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How to File a GEICO Claim After a Car Accident in Florida

January 15, 2025 – Adam Mann

Hollywood, FL car accident lawyer explains filing a GEICO claim. Call (954) 983-7100 to schedule a free consultation.

We’ve all seen the quirky commercials with the gecko touting the benefits of GEICO insurance. However, if you’ve been in a car crash in Florida, filing a GEICO claim can feel overwhelming, stressful—and far from the whimsical branding the insurance company portrays on television. 

As the second-largest auto insurer in the United States, GEICO processes a significant amount of car accident claims every year. Understanding the claims process can make all the difference in facilitating a smooth experience and helping you seek compensation for bodily injury and economic damages due to the other party’s negligence.

In this blog, a car accident lawyer from Cohen & Cohen Law, a personal injury law firm that has been representing clients in Hollywood, FL and surrounding areas for more than 50 years, guides car accident victims through the steps of filing a claim with GEICO, and when to consider hiring a car accident lawyer.  Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at (800) 332-6436(800) 332-6436 to schedule a free consultation.

At Cohen & Cohen Law, we are here to be the experience you need and the representation you can trust with your GEICO claim.

Step 1: Seek Medical Treatment and Report the Accident 

Your health and safety should be your priority after an auto accident. Under Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) laws, you must seek medical attention within 14 days after the accident to qualify for PIP benefits. GEICO and other insurers require customers to report the incident promptly, so if your own insurance company is GEICO, call them as soon as you can. 

When notifying them, provide accurate details about the accident, such as the date, location, and parties involved. Be truthful yet concise in your statements. 

Tip: Police documentation can strengthen your case, so always file a police report after the accident.  

Step 2: Gather Evidence 

GEICO will request specific documents to process your claim and gathering them in advance can speed up the process. Before you call, be ready to submit the following information: 

  • Police report or accident report 
  • Photos of the damages to vehicles and the accident site 
  • Photos of your injuries (if applicable) 
  • Medical expenses and records (as proof of treatment and associated costs) 
  • Contact details of any witnesses and witness statements
  • The other driver’s insurance and contact information 

This information helps GEICO assess fault and calculate compensation. 

Step 3: File Your Claim 

GEICO offers online claims submission through their mobile app or website, and a 24/7 phone hotline, (800) 861-8380. Any of these methods will walk you through the process step by step. 

You’ll need to describe the accident and upload supporting documents such as photos, medical bills, and the police report. Be cautious about signing or agreeing to recorded statements before securing high-quality legal representation. Insurance companies may use your statements to minimize your payout. 

Step 4: Get a Vehicle Inspection and Prepare for Adjuster Calls 

GEICO may arrange for their adjusters or appraisers to inspect your car. Be sure to accompany the adjuster to fully understand their assessment of the damages. 

It’s not uncommon for insurance adjusters to call you with questions about the accident. As an injury lawyer will advise, you have no obligation to provide detailed answers without representation from a personal injury attorney. Generally speaking, personal injury attorneys know that these conversations can significantly impact how insurance companies settle claims. 

Step 5: Review the Settlement Offer 

Once GEICO completes its investigation, they will issue a claim decision. Their offer may include compensation for vehicle repairs and medical bills. However, insurers often propose a lower settlement than what is appropriate and allowable under Florida law.

Before agreeing to a settlement, schedule a free case evaluation at a car accident law firm. Our personal injury lawyers at Cohen & Cohen Law will thoroughly review GEICO’s offer and advise whether it is a fair settlement or if negotiations are necessary. 

Step 6: Protect Your Rights with Hollywood Car Accident Lawyers Serving Broward County & South Florida  

Florida state laws governing personal injury claims changed in 2023. Thanks to the state’s comparative negligence laws, the amount you recover after an accident can be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Additionally, the revised statute of limitations provides a two-year window (shortened from four years) for filing a car accident lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t compensate you adequately. 

Our law firm will meet all deadlines and negotiate with GEICO throughout the claims process. For over 50 years, we have been helping clients recover money for sustained injuries and pain and suffering, allowing them to focus on their recovery journey while our legal team handles the intricacies of automobile accident cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim after an auto accident in Florida?

In 2023, Florida changed its statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accident claims, from four years to two years.

What should I do immediately after an auto accident?

Immediately after an auto accident, prioritize everyone’s safety and call 911 if there are injuries. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, and insurance information. Document the accident scene by taking photos and gathering witness information. Notify GEICO as soon as possible to report the accident and start the claims process.

What should I do if GEICO denies my claim?

If GEICO denies your claim, review the denial letter to understand the reasons. You may need to provide additional evidence or documentation to support your claim. If you believe the denial is unjust, consider scheduling a free consultation with a Hollywood car accident attorney who can help you dispute the denial and negotiate with GEICO.

Can I still file a claim if the accident was with an uninsured motorist?

You can file a claim with GEICO if the other driver is uninsured. If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your policy, it will cover your damages up to the limits of your policy. Contact GEICO to discuss your coverage options and how to proceed with your claim.

How long does it take for GEICO to process a claim?

The time it takes GEICO to process a claim can vary depending on the complexity of the accident and the extent of the damages or injuries. Simple claims might be resolved within a few weeks, while more complex cases could take several months. Regularly follow up with your claims adjuster to stay informed about the progress of your claim.

Is Florida a no-fault state? 

Yes, Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means that after a car accident, each driver’s own insurance company is responsible for covering their medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This system is designed to reduce the need for litigation and speed up the compensation process for minor injuries. 

Contact Cohen & Cohen Law in Hollywood, FL for a Free Case Review

Filing a GEICO claim after a car accident in South Florida can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with physical pain, lost wages due to an inability to work, and emotional distress. Have you been searching online for a “Hollywood car accident lawyer,” “Hollywood car accident attorney,” or “personal injury law attorney?”

With more than 50 years of representing clients in Hollywood, FL and surrounding areas, Cohen & Cohen Law is here to be the experience you need and the representation you can trust. From handling insurance documentation to fighting for fair compensation, an injury lawyer from our firm will protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need for your pain and suffering and economic damages. 

Call us today at (800) 332-6436(800) 332-6436 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation. 

Copyright © 2025. Cohen and Cohen Law. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Cohen and Cohen Law
4000 Hollywood Blvd penthouse 705s
Hollywood, FL 33021
(800) 332-6436(800) 332-6436
https://www.cohenandcohenlaw.com 

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