Secrets of Geico accident claims are rarely shared with the public. If you’ve been in a crash and need to deal with Geico, you may face delays, lowball offers, or denied payments. Understanding how Geico works behind the scenes can help protect your rights and improve your chances of getting a fair payout.
Geico is one of the largest car insurance companies in the country. But like most insurers, its main goal is to protect profits, not to pay what your claim is truly worth. Illinois drivers should be cautious when filing any type of claim with Geico, especially after an accident involving injuries.
What Happens After You File a Geico Claim?
Filing with Geico is quick. You can report your claim online or call the Geico claims number at 1-800-841-3000. After that, an adjuster is assigned to your case.
This adjuster will collect information about the crash, including police reports, photos, and any recorded statements. They will also evaluate your medical treatment, repair estimates, and time missed from work. But the purpose of this investigation is to reduce what Geico has to pay, not to help you.
Geico adjusters often try to close claims quickly and cheaply. Many injured drivers accept low settlements without realizing what their case is really worth.
Red Flags To Watch for With Geico Insurance Claims
Many drivers don’t know how Geico operates until it’s too late. Watch out for these common tactics used by Geico insurance claims adjusters:
- Quick low offers: Geico may offer fast money in exchange for signing away your rights to more compensation.
- Recorded statement traps: Adjusters ask questions that can hurt your claim later.
- Shifting blame: Geico might argue you were partly or mostly at fault, reducing or blocking your payout under Illinois law.
- Delaying payments: They may claim they need more paperwork or time to process your claim.
- Undervaluing injuries: Geico often downplays medical claims, especially if you didn’t go to the doctor right away.
Geico adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, not to protect your best interests. Recognizing these red flags early can help you avoid costly mistakes.
How Geico Decides What To Pay
There’s no public Geico settlement calculator, but the company uses software and internal guidelines to assign value to claims. Your payout will depend on many things, including:
- Vehicle damage: How much it costs to repair or replace your car.
- Medical costs: The total amount of your treatment, both current and future.
- Lost income: How much money you missed out on earning because of the crash.
- Pain and suffering: Often undervalued by insurers.
- Fault percentage: If you share any blame, Geico may reduce your payout accordingly.
Under Illinois’ modified comparative fault law, if you’re 50% or less at fault, your settlement is reduced based on your share of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing.
Checking Your Geico Claim Status
You can check your Geico claim status online using their website or mobile app. You’ll need your claim number and other basic details. You can also contact your Geico claims adjuster directly by phone or email.
Keep track of every document and conversation. If you don’t follow up, Geico might stall your claim. Detailed records give you leverage if your case is delayed or disputed.
What if Geico Totals Your Car?
If Geico declares your car a total loss, they will usually offer you the market value of the car minus your deductible. This value may be far lower than you expect. You can dispute it, but you will need evidence such as:
- Local prices for similar vehicles
- Recent repairs or upgrades to your car
- Written estimates from dealerships or appraisers
If your car is totaled and Geico refuses to negotiate fairly, you may need legal help to get a better offer.
Can You Sue Geico?
You cannot sue Geico directly unless you are their insured or Geico has acted in bad faith. If another driver caused the crash, you file a claim against that person’s policy, even if it’s with Geico. If Geico refuses to pay, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Illinois gives you two years to file most car accident claims. The clock starts ticking on the date of the accident. Waiting too long could cause you to lose your right to recover anything.
Protecting Your Rights After a Geico Accident Claim
Secrets of Geico accident claims often involve how the company minimizes what it pays. From lowball offers to fault disputes, Geico uses tactics to protect its bottom line. Learning how these claims work gives you a better chance of recovering what you’re owed.
If Geico is making the process harder than it should be, talk to a lawyer who can stand up to their adjusters and protect your rights. To schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney, contact Joel E. Brown, P.C., today.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers At Joel E. Brown, P.C. in Peoria, IL for Assistance Today
If you have questions or are injured due to the improper use of fireworks, contact Joel E. Brown, P.C. We offer a free consultation with a Peoria personal injury lawyer.
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Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main Street Suite 1300, Peoria, IL 61602
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