving:

It's not just about your own safety, following traffic rules can also save you money on your car insurance. Insurers often consider your driving record when calculating premiums, and a history of traffic violations can lead to higher rates. Having a low record of traffic violations can give a sense of guarantee to the insurer hence leading to low premiums.

You should drive responsibly, obey speed limits, and avoid reckless behaviour so that you can demonstrate to insurers that you're a low-risk driver, which can lead to lower premiums.

3. Personal Accident Cover:

Investing in personal accident cover as part of your car insurance policy can provide an added layer of protection for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.

While this may increase your initial premium slightly, it can offer invaluable financial support in case of injuries, medical expenses, or even loss of income due to disability resulting from an accident.

4. Be a Safe and Responsible Driver:

Your driving habits can have a direct impact on your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies often use telematics devices to monitor driving behaviour, including acceleration, braking, and cornering.

Adopt safe driving practices such as maintaining a steady speed, avoiding sudden stops, and following traffic guidelines so that insurers know that your chances of getting into an accident are low, which in turn can result in lower premium costs.

5. Cover Against Theft:

While proper car insurance typically covers damages caused by accidents, it's also important to safeguard your vehicle against theft. Adding anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, or immobilizers to your car can not only deter thieves but also lower your insurance premiums.

Insurers often offer discounts for vehicles equipped with anti-theft measures, as they pose a lower risk of theft-related claims.

Conclusion:

So, don't let car insurance premiums stress you out. With smart driving and safety tips, you can keep your premiums low and still have great coverage. Just remember, how you drive and the safety measures you choose can help you save money and drive with confidence.

Looking for an easy trouble-free insurance option? SBI General Insurance's Private Car Insurance Policy - Package offers the all-rounder protection you need. This complete package of a policy provides comprehensive coverage against accidental damage to your vehicle, third-party liabilities, and even personal accidents for the owner-driver. Plus, you can easily manage your policy for claim intimation, status tracking, and document submission.

This policy offers much more than just basic third-party liability coverage. Visit SBI General Insurance online today to learn more and protect your dream car with a truly comprehensive plan!

FAQs

1. Can implementing safety measures in my driving routine lead to insurance discounts?

   Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who demonstrate safe driving habits or invest in safety features for their vehicles. By taking proactive steps to enhance safety, you may qualify for lower premiums.

2. Are there any technological tools or devices that can help monitor my driving habits?

   Yes, telematics devices are commonly used by insurers to track driving behaviour and offer usage-based insurance policies. These devices collect data on factors such as speed, acceleration, and braking, which can be used to assess risk and adjust premiums accordingly.

3. Are there any government programs or initiatives that offer incentives for safe driving?

   While specific government programs may vary by region, many authorities encourage safe driving through initiatives such as defensive driving courses, road safety campaigns, and incentives for installing safety equipment in vehicles.

4. Is it possible to negotiate a lower insurance premium based on my driving history?

   While insurance premiums are typically based on a variety of factors, including driving history, it's always worth exploring options for discounts or negotiating with your insurer. Providing evidence of safe driving practices or completing defensive driving courses may help in negotiating lower premiums.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.