Processing an application for insurance coverage

• US 8,219,427 B1
• Filed: 05/24/2011
• Issued: 07/10/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company (Allstate Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company (Allstate Corporation)
• Inventors: Yager, Floyd M., Wilson, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morgan, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHNG, JOY POH AI
• Application Number:
  US13/114,805
• Time in Patent Office: 413 Days
• Field of Search: 705/4
• US Class Current: 705/4
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

Systems and methods provide customizable insurance according to consumer preferences. Demand simulators may be used to guide the creation of optimized packages of features, which consumers may select from to form an insurance product appropriate for their particular needs. Packages may be formed with a particular appeal to consumers with common characteristics. In addition, methods are provided for selling insurance products formed through an optimization process and providing corresponding insurance services.

Claims

1. A method of providing insurance coverage, the method comprising:

determining at a computer device a cost of an automobile insurance policy that provides indemnification and that includes at least one optional feature that provides a reward;

wherein one of the at least one optional feature provides that;

upon enrollment the insured will be granted a deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during the automobile insurance policy period; and

when no rate affecting accidents are assigned to the automobile insurance policy during an experience period, then granting an additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a subsequent automobile insurance policy period.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the at least one optional feature affects the premium.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the at least one optional feature affects at least one future premium upon renewal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the at least one optional feature provides that the insured will receive a credit for the absence of rate affecting accidents assigned to the automobile insurance policy within a predetermined time period.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the credit is applied to an amount payable for a subsequent premium.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein one of the at least one optional feature provides that when no rate affecting accidents are assigned to the automobile insurance policy during a second experience period, then granting a second additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a second subsequent automobile insurance policy period.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein one of the at least one optional feature provides that when no rate affecting accidents are assigned to the automobile insurance policy during a third experience period, then granting a third additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a third subsequent automobile insurance policy period.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein one of the at least one optional feature provides that when no rate affecting accidents are assigned to the automobile insurance policy during a fourth experience period, then granting a fourth additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a fourth subsequent automobile insurance policy period.

9. A method of providing insurance coverage, the method comprising:

(a) determining at a computer device a cost of an insurance policy that includes at least one package having a grouping of insurance features that share a common attribute;

(b) offering for sale through an electronic visual display the insurance policy; and

wherein a feature included within the grouping of insurance features provides that;

upon enrollment the insured will be granted a deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during the insurance policy period; and

when no rate affecting events are assigned to the insurance policy during an experience period, then granting an additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a subsequent insurance policy period.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein a feature included within the grouping of insurance features provides that a first rate affecting event will not impact a discount or result in an application of an event surcharge.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the feature that provides that a first rate affecting event will not impact a discount or result in the application of an event surcharge is effective upon enrollment.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the feature further provides that a second rate affecting event will not impact a discount or result in the application of an event surcharge.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein a feature included within the grouping of insurance features provides that the insured will receive a credit for the absence of rate affecting events assigned to the insurance policy within a predetermined time period.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the credit is applied to an amount payable for a subsequent premium.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein a feature included within the grouping of insurance features provides when no rate affecting events are assigned to the insurance policy during a second experience period, then granting a second additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a second subsequent insurance policy period.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein the insurance policy is an automobile insurance policy.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the events are accidents.

18. A method of providing insurance coverage, the method comprising:

(a) determining at a computer device a cost of an automobile insurance policy that includes at least one optional feature that provides a reward;

(b) offering for sale through an electronic visual display the automobile insurance policy;

(c) determining at a computer device if a premium has been paid by the insured party;

(d) determining at a computer device whether the automobile insurance policy is in effect; and

wherein one of the at least one optional feature provides that;

upon enrollment the insured will be granted a deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during the automobile insurance policy period;

when no rate affecting accidents are assigned to the automobile insurance policy during an experience period, then granting an additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a subsequent automobile insurance policy period.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein one of the at least one optional feature provides that when no rate affecting accidents are assigned to the automobile insurance policy during a second experience period, then granting a second additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a second subsequent automobile insurance policy period.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein one of the at least one optional feature provides that when no rate affecting accidents are assigned to the automobile insurance policy during a third experience period, then granting a third additional deductible reduction amount to be applied to at least one deductible during a third subsequent automobile insurance policy period.