We are sure you have been obsessed with a mobile game or two; using your Credit Card to make in-app purchases and to get ahead in the game. Most of us are addicted to gaming apps such as Candy Crush, Clash of Clans and the more recent Pokémon Go! These apps keep us occupied while we are travelling, taking a break from work, or using the washroom! Come on, how else would you pass the time?
The concept of mobile gaming seems so unproductive that we often tend to dismiss it as nothing more than a money gobbling addiction. But did you know that you can do much more with these gaming apps than just ignore your friendly neighbour?
Gaming apps can help turn you into an Insurance guru. Sounds bizarre, doesn’t it? Well, in this article we’ll explore five popular games and the Insurance secrets hidden in them. These gaming apps, very subtly, introduce effective Insurance lessons into the lives of the people using them. The important part is to recognise these lessons and imbibe them into your day-to-day lifestyle.
Additional Reading: 5 (Very Wrong) Reasons People Buy Life Insurance in India
Let us begin with the old-school board game Monopoly.
Monopoly
Playing this cerebral game requires foresight and rational thinking. You must have learnt that you cannot win the game solely by making expensive property purchases. You also have to buy utilitarian properties so that you can earn money in the form of rent. Essentially, you must diversify and distribute your money to purchase properties of all shapes, sizes and benefits.
Lessons: Likewise, buying the most expensive Term Insurance plan is not the best route for ensuring the safety of your family. You must compare the benefits and covers offered by various Term Plans and pick the one that best fits the lifestyle and needs of your family.
Though you can claim tax sops when you purchase a Term Life Insurance plan, many people still shy away from it and prefer to channel their money into lucrative investment plans. If you fall into the above category, you can consider a Unit Linked Insurance Plan. ULIP not only provides long-term security but also helps in wealth creation. Even if you are considering a classic Life Insurance Plan, you can either opt for a family plan or an individual plan. Like each puzzle is different from the other, the requirements of people also differ. It’s a strategically correct choice to invest in a plan that suits your needs and not the one with the lowest premium.
Temple Run
Temple Run is a household name and chances are you’ve fallen off your favourite ottoman multiple times trying to avoid a fall at those sharp turns in the game. Yes, body and mind coordination gets as twisted as the path in the game when you sit at it for hours. Whatever said and done, the game is addictive and fun and most importantly it has significant messages to convey.
One – it’s ok to steal ancient artefacts. Just kidding! The goal of the game is to cover as much distance as you can from the site of temple ruins while collecting as many coins as possible on the route. The best way to go about this challenge is to make sure that you grab the magnet feature whenever you spot one. The magnet will attract all the coins without you having to sway like a drunkard. The magnet feature serves the dual purpose of increasing your gold coin count, which can be used to make purchases within the game, and it also ups your bonus metre. It is a win-win situation if you are trying to set a record.
Lessons: Carefully studying the pulse of the market before selecting an Insurance plan can turn your Insurance Plan into a money magnet. Some Insurance plans come with the option of regular payouts. You can opt for monthly returns that can serve as your second income. Also, pay close attention to the reputation of your Insurance provider. A well-known firm can surprise you by offering your bonus on your Insurance at the end of the maturity period. Therefore, it is wise to get the right kind of Insurance policy and then use it as a magnet to help secure your financial health.
Additional Reading: Your Guide To Joint Life Insurance
Clash Of Clans
Another famous gaming app which is much sought-after is Clash of Clans. Players who craft the best strategies get to build their clan. An essential skill needed to win the game is patience and perseverance. The player must first construct a village by adding houses and establishments. In order to protect the village, the troops are then stationed strategically. One village invades the other and earns points and therefore it is essential to not be too careless. Players often log in every few hours due to the dynamic nature of the game.
Lesson: The game teaches you to remain mindful of uncertainties and be ready to battle any challenge life may hurl at you. Similarly, in life too one must take the necessary safety steps to tackle difficult situations. Consequently, an Insurance cover is really important to protect yourself and your family from dire situations. Moreover, one has to be patient in building the defences, just like waiting for the policy to mature and paying off instalments to retain the protection. Looking after one’s welfare and family’s well-being is of utmost importance and should never be ignored. A careful and responsible person is a happy person.
Additional Reading: 3 Embarrassing Life Insurance Questions You Shouldn’t Be Afraid To Ask Your Agent
Pokémon Go
Quite recently Pokémon Go broke the internet! Everyone out there was utterly obsessed with it. Travelling became a necessity of the game as players wandered all around the world to catch Pokémons. Though it’s not difficult to procure a Pokémon the trick is in capturing one which will give you an edge over other trainers. For instance, a Ratata will give you some points but a Charizard will work wonders for you.
Lesson: Just like each Pokémon comes with its unique add-ons, it becomes essential to choose the correct add-ons for your Insurance policy. It is important to choose the correct clauses and tick the right boxes while getting yourself and your family covered. Do not let something unexpected, that can be tacked beforehand, ruin the financial security of your family. Choose the right Pokémon and you will surely win that gym badge!
Candy Crush
Finally, let’s explore the favourite game of all metro travellers and college students who happen to find themselves in a boring lecture – Candy Crush. You must have witnessed how people go gaga over this game and many of us have even been a part of the bandwagon. The rules of the game are simple- you start off with easy to solve levels and make your way up to more complicated levels that may sometimes take days to solve. The game keeps getting harder. It takes more attention and presence of mind to cross every level.
Lesson: Similarly, getting an Insurance early in your life will be highly beneficial. As you get older, getting an Insurance will get difficult. Your premiums will be higher and you might not be eligible for a lot of riders and add-ons. Thankfully, most Insurance companies allow the policy holders to include new add-ons as and when the need arises. You can always level up your scheme and customise it according to your needs. But it’s always better to start early.
Additional Reading: How Demonetisation Has Helped The Insurance Industry
The popular games can mean much more if we are ready to learn from the strategies and plans that we employ while playing them! Insurance is an important aspect of protecting oneself and the more you learn about it, the better prepared you will be to get the best results from the policies.