Coverage at a glance

A graphical representation is provided that displays a user's insurance coverage. Via the graphical representation, the user may request information about various aspects of the coverage and/or may request to chat or speak with a representative that specializes in a particular coverage area. The graphical representation may show how the user's insurance coverage compares to population groups and medians. A user may adjust the coverage on the graphical representation and be provided with a revised premium amount. The user may select this coverage to be implemented and the user's policy may be appropriately revised.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related by subject matter to that disclosed in the following commonly assigned applications, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/103,499, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/103,521, each filed on Apr. 15, 2008 and each entitled “Coverage At A Glance.”

BACKGROUND

Much of the language and terminology common to insurance policy documentation is necessary for legal purposes but is difficult for many people to understand. Many people believe an insurance policy they had purchased has adequate coverage or own a policy that once provided adequate coverage only to find out in time of peril that the policy's coverage is, in fact, not adequate. This is due in part to the ambiguous nature of insurance policy coverage documentation which leaves people unaware of their risk potential, and unsure about the boundaries of their insurance policies.

SUMMARY

A graphical representation is provided that displays a user's insurance coverage. Via the graphical representation, the user may request information about various aspects of the coverage and/or may request to chat or speak with a representative that specializes in a particular coverage area.

In an implementation, the graphical representation may show how the user's insurance coverage compares to population groups and medians. The user or an institution system may select the groups and/or medians that the user's insurance coverage is to be compared against.

In an implementation, a user may adjust the coverage on the graphical representation and be provided with a revised premium amount. The user may select this coverage to be implemented and the user's policy may be appropriately revised.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an implementation of a system that may be used to provide insurance policy coverage information. An institution system5, associated with or otherwise maintained by an institution such as an insurance company or financial services institution, may include a coverage processor20that may process an insurance information request60from a user computing device92,95associated with a user90. The coverage processor20may retrieve information from storage, such as information storage22and user storage24, and use the information in processing the insurance information request60.

A coverage generator25may generate coverage information pertaining to the user and population groups and/or medians, described further herein. The coverage generator25may receive information from the coverage processor20as well as from information storage22and user storage24, for example. The coverage generator25may generate a graphical representation, or information for the graphical representation, of coverage information63that is provided to a user computing device92,95. As described further herein, a graphical representation of a user's insurance policy coverage may be provided to a user. In an implementation, the provided graphical representation may illustrate the upper and lower coverage boundary's limits, the per-user limit (if applicable), the per-accident coverage limit (if applicable), the recommended coverage level for the user based on relevant user information, and the user's current coverage limit, for example.

Information storage22may contain information pertaining to users who have insurance policies or other types of products or accounts hosted by the institution system, data related to the policies, products and accounts, and population and demographic data pertaining to the users, for example. Information storage22may include data that may be used in the generation of the graphical representation of coverage information63. User storage24may contain information directed to users, such as name, address, marital status, account information, etc., for example.

The graphical representation of coverage information may be provided via a website10to a user computing device92,95associated with a user90. For purposes of clarity and simplicity, an applicant for an insurance policy or a current holder of an insurance policy may be referred to herein as a “user.” Thus, any reference to a user herein also includes any type of applicant, institution member or prospective member, or the like.

In an implementation, instead of hosting the website10, the institution system5may comprise a conventional application server hosting a proprietary online service accessible only by a private network. In any event, the institution system5may have appropriate security mechanisms in place to prevent unauthorized third parties from intercepting the user's information.

The user90may provide data to the institution system5via a user computing device92,95. The user computing device may be a handheld computing device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a mobile phone, for example, or any type of personal computer (PC). The user computing device and the institution system5may be connected over a network88. It is contemplated that the network88may be any type of private or public communication network such as, for example, an intranet, Internet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless fidelity (WiFi) network, cellular connection, plain old telephone service (POTS), and the like. An example user computing device is described with respect toFIG. 6.

As described further herein, one of the service representatives50,52associated with the institution system5may confer with a user90about coverage information. Such a conference may be via a chat session or a telephone, for example. Each service representative may be specialized to a particular coverage area so the user may speak with a specialist regarding any questions the user has regarding coverage information. Although only two service representatives50,52are shown inFIG. 1, it is contemplated that any number of service representatives may be associated with the institution system5.

In an implementation, a user interface module15may receive content from the coverage generator25and format one or more pages of content11as a unified graphical presentation that may be provided to a user computing device92,95. The page(s) of content11may be directed to a graphical representation of coverage information and may be provided to a user computing device92,95via the website10associated with the institution system5. It will be appreciated that, in an embodiment, a service representative50,52of the institution may access the user interface module15, or the underlying graphical representation of coverage information, to assist the user90with any questions the user may have.

When the user90accesses the website10, using a web browser on a user computing device92,95, they may be presented with information pertaining to an insurance policy that they are considering purchasing or an insurance policy that they already have purchased, via the page(s) of content11. The information may be in a graphical representation form, further described with respect toFIG. 3, for example. The user90may enter information into the graphical representation via a web browser on a user computing device92,95.

The content may be personalized to the user90, using information retrieved from the user storage24, for example. Personalization may include presentation of the page(s) of content11and/or functionality of the page(s) of content11. For example, a graphical representation displayed on the page(s) of content11may be pre-filled with some information pertaining to the user, such as name, address, policy number, etc. In an implementation, personalization may be directed to an automobile insurance policy, and may provide specific information on the user's automobiles or aspects of the user's coverage. Personalization is not limited to automobile insurance policies and may be directed to any type of data, information, product, service, advertisement, etc.

As described further herein, in an implementation, the user90may modify their insurance policy online via the graphical representation. The user may be provided with one or more documents online, via the website10or via email for example, that they can electronically sign. Any known electronic signature technique may be may used. The user90may electronically sign the one or more documents and provide them electronically to the institution system5, via email or the website10for example.

The institution system5may comprise one or more computing devices6. A user computing device92,95may allow the user90to interact with the computing device(s)6. The computing device(s)6may have one or more processors7, storage8(e.g., storage devices, memory, etc.), and software modules9. The computing device(s)6, including its processor(s)7, storage8, and software modules9, may be used in the performance of the techniques and operations described herein. Information associated with the user, groups of users, and/or insurance policies, may be stored in storage8or other storage, for example.

Example software modules may include modules for sending and receiving information between the institution system5and the user90, requesting and retrieving information from storage8, information storage22, and user storage24, processing insurance information requests, and generating graphical representations of coverage information, described further herein. While specific functionality is described herein as occurring with respect to specific modules, the functionality may likewise be performed by more, fewer, or other modules. The functionality may be distributed among more than one module. An example computing device and its components are described in more detail with respect toFIG. 6.

FIG. 2is an operational flow of an implementation of a method200that may be used to provide insurance policy coverage information. A user may be provided with a graphical representation of their insurance coverage along with how it compares to median coverage variables.

At operation205, a user may log into a website associated with the institution system, may be identified and authenticated using any known techniques, and may request insurance information. At operation210, information pertaining to the user and the user's policy and coverage information may be retrieved from storage. At operation220, median coverage information pertaining to the type of policy that the user has may be retrieved and/or generated based on information that may be retrieved from storage. The median coverage information comprises information that is directed to the median coverage that policy holders of the institution have. This information may be previously determined and stored in storage or may be computed or otherwise generated on the fly, in real-time, when requested. In an implementation, the user may not currently have a policy and as such, user's policy and coverage information may not be retrieved, but median coverage may still be retrieved and/or generated for display on the graphical representation.

At operation230, a graphical representation of coverage information may be generated based on the retrieved information. The graphical representation is provided to the user via a computing device. An example graphical representation is described with respect toFIG. 3.

At operation240, the graphical representation may be provided to the user. The user may view the graphical representation. The user may request or select information related to an aspect of the graphical representation, such as information directed to one of the coverage areas or information directed to a premium, at operation250. The user may make a selection by selecting a link displayed on the graphical representation, highlighting an area of the graphical representation, and/or clicking on an area of the graphical representation, for example. The information that the user may select may then be provided to the user via a website, email, and/or a representative of the institution, for example, at operation260.

Obtaining information may include retrieving linked documents, activating a ‘QuickTime’, ‘Windows Media’ or other video document, instancing an “instant message” or “chat” interface with a representative, or instancing a live person-to-person video teleconference, for example. Additionally, the user may access exemplary policy representations based on text descriptions of example user scenarios. The information may comprise text documents or files, video documents or files, or any other form of information presentation.

In an implementation, the user may select to communicate with a representative via a chat session using the user computing device for example, or via a telephone conference. For example, in an implementation, a user may initiate a consultation with a representative regarding a policy element by clicking on an element of the graphical representation about which information is desired. Multiple representatives may be available to communicate with the user, where each representative is a specialist in a different area of the policy. In this manner, a user may directly be put into communication with a specialist in a particular area of interest to the user.

FIG. 3is an implementation of an example screen shot300of a graphical representation of insurance policy coverage information that may be provided to a user. The example shown inFIG. 3is based on an automobile insurance policy, but it is contemplated that any type of insurance policy may be represented in a like manner.

Each coverage element305of the policy (e.g., bodily injury, property damage, towing and labor, etc.) has available coverage amounts315in drop down menus, for example, that may be selected by a user. Other coverage elements than those shown inFIG. 3may be provided, such as medical expenses, loss of income, essential services, medical payments, rental reimbursement, towing and labor, etc., for example.

In an implementation, the user may also enter coverage amounts directly and not rely on drop down menus. Also provided are INFO and REP selection buttons310that a user may select to get more information on the related coverage element or to contact a specialized representative for that coverage element area. Although only one set of INFO/REP selection buttons are shown, it is contemplated that each coverage element may have its own set of INFO/REP selection buttons that when selected provide information or contact a representative directed to that particular coverage element area. In an implementation, the graphical representation may be provided, in whole or in part, to a representative who may be assisting the user.

A dynamic bar chart is also provided in the graphical representation. The bar chart graphically provides information for each of the coverage elements. Information may include items such as coverage amount320, median325, recommended amount330, and limit335. Dollar amounts pertaining to the display, for example, may be provided along an axis of the chart, and may be displayed linearly, exponentially, or in any suitable manner.

Coverage amount320indicates the amount of coverage the user has in their current policy, or if the user has adjust the coverage amount, as described with respect toFIG. 4for example, coverage amount320indicates that adjusted coverage amount. Median325may refer to the median amount of coverage provided to all users who have a policy with the institution system. Median325may also refer to the median amount of coverage that a selected population group has, as described with respect toFIG. 5, for example.

In an implementation, the institution system may determine a recommended amount of coverage330that a user should have in one or more coverage areas. Such recommended amounts may be indicated on the graphical representation. The institution system may use various data and calculators for example to determine recommended amounts. Recommended amounts of coverage may be based on data that the institution system has on the user and other users.

A coverage limit335for the coverage areas may also be displayed on the graphical representation. In this manner, the user may see where their amount of coverage stands relative to the maximum amount of coverage available.

Premium information340may also be provided for each of the coverage elements305. As the user changes the coverage amount320for a coverage element305using the associated amount selector315, the associated premium amount340may also change. A user may modify a coverage amount or a deducible, for example, and the premium is automatically updated by the system. In this manner, a user may see how their premium will change as they consider different coverage amounts and/or deductibles for various coverage elements. Thus, the user may see in a graphical format the ramifications of modeled insurance policy coverage changes. A total premium amount comprising the sum of the coverage elements' premiums may be provided. Alternatively, a user may tell the system how much premium they would like to pay, and the system can provide the user with recommended coverage they may get for that premium amount. In an implementation, if the user likes the policy changes, they can click a commit button or other selector and put the policy changes into effect.

Additional information may be displayed, such as coverage information, amounts, and/or ranges pertaining to one or more population groups, and ranges based on the median, such as a range of low and high amounts around the median, for example. The graphical depictions may illustrate available coverage options, the user's current policy's coverage, minimum and maximum coverage limits, and the recommended coverage limit of the associated coverage category. Some coverage categories reflect coverage information for each of the consumer's vehicles. Further implementations may include, but are not limited to, industry recommended coverage levels, state required coverage levels, and lien-holder coverage requirements. Although a bar chart with particular indicators is shown, it is contemplated that any type of graphical representation and any type of indicators may be used.

In an implementation, the coverage elements305list each of the current policy line item coverage categories. The initial rendering of the graphical representation loads the user's current coverage designations for each line item into the drop-down list-box amount selector315associated with each line item category. The graphical representation allows the user to select alternative coverage options via the drop-down list-box. Option selection may initiate a recalculation of the page to demonstrate the net effect the change would have on coverage and policy premium. It should be noted that changes to the line item coverage's are static changes for illustration and decision making purposes. Changes do not update the actual policy coverage designations unless the user commits the changes via a “Keep Changes” button or an “Update My Policy” button or the like. Thus, the graphical representation allows the user to lock in changes to their policy limits. “Locking in” refers to the method by which the institution updates its formal policy documentation to reflect the changes to the policy and to ensure a legal binding contract.

FIG. 4is an operational flow of another implementation of a method400that may be used to provide insurance policy coverage information. Operations405through430are similar to operations205through240described with respect to the method200ofFIG. 2and are briefly described here.

At operation405, a user may log into a website associated with the institution system, may be identified and authenticated using any known techniques, and may request insurance information. At operation410, information pertaining to the user and the user's policy and coverage information may be retrieved from storage. At operation420, median coverage information pertaining to the type of policy that the user has may be retrieved and/or generated based on information that may be retrieved from storage. At operation430, a graphical representation of coverage information may be generated based on the retrieved information and provided to the user.

The user may view the graphical representation, and at operation440, may change a coverage amount or deductible for a coverage element on the graphical representation. At operation450, the institution system may receive the change and revise the premium information for that coverage element. The revised premium information may be displayed to the user via the graphical representation. At operation460, a user may select to accept the change to the policy, and may advise the institution system, e.g., by selecting a “Keep Changes” button or an “Update My Policy” button or the like, as described above. The change may be made to the user's policy by the institution system and the user may be provided with or otherwise apprised of the updated insurance policy.

Thus, the graphical representation that is provided to a user allows the user to adjust various coverages and amounts (e.g., bodily injury $300,000, medical expenses coverage included, etc.) of an insurance policy and then see how those adjustments will affect the premium the user has to pay. Alternatively, a user who does not have a policy in place may use the graphical representation to build their own policy by selecting and adjusting various coverages and amounts, seeing what the premiums are, and then purchasing a policy having the selected coverage and amounts.

FIG. 5is an operational flow of another implementation of a method500that may be used to provide insurance policy coverage information. At operation505, a user may log into a website associated with the institution system, may be identified and authenticated using any known techniques, and may request insurance information. At operation510, information pertaining to the user and the user's policy and coverage information may be retrieved from storage.

At operation520, coverage information for a particular population group may be retrieved from storage. In an implementation, the coverage information that is retrieved is for users in the population group who have a policy with the institution system that is the same type of policy as the user is requesting information on (e.g., automobile insurance, homeowner's insurance, etc.). The population group may be selected by the user and may be based on one or more factors, such as income, marital status, age, number of children, residence location, type of vehicle, age of vehicle, etc. A user may select these factors via a website associated with the institution system or via a graphical representation provided to the user.

Alternatively, the institution system may select a population group for comparison. In an implementation, the institution system may access information about the user (e.g., from user storage24inFIG. 1) and generate a profile of the user based on the information. The institution system may then retrieve coverage information for a group of users that have a similar profile.

At operation530, a graphical representation of coverage information may be generated based on the retrieved information and provided to the user. The graphical representation may show coverage information for the user as well as for the population group. In this manner, the user may see how their coverage compares to the coverage of a peer group or population of their choice (e.g., those with similar salaries, those who live in the same city, etc.).

In an implementation, a graphical representation may be used to contrast and compare coverage information, including costs, available at other institutions, such as at a competitor insurance company or a competitor financial services institution. This may provide additional information that may be helpful to the user.

Although examples described herein refer to automobile insurance, any type of insurance may be used such as life, homeowners, renters, etc. It is contemplated that multiple types of insurance may be presented to a user and the user may select a particular type of insurance for which a graphical representation may be generated and displayed.

Exemplary Computing Arrangement

With reference toFIG. 6, an exemplary system for implementing aspects described herein includes a computing device, such as computing device100. In its most basic configuration, computing device100typically includes at least one processing unit102and system memory104. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, system memory104may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated inFIG. 6by dashed line106.

Computing device100may have additional features and/or functionality. For example, computing device100may include additional storage (removable and/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 6by removable storage108and non-removable storage110.

Computing device100may also contain communication connection(s)112that allow the computing device100to communicate with other devices. Communication connection(s)112is an example of communication media. Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and include any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term computer-readable media as used herein includes both storage media and communication media.

Computing device100may also have input device(s)114such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc. Output device(s)116such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included. All these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.

Computing device100may be one of a plurality of computing devices100inter-connected by a network. As may be appreciated, the network may be any appropriate network, each computing device100may be connected thereto by way of communication connection(s)112in any appropriate manner, and each computing device100may communicate with one or more of the other computing devices100in the network in any appropriate manner. For example, the network may be a wired or wireless network within an organization or home or the like, and may include a direct or indirect coupling to an external network such as the Internet or the like.