WO2014064603A2

WO2014064603A2 - A method of providing insurance to a commuter

Info

Publication number: WO2014064603A2
Application number: PCT/IB2013/059528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darryl Edward Albert Cotty
Original assignee: KOOIKER, Bouke, Johannes; COTTY, Siobhan, Leigh
Priority date: 2012-10-22
Filing date: 2013-10-22
Publication date: 2014-05-01
Also published as: ZA201503164B; WO2014064603A3

Abstract

A system (and related method) for providing insurance cover to a commuter, during a period in which the user is travelling in a motor vehicle, is disclosed. The system includes a user identification device to store a unique identifier associated with the user, a communication arrangement and an insurance monitoring device configured to store at least an identifier of the motor vehicle. The insurance monitoring device includes a reader to read the unique identifier from the identification device and an insurance authorisation module operable to receive an insurance request message including the unique identifier of the user and an identifier of the motor vehicle, and interrogate a pre-populated commuter database to verify this information. The insurance authorisation module is configured to receive initial and end location data indicative of the location where the user has embarked and disembarked, respectively, the motor vehicle, and to accordingly activate an insurance cover for the user.

Description

A METHOD OF PROVIDING INSURANCE TO A COMMUTER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method of and a system for obtaining insurance cover. In particular, the invention relates to a method of providing an insurance cover to a commuter during a period in which the commuter is travelling in a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many people use various modes of transport to get to and from their place of work each day. In a country such as South Africa, the most used mode of transport is the use of taxis, followed by the use of buses. However, because of unroadworthy taxis and/or buses, poorly trained drivers etc, the rate at which taxis and buses are involved in accidents is high. This results in the lives of commuters who travel in these taxis and/or buses to be at risk.

Typically, the lives of these commuters are not insured against any accident. Therefore, the commuters find themselves in need of life or injury insurance during periods in which they are travelling using public transport, i.e. using taxis and/or buses.

In order to obtain insurance cover, and in particular, life insurance cover, a commuter must usually visit an insurance provider (or broker) or apply online in order to apply for the required insurance cover. However, such insurance cover is usually expensive and typically requires the commuter to undergo a number of medical tests prior to providing the commuter with the required cover. Most commuters who use public transport may not be able to afford such insurance cover. Furthermore, most life insurance policies require the commuter to have a bank account from which an insurance premium can be deducted periodically. This is an inconvenience to the commuter because the commuter may not have a bank account and may wish to pay for the insurance cover using a pay-as-you-go method.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system for and method of providing an insurance cover to a commuter, and to address at least some of the abovementioned problem(s).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for providing insurance cover to a user, typically a commuter, during a period in which the user is travelling in a motor vehicle (or any other mode of transportation, both private and public (but typically public)), the user having previously completed a user registration process which included making available particular details, including identification information, the system including:

an identification device which is locatable on the user, the identification device being configured to store at least a unique identifier associated with the user thereon;

a communication arrangement operable to send and receive messages;

an insurance monitoring device being configured to store at least an identifier of the motor vehicle thereon, the insurance monitoring device including:

a reader which can read the unique identifier from the identification device; and

an insurance authorisation module operable to:

receive (via the communication arrangement) an insurance request message, the insurance request message including:

the unique identifier of the user; and an identifier of the motor vehicle; interrogate a pre-populated commuter database to verify that the user has indeed registered and that details of the user are available;

the insurance authorisation module further being configured to:

receive (via the communication arrangement) an initial location data indicative of a geographical location where the user has embarked the motor vehicle, in response to verifying that the user has been registered; and

activate an insurance cover for the user in response to receiving the initial location data of the motor vehicle;

the reader being further configured to:

receive a status signal in order to determine whether or not the user is still in the motor vehicle; and the insurance authorisation module being further configured to receive (via the communication arrangement) an end location data of the motor vehicle indicative of a geographical location where the user disembarked the motor vehicle, thereby providing the user with insurance cover during a period in which the user travelled in the motor vehicle.

In order to receive the status signal, the reader may transmit interrogation signal to the identification device in order to determine whether or not the user is still in the motor vehicle. Basically, in response to the user still being in the motor vehicle, the reader will receive the status signal indicative of the presence of the user in the motor vehicle.

The interrogation signal may be transmitted periodically, preferably, continuously.

The system may include an insurance deactivation module configured to: provisionally terminate the insurance cover for the user, in use, in response to receiving the end location data of the motor vehicle, and continue with the insurance cover otherwise. The insurance authorisation module may further be operable to send (via the communication arrangement), a confirmation message to the user, the confirmation message including details of the insurance cover, associated period of insurance cover, corresponding cost of the insurance cover and balance of insurance cover still available.

In an alternative embodiment, an insurance funder may have completed a registration process, on behalf of the user, which included making available particular details, including employer information and user identification information. The employer may purchase bundles of trip insurance covers, in order to provide insurance cover for its recipients.

In this embodiment, the insurance authorisation module may further be operable to send (via the communication arrangement), an insurance funder confirmation message to the insurance funder, wherein the insurance funder confirmation message including details of the insurance cover, associated period of insurance cover, corresponding cost of the insurance cover and details of the user who was insured during the particular period. The insurance funder confirmation message may include the number of valid trip insurance covers remaining.

"Insurance cover" in this specification is short term insurance for the life of the user or in the case of any injury occurring to the user during the period in which the user is transported in a motor vehicle. The user may be an insurance requester who uses public transport in order to travel between two geographical locations (e.g. between work and home). The insurance requester is herein referred to as a "commuter". In other instances, the insurance funder may be an employer and in that instance, the user is an employee and recipients are employees. The system may include a trip insurance database which can store therein motor vehicle identifiers, commuter unique identifiers and associated initial and end location data. The trip insurance database can store therein insurance funder information, where necessary, including at least an insurance funder unique identifier. The insurance authorisation module may interrogate the trip insurance database in order to determine an insurance period in which the life of the commuter is insured. The communication arrangement may include a communication module which sends and receives messages. The messages may be sent and received using a cellular network, preferably, a GSM network.

The identification device may include:

a housing; and

a radio frequency identification (RFID) device embedded within the housing; the RFID device being configured to store commuter identification information thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a dual frequency RFID device.

Unique identifier of the identification device may be stored on the embedded RFID device.

The commuter identification information may include at least a commuter unique identifier.

The housing of the identification device may be in a form of a ring, a watch, a bracelet or may take any form which can be locatable on the commuter.

The reader may be in a form of a scanner which can read and transmit messages, in use, preferably, an RFID scanner. The system may include a position location system which is communicatively coupled to the insurance monitoring device, the position location system being operable to provide the insurance authorisation module with initial and end location data of the motor vehicle, in use.

Preferably, the position location system is a global positioning system

(GPS).

The GPS is communicatively coupled to the insurance monitoring device. In particular, the GPS communicates with the insurance monitoring device over a wireless communication network. In a preferred embodiment, the GPS is in a form of an Assisted GPS (A-GPS) in order to provide more accurate indication of the initial and end location data of the motor vehicle, in use.

The insurance monitoring device may include a power supply, preferably, a rechargeable battery located therein. Alternatively, the insurance monitoring device may use a conventional power supply which forms part of the motor vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the insurance monitoring device may include photovoltaic cells which use solar panels in order generate electrical power. The solar panels may be operable to recharge the rechargeable battery, in use, thereby providing a continuous power supply to the insurance monitoring device.

The invention extends to a method of providing insurance cover to a user during a period in which the user is travelling in the motor vehicle (or any other mode of transportation, both private and public (but typically public)), the user having previously completed a registration process which included making available details, including identification information, the method including:

receiving an insurance request message, the insurance request message including: a unique identifier of the user; and

an identifier of the motor vehicle;

interrogating a pre-populated commuter database to verify that the user has indeed registered and that details of the user is available; receiving an initial location data indicative of a location where the user has embarked the motor vehicle;

activating an insurance cover for the user in response to receiving the initial location data of the motor vehicle;

receiving a status signal in order to confirm whether or not the user is still in the motor vehicle;

receiving an end location data of the motor vehicle indicative of a geographical location where the user disembarked the motor vehicle, thereby providing the user with an insurance cover during a period in which the user travelled in the motor vehicle.

The method may include a step of transmitting interrogation signal in order to determine whether or not the user is still in the motor vehicle.

The method may include the step of provisionally terminating the insurance cover in response to receiving the end location data of the motor vehicle where the commuter disembarked, and continue with the insurance cover otherwise.

The method may include sending a confirmation message to the user, the confirmation message including details of the insurance cover, associated period of insurance cover, corresponding cost of the insurance cover and balance of insurance cover still available being the unexpired balance of insured trips remaining.

In this embodiment, the insurance authorisation module may further be operable to send (via the communication arrangement), an insurance funder confirmation message to the insurance funder, the confirmation message including details of the insurance cover, associated period of insurance cover, corresponding cost of the insurance cover and details of the user who was insured during the particular insurance period.

Thus, stated differently, the user, e.g., a commuter is able to obtain an insurance cover over his/her life or in case of injury for an insurance period in which the commuter is travelling in the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the commuter is able to obtain the insurance cover promptly and the expired trip insurance cover can be deducted immediately when the insurance cover is deactivated.

In the event that the commuter purchased a bundle of trip insurance covers, a message may be sent to a mobile device of the commuter alerting the commuter to the number of valid trip insurance covers remaining.

The method may include the prior step(s) of registration of the commuter. More specifically, the method may include:

receiving an insurance registration message from the commuter who wishes to be eligible to obtain an insurance cover in accordance with the invention, the insurance registration message including commuter identification information;

generating a commuter unique identifier, the unique identifier uniquely associated with the commuter; and

providing the commuter with an identification device, the identification device having the commuter unique identifier stored thereon. The commuter unique identifier may be a commuter insurance code.

Alternatively, the method may include:

receiving an insurance registration instruction from an insurance funder who wishes to obtain insurance cover in accordance with the invention, for and on behalf of, at least one of its recipients, the insurance registration message including commuter identification information and insurance funder identification information ;

generating a commuter unique identifier for the at least one recipient, the unique identifier is uniquely associated with the at least one recipient; and

providing each commuter with an identification device, the identification device having the commuter unique identifier stored thereon.

The commuter identification information may include personal identification information, commuter next of kin contact information and commuter medical alert information. The method may include generating an insurance funder unique identifier uniquely associated with the insurance funder.

In addition, the method may include sending a registration confirmation message to the recipient and the insurance funder, the registration confirmation message including commuter unique identifier, insurance cover details, in addition, the method may include sending insurance funder the unique identifier to the insurance funder.

The pre-registration method may include:

automatically populating an insurance document, in response to the generating commuter unique identifier, by retrieving a template associated with the insurance cover and by inputting automatically the commuter identification information on the template thereby creating an insurance document for the commuter and/or the employer; and providing the commuter and/or the insurance funder with terms and conditions of the insurance cover.

It will be appreciated that, once the commuter is registered, the insurance cover will be provisionally activated and available to the commuter.

However, the commuter or the insurance funder, is required to purchase or activate the insurance cover by ensuring that there are funds available associated with the commuter's insurance cover. The commuter 102 may insure that there are funds available through, for example, purchasing trip insurance cover by accessing a website, a banking ATM or cellular phone banking, or using an e-wallet mechanism. The commuter may purchase trip insurance cover through various other payment channels offered by various service providers, e.g., superstores. Alternatively, a commuter's account with an Insurance Service Provider may be automatically debited whenever the trip insurance funds have reached a predetermined level.

The invention may extend to a method of purchasing at least one insurance trip, the method including:

receiving an initiation message, indicative that the commuter wishes to purchase the at least one insurance trip, and a commuter unique identifier; interrogating a commuter database in order to determine whether or not the commuter has pre-registered and retrieving an identification device associated with the commuter unique identifier; updating a commuter database with an insurance status of the commuter's insurance cover, wherein the insurance status indicates that the commuter has purchased the at least one insurance trip.

The method may be partially or entirely computer-implemented. Accordingly, the method may be implemented by a suitably configured computer system, the method including:

receiving, via a communication arrangement, from a RFID reader, an insurance request message, the insurance request message including:

a unique identifier of the user; and

an identifier of the motor vehicle;

interrogating, via an insurance authorisation module, a pre- populated commuter database to verify that the user has indeed registered and that details of the user are available;

receiving, via the communication arrangement, an initial location data indicative of a location where the user has embarked the motor vehicle;

activating, via the insurance authorisation module, an insurance cover for the user in response to receiving the initial location data of the motor vehicle;

receiving, from the RFID identification device, a status signal in order to confirm whether or not the user is still in the motor vehicle; receiving, via the communication arrangement, an end location data of the motor vehicle indicative of a geographical location where the user disembarked the motor vehicle, thereby providing the user with an insurance cover during a period in which the user travelled in the motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a simplified view of a system for providing an insurance cover, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows an identification device which forms part of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an insurance server which forms part of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figures 4a and 4b show an example embodiment of an insurance monitoring device which forms part of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a high level flow diagram of a method of obtaining an insurance cover, in accordance with the invention ;

Figure 6 shows a more detailed flow diagram of the method shown in Figure 5; and

Figure 7 shows a high-level flow diagram of a method which forms part of the methods of Figures 5 and 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figure 1 , reference numeral 100 generally indicates a system 100 for providing insurance cover to a user, in accordance with the invention.

The system 100 includes an identification device 104 (Figure 2), an insurance monitoring device 106 and an insurance server 108. The identification device 104 is associated with a user 102. The user 102 is an insurance requester who uses a motor vehicle in order to travel between two geographical locations, e.g., between workplace and home. In the example embodiment, the insurance requester is referred to as a "commuter" 102. The identification device 104 is typically a ring (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) which is located on the commuter 102. For example, in the case where the identification device 104 is a watch, a bracelet, pendant or a ring, the commuter 102 can wear such watch, a bracelet, pendant or ring. In order to be able to utilise the system 100, the commuter 102 will have to pre-register and receive an identification device 104. Simply put, a commuter 102 will pre-register in order to use the system 100. Once the commuter 102 is registered, the commuter 102 will be issued with a personal identification device 104. Certain personal information, such as a commuter unique identifier, next-of-kin's name and contact number, pertaining to the commuter 102 is stored on the personal identification device. In order for the commuter 102 to enjoy the benefits of obtaining an insurance cover, the commuter 102 embarks on a motor vehicle 1 10 in which the insurance monitoring device 106 is installed. The insurance monitoring device 106 communicates with the personal identification device 104 worn by the commuter 102 and the insurance server 108 through a communication arrangement 1 12 in order to provide the commuter 102 with insurance cover during an insurance period. The insurance period is a period in which the commuter 102 travels in the motor vehicle 1 10. The motor vehicle 1 10 includes a motor car, truck, trailer, motor van or any other suitable vehicle which is capable of transporting people.

"Insurance Cover" in this specification is a short term insurance valid for the period in which the commuter 102 is transported in the motor vehicle 1 10 between the initial embarkation location and the end disembarkation location. This short term insurance will pay out in the event of injury to, or the death of, the commuter 102 whilst being transported in the motor vehicle 1 10. This "Insurance Cover" can be purchased in "bundles" comprising of multiple insurance covers each cover being valid for one completed trip. A completed trip is defined by the combination of data relating to the initial embarkation location and end disembarkation location provided by a position locations system (which is explained in more detail below) and stored in the trip insurance database. The motor vehicle unique identifier and the unique identifier of the driver are also recorded in the trip insurance database.

In an alternative embodiment, an insurance funder, e.g., an employer can purchase bundles of insurance covers for its employees for an unlimited number of trips made by the employee during the course of one calendar month. This would entail paying a monthly premium which may be fixed or variable, depending on an agreement entered into by and between the employer and the Insurance Service Provider.

Referring also to Figure 2, the identification device 104 includes a housing 1 14 which is in the form of a ring, alternatively, can be in a form of a watch, bracelet or pendant. A radio frequency identification (RFID) device 1 1 6 is located within the ring 1 14. In particular, the RFID device 1 1 6 is located on an inner portion 1 14A of the ring 1 14. The RFID device 1 1 6 is configured to store identification information of a commuter thereon which includes at least a commuter unique identifier. The RFID device is in a form of an RFID tag 1 1 6 and can be retrofitted to the ring 104. The RFID tag 1 1 6 is, preferably a dual frequency tag. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID tag 1 16 is factory- fitted and thus forms an integral part of the ring 104. The RFID tag 1 1 6 is a passive RFID and thus does not require power supply and this results in a cost effective identification device 104. Unique identifier of the identification device is also stored on the RFID device. In an alternative embodiment, the RFID can be an active RFID.

Referring now to Figure 3, the system 100 and herein referred to as an insurance system 100 includes an insurance server 108 which, in turn, includes a processor 1 18 defining a plurality of conceptual modules 1 19, 120, 121 , 122 and 1 12 which correspond to functional tasks performed by the processor 1 18. Optionally, the server may include conceptual models 123 and 124. The processor 1 18 includes a commuter registration module 1 19, an insurance authorisation module 120, an insurance activation/deactivation module 122, a communication module 123, a reporting module 124 and the communication arrangement 1 12.

The communication module 123 may form part of the communication arrangement 1 12 which sends and receives messages, in use. The messages are sent and received using a cellular network, preferably, a GSM network. The insurance system 100 is connected to a commuter database 121 including the commuter's identification information and insurance status. Various commuters may have pre-registered prior to using the system 100, the commuter's registration information may be stored in the commuter database 121 . The commuter database 121 also includes the commuter's unique identifier in a form of an insurance code. The commuter's identification information includes personal identification information, commuter next-of-kin contact information and commuter alert information. Personal identification information can include residential information and employment information, while commuter alert information can include medical information, or any other information which may be necessary when obtaining an insurance cover.

In an alternative embodiment where the employer funding the insurance covers, the employer may have pre-registered, on behalf of the commuter. Therefore, the commuter database 121 , will, in addition, include employer unique identifier and employer information. Employer information includes name of employer and payment arrangement associated with that particular employer.

The insurance system further includes an insurance database (not shown) which can store therein motor vehicle identifiers, commuter unique identifiers and associated initial and end location data. The insurance database is interrogated, in use, in order to determine an insurance period in which the life of the commuter 102 is insured. The databases need not form part of the insurance server 108 and may be hosted externally at a remote server by a third party. Alternatively, the commuter database 121 can form part of the insurance server 108, while insurance database may form part of the insurance monitoring device 106.

The system 100 is communicatively coupled to a mobile cellular network 1 12. Also communicatively coupled to the mobile cellular network is the commuter database 121 and the insurance database. Instead, or in addition, the databases may be connected to the system 100 via the Internet. To this end, the insurance server 108 includes a computer-readable medium (not illustrated), main memory, and/or a hard disk drive, which carries a set of instructions to direct the operation of the processor 1 18, for example being in the form of a computer program. It is to be understood that the processor 1 18 may include one or more microprocessors, controllers, or any other suitable computing device, resource, hardware, software, or embedded logic. Further, the components 1 19, 120, 122, 123 to 124 and 1 12 may be consolidated into one device (as illustrated) or may be distributed among a number of devices networked together.

The registration module 1 19 is used to allow commuters or employers to pre-register in order for the commuters to be able to use the system 1 00. The commuter registration module 1 19 is described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

Turning to Figures 4a and 4b, the figures illustrate an example embodiment of an insurance monitoring device 106. Figure 4a illustrates a view of components which are located inside the insurance monitoring device 106 and Figure 4b illustrates an external view of the insurance monitoring device 106. The insurance monitoring device 106 includes an identifier of the motor vehicle 1 10. Each device has a unique identifier in order to identify to particular motor vehicle. The insurance monitoring device 106 includes a reader in a form of an

RFID scanner 126 which can read a unique identifier of the commuter 102 from the personal identification device 104. In use, the RFID scanner is active and thus reads and transmits messages. The system 100 includes a position location system which is communicatively coupled to the insurance monitoring device 106. In a preferred embodiment, the position location system forms part of the insurance monitoring device 106. The position location system provides the insurance authorisation module 120 with initial and end location data of the motor vehicle, in use. Where the initial location data includes position of the motor vehicle 1 10 at which the commuter embarked the motor vehicle 1 10. End location data includes position of the motor vehicle 1 10 at which the commuter disembarked the motor vehicle 1 10. The initial location data and the end location data provides an insurance period which is a period in which the commuter is insured. In the example embodiment, the position location system is a global positioning system (GPS), preferably, an Assisted GPS (A- GPS) module 128 in order to provide more accurate indication of the initial and end location data of the motor vehicle 1 10, in use. The AGPS is communicatively coupled to the insurance monitoring device 106 and the insurance authorisation module 120 in order to determine initial and end location data of the motor vehicle. The AGPS communicates with the insurance monitoring device 106 and over a wireless communication network in order to provide more accurate indication of the initial and end location data of the motor vehicle. The communication network is a wireless network which uses a short-range radio frequency for communication.

The insurance monitoring device 106 includes a power supply in the form of two rechargeable batteries 130, 130 located therein. The insurance monitoring device 106 includes photovoltaic cells which use solar panels 132.

The solar panels generate electrical power and thus recharge the rechargeable batteries 130, 130, in use, thereby providing a continuous power supply to the insurance monitoring device 106. In another embodiment, the insurance monitoring device 106, is coupled to a conventional power supply which forms part of the motor vehicle.

The insurance authorisation module 120, the insurance activation / deactivation module 122 and the registration module 1 19, the commuter communication module 123 and the reporting module 124 will be further described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, which illustrate a high-level and low-level method 300 respectively of obtaining an insurance cover.

The insurance monitoring device 106 has an internal memory in a form of a trip insurance database 134. Therefore, the trip insurance database 134 forms part of the insurance monitoring device 106. The trip insurance database 134 includes motor vehicle identifiers, commuter unique identifiers and associated initial and end location data. The trip insurance database 134 can also include a driver identifier associated with a particular driver who drives the motor vehicle 1 10. In an alternative embodiment, there may be more than one driver of the motor vehicle 1 10 and in such a case the trip 134 insurance database will include a plurality of nominated driver identifiers. In particular, a main driver can pre-register and upon registration, the main driver will select nominated drivers and ensure that the insurance database 134 is loaded with such nominated driver identifiers. This will ensure that there is always a record on which driver was driving the motor vehicle 1 10 when the motor vehicle 1 10 was involved in an accident. In use, in response to the RFID scanner 126 receiving the identifier of the commuter 102 and of the ring 104, the RFID scanner 126 will record such identifiers against the identifier of the motor vehicle 1 10 and of the driver. Therefore, the motor vehicle identifier and driver identifier are all, preferably, embedded in the insurance monitoring device 106 on a memory chip. A motor vehicle owner, who transports people for profit and who wishes to join a commuter trip insurance program, is provided with the insurance monitoring device 106 and is registered as a participant in the trip insurance program. The insurance monitoring device 106 is installed into the motor vehicle 1 10 of the owner.

The trip insurance database 134 can record maximum number of commuter unique identifiers that embarked the motor vehicle during a particular period. In other instances, if the maximum number of commuter unique identifiers exceeded 15, during a particular period, the trip insurance database 134 will record date and time at which the commuter unique identifiers exceeded 15. During the registration process, motor vehicle information will also be stored in the trip insurance database. Motor vehicle information includes make and model of the motor vehicle, colour of the motor vehicle and, possible, roadworthy status of the motor vehicle. If the driver identifier is not embedded in the memory chip, then the driver identifier can be recorded on the memory chip through the use of a biometric scanner 136. The biometric scanner forms part of the insurance monitoring device 106. This may be required where there is a main driver who went through a registration process and now wishes to have an alternate driver who will drive the motor vehicle 1 10 and transport commuters, accordingly. Then the identifier of the alternate driver can be recorded on the memory chip, on the insurance monitoring device 106 using the biometric scanner 136.

The motor vehicle 1 10 can have an electronic vehicle license which incorporates an RFID to record a licence number of the motor vehicle 1 10. The licence number of the motor vehicle 1 10 is an identifier of the motor vehicle 1 10. If the vehicle does not have an electronic vehicle license number, then a registration number (number plate) of the motor vehicle 1 10 can be used as the identifier of the motor vehicle 1 10. Alternatively, a VIN number of the motor vehicle can be manually keyed into the insurance monitoring device 106 when installed into the motor vehicle 1 10. All this will be done during a registration process of the motor vehicle 1 10.

Furthermore, the insurance monitoring device 106 can include an event monitoring module in a form of a calendar/clock/speed module 138. The calendar/clock/speed module 138 records the time and date of each GPS reading, that is, each initial and end location data associated with each commuter 102 when the commuter 102 embarks / disembarks the motor vehicle 1 10. The calendar/clock/speed module 138 can form part of the insurance database 134, alternatively and as illustrated in Figure 4a, the calendar/clock/speed module 138 is separate from the insurance database 134. The calendar/clock/speed module 138, which forms part of the insurance monitoring device 106 can include a speed calculation algorithm

(not shown) using the A-GPS module 128 to compute the speed at which the motor vehicle travels. The speed calculation can be computed periodically, preferably, continuously. The speed calculation algorithm can record excess speed which the motor vehicle travels relative to predefined speed limit at a road.

The calendar/clock/speed module 138 records the time, date and GPS location data, indicative of a geographical location, where the speed of the motor vehicle is recorded in excess of the predefined speed limit. The predefined speed limit can be programmed into the insurance monitoring device 106. The speed computation algorithm 138 can form part of the insurance database 134, alternatively and as illustrated in Figure 4a, the speed calculation algorithm is separate from the insurance database 134.

During the motor vehicle registration process, a loading module (not shown) downloads a custom software application 140 to the insurance monitoring device 106 and automatically installs the software application on the insurance monitoring device 106. The motor vehicle registration process is recorded on the insurance server 108. Motor vehicle registration data is downloaded from the insurance server 108 to the custom software application module 140 embedded in the insurance monitoring device 106 via a loading module (not shown). This motor vehicle registration process provides the identifiers of the motor vehicle, the owner of the motor vehicle and the driver or drivers of the motor vehicle. This software application module 140 contains the software applications necessary for the efficient operation of, and the communication between, the insurance monitoring device 106 and the insurance server 108.

A Dallas key 142, or similar technology, is provided on the insurance monitoring device 106. In particular, the Dallas Key 142 is used by a technician to identify the technician and allow the technician to gain access to certain software elements within the insurance monitoring device 106, record service events, and provide the system administrator with an audit trail relating to the servicing and maintenance of the insurance monitoring device 106. A SIM card 144 and associated GSM module 146 may be provided to facilitate communications using the GSM network.

The invention will now be further described in use with reference to Figure 5, which shows a high-level method 300. It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiment. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that other embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Also, the example method 300 is not necessarily dependent on the system 100, and vice versa.

Prior to using the system 100, the commuter 102 has to pre-register. The commuter 102 can register by visiting the premises of an Insurance Service Provider (not shown). Alternatively, where the employer funds the insurance covers on behalf of its employee/s, the employer can log on to a website and register one or more employees or the employer may request that an insurance representative visit its premises to register the employee/s. During the registration process, a commuter registration module 1 19 which forms part of the system 100 receives an insurance registration message from the Insurance Service Provider on behalf of the commuter 102. The insurance registration message includes the commuter identification information which includes commuter personal information, commuter telephone number and/or work telephone number and next-of-kin information. Next-of-kin information includes names and contact details of people who are close to the commuter 102 and who should be contacted in the case of a motor vehicle accident.

Once the Insurance Service Provider has captured the commuter identification information, the commuter registration module 1 19 generates a commuter unique identifier. Therefore, each commuter will have its own unique identifier uniquely. In additional, the commuter is provided with a ring 104 or a bracelet or a watch or a pendant wherein the unique identifier of the commuter is stored thereon. The commuter registration module 1 19 can also send a registration confirmation message to the commuter 102 (to a mobile telephone of the commuter 102) and an insurance funder confirmation message to the employer. The registration confirmation message/email includes the commuter unique identifier; (or employer unique identifier) details of the trip insurance cover purchased and can provide the commuter or employer with Terms and Conditions which are associated with the use of the insurance system 100.

Optionally, a document population module is operable automatically to populate an insurance document in response to a further request from the commuter 102 to renew an insurance cover upon expiry thereof, for an additional period of time or for an additional number of insurance trips. The document population module, alternatively, the commuter registration module 1 19, retrieves a template associated with the insurance cover and inputs automatically the commuter identification information on the template in order to create an insurance document for the commuter 102. The automatic population of the insurance document ensures the accuracy and integrity of the information and ensures that the purchase of the insurance cover is concluded rapidly and accurately.

The RFID scanner 126 receives (at block 302) an insurance request message (via a communication network) indicating a unique identifier of the commuter and an identifier of the motor vehicle in which the commuter 102 travels. The commuter unique identifier and the motor vehicle identifier can then be transmitted to the insurance authorisation module 120.

The insurance authorisation module 120 then determines (at block 304) whether or not the commuter is active and whether the commuter's policy bundle is in credit. In particular, the insurance authorisation module 120 determines whether or not the commuter unique identifier is current and whether commuter identification information is complete. If the answer is negative, the insurance authorisation module 120 terminates (at block 306) the insurance request. If the answer is affirmative, the insurance authorisation module 120 then receives (at block 308) initial location data indicative of a geographical location where the commuter has embarked the motor vehicle 1 10. In response to receiving the initial location data of the motor vehicle 1 10, the insurance authorisation module 120 activates (at block 310) a trip insurance cover in respect of the life of the commuter. The life of the commuter 102 is then insured.

The RFID scanner 126 transmits (at block 312) interrogation signals in order to determine whether or not the commuter 102 is still in the motor vehicle 1 10. The RFID scanner 126 continuously transmits interrogation signals in order to check whether or not the commuter 102 is still in the motor vehicle 1 10. This is crucial because the commuter 102 is only insured for the period in which the commuter 102 is in the motor vehicle 1 10. If no response is received within a predetermined period, the insurance authorisation module 120 receives (at block 314) an end location data of the motor vehicle 1 10 indicative of the location where the user disembarked the motor vehicle 1 10, thereby providing the commuter 102 with an insurance cover during a period in which the commuter 102 travelled in the motor vehicle 1 10. When the commuter 102 disembarks from the motor vehicle 1 10, the RFID scanner 126 will record the commuter unique identifier 1 14 embedded in the ring 104 which is worn by the commuter 102. This data will be matched against the trip insurance database 134, resident in the insurance monitoring device 106. This disembarkation event will be matched with the a-GPS location data, date and time that is indicative of a geographical location where the commuter has disembarked the motor vehicle 1 10.

The RFID scanner 126 will continue to transmits interrogation signals in order to validate whether or not the commuter 102 is still in the motor vehicle 1 10. However, if the commuter is still in the motor vehicle 1 10, the RFID scanner 126 receives (at block 316) status signal which confirms that the commuter 102 is still in the motor vehicle 1 10. In turn, the commuter 102 continues to be covered (at block 317) by the insurance cover. An insurance deactivation module 122 provisionally terminates (at block 318) the insurance cover for the commuter in response to the insurance authorisation module 120 receiving the end location data of the motor vehicle 1 10. In the event of an accident, the system 100 is able to send people, who are recorded as next of kin to the commuter 102, information such as the name of the insured commuter, the GPS location of the accident, details of the motor vehicle 1 10 such as the registration number of the motor vehicle 1 10, make and model of the motor vehicle 1 10, colour of the motor vehicle 1 10.

The system 100 may also provide, via the report module (at block 124) relevant stakeholders e.g. law enforcement agencies, insurance companies with information such as the owner of the motor vehicle 1 10, the driver of the motor vehicle 1 10, the route taken by the vehicle, the number of stops made along the route, the number of insured commuters, the value of the fares received from the insured commuters, the latest roadworthy certificate number and the identities of the commuters who were insured with the insurance company.

A beneficiary of the insurance cover (who may be a next of kin as well) will also be provided benefits relating to the insurance cover upon death of the insured commuter. If the commuter is only injured, the commuter will be provided with benefits accordingly.

Upon registration the commuter 102 is provided with a provisional insurance cover. The commuter 102 will only be able to activate the trip insurance cover for an insurance period if the premium relative to the insurance cover requested has been paid, either by the commuter 102 or the funder, which may be the commuter's employer.

The commuter 102, or the funder (which may be the commuter's employer) can purchase the trip insurance from a service provider who sells the trip insurance cover. In some cases an Insurance Service Provider will have a website where commuter 102, or the funder, can access and view the trip insurance with respective insurance cover which is being offered by the Insurance Service Provider. Alternatively, the commuter 102 may have noted the trip insurance on an advert broadcasted on a television or displayed on a billboard. Trip insurance can vary, for example, the commuter 102 can purchase one trip insurance cover , alternatively, the commuter 102 can purchase 40 trip insurance covers which relates to a number of days in which the commuter 102 will be travelling to and from his/her place of work. The purchasing of the trip insurance can be done using conventional methods.

Alternatively, a purchase module (not shown) can receive an initiation message indicative that a commuter 102 wishes to purchase at least one trip insurance. The purchase module (not shown) will interrogate a commuter database 121 in order to determine whether or not the commuter 102 has pre- registered. If the reply from the commuter database 121 is affirmative, the trip insurance request will be processed and loaded onto the system 100's server 108. The commuter 102 may then continue enjoying the benefits of the insurance cover. In an alternative embodiment, the employer will pay a monthly premium which will provide insurance cover for the commuter 102 for an indefinite number of trips in a motor vehicle 102 equipped with an insurance monitoring device 106 for one calendar month. If the reply from the commuter database 121 is negative, and the commuter 102 has not pre-registered and therefore is a new client, the new client will be provided with the details of a local trip Insurance Service Provider and requested to contact the Insurance Service Provider and go through a registration process. Once registered, an identification device 104 will be allocated to the commuter 102 and loaded with the commuter unique identifier and other required information.

Therefore, even though the commuter 102 , or the insurance funder, must purchase the initial trip insurance from the trip Insurance Service Provider, once registered the commuter 102, or insurance funder, can top up or replenish the trip insurance cover funds via a website, a banking ATM, via cellular phone banking or using an e-wallet mechanism. The commuter 102 may purchase insurance cover funds through various other payment channels offered by various service providers, e.g., superstores, banks etc, or other methods which may become available to the commuter 102 in the future. In alternative embodiment, a commuter's account with an Insurance Service Provider may be automatically debited whenever the trip insurance funds have reached a predetermined level.

The purchase module may form part of the system 100 and may be communicatively coupled to the system 100 and the commuter database 121 . The purchase module updates the commuter database maintaining the status of the trip insurance covers current at all times. The status indicates that the commuter 102 has purchased at least one trip insurance and may be programmed to trigger a trip insurance top-up message to the commuter 102, or insurance funder, when the balance of trip insurance funds remaining to the commuter's credit reaches a predetermined level.

The invention will now be further described in use with reference to Figure 6 which shows a low-level method 400 according to which, in an embodiment, the present invention may be implemented. It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiment. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that other embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Also, the example method 400 is not necessarily dependent on the system 100, and vice versa.

In use, the commuter 102 boards (at block 401 ) the motor vehicle 1 10. The insurance monitoring device 106 (at block 402) receives a signal from the commuter identification device 104 (ring / bracelet). Basically and in simple terms, when the identification device 104 is in close proximity to the RFID scanner 126, which is when the commuter 102 has embarked the motor vehicle 1 10 the insurance monitoring device 106 reads the commuter identification device 104. The insurance monitoring device 106 transmits (at block 403) initial location data of the motor vehicle 1 10. A insurance server (not shown) receives (at block 404) an insurance request. The insurance authorisation module 120 then determines (at block 405) whether or not the commuter 102 is active, that is, whether or not the commuter unique identifier is current and whether commuter identification information is complete.

If the answer is negative, the insurance authorisation module 120 terminates (at block 412) the insurance request, stores the aborted insurance request (at block 414) and transmits a message (at block 417) to the commuter.

If the answer is affirmative, the insurance authorisation module 120 further determines (at block 406) whether or not the commuter's policy balance is in credit. If the answer is negative, the insurance authorisation module 120 terminates (at block 413) the insurance request, and further stores (at block 415) the aborted insurance request for record purposes. At block 41 1 , the insurance authorisation module 120 transmits a message to the commuter 102 to inform him/her that the session has been aborted because the trip insurance funds is not enough to allow the commuter 102 to obtain insurance.

If, however, the answer in step 406 is affirmative, the insurance authorisation module 120 receives (at block 407) initial location data. The insurance authorization module 120 then activates (at block 408) the trip insurance cover based upon the data read (at block 402) by the insurance monitoring device 106 installed in the motor vehicle 1 10 and transmitted (at block 403) by the insurance authorization module 120 (at block 403) via a communication network and received by the commuter insurance server (at block 404). The data read by the insurance authorization module 120 (at block 402) includes the initial location data indicative of where the commuter 102 has embarked the motor vehicle 1 10.

This activation (at block 408) of the trip insurance cover in respect of the commuter 102 insures the commuter 102 against death or personal injury from the start of the trip, from when the commuter 102 embarks on the motor vehicle 1 10 until the commuter 102 disembarks from the motor vehicle 1 10.

The RFID scanner embedded in the insurance monitoring device 106 continuously scans (at block 409) for the unique identities associated with the commuters who embarked on the motor vehicle 1 10 in order to determine whether or not the commuter 102 is still in the motor vehicle 1 10.

If the RFID scanner does not receive a response from a commuter 102 personal identification device 104 identifying that the commuter has disembarked from the motor vehicle 1 10 then the insurance authorisation module 120 maintains the trip insurance cover in force (at block 31 6).

Upon exiting the motor vehicle 1 10, the personal identification device 104 worn by the commuter 102, is recognized and interrogated (at block 409) by the insurance monitoring device 106 installed near the entry/exit point of the motor vehicle 1 10. This is crucial because the commuter 102 is only insured for the period in which the commuter 102 is in the motor vehicle 1 10. The insurance activation/deactivation module 122 provisionally terminates the trip insurance cover (at block 410) on the commuter 102 in response to the insurance authorisation module 120 receiving the end location data (at block 409) of the motor vehicle 1 10. Upon termination of the current trip insurance cover on the life of the commuter 102, a commuter communication module 123 transmits (at block 41 1 ) a message to the commuter 102. The message informs the commuter about the number of remaining trips in the commuter's insurance cover.

Referring also to Figure 7, which illustrates a high-level method 500 where the motor vehicle is involved in an accident. It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiment. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that other embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Also, the example method 400 is not necessarily dependent on the system 100, and vice versa.

In the event of an accident, the system 100 receives (at block 418) an accident notification message associated with the accident. The insurance authorisation module 120 then determines (at block 419) whether or not the GPS location of the motor vehicle is known / received. If the GPS location of the motor vehicle is known, a reporting module 124 transmits the accident notification message (at block 422) to appropriate authority, e.g., police department or traffic control department to notify the particular authority about the accident. At block 424 the information relating to the accident, e.g., the motor vehicle involved in the accident, the GPS location of the accident, details of the motor vehicle 1 10 such as the registration number of the motor vehicle 1 10, make and model of the motor vehicle 1 10, colour of the motor vehicle 1 10etc, is recorded according for statistical purposes. Such information can be used, if necessary, for criminal investigation.

If the GPS location of the motor vehicle is not known, the system 100 conducts an inventory of the commuters which are / were in the motor vehicle during the accident. . The system 100 determines (at block 420) whether or not end location data was ever received. If the end location data was never received, it means that the commuter 102 is / was in the motor vehicle during the time of the accident. The insurance authorisation module 120 transmits the accident notification message (at block 423) to the Insurance Service Provider. The system 100 further sends people, who are recorded as next of kin to the commuter 102, information such as the name of the insured commuter, the GPS location of the accident, details of the motor vehicle 1 10 such as the registration number of the motor vehicle 1 10, make and model of the motor vehicle 1 10, colour of the motor vehicle 1 10. A beneficiary of the insurance cover (who may be a next-of-kin as well) will also be provided benefits relating to the trip insurance cover upon the death of the insured commuter 102. If the insured commuter is only injured, the commuter 102 will be provided with benefits accordingly. The system 100 will continue to provide cover (at block 41 6 of Figure 6) as long as the commuter is still in the motor vehicle 1 10. At block 425, the system 100 may be able to assess whether or not the commuter is injured and/or passed on during the accident. Such information is also sent through to the Insurance Service Provider and the next of kin.

If the answer is negative, the system 100 determines (at block 426) whether or not it has received the motor vehicle identifier associated with the particular motor vehicle. At block 426, it response to a determination that the system 100 received the motor vehicle identifier, the reporting module 124 transmits the motor vehicle identifier to a relevant stakeholders e.g. a motor vehicle owner or a particular motor vehicle association. The reporting module 124 is also able to report information such as the owner of the motor vehicle 1 10, the driver of the motor vehicle 1 10, the route taken by the motor vehicle 1 10, the number of stops made along the route, the number of insured commuters 102, the value of the fares received from the insured commuters, the latest roadworthy certificate number and the identities of the commuters 102 who were insured with the insurance company.

If the motor vehicle driver was at fault and/or caused the accident, the motor vehicle owner may be able to take appropriate actions action the motor vehicle driver based on the information received from the reporting module. At block 427, an insurance claims can be submitted accordingly.

The invention as exemplified is advantageous in that it provides a method 300 and system 100 for obtaining, monitoring and managing trip insurance for commuters in a cost effective and efficient manner. Thus, most people who use public transport will be able to afford, and benefit from, the trip insurance cover.

Claims

1 . A system for providing insurance cover to a user, typically a commuter, during a period in which the user is travelling in a motor vehicle (or any other mode of transportation, both private and public (but typically public)), the user having previously completed a user registration process which included making available particular details, including identification information, the system including:

a communication arrangement operable to send and receive messages;

an insurance authorisation module operable to:

the unique identifier of the user; and an identifier of the motor vehicle;

interrogate a pre-populated commuter database to verify that the user has indeed registered and that details of the user are available;

the insurance authorisation module further being configured to:

receive (via the communication arrangement) an initial location data indicative of a geographical location where the user has embarked the motor vehicle, in response to verifying that the user has been registered; and activate an insurance cover for the user in response to receiving the initial location data of the motor vehicle;

the reader being further configured to:

receive a status signal in order to determine whether or not the user is still in the motor vehicle; and

the insurance authorisation module being further configured to receive (via the communication arrangement) an end location data of the motor vehicle indicative of a geographical location where the user disembarked the motor vehicle, thereby providing the user with insurance cover during a period in which the user travelled in the motor vehicle.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein in order to receive the status signal, the reader transmits interrogation signal to the identification device in order to determine whether or not the user is still in the motor vehicle.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the interrogation signal is transmitted periodically.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the interrogation signal is transmitted continuously.

5. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which includes an insurance deactivation module configured to:

provisionally terminate the insurance cover for the user, in use, in response to receiving the end location data of the motor vehicle, and continue with the insurance cover otherwise.

6. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the insurance authorisation module is operable to send (via the communication arrangement), a confirmation message to the user, the confirmation message including details of the insurance cover, associated period of insurance cover, corresponding cost of the insurance cover and balance of insurance cover still available.

7. The system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein an insurance funder completed a registration process, on behalf of the user, which included making available particular details, including employer information and user identification information.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the insurance authorisation module is operable to send (via the communication arrangement), an insurance funder confirmation message to the insurance funder, wherein the insurance funder confirmation message including details of the insurance cover, associated period of insurance cover, corresponding cost of the insurance cover and details of the user who was insured during the particular period.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the insurance funder confirmation message includes the number of valid trip insurance covers remaining.

10. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the insurance cover is a short term insurance for the life of the user or in the case of any injury occurring to the user during the period in which the user is transported in a motor vehicle.

1 1 . The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the user is an insurance requester who uses public transport in order to travel between two geographical locations.

12. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which includes a trip insurance database which can store therein motor vehicle identifiers, commuter unique identifiers and associated initial and end location data.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the trip insurance database stores therein insurance funder information, where necessary, including at least an insurance funder unique identifier.

14. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the insurance authorisation module interrogates the trip insurance database in order to determine an insurance period in which the life of the commuter is insured.

15. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication arrangement includes a communication module which sends and receives messages.

1 6. The system as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the messages are sent and received using a cellular network.

17. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cellular network is a GSM network.

18. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the identification device includes:

a housing; and

a radio frequency identification (RFID) device embedded within the housing; the RFID device being configured to store commuter identification information thereon.

19. The system as claimed in claim 1 8, wherein the unique identifier of the identification device is stored on the embedded RFID device.

20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the commuter identification information includes at least a commuter unique identifier.

21 . The system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the housing of the identification device is in a form of a ring, a watch, a bracelet or pendant.

22. The system as claimed in claim any of the preceding claims, wherein the reader is in a form of a scanner which can read and transmit messages.

23. The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the reader is an RFID scanner.

24. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which includes a position location system which is communicatively coupled to the insurance monitoring device, the position location system being operable to provide the insurance authorisation module with initial and end location data of the motor vehicle, in use.

25. The system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the position location system is a global positioning system (GPS).

26. The system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the GPS communicates with the insurance monitoring device over a wireless communication network.

27. The system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the GPS is in a form of an

Assisted GPS (A-GPS) in order to provide more accurate indication of the initial and end location data of the motor vehicle, in use.

28. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the insurance monitoring device includes a power supply.

29. The system as claimed in claim 28, wherein the power supply is a rechargeable battery located therein.

30. The system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 27, wherein the insurance monitoring device uses a conventional power supply which forms part of the motor vehicle.

31 . The system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the insurance monitoring device includes photovoltaic cells which use solar panels in order generate electrical power.

32. The system as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the solar panels are operable to recharge the rechargeable battery, in use, thereby providing a continuous power supply to the insurance monitoring device.

33. A method of providing insurance cover to a user during a period in which the user is travelling in the motor vehicle (or any other mode of transportation, both private and public (but typically public)), the user having previously completed a registration process which included making available details, including identification information, the method including:

receiving an insurance request message, the insurance request message including:

a unique identifier of the user; and

an identifier of the motor vehicle;

34. The method as claimed in claim 33, which includes the step of transmitting interrogation signal in order to determine whether or not the user is still in the motor vehicle.

35. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the interrogation signal is transmitted periodically.

36. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein the interrogation signal is transmitted continuously.

37. The method as claimed in any of claims 33 to 36, which includes the step of provisionally terminating the insurance cover in response to receiving the end location data of the motor vehicle where the commuter disembarked, and continue with the insurance cover otherwise.

38. The method as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 37, which includes sending a confirmation message to the user, the confirmation message including details of the insurance cover, associated period of insurance cover, corresponding cost of the insurance cover and balance of insurance cover still available being the unexpired balance of insured trips remaining.

39. The method as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein an insurance funder completed a registration process, on behalf of the user, which included making available particular details, including insurance funder information and user identification information.

40. The method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the insurance authorisation module is operable to send (via the communication arrangement), an insurance funder confirmation message to the insurance funder, wherein the insurance funder confirmation message including details of the insurance cover, associated period of insurance cover, corresponding cost of the insurance cover and details of the user who was insured during the particular period.

41 . The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the insurance funder confirmation message includes the number of valid trip insurance covers remaining.

42. The method as claimed in any of claims 40, wherein an insurance funder's account with an Insurance Service Provider is automatically debited whenever the trip insurance funds have reached a predetermined level.

43. The method as claimed in any of claims 33 to 38, which includes the prior step(s) of registration of the commuter, which includes:

providing the commuter with an identification device, the identification device having the commuter unique identifier stored thereon.

44. The method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the commuter unique identifier is a commuter insurance code.

45. The method as claimed in claims 44, wherein the commuter identification information includes personal identification information, commuter next of kin contact information and commuter medical alert information.

46. The method as claimed in any of claims 43 to 45, which includes sending a registration confirmation message to the commuter, the registration confirmation message including the commuter insurance code and insurance cover details.

47. The method as claimed in any of claims 43 to 46, which includes:

automatically populating an insurance document, in response to the generating commuter insurance code, by retrieving a template associated with the insurance cover and by inputting automatically the commuter identification information on the template thereby creating an insurance document for the commuter; and providing the commuter with terms and conditions of the insurance cover.

48. The method as claimed in any of claim 43 to 47, which includes, purchasing trip insurance cover by accessing a website, a banking ATM or cellular phone banking, or using an e-wallet mechanism.

49. The method as claimed in any of claims 43 to 48, wherein a commuter's account with an Insurance Service Provider is automatically debited whenever the trip insurance funds have reached a predetermined level.

50. A method of purchasing at least one insurance trip, the method including: receiving an initiation message, indicative that the commuter wishes to purchase the at least one insurance trip, and a commuter unique identifier; interrogating a commuter database in order to determine whether or not the commuter has pre-registered and retrieving an identification device associated with the commuter unique identifier;

updating a commuter database with an insurance status of the commuter's insurance cover, wherein the insurance status indicates that the commuter has purchased the at least one insurance trip.

51 . The method as claimed in claim 50, wherein the method is partially or entirely computer-implemented.

52. A system, which includes:

a unique identifier of the user; and

an identifier of the motor vehicle;

interrogating, via an insurance authorisation module, a pre- populated commuter database to verify that the user has indeed registered and that details of the user available; receiving, via the communication arrangement, an initial location data indicative of a location where the user has embarked the motor vehicle;