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

• US 8,185,417 B1
• Filed: 07/16/2010
• Issued: 05/22/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
• Original Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
• Inventors: Brown, Kathy Lynne, Lay, Allen Bryant, Baird, Lisa Ott
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel, Jagdish
• Assistant Examiner(s): POE, KEVIN T
• Application Number:
  US12/838,134
• Time in Patent Office: 676 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;

determining a first set of product features of a product a user currently owns;

obtaining a first price for the product based on a first set of product features;

receiving a selection of a second set of product features for the product the user currently owns;

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

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

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

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

5. A system for providing pricing information to a consumer from a seller of a product having a plurality of features, the system 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;

determine a first set of product features of a product a user currently owns;

obtain a first price for the product based on a first set of product features;

receive a selection of a second set of product features for the product the user currently owns;

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

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

6. The system of claim 5, 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 selection of the second set of product features is via the user interface.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the product includes automobile insurance and the first set of product features include insurance limits and deductibles.

8. The system of claim 5, 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.

9. 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 computer-readable instructions when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

determine a first set of product features of a product a user currently owns;

obtain a first price for the product based on a first set of product features;

receive a selection of a second set of product features for the product the user currently owns;

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

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

10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, further comprising instructions, which when executed by the computer, cause the computer to:

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

11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the product includes automobile insurance and the first set of product features include insurance limits and deductibles.

12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9, further comprising instructions, which when executed by the 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.