System and method for providing multiple real-time pricing quotes based on optional consumer variables

• US 7,761,313 B1
• Filed: 12/28/2005
• Issued: 07/20/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
• Original Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
• Inventors: Lay, Allen Bryant, Baird, Lisa Ott, Brown, Kathy Lynne
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel; Jagdish N
• Assistant Examiner(s): POE, KEVIN T
• Application Number:
  US11/320,065
• Time in Patent Office: 1,665 Days
• Field of Search: 705/4
• US Class Current: 705/4
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

A method and system for providing multiple real-time pricing quotes based on optional consumer variables is disclosed. A user accesses a web site and is provided with a web page enabling the user to choose a product with multiple optional features. Upon selection of the product and desired features, the user is provided with pricing information for the selected products and features and provided with the option to modify the product be selecting different features. Upon selection of the modification, the user is provided with a web page simultaneously displaying the original selection and associated feature prices and the modification and associated feature prices.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

using one or more processors to perform the following;

receiving a first selection of a product;

determining whether a user associated with the first selection has purchased a previous product similar to the product based on receipt of the first selection;

providing the user with an option to select a first set of product features of the product to include at least some product features of the previous product based on a determination that the user has purchased the previous product similar to the product;

receiving an acceptance of the option;

calculating a first price for the product based on a first set of product features in response to the receiving of the acceptance;

receiving a second selection of a second set of product features for the product, the second set of product features including at least one different product feature than the first set of product features;

calculating a second price for the product based on the second set of product features of the product based on the receiving of the second selection, the second set of product features including at least one different feature than the first set of product features; and

simultaneously displaying the first price for the product and the second price for the product.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing a user interface to select the second set of product features,

wherein the receiving of the second selection is based on the providing of the user interface.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the product includes automobile insurance and the first set of product features include insurance limits and deductibles.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the previous product includes an existing insurance policy for a vehicle.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the product includes a new insurance policy for another vehicle.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying a price comparison table with a first column listing a plurality of available features of the product, the plurality of available features including the first set of product features and the second set of product features, a second column listing a feature price of each product feature of the first set of the first set of product features, and a third column listing the feature price of each product feature of the second set of product features.

7. A system for providing pricing information to a consumer from a seller for a product having a plurality of optional features comprising:

a memory having software stored thereon; and

a programmable processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the software when executed by the programmable processor causes the programmable processor to;

receives receive a first selection of a product;

determines determine whether a user associated with the first selection has purchased a previous product similar to the product based on receipt of the first selection;

provide the user with an option to select a first set of product features of the product to include at least some product features of the previous product based on a determination that the user has purchased the previous product similar to the product;

receive an acceptance of the option;

calculate a first price for the product based on a first set of product features in response to receiving of the acceptance;

receive a second selection of a second set of product features for the product, the second set of product features including at least one different product feature than the first set of product features;

calculate a second price for the product based on the second set of product features of the product based on receiving of the second selection, the second set of product features including at least one different feature than the first set of product features; and

simultaneously display the first price for the product and the second price for the product.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the software when executed by the programmable processor causes the programmable processor to:

provide a user interface to select the second set of product features, wherein receiving the second selection is based on providing the user interface.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the product includes automobile insurance and the first set of product features include insurance limits and deductibles.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the previous product includes an existing insurance policy for a vehicle.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the product includes a new insurance policy for another vehicle.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the software when executed by the programmable processor causes the programmable processor to:

display a price comparison table with a first column listing a plurality of available features of the product, the plurality of available features including the first set of product features and the second set of product features, a second column listing a feature price of each product feature of the first set of the first set of product features, and a third column listing the feature price of each product feature of the second set of product features.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-readable instructions for providing pricing information to a consumer from a seller for a product having a plurality of optional features, said non-transitory computer-readable medium instructions when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

receive a first selection of a product;

determine whether a user associated with the first selection has purchased a previous product similar to the product based on receipt of the first selection;

provide the user with an option to select a first set of product features of the product to include at least some product features of the previous product based on a determination that the user has purchased the previous product similar to the product;

receive an acceptance of the option;

calculate a first price for the product based on a first set of optional product features in response to receipt of the acceptance;

receive a second selection of a second set of product features for the product, the second set of product features including at least one different product feature than the first set of product features;

calculate a second price for the product based on the second set of product features of the product based on the receiving of the second selection, the second set of product features including at least one different feature than the first set of product features; and

simultaneously display the first price for the product and the second price for the product.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, further comprising instructions, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

provide a user interface for indicating to select the set of product features,

wherein the receiving of the second selection is based on the providing of the user interface.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein product includes automobile insurance and the first set of product features include insurance limits and deductibles.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, the previous product includes an existing insurance policy for a vehicle.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the product includes a new insurance policy for another vehicle.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, further comprising instructions, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

display a price comparison table with a first column listing a plurality of available features of the product, the plurality of available features including the first set of product features and the second set of product features, a second column listing a feature price of each product feature of the first set of the first set of product features, and a third column listing the feature price of each product feature of the second set of product features.