Systems and methods for purchasing insurance

Abstract

Systems and methods related to an online website wherein businesses seeking insurance can obtain quotations and be connected to a plurality of insurance providers are described herein. In some embodiments, the businesses are authenticated and verified by providing such details as, e.g., employer identification number (EIN) or tax identification number (TIN), and being registered with the system prior to requesting quotations. In some embodiments, the system has an online collaboration system where a business can ask or post questions and receive answers from insurance providers or agents who match their search criteria.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A system for allowing a business inquire about insurance, comprising:
 a communication interface;   a data storage system configured to store registration information for a plurality of business and a plurality of agents;   a server coupled with the data storage system and the communication interface, the server configured to:
 receive registration requests from a plurality of agents through the communication interface; 
 validate agent license information from one or more of the agents; 
 receive product information from the one or more agents having validated license information; 
 receive a registration request from a business through the communication interface; 
 validate tax identification information from the business; 
 allow the business to create a request for information defining certain product information; 
 filter the plurality of agents based on the product information each agent provided and based on the content of the business request for information to identify potential agents that meet requirements of the business inquiry; and 
 allow the potential agents and the business to post one or more messages related to inquiring about insurance, respond to posts, and request information on a message board.