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May 2022

Automotive

How to Change Your Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy Online?

When searching for a commuting option in an Indian city, most people prefer a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler. The reason is that bikes are easy to manoeuvre and park. Also, they are low maintenance than cars. However, different people have different reasons for opting for a two-wheeler. Some are simply too fond of their bikes. But, on the other hand, some invest in a two-wheeler looking at the practicality of the situation.

Considering the road conditions in India, no matter which two-wheeler you choose for yourself, it’s important to safeguard it from sudden mishaps. Even though the Indian Motor Vehicles Act mandates a bike insurance policy, you need to ensure that your chosen online two-wheeler policy will offer maximum protection.

Hence, insuring your brand-new two-wheeler is a sensible decision on your part. It’s not just legally mandatory, but it is also required for the overall well-being of your finances in the long term.

How to Change Bike Insurance Company/Policy Online?

Suppose you quickly purchased simple bike insurance soon after bringing your two-wheeler home. And now you have realised the importance of having robust online 3rd party bike insurance. Such policies would offer better coverage and ensure all-around protection of your bike during any accidents. So, how do you change your policy now?

Here are a few ways by which you can change your already purchased bike insurance policy online:

  • Online renewal – You can change your bike insurance plan at its renewal online. You can switch to a better insurer that can offer better coverage at affordable premiums. Tata AIG, for instance, offers robust online 3rd party bike insurance policies at the most affordable pricing in India. Their policy purchase process is easy as well.
  • New ownership – If you have plans to sell your two-wheeler or if you wish to give it to someone else for use, you can easily transfer the insurance policy from the old owner to the new owner. However, you need to provide every detail of the new owner to the insurer to receive a new policy certificate.
  • Within policy tenure – If you are not satisfied with your current policy, you might have a question in your mind, can I change my bike insurance company? You can switch to a new insurance company after cancelling the previous First, however, you need to ensure that you do not have any open claims with your existing insurer.
  • Change in the model – If you plan to buy a new two-wheeler, you can transfer the bike insurance plan from the old one to the new one. However, to do this, your new insurer will verify the cost of your new vehicle and may adjust the cost of the premiums accordingly.

Factors to Consider While Changing an Existing Bike Insurance Plan

Now that you are aware of the ways of changing your old insurance for the bike, there are a few factors that you need to consider:

  • Remember that not all good bike insurance plans need to be expensive. And choosing the right one is crucial for the safety of your two-wheeler. Hence, do some research online and then make an informed choice.
  • You need to have a valid reason behind changing the policy. Do not just pick another plan to lower the premium costs. Choosing an inexpensive plan that cannot offer the right coverage is foolish.
  • If you are changing the insurer, ensure that you go through their reputation in the market. You even need to consider their past claim settlement ratio and history with their customers.

Conclusion

So, are you ready to buy bike insurance online or change an existing one? Keep the above-discussed points in mind to choose the right one for yourself and to make an informed choice. Happy riding!

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Automotive

Best Car Seats of 2022

You’re a new parent, and you need a list of items for your newborn. On top of that list should be the car seat, unless you’re planning to spend all your time at home or rent a car that comes with a car seat. It’s hard to choose one when there are many options, but you’re looking for the safest one for your little one, and we’re here to help.

Types of Car Seats

There are different types of car seats for you to choose from.

  • Infant Car Seat: The infant car seat is made to protect your child from day one. They’re rear-facing and designed with a base placed in the car, while the seat is placed and removed when needed.
  • Convertible Car Seats: The convertible car seat is useful as it can be used for rear-facing and forward-facing positions. Yet, you can’t use the forward-facing position until your child has reached the right weight and height (depending on what the manual says). The downside of convertible car seats is, they’re not easy to get your child out of the car.
  • Booser Car Seats: The booster seat is not for newborns, but it can be used for children who outgrow their car seats. It’s important to keep them safe with the seat belt on.
  • Combination Car Seat: Changing the car seat from an infant to a combination car seat depends on the height and weight of your child. Make sure to read the car seat manual before you do so. The combination car seat is used as a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness that can be changed to a booster seat.
  • 3 in 1 Car Seat: It’s not only a rear-facing car seat, but it’s also a forward-facing and a booster seat, so you can change it as your baby grows older.

It depends on what you’re looking for.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Seat

It’s not about buying the most expensive car seat, it’s about knowing what you’re looking for. Hence, these are the factors you should consider when buying a car seat for your little one:

 

  • Fits in your car: Depending on your car, you might want to consider buying a car seat that fits in there.
  • Size: Take into consideration the height and weight of your child before choosing the car seat.
  • Comfort: Padding and material breathability are what to look for when buying a car seat. These are the two features that will keep your child comfortable while in the car.
  • Fabric: You want a good quality fabric that’s durable and easily washed.
  • Installation: How easy is it to install in your car? Ask that question before purchasing one.
  • Stroller Compatibility: Is it compatible with your stroller? That’s one feature that will simplify your life as you can place it on the stroller as soon as you’re out of the car.
  • Safety: Is it labelled as safe? Car seats are usually tested for safety before they’re sold in stores. 

The Best Car Seats

Best Infant Car Seat

Cybex Aton X

If you’re looking for the best infant car seat, the Cybex Aton X is it. You can tick off safe, lightweight, compatibility with strollers, and washable padding off the list of factors to consider.

The downside of the Cybex Aton X is it’s only a rear-facing seat, and the compatible strollers are expensive.

Best Price

Chicco KeyFit

If you’re on a budget, the Chicco KeyFit is what you’re looking for. You’ll get a lightweight car seat with easily removable and washable padding for an affordable price. You’ll have to use cold water to wash it, and it shouldn’t be placed in the dryer. In addition, the Chicco KeyFit is safe and is compatible with up to 8 strollers.

The disadvantage of the Chicco KeyFit is babies outgrow it quickly, so you’ll need to find a new car seat sooner than expected. Secondly, the car seat instruction manual is unclear, and it’s not the easiest car seat to use.

Best Stroller Compatibility

Doona Instant Car Seat and Stroller

Yes, other car seats work on a couple of strollers, but why don’t you buy one that transforms into a stroller with a click of a button. This one of a kind car seat will pull the wheels back up and change back to a car seat quickly when needed. What more could you ask for?

The problem with this car seat/stroller is,  you can no longer use it when your baby outgrows the car seat. Plus, there’s no storage basket to place any bags.

Best 4-in-1 Car Seat

Evenflo Gold SensorSafe EveryStage

It’s not only a 3 in 1 car seat, but there’s one more feature that you’ll benefit from. The Evenflo Gold SensorSafe EveryStage has it all, a rear-facing that changes to a forward-facing seat and then to a booster seat.

So you’ll save yourself the time of finding a new car seat as your baby grows older. With washable padding and two cup holders, there’s nothing more you could ask for.

All in all, the car seat is a must if you have a newborn child. Every parent looks for the best items for their child, and these are our recommendations.

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Automotive

Top 5 Benefits Of Applying Ceramic Coating On Your Car

Your car is a significant investment. That’s why you ought to maintain it and ensure it looks good all the time. Ceramic coating is one way to ensure that your car is well taken care of.

Your car’s paint job may look less pristine over time due to exposure to sunlight and other debris such as bugs, dust, tree sap, gas and chemicals. A ceramic coating can help with this but if you are new to the car care world, you may wonder, what is ceramic coating?

Ceramic coating is a temporary coating that is applied to the exterior of your vehicle to shield it from external paint degradation. It is a nanoscopic paint solution that is sprayed in a fluid state but dries to form a hard covering over your vehicle’s paint. Here are the benefits of applying a ceramic coating to your car

1.     Protects The Paint

When you drive your car, you subject the paint to contaminants that might ruin it. Ceramic coating forms a solid, protective barrier on your vehicle’s body, keeping extraneous particles from causing harm. It can withstand harsh use without creating visible damage to your automobiles, such as aging, corrosion, and corrosive stains. A ceramic coating on your car can help protect it from UV light, which can cause corrosion. This is particularly useful if you park your car outside. Notably, ensure you utilize high-quality ceramic coating sprays such as Nexgen Ceramic Spray and Torque Detail.

2.     It Makes Your Car Look Cleaner

Because of the firm surface provided by ceramic coating, dirt and debris won’t get stuck so easily. This implies that your car stays cleaner longer, and when it does need to be cleaned, it is easier to do so – removing all of the dirt takes considerably less time than it usually would. Check out Car Care Reviews for the best products to use and how to apply them.

3.     Cost-Effective

One of the best features of ceramic coating is that it is a fairly priced option for car owners. While the initial cost may be higher, you will save money over time because you would not have to pay for products such as wax, vehicle washes, and other external maintenance and repair.

4.     Improves The Car Aesthetics

 The ceramic coating protects the surface of your car, but it also leaves a lovely, candy-like luster for everybody to appreciate. It will bring out the finest in your original paint job, restoring your car’s appearance to when you first drove it.This is where you’ll find the beauty that all vehicle owners will like. Consider using Mothers CMX Ceramic Spray coating and enjoy the benefits it carries along with it.

5.     It Is Long-Lasting

Wax-based paint coatings, for example, deteriorate significantly quicker than protective coatings When you choose a professional ceramic coating, you can rely on it to last for years without deterioration due to exposure to weather, atmospheric elements, bird droppings, or other potential pollutants.

In conclusion, there are several advantages associated with ceramic coating. However, ensure you are choosing a quality product and if you want to apply it yourself, learn how to do it right.

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Automotive

How to Tell If Your Car Needs Repair

Your vehicle is among the most indispensable and convenient commodities in life. Without it, you can be left booking costly Uber rides or running at the bus station.

So it is necessary to take care of your vehicle and don’t overlook warning signs showing that your car is not in good condition. Some of the signs that may show that you need to take your car to an auto repair shop include:

1.     Excess Exhaust Smoke

Among the first things, you will start noticing when your car’s engine has an issue is excess exhaust smoke. Based on the color of exhaust smoke, you may at times diagnose the problem.

White smoke is a sign of burning coolant, black means you are using a lot of gasoline, and blue smoke usually represents burning oil.

2.     Leaking Fluids

Whether it is transmission fluid or oil, your car should not leak things on the road. If you start noticing a puddle of liquid below your vehicle each morning when leaving for work, it means there is something in your engine that must be addressed.

Leaking fluids may force your car engine to overwork – meaning it’s more likely to get damaged or die. It may also burn the fluids quickly and damage the pistons and belts, which need to be lubed frequently to work properly.

3.     Strange Noises

Ticks, squeaking, and clicks can also be a sign of an issue under the car’s bonnet. If the sound becomes more intense or the issue seems urgent, you will need to pull over and call your mechanic immediately.

For less urgent cases, you need to consider what they sound like, when they occur, and where the sounds come from. These descriptions can help your mechanic a lot in diagnosing the issue.

4.     Minimized Performance

If your car finds it hard to get up to speed or you notice a decrease in miles, it means there is a problem that should be addressed right away.

Different things can lead to poor performance of your car’s engine. So ensure you enlist the help of a knowledgeable and good mechanic to diagnose the issue.

If the speed bumps become a haul, it means your vehicle is riding low. At times, you can also hear the tires scraping. Either of these signs can signal difficulty with the car’s suspension.

5.     Warning Lights

One of the signs showing that your car requires repair is the dashboard warning lights. Unfortunately, the engine’s light might indicate that there is a problem with your car, which might be difficult to determine whether it is a minor or major issue.

This is why it is imperative to work with a good mechanic so they can check out the problem as fast as possible. This is more vital when the light starts to flash.

Closing Remarks!

As individuals exhibit signs of exhaustion and weakness, your car might as well let you know about its current state.

But performing car maintenance routinely may save you cash and time and even ascertain that you have a safe driving experience.

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Automotive

What to Expect to See When You Visit a Volkswagen Dealership

Shopping for a New or Used VW? Here’s What to Look Forward To

Chances are, it’s been a very long time since you’ve set foot on a car dealership’s lot. The last couple of years have been fairly eventful. Now that things are getting back to normal, you may be considering either a new or used vehicle purchase.

Considering that Volkswagen is one of the nation’s leading brands, you probably have your eye on a vehicle like the VW Jetta, the VW Tiguan, or the exciting, all-electric VW ID.4, which was last year’s winner of the World Car of the Year Award. When it comes to picking out a fantastic compact, sedan, or SUV, you really can’t go wrong with a Volkswagen.

So, what should you expect when you visit a Volkswagen dealership? To give you a preview, we’ll walk you through some of the main aspects of car-buying when working with the friendly folks at VW.

Research Before You Visit

Car shopping isn’t like it was 20 years ago. Gone are the days where you would visit a lot with no idea of what they have to offer. The beauty of shopping with Volkswagen is that they list their entire catalog of used and new vehicles right on their website.

This allows you to shop at your leisure and identify the cars that seem like a good fit for your driving style, storage needs, and budget. Having a general idea of what you want will greatly speed along the process and help your salesperson figure out which cars are going to be the best candidates for test driving.

Working with a VW Salesperson

The salespeople at Volkswagen are widely regarded as some of the most knowledgeable and friendly in the car buying industry. Your salesperson isn’t going to be interested in selling you just any car – they want to help you find the right car. This means that they’re going to ask several questions to narrow down the selection to a handful of vehicles that are going to be the ideal fit.

Some of these questions include:

“Are you more interested in a new or used vehicle?”

“Do you see yourself driving a compact, sedan, or SUV?”

“What vehicle attributes are most important to you? Features, storage, fuel economy?”

“What is your approximate budget for your vehicle purchase?”

Questions like these are important because it helps zero in on the handful of vehicles that are going to best suit your needs. For instance, if the most important thing to you is getting great fuel economy, then your salesperson would more than likely show you a new or used Jetta. The 2022 VW Jetta gets up to 41 mpg on the highway, which makes it one of the best vehicles in its class.

Or perhaps you have a large family dynamic and require a lot of seating. In that case, your salesperson would likely recommend the Volkswagen Atlas, which comfortably seats up to seven people.

Don’t be afraid to tell your salesperson exactly what you want or need. It helps them help you.

New vs. Used

If you are struggling with figuring out if you want to go with a new or used vehicle, your Volkswagen salesperson can breakdown the pros and cons. On the one hand, a new vehicle is going to be covered under the Volkswagen Carefree Coverage warranty which protects your vehicle and covers many of the routine maintenance services. This also ensures that you get every modern safety and convenience feature offered by VW. Additionally, a new vehicle gives you peace of mind knowing that it’s never had a previous owner.

However, used vehicles also have their own distinct set of advantages. Most new vehicles depreciate by 20% within the first year of ownership. By going with a used vehicle, you dodge the depreciation issue and can save a ton of money on the sticker price. Additionally, you can buy with confidence knowing that certified pre-owned vehicles have undergone a 100+ point inspection and come with their own limited warranty and roadside assistance.

Test Driving

Nothing quite seals the deal on whether or not you want a car quite like a test drive. Once your Volkswagen salesperson narrows down the vehicles you want to a few choices, you can then take a few test drives to see how these vehicles handle. This also gives your salesperson a chance to further explain the vehicle’s specific features and benefits that you can look forward to once you’ve purchased it.

Working With You on Financing and Trade-Ins

Most people don’t buy their vehicles in cash, so you can rest easy knowing that the staff at Volkswagen will work with you on your trade-in and securing financing for your new or used vehicle. Oftentimes, this process is quick and easy.

For trade-ins, all they need to do is give your current vehicle a quick inspection to determine the trade-in value. They can then apply that value to your new or used vehicle purchase. For financing, all that needs to be done is a quick check on credit to determine the financing terms that they can offer you. In some cases, they can lengthen the financing terms to make your monthly payment more manageable.

Finding a Volkswagen Dealership Near You

Volkswagen dealerships are so numerous that finding one near you should be no problem at all. You can kick things off by searching the phrase “Volkswagen dealership near me.” That should bring up at least one or two locations in the nearby area that you can visit.

Remember, if you’re making plans to visit a dealership, it always helps move things along if you shop on their website first. Try to narrow things down to two or three vehicles that you’re interested in hearing more about. This will help your salesperson facilitate the process of finding you the perfect Volkswagen for your needs and budget.

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Automotive

Types Of Auto Insurance And Why You Should Care

Auto insurance works by covering the costs of damages, injuries, and theft. It also covers lawsuits and legal fees if you are sued due to an accident or injury caused by your vehicle.

State laws require car owners to carry specific minimum amounts of liability insurance. Your auto insurance policy must pay these amounts if you’re found legally responsible for causing a crash that injures others or damages their property.

Why Do You Need Auto Insurance?

You need the best auto insurance because it provides financial protection for you and others involved in a motor vehicle accident. Having the right auto insurance is important and can save you money when you need it most. It also provides security against damage to your vehicle. Auto insurance can also help pay for medical expenses and property damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Auto insurance is required by state law. In most cases, auto insurance is mandatory if you drive a car. If you drive without insurance, you may be subject to fines, license and registration suspension, and even jail time, depending on the state in which you live.

In addition to being required by law in most states, auto insurance provides financial protection for both you and other drivers on the road. A few of the common coverage types include:

Bodily injury liability

Bodily injury liability (BIL) pays for injuries to others if you are at fault and can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. It does not cover you or your passengers. BIL may be required by law in some states and voluntary in other states.

If calculating the cost of a car accident is your idea of fun, this is the coverage for you.

Property damage liability

Property damage liability coverage is designed to pay for the damage you cause to another person’s property. These damages can include other vehicles, homes, businesses, fences, and trees. Additionally, most property damage liability policies covered vandalism and theft as well.

The amount of property damage liability coverage you have selected on your policy will determine how much the insurance company will pay out if you are deemed at fault in an accident. If the damages exceed your coverage limits, you would be responsible for paying out of pocket for the remaining balance. Property damage liability also doesn’t cover any repairs or replacements needed on your own vehicle. That’s where collision and comprehensive insurance come into play.

Property damage liability is often very affordable. You may feel comfortable purchasing more than the minimum requirement set by your state. As with all car insurance policies, it’s a good idea to check with your agent to see what type of coverage they recommend based on a number of specific factors and your particular situation.

Collision coverage

  • Collision pays for damage to your vehicle that occurs when you collide with another vehicle or object, such as a pillar or a tree.
  • Your lender often requires collision if you have a car loan: As part of the loan agreement, your lender will state that it must be listed as a loss payee on your policy. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident and isn’t covered under collision coverage, even though the lending institution requires it, you may be obligated to pay off the entire loan amount out of pocket.
  • Even if a collision isn’t required, it’s essential to consider purchasing this type of coverage. For example, when you take out a car loan, the bank owns the car until the loan is paid off. That means that while they don’t technically “own” it until they pay it off, you do. They still want assurance that their investment in you will hold value over time.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage caters to your car damage rooting from other factors apart from a collision with another vehicle. It can cover damage caused by theft, flood, hail, fire, and vandalism. Comprehensive policies may also cover damage to your windshield even if it’s not caused by a collision. And some even offer coverage for custom parts and equipment.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in case you collide with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. It also covers you from drivers who flee the scene after hitting you, leaving you without insurance information, or a driver with insufficient insurance to cover your costs. These types of accidents are sometimes called “hit and run.”

Don’t get stuck with a bad policy

The biggest mistake people make is to pick the cheapest coverage they can find, only to be stuck with a policy that won’t cover anything. On the other hand, if you roll the dice and pick a policy for more expensive coverage, you may find yourself in a terrible situation later when it becomes time to pay up. For example, imagine being in a wreck and having your car totaled because your policy covered $20,000 less than it should have. Alternatively, suppose you got involved in an accident while driving underinsured and lost your license or worse.

An insurance company’s job is to protect you against these kinds of scenarios by finding ways to get as much money out of you as possible so it can stay in business. So before ever buying a policy, be sure to shop around at several different insurance companies and ask them questions about their policies and their claims history. Then choose the company that has been most successful at getting people out of debt. And don’t forget to ask your agent about discounts.

Key Takeaway

Finally, note that auto insurance is a compulsory purchase, required by law. Besides, the price you get charged for it can vary wildly. The cost of your auto insurance is determined by many factors, including your age and gender, the type of car you drive, and where you live. But there are also a few things you can do to cut the cost of your cover.

Although insurance cover comes in handy if your car is vandalized or stolen, always ensure you park your car safely overnight in a locked garage or off-street parking. This will reduce the chances of your car getting stolen or vandalized, which will be reflected in the price you’re quoted for your insurance. Many insurers will also offer you a discount if you have additional security features on your car, such as an alarm or immobilizer.

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