How to File an Insurance Claim with GEICO

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Written by Paige Cerulli Edited by Quiana Darden Reviewed by Amanda Clear

Updated February 28, 2023

Established in 1936, GEICO has grown into a major insurance company that insures more than 28 million vehicles today. Known for its friendly Gecko mascot, it offers low rates and many discounts, making it an appealing choice. The company has also received average claims satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power. 

The process is pretty simple and straightforward if you need to file a claim with GEICO. The company has taken steps to ensure the claims process is smooth and fast, so you can get your vehicle repaired and back out on the road. If you are ever in an accident or if your car sustains damage, understanding the claims process can help you prepare and ensure you gather the key information you will need. 

Key Takeaways

• With GEICO, you can file a claim by phone, online, or through the GEICO mobile app. 
• GEICO’s Auto Repair Xpress can speed up the claims process by quickly evaluating and repairing your vehicle while you drive a rental car. 
• GEICO works to process claims quickly, settling some in just 48 hours. 
• It’s helpful to prepare the information you need, like a description of the incident and contact information for other drivers involved. 

GEICO Claims Center: How to Report an Insurance Claim

You can file a claim with GEICO online or through the GEICO mobile app, which takes about five minutes. If you’d like to speak with a representative, call 800-841-3000. Claims representatives are available by phone 24/7, so you can call anytime.

When you file the claim, you will need to provide the information outlined in the checklist below. You’ll also receive a claim number that you can use to check the status of your claim online or through the app. 

It’s essential to report an insurance claim as soon as possible. If your claim results from an accident, reporting it right away makes it easier for everyone involved in the accident to recall and report accurate information. Plus, the earlier you report the claim, the sooner you can get your vehicle fixed and back on the road. 

Use Our Helpful Checklist

Before you file your claim, you want to prepare this essential information. While you can always report a claim and then add in more details as you receive it, try to gather as much of the following information as possible: 

• Names and contact information for all drivers, vehicle occupants, and witnesses to an accident
• Date, time, and location of the accident or incident
• Photos of the scene of the damage, as well as of all vehicles involved
• Car insurance information for any other drivers involved, including the company name, policy number, and company phone number
• Detailed photos of your car and any damage sustained
• Contact information of responding police officers, including their names and badge numbers

How Geico Handles Your Car Insurance Claim

GEICO works quickly to evaluate your vehicle and pay for your claim. If your car isn’t driveable, it will send an adjuster out to inspect your vehicle. 

If your car is driveable, GEICO’s Auto Repair Xpress can speed up your claims processing and repair your vehicle quickly. The insurer will often schedule a time for you to bring in your car within 24 hours of reporting your claim. 

At the time of your appointment, you will take your vehicle to the nearest Auto Repair Xpress facility. The shop representative will evaluate your vehicle’s damage and facilitate the repair process. You’ll receive updates about your vehicle’s repair status and receive the damage estimate when you pick up your car. 

GEICO settles many claims quickly, with money completed in as little as 48 hours. After settling your claim, you’ll receive either a mailed check or a direct deposit. The money you receive will cover vehicle repairs minus your deductible. 

What to do After an Accident

Car accidents are stressful, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But it’s also essential that you take the proper steps to ensure everyone is safe. Then, focus on gathering the information needed to file an insurance claim. While an accident scene may be chaotic, try to follow these steps: 

• See if anyone is hurt and call 911 to request police and medical help if needed. 
• If your vehicle is driveable, move it out of traffic but remain at the scene of the accident. 
• Don’t admit fault for the accident or discuss your policy limits. 
• Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and the damage your car sustains.
• Exchange car insurance company and your contact information with anyone else involved in the accident. 
• Provide requested information to the responding officer and get their name and badge number.
• Request roadside assistance for your vehicle if you can’t drive it. 

If a police officer responds, you may need to follow up for a copy of the police report when available. As you gather information, you can store it directly within the GEICO mobile app.

How to Report a Car Insurance Claim Online

You can report your GEICO claim online. Log into your account and choose the type of claim you want to report, such as a glass or an accident claim. 

Next, you will need to provide information, including the state where the incident occurred, the date and time, and a general description of the incident. As you progress through the claim, you may have to share additional details like contact information for other drivers involved, property owner contact information, and the current location of your vehicle. 

Once you’ve filed the claim, you will receive a confirmation email. You can then immediately view and manage your claim by logging into your GEICO account. A claims examiner will contact you to confirm the details and explain the next steps. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What information will GEICO need to report the claim?

GEICO will need information about the damages to your vehicle or person, including where and when the event or accident occurred. You will need to provide details about anyone else involved, like another driver, and the damage their vehicles sustained. Photos and a police report are helpful, too. 

How do I report my claim?

You can report a claim to GEICO by phone, on the mobile app, or online. Representatives are available by phone around the clock; filing online takes about five minutes. 

Is my rate going to go up after I file a claim?

If you’re at fault for an accident and don’t have accident forgiveness coverage, your insurance rates will likely increase after you file a claim. That increase is temporary. After three to five years, the accident falls off your driving record, and your rates should return to normal. 

What to do when the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

A 2021 study by the Insurance Research Council revealed that 12.6% of motorists in 2019 weren’t insured, so you might be in an accident where the other driver is uninsured. Collecting the other driver’s information is still crucial since you may need to file a lawsuit against them to recoup repair costs. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will cover injuries to you and passengers in your vehicle. However, it won’t cover damages to your car. 

Paige Cerulli Auto Insurance Writer

Paige has written extensively on automotive topics. She frequently covers autonomous driving and electric vehicle topics, writes about car insurance and auto loans, covers car and trailer towing safety, and has written content for automotive dealerships.