The event took place in January and was open to students of any college in the area to register in teams of two to four students. Once teams were formed, they were given the case and had one week to put together an idea and submit a PowerPoint slide deck. Over 25 teams registered, accounting for around 75 people.


Brothers practice their PowerPoint before their case study presentation.

The case studies focused on entrepreneurial and innovative ideas to replace the potentially dwindling auto insurance industry because of autonomous cars, as well as bringing new and young spirit to a traditionally older industry.


Zac Denault and Jake Smith, both Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, pose during the case finals.

After the PowerPoint due date, a team of AAA C-level and VP executives picked the top six teams to present their case studies. Teams presented in front of the judges and a top accounting professor at Cal Poly, who judged the teams on innovation, creativity, presentation and effectiveness. The top three teams were awarded cash prizes, totaling $1,750.


Connor Yost, Carter London, Kevin Flood and Sarah Arfsten participate in the AAA Insurance case study competition.

According to VPCO Matthew Lem, "Not only was this a great way to get involved with the campus, it also put our name out there! It was also a fundraising event as AAA donated a flat fee of $500 and another $15 for every student over 50 students to submit a presentation. It was a great first event and created good momentum as we look to host more university-wide events. Furthermore, we have been approached by AAA Auto Insurance about pursuing more in the future."