Geico Auto Insurance: Is It Worth The Hype?

GEICO is one of the largest insurance providers in the country and is known for its affordable rates and plethora of discounts. GEICO focuses on mobile app and online services rather than in-person assistance, but policyholders get access to 24/7 support and roadside assistance. GEICO offers a variety of car insurance options, including collision, comprehensive, bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments, personal injury protection, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist. GEICO also offers add-on coverages, such as emergency road service, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance.

GEICO has a robust website and mobile app, and it offers a variety of discounts, including for safety features, membership and employee, and driver's education. However, GEICO does not offer gap insurance, and it may be pricey for high-risk drivers. Customer reviews of GEICO are mixed, with some praising the company's low rates, ease of use, and good customer service, while others complain about issues with billing and claims handling. Overall, GEICO is a popular and often affordable choice for car insurance, but it may not be the best option for those who prefer to manage their policy in person.

Geico's customer service

GEICO is a popular choice for car insurance, offering low rates and a raft of discounts. The company is available across the US and is known for its 24/7 customer service and roadside assistance. GEICO's customer service is highly rated, with 97% of policyholders satisfied with the service they received, according to a 2023 survey.

While GEICO's customer service is generally well-regarded, some reviewers have noted that the company's focus on digital service can be a drawback. GEICO has a limited number of local agents, so customers who prefer managing their policy in-person may be better served by a different insurer. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the website, claiming that it "leads you in circles" and that customer service representatives are "unable to help with simple policy changes".

Overall, GEICO's customer service is a strong point of the company, with many reviewers praising the speed, efficiency, and convenience of the service they received. However, the company's digital focus may be a drawback for customers who prefer in-person assistance.

Geico's financial strength

GEICO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., and has assets of more than $32 billion.

GEICO has received top ratings for its financial strength from independent analysts, including:

• A.M. Best, a leading independent analyst of the insurance industry, has given GEICO its highest A++ rating for financial strength. Only 5% of Property and Casualty companies earn this superior rating.
• Standard and Poor's (S&P) has awarded all GEICO affiliates an AA+ rating for financial strength and the coveted Security Circle designation.
• GEICO was named to the Ward's 50 top group of financially high-performing insurers for the 29th consecutive year in 2019.

Geico's discounts

GEICO offers a wide range of discounts on its auto insurance policies. These discounts are based on driving history and habits, vehicle equipment, customer loyalty, and membership and employee affiliations.

Driving History and Habits Discounts

GEICO offers discounts for drivers who have been accident-free for five years, with savings of up to 22% on most coverages. Defensive driving and driver's education course completion can also lead to savings. For full-time students with good academic records, GEICO offers a discount of up to 15% on certain coverages.

Vehicle Equipment Discounts

Vehicles with certain equipment can also receive discounts on specific coverages. Airbags can result in a 23% discount on the medical payments or personal injury portion of the insurance. Anti-lock brakes can lead to a 5% discount, while anti-theft systems can provide up to a 23% discount on the comprehensive portion of the premium. Daytime running lights can result in a 3% discount on certain coverages, and new vehicles that are three model years old or newer can receive up to a 15% discount.

Customer Loyalty Discounts

GEICO rewards customer loyalty with multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts. Insuring more than one car with GEICO can lead to savings of up to 25% on most coverages. Additionally, combining car insurance with a homeowners, renters, condo, or mobile home policy through the GEICO Insurance Agency can result in further discounts.

Membership and Employee Discounts

GEICO partners with various organizations, including alumni associations, fraternities and sororities, and professional organizations, to offer discounts to their members. GEICO also offers special discounts to active-duty military personnel, retired military, and members of the National Guard or Reserves, as well as federal employees. These discounts can range from 12% to 15% on certain coverages or the total premium.

Geico's app and website

GEICO has a mobile app for iOS and Android that allows users to manage their policy and billing details, access their digital auto insurance ID card, pay bills, and submit claims. The app also allows users to request roadside assistance and track their car's maintenance history.

The GEICO app has received positive reviews from its users, with ratings of 4.8/5 and 4.7/5 on the App Store and Google Play, respectively. Users have praised the app for its ease of use, ability to manage various aspects of their insurance, and helpful virtual assistant.

The GEICO website offers similar functionality to the mobile app, allowing users to manage their policies, submit and track claims, and access their insurance ID cards. The website also provides users with tools to find the cheapest gas station in their area and features GEICO Living, a weekly online publication with articles, videos, and tips.

Geico's claims process

When it comes to filing a claim, GEICO offers multiple options, including their mobile app, website, or calling their customer service line. They also provide the option to schedule a damage inspection, repair, and rental if eligible. It is recommended to report a claim as soon as possible to facilitate a detailed investigation and ensure everyone remembers the details accurately.

The inspection process typically takes around 30 minutes, and you can choose to meet with the adjuster or not. After the inspection, you are free to select any repair shop you prefer. GEICO's Auto Repair Xpress® locations offer the convenience of one-stop inspection, repair, and rental services. Throughout the repair process, you will receive regular updates on your vehicle's progress.

Frequently asked questions