Esurance Launches Free Online Tool That Predicts Whether Gas Prices Will Rise Or Fall

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Esurance, the direct-to-consumer insurance company, today launched Fuelcaster — a free online tool that predicts whether gas prices will rise or fall.

Fuelcaster empowers cost-conscious consumers in the U.S. to choose the best time to fill up. Other apps and online offerings only show consumers current gas prices, but Fuelcaster is the first tool in the United States that actually predicts whether those prices will rise or fall in the next 24 hours.

Using Fuelcaster
Users simply enter a ZIP Code and Fuelcaster will display a "buy" or "wait" recommendation based on whether the price of gas will rise or fall. It'll also display up to 10 gas stations with the lowest price in your area and their current prices. Since Fuelcaster is a web application, it's available on any device with internet access, including desktops, smartphones, and tablets, and users can access driving directions to gas stations through their preferred mapping options. Additionally, by bookmarking Fuelcaster, users can save a list of their three favorite locations, allowing for quick and easy retrieval of the latest gas prices in their area. View the Fuelcaster video here on YouTube.

"From Coverage Counselor® to RepairView®, Esurance has a long history of offering useful online tools for our customers. With Fuelcaster, we are broadening our reach to connect with people who may not be Esurance customers to help save them money," said Esurance President and CEO Gary Tolman. "Fuelcaster goes beyond simply providing nearby gas prices. It empowers consumers to make smarter decisions about where they buy their gas, the price they pay, and most importantly, when to buy."

How It Works
Developed in partnership with Deutsch LA's Inventioni.st group, Fuelcaster is powered by GasBuddy™ and uses a proprietary algorithm that incorporates pricing signals from industry sources to estimate whether gas prices will rise or fall in a particular ZIP Code. The tool can predict price changes with a high degree of confidence and gives consumers the information they need to make smarter decisions about when to buy gas.

"Great marketing solve problems for people," said Deutsch LA Chief Digital Officer Winston Binch. "Fuelcaster does just that by helping potential and current customers make smarter fuel purchases through a simple, elegant, and easy to use web experience. It squarely delivers against the brand's promise of modern insurance. It's the type of marketing that more brands need to be investing in."

About Esurance®
Esurance provides auto, homeowners, motorcycle, and renters insurance direct to consumers online, over the phone, and through select agents, including sister company, Answer Financial. With an easy-to-use mobile app, quick comparison quotes, and online repair monitoring, Esurance is the smart choice for today's web-savvy consumer. As a member of the Allstate family with an A+ rating from A.M. Best, Esurance is a reliable choice for insurance, offering anytime, anywhere service just a click, call, or tap away. For more information, visit www.esurance.com or call 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262).

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUBhfOGHQU8
Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111222/SF26836LOGO-b

SOURCE Esurance