Most people recognize the widespread insurance company GEICO. Like other auto insurers, GEICO offers protection for vehicles in the case of an accident. However, dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging, making it essential to work with an experienced car accident attorney.
If you or your loved one has been injured in an auto collision, do not wait to get the help you deserve. Schedule an initial consultation with Shamieh Law today to learn more.
How the GEICO Car Insurance Claim Process Works
Understanding the process of filing a claim with GEICO beforehand can help you know what to expect and avoid unnecessary obstacles.
1. Filing a Claim With GEICO
While it is possible to file a claim on your own, we recommend seeking out the help of a legal professional. One of the biggest concerns people have about contacting a lawyer is the cost. However, at Shamieh Law, all consultations are free so that clients can know what to expect before committing to a partnership.
Navigating an auto claim without legal support can also lead to a lesser payout than you deserve. Adjusters are trained to minimize compensation, and without the proper negotiation techniques and a solid claim, you may end up settling for less than you need to recover.
2. Working With a GEICO Claims Adjuster
If you file an auto claim directly with GEICO, you will likely work closely with a claims adjuster assigned to investigate and resolve the case. Their job is to review the accident report, ask questions, assess fault and coverage, evaluate damages, and make a settlement offer.
While they may present themselves as friendly and professional, it is essential to remember that they represent GEICO’s best interests, not your own. An attorney can make sure you provide all the necessary information to the adjuster without minimizing your statement.
3. Claim Investigations and Documentation
When you file an auto insurance claim, the insurance company will conduct an investigation to determine what happened, who was at fault, and how much the claim is worth. Understanding this process and keeping strong documentation can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
During a claim investigation, the adjuster will likely take the following steps:
- Review the police or crash report
- Take statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Inspect vehicle damage and obtain repair estimates
- Review medical records and bills
- Analyze photos, videos, and scene evidence
- Examine prior claims or pre-existing conditions
Their goal is to assess liability and damages while limiting GEICO’s financial exposure.
4. Claim Timelines and Resolution
An auto claim may take days or months to resolve, depending on the details of the case. Accidents involving more severe injuries or liability disputes will likely take longer to process. The typical timeline includes reporting, investigation, damage evaluation, settlement negotiations, and a final resolution. If a settlement cannot be reached, the claim may proceed to litigation.
What Information Will GEICO Need To Report the Claim?
During the reporting phase, you’ll be asked to provide basic details about the accident, including:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location (street names, city, and state)
- Brief description of what happened
- Responding police department (and report number, if available)
Providing accurate, factual information at this stage helps avoid delays and reduces the risk of inconsistencies later in the claims process.
Common Issues With GEICO Car Insurance Claims Adjusters and How To Deal With Them
Working with insurance adjusters will likely come with a set of challenges. Because these individuals are not focused on your best interests, it is important that you stay on top of the claim and pushback against any unfair settlement offers.
- Low Initial Settlement Offers – A rule of thumb when dealing with an auto claim is never to accept a first settlement offer. Adjusters often start with a conservative offer that may not reflect the full cost of your damages or injuries. An attorney can investigate the extent of your damages and compare it with the amount insurers are offering.
- Claim Delays – Some claims are delayed due to repeated document requests or slow responses. You can help avoid stalling by keeping documentation of written communication and maintaining regular follow-up with the insurers.
- Liability Disputes – Even when liability seems clear, adjusters may argue shared fault to reduce payouts. An attorney can pushback against any fault the insurers are placing on you through objective evidence like police reports, photos, and witness statements.
Roadblocks in the claims process may be unavoidable at times. Fortunately, partnering with an attorney can make it easier to navigate any issues or disputes that surface.
Should You Give a Recorded Statement?
Before giving a recorded statement, it’s often best to speak with an attorney. Insurance companies may use recorded statements to limit or deny claims. More likely than not, you may end up placing accidental fault on yourself, minimizing the final payout. Insurance adjusters often use victims’ statements to mitigate injuries, shift or share fault, and raise inconsistencies.
It is always best to speak with a lawyer about your case first and to let them handle communication with insurers. Remember, an accident attorney will have your best interests in mind; an insurer will not. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn more about building a compelling case.
Types of Claims After an Auto Accident
GEICO offers two main categories of coverage for auto accidents. We will take a closer look at each of these below:
Bodily Injury
Bodily injury coverage pays for injuries suffered by other people when the policyholder is at fault in a crash. This includes coverage for the following forms of damages:
- Emergency medical care and hospital bills
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injury or disability damages
Property Damage
Property damage coverage pays for damage the insured driver causes to someone else’s property, such as:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
- Damage to personal property inside the vehicle
- Damage to structures (fences, buildings, mailboxes, guardrails)
- Towing and storage fees
How Can a Lawyer Help With the GEICO Adjuster?
Our seasoned car wreck attorneys can ensure you receive the full compensation you are owed. When you choose to work with our team, we handle all the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most: healing and recovery.
Our services include the following:
- An in-depth investigation into your accident
- Collection of evidence to support your claim
- Calculations of damages and compensation
- Pushback against low settlement offers
- Thorough communication with insurers
- Negotiations and litigation, if needed
- 24/7 communication with you, the client
Never settle for less than you deserve. Get in touch with Shamieh Law today by calling our office at 469-813-7332. A dedicated representative from our team will help schedule a free consultation to go over the details of your case. Contact us today to learn more.
