Geico Insurance: Driver-Based Coverage And Its Implications

GEICO is a popular car insurance company that offers a range of insurance products and services to its customers. One common question that people have about car insurance is whether the insurance follows the driver or the car. This is an important consideration, especially when borrowing or lending a car, as it can impact insurance coverage and claims in the event of an accident. So, does GEICO insurance follow the driver? In this article, we will explore GEICO's policies and provide insights into how their insurance coverage works when it comes to different drivers and vehicles.

Adding a driver to your GEICO insurance policy

GEICO defines "regularly" as using your vehicle more than once per month on a recurring basis. Generally, anyone who regularly operates your vehicle should be added to your policy. This includes your spouse, who is usually required to be on the same policy as you. It also includes your significant other/partner/fiancé, especially if they live with you and use your car regularly. Teen drivers and college students with a learner's permit or a valid driver's license should also be added to your policy. Roommates who live in your household and regularly drive your car should be added, as well as friends or family members who regularly use your vehicle.

Drivers who live in your household and have a valid driver's license are usually required to be added to your policy. You can exclude family members by proving they have other insurance, but this often doesn't make financial sense. If the additional driver lives with you, uses your car regularly, or is your teenager, adding them to your policy is usually the cheapest option. Adding a driver with a good driving or credit history may even reduce your premium. However, adding a newly licensed teen driver with little experience can increase your premium.

Before adding a driver to your policy, use GEICO's online policy management portal or the Jerry app to see how much your rate will be affected. You can also compare rates with other companies. GEICO offers numerous discounts to help offset the cost of adding another driver. Experienced drivers may be eligible for additional discounts, as most insurance companies offer discounts for good drivers.

Discounts for good drivers

GEICO offers a range of discounts for good drivers, including the Defensive Driver discount. This discount is available to drivers in certain states who have completed an approved defensive driving course on a voluntary basis. The course must be completed through an outside entity, such as Defensive Driving by IMPROV, the National Safety Council, or the American Safety Council, and GEICO will update the policy to reflect the discount upon successful completion. The discount amount varies by state, with Alaska and Arizona drivers able to save up to 10% on applicable coverages.

Full-time students with a good academic record can also get discounts of up to 15% on certain coverages. Students who reside away from home to attend school full-time can save even more on some coverages if they don't have regular access to a covered vehicle.

GEICO also offers multi-policy discounts, including a discount of up to 25% for customers who insure more than one car with them. Customers can also bundle their auto coverage with other insurance policies, such as home or renters insurance, to save money. Additionally, homeowners may be eligible for a discount on their policy, and purchasing a new policy in advance of the existing policy's expiration can result in a higher discount.

It's worth noting that GEICO offers various other discounts that may be applicable to good drivers. These include discounts for safety features in the vehicle and discounts based on the driver's membership, employment, or affiliation with certain organizations.

GEICO's privacy policy

GEICO's website and mobile app collect, transmit, and use geolocation information to support features such as determining your zip code, finding your nearest branch or ATM, and preventing fraudulent card use. Users must authorize the collection of such information, and can choose whether to allow geolocation information to be monitored on the website, and whether it is followed continuously in the background, only while the app is being used, or not at all on the mobile app.

The GEICO website also contains hyperlinks to other sites created and maintained by other organizations. When users click on these links, they leave the GEICO website and view alternate websites not operated by GEICO. The company has no control over the privacy practices of these external sites and is not responsible for their content. Any information provided directly to these external sites is subject to the privacy policy posted on their website.

GEICO also offers a virtual assistant that can answer policy questions, show billing information, or direct users to the GEICO Mobile app or website. The company also offers an array of online services, such as the ability to manage policies, make payments, and request an ID card.

GEICO's mobile app

The GEICO Mobile app also includes Vehicle Care, powered by CARFAX®, which enables users to access their car's service history, check for open recalls, and create maintenance schedules. Additionally, the app offers a virtual assistant that can answer questions about policies, billing, and other insurance-related inquiries. Users can also make payments directly through the app, utilising various payment methods and flexible payment amounts. The app ensures security and privacy by encrypting all personal information during communication with GEICO servers.

One of the app's notable aspects is its ease of use. Users can log in using their existing GEICO user ID and password, and they have the option to enable fingerprint login for added convenience. The app also allows users to add drivers to their policies, update their addresses, and manage their billing information. GEICO's mobile app has received positive reviews from users, who appreciate its user-friendliness and the convenience of having all their insurance information and services in one place.

While the app has generally been well-received, some users have reported issues with certain features. For example, a user encountered challenges with the Driver Easy part of the app, which resulted in inaccurate notifications for hard braking and phone handling. Another user experienced difficulties with a glass damage claim, finding the process cumbersome and time-consuming. Despite these minor drawbacks, the GEICO Mobile app has been recognised as the "#1 Insurance Mobile App" by the Keynova Group in their Q1 and Q3 2021 Mobile Insurance Scorecards.

GEICO's customer satisfaction

GEICO is the third-largest auto insurance company in the US, known for its low rates offered directly to consumers online and over the phone. It is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

GEICO also ranked 4th in the US News rating of companies most likely to be recommended, with a score of 4.2 out of 5. Over 75% of surveyed consumers were either "likely" or "very likely" to recommend the company, and over 80% were "likely" or "very likely" to renew their policy.

NerdWallet's analysis also ranks GEICO as one of the cheapest car insurance companies, along with Progressive, State Farm, and Travelers. Their "ease of use" category considers factors such as website transparency and the ease of filing a claim.

GEICO has received positive reviews from its customers, with some highlighting the company's great customer service and affordable prices. One customer praised the kindness and concern of the agent who assisted their son in an emergency situation. Another long-term customer expressed satisfaction with the way their claims were handled, describing GEICO as a "great and dependable company".

GEICO also offers various discounts to its policyholders, such as the Defensive Driver discount and discounts for safety features in vehicles. These discounts vary by state and the coverage carried.

Frequently asked questions