What happens when you file a claim with GEICO?

Asked by: Lincoln Schneider IV  |  Last update: April 3, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)

Once you report your claim, if eligible, make an appointment for a damage inspection. The inspection typically takes around 30 minutes. If your car isn't safe to drive, we'll send a GEICO adjuster to look at your car. You don't have to meet with our adjuster unless you want to.

How does a claim work with GEICO?

Just contact GEICO to get the insurance claims process started. If your car is safe to drive, we'll schedule a time for you to bring it in—usually within 24 hours. If it's not safe to drive, just let us know and we will send an auto damage adjuster to the vehicle's location.

Does your insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault in GEICO?

Whether and how much your insurance may go up after an accident usually depends on the details and specifics of the accident, the severity, and any damages that occurred. You can learn more about how a claim may affect your policy.

Will my insurance go up if I file a claim?

Insurance claims can cause your insurance rate to increase for a temporary amount of time, typically three to five years.

How long does GEICO take to approve a claim?

Many claimants wonder: How long does it take GEICO to process a claim? According to GEICO's website, they can settle claims in as fast as 48 hours.

What Happens After You Report a Claim - GEICO

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Is GEICO good at paying claims?

According to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, Geico ranked a little lower than the average rating for insurance companies. With a score of 857, the company fell behind the industry average of 861.

How do I know if my insurance claim was approved?

The payer will typically assign the finalized status of this claim within 7-10 business days. If the claim is Accepted, there won't be further action required from you. If the claim is Rejected, the payer will let you know why so you can make corrections and resubmit.

What is the downside of filing an insurance claim?

It could increase your premiums

When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.

Will my insurance drop me if I file a claim?

Yes, your car insurance company can drop you if you file too many claims.

How many claims before GEICO drops you?

Insurers, like State Farm or GEICO, do not have a fixed number of claims that automatically lead to policy cancellation. This is more likely to happen if you have three or more claims, a record of DUI, at-fault car accidents with high bodily injury and property damage costs and other traffic violations.

How does GEICO determine fault?

Take Statements And Gather Information. When there are conflicting versions of what occurred in the accident, the liability examiner conducts an in-depth interview with each person involved. These interviews help resolve disputes over the facts of the accident.

What happens if GEICO denied my claim?

Dealing with Disputed Liability

If you disagree with Geico's determination of fault, you may be able to appeal the decision. This typically involves submitting a formal appeal to Geico's appeals department, which will review the case and make a final decision.

Is GEICO fair with claims?

GEICO claims adjusters are notorious for making lowball first settlement offers on pretty much all accident claims. The first settlement offer you get from a GEICO adjuster is usually extremely low, sometimes half of the claim's true value.

Do I cash insurance claim check?

You should not cash a good will check sent by your insurance company after a car accident without speaking to an attorney. Your insurance company could use the cashed check to get out of paying you on your claim by considering it a settlement.

How long does it take an adjuster to look at your car?

Usually, you'll hear from an insurance adjuster within three days of making the claim to discuss matters. If they need to survey the damage, it can be a few more days. If you use a repair garage that is affiliated with (or at least approved by) your insurance company, the process can speed up a bit.

What should you not do when making an insurance claim?

While temporary repairs are a good idea, don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected. If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster.

Does insurance increase after claim?

Even if you've been considered a safe driver in the past, your insurer may re-evaluate your driving record and decide to raise your premium if new claims indicate you've become a riskier driver. However, filing a claim doesn't mean your insurance premium will automatically increase.

How long do insurance claims stay on your record?

For minor accidents, the record retention period typically spans three years from the date of the accident. Notably, if you were not deemed at fault, it is illegal for insurance companies to increase your premiums in California.

When should you not file a car insurance claim?

“If your damages are minor, you're much better off just paying out of pocket.” Even if the repairs cost slightly more than the deductible, it's still not worth submitting a claim that gets added to your claim history and can negatively affect your premiums in the future.

What is one of the most common reasons for a claim being rejected by an insurance company?

9 top reasons your claim is denied
  • Incomplete information. Claims often get denied due to incomplete information. ...
  • Service not covered. ...
  • Claim filed too late. ...
  • Coding or billing error. ...
  • Insurer believes the procedure wasn't necessary. ...
  • Duplicate claim filed. ...
  • Pre-existing condition not covered. ...
  • Lack of pre-authorization.

Is it better to pay out of pocket or claim car insurance?

If the repair costs are less than your deductible (or even slightly more) you should pay for the repairs out of pocket. For example, if the damage to your car costs $300 to fix, and your deductible is $200, you would save $100 by filing a claim.

How long after an accident do you have to file a claim with Geico?

When it comes to how soon a policyholder files a claim, Geico does not have a time limit.

What is the first thing you should do in a car accident?

A. STOP Immediately and move only if it is safe to do so.
  • Call 911 if there are injuries.
  • Call the police. ...
  • Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers from all drivers.
  • Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers.

Can I keep extra money from an insurance claim?

You may be able to keep excess money as long as you're not violating your provider's rules or committing insurance fraud.