How to Apply for Geico Car Insurance
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Gather the essentials before you start
Have these three items ready for every driver and vehicle: a valid driver’s license, the VIN, and the ZIP code where the car is garaged. GEICO lists them as the only must-haves for an accurate same-day quote.
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Get your personalized rate online, by phone, or in the app
Visit geico.com/auto-insurance or open the GEICO Mobile app, tap “Get a Quote,” and answer a short questionnaire about drivers, vehicles, and desired coverages; if you prefer, call 1-800-861-8380 and an agent will enter the exact same info.
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Customize coverages and apply discounts in real time
Adjust liability limits, add collision/comprehensive, and toggle extras like rental reimbursement. As you edit, the quote tool instantly recalculates your price and shows eligible discounts (multi-car, safe driver, good student, bundling, etc.).
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Lock in the policy with your first payment
Review the final premium, choose pay-in-full or monthly billing, and submit at least the first installment. Coverage begins on the effective date shown once payment is processed—no waiting for snail-mail paperwork.
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Download digital ID cards and manage your policy 24/7
Your proof of insurance appears instantly in the GEICO Mobile app and on geico.com; you can save the card to Apple Wallet, add vehicles, change coverages, or file claims any time.
Tip: Because GEICO uses the same rating system across channels, starting online and finishing with an agent (or vice versa) won’t change your price—handy if you want personal guidance without paying extra.
Full review of Geico Auto Insurance: Low Prices, Solid Basics but Few Frills
If you have a car, you probably know the gecko. Nearly 13% of all U.S. drivers trust GEICO for one reason above all: price. We reviewed the latest premium studies, regulatory data and customer surveys to see whether the savings still add up—and what you give up for them.
Quick Snapshot
| Metric (Mar 2025) | GEICO |
|---|---|
| U.S. market share | 12.3% (#2) |
| AM Best rating | A++ (Superior) |
| NAIC complaint index | 0.79 (better than average 1.00) |
| Avg. annual premium | Full: $1,991 (-13% vs. national $2,312) <br> Minimum: $492 |
| J.D. Power 2024 | Claims: 14th/21 • Shopping: 14th/17 |
Core Coverage
- Liability (BI/PD)
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Medical Payments or PIP (state-specific)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
All limits can be changed online or in the GEICO Mobile app.
Key Add-Ons
| Add-On | What It Does | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Road Service | 24/7 tow, jump-start, flat tire, lockout | App or 800-424-3426 |
| Rental Reimbursement | Pays for a rental while yours is in the shop | Typical cap $25 day / $750 claim |
| Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) | Extended warranty-like coverage | Cars ≤15 mo/15k mi; renewable to 7 yr/100k mi; $250 deductible |
| Claim Forgiveness | First at-fault accident won’t raise rate | State availability varies |
| Rideshare Endorsement | Covers Uber/Lyft “offline” periods | Must call to add |
Not offered: gap insurance, new-car replacement, full accident forgiveness.
Discount Lineup
- DriveEasy telematics: 5–15%
- Multi-Vehicle: up to 25%
- Multi-Policy bundle
- Good Student: 15%
- Clean-Driving: 22% after 5 claim-free years
- Military: up to 15%
- Federal employee: 12%
Typical Savings: Stacking programs can shave 30–40% for safe, app-friendly drivers.
Digital Experience
The GEICO Mobile app (4.8★, App Store) lets you quote, pay, show ID cards and file claims. First notice of loss is 24/7 via app, web or 800-861-3000. Photos can generate virtual estimates, or you can use an Auto Repair Xpress shop with lifetime workmanship guarantees and direct-deposit payouts.
Customer Satisfaction
- J.D. Power: Mid-pack scores — good but not top-tier.
- Regulator complaints: 21% below average for a company its size.
Who Should Consider GEICO?
- Drivers focused on the lowest possible premium
- Families with several cars (big multi-vehicle break)
- Students with good grades
- Owners of nearly new cars who want MBI instead of a dealer warranty
- Part-time rideshare drivers needing modest extra coverage
Where It Falls Short
- No gap insurance — important if you’re upside-down on a loan or lease
- No new-car replacement option
- Only the first accident is “forgiven”
- Customer service is fine, but rivals like Amica and USAA score higher
How It Stacks Up
| Feature (2025) | GEICO | Progressive | State Farm | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. full-coverage premium | $1,991 | $2,030 | $2,181 | $2,210 |
| AM Best rating | A++ | A+ | A++ | A+ |
| Gap insurance | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Max telematics discount | 15% | 30% | 30% | 40% |
| NAIC complaint index | 0.79 | 0.84 | 0.68 | 0.66 |
Bottom Line
GEICO delivers exactly what many drivers want: dependable coverage at a below-average price, managed almost entirely on your phone. If you need gap coverage, deluxe claim-handling or every optional bell and whistle, shop elsewhere and expect to pay more. Otherwise, the gecko’s promise of quick quotes and real savings still rings true in 2025.