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No. Contrary to what its name suggests, fire coverage usually cover a range of incidents—from explosions to floods to aircraft impact. The type of incidents they cover vary from plan to plan, so make sure you’re signing up for a package that is relevant to your needs. For example, if your area is prone to floods, make sure that it is included within the coverage.

Sometimes. Home insurance plans can provide 1) home contents coverage only, 2) structural coverage only, or 3) both home contents and structural coverage. Due to these variations, it is important to be clear on the policy terms and coverage, or speak to an expert to understand what you’re signing up for.

Not really. In most cases, fire coverage can cover expenses incurred by a fire that did not start in your home. If a fire breaks out in your neighbour’s house and spreads over to yours, you can depend on your insurer to cover any damages to home contents if you have a home insurance policy in place.

Absolutely not. For many families, emergency funds may not be readily available or enough to cover all the costs of an incident. These include repair costs of any damage to house structure, replacement costs of home contents, as well as expenses spent on alternative accommodation during the repair period. Investing in a home insurance plan with fire coverage can prevent any home-related incident from becoming a huge financial burden.

Find out more about fire coverage in our home insurance policies here.

To minimise the risks of accidents, pay your workshop a visit one week before your trip. Check the brake fluid and car tyres, and get your oil and oil filters changed if needed. Also ensure that you have all the emergency equipment you need, such as a spare tyre, a first aid kit, and a reflective warning triangle.

As anything can happen on the road, it would be wise to choose an insurance plan with an emergency hotline that can assist you for towing, lockout, or batter jumpstart services, such as MSIG’s Motor Vehicle Package Insurance. That way, you know that help is available when you need it.

Maps can easily be found in the app store or online these days. However, some places may not have Wi-Fi and you may also want to save on data usage. To get around this, download those maps, or better yet, plot your route in advance into your phone so that you can access it even when you’re offline.

Driving can be tiring and monotonous, especially on long straight roads. As such, stay away from carbohydrates and sugary treats such as white bread and pastries that can make you sleepy. Instead, consider trail mix and nuts to give you a sense of fullness and energy.

Dehydration can also lead to drowsiness, so make sure you are constantly hydrated and stay away from carbonated drinks. Most importantly, alcoholic beverages are a huge no-no. Motor insurance provides useful coverage for fortuitous accidents, but not for those under the influence of alcohol

Having a comprehensive motor insurance plan can set your heart at ease for an awesome road trip. Find out more about the various motor insurance plans we have available here.

Go for medical check-ups at least once a year. In many cases, people were unable to file for claims because existing body ailments were not known and declared. Tip: Before meeting your insurance agent, bring along your updated medical records so that they can point out any red flags.

Knowing your own state of health is the bare minimum, but it doesn’t stop there. If your family has a history of medical conditions such as high blood pressure or asthma, you may be more prone to them. No matter how fit or healthy you are, your gene pool is predetermined. Keep your family medical history in mind when looking out for health insurance policies to ensure they provide coverage for specific conditions.

If you find yourself on flights regularly, you probably would have experienced falling sick overseas due to the change in weather, food, or even stress. Seeking medical treatment in another country can often be expensive due to complications such as the absence of medical records and language barriers. In some severe but exceptional cases, you may even need to be transported back home. An insurance plan that includes transportation and/or local hospitalisation would be a wise choice.

Do you smoke or drink? When you are applying for health insurance, you are usually asked this question. Smoking and drinking usually lead to a higher premium but there are harsh penalties if you are found guilty of deception. Most importantly, you will lose your insurance benefits immediately and will face obstacles when applying for insurance in the future.

Even if you already have insurance, you should still review your coverage yearly. Make sure that you are kept up-to-date with any changes to your insurance plan. For example, every plan covers differing tiers of medication. A medication that you take regularly could be shifted to a higher tier that results in a higher premium, or even be removed entirely. Switching to another plan will make sense in this case.

Always make clarifications if you’re unsure about something. If you’ve got any questions about healthcare insurance, you can reach out to us here or find out more here.

Staying with the same car insurance company over a long period has its benefits. A good insurer would offer long-time customers perks such as discounts or no-claim bonuses. If your car insurance is about to expire and another insurer is offering a lower rate for certain packages, check whether there are higher deductibles in place. Switching to another insurer would mean that you have to give up your no-claims record and all the deductible reductions you’ve earned over the years to start over again.

In the event of an accident, make sure that you call your insurance company even if you’re not at fault. A good insurance company will make sure that your repair bills are covered and even get you a rental car in the interim. Leaving the incident unreported could result in complications, especially if the other party spins the story in his own favour.

The type of car you drive can affect the rate of your car insurance. That is because some cars are more expensive to repair and are likelier targets for acts of vandalism and theft. Sports models usually belong to a more expensive insurance group, while smaller sedans equipped with safety features can be more affordable. Therefore, car insurance should definitely be something that you should consider when purchasing a new car.

With so many insurers using online platforms, information is readily available at your fingertips. Hop onto their websites and follow their social channels to get a sense of where the best deals are. But don’t just stop there—take it offline too. Call your insurance agent to get access to exclusive promotions, discounts, and programs that may not be available online, or ring up the insurer directly to clarify any queries you may have.

There is a reason why it is compulsory for car owners to have Third Party Liability Insurance or other related packages by law. These are put in place to ensure every driver is adequately protected and compensated in the event of an accident. Since injuries and property damage can be very costly, many people could be put in a spot and find themselves unable to pay for it without insurance. That is why having a good insurance package in place is the first layer of protection for yourself and other fellow drivers on the road.

If you require more information about car insurance, you can find out more here.

Recommendations are a good way to know whether an agent places your needs, rather than sales, as priority. Take healthcare insurance for example. You may be content with standard class wards, yet some agents may recommend a policy that provides coverage for a higher hospital class. Other agents may advise you against it. One way to identify a good insurance agent is by doing your own research and then considering their recommendations: do they really suit your needs?

Be it a loss of income or better offerings on the market, there is often good reason behind any decision to terminate any policy. Policy termination also represents a window of opportunity for agents to sell other packages. However, a good insurance agent would first point out any potential net financial losses that you may incur, the penalties that can result from early termination, as well as the loss or lack of coverage during the period of replacement.

A good insurance agent will consider your income when it comes to purchasing any package. Any recommended new policies should not impact your lifestyle adversely, such as extreme scrimping and saving. While it differs for every individual, a healthy gauge will be to set aside 10–25% of your income for insurance, especially if you’re covering for multiple family members and assets such as cars and homes.

Some good practices of reliable insurance agents include checking in on you at least once every 6 months or leaving you a contact number. This is to make sure that they are always available to provide recommendations at different stages of your life, such as when you have purchased a new car or property, or facing a health emergency.

A good insurance agent will always prioritise your enquiries and concerns above sales. If you have any questions regarding insurance, feel free to reach out to us here or find out more here.

Tyres, brake pads, and brake fluid are some of the vehicle parts that can be most affected during a gruelling road trip. If you haven’t been to the workshop in ages, set aside some time for a visit at least one week before your road trip. Keep in mind that while most check-ups typically don’t last past a day, certain vehicle parts may take longer to fix should there be any severe fault.

If you’re searching for a rest-stop, look out for parking lots in visible areas or carparks with security cameras. Well-trained individuals can disable security devices in a matter of seconds, so don’t give them added advantage in terms of location. Many vehicle thefts are made easier because owners are careless enough to park them in vulnerable spots where there are few people and it is easy to make a quick getaway.

Before embarking on a road trip, most people check the weather forecast for an idea of what to pack. While it is a good habit to have, don’t be too reliant on weather forecasts because they are not always accurate. Unexpected changes in weather have resulted in countless accidents over the years. Tip: Always be prepared for bad weather—rain jacket, gaiters, and eyewear.

Rental is a good alternative to using your own bike when it comes to road trips—but be wise about the dealings. Unbeknownst to you, some rental shops may offer a motorcycle that comes with faulty parts. If you did not do a prior check beforehand only to discover it later, you will be liable to pay for any repair or replacement costs.

Motorcycle insurance is a great way to protect yourself, and can come in especially handy for long road trips. Make sure you know your plan well to prevent situations where you are unable to submit a claim. Some insurance packages are limited only to specific geographical areas, while others may not provide coverage for unauthorised riders.

All set and ready to go? If you have any questions about motorcycle insurance, feel free to reach out to us here or find out more here.

One of the most interesting traditions in golf is the buying of celebratory drinks for fellow golfers after a hole-in-one. Clubhouses may have reinforced the tradition over time to drive up bar tabs. It could also have been established to prevent golfers from making false claims in hopes of making it to a clubhouse’s plaque or roll-of-honour. But did you know that golf insurance can actually cover the bill incurred?

Golf holidays are becoming more common. While taking care of your golf equipment is common sense, many still tend to forget that they can still get damaged or lost during transit. A common misconception is that household insurance policies provide coverage for such cases, when in fact only golf insurance does.

Back and wrist injuries are the most common injuries in golf, and can become long-term ailments. If it’s not properly treated, you might even need surgery and even be advised against playing the sport again. Investing in golf insurance is one way to also ensure you’re protected in such situations, especially when treatment is required.

Freak accidents that have occurred over the years include the loss of an eye, golf cart crashes, and deaths from being struck by lightning out in the open course. If you’re a beginner learning about grip pressure, a careless slip of the hand might even result in the golf club being flung into furnishings or worst, passer-by nearby, causing damages. In such cases, golf insurance would be able to compensate for the injuries or damage caused.

Golf insurance coverage can be very helpful when the above situations arise. If you have any queries about golf insurance, click here to find out more or reach out to us here.

Sources: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/the-10-worst-ways-to-die-on-a-golf-course

In countries where protests are common, the possibility of riots are high. Recent incidents in the region have led to the destruction of many buildings and the loss of many lives. Although it may be possible to claim for any theft during such incidents, collateral damages to properties may not be covered.

In almost every country, the government has the authority to acquire land for the greater benefit of the public. Some examples include the building of roads, schools, and other public infrastructure. This can pose a huge problem for landlords and residents where thousands of people face eviction from their homes but are powerless to prevent it. While insurance with political risk coverage do exist, they are mostly reserved for businesses looking to protect their assets.

Up till now, many are still dealing with the aftermath of the horrific Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster that happened in 2011. It was immediately classified as a Level 7 event, which is the maximum classification on the International Nuclear Event Scale (similar to the magnitude scale that measures earthquakes). Thousands of homes were left uninhabitable, and families had nowhere to go. Coverage is not provided in such cases as insurers simply do not have adequate assets to pay for accidents of such an extreme scale.

Sounds unlikely? Not quite. In today’s politically charged climate, anything can happen. The friction between the leaders of America and North Korea is one good example, with the threat of war being thrown around carelessly. If you’re living in a country that is constantly involved in tense political discussions with other countries, the possibility of war arriving on the shores of your homeland can be very real. The potential loss incurred from damages is so astronomical that insurers will not be able to handle it—which is why home insurance often excludes war from their coverage.

It’s always good to know about the extent of your coverage in these situations. If you require more information about home insurance, you can find out more here or reach out to us here.

While price is the key factor travelers tend to rely on, picking the cheapest policy is not always the best way to go. The types of benefits, exclusions and claim limits offered by each plan vary widely, so take a pause to consider the following factors before hitting the ‘buy’ button to ensure that you’re going with the travel policy that not just fits your budget, but also your travel needs.

Type of Trip: Heading off for an adventure-packed vacation? Many policies do not cover ‘hazardous’ sports such as white-water rafting or mountain climbing, so you’ll want to make sure this is not excluded from your insurance plan.

Trip destination: Certain policies do not cover travel to high-risk areas, so if this your itinerary, it’s always a good idea to look for a plan that offers full terrorism cover for chemical, nuclear and biological terrorism.

Personal health: Many of us suffer from common ailments such as asthma and eczema, but did you know that these are typically excluded from travel plans? If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, ensure that your plan has sufficient coverage so that you won’t have to bear any out-of-pocket expenses for treatment while overseas.

Trip duration: If you’re going off-the-grid for longer than usual, you’ll need a policy that not limit coverage by time. For example, some policies only provide cover up to 120 days per trip.

It might not be the most pleasant thing to consider, but many things could go wrong before you even set foot out of the country. This is why it's smart to be on-the-ball about buying travel insurance as soon as you can.

Flight delays, trip postponement or cancellation are all common occurrences that could happen to any of us. Locking a good policy in place will give you the peace of mind that pre-trip costs can be recovered, even if your weekend plans have been dashed.

After all, waiting until the day of travel (or worse, after you've crossed into international waters) to purchase a plan is not only more expensive and inconvenient, but also typically would not offer full coverage for your trip. So, there's really no downside to crossing this early off your checklist.

It might have made sense to purchase single trip insurance back when the annual family holiday was the only travel treat we'd get to enjoy. However, with budget flights now readily available and cheaper than ever, travel is becoming more frequent than before.

If you're going to be travelling more than three times a year, even if it's just a short weekend getaway to Laos or Cambodia, you might want to consider an Annual Plan instead.

It not only works out to be more convenient (no need to worry about purchasing a bunch of different plans!), but also might make more sense to your wallet. Annual Plans also often offer more comprehensive travel coverage not just for yourself, but also your travel companions, so don't write-off this option until you've done your research!

Choosing the right insurer to buy your policy from is as important, if not more important, than choosing the right travel insurance plan. It might not seem so now, but when there's a need to file a claim, you'll definitely appreciate working with an insurer that provides 24-hour worldwide assistance, has crisis-response capabilities, and is able to process claims quickly and with minimum fuss.

While most travel insurance plans would include a medical component for sudden illness or accidents, this is not meant to be a substitute for a full health insurance policy. To be on the safe side, you should always ensure that you have a full health policy which can cover hospitalisation costs in your home country.

If you require more comprehensive coverage while on holiday, look for travel plans which offer emergency medical evacuation. This could cost up to hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on where you're travelling to, so there's never any harm to have this included as a benefit of your policy.

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Insurance comes in all shapes and sizes, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to a right purchase. If you have a question about travel insurance, let us know here or learn more about our travel insurance plans here.