Off-road adventures can be some of the most exhilarating activities one can experience. The thrill of riding an ATV or dirt bike through rough terrain is unmatched. However, what happens when accidents occur, and damage or injuries are incurred? This is where recreational vehicle insurance comes into play. If you are an off-road enthusiast living in Westchester, NY, we have you covered. ASZ International Inc. can cover everything you need to know about recreational vehicle insurance to protect you during your off-road adventures.
Recreational vehicle insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for vehicles used for off-road purposes. It covers damage incurred during accidents, theft, or vandalism. The coverage can include injuries incurred during accidents, including medical bills, lost wages, and other associated expenses.
Types of Recreational Vehicles Covered
Off-road insurance policies, including ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and golf carts, cover different types of recreational vehicles. This means that off-road enthusiasts can enjoy their adventures in any vehicle without worrying about incurring hefty expenses should something go wrong.
Coverage Options
Recreational vehicle insurance policies come with various coverage to meet your specific needs. The coverage available may include liability coverage, collision coverage, theft coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payment coverage, and more.
By understanding what recreational insurance is, the types of recreational vehicles covered, coverage options available in Westchester, NY, and the benefits of obtaining recreational vehicle insurance, you can make an informed choice when selecting an insurance policy for your off-road vehicle. Contact ASZ International Inc. to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your recreational vehicle, and you can enjoy your adventures to the fullest with the knowledge that you are covered should anything unexpected happen.
In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions, industries across the board are stepping up to adopt sustainable alternatives. At the forefront of this environmental shift are electric vehicles (EVs), paving the way for a cleaner and greener future. The impact of this transition is felt not only in personal transportation but also in the realm of public transportation, with a remarkable surge in the adoption of electronic vehicles. Now, this revolutionary wave is extending its reach to an essential mode of transportation for millions of students in the United States: school buses. In this blog, we embark on an exciting exploration of the implications of incorporating electric school buses, delving into their environmental benefits, financial advantages, and safety considerations.
The Green Pioneers: Unveiling the Environmental Benefits
Electric school buses stand tall as beacons of eco-friendliness. Their most striking feature is their ability to eliminate tailpipe emissions entirely, making them an undeniable force in curbing air pollution. An electric bus on the road is akin to removing five passenger cars from circulation, demonstrating their immense potential in combating climate change. Yet the environmental advantages don’t stop there. Electric buses also lend a helping hand in reducing noise pollution, contributing to a more tranquil and healthier urban environment. Moreover, the true power of these buses lies in their capacity to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, thereby paving the way towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Safety Takes the Spotlight: Addressing Concerns
Addressing safety concerns is paramount when introducing new technology, and electric school buses are no exception. While insurance costs for electric buses may be approximately 30% higher than their diesel counterparts, this is largely due to the vehicle’s higher value and the perceived cost of repairs after an accident. However, it’s essential to recognize that battery technology has come a long way in recent years, significantly reducing potential risks. Many electric buses are equipped with battery backup systems and auto-shutoff features designed to prevent fires and ensure passenger safety. Additionally, new school buses come equipped with advanced safety features such as backup cameras, stop signs, and lights to facilitate safe loading and unloading of students.
Bridging the Perception Gap: A Bright Future
Undoubtedly, the road to embracing electric school buses is not without challenges, with public perception being one of the primary hurdles. However, proactive customer education campaigns play a vital role in debunking myths and promoting the numerous benefits of this cutting-edge technology. Electric school buses serve as powerful symbols of commitment to sustainability and safety, making them a sound investment in the long run. As communities increasingly prioritize sustainability, these buses present an invaluable opportunity to drive progress towards a greener, safer future.
An Electrifying Choice: Unveiling the Full Potential
Electric school buses represent a transformative alternative to traditional diesel buses, promising substantial environmental benefits, considerable cost savings, and unwavering dedication to safety. While the initial investment and insurance costs may raise eyebrows, the long-term financial advantages, coupled with government incentives, position electric buses as a financially viable and responsible choice. Beyond the numbers, they symbolize a deep-rooted commitment to safeguarding our planet and our children’s future. As more communities join the charge towards sustainability, electric school buses take center stage in this resounding symphony of positive change.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this communication is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be construed as such. All information, content, and materials available in this communication are for general informational purposes only. Listeners, viewers, readers, users, browsers, or recipients of this communication are advised to consult with their attorney to obtain advice regarding any specific legal matter.
No listener, viewer, reader, user, browser, or recipient of this communication should make decisions or take actions solely based on the information contained herein without first seeking legal advice from qualified legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. It is important to note that individual circumstances can vary, and only your personal attorney can provide guidance on whether the information provided here is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
The views expressed in this communication are solely those of the individual creators in their individual capacities and do not represent the opinions of ASZ International, Inc. doing business as ASZ Associates. Any actions taken or refrained from, based on the contents of this communication, are undertaken at your own risk, and all liability with respect to such actions or inactions is hereby expressly disclaimed.
The content in this communication is provided “as is,” and no representations are made regarding its accuracy, completeness, or reliability. It is important to independently verify any information presented here and to consult legal professionals for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Insuring Millennials and Gen-Z: Why It’s More Important Than You Think
Millennials and Gen-Z are often stereotyped as being reckless with their finances and not taking insurance seriously. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Studies have shown that a significant majority of Millennials and Gen-Z believe that having insurance is important. So why are they underserved and underinsured.
In this blog post, we’ll look at why insuring Millennials and Gen-Z is more important than ever and how insurers can tailor their products to meet their needs.
Changing Landscape
As the world changes, new insurance challenges are directly impacting these generations. For instance, the gig economy is booming and ever-evolving, student debt is ballooning, and the rising cost of living coupled with inflation, have all contributed to more Millennials and Gen-Z living paycheck to paycheck. Without much in savings, they simply don’t have much available for unexpected expenses. We are also facing a time of ever-increasing and evolving risks; such as growing identity theft, cybercrime, and social media liability. By understanding these developing risks, insurers can create products that better meet generational needs.
Health, Life & Wellness
Health insurance is particularly important for Millennials and Gen-Z. They’re more likely to be uninsured than any other age group, with around one in four not having any coverage. Those that do have health insurance often have painfully high deductibles or a very limited network of providers. Unexpected medical bills can be financially devastating and even crimpling. Insurers can tailor their policies to meet this need by offering more flexible payment options, telemedicine services, coverage for alternative treatments like acupuncture, mental health services and customizing back-end risk selection and reinsurance processes.
Life insurance is something many Millennials and Gen-Z don’t ever think about. They often express a lack of need due to having no dependents or limited assets. However, life insurance can provide a valuable safety net that should not be overlooked. For example, if a young and healthy person suddenly passes away, their family could be left with unexpected funeral expenses and a pile of outstanding debts. We often see loved ones creating crowd-funding pages on Gofundme.com or EverLoved to cover medical or funeral expenses. Life insurance can help cover these costs at a fraction of the actual cost and ease the financial burden on loved ones, perhaps even leaving them with a financial gift as well.
Maybe we should be crowdfunding our life insurance while we are still living? Or proactively insuring our future as well as our loved ones in a more creative fashion. Perhaps coupling life insurance with another product or service that is consumed regularly by the underinsured generations.
What do they want?
Millennials and Gen-Z don’t want one-size-fits-all insurance policies. They value customization, speed and quality. Insurers can and should cater to this. Lemonade (which we love for many reasons) attempted to hit these marks but are still falling short. For example, Lemonade allows speed and customization but lacks the quality and completeness of a traditional policy. Lemonade has tried to deliver to this niche market, offering speed in underwriting and claims and agility in coverage selection but lacks the sophistication, wholesomeness and broadness of a traditional carrier. While they tout their record-breaking claims settlement practices, they still have failed to captivate the massively underinsured generations and will lose customers with age and sophistication.
What’s next?
It is no surprise that technology plays a significant role in insuring Millennials and Gen-Z. They expect speed, convenience, and a seamless digital experience. Insurers that utilize technology effectively will be more appealing to this demographic without sacrificing the coveted pillars of traditional insurance. Brokers, such as ASZ International are bridging many of these gaps between a underserved generation and a variety of carriers, but there is still a need for change on both ends.
For example, auto insurance companies that use telematics devices to monitor driving habits and offer discounts to safe drivers may be more attractive to younger drivers. However, customers are becoming more reflective and sophisticated, beginning to realize they don’t want to sacrifice personal privacy for savings. Instead, they save elsewhere. It wouldn’t be surprising to us to see more pushback on the data grab overreach we are witnessing from carriers, manufacturers and more.
Insuring millennials and Gen-Z is more important than ever. These generations face unique risks and need tailored insurance products that meet their needs. It’s also important for insurers to keep up with technology and offer a seamless digital experience, without massive data overreach.
By better understanding the evolving needs and desires of these generations, insurers will be able to tap into a largely untapped market and help protect young adults to live long and properly insured lives.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this communication is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be construed as such. All information, content, and materials available in this communication are for general informational purposes only. Listeners, viewers, readers, users, browsers, or recipients of this communication are advised to consult with their attorney to obtain advice regarding any specific legal matter.
No listener, viewer, reader, user, browser, or recipient of this communication should make decisions or take actions solely based on the information contained herein without first seeking legal advice from qualified legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. It is important to note that individual circumstances can vary, and only your personal attorney can provide guidance on whether the information provided here is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
The views expressed in this communication are solely those of the individual creators in their individual capacities and do not represent the opinions of ASZ International, Inc. doing business as ASZ Associates. Any actions taken or refrained from, based on the contents of this communication, are undertaken at your own risk, and all liability with respect to such actions or inactions is hereby expressly disclaimed.
The content in this communication is provided “as is,” and no representations are made regarding its accuracy, completeness, or reliability. It is important to independently verify any information presented here and to consult legal professionals for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Ridesharing has become a popular way of commuting in many cities around the world. With companies like Uber and Lyft offering convenient, affordable, and accessible transportation for millions of riders, it’s no surprise that these services have exploded in popularity over recent years. However, one major concern among potential ride-share users is their safety, especially when getting into a car with a stranger. In this post, we’ll explore safety measures that Uber and Lyft have implemented to ensure your safety as a rider.
1. Background checks and vehicle inspections
One of the most significant safety measures implemented by Uber and Lyft is the background checks and vehicle inspections of their drivers. Before a driver is allowed to drive for either company, they must pass a rigorous background check process that looks into their criminal history, driving history, and other relevant information. Similarly, the vehicles used by Uber and Lyft drivers must pass a thorough inspection to ensure they meet safety standards, such as the availability of seatbelts, properly functioning airbags, and working brakes.
2. GPS tracking
Another safety feature that Uber and Lyft have implemented is GPS tracking, which essentially allows riders and drivers to share their location in real-time. This means that riders can monitor their trip progress, and drivers can be quickly located in the event of an emergency. Additionally, riders can share their trip status with friends or family members, adding an extra layer of safety.
3. In-App Emergency Contacts
Both Uber and Lyft have an emergency feature in their app that allows riders to quickly contact emergency services or their emergency contacts directly from the app. This feature is particularly handy in situations where riders may feel unsafe, such as if they are being harassed or their driver is acting erratically. Additionally, both companies offer customer service support 24/7 to ensure riders can always get assistance with any safety-related issues.
4. Rating system
Uber and Lyft have a rating system that allows riders to rate their drivers and vice versa. The rating system allows riders to give feedback about drivers and, in turn, drivers can rate the riders. This creates a mutual form of accountability, as drivers with low ratings can be flagged by the company and removed from the platform if necessary. Likewise, riders with low ratings could be banned from the platform.
5. In-App Safety Features
Both Uber and Lyft have a couple of useful safety features that riders can activate within the app for added peace of mind. For example, riders can share their trip status with friends or family members by tapping the “Share status” button in the app. Alternatively, both companies have a “Leave at any time” feature that allows riders to end the trip abruptly when they feel unsafe, without any questions asked.
In summary, Uber and Lyft have a range of safety features in place to protect both riders and drivers while commuting. These ride-sharing services are continuously implementing new safety measures to ensure that their platforms remain safe and accessible for all riders. As a potential rider, it’s crucial to be aware of these safety features and use them to your advantage to ensure your personal safety while riding in an Uber or Lyft.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly made life easier for millions of people, bringing everything from virtual assistants to medical diagnoses within easier reach. Unfortunately, there is a downside to AI as well: it is also used by cybercriminals to perpetrate scams and other malicious activities. One example of this is AI phone scams, which have been on the rise in recent years. These scams are harder than ever to recognize and can cause significant financial damage to businesses that fall prey to them. In this blog post, we will look at how AI phone scams work and explore why cyber insurance is a valuable tool in protecting your business from them.
AI phone scams, also known as voice phishing or vishing, are scams in which cybercriminals use AI-generated voice technology to impersonate real people or entities. They can create very convincing simulations of customer service agents, executives, and even law enforcement officers. These scams often involve social engineering, psychology-based tactics designed to trick people into giving up valuable information or making payments they shouldn’t. They have been used to trick businesses into wiring money to fake accounts, steal sensitive data, and even deploy ransomware.
AI phone scammers will often do their research ahead of time, researching a company and its employees online to learn who might be the best target. They will then place calls to these employees using spoofed numbers that appear to be legitimate. Once someone picks up, the scammers will then use psychological tactics to create a sense of urgency, fear, or confusion. They might claim to be from a critical department like IT or HR and threaten that the employee’s job is in jeopardy if they don’t act quickly.
Cyber insurance is an essential tool for any company that wants to prepare for potential AI phone scams. It is designed to help businesses recover from data breaches, cyberattacks, and other technology-related incidents that cause damage or loss. This can include the costs associated with investigating a cyber incident, notifying customers, restoring data, and more. For example, if your business falls victim to an AI phone scam that leads to a data breach, cyber insurance can help cover the costs of notifying affected individuals, providing credit monitoring services, and offering them identity theft protection.
AI phone scams pose a serious threat to businesses of all sizes. With the rise of AI technology making them even harder to detect, it’s essential to take steps to protect your assets. Cyber insurance is one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal when it comes to defending your business against these types of scams. With comprehensive coverage, you can minimize the financial and reputational damage that can come with a successful attack. By investing in cyber insurance, you demonstrate that you are taking proactive steps to defend against the latest threats, while safeguarding your reputation and business interests.
Renting is a great way to simplify housing. When you rent, you are not held responsible for many things homeowners are responsible for. However, it would be best if you remembered that you’re always responsible for ensuring that your activities do not damage the rental. At ASZ International Inc., we want to help the renters of Westchester, NY and the surrounding areas make intelligent choices while renting. Keeping reading to learn how to avoid damaging your rental.
Keep It Clean
When you don’t keep the rental property clean, you actually run the risk of damaging it. Problems like infestations and fire hazards can result from clutter and poor cleaning habits. Your lease will likely include instructions concerning your cleaning and yard maintenance responsibilities. Always follow these instructions to maintain a good relationship with your landlord and help keep the property safe.
Keep Parties Calm
Another way you can avoid damage is by keeping parties and events low-key. Whenever you invite others over to the rental, remember that you are still ultimately responsible for anything that happens. Just because the landlord owns the property does not release you from responsibility or liability if you purposefully damage it or allow others to damage it.
Report Maintenance Issues Quickly
If you notice a problem that needs maintenance, report it to the landlord quickly. If you fail to do this, the issue could create further damage. For instance, a leaky toilet may cause water damage to floors and walls if it is less unrepaired. You are responsible for reporting issues such as this so that the landlord can fix them and decrease the chances of worsening damage.
If you’d like to learn about renter’s insurance, contact us at ASZ International Inc., serving Westchester, NY, and the surrounding areas.
Everything You Need to Know About Hurricane Season
With summertime here we must also be mindful that Hurricane season has started as well. With its unpredictable path and devastating impact, hurricanes can cause immense destruction to homes, businesses, and entire communities. That’s why it is essential to prepare well ahead of time to avoid any unprecedented financial losses that could come with the seasons.
Hurricane season typically runs from June 1st through November 30th. During this time, residents in areas that are prone to hurricanes should remain vigilant and prepared. If you live in a coastal area, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and damage to your property. Hurricane hazards can also extend beyond the coastal areas, causing severe impacts inland. It’s important to know the risks in your area and start planning before the season commences to avoid any unfortunate eventuality. It is essential to think of ways to mitigate potential risks. Activities such as trimming trees, securing outdoor furniture, and reinforcing your property’s roof can go a long way in reducing potential losses. Further, create a hurricane plan that outlines what to do before, during, and after a hurricane to ensure that you and your family stay safe.
Obtaining insurance for your property is one of the best ways to protect yourself against potential losses during hurricane season. Depending on the type of insurance, you can have coverage for damages caused by wind, flooding, water damage, fallen trees, and power outages. With proper coverage, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be adequately compensated in the event of any losses. To obtain insurance for hurricane season, you should start by assessing your insurance needs. It’s also advisable to start shopping for insurance early since policies can take time to process. Remember to read the fine print to understand the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.
While hurricane season can be an alarming time, adequate preparation can help mitigate risks and reduce potential losses. Working with an ASZ insurance agent to assess your coverage needs and obtaining insurance is one way to protect your property against potential damages from a hurricane.
As people search for alternative modes of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) have become an increasingly popular option. EV production is on the rise, with many of the world’s automakers developing models with better features such as extended battery life and faster charging. In recent years, Tesla has led the path in the EV industry with the introduction of Model S, X, and 3, among others, quickly revolutionizing transportation as we know it. This blog post will discuss the impact EVs have had on the world, explaining the pros and cons of owning one and how they are changing how we commute.
The rise of EVs has several advantages that appeal to many people. First, powering your vehicle from electricity is cheaper than traditional liquids like gasoline or diesel since electric power costs less per mile. Second, EVs are extremely quiet and provide a noiseless ride. Lastly, government incentives and tax credits encourage people to use EVs.
Despite the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle, there are still many downsides. These include the high initial cost due to advanced battery technology, requiring charging infrastructure, limited range and battery life, and long charging times. Moreover, electric vehicles may not be suitable for areas without a powerful electrical grid. This duration of limited driving will extend the charging time, decreasing the convenience of owning an electric vehicle.
Self-driving technology has advanced such that we increasingly see cars with features for advanced safety like automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning among others. However, a study shows that such technology is still developing, and self-driving cars are not 100% safe. While people trust the self-driving vehicle taking over at every turn, data shows that accidents still happen. Concurrently, several difficulties are linked to self-driving cars, including hacking, safety concerns, and adoption by public law.
While electric vehicles may currently have downsides, they have the potential to transform our lives in numerous ways. As people’s confidence in EVs and self-driving technology continues to increase and expand, we can expect to see more benefits to individual commuters, national economies, and global living standards. Indeed, the rise of electric vehicles is gradually reshaping the automotive industry as we know it.
Technological advancements have revolutionized the insurance industry over the years, continually providing innovative solutions to meet customers’ diverse needs. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), insurance companies are experiencing unprecedented changes in the way they manage risks and handle claims. AI technology adapts to new information and makes decisions based on previously fed datasets, making it more efficient than humans. Therefore, it is no doubt that AI is a game-changer in the future of the insurance industry.
1. Claims Processing and Fraud Detection
One of the significant benefits of AI in the insurance industry is that it can process claims more quickly and accurately than humans. AI algorithms can detect fraudulent claims and reduce the cost of investigation and risk management. It can classify claims, decide which ones to prioritize, and allocate them to the appropriate professionals.
2. Predictive Analysis
Using AI technology for predictive analytics can help insurers to evaluate and assess the risks associated with insuring particular people or entities. This technology can involve scanning vast data sources or public records to identify high-risk individuals or businesses. By incorporating machine learning, AI algorithms can use that data to create customized policies that meet customers’ needs while mitigating the risk of loss for the insurer.
3. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants
When it comes to customer service, the use of chatbots and virtual assistants powered by AI is becoming increasingly popular. These solutions provide an efficient and cost-effective way to handle customer queries around the clock and significantly reduce the number of customer service calls. Customers can file claims, check their balances, and receive policy updates by simply typing in their inquiries.
4. Risk Assessment
Insurers can use AI to assess the potential risks associated with an individual or organization. It involves analyzing various data sources, such as driving records or social media, to create a profile of risk in real-time. This information informs the pricing of policies, as insurers can set premiums based on the data that indicates the likelihood of a claim being filed.
5. Improved Underwriting and Policy Customization
AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data to accurately underwrite policies based on factors such as location, age, and occupation. This can help reduce costs and lower premiums for those who are considered lower risk. Furthermore, AI can provide a more custom-tailored policy that meets the customer’s needs, such as bundled coverage or targeted coverage for specific events.
It is no exaggeration to say that AI is transforming the insurance industry, and this is only the beginning. The benefits this technology can bring to insurance companies and consumers alike are limitless. AI-powered solutions are enabling insurers to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and offer better-tailored policies. Customers have access to personalized, convenient, and on-demand services that make their lives easier. Soon, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AI technology that will optimize almost every aspect of the insurance industry.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this post does not constitute legal advice. It is intended for general informational purposes only. For specific legal matters, please consult with your attorney. Do not act or refrain from acting based on the information in this post without seeking legal advice from a qualified professional. The views expressed here are solely those of the individual authors and not of ASZ International, Inc. dba ASZ Associates. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this post. The content is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, and we make no representations regarding its accuracy.
Data is a critical component of the insurance industry, as it helps insurers make sound decisions in underwriting and claims management. However, not all data is created equal — some may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate, resulting in severe consequences for insurers and their policyholders. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the concept of dirty data and its implications in the insurance industry.
Dirty data can be defined as data that are inaccurate, duplicate, or incomplete, which can lead to mistakes and poor decision-making. A common example of dirty data in insurance is inaccurate customer information, such as misspelled names or wrong addresses. This can cause issues when policies need to be sent to the right person, or when a claim has to be settled at the correct address. For insurers, these errors can result in lost revenue due to missed premium payments or wrongful payouts of claims.
Another type of dirty data that can impact insurers is data that is outdated. This can occur when insurers fail to update policies with the latest coverage limits or terms in a timely manner, which can make it difficult to accurately assess risk in underwriting. Similarly, outdated data can also hinder the claims process, as it may be challenging to verify whether policyholders are still under coverage or to determine the extent of damages after an incident.
Incomplete data is yet another type of dirty data that can be detrimental to insurers. This is often the case when policyholders or claims adjusters fail to provide adequate information or documentation. For instance, if a policyholder fails to disclose all existing health conditions, it can dramatically increase the insurer’s risk exposure, leading to costly claims payouts. Likewise, if adjusters fail to provide complete documentation detailing the extent of damages in a claim, it may result in a loss of revenue for insurers or even legal action.
Understandably, insurers must take proactive measures to protect themselves against dirty data by implementing data management and quality control initiatives. This includes using automated tools, such as data quality software, to detect and correct any dirty data in their system as early as possible. Additionally, insurers can engage in regular data cleansing exercises or audits to ensure that all data in their databases are up-to-date and relevant. Lastly, insurers can provide training and resources to policyholders and adjusters to use when submitting information and documentation, thus ensuring that the data insurers receive is complete and accurate.
Dirty data is a pervasive issue in the insurance industry, and insurers must take all necessary measures to safeguard themselves against its implications. By leveraging advanced data management tools and techniques and providing training and resources to policyholders and adjusters, insurers can minimize the impact of dirty data on their business operations, improve their chances of detecting fraudulent activities, and ultimately, deliver better outcomes for policyholders. Given the significant impact of dirty data on insurers, failures to proactively address this issue can result in lost revenue, reputational damage, and legal implications. Therefore, it’s essential that all insurers take data quality seriously and integrate it into their overall business strategy.
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