U.S. patent application number 16/994808 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-17 for method and system for dynamically changing automobile insurance.
The applicant listed for this patent is ONOFF, INC.. Invention is credited to Richard J. Pearce.
Application Number | 20200394717 16/994808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005050128 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200394717 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pearce; Richard J. |
December 17, 2020 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY CHANGING AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
Abstract
A mobile device automatically determines the identity of a
proximate automobile that has been activated, and further
determines whether the automobile presently has active insurance
coverage as one automobile of a multi-automobile policy. If the
automobile has only base coverage, then the user is presented with
a selection screen for activing coverage in order to comply with
insurance requirements to operate the automobile on public
roadways. Similarly, when the owner/user knows they will not be
using the automobile for a long or indefinite period of time, then
the active insurance can be turned off or transferred to another
automobile on the multi-automobile policy.
Inventors: |
Pearce; Richard J.; (Conroe,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ONOFF, INC. |
Conroe |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005050128 |
Appl. No.: |
16/994808 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16242413 |
Jan 8, 2019 |
10748219 |
|
|
16994808 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 5/008 20130101;
G06Q 40/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/08 20060101
G06Q040/08; G07C 5/00 20060101 G07C005/00 |
Claims
1. A method for dynamically updating and verifying an active
automobile designation for a multi-automobile insurance policy,
comprising: accessing, by a mobile device, insurance information
associated with an account maintained by an insurance company, the
insurance information including a plurality of vehicle records
associated with an insurance policy provided by the insurance
company, wherein the plurality of vehicle records each include a
data field indicating whether the corresponding vehicle is
presently an actively covered vehicle or a base covered vehicle;
displaying, by the mobile device, a plurality of interface objects
on a display of the mobile device, each one of the plurality of
interface object corresponding to a respective one of the plurality
of vehicle records; receiving, at the mobile device, a selection of
one of the plurality of interface objects, wherein the selection
indicates that the vehicle corresponding to the selected one of the
plurality of interface objects is to be an actively covered
vehicle; subsequent to receiving the selection, the mobile device
automatically acquiring, by other than manual entry, an identifier
of the vehicle; the mobile device determining whether the received
identifier corresponds to an actively covered vehicle associated
with the insurance policy; and the mobile device issuing a
notification indicating whether, based on the identifier, the
vehicle is actively covered.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically acquiring the
identifier of the vehicle comprises connecting to a personal area
wireless network transceiver of the vehicle.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein acquiring the identifier
comprises acquiring a media access controller address of the
personal area wireless network transceiver as the identifier.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the personal area wireless
network transceiver provides the identifier to the mobile device as
a vehicle identification number.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically acquiring the
identifier of the vehicle comprises the mobile device connecting to
a telematics unit of the vehicle and receiving the identifier from
the telematics unit.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the identifier provided by the
telematics unit is a vehicle identification number of the
vehicle.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically acquiring the
identifier of the vehicle comprises connecting a personal area
network transceiver that is connected to an on board diagnostic
connector of the vehicle and receiving the identifier from the
personal area network transceiver that is connected to an on board
diagnostic connector.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically acquiring the
identifier of the vehicle comprises performing an image recognition
process on an image captured by the mobile device and recognizing
the identifier in the image.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the image is an image of a
license tag of the vehicle, recognizing the identifier in the image
comprises recognizing a license tag number of the license tag.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the image is an image of a
pictographic code associated with the vehicle, recognizing the
identifier in the image comprises recognizing the pictographic code
and decoding information from the pictographic code to obtain the
identifier.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
16/242,413, filed Jan. 8, 2019, and issued Aug. 18, 2020 as U.S.
Pat. No. 10,748,219, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system and
method for dynamically determining an active automobile for
updating insurance information for a plurality of commonly owned
automobiles, and, more particularly, relates to verifying that a
selected or indicated automobile covered by an insurance policy is
in use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is not uncommon for a person or family to own multiple
automobiles. Some people have a collectible or sport automobile in
addition to a commuter automobile used for daily/weekday driving.
Some people collect automobiles and have several automobiles in
their collection. Since each automobile is an asset, it is
desirable to insure each automobile. In many jurisdictions
insurance is required to drive an automobile on public roadways.
Although some insurance companies provide a discount for insuring
multiple vehicles together on one policy, each automobile is
essentially fully covered, even though it is not possible for a
person to drive more than one automobile at a time.
[0004] At the same time, insurance companies would like to offer
more competitive discounts, but have no way of verifying which
automobile covered under a policy is being driven, driven the most,
rarely driven, etc. Thus, they have to assume any car owned by a
person could be driven at any time.
[0005] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the
prior art as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a method and system for dynamically
changing automobile insurance coverage that overcomes the
hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices
and methods of this general type and that allows a policy holder
having several automobiles to select one or more for active
coverage in order to drive the automobile on public roadways, and
to deactivate active coverage when an automobile is not going to be
driven by the policy holder.
[0007] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is
provided, in accordance with some embodiments a method for
dynamically updating and verifying an active automobile designation
for a multi-automobile insurance policy that includes accessing, by
a mobile device, insurance information associated with an account
maintained by an insurance company. The insurance information can
include a plurality of vehicle records associated with an insurance
policy provided by the insurance company. The plurality of vehicle
records each include a data field indicating whether the
corresponding vehicle is presently an actively covered vehicle or a
base covered vehicle. The method can further include displaying, by
the mobile device, a plurality of interface objects on a display of
the mobile device, each one of the plurality of interface objects
corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of vehicle
records. The method can further include receiving, at the mobile
device, a selection of one of the plurality of interface objects.
The selection indicates that the vehicle corresponding to the
selected one of the plurality of interface objects is to be an
actively covered vehicle. The method can further include,
subsequent to receiving the selection, the mobile device
automatically acquiring, by other than manual entry, an identifier
of the vehicle. The mobile device can determine whether the
received identifier corresponds to an actively covered vehicle
associated with the insurance policy. The mobile device can issue a
notification indicating whether, based on the identifier, the
vehicle is actively covered.
[0008] In accordance with a further feature, automatically
acquiring the identifier of the vehicle can include connecting to a
personal area wireless network transceiver of the vehicle.
[0009] In accordance with a further feature, acquiring the
identifier can include acquiring a media access controller address
of the personal area wireless network transceiver as the
identifier.
[0010] In accordance with a further feature, the personal area
wireless network transceiver can provide the identifier to the
mobile device as a vehicle identification number.
[0011] In accordance with a further feature, automatically
acquiring the identifier of the vehicle can include the mobile
device connecting to a telematics unit of the vehicle and receiving
the identifier from the telematics unit.
[0012] In accordance with a further feature, the identifier
provided by the telematics unit can be a vehicle identification
number of the vehicle.
[0013] In accordance with a further feature, automatically
acquiring the identifier of the vehicle can include connecting a
personal area network transceiver that is connected to an on board
diagnostic connector of the vehicle and receiving the identifier
from the personal area network transceiver that is connected to an
on board diagnostic connector.
[0014] In accordance with a further feature, automatically
acquiring the identifier of the vehicle can include performing an
image recognition process on an image captured by the mobile device
and recognizing the identifier in the image.
[0015] In accordance with a further feature, the image is an image
of a license tag of the vehicle, recognizing the identifier in the
image can include recognizing a license tag number of the license
tag.
[0016] In accordance with a further feature, the image is an image
of a pictographic code associated with the vehicle, recognizing the
identifier in the image can include recognizing the pictographic
code and decoding information from the pictographic code to obtain
the identifier.
[0017] In accordance with some embodiments there is provided a
method for dynamically updating information for an automobile
insurance policy for a plurality of automobiles to indicate an
actively covered one of the plurality of automobiles including
receiving, at a mobile device, an identifier associated with a
specific automobile. The method can further include the mobile
device transmitting the identifier to a policy management
processor, the policy management processor being configured to
manage and determine a premium for a policy covering the specific
automobile and at least one other automobile. The method can
further include, in response to receiving the identify from the
mobile device, the policy management processor updating a record
associated with the specific automobile to indicate that the
specific automobile is active and in use. The method can further
include the policy management processor determining a premium based
on the specific automobile being active for a period of time.
[0018] In accordance with a further feature, receiving the
identifier of the specific automobile can include the mobile device
detecting a connection to a personal area wireless network
transceiver of the specific automobile.
[0019] In accordance with a further feature, receiving the
identifier can include receiving a media access controller address
of the personal area wireless network transceiver as the
identifier.
[0020] In accordance with a further feature, the personal area
wireless network transceiver provides the identifier to the mobile
device as a vehicle identification number.
[0021] In accordance with a further feature, receiving the
identifier of the specific automobile can include the mobile device
detecting and connecting to a telematics unit of the specific
automobile and receiving the identifier from the telematics
unit.
[0022] In accordance with a further feature, the identifier
provided by the telematics unit is a vehicle identification number
of the specific automobile.
[0023] In accordance with a further feature, automatically
receiving the identifier of the specific automobile can include
connecting a personal area network transceiver that is connected to
an on board diagnostic connector of the specific automobile and
receiving the identifier from the personal area network transceiver
that is connected to an on board diagnostic connector.
[0024] In accordance with a further feature, receiving the
identifier of the specific automobile can include performing an
image recognition process on an image captured by the mobile device
and recognizing the identifier in the image.
[0025] In accordance with a further feature, the image is an image
of a license tag of the specific automobile, recognizing the
identifier in the image comprises recognizing a license tag number
of the license tag.
[0026] In accordance with a further feature, the image is an image
of a pictographic code associated with the specific automobile,
recognizing the identifier in the image comprises recognizing the
pictographic code and decoding information from the pictographic
code to obtain the identifier.
[0027] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in a method and system for dynamically changing
automobile insurance, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be
limited to the details shown because various modifications and
structural changes may be made therein without departing from the
spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of
equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of
exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in
detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details
of the invention.
[0028] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the
invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required,
detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the
present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not
intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable
description of the invention. While the specification concludes
with claims defining the features of the invention that are
regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from a consideration of the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference
numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not
drawn to scale.
[0029] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it
is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not
intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are
defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used
herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as
used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as
comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used
herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,
and not necessarily mechanically. The term "providing" is defined
herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical
existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or
something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period
of time.
[0030] "In the description of the embodiments of the present
invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional
relationships indicated by terms such as "up", "down", "left",
"right", "inside", "outside", "front", "back", "head", "tail" and
so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the
drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the
embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description,
but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must
have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the
specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation
to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms
such as "first", "second", "third" and so on are only used for
descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or
implying relative importance.
[0031] In the description of the embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly
defined and limited, terms such as "installed", "coupled",
"connected" should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be
fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally
connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically
connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly
connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms
"about" or "approximately" apply to all numeric values, whether or
not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of
numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to
the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In
many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to
the nearest significant figure. The terms "program," "software
application," and the like as used herein, are defined as a
sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer
system. A "program," "computer program," or "software application"
may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object
method, an object implementation, an executable application, an
applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared
library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions
designed for execution on a computer system. Those skilled in the
art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned
terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the
specific circumstances
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a system diagram for dynamically adjusting an
automobile insurance policy by turning on or off active coverage
for a selected automobile or automobiles, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a connection diagram indicating several wireless
connection modalities to connect a mobile device to an automobile
in order to dynamically adjust active insurance coverage for the
automobile, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0035] FIG. 3 is an interface diagram for displaying an insurance
coverage status for an automobile having dynamic insurance
coverage, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0036] FIG. 4 is an interface diagram for displaying a login screen
to allow a user to dynamically change automobile insurance
coverage, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0037] FIG. 5 is an interface diagram for displaying a selection
screen for changing active insurance coverage for an automobile, in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0038] FIG. 6 is an interface diagram for displaying a selection
screen for changing active insurance coverage for an automobile and
updating an insurance record, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0039] FIG. 7 shows an image recognition process for verifying a
covered automobile of a multi-automobile policy having dynamic
active coverage, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0040] FIG. 8 is an interface diagram of a detection interface for
detecting and verifying an automobile for a multi-automobile policy
having dynamic active coverage, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0041] FIG. 9 is a flow chart diagram of a method for selecting an
automobile of a multi-automobile policy having dynamic active
coverage, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0042] FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram of a method for verifying an
automobile of a multi-automobile policy having dynamic active
coverage, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0043] FIG. 11 is an interface diagram for accepting a premium upon
activating coverage on an automobile of a multi-automobile policy
having dynamic active coverage, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0044] FIG. 12 is a flow chart diagram of a method for determining
a premium change when an automobile is selected for active
coverage, in accordance with some embodiments; and
[0045] FIG. 13 is a system diagram illustrating a technology for
verifying automobile location and presence in order to turn off
active coverage on the automobile, in accordance with some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the following description in conjunction with the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried
forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms.
[0047] The present invention provides a novel and useful technology
for dynamically changing insurance coverage for an automobile
insurance policy. In particular, it provides a technology that
allows a policyholder to turn coverage on or off on a given
automobile covered on a multi-automobile policy. Since a person
cannot drive more than one automobile at a time, a person who owns
several automobiles would prefer to not have to pay for full
coverage on all of the cars they own at all times. A base coverage
to protect against theft or damage is all that is needed for an
automobile that is not being driven. With the presently disclosed
technology, a policy holder can dynamically select and "turn on"
additional, active coverage for an automobile they intend to drive
on a given day, and likewise turn off the active coverage upon
arriving home.
[0048] FIG. 1 is a system diagram for dynamically adjusting an
automobile insurance policy by turning on or off active coverage
for a selected automobile or automobiles, in accordance with some
embodiments. The system 100 includes equipment owned and operated
by a policy holder, and equipment owned and operated by an
insurance provider that provides automobile insurance to the policy
holder. The policy holder can own a plurality of automobiles 102,
104, 106. Each of these automobiles 102, 104, 106 are road-worthy
vehicle licensed and registered for use on public roadways, and are
subject to an insurance policy which has selectively activated
coverage, subject to verification.
[0049] To enable (or disable) coverage on a given automobile 102,
104, 106, a user can use a mobile device 108, such as a tablet
computer or a cellular telephone device running an application
program that presents a graphic user interface (GUI) including a
plurality of interface objects 110, 112, 114. The interface objects
are GUI elements that cause a pre-selected processing task to occur
once selected by a user. In this example, interface object 110,
112, 114 each correspond to automobiles 102, 104, 16, respectively.
The GUI interface in which interface objects 110, 112, 114 are
presented is provided by an application program designed to allow a
user to select an automobile covered by a base automobile insurance
policy from among a plurality of automobiles covered by the base
policy, and either activate ("turn on") or deactivate ("turn off)
active coverage. As used here the term "active coverage" refers to
insurance coverage that allows the automobile to be legally driven
on public roads, and which insures against risk of collision and
liability for collision. Automobiles that are not being driven
(e.g. left in a garage) do not need active coverage, but may have a
base coverage that protects against theft or damage due to, for
example, weather events or other "acts of God."
[0050] By selecting one of the interface objects 110, 112, 114, the
user is toggling the state of active insurance for the automobile
corresponding to the selected interface object. The mobile device
108 is able to communicate over a wide area network 118, such as
the Internet, by accessing, for example, a cellular data network
116, or a WiFi access point 117, or any other known networking
means. The mobile device, under control of the dynamic insurance
application program code, can connect to a web services data center
119 that includes an insurance server 120. The insurance server 120
can be an abstraction of front end web service equipment for
interacting with client devices such as mobile device 108. The
insurance server 120 relays requests, data, and other information
to a backend 122, which includes a database. The backend 122
updates and makes changes to insurance records, among other tasks.
For example, there can be a policy record 124 for an insured entity
(e.g. the owner of mobile device 108). The policy record 124 can
indicate the type of coverage and various coverage limits and
deductibles, and can indicate a plurality of automobiles covered by
the policy, as indicated in automobile records 126, 128, 130, which
can correspond to automobiles 102, 104, 106, respectively.
[0051] The policy for the policy record 124 is a dynamic coverage
policy, meaning that the insured entity can interact with the
insurance company's web service server 120 to change a coverage
status for a covered automobile from a base coverage to an active
coverage, and have the premium adjusted accordingly. In effect, the
insured entity can "turn on" and "turn off" active coverage. For
example, in the present example, the user of mobile device 108 is
shown three GUI objects 110, 112, 114 corresponding, respectively,
to automobiles 102, 104, 106. The user wishes to turn on active
insurance coverage for automobile 102, and GUI object 110 is shown
highlighted, indicating that GUI object 110 has been selected.
Accordingly, the insurance company web service 119 processes the
selection as a request, and after the necessary verifications (e.g.
that the vehicle is covered and eligible for dynamic coverage), the
policy information is updated to indicate in record 126 that the
coverage for automobile 102 is now active, meaning covered for
public roadway driving. Similarly, the insured user can turn off
active coverage when the user doesn't plan to drive the automobile
on public roadways.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a connection diagram 200 indicating several
wireless connection modalities to connect a mobile device to an
automobile in order to dynamically adjust, or verify active
insurance coverage for the automobile, in accordance with some
embodiments. For example, in automobile 204, there can be several
wireless components that can be connected to by a mobile device
202. A common wireless component that is provided in most
automobiles presently manufactured is the audio system 208. The
audio system 208 can wirelessly connect to the mobile device 202 to
enable hands-free calling and playing music stored on the mobile
device 202, for example. The wireless connection is typically
performed using the BlueTooth protocol, which is described under
specification 802.15.1 of the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and which is known as a personal area
wireless network (PAN) protocol. Another example of a wireless
component can be a wireless telematics unit 206, which can also use
a PAN protocol for connecting to other devices, including mobile
device 202. The wireless telematics unit 206 can be mounted in the
automobile 204 as an aftermarket component, and can connect to the
vehicle computer. In some cases the wireless telematics unit 206
can connect to an ODB port of the automobile 204.
[0053] In order to adjust or verify insurance coverage for the
automobile 204, upon the user getting into the automobile 204 and
turning it on, the mobile device 202 automatically can connect to
one of the wireless components 206, 208, and as a result, an
insurance application program can become aware of the connection.
For example, in the Android operating system, the BlueTooth system
updates a list of connected devices, and that list can be accessed
by application programs. Upon connecting, the wireless component
206, 208 provides its unique media access control (MAC) address to
the mobile device 202. The MAC address of the audio component 208
can be used to identify the automobile 204. The MAC address of the
wireless telematics unit 206, can be associated with the automobile
204. A user can set up records locally in the mobile device 202 by
associating one of the wireless components 206, 208 with the
automobile 204, and with user's insurance policy.
[0054] Upon detecting the connection to the wireless component 206,
208, the insurance application program running on the mobile device
202 can check to see whether the automobile 204 is presently being
actively covered under a policy by accessing the insurance web
service (e.g. 119 of FIG. 1), and determining the present state of
coverage for the automobile 204. If the automobile 204 is presently
covered for active coverage, then the mobile device 202 can
indicate that the automobile 204 is presently actively covered, as
shown in FIG. 3, for example. If the automobile 204 is not
presently covered for active insurance, then the insurance
application program can prompt the user as to whether the user
wants to commence active coverage of the automobile 204 such as by
displaying a prompt stating, for example, "this vehicle is not
presently on active coverage, do you want to activate coverage
now?" and present corresponding "yes" and "no" radio buttons on the
interface which can be used to by the user to indicate a
selection.
[0055] FIG. 4 is an interface diagram 400 for displaying a login
screen to allow a user to dynamically change automobile insurance
coverage, in accordance with some embodiments. Upon downloading and
installing the insurance application program, the user can enter
their user name 402 and password 404 in order to allow the
insurance application program to access the user's insurance
records and data. Upon logging in with authenticated credentials,
the user may be presented with an interface similar to the
interface diagram 500 of FIG. 5, in which each of the user's
insured vehicles are listed in GUI objects 502, 504, 506, for
example. Next to each GUI object for each automobile is a graphical
toggle switch 508, 510, 512 that can allow the user to toggle the
active coverage on or off. In FIG. 5, all of the automobiles 502,
504, 506 are shown in a state of having only base coverage (or no
coverage). If additional automobiles are covered under the dynamic
policy, then a scroll bar 512 can be used to scroll down the list
to display additional automobiles.
[0056] FIG. 6 is an interface diagram 600 for displaying a
selection screen for changing active insurance coverage for an
automobile and updating an insurance record, in accordance with
some embodiments. Using the interface shown in FIG. 5, the user can
toggle coverage from base to active by actuating or interacting
with the corresponding toggle element. In the present example the
user has changed toggle element 510 from a base setting to an
active setting. In response, the insurance application program can
graphically confirm the selection by highlighting corresponding GUI
object 504. The selection is transmitted by the mobile device to
the insurance web service data center front end server 602, which
processes the selection through a backend 604 by changing the
status in the corresponding record 610 of the user's policy 606.
Other vehicle records 608, 612 remain in the base coverage state.
Similarly, by actuating toggle element 510 again, the active
coverage can be turned off, assuming any minimum period for active
coverage required by the policy provider has elapsed. Thus, FIGS. 5
and 6 show one example of how a mobile device can be used to
interact with an insurer to change the status of insurance coverage
from a base level to an active status, and vice versa.
[0057] FIG. 7 shows an image recognition process 700 for activating
a covered automobile of a multi-automobile policy having dynamic
active coverage, in accordance with some embodiments. Some
automobiles may lack a wireless component to which the mobile
device can connect to determine the identity of an automobile.
Older automobiles do not have a BlueTooth enabled audio system, and
the use may not wish to add a telematics unit to the automobile.
However, a road legal automobile 702 will have a license plate or
tag 704 that uniquely identifies the automobile 702. A mobile
device 706 running an insurance application program that accesses a
camera of the mobile device 706 can capture an image 708 of the tag
704. That it, the insurance application program includes an option
to capture a tag image, as directed by the user. The insurance
application program is able call a camera application to capture
the image 708. Once captured, the image 708 is used by the
insurance application program rather than being stored in an image
gallery directory, as would be the case if the user were taking
snapshots to keep. Since the insurance application program calls
the camera application of the mobile device, the image captured is
not a stored image, so there is a higher likelihood that the image
is of the actual license tag and that the image was produced by the
user holding the mobile device such that the license tag is in view
of the camera at the time the image is captured, and therefore the
user is in physical proximity to the automobile. The insurance
application program can then perform an image recognition process
on the captured tag image 708 as indicated in process 710.
[0058] An image recognition step 712 is first performed to
determine the tag number/identifier in alphanumeric text. In step
714 the insurance application program running on the mobile device
706 can then compare the recognized tag number with locally or
remotely kept tag number records for automobiles covered by the
user's insurance policy. In step 716 the insurance application
program makes a determination as to whether the recognized tag
number is one for a covered automobile. If it is not covered, or if
coverage has lapsed, then the insurance application program and can
prompt the user and indicate that the automobile is not presently
covered with a dynamic policy in step 718. If the recognized tag
number is the same as one that is covered by a dynamic policy, then
in step 720 the insurance application program can change the
coverage from a base coverage to an active coverage, and then alert
the user in step 722 to confirm the active coverage, such as by
displaying text indicating such.
[0059] FIG. 8 is an interface diagram 800 of a detection interface
for detecting and verifying an automobile for a multi-automobile
policy having dynamic active coverage, in accordance with some
embodiments. As indicated in FIG. 2, a mobile device 802 can
automatically detect and connect to one or more wireless components
of an automobile. For example, the automobile can have a wireless
audio system 804, a wireless dongle 806 that can be connected to
the automobile's OBD port connector, or a wireless telematics unit
808. Each of wireless components 804, 806, 808 can communicate
wirelessly, such as by using radio signals 810, 812, 814,
respectively, in accordance with an established communication
protocol. Typically, the communication is performed using a
commonly known PAN protocol such as BlueTooth, Zigbee, or similar
known protocols. A detection module 816 of the insurance
application program can monitor, for example, a list of connected
devices provided by the operating system or communication stack of
the mobile device 802, and every time a new device is connected the
detection module can compare an identifier of the newly connected
device to a list of identifiers associated with covered automobile.
For example, when a device such as audio component 804 connects to
the mobile device 802, a MAC address 818 is transmitted to the
mobile device 802, and specifically to the transceiver of the
mobile device used to communicate with the audio component 804. The
identifier 818 is obtained by the detection module 816 and compared
to known identifiers, either locally or the identifier can be sent
to a remote processor such as the insurance web service data
center. Once the status of the automobile is determined, then the
insurance application program can proceed with the next step.
[0060] FIG. 9 is a flow chart diagram of a method 900 for selecting
an automobile of a multi-automobile policy having dynamic active
coverage, in accordance with some embodiments. The method 900 can
be performed, for example, on a mobile device or other computing
device running an insurance application program, or accessing an
insurance web service data center using a browser. At the start 902
the user has a device suitable for connecting to the insurance web
service data center, including, for example, an installed insurance
application program or web browser. In step 904 the user can log
into an application program on a mobile device, or a login screen
on a browser by providing, for example, a user name and password.
In step 906 the login credentials are passed to the insurance web
server front end server to log the user in to the user's account.
In step 908 any locally maintained records can be synchronized with
the records of the insurance web service. That is, and deletions or
additions of automobile records, any changes in active coverage,
and so on. In step 910 a menu can be presented to the user that
shows the automobiles covered by the user's policy and their
present coverage status. The menu can include selectable interface
objects associated with each automobile covered by the policy. In
steps 912 and 914, the user can make a selection of one of the
vehicle to change its present coverage status from a base coverage
to an active coverage, and vice versa. Specifically, in step 914, a
user selection can be received, and in step 916 the insurance
status and record for the selected automobile can be updated, and
the method can then end in 918.
[0061] When the user changes an automobile coverage status from,
for example, a base status to an active status, a higher premium
will be due reflecting the higher risk associated with driving the
automobile on public roads. After step 914 the method 900 can also
prompt the user with a premium amount due in order to activate the
coverage, and the user must accept and pay the premium in order for
the active coverage to commence.
[0062] FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram of a method 1000 for
verifying an automobile of a multi-automobile policy having dynamic
active coverage, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically,
method 1000 uses a mobile device that detects the presence of an
automobile. Thus, at the start 1002, the mobile device is powered
on and running an insurance application program. In step 1004 a
short range wireless transceiver of the mobile device, such as a
BlueTooth transceiver, commences looking for a beacon of the
automobile's wireless component, and in step 1006 the method 1000
determines whether a beacon is detected. The beacon is simply a
signal transmitted by the wireless component; it can be an
unsolicited beacon or a solicited beacon. A solicited beacon means
that the wireless component responds to a transmission, and an
unsolicited beacon means the wireless component transmits in an
attempt to provoke an answer/response from another device. Once a
beacon is detected by the mobile device, certain information is
then acquired from the beacon, including an identifier.
Alternatively the identifier can be acquired in response to a
connection procedure where the mobile device and wireless component
of the automobile establish a link in accordance with the
communication protocol. Thus, in step 1008, the identifier of the
automobile, or the wireless component of the automobile, is
acquired by the insurance application program. Steps 1004-1008 can
occur by, for example, the automobile being started up, and
powering up the wireless component(s).
[0063] In step 1010 the automobile insurance program determines the
present insurance coverage status of the automobile and whether it
presently covered. In step 1012 the method 1000 determines whether
the insurance for the automobile is presently in an active status.
If the automobile insurance status is presently active, then the
method can proceed to the end 1020 on the assumption that the user
will be driving the automobile. If, in step 1012, however, it is
determined that the automobile is not presently under an active
coverage, then the method 1000 can proceed to step 1014 where the
mobile device can prompt the user to determine if the user wants to
turn on active coverage for the automobile. In step 1016 a user
selection or input is evaluated to determine whether the user has
selected to turn on active coverage or not. If not, then the method
proceeds from step 1016 to the end 1020, otherwise the method
proceeds to an activation process in step 1018 to change the
insurance status of the automobile to active coverage. Step 1018
may include requiring the user to pay, or agree to pay, an
indicated premium amount.
[0064] FIG. 11 is an interface diagram 1100 for accepting a premium
upon activating coverage on an automobile of a multi-automobile
policy having dynamic active coverage, in accordance with some
embodiments. The interface diagram can be one that is rendered on
the mobile device display 1102 in step 1018 of method 1000, for
example. The interface can display an identity of the automobile
that has been detected, in a name field 1104, in response to the
mobile device connecting to a wireless component of the automobile.
In another portion or field of the interface, a premium message
1106 can be displayed, indicating the premium that will be charged
(e.g. by the day, week, or other time period) in order to change
the coverage to active coverage. Interface button selectors 1108,
1110 allow the user to accept or decline the premium and active
coverage. Thus, upon the user entering and turning on an automobile
the is covered under the user's policy, but which does not
presently have active coverage, the user's device can display an
interface similar to interface 1100. Furthermore, the mobile device
can determine whether it is moving or not, such as by using
satellite positioning signals received at a satellite positioning
receiver of the mobile device, and if it is moving while connected
t the wireless component of the automobile, and the user has not
accepted the active coverage conditions (e.g. the premium amount),
the insurance application program can alert the user that active
coverage is not in place, and that the user is responsible for any
potential claim that might otherwise be covered by active
coverage.
[0065] FIG. 12 is a flow chart diagram of a method 1200 for
determining a premium change when an automobile is selected for
active coverage, in accordance with some embodiments. The method
1200 is performed at the insurance web service data center, which
is accessed by, for example, a mobile device, during a requested
change procedure. In step 1202 the web service receives a request
to change the coverage of an automobile to an active coverage
status. In response, in step 1204, the insurance web service
determines a premium adjustment that must be paid for the active
coverage. In step 1206 the user can be shown the premium adjustment
amount, and agree to pay (or actually commence paying) the premium
amount. such as by selecting "accept" at an interface on the user's
mobile device during the process.
[0066] FIG. 13 is a system diagram 1300 illustrating a technology
for verifying automobile location and presence in order to turn off
active coverage on the automobile, in accordance with some
embodiments. An insurer may enforce a policy provision that active
coverage can only be turned off by the user when the automobile is
at its home location. This can be done by determining a location of
the mobile device 1302 while it is in the presence of the
automobile 1308. For example, mobile device 1302 can include a
satellite positioning receiver that receives positioning signals
1306 from positioning satellites 1304. The vehicle presence can be
verified by, for example, the mobile device 1308 being connected to
a wireless component 1310 of the automobile 1308. Alternatively,
the insurance application program can be used to capture an image
of the automobile license tag to produce a tag image 1312. Because
the insurance application program controls the image capture, the
user cannot use an old image. The tag number can be recognized from
the tag image to verify the automobile's presence at the time the
image was taken.
[0067] The insurance application program can provide an interface
to allow the user to turn off active coverage, and include, for
example, a prompt 1314 asking the user to confirm whether the user
wants to turn off active coverage. Interface elements 1316, 1318
can allow the user to agree or not with the prompt, inputting the
user's selection. In background processes the insurance application
program can perform location verification 1320 and presence
verification 1322 to ensure that the mobile device is at an
acceptable location to turn off active coverage, and that the
covered automobile is in the presence of the mobile device as
verified by either a wireless connection or the image processing of
the license tag. Once the insurance application program has
verified location and vehicle presence, then the insurance
application program can send verification information and the turn
off request 1324 to the insurance web service, which in turn
updates the policy record 1326 to indicate that the automobile is
no longer under active coverage.
[0068] Accordingly, the inventive embodiments disclosed wherein
provide the benefit of allowing multiple automobiles to be insured
on a policy where only an actively used automobile has active
insurance coverage, thereby allowing more competitive policies for
owners of multiple automobiles. The embodiments further include a
technology for allowing a user to select which of their automobiles
are actively covered, as well as to turn off active coverage.
Further, a technology is disclosed that allows for identification
of a vehicle being used, and verifying that insurance coverage is
active, and if it is not active, allowing a user to active coverage
in order to operate the automobile on public roads.
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