Internet Crashes SF Auto Show Mock auto disaster at San Francisco International Auto Show.
24 November 1999
ECOVERAGE AUTO SHOW Frank Addotta puts the finishing touches on a mock auto disaster at the eCoverage booth, Wednesday, November 24, 1999, during the setup for the San Francisco International Auto Show. The first company to provide quote-to-claim insurance over the Internet, eCoverage is demonstrating the damage that can occur when a tornado hits, reinforcing the importance of rapid response in auto coverage to the 250,000 attendees of the annual show. Contacts: Shirley Gines, Code8 Communications for eCoverage, 858-395-0888, sgines1@san.rr.com, and Wendy Moro, 650-340-0242, wendy@focalpointpr.com. Photo by Court Mast. (PRNewsFoto)[DM] SAN FRANCISCO, CA USA 11/24/1999
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 24 -- eCoverage (http://www.ecoverage.com), an
Internet company with a new online service that makes every aspect of
insurance efficient and easy, will showcase the all new "2000 Disaster LX" at
the San Francisco Auto Show, demonstrating the damage that can occur when a
tornado hits. Complete with glaring lights and sirens, a pink flamingo,
downed telephone pole, picket fence, tree branches and more, the 2000 Disaster
LX will be the centerpiece of eCoverage's 4,200 square foot booth and among
the more than 800 sleek new autos, vans and trucks unveiled at this year's
show, November 25 - December 5 at the Moscone Convention Center.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991124/SFW036 )
"The eCoverage 2000 Disaster LX will serve as a stark reminder to the
250,000-plus consumers at the show of the importance of obtaining auto
coverage from a company that will be there after an accident or when a natural
disaster hits. eCoverage's commitment to the consumer is the primary promise
that we want to communicate," said David Riker, eCoverage president and CEO.
"Our high profile at the show also underscores the growing importance of the
Internet in the multi-billion dollar automotive market. Consumers are using
the Internet to research their car purchases, obtain auto loans, and now with
eCoverage, buy and manage their auto insurance."
Autos & The Internet
Consumers are increasingly relying on the Internet to research, make auto
purchases, secure financing and now, with eCoverage, to obtain auto insurance
online:
-- Research: 40% of car buyers rely on the Internet to research
information about different models, features and prices, according to
Jupiter Communications.
-- Buy: 2.4 million autos will be purchased online by 2002, according to
Jupiter Communications.
-- Finance: Currently, 11% of car loans are secured online, with that
number expected to rise to 65% to 70% within the next five years,
according to CNW Marketing Research Corp.
-- Insure: 15% of all automotive policies will be sold over the Internet
by 2003, resulting in online premiums of approximately $18 billion
versus less than 1%, or approximately $1 billion, in 1998, according to
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.
eCoverage at SF Auto Show
Additional activities at the eCoverage San Francisco Auto Show
(Booth #1104) include:
-- Buy Insurance Online: eCoverage will host eight Internet kiosks,
allowing show visitors to obtain an instant auto insurance quote,
secure coverage, print their policy and proof of insurance card
instantly. Post-show, consumers simply log on to http://www.ecoverage.com to
manage their account or file a claim, or call eCoverage's 24/7 customer
support line.
-- On-the-Ground Rapid Response Vehicle: eCoverage's brightly painted
Nissan XTerra will be in the booth, underscoring the company's
commitment to be "on the ground" helping consumers with claims and
insurance questions.
-- One-of-a-Kind Floor Exhibit: A first-time exhibitor at the SF Auto
Show, eCoverage's 4,200 square foot booth is equivalent in size to
automotive giants like Dodge and three-times that of traditional
"brick and mortar" insurance companies, including AAA Insurance.
-- High Visibility Branding: As consumers enter the show, the eCoverage
brand will be pervasive, including entryway banners, show ticket stubs,
the show guide and more.
About eCoverage
eCoverage (http://www.ecoverage.com) is the Internet-based company focused on
making every aspect of insurance efficient and easy, from quote to claim. The
company offers the speed, control and convenience of self-service
transactions; simple language and simple processes; no middlemen to drive up
prices and sell unnecessary coverage; and around-the-clock customer service.
Launched in September 1999 with California car insurance, San Francisco-based
eCoverage will offer a full line of personal insurance products for cars,
boats and homes nationwide in early 2000.