Geico Auto Insurance Review August 2022 – NerdWallet

Geico is the nation’s second-largest auto insurance company, known primarily for low rates offered directly to consumers online and over the phone. It is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Is Geico a good insurer?

Yes, Geico is a good insurance company for most. If you’re looking for an affordable car insurance policy, and you’re comfortable managing your own accounts online when an agent isn’t nearby, Geico might be right for you.

Geico is among NerdWallet’s best car insurance companies.

Geico is best for drivers who:

  • Prefer online interactions and want a tech-friendly company.

  • Are looking for a household name.

  • Want a company that offers a wide range of discounts.

Geico auto insurance coverage

When you’re shopping for car insurance, it’s important to understand what car insurance coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. Most states require car insurance in order to drive a vehicle. Although minimum coverage requirements vary from state to state, they generally include liability insurance and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

If you want extra protection, you may be interested in full coverage insurance. Full coverage isn’t a specific policy type; it’s a combination of coverage types, like liability, collision and comprehensive insurance.

Check out the most common types of car insurance coverage below to see how they work:

Coverage type

What it pays for

Required?

Bodily injury and property damage liability

Costs for injuries, deaths or property damage from an accident you caused.

Typically required.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage

Medical and property damage costs after an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance or none at all.

Often required.

Collision coverage

Repair expenses from traffic-related accidents, regardless of who’s at fault.

A car loan or lease may require it.

Comprehensive coverage

Repair costs from events outside of your control, including weather events, hitting an animal while driving, theft and vandalism.

A car loan or lease may require it.

In addition to typical car insurance coverage choices, Geico offers mechanical breakdown coverage. This covers repairs to all mechanical parts of a new car, less than 15 months old and with fewer than 15,000 miles, except problems caused by wear and tear. There’s a $250 deductible.

Mechanical breakdown coverage is renewable for up to seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and does not pay for regular maintenance, such as tuneups.

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Auto insurance discounts

Geico has a long list of car insurance discounts, so there’s a good chance you can find a price break that applies to you. Although details vary by state, you may be eligible for discounts for:

  • Having safety equipment, like air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights or an anti-theft system.

  • Owning a vehicle that is three model years old or newer.

  • Driving for five years with no accidents.

  • Using seat belts.

  • Completing a defensive driving course, or driver’s education for a young driver.

  • Having good grades, if you or someone on your policy is a full-time student.

  • Participating in an emergency deployment with the U.S. military.

  • Being an active or retired military service member or a member of the National Guard or Reserves.

  • Being an active or retired federal employee.

  • Insuring more than one vehicle with Geico.

  • Buying a homeowners, renters, condo or mobile home policy through Geico.

  • Being a member of organizations, such as alumni associations or sports groups.

Pricing based on tracked driving habits

In many states, Geico offers a program called DriveEasy, which uses a smartphone app to track habits such as speeding, hard braking and using your phone while driving. You can get a discount for safe driving, but in some states you may end up paying more if the app finds you to be a riskier driver.

Nerdy tip:

First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on

how to shop for car insurance

.

Auto insurance buying guide

Before you compare car insurance companies, you’ll need to collect some basic information. This includes the driving history of everyone who will be on the policy, as well as facts about your car, such as safety features and annual mileage driven. You’ll also want to determine which types of coverage you need. For example, do you want only the bare minimum insurance that your state requires, or do you need more extensive coverage, such as gap insurance or rideshare coverage? Check that each company you’re considering has the options you want.

When comparing rates among insurers, make sure each is offering the same coverage limits and deductibles. You may not want to make your decision based on price alone. Look at how many consumer complaints each company has, as a high number of complaints could be a red flag about the quality of service you’ll receive.

Depending on which company you choose, you may be able to buy insurance online, over the phone or through an agent. For more guidance, see how to get car insurance.

Complaints and customer satisfaction

Geico had close to the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size for auto insurance, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Geico ranked in the middle of the pack in two 2021 J.D. Power auto insurance studies.

2021 J.D. Power study

Geico ranking

Auto insurance shopping

No. 4 out of 8 companies.

Auto insurance claims satisfaction

No. 8 out of 18 companies.

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Geico received an overall satisfaction score of 77 out of 100 by a pool of its customers in a NerdWallet survey conducted online in July 2021. To put that in perspective, the average score among seven insurers was 79, and the highest was 83.

More about Geico auto insurance

Website: You can learn about and get a quote for many types of insurance through Geico’s website, and you can also submit a claim or make a payment. Additionally, the site has a feature to help you find the cheapest gas station near you.

App: Geico’s mobile offering for iOS and Android helps you keep track of your policy and billing details, access your digital auto insurance ID card, pay bills and submit claims. You can also use the app to request roadside assistance and track your car’s maintenance history.

Voice assistance: Geico’s virtual assistant is a feature of its mobile app that can answer your insurance questions and provide specific policy information. Your Geico account is also accessible through Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.

Geico’s phone number is 800-207-7847.

Homeowners and renters insurance from Geico

Geico offers home insurance through partner companies. To learn more about the coverage options available, read our Geico homeowners insurance review.

Geico also offers renters insurance through its partners. To read about this program, see NerdWallet’s Geico renters insurance review.

Other insurance from Geico

Geico sells the following types of insurance:

  • Motorcycle insurance.

  • Insurance for all-terrain vehicles.

  • Recreational vehicle insurance.

  • Boat or personal watercraft insurance.

  • Commercial auto insurance.

  • Umbrella insurance (some policies sold by a third party).

Geico offers other policies through third parties, including:

  • Collector insurance for classic cars.

  • Condo and co-op insurance.

  • Mobile home insurance.

  • Pet insurance.

  • Life insurance.