In the early days of the internet, there was a mad dash to reserve domain names that might become valuable in the future. Eventually, companies pooled together enough cash to buy out those who were holding onto popular names, and as a result, a number of URLs were sold for seriously steep prices. Now, these seven websites hold the title of most expensive internet domain names.
Insure.com: $16 million
When Insure.com was sold for $16 million in 2009, it fetched 10 times more than what it was sold for in 2001.
Internet.com: $18 million
In 2009, California-based online marketing company Quin Street purchased Internet.com from WebMediaBrands for $18 million in cold cash.
PrivateJet.com: $30.1 million
With an aim to attract ultra affluent clients, Atlanta-based Nations Luxury Transportation was willing to cough up $30.1 million for PrivateJet.com in 2012. The site currently sells flights starting at $1,980 an hour.
VacationRentals.com: $35 million
Texas-based firm HomeAway purchased this domain name in 2017 in order to keep it off the hands of its biggest competitor, Expedia.
Insurance.com: $35.6 million
In 2010, Quin Street—the company that acquired Internet.com and Insure.com—also nabbed Insurance.com.
CarInsurance.com: $49.7 million
And there's more: Quin Street bought CarInsurance.com in 2010, too!
LasVegas.com: $90 million
Vegas.com purchased LasVegas.com for $12 million upfront in 2005, and agreed to pay the rest in installments until 2040.
