Geico Car Insurance

Geico’s History

Geico car insurance got its start in 1936 when Leo and Lillian Goodwin set out to offer low-cost auto insurance directly to customers. Established as the Government Employees Insurance Company in Washington, D.C., Geico presented its first insurance policies to federal workers and high-level military officers. During its first year in business, Geico covered close to 4,000 drivers.

The success of Geico car insurance allowed the company to branch out into other areas. Geico now offers insurance policies for motorcycles and boats, as well as home and rental insurance.

After several decades of solid growth, Geico became a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway investment firm in 1995. This move gave the company more visibility, which allowed it to reach more customers across the country.

Today, Geico prides itself on good customer service and passing along discounts to their customers. The company has over $15 billion in assets and employs more than 21,000 staff members. With offices in New York, California, Texas, and Florida, Geico is now the fourth largest car insurance company in the country.

Purchasing Geico Car Insurance

Geico makes it easy to shop for car insurance with their user-friendly website. Rated the 2005 best insurance site by the Webby Awards, Geico.com allows potential customers to get a free rate quote using their online form. The form takes about ten minutes to fill out and asks for information about your current insurance policy and your driving record as well as personal information like occupation and marital status. Your answers to these questions help Geico determine your car insurance rate.

After you complete the form, Geico will give you a rate quote. You then have the option to purchase the policy or to learn more about the quote. The quote is also emailed directly to you and can be retrieved later through Geico.com if you need more time to think about it.

If you don’t want to use the online form, you can also get a rate quote by calling 1-800-861-8380. Make sure you have your current insurance policy handy so you can compare the options.

The Geico Insurance Customer

Once you purchase Geico car insurance, you can manage your policy right through their website. The secure site allows customers to pay their premiums, file a claim, change a deductible, and even add a new driver or vehicle. Another optional, free service allows customers to receive their bills and policy changes via email.

If you are in a car accident, Geico will work to get you back on the road quickly. A car insurance adjuster will meet you at an approved mechanic shop to go over the damage to your car, making the filing process quick and easy. By using an approved mechanic shop, Geico will also guarantee the repairs.

If you can’t get to a computer to make your claim, Geico service representatives are available around the clock at 1-800-841-3000.

Geico Car Insurance Discounts

Like many insurance companies, Geico offers discounts on their policies. These discounts can quickly add up in savings, so be sure to notify Geico if you qualify for any of the following:

• Added safety features: Discounts exists for extras like air bags and anti-lock brakes. Using your seat belts consistently can also save you money.
• Being a safe driver: Policyholders who complete driver education courses earn a discount. These courses are often available for young, beginning drivers and drivers over 50 years old.
• Employment status: Military members, whether active or retired, and some federal employees qualify for a discount.
• Partnership membership: Over 200 trade and social organizations have a business partnership with Geico. Membership in any one of these groups, such as the National Society of Accountants or Mensa International, will earn you a discount.