If you were injured in a car accident, there’s a good chance GEICO might be the insurance company involved. As one of the largest auto insurers in the country, GEICO handles thousands of claims every day—often working hard to protect their bottom line.
At Applebaum Accident & Injury Law, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with the aftermath of a crash—especially when the insurance company delays or denies what you’re owed. If GEICO is refusing to fairly compensate you, you may have the right to sue. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of GEICO Coverage That May Apply After a Car Accident
GEICO sells a variety of auto insurance policies that could affect your claim. The type of policy—and how the crash happened—will determine how you’re compensated.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage when the insured driver causes an accident. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence, GEICO may be responsible for covering your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering under that driver’s liability policy.
MedPay and PIP Coverage
Some GEICO policies include Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. These policies can help pay for your medical expenses and lost wages—regardless of who caused the crash. PIP is commonly required in no-fault states, while MedPay is typically optional.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you were hit by a driver who didn’t carry insurance or fled the scene (a hit-and-run), your own GEICO uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may help cover the costs.
Collision Coverage
This policy pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle after a crash, even if you were at fault. If you carry collision coverage through GEICO, you may be able to recover the value of your damaged car.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims With GEICO
Understanding your role in the claim helps determine how to pursue compensation.
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A first-party claim is filed under your own GEICO policy.
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A third-party claim is filed against a GEICO policy held by the at-fault driver.
The process and level of resistance you face may vary depending on the type of claim.
Filing a First-Party Claim With GEICO
If you’re using your own GEICO policy—for example, PIP, MedPay, collision, or uninsured motorist coverage—you’ll file a first-party claim. This typically involves reporting the accident, submitting documentation, and waiting for GEICO to evaluate your case.
But here’s the catch—the larger your claim, the harder GEICO may push back.
They might:
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Assign an adjuster to dig into the details
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Delay processing while they “investigate”
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Ask for unnecessary documentation or authorizations
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Offer far less than your claim is worth
If this happens, don’t go it alone. A car accident lawyer can handle these negotiations and push for the full payout you deserve.
Filing a Third-Party Claim Against a GEICO Policyholder
If you were hit by a driver insured by GEICO, you may be dealing with their liability policy. Third-party claims tend to be more complex because you’ll need to prove the GEICO policyholder caused the crash.
In these situations, it’s common for:
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GEICO to deny liability
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The at-fault driver to avoid taking blame
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The insurance company to delay or lowball your claim
To make things worse, GEICO has teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their insured—not you. That’s why it’s critical to have your own legal team fighting for your rights.
When Should You Sue GEICO?
There are several situations where filing a lawsuit becomes necessary:
1. GEICO Denies the At-Fault Driver’s Responsibility
If GEICO won’t accept their policyholder caused your crash—even when it’s clear they did—you may need to sue the driver directly. If a judge rules in your favor, GEICO will typically be responsible for paying the verdict under the driver’s policy.
2. GEICO Refuses to Honor Coverage
Sometimes GEICO denies that a policy applies at all. This could happen with both first-party and third-party claims. When this happens, your attorney may need to file a lawsuit against GEICO to enforce the policy and recover compensation.
3. GEICO Engages in Bad Faith
Insurance companies are legally required to act in good faith. If GEICO delays your claim, offers a grossly unfair settlement, or refuses to communicate, they could be violating state law. In these cases, you may be able to sue GEICO directly for bad faith and seek extra damages.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Sue GEICO
Going up against a large insurance company like GEICO is not something you should try on your own. Their legal team is trained to minimize payouts—and they will take advantage if you’re not represented.
Hiring a skilled attorney gives you a fighting chance to recover full and fair compensation. A lawyer can:
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Review your insurance coverage and explain your options
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Investigate the accident and gather evidence
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Handle communication with adjusters and attorneys
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Negotiate a settlement or take your case to trial if necessary
Best of all, you pay nothing upfront. At Applebaum Accident & Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win your case.
Get Help With Your GEICO Insurance Claim Today
You shouldn’t have to battle GEICO on your own. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and GEICO is involved—whether through your policy or someone else’s—our legal team is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Applebaum Accident & Injury Law today(855)-Call-Paul
for a consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you’re owed. We don’t get paid unless you do.
