GEICO may seem friendly in commercials, but when you file an accident claim, its goal is to protect the bottom line. If you were hurt in a crash involving GEICO, knowing the secrets GEICO does not want you to know after an accident can help you improve your chances of recovering a fair settlement.
Below are the key tactics to understand how GEICO handles personal injury claims.
1. The First Offer Is Almost Always Too Low
GEICO insurance adjusters often start with a settlement offer that barely covers your medical bills or property damage. They are trained to gauge how desperate you might be to settle quickly before realizing the true value of your case.
Initial offers usually:
- Exclude future medical expenses or ongoing care.
- Undervalue pain and suffering, lost income, and emotional distress.
- Come before you have finished medical treatment, locking you into a premature deal.
Accepting early may permanently waive your right to pursue additional compensation. A Kennesaw personal injury lawyer can calculate the full value of your economic and non-economic damages and push back against lowball offers.
2. GEICO Uses Software To Value Your Injuries
GEICO relies on computer programs like Colossus and Xactimate to determine how much your claim is “worth.” These algorithms compare thousands of prior claims and assign a number based on medical codes, treatment length, liability, and other factors.
The problem is that software cannot account for human suffering or unique circumstances. It often:
- Devalues soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and psychological trauma.
- Penalizes claimants who miss appointments or delay treatment.
- Ignores the long-term effects of chronic pain or reduced mobility.
You will need strong documentation to make sure your experience is recognized beyond what a computer program may suggest.
3. “Delay, Deny, Defend” Is a Real Strategy
GEICO adjusters may appear helpful at first, but many claimants experience sudden delays or repeated document requests after filing. This is part of a larger corporate strategy, sometimes referred to as “delay, deny, defend.”
Common delay tactics include:
- Asking for unnecessary or duplicate paperwork.
- Claiming they need “further review” from supervisors.
- Questioning your medical records or suggesting that your injuries pre-existed the crash.
These steps are designed to frustrate you into settling for less. A lawyer can keep your claim on track, document communication, and hold GEICO accountable for unfair stalling.
4. Recorded Statements Can Be Used Against You
One of the biggest secrets is that recorded statements are not for your benefit. GEICO may ask for one, only to listen for contradictions, admissions of fault, or comments that minimize your pain.
For example:
- Saying “I am okay” or “I think I can go back to work” can be twisted to argue you were not seriously hurt.
- Guessing how the crash occurred may later conflict with police reports or witness accounts.
- Admitting uncertainty about symptoms can be cited as proof that your injuries are minor.
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Always consult a Kennesaw personal injury lawyer first to avoid unintentionally damaging your claim.
5. GEICO Tries to Shift Blame
Even when liability seems clear, GEICO may try to pin part of the fault on you to reduce your payout. Under Georgia’s modified comparative fault law, if you are found even 10 to 20 percent responsible, your settlement could drop by the same percentage, or be barred entirely if you are more than 49 percent at fault.
Their tactics may include:
- Misinterpreting witness statements or police reports.
- Highlighting minor inconsistencies in your version of events.
- Suggesting you were speeding, distracted, or not wearing a seatbelt.
A personal injury lawyer can investigate the scene, gather independent evidence, and challenge GEICO’s attempts to unfairly shift blame.
The Bottom Line: Be Cautious
GEICO invests millions in advertising to convey a friendly, efficient, and trustworthy image. However, when it comes to paying fair settlements, their approach is strategic and profit-driven. Quick offers, computer software, and psychological pressure can make you accept less than you deserve.
Knowing these secrets can help you protect yourself. Stay organized, avoid recorded statements, and involve a Kennesaw personal injury lawyer with Starks Byron, P.C. early to fight for full compensation if you’re up against GEICO in Georgia.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710, Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
