If you’ve been in an accident and need to file an insurance claim with GEICO, you’ll quickly find that the process isn’t straightforward. While GEICO is famous for its quirky commercials and promises of saving you time and money, settling a car accident claim with them is another story entirely.
The company’s top priority isn’t helping you: it’s protecting their bottom line. That means they’ll do everything they can to pay out as little as possible for your claim, no matter how serious your injuries may be. But here’s the truth: if you’re prepared and know how to handle their tactics, you can work through the process and get fair compensation for your injuries. Whether it’s your first time filing an insurance claim or you’ve dealt with adjusters before, the information in this blog will help you work toward a resolution that meets your needs.
The GEICO Claims Process- an Overview
GEICO, short for the Government Employees Insurance Company, is one of the largest and most well-known auto insurance providers in the United States. It was founded in 1936 with the original goal of providing affordable car insurance to government employees and members of the military. Over the years, GEICO expanded its customer base and now offers coverage to the general public, becoming one of the most recognized brands in the industry.
Today, GEICO operates as a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate led by Warren Buffett. In addition to auto insurance policies, it offers coverage for motorcycles, boats, RVs, homes, and renters. The insurance giant is also famous for its marketing campaigns featuring its gecko mascot and the tagline promising savings by switching to GEICO.
While GEICO is known for its efficient claims process and customer-friendly technology, such as its mobile app and online tools, the company has a reputation for aggressively minimizing claim payouts to injured parties. This approach often leads to frustration for accident victims seeking fair compensation, making it important to approach any dealings with GEICO with preparation and, in many cases, legal support.
Here’s how it works: after you file your claim, GEICO assigns an insurance adjuster to evaluate your case. This party reviews the accident details, assesses the damage, and makes an initial settlement offer. That initial offer is rarely enough to cover your expenses. It’s a starting point, not the final word. Negotiation is often necessary to achieve a payout that reflects the full extent of your financial losses.
Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident
What you do right after an accident sets the stage for your claim: the stronger your evidence, the better your chances of securing a higher settlement check.
Document the Accident Scene
Start by documenting the scene thoroughly. Take clear photos of vehicle damage, any bodily injuries you’ve sustained, and the surrounding area. Include skid marks, weather conditions, and any other relevant details. Exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver, taking care to avoid incriminating statements. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information.
Call the Police
Notifying law enforcement is another critical step. Even in minor accidents, a police report provides an unbiased account of what happened, which can make your claim stronger. Request a copy of the report as soon as it’s available.
Get Medical Treatment
Seeking medical treatment is equally important. Some injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation not only protects your health and well-being but also provides documentation that links your injuries to the accident.
Call GEICO
Finally, notify GEICO about the accident promptly, but keep your communication brief. Provide basic details and avoid offering opinions about fault or the severity of your injuries. If possible, consult a Texas car accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement to ensure your rights are protected.
Filing Your Claim with GEICO
Filing a claim with GEICO is relatively straightforward. You can submit it through their website, mobile app, or by phone. Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your insurance policy number
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A brief description of what happened
- Contact information for any witnesses
- The police report number, if applicable
Dealing with GEICO’s Adjuster
Once you’ve filed your accident claim, GEICO will assign an adjuster to handle your case. This person’s job is to investigate the accident, evaluate the damages, and offer an initial settlement. While claims adjusters often seem friendly and cooperative, never forget that their ultimate loyalty is to GEICO, not to you. Their role is to protect the company’s bottom line, often offering settlements far below what your claim is worth.
One of the best moves you can make is to hire a personal injury lawyer before engaging with the adjuster. Why? Because adjusters are skilled at steering conversations in a way that benefits the insurance company. They may ask you for a recorded statement or press you for details about the accident. Without realizing it, you could say something that weakens your claim. For example, a simple comment like “I’m feeling better today” could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
When you have a car accident attorney, you can direct the adjuster to communicate with them instead of speaking with you directly. This eliminates the risk of saying something that might be taken out of context. Experienced car accident lawyers understand the tactics adjusters use and know how to respond. They also ensure that the evidence supporting your claim (medical records, repair estimates, and more) is presented in a way that makes your position stronger.
Documenting every interaction with the adjuster is still important, even if you’ve hired an accident injury lawyer. Keep records of phone calls, emails, and any requests GEICO makes. Your car accident attorney will use this information to track the progress of your claim and push back if the adjuster isn’t cooperating or offering a fair settlement.
By referring the adjuster to an experienced car accident attorney, you gain two critical advantages: protection from potentially harmful conversations and the confidence that your case is being handled by someone who knows how to negotiate effectively. It’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your claim and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Negotiating with GEICO
When it comes to negotiation, expect GEICO’s first offer to be low. Auto insurance adjusters often start with a number that’s far below the true value of your claim, hoping you’ll accept it out of frustration or lack of information. Don’t do it.
Your personal injury lawyer will start by rejecting the initial offer and presenting a counteroffer supported by evidence. This might include medical records, medical expenses, repair estimates, and proof of lost income. The stronger your evidence, the harder it is for the insurance representative to argue against it.
You can expect an experienced lawyer to stay firm but professional during negotiations. If GEICO disputes your claim or offers excuses for their low payout, they will respond calmly and back up your position with facts. If negotiations stall or they feel you’re being treated unfairly, the next step may be going to court. While this is comparatively rare with personal injury claims, it can still happen, and your personal injury attorney will be prepared.
Assessing the Value of Your Claim
Before you can start negotiating with GEICO, you need a clear understanding of the true value of your claim. This is where your personal injury lawyer paints a full picture of how the motor vehicle accident has affected your life. Knowing this value and the types of damages you may be entitled to give you the leverage to push back against lowball offers.
Economic Damages
Start by focusing on economic damages, which are the easier numbers to calculate because they deal with concrete costs. These are the expenses that come with receipts, bills or lost paychecks attached.
- Medical Expenses: Medical bills are usually the largest portion of most claims. They include the ER visit, initial doctor’s appointment, follow-up visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests like MRIs or X-rays, physical therapy sessions, and any prescriptions you’ve been given. If your injuries require long-term medical care, surgeries, or ongoing treatment, those costs should also be factored in.
- Loss of Income: If severe injuries forced you to take time off work, those missed paychecks are part of your actual damages. You may also be entitled to claim future lost earning potential if you can no longer do the job you used to. This is especially important if you have a physically demanding job or a career that relies on skills your injuries have compromised.
- Property Damage: This usually involves the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. However, it can also include personal items damaged in the accident, like a laptop, phone, or even car seats for your kids. GEICO is likely to challenge the value of these items, so make sure you have receipts, repair estimates, or appraisals to back up your numbers.
Non-Economic Damages
Once you’ve calculated your economic damages, it’s time to look at the harder-to-define impacts of the accident: non-economic damages. They cover the intangible ways the accident has changed your life, and while they don’t come with an exact dollar figure, they’re no less significant.
- Pain and Suffering: This claim covers the ongoing discomfort that disrupts your ability to enjoy life. Maybe you wake up every day with stiffness in your back or shooting pain in your arm, or you’re in constant emotional distress. That’s not something a quick trip to the doctor can fix, and it’s something GEICO needs to account for in their accident settlement offer.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Accidents often lead to physical limitations that prevent you from doing things you used to take for granted, like exercising, playing with your kids, or even doing chores around the house. If these limitations are long-term or permanent, they deserve maximum compensation.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you used to love playing sports, gardening, or even just going for a walk, and now those things are off the table because of your accident injuries, that’s a real loss.
When calculating non-economic damages, it’s a good idea to document your experiences. Keep a journal of how your injuries are affecting you, whether it’s missing out on family events, struggling to sleep, or dealing with frustration over your limitations. This type of evidence can help illustrate the full extent of your claim when it’s time to negotiate.
Questions About GEICO Settlements? Speak to a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
Getting a settlement from GEICO after an accident requires preparation and persistence. By documenting the accident, understanding the value of your claim, and negotiating strategically, you can push back against lowball offers and secure a payout that meets your needs.
However, tackling this process on your own can be difficult. That’s why working with an experienced attorney is so important. At Texas Law Guns, Injury & Accident Lawyers, our personal injury law firm has helped countless clients file claims with GEICO and maximize their settlements. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today for an initial consultation. Let our legal team fight to get you the payout you need to rebuild your life after a car accident: call our law firm at (210) 800-0000 or contact us online today.
The Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS boasts a team of professionals who focus on personal injury cases for the San Antonio area. This means that if you receive significant physical or emotional injuries we are around to help you understand your rights and seek compensation. If you’re hurt in a car accident, animal attack, slip and fall accident or 18 wheeler, we’re the law firm that cares about your problems.