Geico Auto Insurance: State-Wide Coverage?

GEICO offers auto insurance coverage in all 50 states, but the specific coverages and limits vary by state. While some coverages are required by state law, others are optional. GEICO's website provides a state-by-state guide to help customers understand the specific requirements and discounts available in their state. It is important to note that GEICO's auto insurance policies are customizable, allowing customers to select the coverages and limits that best fit their needs and budget.

State laws set the minimum coverage amount and type

Minimum Coverage Requirements:

Almost every state in the US mandates a minimum amount of car insurance for drivers to legally operate their vehicles on public roads. These requirements are set by individual state laws and are designed to ensure that drivers have financial responsibility in the event of an accident. The specific coverage types and limits may vary from state to state.

Types of Coverage:

• Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage pays for medical expenses and, in some cases, legal fees if you are at fault in an accident that causes injuries to another person.
• Property Damage Liability: This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of another person's property, such as their vehicle or other damaged items, if you are at fault in an accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no insurance. It helps cover your injuries and property damage.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP is mandatory in no-fault states and covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and funeral expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
• Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): MedPay helps cover your medical expenses after an accident. It is typically considered optional but may be required in some states.

State-Specific Variations:

While most states require a combination of bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage, there are some variations to note:

• No-Fault States: In no-fault states, drivers typically need to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. In these states, drivers usually file bodily injury claims with their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
• At-Fault States: Most states are considered at-fault states, where the driver deemed responsible for the accident covers the other driver's injuries and damages.
• Unique Requirements: Certain states, like Florida, only require Property Damage Liability coverage and PIP, while others, like New Hampshire, do not mandate car insurance but have financial responsibility requirements that drivers must meet.

Customizing Your Coverage:

While state laws set the minimum coverage, it's essential to assess your individual needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Your state's minimum coverage may not provide enough protection in the event of a serious accident.
• Evaluate your financial situation and consider if you need more coverage to protect your assets.
• Consider optional coverages like emergency roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance, which can provide additional peace of mind.

In conclusion, while state laws set the baseline for auto insurance coverage, it's crucial to understand your specific needs and budget. By reviewing the minimum requirements and exploring additional coverage options, you can make informed decisions about your auto insurance policy and ensure you have the protection you need.

GEICO auto insurance may cover rental cars

If you only have liability insurance with GEICO, physical damage to the rental vehicle will not be covered. In this case, you may need to purchase additional insurance from the rental car company or check if your credit card company offers rental car insurance.

To determine if your GEICO auto insurance covers rental cars, it is recommended to review your policy or contact GEICO directly. They can provide specific details about your coverage and any applicable exclusions or limitations.

GEICO also offers rental car reimbursement coverage, which can help pay for the cost of a rental car while your personal vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim. This coverage is subject to daily and per-claim limits, and you can select the specific limits when purchasing this add-on.

Optional coverages include emergency roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance

GEICO offers a range of optional coverages to supplement your auto insurance policy, including emergency roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance. These additional coverages provide valuable protection and benefits in various situations involving your vehicle.

Emergency Roadside Assistance

Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) is available 24/7 and can be requested online, through the GEICO Mobile app, or by phone. It covers a range of roadside emergencies, including:

• Towing to the nearest repair facility
• Tire changes with a functioning spare
• Lockout services up to $100
• Winching if your vehicle is stuck on or next to a publicly maintained roadway
• Fuel delivery to help you reach a gas station or your destination

Rental Reimbursement

Rental Reimbursement, also known as Transportation Expense, is an optional coverage that helps pay for rental car costs while your insured vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim. You can keep the rental car until your vehicle is repaired or until your coverage limit is reached, whichever comes first. GEICO offers direct billing with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, or you can choose another rental provider and be reimbursed up to your coverage limits. It's important to note that rental reimbursement does not cover costs for gas, mileage, additional coverage, or security deposits.

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance covers repairs to all mechanical parts of your car, protecting you from costly repair bills after your warranty expires. This coverage ensures that you won't have to bear the full financial burden of unexpected mechanical issues with your vehicle.

These optional coverages provide added peace of mind and financial protection in the event of vehicle-related emergencies. By including these coverages in your GEICO auto insurance policy, you can enhance your overall protection and ensure assistance when you need it most.

GEICO offers Accident Forgiveness in most states

Accident Forgiveness is a feature of GEICO auto insurance that helps keep your insurance rates affordable. Accident Forgiveness is available in most states and can be earned or purchased. This means that if you are eligible, you may be able to access Accident Forgiveness for free, or you can choose to buy it as an upgrade to your policy.

Accident Forgiveness applies to qualifying drivers who have been accident-free for five years or more. It may not apply to drivers under 21 years of age. Accident Forgiveness only applies to your first accident. Your insurance rate will not increase as a result of your first otherwise surchargeable, at-fault accident. Subsequent occurrences do not qualify for Accident Forgiveness.

Eligibility for Accident Forgiveness is determined by your specific policy type, as well as your state laws and regulations. Terms vary according to state law. For example, in California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, Accident Forgiveness is not available.

Discounts are available for students, federal employees, and armed forces members

GEICO offers a range of discounts on auto insurance for students, federal employees, and members of the armed forces. These discounts are available in most states and can help save money on insurance premiums.

For students, GEICO offers a good student discount, which is available for full-time students who maintain a "B" average or better. Additionally, students who have a clean driving record and have not been in an accident within the last five years may also be eligible for a good driver discount. GEICO also provides discounts for members of alumni associations, colleges, universities, and select student organizations.

Federal employees can take advantage of the Eagle Discount, which offers up to a 12% discount on the total auto insurance premium. This discount is available for both active and retired federal employees in most states.

Members of the armed forces, including those on active duty, retired, or in the National Guard or Reserves, may be eligible for a Military Discount of up to 15% on their total insurance premium. GEICO also offers an Emergency Deployment Discount for those who are part of an emergency deployment to an imminent danger zone, which can provide up to a 25% discount on auto insurance.

Frequently asked questions