What You Should Know About Geico Insurance Claims
October 24, 2024 | Sagi Shaked | Car Accidents
Most people think they can handle a simple insurance claim after a car accident. However, many people do not realize that the insurance claim process can become complicated. If you add the feelings of chaos and confusion after a car accident, navigating insurance can be a headache.
It is important to understand the insurance process before filing a claim with Geico. This will help your claim move as quickly and easily as possible. Furthermore, the more information you have, the more likely you are to recover a full settlement from insurance.
Timeline for Geico Insurance Claims
If you file a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance claim after a car accident, Geico will settle the claim within 30 days. This is required under Florida Law.
Most other Geico insurance claims will be settled within a few weeks. Straightforward claims could be settled within days, while more complicated claims may take months to investigate and settle.
If Geico accepts the insurance claim, they will make you a settlement offer. If you accept the settlement offer then Geico is legally obligated to pay the claim within 20 days of your acceptance. If they don’t pay you within 20 days then Geico must pay interest on the settlement.
From beginning to end, you can expect to receive your Geico insurance check within four to six weeks.
Process for Filing a Claim
You can file an insurance claim with Geico over the phone, online, or through the app. You should file your claim as soon as possible after the crash.
The Geico insurance adjuster will collect as much information as possible about the accident.
They may ask questions about:
- How the accident happened
- The names of the people involved and witnesses
- Weather conditions at the time of the crash
- Photographs or other evidence from the accident scene
- Whether or not you called the police and have a copy of the police report
- Any injuries that you or others suffered in the crash
After collecting all of the information, the adjustor may schedule a time to inspect your damaged car in person. Then, they will independently investigate the claim and determine who is responsible.
Negotiating or Appealing a Denied Geico Insurance Claim
After the investigation, your insurance adjuster will decide whether they are accepting or denying your insurance claim. If they accept your claim, then they will make a settlement offer. This could be the full amount or only part of what you claimed.
If they deny your claim, either in part or in whole, then you have a few options. You can file an appeal with Geico to contest the denial. Geico will send you a Denial Letter that explains the grounds for denying your claim.
You will respond by filing a demand letter. The demand letter explains why it is wrong for Geico to deny your claim. It could include certain facts and evidence or raise issues with the claims process.
Geico will then decide to accept, deny, or deny in part your claim. If they accept only part of your claim, you can negotiate with Geico for more money. Just because Geico offers you a certain amount doesn’t mean you can’t get more. If Geico denies your claim after an appeal, you will need to file a car accident lawsuit to recover damages.
Hiring a Lawyer To Handle Your Geico Insurance Claim
Even though many Geico insurance claims are straightforward, some are not. It may feel scary to stand up to a big insurance company like Geico without an advocate.
A Miami car accident lawyer can help you file your claim, appeal a denial, and negotiate with Geico for a full settlement. Geico is more likely to accept your claim and provide full compensation if they know that you have an attorney on your side.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191