Grill Talk: Tom and Harry’s Fiery Debate on Annual Insurance Reviews

Tom flipped a burger on his well-worn grill with the expertise of a seasoned pitmaster while Harry lounged nearby, nursing a cold drink in the laid-back ambiance of Tom’s backyard. The smell of barbecue filled the air, mingling with the faint sounds of a summer playlist. It was the perfect setting for another one of their friendly debates.

“You know, Harry, I was thinking about our chat the other day on the golf course,” Tom began, seizing the opportunity as he turned the sausages sizzling on the grill. “It’s really crucial to sit down with your insurance agent annually to review your coverage. Life changes, and so do your insurance needs.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, setting his drink down. “Come on, Tom. Once you’re covered, why fix what isn’t broken? It’s not like insurance policies are daily specials at a restaurant.”

Tom chuckled, prodding the coals with his grilling fork. “That’s where you’re wrong, buddy. Think about it—what if you renovated the kitchen, or one of the kids started driving? Those changes could seriously affect your coverage needs. It’s not just about buying insurance; it’s about updating it to suit your life.”

Harry sighed, watching the smoke drift lazily up into the tree-lined sky. “I suppose you have a point, but doesn’t that just complicate things? I’d rather set it and forget it, enjoy my backyard, not sit in some stuffy office talking about hypothetical disasters.”

Piling a perfectly grilled burger on a bun, Tom passed it to Harry. “But that’s just it; it’s not all hypothetical. Last year, after our review, we realized we were underinsured on our home. And with the way property values have been going up, can you imagine the pickle we’d be in if something happened?”

Harry took a thoughtful bite of his burger, the juices mingling with the tangy barbecue sauce. “Well, when you put it that way… Maybe there’s some merit to your annual check-up idea.”

Tom smiled, pleased with the slight concession. “It’s like maintaining your car or even this old grill. Regular check-ups keep surprises at bay, and you know how much I hate surprises.”

Harry chuckled, his resistance thawing like the ice in his glass. “Okay, okay, maybe I’ll give my agent a call. But only if you promise to keep these burgers coming.”

“Deal!” Tom exclaimed, clinking his bottle against Harry’s. “Insurance might not be the most exciting thing to review, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. And hey, we can make it a tradition—annual insurance chat and a barbecue.”

As the evening wore on, the friends continued to discuss, laugh, and share stories. The casual backyard setting had a way of turning even the most mundane topics into enjoyable conversations. Whether they were talking about insurance or not, it was clear that these gatherings were about more than just the food—they were about staying connected, staying informed, and, of course, staying well-fed.

 

The ADU Impact Home Insurance

Are you considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property? Whether it’s a backyard cottage, garage conversion, or basement apartment, ADUs can provide a convenient and affordable way to increase living space and generate rental income. However, it’s essential to understand how ADUs impact your home insurance.

In this blog, we’ll explore the world of ADUs, their benefits, and what you need to know about insuring these additional structures.

What are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?

ADUs are secondary housing units on a property, either attached or detached from the primary residence. They can be:

  • In-law suites
  • Guest houses
  • Backyard cottages
  • Garage conversions
  • Basement apartments

ADUs offer numerous benefits, including:

  • Increased living space
  • Rental income opportunities
  • Aging-in-place solutions
  • Sustainable housing options

How Do ADUs Affect Home Insurance?

  • Adding an ADU can impact your home insurance in several ways:
  • Increased value: ADUs increase your property’s value, which may require higher insurance coverage.

Additional risk: ADUs introduce new risks, such as tenant damage or liability.

  • Separate insurance policy: Depending on the ADU’s size and use, you may need a separate insurance policy.

Insuring Your ADU: Key Considerations

When insuring your ADU, keep the following in mind:

  • Dwelling coverage: Ensure your policy covers the ADU’s structure and contents.
  • Liability coverage: Consider increasing liability coverage to protect against tenant-related accidents.
  • Rental income coverage: If you rent the ADU, consider coverage for lost rental income due to damage or repairs.
  • Discounts: Ask about discounts for features like security systems, smoke detectors, and impact-resistant roofing.

Accessory Dwelling Units offer a versatile solution for expanding living space and generating income. However, it’s crucial to understand how ADUs impact your home insurance. By considering the unique risks and requirements of ADUs, you can ensure you have the right coverage to protect your investment.

Before building or insuring an ADU, consult with your insurance provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. With the right coverage, you can enjoy the benefits of your ADU with peace of mind.

Knowing When to Update Your Business Insurance Coverage

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, insurance coverage isn’t just a necessity—it’s a dynamic tool that safeguards your enterprise against unforeseen risks and liabilities. However, many business owners overlook the importance of regularly reviewing and updating their insurance policies, potentially leaving their operations vulnerable to new threats. Identifying the right moments to update your business insurance can make a significant difference in your company’s resilience and financial health.

Regulatory Changes

One of the most clear-cut indicators that it’s time to update your business insurance is a change in laws or regulations that affect your industry. Governments frequently update regulations to address new risks or societal changes, such as data protection laws for online businesses. An insurance policy that was compliant a year ago might not provide adequate coverage under new laws, exposing your business to fines or lawsuits.

Business Expansion

Growth is a goal for many businesses, but with expansion comes new risks. Whether you’re increasing your workforce, launching new products, or entering new markets, each of these milestones necessitates a review of your current insurance coverage. For instance, expanding into a new state or country might require additional forms of insurance due to different legal requirements. Similarly, introducing a new product line could expose your business to new liability risks that your current policy doesn’t cover.

Changes in Revenue

Significant fluctuations in your business’s revenue can also be a signal to reevaluate your insurance needs. Higher revenue levels can increase your liability exposure, necessitating higher coverage limits to protect against potential claims. Conversely, if your business is facing a downturn, you might need to adjust your policies to reflect your current operational size and risk profile, potentially reducing premiums.

Technological Advancements

The rapid pace of technological innovation can quickly render an existing insurance policy outdated. For example, businesses that have recently digitized their operations may need to consider cyber liability insurance to protect against data breaches or cyber-attacks. Similarly, companies utilizing new technologies or machinery might require updated property insurance to cover these assets adequately.

Natural Disasters and Climate Change

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters due to climate change mean that businesses must regularly assess their insurance coverage for natural catastrophes. If your business is located in an area prone to floods, hurricanes, wildfires, or other natural disasters, it’s critical to ensure that your insurance policy reflects the heightened risk level and provides sufficient coverage for such events.

Changes in Ownership or Management

Transitions in ownership or significant changes in management can impact the direction and operations of a business. These changes often bring new strategies, operational practices, and risk profiles, necessitating a review of the existing insurance coverage to ensure it aligns with the new management’s vision and the company’s updated risk landscape.

Regular Annual Reviews

Even if none of the above changes have occurred, it’s wise to conduct an annual insurance review. This practice ensures that your coverage remains aligned with your business’s current state and future goals. Regular reviews also provide an opportunity to explore cost-saving options, like bundling policies or adjusting deductibles.

Insurance is not a set-it-and-forget-it component of your business. It’s an essential tool that must evolve alongside your company. By staying vigilant and understanding when to update your business insurance coverage, you can protect your enterprise against emerging risks and ensure its long-term sustainability. Regular consultations with your insurance provider can help you navigate these changes smoothly and keep your coverage in line with your business’s needs.

 

 

Tom and Harry’s Lunch Debate – An Unconventional Duel Over Insurance

It was a typical sunny Tuesday when Tom and Harry, two old friends from college, decided to catch up over lunch at their favorite local deli, “Sammy’s Sandwiches & More.” The deli, known for its gargantuan sandwiches and a chatty parrot named Pickles, was the perfect backdrop for what would soon unfold as an unexpectedly heated debate about, wait for it, insurance.

Tom, an ardent fan of technology and all things online, was quick to dive into the topic as he bit into his towering pastrami on rye. “You see, Harry, buying insurance online is the future! It’s fast, easy, and you can do it in your pajamas,” he chuckled, waving his half-eaten sandwich for emphasis. You can even pick what kind of insurance you think you need.

Harry, ever the skeptic and a champion of personalized service, retorted with a knowing smile as he neatly arranged his utensils next to his untouched club sandwich. “Sure, Tom, but when’s the last time your laptop offered you expert advice tailored just for you or could negotiate better rates on your behalf?”. And Tom, are you smart enough to know what kind of insurance you need? Are you going to rely on the internet to help you when you have an uninsured claim?

“Online insurance is all about convenience, cheap insurance, and efficiency,” Tom argued, brushing crumbs from his laptop. “Plus, I can compare dozens of policies in seconds!”

Harry nodded, taking a calm sip of his coffee. “That’s true, but remember the time you bought that ‘affordable’ policy online, and it turned out it didn’t cover the very thing you needed when you filed a claim?”

Tom’s face fell slightly as he recalled the incident. “Well, yes, but”

“But nothing!” Harry interjected with a laugh. “An independent agent would’ve caught that. They work for you, not the insurance companies. They understand the fine print and make sure there are no surprises when you least expect them.”

As their debate grew more animated, even Pickles the parrot seemed to weigh in, squawking, “No surprises! No surprises!” from his perch by the cash register.

Harry, seizing the moment, added, “And let’s not forget about the personal touch. An independent agent is someone you can build a relationship with. They’ll be there through life’s big changes—marriage, kids, a new house, maybe even a new sandwich obsession.”

Tom, ever the good sport, conceded with a grin, “Okay, okay, you have a point. Maybe there’s something to be said for someone who can navigate the complexities of insurance without leading me astray.”

“As I thought,” Harry said triumphantly, finally taking a bite of his sandwich. And when technology fails, who are you going to call? Not your internet provider!”

Both laughed, the tension dissolving as quickly as it had escalated, and they spent the rest of their lunch reminiscing about college days and planning their next golf game.

In the end, while they didn’t solve the great insurance debate of their time, Tom and Harry left Sammy’s with full stomachs and perhaps a little more appreciation for the old-school charm of human interaction, something no online platform could match.

As they walked out, Pickles squawked a final thought: “Human touch! Human touch!” Tom couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, Harry and Pickles had a point.

 

What Are the Traits of a Good Insurance Agent?

Very Simply Put

  1. Honesty

Selling insurance is about giving customers, businesses, and individuals solutions to their risk issues. Misrepresenting the facts, or trying to sell a policy, does more harm than good to their customers. A good agent will not try to sell anything; they will listen and become a problem solver first. Then and only then might insurance solutions or options be provided.

  1. Responsive Client Service

When clients phones or emails, a timely answer is essential because they need the information to make decisions. When a client spends their money, they have a right to feel secure and content during the course of the business relationship. Through actively listening to and empathizing with our valued clients, agents can find success

  1. Industry Knowledge

Selling a policy is only one aspect of what it means to be an insurance agent. Agents must be able to provide a thorough understanding of all facets of the products and services they sell, as well as how each client’s situation may be addressed. The agent should be trained in all aspects of the risk management process.

  1. Community Involvement

Being a respectable member of the community is a must for running a successful insurance agency. We believe in fostering relationships and giving our neighbors access to resources because we are local leaders. To make the neighborhood a better and safer place to live, we collaborate with customers and businesses.

Our Philosophy

Over the last sixty years, we have established a reputation for honesty, high morals, integrity and friendly, professional customer service – pillars of a successful insurance agency. Based upon this foundation, the staff of Reichley Insurance Agency commits to the following mission:

  • To provide the clients with quality products and services through financially sound insurance companies committed to the American agency system.
  • To provide prompt and courteous service by handling each account as if it were our own and by treating each client the way we would want to be treated.

We further commit:

  • To enhance our professionalism by continuing our education in the insurance industry as well as supporting opportunities for personal growth.
  • To communicate with each other and work together in harmony towards the success of the agency, and each participant within the agency.

These commitments result in the highest of customer satisfaction and confidence. They are Reichley Insurance Agency’s highest priorities. Achieving them enables both collective and individual success and thus fulfill our mission.

 

The Escalating Cyber Threat Landscape of 2024

The recent reports from the FBI and the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) have painted a stark picture of the current cyber threat landscape. With a record-breaking $12.5 billion in losses from cyber incidents in 2023, the urgency for enhanced cyber defenses is undeniable. Investment scams, leading the financial losses, highlight the evolving sophistication of cybercriminals. Meanwhile, the ITRC’s findings on data breaches, affecting an estimated 353 million individuals, underline the growing menace of supply-chain attacks and the vulnerabilities in our digital ecosystem.

This surge in cyber incidents underscores the continuous evolution of cyber threats. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities with sophisticated scams and targeted attacks, impacting not just financial standings but also personal privacy and security. The significant financial repercussions are coupled with the risk of identity theft and fraud for millions.

Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach. Enhanced education on cyber threats, investment in advanced security technologies, and the implementation of stringent data protection policies are paramount. Furthermore, the inadequacies in notification frameworks call for an overhaul, enabling affected individuals and organizations to take proactive measures in protecting their information.

Moreover, the rise in supply-chain attacks emphasizes the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that extends beyond individual organizations to their partners and suppliers. A collaborative effort in securing the digital infrastructure is crucial to withstand the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals.

The reports from the FBI and ITRC are a wake-up call to the persistent and growing digital threats. Beyond the staggering financial losses, the broader implications on privacy, security, and trust in the digital ecosystem demand immediate attention. A proactive, comprehensive, and collaborative approach to cybersecurity is essential to navigate and mitigate the evolving digital threats.

Cyber Insurance Can Be A Good Risk Management Tool

Cyber insurance policies are designed not only to offset the financial losses from direct attacks but also to cover the costs associated with responding to breaches, such as legal fees, notification expenses, and services related to identity protection for affected individuals. Furthermore, these policies often provide access to specialized cybersecurity professionals who can assist in the immediate aftermath of an attack, helping to mitigate further losses and navigate the complex process of recovery.

However, obtaining comprehensive cyber insurance requires organizations to demonstrate robust cybersecurity practices. Insurers assess the risk based on the organization’s preparedness and resilience against cyber threats, which includes evaluating their incident response plans and overall security measures. This necessitates that organizations not only invest in cybersecurity defenses but also engage in continuous improvement of their cyber hygiene practices to qualify for and benefit from cyber insurance.

As cyber incidents continue to rise in frequency and severity, the role of cyber insurance in an organization’s cybersecurity strategy becomes increasingly significant. It provides a financial safety net and supports recovery efforts, but it also incentivizes stronger security practices across industries.

Two Ways to View Insurance

Tom And Harrys Excellent Adventure

Inside the bustling confines of Café Caffeine, amidst the clinking of cups and the murmur of conversation, sat two friends and insurance agents, Tom and Harry, engaged in a spirited debate. Tom was a stickler for slashing prices, while Harry prided himself on selling the value, not just the steak.

Tom: “Harry, you’ve got to admit, nothing makes the phone ring like screaming, ‘Discounts! Get your discounts here!’ It’s like opening the floodgates.”

Harry, with a mischievous grin: “Oh, Tom, that’s one way to do it. If you’re running a supermarket sweep. Me? I prefer to think of insurance as fine dining, a vule. Why sell fast food when you can offer a gourmet experience?”

Tom: “Gourmet? It’s insurance, Harry, not a Michelin-star restaurant. People want savings, not caviar with their coverage.”

Harry: “Ah, but that’s where you’re missing the true value or flavor, my friend. When I sell a policy, I’m not just offering protection; I’m selling peace of mind and 24/7 concierge. It’s like insurance à la carte. Sure, you might lure them in with discounts, but I keep them coming back with the full-service experience.”

Tom: “Concierge, huh? What do you do, tuck them in at night and read them their policy until they fall asleep?”

Harry, laughing: “Only on request. But think about it. When someone’s life goes sideways, they don’t remember the 10% they saved. They remember the voice on the line or the personal visit, helping them patch their world back together. That’s value, my friend.”

Tom, chuckling: “I suppose next you’ll offer to insure their heartbreak too?”

Harry: “Now there’s an idea! ‘Broken hearts mended here. Terms and conditions apply.’ I’d buy that.”

Tom: “Alright, Harry, you’ve made your point. Value has its… well, value. But if you start offering heartbreak insurance, sign me up. I might finally get over my high school crush.”

Harry: “Deal. But it comes with a premium. After all, the true value is priceless.”

As they shared a laugh, it was clear that while their methods might diverge, their hearts and their humor were in the right place. In the world of insurance, whether you’re selling on price or on value, the real win is in making sure your clients feel protected, appreciated, and, yes, even a little bit entertained.

 

 

AI Is Here to Stay, but Will It Kill Customer Service?

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various sectors has been a revolutionary step towards automation and efficiency. The insurance industry, known for its reliance on personal relationships and human judgment, is no exception. As AI continues to evolve, there’s growing concern about its potential to disrupt traditional customer service roles, particularly those of insurance agents. This blog explores how AI may transform or even potentially “destroy” the role of insurance agents in customer services, while also considering the broader implications for the industry.

  1. Automation of Routine Tasks

AI and machine learning algorithms are increasingly capable of handling routine tasks such as answering basic customer queries, processing claims, and even underwriting policies. Chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 service, answering FAQs and guiding customers through the insurance process without human intervention. While this improves efficiency and reduces costs, it also diminishes the need for human agents for these tasks, potentially leading to job displacement.

  1. Personalized Customer Experiences

AI can analyze vast amounts of data to offer personalized insurance products and services. By understanding a customer’s unique needs and risk profile, AI systems can tailor recommendations much more accurately than a human agent might. While this bespoke service is advantageous for the customer, it challenges the traditional role of insurance agents as the primary source of personalized advice.

  1. Enhanced Risk Assessment and Pricing

AI’s ability to process and analyze large datasets enables more accurate risk assessment and pricing of insurance policies by insurers. This precision in understanding risk profiles and predicting outcomes can streamline the underwriting process, reducing the reliance on agents to assess and negotiate terms. As AI systems become more sophisticated, the nuanced judgment of experienced agents may become less critical, potentially undermining their role in the industry. However, this can reduce a personal human judgment on underwriting and eventually increase prices.

  1. The Diminishing Human Touch

One of the most significant impacts of AI on insurance agents’ customer service roles is the potential loss of the human touch. Insurance is a business built on trust and relationships, especially when it comes to claims, which often occur during stressful times for the customer. While AI can offer efficiency and personalization, it lacks the empathy and understanding a human agent can provide. This shift could lead to a more transactional relationship between insurers and their customers, potentially eroding customer loyalty and satisfaction. This would be a disaster.

 

The impact of AI on insurance agents’ roles in customer service is multifaceted. While there are real concerns about job displacement and the loss of the human element in customer relationships, there’s also the potential for significant industry evolution. By automating routine tasks and leveraging data for personalization and efficiency, AI can free up human agents to focus on providing more value-added services. This transformation, however, requires a strategic approach to reskilling and redefining the role of the insurance agent in the age of AI. As the industry navigates these changes, the balance between technology and human touch will be crucial in maintaining trust and satisfaction among customers.

Risk and Insurance Trends To Watch in 2024

In the evolving landscape of business operations and risks, insurance coverage trends are rapidly transforming to address new challenges and opportunities. Businesses today face a multitude of risks, from cyber threats to climate change impacts, necessitating more adaptive and comprehensive insurance solutions.

  1. Cyber Insurance: A Must-Have in the Digital Age

As businesses increasingly rely on digital technologies for operations, the threat of cyber-attacks and data breaches has never been higher. Cyber insurance has emerged as a critical coverage area designed to protect businesses from the financial and reputational damage caused by cyber incidents. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the complexities and costs associated with cyber threats, including ransomware attacks, data theft, and system disruptions.

Cyber insurance policies typically cover a range of expenses, such as investigation costs, data recovery, legal fees, and customer notification expenses. Furthermore, insurers are now offering proactive services, including cybersecurity assessments and incident response planning, to help businesses mitigate risks before they materialize. As cyber threats evolve, the demand for robust cyber insurance coverage is expected to grow, making it an indispensable part of business risk management strategies.

  1. Business Interruption Insurance: Adapting to New Realities

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of businesses to external disruptions, leading to a surge in interest in Business Interruption (BI) insurance. This coverage trend is evolving to address not only traditional risks, such as fire or natural disasters, but also pandemics, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes. BI insurance is increasingly viewed as essential for ensuring business continuity and financial stability in the face of unforeseen events.

Insurers are adapting their offerings to include coverage for a broader range of interruption scenarios, with some policies extending to cover losses incurred from remote work setups or digital infrastructure failures. As businesses navigate a world where disruptions can come from any direction, BI insurance is becoming more flexible and comprehensive, reflecting the changing nature of risk.

  1. Environmental and Climate Risk Insurance: A Growing Imperative

Environmental and climate risk insurance is gaining traction with climate change posing a significant threat to business operations and assets. This coverage trend extends beyond traditional environmental liability policies to include insurance products that address the direct and indirect impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and transition risks associated with moving towards a low-carbon economy.

Insurance products in this category are designed to help businesses manage the financial risks associated with environmental compliance, clean-up responsibilities, and the physical damages caused by climate-related events. Moreover, insurers are developing innovative solutions to support businesses in achieving sustainability goals, including incentives for adopting renewable energy and energy-efficient practices. As awareness of climate-related risks grows, environmental and climate risk insurance is set to play a crucial role in business resilience and sustainability efforts.

The trends in business insurance coverage reflect a dynamic and responsive industry that is adapting to meet the needs of modern businesses facing an array of complex risks. From cyber insurance to business interruption and environmental risk coverage, these trends underscore the importance of proactive and comprehensive risk management strategies. As businesses continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, staying informed about insurance coverage trends will be key to ensuring long-term security and success.

The Crucial Need for Stand-alone Cyber Insurance Policies for Small Businesses

In the digital age, the threat of cyberattacks on small businesses is not just a possibility, it’s an alarming reality. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging complex tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in small business networks. This emerging threat landscape necessitates a reevaluation of how small businesses approach cyber insurance. Many small businesses currently rely on cyber coverage that is merely an extension or an endorsement of other insurance policies. However, this approach is proving to be grossly inadequate in the face of evolving cyber threats.

The need for stand-alone cyber policies becomes apparent when we delve into recent statistics and claim reports. A striking 54% of all cyber claims are categorized as either Funds Transfer Fraud (FTF) or some form of Business Email Compromise (BEC). These types of cybercrimes have shown to be particularly devastating for small businesses, which often lack the robust security infrastructure of larger corporations.

The financial implications of these attacks are staggering. In 2022, the average initial amount lost in Funds Transfer Fraud cases, before any recoveries, was approximately $309,000. This figure is far beyond what most small businesses can bear without severe financial consequences. Such a significant financial loss can cripple a small business, leading to long-term operational disruptions, loss of customer trust, and in severe cases, closure of the business.

Stand-alone cyber insurance policies are designed to address these specific risks. Unlike add-ons or endorsements in general business policies, stand-alone cyber insurance offers more comprehensive coverage. These policies are tailored to protect against a range of cyber threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, business email compromise, and funds transfer fraud. They also often provide access to critical post-incident services, such as IT forensics, public relations support, and legal advice, which are essential in mitigating the impact of a cyber incident.

Moreover, stand-alone cyber policies typically offer higher coverage limits compared to packaged endorsements. This is crucial given the high costs associated with cyber incidents, including legal fees, ransom payments, data recovery expenses, and compensations for affected customers. For small businesses, these policies provide a safety net, ensuring that a single cyber incident does not escalate into a financial catastrophe.

It’s also important for small business owners to understand that cyber insurance is not just about financial compensation. These policies often come with resources to help prevent cyber incidents in the first place. Insurers may offer risk assessment tools, employee training modules on cyber hygiene, and updates on emerging cyber threats, helping businesses to stay one step ahead of cyber criminals.

The increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks against small businesses underscore the inadequacy of relying solely on cyber coverage as part of a general business insurance policy. Stand-alone cyber insurance policies provide a more robust and comprehensive solution. They not only offer better financial protection against cyber threats but also equip businesses with the tools and resources necessary to prevent and respond to cyber incidents effectively. For small business owners, investing in a stand-alone cyber policy is not just a prudent financial decision; it’s a critical safeguard for the future of their business in an increasingly digital world.