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Business Standard brings you a snapshot of average current rates and unit sizes in localities that offer property in a price range of Rs 30-50 lakh. If you are looking at buying real estate and your budget falls within this range, an idea about prevailing rates would come in handy

Realty check

Business Standard

Unless unique, avoid IPOs

Image via Shutterstock

If there are comparable companies, look at relative valuations before deciding

Earn more in the golden years

Depending on your liquidity requirement, invest in the right debt instruments

When I renewed my family floater health policy, the premium increased, though there was no claim, and the sum assured remained the same. Why didn't I get a higher sum assured, since there was no claim? The premium generally increases on two counts. Either one of the members has entered into a new age band-which commands a higher premium-or the company has enhanced rates across the product. It is not necessary that all policies offer a cumulative bonus (increase in sum insured) in the event of no claim. You can ask the company to provide a higher sum insured. Whether they grant it would depend on their underwriting guidelines and they may charge additional premium for it.I am buying a second-hand two-wheeler for my daughter. Would you advise buying a comprehensive policy or a third-party policy? Though the comprehensive policy is not compulsory, we still recommend it.The policy provides additional benefits for perils like accidental damages and theft, which are equally likely for a seco

General Insurance: Rakesh Jain

The Citizens' Rights Association (CRA), a consumer rights organisation, noticed agents and officers of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) were cheating consumers through misleading pamphlets of its Money Plus Plan policy. The pamphlets promised money invested under the plan would multiply 50 times in 20 years. Luring gullible customers, huge sums of money were collected. This benefited the agents who earn commissions. As LIC's business prospered, its officials turned a blind eye to the shady business.Despite repeated appeals LIC did not take any action to stop the unfair trade. According to CRA, there was no proper public grievances redressal mechanism to deal with the issue.The organisation approached Delhi's Consumer Grievance Redressal Commission against LIC, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) and the secretary of the ministry of finance. It wanted LIC to scrap the policy with immediate effect and the money be returned to the policyholders alo

Insurer held liable for misleading advertisements

Great investors have the judgement to pick winners in new scenarios

Seeking investment opportunities?

Excess provident fund money has to be returned

Otherwise, EPFO can freeze your account. But seek detailed calculation to verify the numbers

Avoid falling prey to card frauds

Check the slot that accepts the card; if it's shaky or loose, look for another ATM

T S Vijayan

The next time you step into a bank branch, the relationship manager might not try to sell you an insurance policy that isn't suitable for you. If at all you are sold a policy, it will be after a thorough analysis of your financial needs and goals. After all, the bank wouldn't want to be held guilty of mis-selling.According to data from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), as of March this year, there were 278,992 complaints against life insurance companies. Of these, 52 per cent were related to mis-selling.Recently, Irdai Chairman T S Vijayan said banks and their employees would be held liable for all insurance policies sold by them. Corporate agents, including banks, would be considered intermediaries. Currently, banks sell products of a one life and a general insurance company, under the bancassurance platform. They act as corporate agents of insurance companies. In case of a mis-selling complaint, the insurance company is held liable, not the agent. B

Policyholders to benefit from Irdai move

Business Standard analyses one family's finances and suggests a way forward

Case study

Making money from property

If you want double-digit returns, it won't come right away. Opt for an affordable house on a metro's periphery, invest and wait it out

Kuldip Kumar, executive director - tax & regulatory practice, PwC, answers your questions

Readers' Corner: Taxation

State Highway 87, also known as Bannerghatta Road or BG Road, is a 50-km arterial road that links Bengaluru with other parts of the city such as Jigani, Anekal and Bannerghatta

Bannerghatta Road: One of Bengaluru's most developed micromarkets

Consumers must file a compliant and claim compensation

Deprived of participating in a draw?

Shop only at authorised websites. If the price is too low, it might not be genuine. Worse, there is no clear redressal process

Online luxury shopping isn't a cakewalk

Even if reforms don't occur, there will be some growth

Nearly ideal for long-term investors

Fraud image via Shutterstock

Gullible bank customers are getting fooled by callers who scare or lure them. Never share your personal or financial details with anyone

Phone frauds gain traction

Pack your bags for a weekend trip

Consider a road trip and look for hotel flash sales on internet and mobile platforms if you have not planned in advance

To hire or own a car

If you travel up to 25 km daily, it makes sense to use taxi-hailing apps. If over 75 km, owning a vehicle is cheaper

My parents are senior citizens. All their savings bank accounts and FDs are in their joint names. There is no nominee. Can I add my name as a nominee even if I don't have an account in their bank? Yes, your names can be added as nominee to the account even if you do not have an account there. No additional documents are required.I paid the premium for two insurance policies through NEFT. One transaction failed but my account still showed three debits. My bank said the failed transaction would be reversed in two working days. It has not happened. What should I do?In the case of failed transactions, the amount is usually credited back to a customer's account within 48-72 hours. If there has been a delay in reversing the amount, you should approach your bank. If you don't get it resolved at the first attempt, refer to your bank's website on how to escalate your complaint to higher authorities.I'm a retired senior citizen and most of my savings are in bank FDs. I have to pay tax on interes

Page 31 - Investment