What Is Insurance?
Insurance is an agreement where you (the policyholder) pay regular amounts (premiums) to an insurance company. In return, if an unexpected event covered by your policy happens, the insurer promises to compensate you or your family for the financial loss.
Example: If your car gets damaged in an insured accident, your insurer pays for repairs, saving your savings.
Why Do You Need Insurance?
Financial Safety: Prevents emergencies from draining your life savings.
Peace of Mind: You worry less about “what ifs,” knowing you’re protected.
Supports Family: Life and health insurance ensure loved ones are cared for if something happens to you.
Required by Law: Some insurances, like vehicle insurance, are mandatory.
Main Types of Insurance
1. Life Insurance
Pays a lump sum to your nominee if something happens to you.
Term Life: Pure protection, affordable and adequate for most families.
Other types: Endowment, whole life, and ULIPs combine life cover with savings or investment.
2. Health Insurance
Covers hospital bills, surgeries, and medical treatments.
Plans: Individual, family floater, senior citizen, critical illness.
3. Motor Insurance
Mandatory for all vehicles. Covers repairs from accidents/theft, plus third-party injury and property damage.
4. Home & Asset Insurance
Protects your home and belongings against fire, theft, floods, or other mishaps.
5. Specialized Insurance
Travel, personal accident, disability, and business insurance for specific needs.
How to Choose the Right Insurance
Identify Risks:
What needs protecting—life, health, property, income?
Compare Options:
Check coverage, exclusions, claims record, and premium costs.
Buy Adequate Cover:
Underinsuring can leave dangerous gaps; over-insuring costs more than needed.
Read the Fine Print:
Know what is and isn't covered before buying.
Review Annually:
Update your cover every year or after big life changes.
Conclusion
Insurance gives you the confidence to pursue goals without the fear of wiping out your savings in a crisis. Start with the basics: protect your life, health, and assets—then expand as your needs grow.