What You Should Know
- Getting paid for a car insurance claim through Geico when dealing with another insurance company usually takes about six months
- Claims for low amounts often take less than 48 hours, and larger, more complex claims could take over a year
- You can make your claim move along faster by sharing as much information as possible with your adjuster
Exactly how long it takes to make an insurance claim through Geico depends on your state’s regulations and the accident’s circumstances. Making an auto insurance claim and waiting for payment can be stressful, and understanding how claims work can make the process easier.
Here’s some more information about how long processing a claim can take, how to file an auto insurance claim, and how the claims process works.
How Long the Claim Process Takes for Geico
The most straightforward auto insurance claims with Geico can take less than 48 hours. If you use your collision or comprehensive coverage and another driver or insurance company isn’t involved, you can usually get compensation quickly.
If your car is a total loss, payment usually takes a week and a half. After you make your claim, an adjuster will inspect your vehicle within one business day. You don’t have to be there. The adjuster can go wherever your vehicle was towed.
About three business days later, you can approve the payment and remove your belongings from the vehicle. After you release the title and permit Geico to take your car for salvage, you’ll get a digital payment or a check.
When another driver causes an accident, Geico assigns a Payment Recovery Examiner to your claim. They’ll notify the other person or their insurance company that they want reimbursement and do their best to collect the money the driver owes you.
If the person doesn’t want to cooperate, this process could take a year or more.
In some cases, Geico can’t collect payment. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can protect you if Geico can’t get compensation for all your damages or injuries. It also lets you avoid a potentially time-consuming lawsuit. You’ll need to pay for any deductible when you use this coverage.
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How the Geico Claim Process Works
You can make a claim using the Geico app, the website, or the phone number on your insurance card. Geico will ask for a statement about the accident, other driver’s contact and insurance information, the police report, and any other information you have.
Then, you can choose the preferred mechanic, and an adjuster will visit the repair shop to inspect your vehicle. If needed, Geico can recommend a mechanic.
You may wonder what happens if fault can’t be determined after a car accident or if the crash was your fault. In that case, the company will pay for an attorney to defend you if another driver sues you, and Geico will attempt to agree to a settlement and go to trial if needed.
However, you may not get payment for any damage to your vehicle until the lawsuit is over. If the amount you owe the other driver is close to the policy limit, you may need to pay for some repairs.
Understand How Long a Geico Claim Might Take
Every claim is different, and it’s a good idea to be prepared in case getting your money takes longer than average. Geico offers rental coverage that can pay for a vehicle rental for as long as you need it.
Communicating with your insurance adjuster frequently and collecting as much information as possible can also help. Learning about the claims process with Geico can help you compare car insurance companies, get affordable instant auto insurance quotes, and decide which organization is best for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after an accident?
After a crash, you should:
- Find a safe place to pull over.
- If possible, record the other person’s license plate number, contact information, and insurance info.
- Call the police.
- Take photos of both vehicles, any injuries, and the part of the road where the accident occurred.
- Visit a mechanic for a repair estimate.
You can repair or replace your car immediately or wait to get payment from Geico.
Can I wait to file a claim?
There’s no time limit on filing a claim, and you can get an estimate first if you’re not sure the damage will cost more than the deductible. However, people can forget things and lose documents over time. So filing a claim quickly can help you get as much money as possible.
How can I check my claim status?
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insurance…
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