QuoteMates

Inspiration

We were inspired to create an application that simplifies the process of obtaining insurance quotes. With so many options and variables to consider, we wanted to build a tool that would make it easier for users to find quotes that suit their needs, whether it’s health, auto, or renter’s insurance.

What it does

QuoteMates provides a user-friendly platform where users can receive quick, personalized insurance quotes. By inputting specific details, users can generate estimates based on the type of insurance they need. We also attempted to integrate an AI chatbot to assist with additional questions.

How we built it

We initially tried using a service called Defang for hosting but switched to Streamlit due to issues with long compilation times. We used Python for implementing the insurance quote calculations and created separate pages for each type of insurance. We also utilized GitHub for version control and collaboration among group members.

Challenges we ran into

The biggest challenge was the deployment process on Defang, as it took around five minutes to compile and debug each update, which hindered our progress. Switching to Streamlit made the development process smoother. Another challenge we faced was integrating OpenAI’s chatbot, as we couldn’t resolve compatibility issues, leaving it non-functional.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Many have never had to navigate the complexities of purchasing insurance, we know firsthand how daunting the process can be. That’s why we’re proud of building a platform that breaks down these barriers and simplifies insurance shopping. Our aim was to create a website that’s approachable and user-friendly, making insurance feel less intimidating and more accessible to people like us. Despite the challenges we faced, we’re happy that we were able to achieve this vision and create something that can genuinely help others.

What we learned

It was all of our first time working on a collaborative project as well as using a cloud-based environment to work on a project. We also learned how to adapt quickly—switching from one service to another—and how to debug complex issues together. Most importantly, we learned how to bring our individual strengths together to build something meaningful and valuable as a team.

What's next for QuoteMates

Our next steps include fixing the chatbot integration to provide a more interactive user experience, and adding a database to allow users to create profiles, save their quote estimates, and view their history. This would enable users to revisit their quotes anytime, making the process even more convenient and personalized.