How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium

Your car insurance premium is lower if you are a doctor or a CA. Know what else affects premiums

When you are rearing to buy a new car, insurance premium is a remote consideration in deciding the model. However, the premium can vary markedly depending on several factors, such as the car model, year of manufacture and fuel option, even unlikely ones like fuel tank, safety devices and accessories. The difference in premium can range from 2.5-15%.



Then there are cars that insurers are loath to covering. "Tata Sumo, Chevrolet Tavera and Toyota Qualis have higher premiums as these may be registered in individual names, but are often used for commercial purposes," says an insurance broker.

Here are some factors to consider before getting in the driver's seat.

Fuel option: The premium for cars that run on petrol is lesser than for those that run on diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The reasoning is that a person who opts for diesel engine has higher usage and wants to keep the fuel cost down. "A diesel car's premium is 10-15% higher than a petrol car's. The rates are similarly high for the cars running on CNG or LPG," says Vijay Kumar, president (motor insurance), Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. It's not just the fuel but also the fuel tank that can raise the premium. The cars where fuel tanks are made of fibre are charged 3-4% higher premiums.

How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium

Safety devices: Insurers prefer gear and steering-wheel locks, air bags, sensors and other anti-theft or life-saving devices. These have to be approved by the Automotive Research Association of India. Lower premiums also kick in if cars have advanced anti-theft features. "There is a 10% discount on Maruti models because these have iCAT systems in place," says an insurance expert.

Insurers also look at other parameters such as resale value. Sports-utility vehicles (SUVs) are coveted by carlifters because of their high resale value. SUVs are used as public transport in many parts of the country. "If you own an SUV in north India, your premium goes up by nearly 20%," says Rahul Aggarwal, CEO, Optima Insurance Brokers.

Accessories: Many owners fit their cars with top-end audio systems and lights. These draw higher premiums.

Spare Parts: Some cars may be priced low but could invite a higher premium because of expensive spare parts. "The cost of repairs of some imported models is high. On the other hand, low-end cars have more 'local' content and so come with a 10-20% lower premium," says a dealer.

What insurers Prefer*

FOR CAR

Petrol engine. Installed with anti-theft devices. Safety features like air bags. High-end models. Non-commercial usage. Models that are not accident-prone. Driven in a non-metro. Recent manufacturing. Uses Indian spare parts.

FOR DRIVER

Doesn't wear spectacles. Is a doctor or a chartered accountant. Aged between 30-60 years.

*This may differ marginally with insurance provider.

Car Colour: Though internationally some insurers use colour as a factor in deciding premium, in India, the practice is still to catch on. So why should a person driving a red car pay more than one driving a white car? "The colour is just a proxy for buyer behaviour. So a red car is more prone to accidents than a white car as the person who likes red is considered an aggressive driver," says Sanjay Datta, head (customer service), ICICI Lombard General Insurance.

Profile of Owner: Even an owner's profession and lifestyle come into play. Insurers prefer owners in more 'respectable' professions and who those who are more cautious. Insurers think that if you attend safe-driving seminars organised by, say, Automobile Association of India (AAI), you are more likely to take better care of your car. "They offer a discount of 5% to car owners who are members of AAI. Similarly, professionals such as doctors and chartered accountants get a 5% discount," says Optima's Aggarwal.

Of late, companies have started considering age as well. Owners above 45 years old are considered careful drivers and, hence, pay a low premium, while those below 20 years pay a higher one.






Before you Bargain: "Lower premiums may mean reduced cover. For instance, some companies had discontinued the cover for damage caused by floods. Only when the floods hit Mumbai, did car owners realised that flood cover was not in the policy," says Mukti Adwani, a car insurance consultant.

So before you press the accelerator and drive off, read the fine print. Know how much insurance cover you have for your car. It's better to be safe than sorry.

How to deal with Ransomware Malware

The malware used inside the huge NHS hack is now spreading across the world.

The problems are hitting human beings and organizations throughout Europe and Asia, in keeping with experts.

The ransomware – which locks down documents until cash is paid – is a new edition that is hastily spreading the world over. it is referred to as wanna decryptor.




although the trouble has turn out to be most well-known for the harm it has carried out to nhs structures, the outcomes have focused most specifically on spain and russia, according to professionals.

“this cyber attack is tons large than just the nhs," said travis farral, director of safety strategy for cyber safety firm anomali labs. "it seems to be a large marketing campaign that has hit spain and russia the hardest."

a few human beings are already paying to get their files returned, mr farral said.

wanna decryptor, the malware this is getting used, has been recognised to cyber security experts for weeks. however the model spreading throughout the internet has just been updated, according to reports.

"the ransomware used in this attack is particularly new - it became first visible in february 2017, and the latest variation emerged in advance today," said aatish pattni from cyber security company take a look at factor.

"however, it's spreading rapid, with companies throughout europe and asia being hit.
"it indicates just how negative ransomware may be - and the way quickly it can purpose disruption to important services.

"firms want on the way to prevent infections taking maintain inside the first region, through scanning for, blocking and filtering out suspicious files content material earlier than it reaches their networks.

"it's also vital that workforce are educated approximately the potential dangers of incoming emails from unknown parties, or suspicious-looking emails that seem to come back from regarded contacts.

you can eliminate many ransomware viruses without dropping your documents, however with a few variants that isn’t the case. inside the past i’ve mentioned trendy steps for doing away with malware and viruses, but you need to apply some unique pointers and hints for ransomware. the system varies and depends at the form of invader. a few approaches contain a easy virus scan, while others require offline scans and advanced recuperation of your documents. i categorize ransomware into three types: scareware, lock-display viruses, and the in reality nasty stuff.

Getting rid of ransomware

before you could loose your hostage computer, you need to dispose of the hostage taker.

if you have the simplest kind of ransomware, consisting of a fake antivirus application or a bogus clean-up device, you could commonly take away it by way of following the stairs in my previous malware elimination manual. this technique includes getting into home windows’ safe mode and going for walks an on-call for virus scanner inclusive of Malwarebytes.

if the ransomware prevents you from entering windows or jogging packages, as lock-screen viruses commonly do, you could try and use gadget repair to roll home windows again in time. doing so doesn’t affect your personal files, but it does go back system files and applications to the state they have been in at a sure time. the machine restore function need to be enabled in advance; windows allows it via default.

Stopping Ransomware and Malware Infections

fending off ransomware is much the same as keeping off other kinds of other malware.

continually run an amazing antivirus application and maintain home windows and browser-associated additives (java, adobe, and so forth) up to date. hold your browser smooth of junk toolbars and add-ons to save you adware invasions that might result in malware infections. usually, usually be wary of surprising electronic mail attachments and spam.

and just to overcome this dead horse one extra time: constantly have a great backup gadget in area, simply in case your laptop does turn out to be infected and you can’t get better your documents. yes, it’s that essential.

6 Tips to Get Through Airport Security

To get through airport security you need to understand airport procedures; then, you should do what you can to maximise your own efficiency


Air port clearance is perhaps one of the most tiring procedures. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t travel with as much speed and little hassle. Here’s how.

Tips to Get Through Airport Security

1- Know your luggage

One of the easiest ways to get into trouble with security is to carry something in your bag that doesn’t belong there. Make sure that you don’t pack anything that is forbidden, such as explosives, firearms or ammunition. You should also keep in mind that there are higher security standards for carry-on baggage. Personal items like scissors, penknives, matches and lighters should be transported in your checked baggage, otherwise they’ll be confiscated.

2- Keep your papers handy

Be prepared to be asked for identification more than once at the airport; so, if you want to get where you’re going faster, keep your ID within reach. For domestic flights, you’ll need government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, as well as your plane tickets. For international travel, it goes without saying that a passport is a must.

3- Prepare for scanning procedures

When approaching x-ray machines and metal detectors, a little preparation will get you through faster. Security will want to make sure that your personal electronics are legit, so have your laptop, PDA or cell phone ready for inspection.

To get through the metal detectors more efficiently, take coins and keys out of your pockets in advance and remove your watch. Take care not to wear steeltoed boots, or other items with metal in them, to the airport. Make sure that any metal that you do wear (in a belt buckle, for instance) is conspicuous, so that security will know what’s setting off the detectors.

4- Remember your itinerary

Have a sense of your travel history and future plans, so that when asked at customs, you can be as clear as possible. When travelling with others, make sure that everyone agrees on where you were, where you’re going, and for how long. If you start telling officials contradictory stories, you may be detained until they’re all sorted out.

5- Avoid guilt by association

Airports can be boring, especially if you’re travelling alone. While it’s okay to chat with other travellers on the plane or in the terminal, make sure you don’t associate yourself with the stranger through customs and security. Don’t say you’ve been travelling with someone just because you sat beside each other on the plane. You don’t want to be responsible for the security transgressions of someone you’ve only just met.

Airport Travelling Alone

6- Be careful with chemicals

Security personnel doesn’t just look for bombs anymore — they look for signs of bomb-making, which includes chemical tests for explosives. Beware of circumstances under which you could be inadvertently stopped. For example, some heart medications contain nitro-glycerine, which is an explosive. If you use your laptop right after you take such pills, you could transfer trace amounts of the chemical to it, creating a false red flag for security officers. Be mindful of what you handle before going on the plane, and get supporting documentation for prescriptions or other legitimate uses of suspicious substances.

Simple Tips to Protect THE ENVIRONMENT

If your wish to make a difference to the environment, and help change it for the better, there is no better way than to start with your home. Use electricity-saving devices and follow a few tips—not only will this save you money in electricity bills, it will also reduce the pressure on existing resources. Cell Tips & Tricks writes

Today, the market is full of smart, home appliances that not only save energy, but also have higher efficiency compared to similar devices of only a decade ago. These energy-efficient devices not only cut energy consumption but also help cut down on our electricity bills at the end of the month.

Many environment conscious people are enthusiastic about energy-saving products, especially where the returns in terms of saving of power are assured. They are proactive in directing and supervising their electrcal contractors in the selection and installation of electrical fittingsand the products that are making the cut are the star-rated energy savers that offer customers a 'green' solution.

An expert in the field says: "Energy crisis is perhaps the most critical problem that the human civilization has ever faced. Home appliances that save as much as 50% more power than their most energy efficient versions are going to hit the markets in about a year, under the government's rewards plan to manufacturers."

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), an agency of the power ministry, is set to launch a 'super-efficient equipment programme' to encourage the manufacture of products that are 30-50% more efficient than five-star labelled goods, considered to be most energy efficient in the country.

This programme seeks to promote domestic manufacture of energy-efficient gadgets by reducing their cost through market incentives. "However, for the initiative, such appliances would have come to India in about 10 years from now," points out BEE director general, Ajay Mathur.

A super-efficient fan should consume just 25-30 watts per hour against 50 watts by a normal fan. All large ceiling fan manufacturers evinced interest in the scheme. "There is a big market for super energy-efficient products in India, as 90% of the consumers today are opting for star-rated products. However, consumers may have to pay more," the expert says.

Kamal Nandi, the executive vicepresident of a home appliances company, says: "Whether it is an energy efficient airconditioner or refrigerator, the premium spent on the product would be paid back by your savings on electricity, by the end of the first year. Today, consumers are quite aware of their options and clear about what they desire. In the airconditioner category, they are looking for more than just cooling; they are looking for stylish exteriors and energy-saving attributes to match their lifestyles, while still being conscious about freshness and health concerns."

QUICK BITES 
BEE RATES ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ON A SCALE OF ONE TO FIVE, WITH HIGHER STAR RATINGS IMPLYING MORE ENERGY SAVINGS OR EFFICIENCY—5-STAR LABELLED PRODUCTS ARE COSTLIER BY RS 2,000-3,000 COMPARED TO 4-STAR LABELLED PRODUCTS, DEPENDING ON THE PRODUCT AND MODEL

A super energy-efficient airconditioner would be Rs 3,000-4,000 costlier than the existing 5-star labelled ones. At present, BEE rates electrical appliances on a scale of one to five, with higher star ratings implying more energy savings or efficiency. Five-star labelled products are costlier by Rs 2,000-3,000 compared to 4-star labelled products, depending on the product and model. However, experts say that one can do many things to save energy and cut electricity bills.

R Raman, the vice-president (corporate communications) of a real estate firm, says: "In the peak of summer, having a smart airconditioner that can be programmed to switch on only towards late evening, cooling down the house by the time you return from work, rather than leaving it on the entire day, would be a super energy saver. Another energy saver could be a solar panel rather than an electric geyser."

Compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs save energy usage significantly. They can effectively save Rs 30 worth of electricity costs over a typical lamp's lifetime, which is 8-15 times higher than that of natural light bulbs.

They also provide a faster startup and much more efficiency compared to common lamps.

Sanjeev Wadhwa, the country manager of the Indian arm of a New Zealand-based appliance manufacturer, says, "One of the green technologies in use is adaptive defrost mechanisms in refrigeration that activate only when needed and respond to how consumers use their fridge."

Mahesh Krishnan, the vice-president of another home appliances company, says, "There are innovative digital inverter compressors in select frostfree refrigerator models; washing machines too come in various technologies to make them more energy efficient." Wadhwa says: "Refrigerators account for about 20% of household electricity usage. Set your refrigerator temperature to about 38-42o F and your freezer to around three degrees. If your fridge has a power-save switch, turn it on. Make sure the door seals tightly and keep the door clean. If you leave your fridge door open, it tries to cool your whole room, using a large amount of energy." Also, in order to run the system efficiently, you need to defrost your fridge or freezer regularly. Do not keep your refrigeration equipment near other heating devices. If your fridge is next to a hot appliance, then it has to work even harder to keep your food at the set temperature, using more energy, wasting your money and leading to more carbon dioxide emissions.

Also, washing with cold water can cut 80-90% of running costs. Use lower temperatures on your washing machine. Modern washing machines are effective at even lower temperatures. Wash clothes at 40°C rather than 60°C, as this will reduce carbon emissions by a third. Always remember to put full loads in a washing machine. Hang clothes outside to dry rather than in a tumble dryer. Tumble driers use a large amount of energy; so drying your clothes naturally will reduce carbon emissions.

However, with innovations in technology, the parameters for a particular star rating can change. "The table for star labelling changes over time; last year's 2-star-rated split ACs may become 1-star-rated this year," N Venkitachalam, a civic activist, says. There is more you can do at home for energy efficiency. Turn TV, games consoles, computers, mobile phone and other chargers off at the power point when not in use. This can save up to 10% of your power bill. This wasted energy could power tens and thousands of homes. Don't leave appliances charging unnecessarily.

Another common phenomenon is the use of desktops that are far more powerful than necessary, to run typical office applications. Many applications in the office environment would benefit more from additional memory than high-performance processors. In such cases, older machines with more 'frugal' processors could be upgraded and remain in service. Due to their compact housing, notebooks use another technology. They generate less heat, thus, using less energy. You can therefore, consider a notebook as a replacement for your desktop.

One of the most recommended energy-saving devices available today is a standby saver. This device is designed to plug into one's TV, DVD player, PC, etc, and prevent them from spending all day in standby mode.

Typically, most people are too lazy to turn off their TV or PC and leave it on standby mode instead. They do not realize that the TV, DVD player or PC, is still on and is costing them money.

A standby saver conserves energy by automatically putting the devices in the 'off' mode after some time.

Another device available in the market today, is a monitor for gauging energy usage. Energy usage monitors are energy saving devices that calculate how much energy-and subsequently, how much money-is being spent on which device. The device consists of a sensor and a monitor, where one can see the amount being spent on a particular device.

A survey showed that usage of this device saved up to 6.5% energy in an average household. In addition to this, solar energy can also be used if consumption of conventional thermal electrical energy proves to be too expensive. 

How to Get Reliance Jio SIM Card

Reliance Jio's entrance into the nation's as of now swarmed versatile administrator business sector is relied upon to shake things up, and that is putting it mildly. With a case to serve clients with just 4G technology, Reliance Jio tariffs and rollout plans were declared Thursday by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani at the organization's AGM in Mumbai. He disclosed the organization's exceedingly expected 4G administration with a bunch of offers and administrations.

The greatest highlight, which got everybody's eyeballs amid the dispatch, was Reliance Jio's 'free voice calls', even on meandering. Yes, you read that privilege. Mukesh Ambani uncovered that there will be no charges while making calls anyplace in India, and the clients will pay for mobile data.

Reliance Jio Sim available on leading brands including Samsung, Micromax, HTC, Lenovo, Sony, Intex, Vivo, Lava, Panasonic, Gionee, Asus, Motorola, Xolo

Getting the Reliance Jio SIM card

1 - You need to download My Jio app from Google play 
(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jio.myjio)

2 - Then install all 9 Jio application or click "install Jio apps"

3 - After Complete install 9 application Open MyJio app then click on "Get JiO Sim"

4 -  After click a code generate in application take code and go near by jio care and you can get a jio sim FREE with all unlimited stuff (https://www.jio.com/Jio/portal/storeLocator)