How GEICO Handles Car Accident Claims

GEICO, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States and is known for handling much of the process online and through its app. Here is how a car accident claim with GEICO typically works, whether you are the policyholder or the other driver.

How to file a claim with GEICO

Most large insurers, GEICO included, let you start a claim in several ways:

• Online through the claims section of their website
• In their mobile app
• By phone with a claims representative
• Through your agent, if you have one

Have this ready: the date, time and location of the crash, the other driver's name and insurance details, the police report number, photos, and a short description of what happened.

If you are the other driver (not a GEICO customer), you can usually open a third-party claim the same way. Ask for the claim number and the name of the adjuster assigned to you.

What happens after you file

1. An adjuster is assigned. They review the report, photos and statements and decide on fault.
2. Damage is assessed, through photos in the app, an inspection or an estimate from a repair shop.
3. Property damage is paid for repairs, or for the car's value if it is a total loss.
4. Injury claims are handled separately and usually take longer, because the adjuster waits for medical records and bills.

Repairs

GEICO has offered a repair program through participating shops that can simplify estimates and payment. You generally still have the right to choose where your car is repaired. If you pick your own shop, ask whether GEICO will need to inspect the car or approve the estimate first.

If your car was repaired after a crash that was not your fault, you may also be able to claim diminished value, the resale value the car lost because of its accident history. Check the insurer's likely number with our diminished value calculator.

Injury claims

For injuries, the adjuster will ask for medical records, bills and proof of lost wages. The offer is usually built from your economic losses plus an amount for pain and suffering, reduced for any fault they assign to you. Before you discuss numbers, see a realistic range with our car accident settlement calculator, and read how adjusters calculate a settlement offer.

Tips for dealing with GEICO

• Get everything in writing: the claim number, the adjuster's name and any offer.
• Be careful with recorded statements if you are claiming against their policyholder. You can politely decline or answer in writing.
• Do not sign a release until you know the full cost of your injuries.
• Keep copies of every document you send.
• Because so much of the process happens in the app and online, keep your own copies of everything you upload, and write down the names of adjusters you speak with and the dates.

If you disagree with a decision

Ask the adjuster to explain the decision in writing and point to the policy language or evidence they relied on. Send any missing documents. If you still cannot resolve it, you can ask to speak with a supervisor, file a complaint with your state's insurance department, or talk to a licensed attorney.

Frequently asked questions

How long does GEICO take to settle a car accident claim?

Property damage claims often settle in days to weeks. Injury claims usually take months, because they wait for treatment to finish and records to arrive.

Can I file a claim with GEICO if I am not their customer?

Yes, if their policyholder caused the crash. That is called a third-party claim.

Does GEICO pay diminished value?

It depends on the state, the type of claim and the policy. Third-party diminished value claims against the at-fault driver’s insurer are the most common route. Ask the adjuster and put your request in writing.