How long does it typically take for Geico to process an auto insurance claim?
Are you curious about how long the claim process takes with Geico? The answer depends on several factors. Understanding how long it takes for Geico to process an auto insurance claim can help you decide whether the company suits your needs and plan your finances after an accident.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Aug 9, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 9, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- 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 having knowledge of what information do I need to file an auto insurance claim with Geico can contribute to easing the process.
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?
Knowing how to check the status of an auto insurance claim can help you negotiate with your adjuster and get payment as soon as possible. You can use the Geico app, call, or visit its website to check your claim status.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.