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Insurance Claim Guide

Filing a Claim with GEICO After a Car Accident in Colorado

GEICO's low premiums attract millions of drivers, but their claims process tells a different story. With an NAIC complaint index well above the industry average and a reputation for aggressive early offers, you need to go in prepared. This guide covers what to expect and how to protect your claim.

Claims Phone:1-800-861-8380(24/7)
Online:geico.com/claims

GEICO Claims Track Record

1.84

NAIC Complaint Index

84% more complaints than average

Below Avg

J.D. Power Satisfaction

Claims satisfaction score

#2

Market Share

Second-largest U.S. auto insurer

What to Expect from GEICO's Claims Process

1

Report the Accident

File by phone (1-800-861-8380), app, or online at geico.com/claims. GEICO assigns a claim number quickly and will begin reaching out to you within 24 hours.

2

Adjuster Contact & Recorded Statement

GEICO adjusters typically reach out fast and will push for a recorded statement. This is where most claimants make mistakes. Be cautious and factual. Do not speculate, guess, or minimize your injuries.

3

Vehicle Damage Assessment

GEICO uses their own adjusters or a third-party appraisal service. They may direct you to their Auto Repair Xpress program. In Colorado, you have the right to choose any licensed repair shop.

4

Settlement Negotiation

GEICO often makes an initial offer quickly, especially for smaller claims. For injury claims, their first offer is typically low. You are not required to accept. Counter with documentation of all your damages.

Common GEICO Claims Tactics

Low Initial Offers

GEICO consistently makes some of the lowest initial settlement offers among major insurers. They rely on the fact that many people are in financial distress after an accident and will take what is offered. Their first offer is a starting point for negotiation, not a final number.

Pressure for Recorded Statements

GEICO adjusters are trained to get recorded statements as early as possible, often within the first phone call. They ask open-ended questions designed to elicit statements like "I feel okay" that can later be used to argue your injuries were minor or nonexistent.

Delay Tactics

While GEICO moves fast on initial offers, they can become difficult to reach once you reject their first proposal. Adjusters may take longer to return calls, request redundant documentation, or transfer your file between departments. This creates pressure to settle for less.

Rate Increases After Claims

GEICO is known for significant rate increases after claims, even for first-time incidents. This can create an incentive to not file small claims, which benefits GEICO. Remember: you paid for this coverage. In Colorado, rate surcharges for not-at-fault claims are prohibited.

Colorado-Specific Guidance for GEICO Claims

Your Rights as a Colorado Policyholder

  • GEICO must handle your claim in good faith. Unreasonable delays or denials can trigger Colorado's bad faith statute (CRS 10-3-1115), which allows double damages plus attorney fees.
  • You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer (including GEICO).
  • GEICO cannot surcharge your rates for a claim where you were not at fault.
  • You can file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance (DORA) if GEICO treats you unfairly.

MedPay with GEICO

Colorado requires GEICO to offer MedPay coverage. If you have it on your policy, file the MedPay claim as soon as you begin medical treatment. MedPay pays regardless of fault and has no deductible. Do not wait until the liability claim is resolved to use your MedPay.

UM/UIM Coverage

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your GEICO UM/UIM coverage applies. GEICO is required by Colorado law to offer this coverage. Be aware that GEICO may treat your UM/UIM claim adversarially, essentially negotiating against their own policyholder. This is a common situation where an attorney is valuable.

When to Get a Lawyer for a GEICO Claim

Given GEICO's above-average complaint ratio and reputation for low offers, the threshold for hiring an attorney is lower with GEICO than with some other insurers. Consider legal representation in these situations:

  • You have any injuries requiring medical treatment
  • GEICO's offer is significantly less than your documented damages
  • GEICO is disputing fault or claiming you share responsibility
  • GEICO is pressuring you for a recorded statement
  • You are filing a UM/UIM claim against your own GEICO policy
  • GEICO is delaying or not responding to your communications

Frequently Asked Questions: GEICO Claims in Colorado

How do I file a car accident claim with GEICO in Colorado?
You can file a claim with GEICO by calling 1-800-861-8380 (available 24/7), through the GEICO mobile app, or online at geico.com/claims. Have your policy number, the date and location of the accident, the other driver's information, and photos of the damage ready. Report the accident as soon as possible.
Why does GEICO have a higher complaint ratio than other insurers?
GEICO's NAIC complaint index of 1.836 means they receive roughly 84% more complaints per premium dollar than the industry average. Common complaints include low settlement offers, delays in processing claims, difficulty reaching adjusters, and disputes over the value of damaged vehicles. GEICO's business model focuses on volume and low premiums, which can translate to leaner claims handling.
Does GEICO try to lowball settlement offers?
GEICO is widely known for making low initial settlement offers, particularly for injury claims. Their adjusters often make quick offers before claimants have completed medical treatment. Consumer advocates and personal injury attorneys consistently report that GEICO's first offers are among the lowest in the industry relative to actual damages.
Should I give GEICO a recorded statement after my accident?
If GEICO is your own insurer, your policy may require cooperation, which can include a recorded statement. If GEICO insures the other driver, you are not legally required to give a recorded statement. GEICO adjusters are trained to ask questions during recorded statements that can be used to reduce your claim. Consider consulting an attorney before agreeing to one.
How long does GEICO take to settle a car accident claim in Colorado?
GEICO typically moves fast on property damage claims (1 to 3 weeks if liability is clear). Injury claims take much longer. Simple injury claims may settle in 1 to 3 months, but cases involving ongoing treatment, disputed liability, or higher damages can take 6 months to over a year. GEICO often delays in hopes that financial pressure will lead you to accept a low offer.
Will GEICO raise my rates after a claim in Colorado?
GEICO is known for rate increases after claims, even for relatively minor incidents. If you were at fault, expect a significant increase at renewal. Colorado law prohibits surcharges for not-at-fault claims. GEICO does not widely offer accident forgiveness programs in all states.
What should I do if GEICO denies my claim?
Get the denial in writing with a specific explanation. Gather supporting documentation (police report, medical records, photos, witness statements) and submit a written appeal. If GEICO continues to deny a valid claim, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance (DORA) or consult an attorney. Colorado's bad faith statute (CRS 10-3-1115) provides strong remedies if GEICO unreasonably denies a covered claim.

Dealing with GEICO After Your Accident?

An experienced Colorado personal injury attorney knows GEICO's playbook and can negotiate from a position of strength. Free case review, no obligation, and most charge no upfront fees.

Talk to an Attorney - Free, No Obligation

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