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How to prepare for your first motorcycle road trip

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The road trip you’ve been looking forward to all summer can easily fall apart without proper preparations. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Check the condition of your vehicle.

"Certain vehicle parts may take longer to fix should there be any fault."

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.

2. Plan your rest-stops.

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.

3. Don’t pack according to weather forecasts.

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.

4. Be cautious when renting.

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.

5. Check your insurance coverage.

"Some insurance packages are limited only to specific areas, while other may not provide coverage for unauthorised drivers."

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.

Golfers, stay on course with these lesser-known tips

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Whether you’re a serial golfer or someone looking to take up the sport, here are some tips that may prove useful to you.

1. Insurance is useful for a hole-in-one.

“One of the most interesting traditions in golf is the buying of celebratory drinks for fellow golfers after a hole-in-one.”

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?

2. Be mindful of the risks of transit.

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.

3. Never take any injury lightly.

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.

30,047 people visited the emergency room with golf-course-related injuries and 15,225 more as a result of a golf-cart "incident." — (Golf Digest, 2014)

4. Be wary of freak accidents.

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

Scenarios your home insurance may not cover

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Knowing what your home insurance plan excludes is as important as what it includes. Here are some unlikely, but not impossible, scenarios where coverage may not exist.

1. Protests and riots

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.

2. Land disputes

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.

3. Nuclear accidents

“Insurers simply do not have adequate assets to pay for accidents of such an extreme scale.”

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.

4. War

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.

5 critical things you need to know before you buy travel insurance

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5 critical things you need to know before you buy travel insurance

So you’ve finally bought that ticket to your dream getaway. For many of us, purchasing travel insurance isn’t always top of mind, but it’s a crucial step to ensure a worry-free vacation. Here are 5 things to consider when it comes to purchasing travel insurance.

1. Not all polices are created equal

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.

“Certain policies do not cover travel to high-risk areas”

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.

2. The early bird catches the worm

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.

“Locking a good policy in place will give you the peace of mind that pre-trip costs can be recovered”

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.

3. Annual Plan or Single Trip?

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.

“[Annual Plan] might make more sense to your wallet”

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!

4. Reputation matters

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.

5. Travel insurance is not a substitute for health insurance

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.

For enquiries:

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.

5 tips to finding a reliable travel agent

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5 tips to finding a reliable travel agent

When it comes to holiday planning, everyone wants to go on break with a peace of mind. This is where travel agents come in. A good agent can turn a potentially tumultuous trip into the perfect vacation. Here are 5 useful tips in your search for a dependable agent.

1. Go to those that you trust

“…try polling friends for word-of-mouth recommendations.”

Personal referrals are always a great place to start. It could be a family member who you know is a regular globetrotter, or a friend whose travel style matches yours. Approach them to get honest and unbiased reviews about their past experiences, both good and bad!

If you’d like more options to play with, you could also try polling friends for word-of-mouth recommendations. Even if you’re unable to get first-hand testimonials, it’s safer to start with these rather than a generic Google search. Just be aware - the best travel agents for business are often not the best travel agents for leisure, and vice versa. So be sure to be clear on the type of experience you are looking for when sourcing for recommendations.

2. Research, research, and research

When it comes to getting the opinion of a wider crowd, travel review sites and online forums can be your best friend in gathering information you might not find on official agent websites. In addition to being able to glean wisdom from a diverse, international community, the anonymity of these platforms also makes it easier to get an unfiltered opinion. Got questions? Just post it up and there’ll probably be a travel buff out there who’s more than willing to help you out.

3. Leave it to the pros

We all want someone who knows what they are doing. A certified travel agent has professional qualifications that require not only study and homework, but also some industry experience to obtain. Don’t be afraid to ask for their qualifications and have them talk about their experience.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for their qualifications and have them talk about their experience.”

Highly experienced travel agents can bring a lot to the table. Due to their familiarity with the industry, they are able to offer recommendations that suit you like a glove. You can save plenty of time and money from researching for the best package that comes with the cheapest price. All you need to do is to let them know your area of interest and budget, and they will do the legwork for you.

What’s more, you’ll likely be able to get access to amenities not available through other channels as they often negotiate for exclusive extras in order to sweeten the deal for clients.

4. Strike up a conversation

Quizzing prospective travel agents is one of the top ways to find out the level and depth of expertise you’re dealing with. Come prepared with a list of questions and include any reservations that you might have about any part of the planning process. A capable and resourceful agent will not only be quick to provide information and assurance, but will also likely be proactive in getting as many details as possible on your travel preferences as this will enable them to tailor the best itinerary possible for you.

If an agent seems distant and disengaged or doesn’t engage in a two-way dialogue, that’s a red flag - move on. This indicates a lack of commitment and ultimately, doesn’t bode well for reliability.

5. Stick with the reputable ones

When in a pinch, one of your safest bets would be going with a local branch of well-known travel chains or franchises. Not only do they provide a degree of consistency, they can also be more reliable. These outfits often enjoy the backup of a large organization which can come in handy in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In addition, you might get access to volume price discounts, which is always a nice perk!

For enquiries:

As with every travel trip that you’re planning, don’t forget about your travel insurance. Having a good insurance plan from the start can free up more time for you to plan the perfect holiday. If you require any help or advice, let us know here, or click here to learn about our travel insurance plans.

Motor insurance myths you should ignore

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Motor insurance myths you should ignore

Cars are expensive assets. Purchasing motor insurance is a good decision to ensure they are covered under any unforeseen circumstances—but be wise when choosing them! Here are some myths that you should know about before purchasing any policy.

1. Myth: There is no harm in going for the cheapest policy

“Car insurance policies are not created equal”

As with most types of insurance policies, the coverage you will be able to receive under a car insurance plan usually varies with the cost. Less comprehensive plans, such as Third Party Only insurance, tend to be cheaper purely because they cover the cost of damage to vehicles in a restricted number of scenarios. Comprehensive car insurance, on the other hand, tends to be the most expensive because it covers the most number of scenarios. Most auto loan providers will recommend that you take up this plan for this reason.

Car insurance policies are not created equal, thus if you want to ensure total coverage for your car and its passengers, it is best not to use price as a factor in your decision-making. After all, can you really put a price on protection?

2. Myth: My insurance only covers damage in the event of accidents

Most of you would know that car insurance can cover damage to your vehicle and even a third party vehicle in the event of a road accident, but what happens when damage occurs as a result of other mishaps? You’ll be glad to know that most car insurers are looking out for you in this respect.

Apart from accidents, car insurance also covers losses caused by situations out of your control. This includes natural calamities and Acts of God such as fire, theft, falling trees and flood-related damages.

Some policies even cover malicious damage to your vehicle caused by unknown persons, so even if your shiny new car does get keyed, you’ll be able to restore it to its original condition without forking out an arm and a leg.

3. Myth: I can enjoy coverage even when driving someone else’s car

"a car insurance plan is often tied not just to the policyholder but also to a particular vehicle"

So your friend just got a swanky ride and you’re excited to give it a spin. You can certainly take the wheel, but if you happen to get into a scrape, don’t expect to be able to claim for damages under your car insurance policy.

The protection offered by a car insurance plan is often tied not just to the policyholder but also to a particular vehicle. This means that in order to enjoy full protection, you must be registered as an authorised driver for that particular vehicle under the insurance policy.

Some providers may offer an option to cover unregistered drivers - however, conditions vary according to policy wording, so it’s best to check with your provider for a full range of alternatives.

4. Myth: Car insurance covers items stolen from inside my car

"Items such as laptops and mobile phones typically have to be insured separately"

There’s a good reason why we are constantly reminded not to leave any valuables in an unattended car. Car insurance may cover damage to your vehicle, but it does not enable you to claim for losses arising from personal property stolen from your vehicle. Items such as laptops and mobile phones typically have to be insured separately under a personal property insurance plan in order to be fully covered. It’s thus better to play on the safe side when travelling with special possessions.

5. Myth: It costs more to insure a red car

You may have heard the old wives’ tale about how red cars have a higher likelihood to get into accidents. Contrary to popular belief, there have been no studies that conclusively support this notion. Insuring a red car certainly won’t cost you more than insuring a car of any other colour! When it comes to cars, they are far more interested in the year, make, model, body type, engine size and age of your vehicle as these are factors that will affect the cost of your insurance policy.

For enquiries:

Not knowing the truth behind these myths can be costly. If you have any queries about car insurance, you can click here to reach us or click here to find out more about our motor insurance plans

Choosing general insurance, choosing comprehensive protection

As people’s living standards become much higher thanks to the technology advancement and society modernisation, we are offered more and more choices to better our daily lives. However, along with that are higher risks. Choosing the right general insurance is a wise way to protect against unforeseen incidents that may occur to you and the things you love.

General insurance – Inevitable trend in modern society

Insurance is an important part of risk management in every organisation or even for an individual. Whatever the causes are, accidents may bring many problems like damaged assets, money loss, operational delays, which could result in bigger impact on the society and the economy, in general. In such cases, having an insurance protection is inevitable and essential to each individual and company.

As the average standard of living in our society becomes higher and higher, people’s needs are also becoming more and more varied – we own more valuable properties like houses, cars, travel more frequently and so on. Along with that comes higher risks. In order to be able to fully enjoy the modern world’s comfort, many families choose to put their trust in general insurance to protect their most important things.

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People’s living standards become much higher

General insurance provides the insured a commitment from the insurer to pay compensation for any loss of assets or people. These losses can arise from financial risks, natural calamities, thefts, travel accidents, for instance. General insurance is one effective way to cope with the consequences of such incidents.

No more worries

It is now the time for you to stop asking the question “Is general insurance really important?” and think about a strong assurance for your prized assets instead.

Contrary to life insurance (which many Vietnamese consider a long-term investment), non-life insurance usually comprises a much shorter contract. However, the compensation which offers protection to the customers will depend on the losses suffered from an event. There are many types of general insurance including asset insurance, civil liability insurance, marine cargo insurance and those that are closer to our everyday lives such as home, motor, travel, fire insurance, to name a few.

When you can never anticipate what is waiting for you ahead, having general insurance protection is the way you can prepare for unforeseen incidents that can occur to minimise unwanted consequences. General insurance can help put you and families back on their feet and restore stability in people’s lives. Based on the very simple principle of sharing risks, general insurance is seen as a form of mutual support in a community where nobody has to deal with unexpected incidents all by themselves. This is also where the humanism of insurance comes from. 

Smart choice – Comprehensive protection

General insurance in Vietnam is becoming more and more well-received. According to the Sustainable Growth Index provided by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (Ministry of Finance), in the first seven months of 2017, the gross fee revenue in the general insurance sector is approximately VND22.924 million, marking an 11.53% increase over the same period in 2016.

Choosing the right insurance company with suitable insurance solutions will also maximise the effectiveness of insurance. For many, one of the key criteria in choosing a non-life insurance company is considering how fast and efficient it is when making a claim. In addition, the capacity to provide effective and customisable insurance solutions as well as high service quality and sincerity is considered important to consumers.

“I have just taken a loan from a bank to buy a new car to work with Uber. For me and many others, this is a huge investment, so I’m looking for vehicle insurance to protect this asset. I’ve reached out to different insurance companies but am still considering which will have the most effective insurance solution for my case with easy and seamless procedure” – Mr. Hoang Long (Hanoi) shared.

Deeply understanding this value, we at MSIG Vietnam are committed to build, maintain and nurture long-lasting relationships and partnerships with both local corporates and individuals. Being a Japanese company with over 100 years of experience in the general insurance field, we embody the Japanese attributes of professionalism and dedicated, quality services in our work and we aspire to become a remarkable trademark in Vietnam’s non-life insurance market and accompany you through life’s ups and downs.

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MISG Vietnam – The first non-life insurance company wholly owned by Japan in Vietnam.

With 29 other operating companies, we aim for paving the way for better insurance solutions for retail consumers to choose from.

Things you didn’t know you could cover with home insurance

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Home is where we spend a large part of our lives in. It is also where many of our precious memories and belongings are kept, but unfortunately some incidents can happen occasionally. Here is a list of some incidents and the lesser-known things that can be covered with home insurance.

1. Aerial damage

"If you’re living in an area that coincides with plane routes, coverage for aerial damage may just come in handy for you."

Over the years, there have been a number of tragic accidents involving aircraft crashing into the homes of people. In 2015, a light plane crashed into a residential area in Tokyo, killing 3 and setting fire to several houses. Not only did victims have to deal with the loss of their loved ones, they also had to face the cost of damages to their homes.

While such incidents are rare, home insurances do offer coverage should it ever occur. Damage from aircraft or any aerial devices, including aircraft debris or articles dropped from these sources can be claimed. If you’re living in an area that coincides with plane routes, coverage for aerial damage may just come in handy for you.

2. Sewage discharge

Imagine getting woken up by a most unpleasant stench from your toilet and discovering that sewage has been spilled all over the floor. Not only can it ruin your property, you may be unable to live in your home because of the unsanitary conditions. This could be due to an undependable sewer system, blockage in the city main, or even tree roots intruding into the sewer lines.

Sewer discharge is caused by water being pushed into homes through pipes from the drainage systems, and can be claimed under water damage in a home insurance policy. In fact, insurance claims for water damage are the second largest in the world. Other uncommon examples include flood damage and even water leakages caused by a roof collapse from a falling tree. But be sure to check because water damage claims can be tricky; most policies only cover sudden and accidental damage, but not gradual damage from wear and tear.

3. Animal collisions

Many of us grew up watching silly animal cartoons such as Tom and Jerry. It was not uncommon to see those characters chasing one another all over the place and crashing into things. In reality, however, there are actual incidents of animals clattering into people’s homes. Be it a runaway cow or horse, these large animals can cause a significant amount of damage.

Many home insurances do offer coverage for such incidents, and homeowners can claim for damage from impact caused by horses or cattle. That said, coverage for animal damage typically do not extend to personal property. For example, if a wild animal invades your home, repair costs may be paid for any structural damage, but not for damage to your personal belongings stored inside.

4. Alternative accommodation

"When domestic disasters strike, the last thing we want is to be stranded."

When domestic disasters strike, the last thing we want is to be stranded. It’s painful enough seeing your home made uninhabitable by a burst water pipe or a gas fire. What more when you realise that you’re going to have to fork out serious cash to put yourself and your family up at a hotel or serviced apartment for an extended period of time.

Being able to claim for alternative accommodation can prove invaluable when you’re in a pinch, so it’s a good thing that some home insurance policies provide for this in the event that a person’s house is left uninhabitable due to an insured event. Some policies will also cover a loss of rent if the damaged property in question is one designated for rental. Win-win? Yep.

5. Accidental death by fire or thieves

It’s a grisly thought, but accidents do happen. You could be sitting at home enjoying your evening one minute, and the next, find yourself at the mercy of an opportunistic burglar. Even though you are in the safety of your own home, do let your guard down fully and it is still good to be prepared for even the worst situation.

You might be aware that life insurance policies offer payouts in the event of death, but did you know that some home insurance policies also do the same? Amounts vary, of course, but certain policies will cover accidental death of you, your spouse or your family members in your home when caused by fire or thieves.

Home insurance plans can be more comprehensive than you initially thought. If you’ve got any questions about your home insurance, you can reach out to us here or find out more about MSIG Vietnam’s home insurance policies here.

Message from management

We, at MSIG Vietnam, have always been customer-focused, delivering our solutions to you with integrity, simplicity and professionalism. As an established leading insurer with a long-term perspective, we aim to offer effective, efficient and easy-to-understand insurance solutions; delivered with active and sincere service.