Video: From Customer to Crooner: Esurance Jingle Writer Releases Album

Video: From Customer to Crooner: Esurance Jingle Writer Releases Album

Auto Insurance Company's Latest Animated Star Follows Ad Song with "Up Too Late"

SAN FRANCISCO, May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal auto insurance company, announced the release of customer and aspiring singer/songwriter Kurt Hunter's latest album. In March, the Fullerton, California, native became the fourth Esurance policyholder to star in one of the auto insurance company's animated ads alongside cartoon icon Erin Esurance. Kurt's independently released album, "Up Too Late," is now available for purchase at: http://kurthunter.com/

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090528/NY23551 )

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/esurance/34369/

Discovering Customer Talent

The auto insurance company began promoting the Esurance "Get Animated" Talent Search in August 2008 to find the next customer co-star. Exclusive to Esurance customers and promoted entirely through email and social media, the talent search asked Esurance customers to submit a homemade video highlighting what they love about their auto insurance company. Kurt heard about the contest via email and knew what he wanted to do.

Kurt stated, "When I first heard about the Esurance 'Get Animated' Talent Search, I knew I wanted to write and perform a catchy song that would get stuck in everyone's heads, because that's what I do best! So, I used some key words and phrases that I remembered hearing from the catchy Esurance commercials to incorporate into the song, and within 15 minutes of picking up the guitar, I had written what is now the 'Get Animated' jingle. The rest, as they say, is history!"

Kurt's submission immediately caught the attention of Kristin Brewe, Esurance's Director of Brand & Public Relations. Brewe stated, "Kurt's entry was definitely catchy and memorable. Our customers are creative and innovative, and Kurt's musical creation really speaks to that."

Kurt Gets Animated... Literally

After being selected the runner-up in the Esurance "Get Animated" Talent Search, Kurt was flown to San Francisco for an all-expenses-paid weekend to be filmed and eventually animated by W!LDBRAIN, the San Francisco-based animation studio responsible for all of Esurance's ads.

Kurt stated, "I've always wanted to be a cartoon, so getting animated with Esurance was great! When I first saw myself as an animated person, it was awesome. I would recommend it to anyone. The next step is to somehow make my way onto a show like Family Guy. But for now, I'm just enjoying the continued exposure. Life goal No. 53: check!"

Give Back to Where You Once Belonged

As part of the prize package for finishing second in the Esurance "Get Animated" Talent Search, Esurance donated $2,500 to the charity or organization of Kurt's choice on his behalf. Kurt chose to have his donation made to The Young Americans, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing its members with education in music, dance, performance and teaching, while touring the world in an effort to keep music education a fundamental part of school curriculum. The choice was an easy one for Kurt. He was a member of The Young Americans from 1997 to 2004.

Kurt stated, "A lot of what I know today as a musician and songwriter I learned during my experience with The Young Americans. When Esurance generously offered to make a donation on my behalf, it was a no-brainer. To have the opportunity to support an organization that helped form who I am as an artist really is incredible."

Esurance has made donations on behalf of all of its "Get Animated" customer stars, including Paul, Kate and Ron, and continues to make charitable giving a focal point of the auto insurance company's commitment to social responsibility.

Up Too Late Writing an Album

With the added exposure from being featured in a national commercial, Kurt's been hustling to put the finishing touches on his latest album, "Up Too Late." The album was released independently, and Kurt's hoping the added exposure will help get his name out there.

Kurt stated, "All the exposure has been great. I've been writing songs for a long time, but it's fantastic having one featured in a national ad. I've made a lot of new fans already, and I expect to make a lot more with this album release. I loved writing the jingle and I hope to continue the wonderful relationship I have with the people at Esurance to continue to bring new and original music to new and original people. Get ready world: I plan to make a career out of it."

For more information about Kurt, check out http://www.esurance.com/kurt. For more information about The Young Americans, visit http://www.youngamericans.org/.

About Esurance(R)

Esurance, a subsidiary of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM), provides personal auto insurance direct to consumers online and through select online agents. Esurance is dedicated to constantly improving the way people shop for, buy, and manage their auto insurance. By combining the best of technology with industry know-how, Esurance is able to offer hassle-free coverage with 24/7 customer service and claims handling at competitive prices.

In addition to hassle-free auto insurance, Esurance is also known for its unique use of Flash animation in its advertising, featuring the iconic cartoon secret agent, Erin Esurance. The advertisements are created by Esurance and the award-winning animation studio, W!LDBRAIN. Viewers can access all commercials, along with Erin Esurance downloads, at www.esurance.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090528/NY23551
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comVideo: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/esurance/34369/
Source: Esurance

CONTACT: Susan MacTavish Best of Best Public Relations, +1-415-505-0301,
susan@bestpr.net, for Esurance

Web Site: http://www.esurance.com/

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