GEICO is one of the largest auto insurers in Illinois. Like other insurance carriers, GEICO has a strong financial incentive to minimize payouts and deny as many claims as possible. That means you should approach the claims process carefully and know your rights under Illinois law.
When to File a Claim With GEICO
Illinois follows an at-fault insurance system for car accidents. This means the driver who causes a crash is legally responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage.
Illinois law requires every driver to carry at least:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
- $20,000 in property damage coverage
If a crash results in catastrophic injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries), damages can quickly exceed these minimums. In these cases, victims may pursue compensation from the at-fault driver personally for the difference, often through a lawsuit.
You may need to file a claim with GEICO if:
1. The At-Fault Driver Was Insured by GEICO
If the other driver carried a GEICO policy, you would file a third-party claim with GEICO. A claims adjuster will investigate the accident and determine whether GEICO is liable for your damages. If GEICO accepts liability, it will issue a settlement offer. You can then accept the offer or attempt to negotiate for a higher sum.
2. You Have a First-Party GEICO Policy
If you are insured by GEICO and get into an accident, you can file a claim directly with the company under certain circumstances. First-party coverages, such as comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, can provide valuable compensation for losses that you would otherwise cover out-of-pocket.Â
If you caused the crash, GEICO will pay for covered damages up to your policy limits. If another driver was at fault, GEICO may work with the other insurer, but ultimately, you may need to ensure your claim is fully compensated.
How to File a Claim With GEICO
GEICO offers multiple ways to start the claims process:
- Online via GEICO’s website or mobile app
- By phone at 1-800-841-3000
You’ll need details about the accident, including:
- Names and contact information of all drivers and witnesses
- Insurance information and policy numbers
- Police report number, if available
- Photos of the vehicles and crash scene
Providing complete information at the outset helps avoid delays in processing. Once you submit a claim, GEICO will assign an adjuster to investigate.
You should expect requests for additional documentation, such as medical records or the official accident report. Adjusters often ask for recorded statements, but you should be cautious. These statements can be used to limit or deny your claim.
GEICO also allows you to track your claim status online. After an investigation, the adjuster will issue a written decision accepting or denying liability for your accident. Under Illinois law, insurance companies must handle claims in good faith and cannot delay or deny payment unreasonably.
Contact an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer for Help with a GEICO Insurance Claim
You consider seeking qualified legal representation if you’ve been hurt in a crash and need to file a GEICO insurance claim. Insurance companies have teams of professionals working to protect their bottom line and use many strategies to deny or reduce payouts.
An experienced Illinois car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim. They will handle all aspects of your claim, from initial filings to negotiations with insurers. Call Feagans Law Group today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate a claim with GEICO.