July 2017 - Turtlemint

How to choose a hassle-free car insurance which is claim friendly?

July 28, 2017May 13, 2021 Rupanjali Mitra Basu

When it comes to a car insurance policy you have no choice of avoiding it. The law (the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 precisely) mandates that your car must have a valid insurance policy if you want to drive it on Indian roads. Here is what happens when you drive without insurance. That is why when you buy a car you buy a car insurance policy and continue to renew it year on year. But when it comes to making claims, most often than not, you find yourself looking at a hassling experience. Is making a car insurance claim really fraught with hassles?

Actually, it is not. If you buy a good car insurance policy which has a simple claim settlement process you can save yourself unnecessary hassles at the time of claim. But, do you know how to choose such a car insurance policy? Let me tell you how.

Go online and compare before you buy

Did you know that the online medium allows you the ease of purchasing or renewing your car insurance policy? You must, after all, buying online is the easiest method. Did you also know that the online medium allowed you the facility of comparison? Online insurance aggregators or brokers let you compare between the different car insurance plans available in the market. You can enter in your car details and view the plans with their coverage features and premium rates. Then you can compare between the plans and choose one which is the most suitable for you.

Choose a plan with comprehensive coverage features

When you are comparing between the available car insurance plans, take special care to choose a plan which has the most extensive scope of coverage. Though the basic coverage features are common in all plans, there are optional coverage features which make the difference. These are called policy add-ons. Some add-ons are inbuilt in different plans while some are available at an additional premium. Choose a plan which has good inbuilt add-ons and also gives you a choice of add-ons which you can select as per your need. If your coverage would be comprehensive, your claim settlement would be easier.

Understand the claim process of the plan before buying it

Different insurance companies have a different set of protocols when it comes to settling the claim. When choosing a plan go through the claim settlement process of the plan. Understand the process completely. If you need help get in touch with the representatives of the online medium from where you are comparing the plans. Only after you understand the claim process and feel that the process is simple should you buy the plan.

Follow the claim settlement process correctly

Only understanding the claim process does not make your job complete. At the time of a claim you should also follow the process correctly. You should carry your Insurance Certificate at all times in the car. The Insurance Certificate is issued by the insurance company when you buy their car insurance policy. The certificate gives the details of your car insurance plan and should be carried at all times. In case of a claim you should intimate the insurance company immediately about the loss or damage suffered. The insurer should be contacted at its claim helpline number which is usually mentioned in the Insurance Certificate. If not mentioned, you should keep the number handy. Notifying the insurance company is the first important step towards initiating your claim. The company would then guide you towards the next steps required to get your claim settled easily.

Getting your car insurance claim settled can be simple if you know how to choose the correct car insurance policy and its claim settlement process. For a hassle-free experience you should compare the available plans, opt for exhaustive coverage features and buy a plan only after understanding its claim process. The Insurance Certificate and notifying the insurance company are the two major and also common requirements in all car insurance claims. So, know these tips and choose a car insurance policy for yourself which is not only comprehensive in its coverage features, but also has a hassle-free claim settlement process.

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Top 10 smart bikes that are cheap to insure in 2017

July 27, 2017May 13, 2021 Rupanjali Mitra Basu

A two-wheeler, or a bike as it is popularly known as, is the most favored mode of transport among many individuals. Given its affordability and, of course, ease of navigation, most of you love to ride a two-wheeler, isn’t it? Bike manufacturers also offer bikes with cutting edge features which lure the fast and the furious to give the bikes a try. While the young find a bike a style symbol, for matured adults a bike is a dependable mode of transport. Whichever category you fall in, if you have a bike or are thinking of buying one, you also need to have a bike insurance policy. A two-wheeler insurance plan is a mandatory requirement without which you are not legally allowed to take your bike for a spin.

How to prevent illnesses this monsoon

July 21, 2017May 13, 2021 Ronit Khopkar

Enjoyable though the rainy season is, it can cost you “your health” if you aren’t careful. You’re at a high risk of falling prey to serious diseases and infections that spread rampantly due to unhygienic conditions during monsoon.

Don’t let the dangers of this tricky season jeopardize your health and wealth. Stay aware and take adequate safety measures to protect yourself this monsoon. Also, arm yourself with a health insurance policy or a disease-specific plan (like a Dengue Insurance Cover).

Read more about why to buy dengue insurance policy

Let’s take a look at some of the common (and possibly fatal) monsoon illnesses:

Here are a few prevention tips to help you keep these dangerous monsoon illnesses at bay:

When outside, carry an umbrella/raincoat, wear long-sleeved clothes and closed shoes, and keep cuts and injuries covered. If you get drenched or step in dirty water, change out of your damp clothes and take a bath.
Practice good hygiene and sanitation. Wash your hands frequently with soap.
Avoid accumulation of stagnant water.

Drink only clean water, filtered or boiled.
Eat food that’s cooked completely and not stale. Avoid consuming cut fruits or salads, unpasteurized milk or ice cream, and street food.

Boost your immunity with a diet rich in Vitamin C and other nutrients.

Keep houseflies away from food and water.
Use mosquito repellents and insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Avoid contact with anyone infected with a contagious illness.
If you stay in an area where the malarial infection is prevalent, take anti-Malarial medication as a precautionary measure.

Get vaccinated for Cholera, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A.
If you have cattle or pets, get them vaccinated.

With the right health insurance, you can safeguard yourself financially and get the necessary medical care if you do happen to fall ill. Find out how you can play safe this monsoon with the umbrella of health insurance!

Need help finding an affordable health insurance plan? Compare plans and invest wisely with the help of Team Turtlemint. Call our Health Expert at 1800-266-0101 or visit the Turtlemint website to get quotes for different health insurance plans.

Read more about Dejargonizing health insurance terms

Is cashless claim for you?

July 19, 2017May 13, 2021 Rupanjali Mitra Basu

A health insurance policy covers the costs incurred if you face a medical emergency – you all know that. But do you know how to make a successful claim in your health insurance plan?

Insurance, by its very nature, is a technical concept. Though you might buy it after understanding its features, it is at the time of claim that most of you feel clueless. While it is true that making a health insurance claim has a protocol, once you understand the simple process, making a claim would no longer be difficult.

A health insurance plan has two types of claim settlement process – cashless and reimbursement. Do you know how each works and their respective advantages and disadvantages? Let’s find out:

What is cashless claim?

Under a cashless claim settlement process, when you are admitted in a network hospital, the insurance company directly settles your medical bills with the hospital. You do not have to shoulder any expenses yourself. That is why it is called a cashless claim.

What is reimbursement claim?

Under a reimbursement claim process, you have to first shoulder your medical bills. After you get treated and are discharged from the hospital, you have to submit the relevant bills to the insurance company. The company then reimburses the medical costs you incurred.

Difference between the two

Cashless and reimbursement claim processes are very different from each other. Let us understand the main differences between the two:

Pros and cons of cashless claim settlement

Advantages

Since the insurance company takes care of all relevant medical expenses, you don’t have to face any financial burden.
Minimal paperwork is involved in this claim process.

Disadvantages

You have to seek hospitalization only in a networked hospital to avail cashless benefit. In any medical emergency you might not be able to find a networked hospital in your vicinity. This would be a major setback as treatments in a non-network hospital would be done only on reimbursement basis.

Pros and cons of reimbursement claim

Advantages

You can get treated in any hospital and later get the bills settled.

Disadvantages

You have to face the financial strain of any hospitalization. You would get reimbursement only when you are discharged from the hospital and the treatment is complete.
A lot of bills, certificates and reports are required to be submitted to the insurance company for availing reimbursement of your claim. Since the documentation process is cumbersome, you might get confused. It also delays the whole claim settlement process which usually takes a lot of time.

Many health insurance plans have cashless claim settlement process inherent in their health insurance policies. It is because insurance companies understand the benefits of a cashless claim settlement process and want their customers to have a hassle-free claim settlement process. In some cases you might have to contact the Third Party Administrator (TPA) which acts as an intermediary between you and the insurance company in case of cashless claim. However, to eliminate any middlemen, insurance companies have now developed an in-house claim settlement department where your cashless claims are coordinated and settled directly by the insurance company. This cuts down the unnecessary hassles and makes the process faster.

All said and considered a cashless claim settlement process is your best bet. It is financially liberating and helps in cases when you, the breadwinner seek medical assistance. Your family is liberated from the burden of paying your medical bills and the company takes care of them itself. So, when you are looking for health insurance plans, choose cashless over reimbursement. You would be grateful! Here is how you can get the best health insurance plan.

Read this if your Cashless claim was rejected and know how to deal with it.

Do you have more than 1 health insurance policy and wondering how to claim? Check out our video to know more

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Has GST made your car purchase cheaper?

July 14, 2017May 13, 2021 Rupanjali Mitra Basu

Planning to buy a new car but not sure how the prices got affected once GST rolled in?

This Turtlemint article has you covered! Read on to know more about GST and its implications on the cost of passenger cars.

What is GST?

GST is an indirect tax levied on goods and services throughout India, from July 1^st, 2017 onwards. Most taxable businesses and persons have to register for GST and make GST payments to the government electronically, online. The streamlined process of GST payments and refunds is intended to bring in more transparency and accountability.

The GST bill has been passed to simplify the Indian tax sector. Instead of the multiple-tier excise duty structure used earlier for passenger cars, the new tax structure under GST (Goods & Services Tax) levies a peak duty of 28% along with cess, which varies according to the type of car.

GST & the Indian car industry

Overall, the GST move has proven positive for both automobile manufacturers and customers. The tax on passenger cars has been reduced to a maximum of 43 percent since GST rolled in. Moreover, the supply chain mechanism has improved under the GST registration framework. Since GST registration is mandatory for most business entities including large auto parts suppliers, manufacturers will now be able to procure auto parts at a cheaper cost.

Automobile manufacturers like Skoda, Nissan, Tata Motors, Renault, Mahindra & Mahindra, Honda, Ford, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have already started passing on the GST benefits to consumers by reducing the price of their car models.

Almost all passenger cars have lower price tags since July 1^st. Even the demand for luxury cars, which had begun dwindling last year, has now started to rise thanks to the rationalization of taxes.

The only negative impact of GST seems to have been on the prices of the fuel-efficient hybrid cars. For instance, the prices of hybrid variants Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius have been hiked by over Rs. 3.5 lakh in Bengaluru and up to Rs. 5.24 lakh in Delhi.

Some cars that you can now purchase cheaper are mentioned in the table below:

Now that you know which car GST has made less costly, you can make an informed purchase decision. Do check out the 8 ways to keep your car cool in summer and the 5 destinations from Mumbai you can drive to, dear future car-owner!

Did you know, car insurance companies are likely to revise premiums because of GST? Car insurance companies might pass on the price hike to you, the end-consumer, by increasing the premiums they charge!

Need some help finding a cheap car insurance policy? Turtlemint allows you to compare different car insurance policies offered by car insurance companies. Call our Car Expert at 1800-266-0101 or head on over to turtlemint.com to get car insurance quotes for an easy car insurance comparison.

How effective is bumper to bumper policy?

July 12, 2017May 13, 2021 Sidharth Hampanavar

How often do you feel dejected when, in spite of having a comprehensive car insurance policy, you do not get the total cost of repairs in a claim? Many times, I bet. Though your comprehensive car insurance policy pays for the damages suffered by your car, the claim settlement is done after making deductions for depreciation of your car’s parts. That is why, when you make a claim, you settle a portion of the claim from your pockets. Do you like it?

Of course, you don’t. But is there a solution? Yes, a Bumper to Bumper policy, also called a Zero Depreciation Policy, is your solution to this dilemma. Do you know what it is? Let’s find out:

What is Bumper to Bumper policy?

A Bumper to Bumper cover or a Zero Depreciation cover protects the value of your car’s parts from the effects of depreciation. When you make a claim in your Bumper to Bumper policy, the claim paid is not deducted for the relevant depreciation. Instead, you get the complete cost of repairs done to your car’s parts. Let’s see how this policy works:

You saved a whopping Rs.6100 on repair costs through a Bumper to Bumper cover. Isn’t it amazing?

Is a Bumper to Bumper cover policy effective?

Well, if you look at the above savings, you wouldn’t need any more answers. From the financial point of view, a Bumper to Bumper policy saves a lot of money which would otherwise come out of your pockets. So, a Bumper to Bumper policy is definitely effective. Here are other reasons to fortify this statement:

The schedule of depreciation is high in car insurance policies

The rate of depreciation associated with different parts of the car is quite considerable and it might end up burning a hole in your pockets. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself. Here are the depreciation rates on different parts of your car:

So, you can imagine the proportion of the cost you would have to bear when your car goes for a repair!

Parts of a new or a luxury car are quite expensive

A Bumper to Bumper policy is effective especially in case of new cars whose parts are very expensive. When you have already invested your savings in buying the car, paying the cost of repairs out of your pockets seems like a burden. In these instances, a zero depreciation policy is very effective. Moreover, if you are the proud owner of a luxury car or a high-end sedan, meeting the repair costs out of your pockets would be financially draining. Here is where a Bumper to Bumper cover is important.

Any more doubt on the effectiveness of a Bumper to Bumper cover? You can also read Are Car Insurance riders worth buying?

Things to remember for a Bumper to Bumper policy

Though a Bumper to Bumper policy provides a very effective cover, here are some things which you should remember:

- This policy is usually available for cars not older than 5 years. For older cars, you cannot avail a Bumper to Bumper policy.

You have to pay an additional premium for choosing a Bumper to Bumper cover. This premium is, usually, 10% to 20% higher than the basic premium.
There is no separate Bumper to Bumper policy. You can convert your car insurance policy to a Bumper to Bumper cover simply by choosing the zero depreciation add-on with your basic policy.
There are exclusions for this cover. Normal wear and tear of your car’s parts, mechanical breakdowns, consequential loss, etc. are not covered.
There is a limit to the number of claims made under a Bumper to Bumper cover throughout the complete policy tenure. This limit varies across different plans.

So, now you know what a Bumper to Bumper policy is, what it covers and whether it is effective. If you buy a new car or have a high-end car, don’t forget to add a Zero depreciation add-on and ensure a higher coverage.

Read more about Anatomy of car insurance policies

How do I choose the best plan for my parents?

July 7, 2017May 13, 2021 Rupanjali Mitra Basu

William Penn quoted, ‘Next to God, thy parents’. He couldn’t be more right. Our parents bring us into the world, nurture us, shape our future and make us independent all the while sacrificing their needs. Isn’t it, therefore, important that when we become financially independent, we take care of our parents?

Thankfully, most of us take care of our parents in their old age. However, one cannot deny the huge medical costs associated with such care. In older ages, our parents are more susceptible to ailments and such ailments pose a threat to our finances. Even if our parents are living independently, it is imperative to safeguard their limited finances from the high medical costs. To save our finances and our parents’, a health insurance policy is needed. There are many health plans available in the market today. Do you know how to choose the best plan for your parents?

Choosing the best health plan for your parents is simple if you follow some common tips mentioned below:

The plan should allow a high level of Sum Insured

When it comes to buying a policy for your senior citizen parents, you might find limitations on the amount of Sum Insured available. Such limitations limit the coverage provided by the health plan. Given the increasing cost of medicine, a health plan with an optimal Sum Insured is required. So, the plan which offers the maximum coverage amount would be the best plan for your parents.

Choose a plan with a low waiting period for pre-existing ailments

Since your parents are old, pre-existing illnesses are likely. Every health insurance plan excludes coverage for pre-existing illnesses for some years when the policy is bought. This is called the waiting period. Usually, the waiting period ranges from 1 year to 4 years. The best health insurance plan for your parents would be one which has the lowest waiting period. This would ensure that your parents get a comprehensive coverage at the earliest.

There should be lifelong renewability

Although IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority) has allowed lifelong renewability, some health insurance plans do not allow lifelong renewals. If there is a limit on the maximum age, your parents wouldn’t be able to enjoy coverage in older ages when a health plan is a must. Therefore, look at the maximum renewal age of a health plan and ensure that the plan allows lifelong renewability.

The co-pay ratio should be lowest

Every health insurance company adds the co-pay feature to a health plan if the plan is being bought by senior citizens. Co-pay represents the proportion of claim which is payable by you. For instance, if a health insurance plan has a co-pay ratio of 20% and there is a claim of Rs.10, 000, Rs.2000 would be borne by you while the insurance company would settle the remaining Rs.8000. If the policy has a high co-pay ratio your out-of-pocket expenses on each claim would be high. Thus, look for plans which have the lowest co-pay requirement as such plans are the best.

The claim settlement process of the plan should be easy and cashless

Health insurance companies settle the claim either by cashless facility or through reimbursement. In the former, the company directly settles your medical bills while in the latter you have to bear the costs yourself and the company reimburses you later. Moreover, companies either settle the claim through a Third Party Administrator (TPA) or they have an in-house claim settlement department. A cashless claim settlement facility through the in-house department of the insurance company is the best way to get your claim settled. So, the best health plan should give you this preferred mode of claim settlement.

Health insurance companies have launched specially designed senior citizen health plans. So, if you are looking to buy a policy for your parents, a senior citizen health plan would be your best bet. These plans are designed to cater to requirements of senior citizens. To choose the best senior citizen plan, you should look at the above-mentioned parameters. To find the best plan, go online and compare between the available plans before you make your choice. The online medium would show you all available plans and help you to make the best choice. So, make your parents proud. Buy the best health insurance policy for them and spare them and yourself the financial burden of high healthcare costs.

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All you need to know about renewing your lapsed two-wheeler insurance policy

July 6, 2017May 13, 2021 Rupanjali Mitra Basu

Bike insurance policies are undergoing a change. Nowadays, these policies are also being offered for a longer tenure of 2 years or 3 years besides the regular one year policy.

Whether you buy a 1-year policy or a policy with a longer tenure, your bike insurance policy would come up for renewal after the stipulated term comes to an end. Do you know how to renew it?

Renewing a bike insurance policy is an easy affair which seems difficult to common individuals who don’t know how to go about it. As a result most bike insurance policies lapse. Are you too a victim of a lapsed bike insurance plan? If you are, its time you wake up and renew your bike insurance policy without further delay. If you don’t know how the article would give you a complete guide to renewing your lapsed policy, but first, let us understand what exactly is a lapsed policy.

What is a lapsed policy?

Your bike insurance policy has a specified tenure. When the tenure is over and you do not renew the plan, the cover stops and the policy lapses. For instance, if you have bought a one-year bike insurance policy on January 1, 2017, the policy would run till the midnight of 31st December, 2017. On 1st January, 2018, if the policy is not renewed, the cover would stop and the policy would lapse.

A guide to renewing a lapsed policy

What happens when you are lazy or forgetful and do not renew your bike insurance plan on time? Your bike insurance policy lapses. To renew your lapsed policy here is what you should do:

Do online renewals

The online marketplace has revolutionized the way we shop, hasn’t it? You can do everything online and renewing a bike insurance policy is no exception. Bike insurance companies allow online renewals of your lapsed bike insurance policy. There are online insurance aggregators, website of insurance companies and also online insurance brokers from where you can renew your bike insurance policy online. Just provide your bike details, follow some simple steps, arrange for an inspection, make an online payment and, voila, your policy would be renewed.

Get your bike surveyed and inspected

If your bike insurance policy lapses there is an inspection of your bike before your policy is renewed. Even if you opt for online renewals, an inspection is required. To get your bike inspected you would simply have to inform the insurance company which sends its surveyor who conducts the inspection. After the bike is inspected the surveyor submits his report to the company and the company allows your policy to be renewed.

Protect your No Claim Bonus (NCB)

No Claim Bonus (NCB) is allowed to you if you do not make any claim in a policy year. This bonus rate starts from 20% for the first claim-free year and increases every year when a claim is not made. NCB allows you a premium discount when you renew your bike insurance policy. If your policy lapses, you stand to lose your accumulated NCB discount if you do not renew your policy within 90 days of such lapse. So, if your policy has lapsed, remember to renew it timely to retain your NCB.

Month: July 2017

How to choose a hassle-free car insurance which is claim friendly?

Go online and compare before you buy

Choose a plan with comprehensive coverage features

Understand the claim process of the plan before buying it

Follow the claim settlement process correctly

Top 10 smart bikes that are cheap to insure in 2017

How to prevent illnesses this monsoon

Is cashless claim for you?

What is cashless claim?

What is reimbursement claim?

Difference between the two

Pros and cons of cashless claim settlement

Pros and cons of reimbursement claim

Has GST made your car purchase cheaper?

What is GST?

GST & the Indian car industry

How effective is bumper to bumper policy?

How do I choose the best plan for my parents?

All you need to know about renewing your lapsed two-wheeler insurance policy

What is a lapsed policy?

Do online renewals

Get your bike surveyed and inspected

Protect your No Claim Bonus (NCB)

Pay heed to automated renewal reminders