Updated Jan 18, 2023
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At a glance
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About Bankrate Score
Bottom Line
Policyholders who value cheaper car insurance and digital capabilities over bundling multiple insurance policies with the same company might consider Geico as their company of choice.
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Low average premiums for high-risk drivers
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Robust online and mobile app accessibility
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Multi-policy discounts available
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers
Geico car insurance
Geico car insurance received a Bankrate Score of 4.4 out of 5 points. To determine this Score, our insurance editorial team reviewed Geico’s average premiums, coverage options, discounts, customer satisfaction, financial strength and digital insurance features. The better a company performed in each of these categories, the higher its overall Bankrate Score.
Along with its high Bankrate Score, Geico was also named one of this year’s best car insurance companies overall, as well as the best budget car insurance company in the 2023 Bankrate Awards. Thanks in part to its overall lower-than-average premiums and plentiful discount opportunities, Geico may be a good choice for drivers looking for a cheap premium. Average Geico car insurance rates are also significantly cheaper than the national average when adding a young driver to the policy.
Bankrate Award winner for best auto insurance company overall and best budget auto insurance company
Bankrate’s insurance editorial team has decades of combined industry experience, and we use our expertise to uncover the best insurance companies through our annual Bankrate Awards.
Our goal is to give consumers an easy way to find a company that fits their unique circumstances. Based on our extensive research, we’ve recognized Geico as a 2023 Bankrate Award winner for the best overall auto insurance company and the best budget auto insurance company.
Why Geico won
Geico offers below-average auto insurance rates as well as a solid mix of coverage options, discounts and digital tools. These factors, combined with customer satisfaction and financial strength scores, earned Geico Bankrate Awards for best overall auto insurance company and best budget auto insurance company.
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To choose the best overall auto insurance company, we started by gathering information from over 150 insurance companies. We researched average quoted annual premiums obtained from Quadrant Information Services for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., because we know that price is a top concern for many shoppers. We also know that service and financial strength are important, so we also evaluated third-party scores and ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), AM Best, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s. To ensure that we chose companies that offer the coverage that drivers need, we next reviewed available coverage options and discounts. Finally, we considered each company’s local agency presence, digital tool functionality, corporate sustainability and national availability (which we define as being available in at least 48 states, since Alaska and Hawaii often present unique challenges to insurers). While our Bankrate Awards can serve as a helpful guide, keep in mind that each insurance company has its own underwriting and pricing regulations, which means eligibility and rates will vary. We chose to feature two companies, Amica and Geico, as the best overall to help a wider range of drivers.
Price was the most important factor as we looked for the best budget auto insurance company. We obtained average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., then analyzed the rates by a number of driver profiles. We weighed the national average rate most heavily in our analysis, but also considered coverage options, discounts, third-party scores and digital tools. Geico consistently offers low average rates and has a long list of discounts that could lower premiums even more.
Geico car insurance is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Its coverage options are generally standard, and it does not have as many optional add-ons as some other car insurance carriers. The only additional options listed on Geico’s website are emergency roadside service, rental reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.
Pros and cons of Geico car insurance
If you’re comparing auto insurance rates, considering Geico’s pros and cons might help you in your decision.
PROS
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Checkmark Average rates are lower than the national average
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Checkmark Average rates for drivers with an at-fault accident or moving violation on their record may be more affordable than competitors
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Checkmark Robust digital tools for online policy management
CONS
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Close X May have limited local agencies for those who want in-person support
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Close X Fewer optional coverage add-ons than competitors
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Close X Mobile app is highly-rated in the app store, but the company scored below the segment average for service in the J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study
Geico car insurance cost
Based on Bankrate’s study of rate data from Quadrant Information Services, Geico is one of the cheapest car insurance companies. Its 2023 average cost of car insurance is $1,353 per year for full coverage and $373 per year for minimum coverage. This is notably lower than the 2023 national average cost of car insurance at $2,014 per year for full coverage.
Geico car insurance rates by driving history
Car insurance companies may weigh driving records heavily when it comes to calculating car insurance rates. An at-fault accident or moving conviction, such as a speeding ticket or DUI, could make your car insurance more expensive compared to a driver with no accidents or tickets on their record. Below is a comparison of rates for drivers with different driving histories. A DUI conviction has been excluded as some insurance carriers may not accept drivers with a DUI.
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| Geico average monthly full coverage premium | Geico average annual full coverage premium | National average annual full coverage premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean driving history | $113 | $1,353 | $2,014 |
| Speeding ticket conviction | $138 | $1,658 | $2,427 |
| At-fault accident | $166 | $1,988 | $2,854 |
| Geico average monthly minimum coverage premium | Geico average annual minimum coverage premium | National average annual minimum coverage premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean driving history | $31 | $373 | $622 |
| Speeding ticket conviction | $38 | $455 | $748 |
| At-fault accident | $46 | $551 | $892 |
Geico car insurance quotes by age
The age of a driver and the years of driving experience they’ve accumulated may also play an important role in determining car insurance rates. Young drivers and those who are newly licensed typically pay more for car insurance than drivers with more years of experience behind the wheel. Average insurance rates by age show that auto insurance premiums do tend to decrease over time until your 60s, but you may be able to find the best car insurance rate at any age by compiling car insurance quotes.
Below are comparisons that show young drivers both on and off their parents’ policy, as well as how they compare to other age groups. All rates are for drivers with a clean driving record.
Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their parents’ policy
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| Geico average monthly full coverage premium | Geico average annual full coverage premium | National average annual full coverage premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 16 | $248 | $2,977 | $4,392 |
| Age 17 | $229 | $2,753 | $4,102 |
| Age 18 | $210 | $2,523 | $3,837 |
| Age 19 | $184 | $2,212 | $3,345 |
| Age 20 | $171 | $2,054 | $3,149 |
| Geico average monthly minimum coverage premium | Geico average annual minimum coverage premium | National average annual minimum coverage premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 16 | $74 | $886 | $1,470 |
| Age 17 | $68 | $811 | $1,362 |
| Age 18 | $61 | $733 | $1,261 |
| Age 19 | $53 | $633 | $1,070 |
| Age 20 | $48 | $580 | $995 |
Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their own policy
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| Geico average monthly full coverage premium | Geico average annual full coverage premium | National average annual full coverage premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 18 | $337 | $4,048 | $6,110 |
| Age 25 | $132 | $1,584 | $2,473 |
| Age 30 | $116 | $1,389 | $2,125 |
| Age 40 | $113 | $1,353 | $2,014 |
| Age 60 | $105 | $1,264 | $1,824 |
| Geico average monthly minimum coverage premium | Geico average annual minimum coverage premium | National average annual minimum coverage premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 18 | $98 | $1,175 | $1,967 |
| Age 25 | $36 | $432 | $747 |
| Age 30 | $32 | $379 | $647 |
| Age 40 | $31 | $373 | $622 |
| Age 60 | $29 | $352 | $578 |
You may be eligible for a discount if you are a member or employee of a participating affiliate company or organization.
Both active duty and retired military policyholders, as well as members of the National Guard or Reserves, may save up to 15 percent on Geico auto insurance.
Geico provides up to 25 percent off car insurance for service members who experience an emergency deployment.
This usage-based telematics program tracks participating members’ driving habits and may offer premium discounts to safe drivers.
Geico may extend a discount to policyholders who insure multiple vehicles on the same policy.
Full-time students who maintain a strong academic record may receive a discount of up to 15 percent.
Geico car tools and benefits
Geico has partnered with TrueCar to create its Geico Car Buying Service. With this program, Geico policyholders can research their desired car’s market value and receive assistance from TrueCar’s Certified Dealers. After purchasing their vehicle, Geico members can use Geico Mobile’s Vehicle Care app, created through a partnership with CARFAX, to track their service history, access recall information and set maintenance reminders.
Drivers 50-years-old and older in certain states may qualify for policy renewal for life through Geico’s Prime Time contract. However, there are eligibility requirements. For example, there can be no drivers listed on the policy under the age of 25, no drivers on the policy can have received a violation or been involved in an accident in the past three years, and you can’t use your vehicle for business purposes. Still, this unique contract could provide peace of mind for those who are eligible.
Geico home insurance
Geico does not write its own home insurance policies, but it works with non-affiliated insurance companies to provide homeowners insurance quotes to interested customers. The policies are secured through GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC, and may require additional research to see if they offer the best homeowners insurance for your needs. Although coverage options and discounts may vary based on the partner company, Geico does advertise a bundling discount for auto insurance customers who add a property insurance policy through the carrier.
Geico life insurance
Similar to its home insurance policies, Geico life insurance is offered through partner companies.
Geico’s partnered life insurance offerings are available in three policy types: term life, whole life and universal life insurance. Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific amount of time, such as 10 or 30 years, and is typically used to replace lost income and cover future expenses if the policyholder passes away during the policy term. Customers may be able to obtain a term life insurance policy through Geico’s partner companies with no medical exam, but they will likely still have to fill out a health and lifestyle questionnaire.
Whole life insurance and universal life insurance are both types of permanent life insurance. These policies do not have a policy end date as long as policy terms are fulfilled. In addition to helping with income, permanent life insurance policies could also be an integral part of estate planning.
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Geico customer satisfaction
Bankrate analyzes a variety of metrics to evaluate an insurance company’s customer satisfaction, including third-party scores issued by J.D. Power. Every year, J.D. Power studies customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction and digital experience for various insurance companies across the country and issues them scores in each subject, with 1,000 being the highest score possible.
Our editorial team also considers the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index. The NAIC keeps track of how many complaints are lodged against an insurance company and translates this data into a complaint index score. To understand this data, know the baseline (or average) amount of customer complaints is 1.0. A complaint index score higher than 1.0 means the company receives more complaints on average for its size and vice versa.
Geico auto satisfaction
Geico’s scores in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study vary depending on the region. Although it often scored above the segment average, it fell short in Texas and the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Additionally, it landed just above the industry average for claims satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
Geico’s full-service mobile app and online customer portals may be a big perk for tech-savvy shoppers. While it is true that the app is highly-rated on the App store and Google Play, the company fell under the segment average in the service category in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study. Consumers may be more satisfied with Geico’s online sales flow as the company scored above average in the shopping category.
Regarding the NAIC complaint index, Geico has fewer complaints, on average, about its private passenger auto insurance for a company of its size, with a complaint index of 0.68. This index may indicate that Geico’s auto insurance policyholders are generally happy with the company’s service.
How to file a claim with Geico
Filing a claim with Geico can be done online through its website or the mobile app. Policyholders may also call the company’s claims line at 800-841-3000.
As Geico homeowners insurance is offered through partner companies, contact information for property claims may vary based on the company that writes your policy. A comprehensive list of property claims contact numbers can be found on Geico’s website.
Geico availability
Geico is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Other Geico perks worth considering
Auto insurance may be Geico’s most popular product, but customers can also access the following:
- Travel insurance: Offered through Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, this insurance could help insure your travel costs including trip cancellations, lost or stolen travel documents or unplanned medical costs.
- Jewelry insurance: Geico has partnered with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group to help customers insure valuable and sentimental jewelry against theft, damage and loss.
- Pet insurance: Caring for a pet can be a major expense, but pet insurance may help decrease some of the costs. Geico works with partner insurance carriers to provide coverage for most accidents, non-pre existing illnesses, dental care and more.
Geico corporate sustainability
Geico supports three main initiatives through the Geico Philanthropic Foundation: education, community engagement and equity, justice, diversity and inclusion. The Foundation has donated an average of $6-8 million annually to over 7,000 charities in the last twenty years. It encourages policyholders and the wider public to submit their 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations for donation consideration, provided that the non-profit meets Geico’s criteria. Nominations can be made from the start of the year to November 30.
Not sure if Geico is right for you?
If you’re still wondering if Geico could be a good fit for your insurance needs, you may want to consider requesting quotes from the companies below:
Geico vs. Esurance
As a fully digital insurance company, Esurance offers a robust digital app experience and may be another good option for those who want to manage their own policies. Its telematics DriveSense mobile app may allow Esurance customers and non-policyholders to earn rewards and discounts by tracking real-time driving habits and behaviors. However, Esurance does not advertise as many discounts as Geico and has higher average auto insurance premiums.
Learn more: Esurance Insurance review
Geico vs. Nationwide
Low-mileage drivers and those who want to build safe driving habits may appreciate Nationwide’s two telematics programs: SmartMiles and SmartRide. Nationwide could also be an option for those who want to bundle home and auto insurance with the same carrier, as the company writes its own homeowners insurance policies. Consumers should note that Nationwide did score below the industry average in J.D. Power’s auto claims satisfaction study.
Learn more: Nationwide Insurance review
Geico vs. Progressive
Progressive offers a long list of car insurance discounts as well as numerous home insurance discounts for those looking to save on both policy types. The company’s Name Your Price tool may also help customers take a price-first approach to their car insurance and find coverage that fits their budget. Progressive auto insurance is available in all 50 states, but homeowners insurance is not, so potential customers may want to verify availability when researching this carrier.
Learn more: Progressive Insurance review
Is Geico a good insurance company?
Bankrate’s insurance editorial staff includes three licensed agents, and we aim to share our intimate industry knowledge to help our readers choose the best insurance company that suits their needs. Insurance is complex, and we know that finding the right carrier isn’t always easy. That’s why we spend hundreds of hours each year conducting in-depth insurance company reviews.
Bankrate’s Geico insurance review also revealed that the company does not underwrite many insurance products other than car insurance. However, its partnerships with non-affiliated companies could allow customers to purchase most types of insurance including home, umbrella and life. Additional research may be required on these carriers to see if they’re the right fit.
46
years of industry expertise
122
carriers reviewed
20.7K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
Methodology
Auto
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident and single speeding ticket.
Bankrate Scores
Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company’s true score in each category out of a possible five points.
Source: thesimpledollar.com