If you're looking to get in contact with GEICO directly, please reach out to them. This post is for injury victims who need help navigating the insurance claims process.
GEICO is a car insurance company that is probably best known for its television commercials with a talking gecko lizard. GEICO originally started as an insurer for federal government employees and their families, but it eventually expanded its offerings to the general public. What you may not know is that GEICO is currently the second-largest auto insurer in the country behind State Farm.GEICO Claims Process
Given GEICO's status as the second largest auto insurer in the country, you may find yourself dealing with GEICO if you are involved in a Georgia car accident. You may even have GEICO car insurance yourself. If you were in an accident and one of the drivers has GEICO, there are some important things you should know. Most importantly, you should know that GEICO is likely not looking out for your best interests. Instead, GEICO will do what it can to save money on your claim. The only way you will have someone on your side who is protecting your rights is if you hire a personal injury attorney. So what should you expect if you find yourself dealing with GEICO after a car accident? Here's some basic information to help you know what to expect from the claims process.Opening a Claim with GEICO
GEICO has an easy-to-use feature on its website that allows you to report your claim online. The online claims feature is open to anybody who is involved in an accident with a GEICO policyholder. You can also call GEICO's claims phone number at 1-800-861-8380.
Whether you open the claim online or on the phone, you will be asked a series of questions about your car accident and to provide information, such as:- Your full name and contact information
- Full name and contact information of other parties involved
- Insurance information, such as company name and policy number
- Driver's license, license plate, and vehicle registration
- Type, color, and models of vehicles involved
- Location of the accident
GEICO’s Investigation of Your Claim
GEICO's investigation of your claim will start as soon as the claim is opened. One of the most important questions GEICO will want to answer is who was at fault for causing the accident. To determine liability, GEICO will get a copy of the police report to see what the responding police officer's investigation revealed, whether any citations were issued, and whether any witnesses were interviewed. The GEICO adjuster may also interview witnesses.
After it has completed its investigation, GEICO will determine who was at fault. It may determine that two or more drivers were at fault and assign percentages of fault. If you were one of the drivers, it may determine you were at least partially to blame. Under Georgia law, an injured person can recover damages for an accident as long as he or she is less than 50% at fault. If the injured person was 50% or more to blame then the injured person cannot recover damages. This is known as comparative fault. GEICO may use its comparative fault determination to reduce what it has to pay you for your property damage or bodily injury claim. If you are dealing with GEICO as the insurer of the other driver, please remember that you should never give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. GEICO will try to use any recorded statement you give to get you to say something it can later hold against you. However, if you are the one with GEICO, you may need to give a recorded statement because your insurance policy likely says you have a duty to cooperate with your insurance company.Property Damage Claims with GEICO
One of the first steps after your claim is opened with GEICO will be to get your vehicle damage handled. The insurance company should cover the cost of getting your vehicle repaired or replaced. Whether your car is repairable or totaled, you will need a rental car while your regular vehicle is at the repair shop and unavailable during the auto repair process.
Your own insurance policy, whether it was with GEICO or some other insurer, may have rental car coverage that pays for your rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Regardless of what your coverage is, the other driver's insurance should be responsible for paying for vehicle repair costs and your rental vehicle if they were responsible for causing the accident. After GEICO assesses the damage to your vehicle it will determine whether it can be fixed or whether it needs to be totaled. Your vehicle may end up being totaled if the cost to repair it, plus the cost of paying for your rental car and your diminished value claim, is close to or more than the amount GEICO could pay just to replace it. If your vehicle is repaired then you may be entitled to diminished value. A diminished value claim is based on the fact that your car is generally worth less if it is damaged in an accident. The amount of a diminished value claim depends on several factors, including the make and model of the car, its condition, the car's mileage, and the amount of damage.Personal Injury Claims with GEICO
Car accidents can result in serious injuries that may require emergency services, extensive medical treatment, and follow-up care. The medical bills and related costs can add up quickly. As such, a personal injury claim with GEICO should not be handled alone. Otherwise, you may miss out on the maximum compensation you deserve.
Importantly, you need a personal injury attorney if you are injured in a car accident, whether you are dealing with GEICO or some other insurance company. Insurance companies are not in the business of looking out for injured people's interests and paying the full value on their claims. On the contrary, insurance companies will do everything they can to pay you less than what you are entitled to receive. GEICO is no different.