Patelco Teams With Esurance to Introduce Nation's First Integrated Online Auto Insurance and Loan Platform
Patelco Teams With Esurance to Introduce Nation's First Integrated Online Auto Insurance and Loan Platform
Credit Union Cites Esurance Integration as a More Efficient Way of Selling Insurance SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 20 Esurance Inc., a nationwide direct-to-consumer personal auto insurance provider and subsidiary of Folksamerica Holding Company, Inc., along with San Francisco-based Patelco Credit Union, today announced the launch of the first integrated online auto loan and auto insurance application platform. The new platform combines Patelco's Automated Lending Process, which includes online application and approval of auto loans, with Esurance's quick and convenient quote-to-claims auto insurance coverage platform. The new platform is now available in the online loan center on Patelco's Web site, http://www.patelco.org. Patelco's highly automated Internet Lending System enables its members to complete a loan application, be qualified, and receive approval for an auto loan online. However, since Patelco requires proof of auto insurance before it approves a loan, it made sense to find a partner that could provide the same level of automation for auto insurance. Esurance was chosen based on the company's ability to quickly integrate its service and technology with Patelco. "We believe that the best time to sell auto insurance coverage is when our members are going through the auto loan process," said Scott Waite, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Patelco Credit Union who also heads up the investment and insurance subsidiary corporation. "We chose Esurance because we wanted an insurance provider who could seamlessly integrate into our automated online loan process and still provide a product to our members at a good value." With the addition of Esurance, Patelco expects that more of its members will use the credit union's online loan center because of the convenience and the site's ease of use. Patelco is optimistic that a greater number of members using the loan center will be able to complete their transaction online with the addition of Esurance's online auto insurance. The two companies have agreed to jointly market the service online to the credit union's customers. "Patelco members are technologically savvy and demand services with high quality online and offline customer support," said Tom Capp, National Accounts Director for Esurance. "Our partnership adds to Patelco's already robust online services by enabling instant access to auto insurance coverage during the loan application process. In addition, members have access to Esurance's dedicated Customer Service Center, staffed with licensed insurance professionals, available via email and phone 24-hours a day, seven days a week to help consumers with any questions throughout the decision-making process and beyond." About Esurance Inc. Esurance Inc. is redefining the insurance experience by creating an easy and time efficient way to buy and manage personal auto insurance online. The company's unique Internet-based business model reduces the overhead of traditional insurance operations, while still performing the key functions of an insurance provider, including pricing, underwriting and claims handling. This direct model eliminates paper-based processes and creates cost savings that are passed on to customers in the form of low rates for top-rated insurance policies. Through its online service (http://www.esurance.com), Esurance offers consumers expert advice, quote comparisons, instant coverage, as well as convenient 24x7 policy management, customer service and superior claims handling. The company was the first Internet-based provider to offer real-time quote capability and fulfillment service online to more than half of the nation's driving population. Esurance is an operating subsidiary of Folksamerica Holding Company, Inc., a subsidiary of White Mountains Insurance Group . About Patelco Credit Union San Francisco-based Patelco Credit Union is a full service financial cooperative with assets of over $2.2 billion and over 200,000 members. Patelco was chartered in 1936 in the State of California as the credit union to serve the employees of Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. Patelco remained a "telephone company" credit union until divestiture in 1983, at which time they expanded their Field of Membership to include Select Employer Groups. Today, Patelco provides credit union services to more than 2,000 organizations, including Pacific Bell, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, GTE, Sprint, Walgreens, Autodesk, Pacific Exchange, Harris Digital Corporation, Internal Revenue Service, San Francisco Giants, Visa International and various federal government agencies. Surrounding their 30 branch offices, Patelco offers membership to those who reside, work or worship in over 40 communities throughout Northern California. Patelco is the 11th largest credit unions in the United States and 4th in the State of California. They are considered a leader in the financial services industry and one of the most successful credit unions in the U.S. They are also one of the most convenient and innovative in delivering products and services to its members.
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