Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/142,665, filed on Jan. 6, 2009, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a method and system for connecting insureds to insurers using a mobile device. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and system for connecting insureds more closely to insurers by leveraging the most technically advanced mobile smart phone technology, such as the iPhone. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Currently, an insured or potential customer (hereinafter the “insured”) must call an insurance company or carrier (hereinafter the “insurer”) to make an inquiry, modify an existing policy or report a loss. The insured will provide some preliminary information, such as the insured&#39;s name, policy number and the purpose of the communication, and then be instructed to gather and/or provide additional information specific to that interaction. The collection and processing of this information can be time consuming and complex, involving many manual steps and duplicative actions on the part of the insured and the insurer. 
         [0004]    As a result, the known process of interaction of insureds with insurers causes extended timelines, claim backlogs and delayed resolutions to the communication, whether that entails forming a new policy, modifying an existing policy, settling a claim, coordinating subrogation or the like. It is known that such delays have numerous negative effects on the insurance system. For instance, the insurer&#39;s ability to capture a potential customer as a new insured and the satisfaction of the insured with the insurer is impacted, in part, by the length and complexity of the interactions. In addition, the insurer&#39;s liability exposure on a claim increases as the amount of time between filing and resolution of the claim increases. There is a need for a means of enabling insureds and insurers to interact in a faster and more streamlined manner. 
         [0005]    The known interaction of insureds and insurers also consumes a significant amount of resources. In particular, the lengthy resolution of interactions diverts resources away from selling new business, improving the insured&#39;s experience with the insurer and improving the operation of the insurer. For instance, resources expended by the insurer on customer service and claim handling cannot be used to sell new business and retain existing insureds. As a result, there are few incentives to effectively perform customer service, claim handling and routine maintenance tasks. There is a need for a means of reducing the amount of resources expended by the insureds and, particularly, the insurers to interact with one another. 
         [0006]    The known interaction of insureds and insurers also results in duplicative actions on the part of the insured and the insurer. In particular, during a typical interaction over the telephone, the insured verbally states information to a customer service representative, a claim handler or another representative (hereinafter an “agent”) of the insurer who transcribes the stated information, for instance, into a computer program. Verbal transmission of information is slow, inaccurate and can result in a negative experience for the insured. There is a need for a means of enabling the insured and the insurer to interact with less verbal transmission of information. 
         [0007]    However, some verbal interaction is necessary and even desirable. The known interaction of insureds and insurers is verbally intensive and although some information can be gathered automatically or using a touch-tone phone entry system, such as a call directory or an authorization system, there is an inherent inaccuracy or degree of imprecision in these systems that must be corrected verbally. In addition, verbal communication provides an opportunity for personal contact that fosters loyalty and trust. There is a need for a means of enabling the insured and the insurer to interact in a more accurate and precise manner that emphasizes loyalty and trust building exchanges. 
         [0008]    The known interaction of insureds and insurers also relies upon a variety of communication channels. Telephones play a central role in connecting the insureds and insurers, but are not capable of transmitting all required information. For instance, photographs of a loss, such as a car accident, and copies of invoices for repairs or replacements relating to the loss may need to be mailed through the post or transmitted via facsimile. Using a variety of communication channels increases the complexity of administering the information flow between the insureds and insurers. There is a need for a means of enabling the insured and the insurer to interact through a unified communication channel that can transmit all, or nearly all, required information. 
         [0009]    The object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide an improved system for connecting insureds and insurers, which, among other desirable attributes, significantly reduces or overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies of prior interactions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and system for connecting insureds more closely to insurers by leveraging the most technically advanced mobile smartphone technology, such as the iPhone, to deliver services to the point at which they are needed most. 
         [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers using a mobile device, such as a smart phone. 
         [0012]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system including an insurance software application designed for smart phone mobile devices with a phone mode, a voice recorder mode, a short message service (“SMS”) text mode, an e-mail mode, a digital camera mode, a digital video recording mode, a photograph gallery mode, a video gallery mode, a global positioning system (“GPS”) mode, and other input devices, such as a touch screen, in a coordinated and insurance policy-directed manner. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers wirelessly in real-time from almost any location, at any time of day. 
         [0014]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds to the insurers to access services when and where they are needed most. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds to the insurers to enable the insured to be in constant multifaceted contact with a knowledgeable agent of the insurer substantially immediately after an accident or loss. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers to enable an insured to access services and information spanning the entire insurance relationship including: policy quotes; policy formation; asset, policy and insurance information; policy coverage and limit information; payment, billing and accounting information; and claim status information. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers in a timely and streamlined manner. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers to accomplish tasks that were previously time and labor intensive, or could only be achieved through written communications, a phone call during working hours to an agent or insurer and recently, to a lesser extent, using a personal computer. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers immediately via the mobile device to enable an insured who suffers a loss to access an agent of the insurer who will provide advice and support to the insured at the scene of the accident or loss. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers in an efficient manner. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers in a manner that enables a maximum amount of information to be transmitted via digital text and photographic formats. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers using a unified communication channel capable of transmitting voice communications, voice recordings, SMS text messages, e-mails, digital photographs, digital video recordings, and GPS information. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers in a manner that accurately and precisely directs the insured to the proper agent of the insurer and provides the agent with information specific to the insured&#39;s communication. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers in a manner that enhances verbal interactions by emphasizing loyalty and trust building exchanges. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insurers and, in particular, young automobile policy holder insureds who have statistically high accident rates, are the customers who tend to be early adopters of new technology, and in a manner that provides particular assurance to parents and guardians of the young insureds. 
         [0026]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a system including a mobile device insurance software application that allows the insured of a property-casualty insurer to interact, in an immediate online mode, with the insurer to access services that the insured needs most, at the time and location when they are needed. The insured can access services with or without the assistance of a representative of the insurer. By way of example, the insured can report an automobile or home loss contemporaneously with and at the location of the loss. In some instances, the insured&#39;s reporting can replace the need to send a representative of the insurer, such as a claim investigator, to the location of the loss. As a result, small claims, for instance, can be settled immediately without the expenditure of significant resources. 
         [0027]    As another example, an insured can request a ‘quick quote’ for a new policy, which results in a binder. If the insured accepts the binder, the insured is immediately provided with the agreed upon policy and an auto insurance identification card. Alternatively, an insured can inquire about policy coverages, quotes, billing and claim status. 
         [0028]    As another example, at a home closing, an insured can specify a new mortgagee and have a printable insurance identification card, which is proof of insurance, to complete the transaction. 
         [0029]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers so that the insured can select an action button on a touch screen of the mobile device in order to request professional assistance that is specific to the current content of the touch screen display or the location of an accident or loss, and/or to be “tracked” remotely. 
         [0030]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system that connects insureds and insurers so that the insured can capture digital images of an insurable vehicle, property or asset and have the images securely archived. The images can be captured pre-loss, for instance, at the time of requesting a quote on a new policy related to the vehicle, property or asset, or post-loss, for instance, to report detailed information relating to the loss. 
         [0031]    The method and system of the present invention combines four unique software components along with the features of the smart phone mobile device, data from third party providers and insurance industry standards. The method and system of present invention amalgamates ACORD data structures, wireless communications, digital camera, GPS and vehicle, property and asset data from third party providers of information. Insurance inquiries and transactions that, in known approaches, require written or verbal communications between an insured and an insurer, its agent or both, can be completed without assistance or delay providing an immediate conclusion to the transaction. 
         [0032]    Due, in part, to the technical efficiencies and interface of the present invention, the economic benefits to the insurer are significant. The wireless device and its communication link are the financial responsibility of the insured and enable the insured to act in a ‘self-service’ mode that is intuitive, friendly and uses a widely accepted interface with which the insured is already familiar. Furthermore, the insurer accrues several other benefits, including: reduced customer service costs; reduced payouts on filed claims; increased accuracy of documentation of evidence regarding losses; increased appeal to ‘tech savvy’, more upwardly-mobile and profitable insureds, as well as other family policy holders; increased insured satisfaction and loyalty; and improved, high-profile market differentiation of the insurer. 
         [0033]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for connecting an insured to an insurer is provided. The method includes establishing a communication channel between an insured and an insurer using a mobile insurance module of a mobile device associated with the insured and a server insurance module of a server associated with the insurer, and providing an insurance service across the communication channel. 
         [0034]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing an insurance service is provided. The method includes receiving, using a server insurance module on a networked server of an insurer, a request for an insurance service from a mobile insurance module on a mobile device; determining, using the server insurance module, whether the request satisfies processing criteria; and, if so, delivering, using the server insurance module, the insurance service to the mobile insurance module on the mobile device. 
         [0035]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for connecting an insured to an insurer is provided. The system includes a mobile device associated with an insured having a first processor and a first memory, wherein the first memory has a mobile insurance module stored therein, and a server associated with an insurer having a second processor and a second memory, wherein the second memory has a server insurance module stored therein, wherein the mobile insurance module and the server insurance module interact to perform a method for providing a insurance service. 
         [0036]    These and other features of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments of a system for connecting an insured with an insurer using a mobile communication device. The illustrated embodiments of the system of the present invention are intended to illustrate, but not limit, the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a communication network including mobile devices, a networked server connected to an insurer customer database and a web server farm connected to a remote customer database, interconnected via the Internet, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a communication network including an access terminal of the insured, an access terminal of the insurer, insurer data sources and third party data sources interconnected via a networked server, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of components of an interface of the mobile device, one of the access terminals of the insured, according to the communication network of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of components of a web-based interface, one of the access terminals of the insured, according to the communication network of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of components of the networked server, according to the communication network of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of the structure of a database management sub-module of the networked server of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0043]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are schematic diagrams of a web service interface for establishing an account with the communication network, according to the networked server of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of a web service interface for replying to a request for establishing account with the communication network, according to the networked server of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0045]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are schematic diagrams of a web service interface for submitting a first notice of loss (“FNOL”) to the insurer using the communication network, according to the networked server of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of a web service interface for responding to the submission of the first notice of loss (“FNOL”) to the insurer using the communication network, according to the networked server of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of components of an access terminal of the insurer, such as the station of an agent of the insurer, according to the communication network of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram of components of the third party data sources according to the communication network of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 13  is a flow diagram of a user registration process, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 14  is a flow diagram of an asset management process, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 15  is a flow diagram of an asset management process, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 16  is a flow diagram of a photo capture process, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 17  is an illustration of an exemplary of a mobile device of the insured, having the system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, installed and operating thereon. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0054]    The present invention relates to a system for connecting a prospective or existing policy holder, for instance, an insured, to an insurance company, for instance, an insurer, using a communication network. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a communication network  10  is shown. The communication network  10  includes mobile devices  12  that are owned and/or operated by the insured. The mobile devices  12  are smart phones, such as an iPhone, that include memory in which software is stored, a processor for processing the software and a user interface  14  for allowing the insured to interact with the software. The user interface  14  includes an output device, such as an LCD screen, and an input device, such as a keyboard or a touch screen. 
         [0056]    The mobile devices  12  are in wireless communication with a wireless network  16 , such as a base station controller, that connects the mobile devices  12  to the Internet  18 . 
         [0057]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the Internet  18  is also in communication with a virtual private network  20  that connects the Internet  18  to a networked server  22  of the insurer. The networked server  22  includes memory in which insurance software, such as insurance models, and insurance data, such as insurer information and data, is stored and a processor for processing the insurance software and insurance data. The networked server  22  is connected to an insurer customer database  24  in which insured information and data, such as customer information and policy information, is stored. 
         [0058]    The Internet  18  is also in communication with a web server farm  26  that connects the Internet  18  to a remote customer database  28 . The local customer database  28  includes memory in which insured information and data is stored. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the system  30  of the present invention is shown. Referring additionally to  FIG. 3 , the system  30  includes a mobile insurance module  32 , such as the “I&#39;m in Touch—Phone” Insurance Software module, which is stored in the memory of the mobile device  12  of the insured. Using the mobile insurance module  32 , the insured can connect to the insurer. The mobile insurance module  32  is responsible for managing the dialogue between the insured and the insurer to capture data about the insured, a vehicle, property or asset owned or operated by the insured, and an accident or loss relating to the vehicle, property or asset of the insured. For example, the mobile insurance module  32  is capable of performing the following functions: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Mobile Insurance Module Capabilities 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Function Name 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Quick Quote 
                 Requests a quote for a new policy, including a binder 
               
               
                 Buy Quote 
                 Accepts the binder provided by the quick quote and substantially 
               
               
                   
                 immediately produces a printable confirmation and insurance 
               
               
                   
                 identification card, such as an automobile or home insurance policy 
               
               
                   
                 card 
               
               
                 Show Property and Assets 
                 Displays any asset or property for which the insured has requested 
               
               
                   
                 a quote, purchased a policy or entered related information using 
               
               
                   
                 the mobile device, as well as other accessible insured data, 
               
               
                   
                 including the status of a policy associated with the asset or property 
               
               
                 Show Vehicle 
                 Displays any vehicle for which the insured has requested a quote, 
               
               
                   
                 purchased a policy or entered related information into the mobile 
               
               
                   
                 device, as well as other insured data accessible to the insurer, 
               
               
                   
                 including the status of a policy associated with the vehicle 
               
               
                 Photo/Record Assets 
                 Activates a record-mode of the camera or video recording feature 
               
               
                   
                 of the mobile device to capture images of the vehicle, property or 
               
               
                   
                 asset of the insured 
               
               
                 Show 
                 Activates a play back mode of the camera or video recording 
               
               
                   
                 feature of the mobile device to display recently captured images 
               
               
                 Capture Auto Loss 
                 Activates a record-mode of the camera or video recording feature 
               
               
                   
                 of the mobile device to capture images of an accident or loss 
               
               
                   
                 relating to the vehicle of the insured. Once the images are 
               
               
                   
                 captured, data is automatically gathered to the extent possible and, 
               
               
                   
                 then, the insured is prompted to enter or correct the data relating to 
               
               
                   
                 the accident or loss 
               
               
                 Capture Home Loss 
                 Activates a record-mode of the camera or video recording feature 
               
               
                   
                 of the mobile device to capture images of an accident or loss 
               
               
                   
                 relating to the asset or property of the insured; once the images are 
               
               
                   
                 captured, data is automatically gathered to the extent possible and, 
               
               
                   
                 then, the insured is prompted to enter or correct the data relating to 
               
               
                   
                 the accident or loss 
               
               
                 Track Me 
                 Activates the GPS feature of the mobile device to determine a 
               
               
                   
                 location of the insured and/or requests an agent of the insurer, 
               
               
                   
                 such as a claim investigator, to initiate a claim handling proceeding 
               
               
                   
                 including, optionally, to request police and rescue services 
               
               
                 Assist Me 
                 Activates a voice, text or e-mail mode of the mobile device to 
               
               
                   
                 initiate a communication between the insured and the insurer 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0060]    To enable the functions listed in Table 1, the mobile insurance module  32  leverages the capabilities of the smart phone mobile device  12 , including: phone mode, voice recorder mode, SMS text mode, e-mail mode, digital camera mode, digital video recording mode, photograph gallery mode, video gallery mode, GPS mode, and other input devices, such as a touch screen, which minimizes the effort to collect, coordinate, administer and manage the desired data. At a database-level, the mobile insurance module  32  leverages the platform on which smart phone mobile devices  12  operate, including SQL databases and 3G-standard resources. 
         [0061]    The mobile insurance module  32  also reports information to the insured, for instance, in response to an inquiry or quote request made by the insured. For instance, the mobile insurance module  32  includes a data getter  34  for receiving data from the networked server  22  and a data setter  36  for transmitting data to the networked server  22 . The data getter  34  and the data setter  36  are connected to the user interface  14  of the mobile device  12 . 
         [0062]    In total, the capabilities of the smart phone mobile device  12  enables collection and transmission of all desired and required data relating to an accident or loss at the location of the accident and loss, which, in turn, enables immediate resolution of the claim. This is particularly true for small claims (e.g., the reporting of loss that is below a deductible of the policy), for which limited processing resources are committed to auditing and processing the claim. 
         [0063]    The mobile insurance module  32 , for example, is installed on the Apple iPhone mobile device  12 . Using Apple&#39;s proprietary iPhone SDK system (Xcode/Objective C/Cocoa) or the user interface  14 , which is a graphical user interface (“GUI”), collects information about the vehicle, property or assets of the insured, losses and new quote information. The mobile insurance module  32  of the present invention utilizes the iPhone&#39;s capabilities to communicate to the networked server  22  using HTTP protocol over the communication network  10 . Communications are conducted using the industry standard “web services” model. The mobile device  12  also uses the following iPhone Utility Frameworks  40  to provide the mobile insurance module  32  functionalities listed above in Table 1, including: AudioToolbox—Audio recording; CoreFoundation—provides ‘C’ APIs; CoreGraphics—fundamental to the Mac OS X graphics and windowing environment; CoreLocation—GPS utilization; Foundation—Objective-C classes that provide the infrastructure for object-based applications; OpenGLES—Animation Graphics Library; QuartzCore—supports image processing and video image manipulation; and UIKit—infrastructure needed for creating iPhone applications. The libsqlite3.0.dylib—SQLite Database access library is also utilized to provide the mobile insurance module  32  functionalities listed above in Table 1. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the system  30  also includes a web insurance module  42 , such as the “I&#39;m in Touch—Web” Insurance Software module, which is accessible on a website using a web browser on the mobile device  12  or a computer. The web insurance module  42  allows the insured to perform all of the functions of the mobile insurance module  32  outside of the mobile insurance module  32  environment. However, the web insurance module  42  can have the following additional functionality: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Web Insurance Module Capabilities 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Function 
                   
               
               
                 Name 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Edit Data 
                 Displays a data administration and management tool that 
               
               
                   
                 enables the insured to import and organize data, including 
               
               
                   
                 images of the vehicle, property and assets of the insured 
               
               
                 Review 
                 Displays a claim administration and management tool that 
               
               
                 Claim 
                 enables the insured to review, edit and file claims 
               
               
                 Request 
                 Requests a quote for a new policy, including a binder, with 
               
               
                 Quote 
                 supplemental capabilities, including insurer&#39;s competitors 
               
               
                   
                 price comparison data, insured&#39;s peer coverage comparison 
               
               
                   
                 data, enhanced or interactive graphics and models, and 
               
               
                   
                 comprehensive coverage review, analysis and promotional 
               
               
                   
                 tools 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0065]    To enable the functions listed in Table 2, the web insurance module  42  leverages the enhanced capabilities of web browsing in comparison to an application configured for use on the mobile device  12 . For instance, the web insurance module  42  facilitates input of data to the system  30  using a full keyboard, a mouse and a large display. However, in some embodiments the web insurance module  42  may exclude some functionalities that have particular synergies with the mobile insurance module  32 , for instance, the functionalities that relate to the phone mode, the camera mode, the video recorder mode, the voice recorder mode and the GPS mode of the mobile device  12 . Also, provided that the mobile device  12  has sufficient input, processing and display resources, the additional functions of the web insurance module  42  can be included in the mobile insurance module  32 . 
         [0066]    The web insurance module  42  is provided in a standard HTML interface. The web insurance module  42  includes a data getter  44  for receiving data from the networked server  22  and a data setter  46  for transmitting data to the networked server  22 . The data getter  44  and the data setter  46  are connected via a web user interface controller ASPX  46 , through which the insured interacts with the system  30 . More specifically, the web insurance module  42  accesses the middle tier of the application using industry standard “web services” models with HTTP protocol via SOAP and RESTful formats. For example, the web user interface controller ASPX  46  is a web-enabled interface that leverages the Microsoft .NET framework version 2.0 redistribution package in conjunction with Microsoft Internet Information Server 6.0. 
         [0067]    The system  30  also includes a server insurance module  50 , such as the “I&#39;m in Touch—Server” Insurance Software module, installed on the networked server  22  and connected to the mobile insurance module  32  and the web insurance module  42 . The server insurance module  50  is a primary interactive component of the present invention and includes a number of sub-modules. For instance, the server insurance module  50  includes a database manager sub-module  52 . The database manager sub-module  52  is responsible for creating, reading, updating and deleting the application data which includes the profile, vehicle, property, assets, photographs, videos, policies, losses, quotes and contracts data of the insured. For instance, the database manager sub-module  52  is capable of the following functionalities: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Database Manager Sub-Module Capabilities 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Function Name 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Manage Profile 
                 Administers and manages the profile of the insured 
               
               
                 Manage Home Loss 
                 Administers and manages a submission relating to a property 
               
               
                   
                 and/or asset loss of the insured 
               
               
                 Manage Auto Loss 
                 Administers and manages a submission relating to a vehicle loss of 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
               
               
                 Manage Property 
                 Administers and manages the property or the assets of the insured 
               
               
                 Manage Quotes 
                 Administers and manages the quotes requested by and provided to 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
               
               
                 Manage Vehicles 
                 Administers and manages the vehicles of the insured 
               
               
                 Manage Contracts 
                 Administers and manages the contracts of the insured 
               
               
                 Manage Policy 
                 Administers and manages the policy of the insured 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0068]    The database manager sub-module  52  utilizes Microsoft SQL Server Database to implement a related table-based data structure with simple primary key and foreign key structure. Data is stored in the database manager sub-module  52  in a series of related tables providing database normalization and made accessible via a secure user/password methodology over TCP/IP. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a database scheme  54  of the database manager sub-module  52  is shown. The database scheme  54  includes an account table  56 , a carrier table  58 , a user table  60 , a user policy table  62 , a policy table  64 , a policy type table  66 , a policy items table  68 , an attribute table  70 , an attribute type table  72 , a property table  74 , a driver table  76 , a vehicle table  78 , a vehicle driver table  80 , a claim table  82 , a claim type table  84 , a claim status table  86 , a participant table  88 , a participant type table  90 , a media table  92 , a media type table  94 , a location table  96 , a location status table  98 , a coverage table  100 , a coverage type table  102 , a quote table  104  and a quote status table  106 , which are related as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0070]    The account table  56  holds basic name and address information associated the insured. For instance, the account table  56  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Account Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of an 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cFirstName 
                 First name of the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Character 
               
               
                 cLastName 
                 Last name of the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Character 
               
               
                 cMiddleName 
                 Middle Name the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Character 
               
               
                 cAddress1 
                 Address line 1 the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cAddress2 
                 Address line 2 the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cCity 
                 City of the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Character 
               
               
                 cState 
                 State of the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Character 
               
               
                 cZip 
                 ZIP code of the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Character 
               
               
                 cPhone 
                 Phone number the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 iAccountStatus 
                 Status of the account 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 dteCreateDate 
                 The date on which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 account was created 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0071]    The account table  56  is related to the carrier table  58 , the user table  60 , the user policy table  62 , the policy table  64 , the policy type table  66 , the policy items table  68 , the attribute table  70 , the property table  72 , the driver table  74 , the vehicle driver table  76 , the claim table  78 , the claim type table  80 , the claim status table  82 , the participant table  84 , the participant type table  84 , the media table  88 , the media type table  90 , the location table  92 , the location status table  94 , the coverage table  96 , the coverage type table  98 , the quote table  100  and the quote status table  102 . 
         [0072]    The carrier table  58  holds a list of the insurers that have registered with the system  30 . For instance, the carrier table  58  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Carrier Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Size 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iCarrierName 
                 Description of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 name of the insurer 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0073]    The carrier table  58  is related to the account table  56  and the policy table  64 . 
         [0074]    The user table  60  holds basic name information about the insured and information that identifies the unique signature of the mobile device  12  of the insured. The recognition of the mobile device  12  as being associated with the insured authenticates access to the system  30  and enables insurance services to be provided to the insured without the insured having to go through an identification process. In addition, by recognizing the insured, data associated with the insured, such as policy, vehicle, property and asset and claim data, can be gathered immediately. For instance, the user table  60  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the User Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of an 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 the system 30 
               
               
                 cFirstName 
                 First name of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cLastName 
                 Last name of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cMiddleName 
                 Middle name of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cUserID 
                 Unique identifier the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cPhoneNumber 
                 Phone number of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 mobile device of the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
               
               
                 cPhoneSerial 
                 Serial number of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 mobile device of the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
               
               
                 cNickName 
                 Nick name of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cDriverID 
                 Unique identifier 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 derived by the system 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 to identify each driver 
               
               
                   
                 associated with the 
               
               
                   
                 account or policy 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0075]    The user table  60  is related to the account table  54  and the user policy table  62 . 
         [0076]    The user policy table  62  holds the relationship between the insured and the policy number associated with the insured. For instance, the user policy table  62  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the User Policy Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 cUserID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 iPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 policy of the insured 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 30 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0077]    The user policy table  62  is related to the account table  54  and the policy table  66 . 
         [0078]    The policy table  64  holds high-level policy information provided by the insurer related to the policy identifiers of the system  30 . For instance, the policy table  64  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Policy Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of an 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 iPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 policy 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iPolicyType 
                 Indicates of the type of 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 policy, e.g., 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 homeowners, 
               
               
                   
                 automobile, boat 
               
               
                   
                 and/or assets 
               
               
                 dtePolicyEffectiveDate 
                 The date that the 
                 Date 
               
               
                   
                 coverage was in force 
               
               
                   
                 with the insurer 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0079]    The policy table  64  is related to the account table  54 , the user table  60  and the policy type table  66 . 
         [0080]    The policy type table  66  holds a list of valid types of policy. For instance, the policy type table  66  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Policy Type Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of an 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iPolicyType 
                 Indicates the type of 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 30 
               
               
                   
                 policy, e.g., 
               
               
                   
                 homeowners, 
               
               
                   
                 automobile, boat 
               
               
                   
                 and/or assets 
               
               
                 cPolicyTypeName 
                 The full policy type 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 description 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0081]    The policy type table  66  is related to the account table  54  and the policy table  64 . 
         [0082]    The policy items table  68  holds a list of policy information relating to specific assets of the insured. For instance, the policy items table  68  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Policy Items Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of an 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 iItemID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 asset 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 30 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0083]    The policy items table  68  is related to the account table  54 . 
         [0084]    The attribute table  70  holds a list of attribute value pairs that can be used to append the data collection. For instance, the attribute table  70  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Attribute Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of an 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 iItemID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 asset 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iAttributeType 
                 Describes the type of 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 field represented by 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 attribute value 
               
               
                 cAttributeValue 
                 Field value provided 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 for the attribute type of 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 the asset 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 30 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0085]    The attribute table  70  is related to the account table  54  and the attribute type table  72 . 
         [0086]    The attribute type table  72  holds a list of valid field types to be represented in the attribute value pair combinations. This table, in particular, varies between insurers. For instance, the attribute type table  72  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Attribute Type Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iAttributeType 
                 Describes the type of 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 the field represented 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                 by attribute value 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cAttributeName 
                 Description of the type 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 of field 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0087]    The attribute type table  72  is related to the account table  54  and the attribute table  70 . 
         [0088]    The property table  74  holds the address, including latitude and longitude, of a property. For instance, the property table  74  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Property Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 cPropertyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 property of the insured 
                 Character 
                 30 
               
               
                 cAddress1 
                 Address line 1 of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 property of the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cAddress2 
                 Address line 2 of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 property of the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cCity 
                 City of the property of 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cState 
                 State of the property 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 of the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cZip 
                 ZIP code of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 property of the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 dLat 
                 Latitude of the 
                 Decimal 
                 Derived by GPS mode 
               
               
                   
                 address of the 
                   
                 of mobile device 12 or 
               
               
                   
                 property of the insured 
                   
                 third party data 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 sources # 
               
               
                 dLon 
                 Longitude of the 
                 Decimal 
                 Derived by GPS mode of 
               
               
                   
                 address of the 
                   
                 mobile device 12 or 
               
               
                   
                 property of the insured 
                   
                 third party data 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 sources # 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0089]    The property table  74  is related to the account table  54 . 
         [0090]    The driver table  76  holds the address and personal information for each driver. For instance, the driver table  76  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Driver Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of an 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 cDriverID 
                 Unique identifier of 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 each driver associated 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 with the account or the 
               
               
                   
                 policy 
               
               
                 cFirstName 
                 First name of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cLastName 
                 Last name of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cMiddleName 
                 Middle name of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cAddress1 
                 Address line 1 of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cAddress2 
                 Address line 2 of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cCity 
                 City of the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Character 
               
               
                 cState 
                 State of the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Character 
               
               
                 cZipCode 
                 ZipCode of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cCountry 
                 Country of the insured 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 primary policy holder 
                 Character 
               
               
                 dteDOB 
                 Date of Birth of the 
                 Date 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
               
               
                 cLicenseID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 license of the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cLicenseState 
                 State of issuance of 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by GPS mode of 
               
               
                   
                 the license of the 
                 Character 
                 mobile device 12 or 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                   
                 the third party 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 databases # 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0091]    The driver table  76  is related to the account table  54  and the vehicle driver table  78 . 
         [0092]    The vehicle table  78  holds descriptors for a vehicle of the insured. For instance, the vehicle table  78  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 15 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Vehicle Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 30 
               
               
                   
                 account 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 cVehicleID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 30 
               
               
                   
                 vehicle of the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cVIN 
                 Vehicle Identification 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 Number (“VIN”) of the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 vehicle of the insured 
               
               
                 cMake 
                 Make of the vehicle of 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cModel 
                 Model of the vehicle of 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 iYear 
                 Year of the vehicle of 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
               
               
                 cColor 
                 Color of the vehicle of 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0093]    The vehicle table  78  is related to the account table  54  and the vehicle driver table  80 . 
         [0094]    The vehicle driver table  80  holds data that relates drivers to vehicles and the percentage of use of the vehicle for which each driver is responsible. For instance, the vehicle driver table  80  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 16 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Vehicle Driver Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iVehicleID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 vehicle of the insured 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cDriverID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iPercentUse 
                 Percent of time that a 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 driver used the vehicle 
               
               
                   
                 as opposed to another 
               
               
                   
                 vehicle 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0095]    The vehicle driver table  80  is related to the account table  54 , the driver table  76 , and the vehicle table  78 . 
         [0096]    The claim table  82  holds data that relates all the data together for a specific claim. For instance, the claim table  82  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 17 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Claim Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account of the insured 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the insurer 
                 Character 
               
               
                 cClaimID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 claim 
                 Character 
                 30 
               
               
                 iClaimType 
                 Indicates of the type of 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 the claim 
               
               
                 cItemID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 asset of the insured 
                 Character 
               
               
                 iClaimStatus 
                 Indicates the status of the 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 claim 
               
               
                 dteSubmitClaim 
                 The date the claim 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 was submitted 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0097]    The claim table  82  is related to the account table  54 , the claim type table  84  and the claim status table  86 . 
         [0098]    The claim type table  84  contains a list of claim types and descriptions thereof. The claim type table  84 , in particular, varies by insurer. For instance, the claim type table  84  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 18 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Claim Type Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iClaimType 
                 Indicates of the type of 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 the claim 
               
               
                 cClaimTypeName 
                 Description of the type 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 of the claim 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0099]    The claim type table  84  is related to the account table  54  and the claim table  82 . 
         [0100]    The claim status table  86  contains a list of claim statuses and their descriptions. The claim status table  86 , in particular, varies by insurer. For instance, the claim status table  86  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 19 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Claim Status Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
                   
                 the system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iClaimStatus 
                 Indicates the status of 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 the claim 
               
               
                 cClaimTypeName 
                 Description for the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 type of the claim 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0101]    The claim status table  86  is related to the account table  54 , the claim table  82 . 
         [0102]    The participant table  88  contains records about individuals and firms that were involved with a claim, for instance, other drivers, witnesses, investigators, police officers, rescue crews, tow truck operators, repairmen and repair facilities, salesmen and replacement retailers, doctors, and the like. For instance, the participant table  88  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 20 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Participant Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account of the insured 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 cClaimID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 claim 
                 Character 
                 30 
               
               
                 cParticipantID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 participant 
                 Character 
               
               
                 iParticipantTypeID 
                 Identifier of the type of 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 the participant 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0103]    The participant table  88  is related to the account table  54  and the participant type table  90 . 
         [0104]    The participant type table  90  contains a list of types of participants. For instance, the participant type table  90  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 21 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Participant Type Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source of 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by 
               
               
                   
                 identification 
                   
                 the system 30 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
               
               
                 iParticipantTypeID 
                 Identifier 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 of the type of 
               
               
                   
                 the participant 
               
               
                 cParticipantTypeName 
                 Description 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 for the type of 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 the participant 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0105]    The participant type table  90  is related to the account table  54  and the participant table  88 . 
         [0106]    The media table  92  holds metadata records of a media file. For instance, the media table  92  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 22 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Media Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account of the insured 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 cMediaID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 media file 
                 Character 
                 30 
               
               
                 cMediaName 
                 Description for the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 media file 
                 Character 
               
               
                 iMediaType 
                 Identifier of the type of 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 the media 
               
               
                 iItemID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 asset of the insured 
               
               
                   
                 about which the media 
               
               
                   
                 file relates 
               
               
                 iOrder 
                 Identifier of the order 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 in which the media 
               
               
                   
                 files are displayed 
               
               
                 cMediaFile 
                 File name of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 media file 
                 Character 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created. 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0107]    The media table  92  is related to the account table  54  and the media type table  94 . 
         [0108]    The media type table  94  holds contains a list of valid Media types. For instance, the media type table  94  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 23 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Media Type Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source of 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived 
               
               
                   
                 of each insurer that is 
                   
                 by the 
               
               
                   
                 registered with the 
                   
                 system 30 
               
               
                   
                 system 30 
               
               
                 iMediaTypeID 
                 Identifier of the type 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 of the media 
               
               
                 cMediaTypeName 
                 Description for the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 type of the media 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0109]    The media type table  94  is related to the account table  54  and the media table  92 . 
         [0110]    The location table  96  holds geographic latitude and longitude records that can be associated with a media file and/or a claim record. For instance, the location table  96  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 24 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Location Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account of the insured 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cUserID 
                 Unique Identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
                 Character 
                 30 
               
               
                 cClaimID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 claim 
                 Character 
                 30 
               
               
                 dLat 
                 Latitude of the location 
                 Decimal 
                 Derived by the GPS 
               
               
                   
                 of the media file or the 
                   
                 mode of the mobile 
               
               
                   
                 claim 
                   
                 device 12 or from the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 third party data 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 sources # 
               
               
                 dLon 
                 Longitude of the 
                 Decimal 
                 Derived by the GPS 
               
               
                   
                 location of the media 
                   
                 mode of the mobile 
               
               
                   
                 file or the claim 
                   
                 device 12 or from the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 third party data 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 sources # 
               
               
                 iLocationStatus 
                 Identifier of the status 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 of the location 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0111]    The location table  96  is related to the account table  54  and the location status table  98 . 
         [0112]    The location status table  98  holds a list of valid location statuses, which, in particular, varies by insurer. For instance, the location status table  98  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 25 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Location Status Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source of 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique 
                 Integer 
                 Derived 
               
               
                   
                 identification of 
                   
                 by the 
               
               
                   
                 the insurer 
                   
                 system 30 
               
               
                 iLocationStatus 
                 Identifier of 
                 Integer 
                 Derived 
               
               
                   
                 the status of the 
                   
                 by the 
               
               
                   
                 location 
                   
                 system 30 
               
               
                 cLocationStatusName 
                 Description for the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 status of the location 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0113]    The location status table  98  is related to the account table  54  and the location table  96 . 
         [0114]    The coverage table  100  holds records of coverages associated with the policy of the insured. For instance, the coverage table  100  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 26 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Coverage Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account of the insured 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 cCoveredItemID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 item associated with 
                 Character 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 the policy of the 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
               
               
                 iCoverageType 
                 Identifier of the type of 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 coverage 
               
               
                 iCoverageAmount 
                 Value of the amount of 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 the coverage as a 
               
               
                   
                 percentage 
               
               
                 dPremium 
                 Value of the premium 
                 Decimal 
               
               
                   
                 paid for the policy of 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
               
               
                 dCoverageLimit 
                 Value of the coverage 
                 Decimal 
               
               
                   
                 limits of the policy of 
               
               
                   
                 the insured 
               
               
                 dCoverageDeductible 
                 Value of the 
                 Decimal 
               
               
                   
                 deductible of the 
               
               
                   
                 coverage of the policy 
               
               
                   
                 of the insured 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0115]    The coverage table  100  is related to the account table  54  and the coverage type table  102 . 
         [0116]    The coverage type table  102  holds a list of types of coverage. For instance, the coverage type table  102  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 27 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Coverage Type Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 iCoverageType 
                 Identifier of the type of 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 the coverage of the 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 policy of the insured 
               
               
                 cCoverageTypeName 
                 Description for a type 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 of the coverage of the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 policy of the insured 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0117]    The coverage type table  102  is related to the account table  54  and the coverage table  100 . 
         [0118]    The quote table  104  holds records of each quote requested and issued. For instance, the quote table  104  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 28 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Quote Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Source of Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iAccountID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Integer 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 account of the insured 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                 cCarrierPolicyID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 policy issued by the 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 cVehicleID 
                 Unique identifier of the 
                 Alphanumeric 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 vehicle of the insured 
                 Character 
                 30 
               
               
                 iQuoteStatus 
                 Identifier of the status 
                 Integer 
               
               
                   
                 of the quote submitted 
               
               
                   
                 to the insurer 
               
               
                 dteSubmitDate 
                 The date on which the 
                 Date 
               
               
                   
                 quote was submitted 
               
               
                   
                 to the insurer 
               
               
                 dteTimeStamp 
                 The time at which the 
                 Date 
                 Derived by the system 
               
               
                   
                 record was created 
                   
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0119]    The quote table  104  is related to the account table  54  and the quote status table  106 . 
         [0120]    The quote status table  106  holds a list of valid quote statuses. For instance, the quote status table  106  includes the following data elements: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 29 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Data Elements of the Quote Status Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Source of 
               
               
                 Data Item 
                 Description 
                 Size and Shape 
                 Values 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 iCarrierID 
                 Unique identification 
                 Integer 
                 Derived 
               
               
                   
                 of the insurer 
                   
                 by the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 system 30 
               
               
                 iQuoteStatus 
                 Identifier of the status 
                 Integer 
                 Derived 
               
               
                   
                 of the quote submitted 
                   
                 by the 
               
               
                   
                 to the insurer 
                   
                 system 30 
               
               
                 cQuoteStatusName 
                 Description for the 
                 Alphanumeric 
               
               
                   
                 status of the quote 
                 Character 
               
               
                   
                 submitted to the 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0121]    The quote status table  106  is related to the account table  54  and the quote table  104 . 
         [0122]    The server insurance module  50  includes a transaction manager sub-module  108  that connects the server insurance module  50  to the mobile insurance module  32  and the web insurance module  42  associated with the insured. The transaction manager sub-module  108  is responsible for managing the workflows that drive the primary application functions such as registering an insured, generating a quote, buying a policy, requesting assistance and submitting a loss. For instance, the transaction manager sub-module  108  is capable of the following functionalities: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 30 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Transaction Manager Sub-Module Capabilities 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Function Name 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Registration 
                 Registers the insured with the system 
               
               
                 Message Composer 
                 Composes messages to transmit to the various components of the 
               
               
                   
                 system and reformats the message to integrate with programs and 
               
               
                   
                 databases outside of the system 
               
               
                 Initiate Assist 
                 Initiates a telephone, text or e-mail communication between the 
               
               
                   
                 insurer and the insured for assisting the insured and requests an 
               
               
                   
                 investigator of the insurer to initiate a claim handling proceeding 
               
               
                 Get Quote 
                 Processes the information provided by the requesting insured and 
               
               
                   
                 generates a quote based on the models and schedules of the 
               
               
                   
                 insurer 
               
               
                 Record Contract 
                 Process and record a contract 
               
               
                 Bind Quote 
                 Process and issue a quote accepted by the insured for review by 
               
               
                   
                 an underwriter of the insurer 
               
               
                 Record Auto Loss 
                 Process and record a submission relating to a vehicle loss 
               
               
                 Record Home Loss 
                 Process and record a submission relating to a property and/or 
               
               
                   
                 asset loss 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0123]    To achieve the above-listed capabilities, the transaction manager sub-module  108  makes calls to the database manager sub-module  52 . Referring to  FIGS. 7   a - 7   b , a hierarchy of the database manager sub-module  52  tables that are accessed to register a new account with the system  30  is illustrated. For instance, the transaction manager sub-module  108  makes calls to the account table  54  in addition to performing some initial administrative requests, including requesting the generation of a user identification number  110  (cUserID) and a transaction request date stamp  112  (dteDateStamp) and allocating space in memory for a transaction reply date stamp  114  (dteDateStamp), an address table  116  and a status table  118 . The address table  116  holds data elements including a type of address (cAddressType), a first line of the address (cAddress1), a second line of the address (cAddress2), a city of the address (cCity), a state or province code (cStateProvCd) and a postal code (cPostalCode). The status table  118  includes a message identification number (cMsgID), a type of the request code (cTypeCd), a status of the registration code (cStatusCd), a description of the status of the registration code (cStatusDesc) and an error code (cErrorCd). In entering and generating the account table  54  data, the transaction manager sub-module  108  makes calls to the account table  54 , which in turn makes calls to the vehicle table  78 , the driver table  76  and the coverage table  100 , and to the status table  116 , which in turn makes calls to the account table  54 , the address table  116 , the driver table  76 , the vehicle table  78  and the coverage table  100 . Upon receiving or generating the required data for the tables listed-above, the transaction manager sub-module  108  completes the request for registration of the new user and commences the process of replying to the request for registration. 
         [0124]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a hierarchy of the database manager sub-module  52  tables that are accessed in replying to the request for registration with the system  30  is illustrated. For instance, the transaction manager sub-module  108  makes calls to the status table  118  of the request for registration in addition to performing some initial administrative requests, including referencing the user identification number  110  (cUserID) and the transaction request date stamp  112  (dteDateStamp) and generating the transaction reply date stamp  114  (dteDateStamp). The transaction manager sub-module  108  also allocates space in memory for another status table  120 , which holds the same data elements as the status table  118 . 
         [0125]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a hierarchy of the database manager sub-module  52  tables that are accessed in submitting a first notice of loss (“FNOL”) to the system  30  is illustrated. For instance, the transaction manager sub-module  108  makes calls to the address table  116  and the vehicle table  78 , and allocates space in memory for a vehicle claim  122  table, which holds data relating to a description of damage to the vehicle (cDamageDesc), an estimated amount of the damage (cDamageEstimateAmt) and a description of where the damage can be seen on the vehicle (cWhereCanSeeDamage). The transaction manager sub-module  108  also references the policy number of the user  124  (cPolicylD), generates a transaction request date stamp  126  (dteTransactionRequestDateTime) and allocates space in memory for another status table  128 , which holds the same data elements as status table  116 . 
         [0126]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a hierarchy of the database manager sub-module  52  tables that are accessed in replying to the submitted first notice of loss (“FNOL”) to the system  30  is illustrated. For instance, the transaction manager sub-module  108  references the status table  128  of the submitted first notice of loss and performs initial administrative requests, including referencing the policy number of the user  124  (cPolicylD) and the transaction request date stamp  126  (dteTransactionRequestDateTime) and allocating space in memory for another status table  130 , which holds the same data elements as status table  116 , for the reply to the submitted first notice of loss. 
         [0127]    The user interface  14  of the insured or the insurer mirrors the data structure of the hierarchies illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10 . For example, each table can be displayed in a common data panel and, more particularly, on a tab specific to each table. 
         [0128]    The transaction manager sub-module  108  leverages the Microsoft .NET framework version 2.0 redistribution package and utilizes SOAP Basic Authentication. 
         [0129]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the server insurance module  50  includes an insurer integrator sub-module  132 . The insurer integrator sub-module  132  is responsible for connecting the server insurance module  50  to the insurer, requesting and receiving policy or claim data from databases of the insurer, translating the response into a format that integrates with the system  30 , making calls to the database manager sub-module  52  to store the data and formatting the response to the insurer. For instance, the insurer integrator sub-module  132  is capable of the following functionalities: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 31 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Insurer Integrator Sub-Module Capabilities 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Function Name 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Import Policy Data 
                 Imports policy data from the database of the insurer 
               
               
                   
                 and translates the policy data into a format that 
               
               
                   
                 integrates with the system 
               
               
                 Import Claim Data 
                 Imports claim data from the database of the insurer 
               
               
                   
                 and translates the claim data into a format that 
               
               
                   
                 integrates with the system 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0130]    The insurer integrator sub-module  132  provides all of the processing required to interchange data with insurer. The data format of the interchanged data may be ACORD using XML, a proprietary ASCII format or a mixture of both. 
         [0131]    Requests for data made by the insured are either responded to in full, substantially immediately, or are acknowledged with a return receipt if review by an agent is required. The applications source of data for transmission and repository for received data is a SQL database of the system  30 . All activity is logged for auditing and recovery. 
         [0132]    The insurer integrator sub-module  132  leverages the Microsoft .NET framework version 2.0 redistribution package in conjunction with ACORD 1.6, and utilizes SOAP Basic Authentication. 
         [0133]    The server insurance module  50  includes a third party integrator sub-module  134 . The third party integrator sub-module  134  is responsible for connecting to third party data and service providers, translating the response into a format that integrates with the system  30  and calling the database manager sub-module  52  to store the data. For instance, the third party integrator sub-module  134  is capable of the following functionalities: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 32 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Third Party Integrator Sub-Module Capabilities 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Function Name 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Import Satellite Photo Street 
                 Imports satellite photographs and street map detail data from a 
               
               
                 Map Detail 
                 third party source and translates the data into a format that 
               
               
                   
                 integrates with the system 
               
               
                 Retrieve Auto Replacement 
                 Imports vehicle repair and replacement cost data from a third party 
               
               
                 Cost 
                 source and translates the data into a format that integrates with the 
               
               
                   
                 system 
               
               
                 Import VIN and CarFax 
                 Imports vehicle identification number, CarFax and or other vehicle 
               
               
                 Search Results 
                 data from a third party source and translates the data into a format 
               
               
                   
                 that integrates with the system 
               
               
                 Retrieve Home 
                 Imports property and/or asset repair and replacement cost data 
               
               
                 Repair/Replacement Cost 
                 from a third party source and translates the data into a format that 
               
               
                   
                 integrates with the system 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0134]    The third party integrator sub-module  134  utilizes data and services provided by third parties via a web service interface. The additional third party services are accessed via HTTP protocol using the industry standard “web services” model using SOAP and RESTful formats. In particular, the third party integrator sub-module  134  leverages the Microsoft .NET framework version 2.0 redistribution package and utilizes SOAP Basic Authentication. Third party service data calls are made both synchronously and asynchronously. 
         [0135]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 11 , the system  30  also includes a customer service representative insurance module  136 , such as the “I&#39;m in Touch—Customer Service Representative” Insurance Software module, connected to the transaction management sub-module  108  of the server insurance module  50 . The customer service representative insurance module  136  is a web-based application that enables the agents of the insurer to interact with the system  30  and, in particular, to view or update data, close contracts, assist in the completion of a quote or claim or otherwise service the needs of the insured. For instance, the customer service representative insurance module  136  is capable of the following functionalities: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 33 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Customer Service Representative Insurance Module 
               
               
                 Capabilities 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Function Name 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Manage Assets 
                 Administers and manages the assets, property and vehicles of the 
               
               
                   
                 insured 
               
               
                 Manage Contract 
                 Administers and manages policy, coverage, quote and contract, 
               
               
                   
                 data of the insured 
               
               
                 Manage Auto Loss 
                 Administers and manages data relating to a vehicle accident or loss 
               
               
                 Manage Home Loss 
                 Administers and manages data relating to a property and/or assets 
               
               
                   
                 accident or loss 
               
               
                 Register Customer Service 
                 Registers and manages authorization levels of an agent of the 
               
               
                 Representative 
                 insurer with the system 
               
               
                 Search, View and Edit Data 
                 Administers and manages data associated with the insured to 
               
               
                   
                 correct errors or supplement the information provided, including the 
               
               
                   
                 photographs, videos, voice recordings and text of the data 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0136]    The customer service representative insurance module  136  is a secured terminal. The agent of the insurer must be authenticated before the customer service representative insurance module  136  can access data, such as account data, of the insured stored in the database manager sub-module  52 . 
         [0137]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the customer service representative insurance module  136  includes a data getter  138  that receives data from the server insurance module  50 , a web user interface controller ASPX  140  with which the agent of the insurer interacts, and a data setter  142  that transmits data to the server insurance module  50 . The web user interface controller ASPX  140  is a web enabled interface that leverages the Microsoft .NET framework version 2.0 redistribution package using SOAP Basic Authentication. 
         [0138]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , an insurer data source  144  is connected to the insurer integrator sub-module  132  of the server insurance module  50  and serves as a primary repository for insurer data. For instance, the insurer data source  144  includes an insurer customer database containing information relating to the insureds including home loss; auto loss; policy download; bind; and quote request information, as well as an archive of telephone, text and e-mail correspondence. 
         [0139]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 12 , third party data sources  146 , such as Google, CarFax, Motor Trend, Kelley Blue Book, and Zillow, are connected to the third party integrator sub-module  134  of the server insurance module  50  via the Internet  18 . The third party data sources  146  provide data and services to the system  30 , including vehicle identification number (“VIN”) lookups and validations, vehicle history reports, vehicle valuations, property valuations, property replacement values, map data and a superimposition of accident and loss data onto the map data, that are accessible via HTTP using SOAP Basic Authentication and RESTful formats. 
         [0140]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , a process of registering an insured with the system  30  is shown at  150 . The mobile device  12  receives (step  152 ) a selection from the insured to initiate the mobile insurance module  32 . The mobile device  12 , while booting the mobile insurance module  32 , displays (step  154 ) a splash screen, for instance, featuring the text “Loading . . . ”. Then, either automatically upon the first activation of the mobile insurance module or upon the receipt of a selection from the insured of the registration process, the mobile insurance module  32  transmits (step  156 ) a request to the server insurance module  50  for a personal identification number (“PIN”), such as cUserID. Upon receiving (step  158 ) the PIN, the mobile insurance module  32  solicits (step  160 ) information from the insured including a nickname, address, and other contact information. If the information is acceptable, the mobile insurance module  32  instructs the insured to capture (step  162 ), using the mobile device  12 , a photograph for use as a thumbnail used to identify the insured. Upon receiving a captured photograph, the mobile insurance module  32  determines whether the photograph is acceptable. Then, once the mobile insurance module  32  receives a request to submit the registration from the insured, the mobile insurance module  32  submits (step  164 ) the information and the photograph to the server insurance module  50 . Having transmitted the information and the photograph to the server insurance module  50  related to the insured, the registration process  150  is complete (step  166 ). 
         [0141]    The insured may then purchase a policy using the mobile insurance module  32  or register an existing policy by submitting the policy number (cPolicylD) to the mobile insurance module  32  for validation or by requesting an automatic search and identification of policies associated with the insured. 
         [0142]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , a process of administering and managing insurance coverage for the vehicle of the insured with the system  30  is illustrated at  170 . First, the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  172 ) a selection from the insured using the mobile device  12  of a vehicle administration option from a master directory of the mobile insurance module  32 . In response, the mobile insurance module  32  displays (step  174 ) a listing of previously registered vehicles of the insured, including vehicle data, and a number of action buttons, including buttons to initiate a quick quote (step  176 ), initiate a new claim (step  178 ), review policy coverages (step  180 ) and review photographs (step  182 ). If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  176 ) a selection to initiate the quick quote, the mobile insurance module  32  solicits information from the insured, for instance, the vehicle identification number of the vehicle for which the quick quote is requested. The vehicle identification number may be provided by the insured by entering the vehicle identification number in text format or by taking a picture of the vehicle identification number (e.g., from the car window or from inside the driver-side door) that is processed using optical character recognition software to extract the vehicle identification number. Then, the mobile insurance module  32  submits (step  184 ) a quick quote request to the server insurance module  50 . In response, the third party integrator sub-module  134  of the server insurance module  50  requests (step  186 ) data, such as the make, model and year of the vehicle, associated with the vehicle identification number from third party data sources  146 . Upon receiving the vehicle identification number of the vehicle of the insured, the server insurance module  50  calculates (step  188 ) a quote based, in part, on the received vehicle identification number and sends (step  190 ) the quote to the insured for review in the form of a binder. Upon receiving (step  192 ) the acceptance of the binder by the insured, the server insurance module  50  generates (step  194 ) an insurance identification card that is stored on the mobile device  12  and which can be printed immediately as proof of insurance. 
         [0143]    If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  178 ) a selection to initiate the new claim, the mobile insurance module  32  solicits (step  196 ) information from the insured regarding the accident or the loss associated with the claim and, in particular, as the accident or the loss relates to the vehicle of the insured. Upon entering the information about the vehicle of the insured, the insured can choose to enter additional information. If the mobile insurance module  32  receives a selection regarding other vehicles, other damage (i.e., to property, assets and/or individuals) or witnesses, the mobile insurance module  32  solicits additional information regarding the other vehicles (step  198 ), the other damage (step  200 ) or the witnesses (step  202 ). Then, if the mobile insurance module  32  receives a selection by the insured to supplement the provided information, the mobile insurance module  32  instructs the insured to capture (step  204 ) photographs, video recordings, audio recordings and text notes using the various components of the mobile device  12 . By leveraging the technological capabilities of the mobile device  12 , the mobile insurance module  32  can capture all relevant information to the processing and resolution of the claim. Once the mobile insurance module  32  receives a request to submit the claim, the mobile insurance module  32  submits (step  206 ) the claim, including all relevant information, to the insurer for processing. Then, the mobile insurance module  32  displays (step  208 ) the claim status to notify the insured of whether the claim is pending or if the claim has been accepted or denied. Since the mobile insurance module  32  has captured and submitted all relevant information concerning the claim at the time of the accident or loss, the server insurance module  50  can process and resolve the claim substantially immediately, for instance, while the insured is still on location. For example, the server insurance module  50  can instruct the insured to provide additional information or the server insurance module  50  can make a direct deposit to a bank account of the insured substantially immediately. 
         [0144]    If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  180 ) a selection to review coverages, the mobile insurance module  32  displays a listing of policies held by the insured and a number of action buttons. Upon receiving a selection by the insured to view additional detail regarding a specific policy, the mobile insurance module  32  displays (step  210 ) the additional detail. Upon receiving a selection by the insured to view additional detail regarding aggregate coverage of all policies, the mobile insurance module  32  displays (step  212 ) the additional detail. 
         [0145]    If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  182 ) a selection to review photographs, the mobile insurance module  32  displays photographs taken by the insured either in a list, directory or thumbnail format. Upon receiving a selection by the insured of a photograph, the mobile insurance module  32  edits (step  214 ) the photographs, for instance, to provide descriptive titles, to add a note or to rearrange the order of the photographs. 
         [0146]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , a process of administering and managing insurance coverage for the property of the insured with the system  30  is illustrated at  220 . First, the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  222 ) a selection from the insured using the mobile device  12  of a property administration option from a master directory of the mobile insurance module  32  (i.e., labeled “My Stuff”). In response, the mobile insurance module  32  displays (step  224 ) a listing of previously registered properties of the insured, including property and asset data, and a number of action buttons, including buttons to update a lienholder or mortgagee (step  226 ), initiate a new claim (step  228 ), review policy coverages (step  230 ) and review photographs (step  232 ). If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  226 ) a selection to update the lienholder of the policy, the mobile insurance module  32  solicits (step  234 ) updated information from the insured. Then, the mobile insurance module  32  validates (step  236 ) the updated information. If the updated lienholder or mortgagee information is validated and accepted, the server insurance module  50  generates (step  238 ) an insurance identification card that is stored on the mobile device  12  and which can be printed immediately as proof of insurance. 
         [0147]    If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  228 ) a selection to initiate the new claim, the mobile insurance module  32  solicits (step  240 ) information from the insured regarding the accident or the loss associated with the claim and, in particular, as the accident or the loss relates to the property of the insured. Upon entering the information about the vehicle of the insured, the insured can choose to enter additional information. If the mobile insurance module  32  receives a selection regarding other properties (i.e., to other buildings), other damage (i.e., to contents of the property, such as assets) or liabilities, the mobile insurance module  32  solicits additional information regarding other properties (step  242 ), other damage (step  244 ) or liabilities (step  246 ). Then, if the mobile insurance module  32  receives a selection by the insured to supplement the provided information, the mobile insurance module  32  instructs the insured to capture (step  248 ) photographs, video recordings, audio recordings and text notes using the various components of the mobile device  12 . Once the insured has entered all relevant information and the mobile insurance module  32  receives a request to submit the claim, the mobile insurance module  32  submits (step  250 ) the claim to the insurer for processing. Then, the server insurance module  50  displays (step  252 ) the claim status to notify the insured of whether the claim is pending or if the claim has been accepted or denied. 
         [0148]    If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  230 ) a selection to review coverages, the mobile insurance module  32  displays a listing of policies held by the insured and a number of action buttons. Upon receiving a selection by the insured to view additional detail regarding a specific policy, the mobile insurance module  32  displays (step  254 ) the additional detail. Upon receiving a selection by the insured to view additional detail regarding aggregate coverage of all policies, the mobile insurance module  32  displays (step  256 ) the additional detail. 
         [0149]    If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  232 ) a selection to review photographs, the mobile insurance module  32  displays photographs taken by the insured either in a list, directory or thumbnail format. Upon receiving a selection by the insured of a photograph, the mobile insurance module  32  edits (step  258 ) the photographs, for instance, to provide descriptive titles, to add a note or to rearrange the order of the photographs. 
         [0150]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , a process of capturing photographs and video footage is shown at  260 . First, the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  262 ) a selection from the insured using the mobile device  12  of a photo capture option from a master directory. In response, the mobile insurance module  32  displays (step  264 ) a listing of a recently captured photograph and a number of action buttons, including buttons to review details of the photographs (step  266 ), activate and switch over to the camera-mode of the mobile device  12  (step  268 ), and request assistance (step  270 ). If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  266 ) a selection to review details of the photograph, the mobile insurance module  32  displays a number of action buttons, including buttons to view (step  272 ) the photograph in a location view or edit (step  274 ) text associated with the photograph. If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  272 ) a selection from the insured to view the photograph in a location view, the mobile insurance module  32  displays stored photographs in a superimposed manner on top of a map, based upon the location where each photograph was taken. If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  274 ) a selection from the insured to edit text associated with the photograph, the mobile insurance module  32  solicits updated text from the insured. 
         [0151]    If the insured chooses to activate and switch over to the camera-mode of the mobile device  12 , the mobile insurance unit displays a number of action buttons, including buttons to take (step  276 ) photographs using the camera-mode and to use (step  278 ) an album viewer of the camera mode to review photographs. If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  276 ) a selection to take photographs using the camera mode, the mobile insurance module  32  activates and switches over (step  280 ) to the camera mode of the mobile device  12 . When the mobile insurance module  32  is next activated, any photographs taken by the insured can be accessed and reviewed within the context of the mobile insurance module  32 . If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  276 ) a selection to use an album viewer of the camera, the mobile insurance module  32  activates and switches over (step  282 ) to a photograph gallery mode of the mobile device  12 . 
         [0152]    If the mobile insurance module  32  receives (step  270 ) a selection to request assistance, the mobile insurance module  32  activates and switches over to the phone-mode and dials (step  284 ) the agent of the insurer for immediate assistance. Alternatively, if the insured has selected that another means of communication for assistance is preferred, such as text or e-mail communication, the mobile insurance module  32  can activate, switch over to and initiate communication using the preferred means of communication. In initiating the assistance, the mobile insurance module  32  authenticates the insured and gathers data associated with the insured, such as policy, vehicle, property and asset and claim data, for immediate use. Thus, the agent of the insurer can better service the insured by eliminating the need for authentication and information gathering. 
         [0153]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , an example of the mobile insurance module  32  is shown at  290 . In particular, the mobile insurance module  32  is shown installed and operating on an Apple iPhone mobile device  12 . The user interface  14  of the mobile insurance module  32  includes a title bar  292  at the top of the display of the user interface  14 . The title bar  292  includes a return button  294  located toward the left side of the display (e.g., a left pointing arrow labeled “My Stuff”, identifying an upper level directory). The title bar  292  includes a description  296  that is centered in the title bar  292 , identifying the current content of the display. The title bar  292  can also include a rightward action button (not shown) located toward the right side of the display. The rightward action button can provide many functionalities based on the context of the current content of the display, for instance, including an edit function and a save function. 
         [0154]    The user interface  14  of the mobile insurance module  32  also includes a body  298 , which consists mainly of insurance data and tables. From top to bottom, the body  298  is shown as having a photograph  300  of the vehicle of the insured located side by side with key insurance data  302 , such as a policy number of a policy associated with the vehicle the insured, a vehicle identification number of the vehicle of the insured and an effective date of the policy. Below this, the body  298  is shown as having a coverage action button  304  for reviewing coverages and a photographs action button  306  for reviewing photographs. Below the action buttons  304 ,  306 , the body  298  is shown as having quick quote data  308  including several quick quotes, a date on which the request for a quick quote was submitted, a description of the vehicle for which the quick quote is associated, and a description of the status of the quick quote. Alongside each quick quote is an expand icon  310  that, when activated, shows additional details regarding the associated item, and an add entry icon  312  that, when activated, creates a new occurrence of the table item. Below this, the body  298  is shown as having claim data  314  including a claim, a date on which the claim was submitted and a status of the claim, alongside another expand icon  310  and another add entry icon  312 . Toward the bottom, the body  298  is shown as having an Assist Me action button  316  that, when activated, initiates a communication with the agent of the insurer and a Track Me action button  318  that, when activated, enables the GPS mode of the mobile device  12  and places the mobile insurance module  32  in a stealth tracking mode. These action buttons can also include a Submit action button (not shown) that submits the transaction in progress to the server insurance module  50  for immediate processing. In addition, in the illustrated example, the iPhone mobile device  12  also includes an iPhone Home action button  320 , which automatically saves all data to a database local to the mobile device  12 , exits the mobile insurance module  32 , and returns the mobile device  12  to the iPhone Application Menu. 
         [0155]    The user interface  14  and, in particular, the display of the mobile insurance module  32  is readily configurable according to insured-inputted preferences. For instance, the insured can select from a range of preferences, including the following: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 34 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Insured Inputted Preferences for the User Interface 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Category 
                 Format 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Currency 
                 $$-$$K 
                 Dollar range, rounded to the nearest thousand, with “K” 
               
               
                   
                 $$$K 
                 Dollar amount, rounded to the nearest thousand, with 
               
               
                   
                   
                 “K” 
               
               
                   
                 $$$$ 
                 Dollar amount, rounded up, no cents, no commas 
               
               
                   
                 $$.$K 
                 Dollar amount, rounded to the nearest fractional 
               
               
                   
                   
                 thousand with “K” 
               
               
                 Dates 
                 MM/YY 
                 99/99 (Last two digits of the year) 
               
               
                   
                 DD/MM/YY 
                 99/99/99 (Last two digits of the Year) 
               
               
                   
                 DD/MM/YYYY 
                 99/99/9999 (All four digits of the Year) 
               
               
                 Addresses 
                 CSZ 
                 City, State (AA), Zip Code (99999 or 99999-9999 
               
               
                   
                   
                 integers) 
               
               
                   
                 Z 
                 Zip Code (99999 or 99999-9999 integers) 
               
               
                   
                 StZ 
                 Street with House or Apartment Number, Zip Code 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (99999 or 99999-9999 integers) 
               
               
                   
                 St 
                 Street with House or Apartment Number 
               
               
                   
                 StC 
                 Street with House or Apartment Number, City 
               
               
                 Names 
                 LF 
                 Last/First 
               
               
                   
                 FML 
                 First/Middle/Last 
               
               
                   
                 F 
                 First (only) 
               
               
                   
                 N 
                 Nickname 
               
               
                 Location 
                 LL6 
                 99.999999 North/South, 999.999999 East/West 
               
               
                   
                 LL0 
                 99 North/South, 999 East/West 
               
               
                 iPhone 
                 SN 
                 9999AAAA9A (Serial Number) 
               
               
                   
                 MOD 
                 AA999AA (Model) 
               
               
                   
                 CAP 
                 99.9 (Capacity in Gigabytes) 
               
               
                   
                 VER 
                 99.99 (Software Version) 
               
               
                   
                 NUM 
                 999-999-9999 (Phone Number) 
               
               
                 Automobile 
                 MkMdY 
                 Make (AAAA)/Model (AAAA)/Year (99) 
               
               
                   
                 Mk 
                 Vehicle Make (AAAAAAAAAA) 
               
               
                 Definitions 
                 $ 
                 Means a whole dollar value 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 Means a numeric value 
               
               
                   
                 A 
                 Means an character value 
               
               
                   
                 X 
                 Means any ASCII character 
               
               
                   
                 — 
                 Means a space 
               
               
                   
                 :, &amp;, @, /, %, *, 
                 Means the specific designated special character or 
               
               
                   
                 etc. 
                 symbol 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0156]    It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. 
         [0157]    According to an alternative embodiment, the mobile insurance module can generate a quick quote for a property based on data received from the global positioning system mode of the mobile device. For instance, by capturing the longitude and latitude of the mobile device at the moment the quick quote is requested, the system can identify the property and generate a quick quote using third party data sources and the proprietary pricing models of the insurer. 
         [0158]    According to an alternative embodiment, the server insurance module or the customer service representative insurance module can register the insurer with the system. 
         [0159]    According to an alternative embodiment, the system can archive disaster sensitive assets, such as financial records, and other valuable home contents. 
         [0160]    According to an alternative embodiment, the system can be applied to other forms of property and casualty insurance as well as marine insurance and surety.

Technology Category: g