Insurer guide
How GEICO Handles Car Accident Claims
How to file a car accident claim with GEICO, what happens after you file, how repairs and injury claims are handled, and tips for dealing with the adjuster.
GEICO, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. It sells mostly directly to customers rather than through local agents, and it is known for handling much of the claims process online and through its mobile app. Here is how a car accident claim with GEICO typically works, whether you are the policyholder or the other driver.
ClaimFairly is independent and not affiliated with GEICO. This page is general information based on publicly available sources. For your policy’s exact terms and the current process, check GEICO’s [official claims page](https://www.geico.com/claims/) or your policy documents.
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 an agent, if you bought your policy through one
Because GEICO sells directly, most claims start online, in the app or by phone rather than through an agent. The app lets many customers upload photos and track the claim, which can speed up simple property damage claims.
What to have ready
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Date, time and location of the crash | Basic claim details |
| The other driver's name, plate and insurer | Needed to identify the other party |
| Police report number | Supports the fault decision |
| Photos of both vehicles and the scene | Speeds up the damage estimate |
| Witness names and phone numbers | Helps if fault is disputed |
| A short description of what happened | Keeps your account consistent |
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, and write both down.
What happens after you file
- An adjuster is assigned. They review the report, photos and statements and decide on fault.
- Damage is assessed through photos in the app, an inspection or an estimate from a repair shop.
- Property damage is paid for repairs, or for the car's value if it is a total loss.
- Rental coverage may apply, either under your own policy or as part of a third-party claim when their driver is at fault.
- Injury claims are handled separately and usually take longer, because the adjuster waits for medical records and bills.
A typical timeline
| Stage | Usual time |
|---|---|
| Claim reported and adjuster assigned | Days |
| Fault decision on a clear crash | Days to a few weeks |
| Repair estimate and approval | One to two weeks |
| Repairs completed | Depends on the shop and parts |
| Injury claim offer | Usually after treatment ends |
Repairs
GEICO has offered a repair program through participating shops that can simplify estimates and payment, and repairs at participating shops may come with a guarantee. 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, and how supplements for hidden damage will be handled.
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, and read what diminished value is and how to claim it.
Total loss claims
If repairs would cost too much compared with the car's value, the car may be declared a total loss. The insurer pays its actual cash value before the crash, minus your deductible if you claim under your own policy. Check their valuation against listings for similar cars in your area. If you owe more than the payout on a loan or lease, gap insurance may cover the difference.
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. For specific injuries, see our injury guides.
Using your own coverage
Even when the other driver was at fault, your own policy may help:
- Collision coverage pays to fix your car quickly, minus your deductible, and your insurer may recover the cost later.
- MedPay or PIP pays medical bills regardless of fault, up to your limit.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage helps when the other driver has no insurance or too little.
- Rental reimbursement covers a rental car if you bought it.
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 and photo you send.
- Put your demand in writing with our demand letter generator.
- 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, ask to speak with a supervisor, file a complaint with your state's department of insurance, or talk to a licensed attorney. See how other large insurers compare on our insurer guides page.
Other insurer guides
- How State Farm handles car accident claims
- How Progressive handles car accident claims
- All insurer guides
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.
Do I have to use a GEICO network repair shop?
In most states you can choose your own shop. Network shops can make the process simpler, so ask about the trade-offs before deciding.
Will GEICO pay for a rental car?
If their driver was at fault, a rental is often part of the third-party claim. Under your own policy, it depends on whether you have rental coverage.
What if GEICO says I was partly at fault?
Ask for the decision and reasons in writing and respond with evidence. Your state’s negligence rule decides how shared fault affects your claim.
Sources
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