Saturday, 28 February 2015

28 february 2015 : Insurance : Budget 2015: Tax exemption limit for health insurance increased to Rs 25,000; for NPS taken to Rs 1.5 lakh

In a move that will cheer the common man, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech announced several tax benefits. The tax exemption limit for health insurance was increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. "This move is meant to encourage people to take health insurance," Jaitley said. 
The tax exemption limit for contribution to the National Pension Scheme was raised from Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 1,50,000. Also, the transport allowance for salaried, which currently stands at Rs 800 per month, was increased to Rs 1,600 per month. 

Seeking to simplify the tax regime, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech announced that Wealth Tax will be abolished. "This will help simplify the tax structure," he said. 

Moving ahead with his government's focus on building infrastructure, Jaitley announced introduction of tax-free infra bonds for railways and roads. 

"We have increased the budgetary allocation to roads & railways," said Jaitley. He also allocated Rs 25000 crore for the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund. Allocation on infrastructure was upped by Rs 70,000 crore. A National Investment & Infrastructure Fund was also announced. 

In an innovative way to reduce demand for overseas gold, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech said, "We propose an Indian gold coin. This gold coin will have an Ashok Chakra." 

"The Indian gold coin will help recycle local gold and cut overseas gold demand. The government will introduce Gold Monetization Scheme, Sovereign Gold Bonds and gold coins with Ashok Chakra," said Jaitley. 

Announcing his government's intention to come up with universal social security, Jaitley in his Budget speech said, "Under the Pradhan Mantri Surakhsha Beema Yojana, there will be an accident insurance of Rs 2 lakh." 

Friday, 27 February 2015

Health Insurance 27 feb 2015 : Top 10 Health insurance Companies in India

Let us check some of the best health insurance companies: 

1. ICICI Lombard: 

ICICI Lombard GIC Ltd. is one of the largest general insurance companies in India that is owned privately. This has some amazing health insurance plans – such as Health Advantage that will cover hospitalization expenses with outpatient expenses including dental. Maternity cover can also be taken under this product. The company also gives you added Health insurance Guide, which is an interactive tool that can be useful for the customer to select a plan according to his requirements. ICICI Lombard’s popular Product: Health Advantage  

 2. Star Health & Allied Insurance Company Limited: 

Star Health and Allied health Insurance Company Limited (Star Health) is a joint venture company. This includes ETA Ascon Group, Oman health Insurance Company and many other insurance veterans. It is the 1st dedicated health insurance company to be launched in India. This is popular for its innovation; Star has some very different products such as Diabetes Safe for diabetic patients and Star Netplus for HIV+ patients. Star Health insurance has their own in-house TPA to increase efficiency in cashless cases dealing. They have a unique help service, where the customers can call a given toll free number to get free consultations with some general physician. Star Health & Allied Insurance Company Limited’s Popular Products: Senior Citizen Red Carpet, Star Family Health Optima.   

3. Max Bupa Health insurance: 

Max Bupa Health Insurance is again a joint venture of Max India Limited and Bupa Group. This is one of the best international healthcare providers that were formed in the year 2010. Max Bupa has brought several changes in the health insurance market among Indian companies with their innovative ideas and customer friendly policies. They have a product of not over loading the customer or no claim bonuses. They don’t have any fixed enrolment age that means any age group people can buy their products. These products have guaranteed renewal that won’t deny your renewal in the age of 70s and 80s when you want it most. Their policy named ‘Heartbeat’ covers maternity as well. Max Bupa Health insurance’s popular products: Heart Beat Silver, Gold, and Platinum.  

 4. Apollo Munich:

 Apollo Munich Health Insurance Co. Ltd. is the latest name of Apollo DKV Insurance Co. Ltd. that is a partnership among The Apollo Hospitals Group, and Germany based Munich Health. They offer a change in the terms of customer friendly such as lifetime renewal and portability on their existing policies. Hence, you can opt for Apollo’s product and get continuation of the benefits on the existing policy. Apollo Munich products also cover maternity after the waiting period. Apollo Munich’s Popular Products: Easy Health Gold, Exclusive, Standard and Premium 

5. Reliance Health insurance: 

Reliance health insurance is one of the biggest privately owned general insurance companies in India. They also have many better health insurance policies that cover critical illnesses. They also give you a choice to reduce the waiting period for already existing illnesses to 2 years as per the industry standard of 4 years. It covers the people within the age group of 5-75. Reliance Health insurance’s Popular Policy: Health wise Family Floater   

6. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance: 

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited is jointly owned venture by Bajaj Finserv Limited and Allianz SE. Bajaj was the very 1st company that came up with a captive TPA. Health insurance policies under them are Silver health (Senior Citizen) , Health Guard (Mediclaim), and Star package (Family Floater), they also have other plans such as  Hospital Cash hat lends you  a particular amount every day during  the hospitalization and Critical Illness period. This  gives a lump sum amount when the  insured gets any one of the critical illnesses mentioned in the document such as  like cancer during his/her  policy period. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance’s Popular Product: Health Guard   Below is the list of Health Insurance from Public Sector General Insurance Companies: 

7. Oriental insurance: 

Oriental insurance gives numerous health insurance products such as Individual mediclaim, family floaters and Universal health insurance scheme to their customers. They also have Optional benefits such as Personal Accident and Life Hardship Survival that can be added with already existing basic health cover to get more benefits. The Happy Family floater is the most popular policy among all due to its non- requirement of medical check-up till your age of 60 years, while it is mandatory for each of more than 45 years of age to take a health check-up with other company policies. Oriental insurance’s popular policy: Happy Family Floater 

8. United India Insurance: 

United India health Insurance Company Limited is a public sector unit that has many health insurance products including Top-up, Family Medicare- Gold, Platinum, Senior Citizen, and Super Top-up. Top-up and Super Top-up policies provides additional cover amount, in case your basic cover is insufficient. United India Insurance’s Popular Policy: Family Medicare   

9. New India Assurance:

 It is the 1st Indian owned companies that formed in the year 1919. This has wide variety of health insurance products such as Mediclaim, senior citizen and Universal health insurance policy. The best feature of their Mediclaim policy is the different rating for the major metros than other locations. New India Assurance’s Popular Products: Mediclaim policy   

10. National Insurance: 

National Insurance has a very popular product named National’s Varishta Mediclaim that covers everyone from the age of 6 years—80 years with added benefits to senior citizens. National Insurance’s popular product: Varishta Mediclaim



So above mentioned were 10 Top Health Insurance Companies in India. Choose the company that is best for you and family and purchase a health insurance as soon as possible!

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Top 10 Brokerage Firms in India 27 feb 2015


Top 10 Brokerage Firms in India

Brokerage firms are the business entities that deal with stock trading. India, with an increasing capital market and a growing number of investors, has a number of brokerage firms. In Indian retail brokerage industry, the brokerage firms primarily work as agents for buying and selling of securities like shares, stocks and other financial instruments and earn commission for each of the transactions. There are plenty of brokerage firms in India. Let's have a look at the top 10 brokerage firms in India. - See more at: http://business.mapsofindia.com/india-company/top-10-brokerage-firms.html#sthash.RGibcxMx.dpuf

Before talking anything about top brokerage firms in India, let's have a glance at the Indian retail brokerage market, which is going through a wonderful phase with high growth rate. The total trading volume of the Indian brokerage companies stood at US$ 1239.1 billion in the year 2004, which increased to US$ 1492.1 billion in 2005. It is further expected to reach US$ 6535.7 billion by the year 2015.
- See more at: http://business.mapsofindia.com/india-company/top-10-brokerage-firms.html#sthash.RGibcxMx.dpuf

List of Top 10 Brokerage Firms in India



Among all the Indian brokerage companies, the top 10 Brokerage Firms in India can be listed as below:

NameKotak Securities Limited
Terminals4320
Sub Brokers910
No. of Employees4008
No. of Branches350
NameKarvy Stock Broking Limited
Terminals1700
Sub Brokers19000
No. of Employees3910
No. of Branches581
NameIndiabulls
Terminals2876
Sub BrokersNA
No. of Employees5873
No. of Branches522
NameIL&FS Investmart Limited
Terminals1644
Sub BrokersNA
No. of Employees1900
No. of Branches294
NameMotilal Oswal Securities
Terminals7923
Sub Brokers890
No. of Employees2193
No. of Branches63
NameReliance Money
Terminals2428
Sub Brokers1494
No. of Employees2037
No. of Branches142
NameIndia Infoline
Terminals173
Sub Brokers173
No. of EmployeesNA
No. of Branches605
NameAngel Broking Limited
Terminals5715
Sub BrokersNA
No. of Employees284
No. of BranchesNA
NameAnand Rathi Securities Limited
Terminals1527
Sub Brokers320
No. of Employees4566
No. of Branches220
NameGeojit
Terminals627
Sub Brokers247
No. of Employees343
No. of Branches314

Top 10 Car Insurance Comparison Sites UK - Best Prices :- Compare Car Insurance Comparison Sites : 27 feb 2015

The best - and worst - insurance companies revealed


The best - and worst - insurance companies named

A major survey claims to have revealed the 40 best car insurance companies.
The Auto Express Driver Power survey, in partnership with Telegraph Motoring, asked more than 46,000 motorists to rate their insurance company in five areas: communication, speed to settle a claim, helpfulness, value for money and overall service. Topping the table was NFU Mutual, with customers praising its local customer service, rather than having to talk to a call centre, as well as the company’s efficiency. More than 97 per cent of customers said they would renew their NFU Mutual policy, even though it is not the cheapest insurer.
The worst performer in the Driver Power survey was Diamond, which was criticised for errors appearing on policies as well as one respondent having to wait two years for a claim to be resolved.
In addition, the study carried out a mystery shopper exercise to identify the insurer which offered the lowest premiums. It contacted all of the insurers to get quotes for a 25-year-old sales manager driving a Ford Fiesta, a 40-year-old publicity manager driving a Vauxhall Insignia and a 55-year-old dentist driving a BMW 530d. Esure was cheapest for all three, returning quotes of £601.32, £217 and £205.83 respectively.
The study also found that the price of insurance had only increased for 35 per cent of respondents year-on-year, compared with 50 per cent in last year’s survey, and that accidental damage accounted for 90 per cent of claims.


The Top 40 car insurers rated by the Driver Power survey 2013, including overall score (based on ratings for communication, speed to settle a claim, helpfulness, value for money and overall service).
1. NFU Mutual - 89.09%
2. LV=Frizzel - 88.27%
3. Adelade IAM Surety - 87.94%
4. Royal and Sun Alliance - 85.01%
5. Saga - 83.03%
6. Liverpool Victoria - 82.95%
7. John Lewis Insurance - 82.57%
8. RIAS - 81.15%
9. Groupama - 80.45%
10. Co-operative Insurance - 80.18%
11. Ageas - 79.75%
12. NatWest - 79.73%
13. Nationwide - 79.13%
14. Marks and Spencer - 78.59%
15. Sainsbury’s - 78.55%
16. Allianz - 78.54%
17. Prudential - 78.34%
18. Adrian Flux - 78.18%
19. Lloyds TSB - 77.97%
20. Direct Line - 77.78%
21. Tesco - 77.42%
22. Aviva - 77.31%
23. Equity Red Star - 77.19%
24. Swinton - 76.95%
25. Axa - 76.88%
26. Churchill - 76.83%
27. Zurich Financial Services - 76.70%
28. Priveilege - 76.39%
29. More Than - 76.21%
30. Halifax - 75.96%
31. Esure - 75.94%
32. Insure - 75.83%
33. Broker Direct - 75.54%
34. Sheila’s Wheels - 75.42%
35. AA - 75.42%
36. Chaucer - 75.19%
37. Hastings Direct - 75.15%
38. Highway - 74.41%
39. Swiftcover - 74.33%
40. Diamond - 74.24%

Insurance News February 25, 2015 :- ICICI Pru Life's Assets under Management crosses Rs. 1 trillion

Having started operations in December 2000, the AUM garnered for the year ending March 31, 2001, was a little over Rs. 1 billion 

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company has crossed the Rs. 1 trillion mark in Assets under Management (AUM). 

This is the first time in the history of the Indian life insurance industry that a private life insurer has achieved this milestone. 

 Having started operations in December 2000, the AUM garnered for the year ending March 31, 2001, was a little over Rs. 1 billion. 

The journey over the last fourteen years, since then, to Rs. 1 trillion has been an exciting one – of protecting lives, enabling dreams and growing together.   

The focus of the Company has always been on customer centricity. 

The digitization drive of the company ensured a hassle free on-boarding experience for customers, simultaneously enhancing organisational efficiencies and built capacity for the distribution network. 

The digital platform empowered the customers to take informed buying decisions with their active participation.  

 Mr. Sandeep Bakhshi, MD & CEO said, “We are delighted to have achieved this milestone. 

This has been possible due to the faith reposed in us by customers, our distribution network and employees. 

The Assets under Management for a life insurer qualitatively symbolize the amount of trust placed by policyholders in the Company. 

The technology initiatives implemented, have contributed significantly enabling us to provide better service to customers and becoming more efficient.”  

 He added, “The Assets under Management, is in a way, the culmination of various initiatives implemented by the Company towards qualitatively increasing New Business premium, Renewal premium, providing cost effective products, best in class customer service, consistent fund performance over the long term, a hassle free claims settlement process and last but not the least providing a working environment which nurtures committed employees. 

It has always been our endeavour to simplify life insurance for customers. 

To us, it is the barometer of the trust placed in us by all stakeholders, since life insurance is a long term product.”

Inputs From :- http://www.indiainfoline.com/

Insurance News February 25, 2015: PNB MetLife launches Reinstatement Drive

This initiative will enable the customers to reinstate their policy with reduced or zero medical/health related requirements with no re-instatement charges

PNB MetLife, among the leading private life insurers, today launched a reinstatement drive targeting customers of lapsed policies over last two years. 

This initiative will enable the customers to reinstate their policy with reduced or zero medical/health related requirements with no re-instatement charges including interest, to continue to enjoy the policy benefits. 

Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO, PNB MetLife said, “The total protection level of the citizens of India is only about 60% of the GDP, while it is 99% and 178% in China and Malaysia, respectively. Hence it is critical for Indians to insure themselves against any eventuality so that their families are financially secure. 

Through our re-instatement drive we hope to help customers re-instate their lapsed policy and continue to enjoy the benefits over the policy term.

” To re-instate their lapsed policies, customers can call on 1800 425 6969 and choose option ‘8’ or visit the company website www.pnbmetlife.com for more details.

Thursday, 26 February 2015

Insurance News Feb 26, 2015 : Forthcoming budget should take small steps: Max Bupa

Exemption of service tax from health insurance premium and increasing the tax exemption slab for premium paid will be a stimulus to the industry’s growth

As this Budget would be the first full-fledged budget by the Finance Minister, expectations across industries are quite high. Last year’s budget was progressive and forward looking and clearly exhibits the new government’s understanding of the impending needs to fuel economic growth through righteous allocation of funds and impetus to foreign investment. Key thrust on improving the rural economy with focus on development programmes, FDI hike, enhancement of quality healthcare rounded up as an ideal budget. This year, a growth-oriented budget, with a focus on health assurance and an overall increase in financial inclusion and consumer awareness are the wish list from this years’ union budget. Health Insurance being a relatively new idea is evolving and must innovatively and creatively face the challenges of lack of access and affordability, health/medical inflation, unavailability of skilled manpower among other barriers and roadblocks. It is therefore, every Indian’s need to have access to an all-inclusive and quality healthcare system. Innovations across all touch points will be harbinger of growth and will help us accomplish our mission of getting to universal health insurance coverage in India. We have seen a perception shift towards health insurance as consumers are becoming more aware and health conscious now as compared to a few years back. The growing awareness coupled with the rising affluence is resulting in an increased demand for health insurance in the country. For consumers, exemption of service tax from Health Insurance premium and increasing the tax exemption slab for premium paid will be a stimulus to the industry’s growth. Forthcoming budget should take small steps such as removing service tax on health insurance premium, increasing deduction limit under Section 80D to increase penetration of insurance. Health insurance is still looked upon only as a secondary option to other investments by most consumers because of lack of awareness, lower tax exemption or as a stress purchase. Therefore tax benefits on healthcare insurance would help nurture a culture of preventive healthcare in India. However, affordability and awareness still plagues our growth. India’s current healthcare system is one of the most privatized globally, with the private sector providing eighty percent of outpatient care, resulting in catastrophic out of pocket expenses for people with a low income. People need to understand that with inflation in healthcare costs and increase in the incidence of lifestyle diseases, health insurance will be beneficial in covering the treatment cost. All this will ultimately free the current out-of-pocket spending and channel funds toward far more productive uses, while strengthening the public health-care system.

27 feb 2015 : DEFINITION OF 'INSURANCE'

A contract (policy) in which an individual or entity receives financial protection or reimbursement against losses from an insurance company. The company pools clients' risks to make payments more affordable for the insured.



EXPLAINS 'INSURANCE'


When shopping around for an insurance policy, look for the best priced package that is right for you - prices can vary from one insurance company to the next. And make sure you know what you want. Some individuals, for example, prefer 24-hour claims service or face-to-face contact with an insurance representative. Also consider the claims settlement process, the amount of the deductible and the extent of the replacement coverage. Insurance companies and the policies they offer are not all the same, so think about more than just the price.

27 feb 2015 : Insurance Company

Indian General Insurance Insurance Company


Public Sector



Private Sector


27 feb 2015 : Top 10 General Insurance Companies in India

1 | New India Assurance Company Limited
Corporate office – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Establishment – 1919 |
Business – General Assurance | Website – www.newindia.co.in|
New India Assurance Company Limited is an Indian Government owned general Insurance company. The company has a network of 1600 offices and over 19000 employees and has presence in more than 22 countries worldwide. It offers a wide range of general insurance products including cover for oil & energy industries, Petrochemical, power & steel plants, satellites, aviation fleets, SMEs and almost all the commercial sector.


2 | National Insurance Company Limited
Corporate office – Kolkata, West Bengal | Establishment – 1906 |
Business – Financial services | Website – nationalinsuranceindia.nic.co.in|
National Insurance Company Limited, established in 1906 and it is the oldest among the general insurance companies in India. The Insurance giant is based at Kolkata and has a workforce of over 15000 working across 1340 offices located all across the country. Being the only PSU non life insurance, company has won the Best Auto Insurer award.

3 | The Oriental Insurance Company Limited 
Corporate office – New Delhi, India | Establishment – 1947 |
Business – General Insurance | Website – www.orientalinsurance.org.in|
Held by the Central Government of India, the Oriental Insurance Company Limited was incorporated in the year 1947. Headquartered in New Delhi, Oriental Insurance is an expert in providing cover for steel, chemical plants, petrochemical and power plants projects and also meets the insurance cover needs of the rural and urban population.

4 | United India Insurance Company Limited
Corporate office – Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Establishment – 1938 |
Business – General Insurance | Website – uiic.co.in |
Established in 1938, United India Insurance Company Limited providing insurance covers to a large number of customers from various sectors like GMR- Hyderabad International Airport, ONGC, Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanam etc. and also extended to rural areas by implementing India & Vijaya Raji Janani Kalyan Yojana, Health Insurance Programme of Government of India and many other such policies.

5 | Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited
Corporate office – Pune, Maharashtra | Establishment – 2001 |
Business – Insurance Products | Website – www.bajajallianz.com |
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, a joint venture between Allianz SE and Bajaj Finserv Limited is headquartered in Pune. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offers complex covers through policies like Health insurance which includes Personal Guard, Star Package, Hospital Cash, Health Guard and Travel insurance which includes Pravasi Bharti Bima Yojana and Student Companion etc.

6 | ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited
Corporate office – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Establishment – 2001 |
Business – General assurance | Website – www.icicilombard.com|
Rated highest in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power Asia Pacific in India, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited has by far settled over 5.07 million claims and issued 9.18 million policies. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company is a joint venture between Fairfax Financial Holdings and ICICI Bank Ltd.

7 | Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited
Corporate office – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Establishment – 2001 |
Business – Insurance | Website – www.tataaiginsurance.in|
Formed by the American International Group, Inc. and Tata Group, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited started India operations in 2001. Tata AIG General Insurance Company has insurance solutions for corporate as well as individuals which includes Health Insurance, Lifestyle Insurance, Home Insurance, Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance and more.

8 | Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited
Corporate office – New Delhi, India | Establishment – 2002 |
Business – Agriculture Insurance | Website – www.aicofindia.com|
Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited was incorporated in the year 2002 under the guidance of Government of India to help farmers for betterment. Agriculture Insurance Company has extended their crop insurance services in more than 500 Indian districts covering more than 20 million farmers in case of natural calamities like storms, drought etc, diseases and pests.

9 | Reliance General Insurance Company Limited
Corporate office – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Establishment – 2001 |
Business – Insurance | Website – www.reliancegeneral.co.in|
Reliance General Insurance is a general insurance company of India offering insurance cover to SME, corporate and individual clients. Rated among the top 10 general assurance providers in India and its product offering includes student travel, motor, health, travel insurance etc. and other customized products. Reliance General Insurance Company has a network of 139 offices spread across 24 states.

10 | IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company Limited
Corporate office – Gurgaon, Haryana | Establishment – 2000 |
Business – General Insurance | Website – www.iffcotokio.co.in|
IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company Limited, established in 2000 is a joint venture between Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Group and Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative. IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company offers wide range of non-life insurance products like Personal Accident, Motor, Household, Travel etc.