What to Know About the GEICO Claims Process After a Car Accident in Long Island, NY

You’re driving to work, mentally preparing for an important meeting, when suddenly, the unexpected happens: you’re in a car accident. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or something more serious, the disruption can throw off your entire day—dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and wondering how to get back on track. The last thing you want is to add the stress of a complicated insurance claim to the mix.

If you’re insured with GEICO, filing a claim might feel overwhelming, but knowing the steps to take—whether you’re using your own policy or filing a third-party claim—can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the GEICO claims process and outline the steps you can take to make the experience as smooth as possible, so you can focus on getting back to what matters most.

Filing a Claim with GEICO: When You Are the Policyholder

If you’re insured with GEICO, you can file a claim for damages following a car accident. GEICO offers several types of coverage that may apply to your situation, including collision coverage and personal injury protection (PIP). PIP, which is mandatory in New York, covers medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. This helps cover immediate medical expenses and lost income. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if you’re at fault.

In New York, all drivers are required to carry the following minimum car insurance coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 for property damage

With your coverage options and New York’s insurance requirements in mind, here’s how to file a claim with GEICO, whether you’re using your own policy or dealing with a third-party claim.

Step 1: Report the Accident to GEICO

Immediately after the accident, contact GEICO to start your claim. You can report your accident in the following ways:

• File your claim online through the GEICO website
• Call GEICO’s claims hotline at 1-800-861-8380
• Report and track your claim using the GEICO mobile app

When reporting the accident, be ready to provide the following details:

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Names and contact information of all parties involved
• Insurance details of all drivers
• Vehicle information (make, model, license plate)
• Police report number, if applicable

Reporting your accident as soon as possible helps start the claims process quickly and prevents any delays in receiving compensation.

Step 2: Claim Examiner Reviews Your Claim

After reporting the accident, a GEICO claim examiner will be assigned to your case. The examiner will review the information you’ve provided, including the police report, medical records, and repair estimates. They will then determine how much compensation you’re eligible to receive based on the severity of the car accident injuries and the damage to your property. The claim examiner will also assess the damage to your vehicle and arrange for repairs or a replacement if necessary.

Step 3: Getting Your Vehicle Repaired

If your vehicle is damaged, GEICO will guide you through the repair process. GEICO may recommend an approved repair shop or allow you to choose one. The repair shop will provide an estimate, and the examiner will assess whether repairs are covered under your collision coverage. Once your vehicle is repaired, GEICO will help facilitate payment for the repairs, minus any deductible that may apply.

Step 4: Negotiating a Fair Settlement

If GEICO offers a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical bills or lost wages, you can negotiate for a higher amount. A Long Island personal injury lawyer can assist in advocating for a fair settlement, including compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they successfully recover compensation for you.

Step 5: Receiving Payment

Once a settlement is reached, GEICO will issue payment to cover your medical care, property damage, lost wages, and other expenses related to the car accident. If the settlement is not sufficient to meet your needs, your attorney can guide you on the next steps, including possibly filing a car accident lawsuit if necessary.

Filing a GEICO Claim: When the Other Driver is at Fault

If the other driver is at fault for the accident and their insurance is with GEICO, you will file a third-party claim. This type of claim allows you to recover compensation for property damage, as well as pain and suffering and any medical expenses or lost wages that exceed your PIP coverage. PIP will cover your initial medical costs and lost wages, but if your injuries are serious or your medical bills exceed your PIP limits, a third-party claim may be necessary to recover additional damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Step 1: Report the Accident to GEICO

As soon as the accident happens, contact GEICO about the other driver’s involvement. You can report the accident through several methods as outlined above, including online, by phone, or through the GEICO mobile app. Be prepared to provide the following details:

• Police report from the incident
• Photos of the scene and damage
• Witness statements, if available
• Medical records related to your injuries

Prompt reporting helps start the claims process quickly and avoids delays in receiving compensation.

Step 2: Investigating Liability

After receiving your report, GEICO will look into the accident to determine who is at fault. The claim examiner will review the police report, witness statements, and other evidence to assess the other driver’s liability. If the other driver is found to be at fault, the third-party claim process will move forward.

If your PIP coverage does not fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, the third-party claim will address the remaining costs. This will include property damage, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.

Step 3: Negotiating with GEICO

Once GEICO has determined fault, they may offer a settlement based on the damages, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. If the offer isn’t enough, you can negotiate for a higher amount. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you secure fair compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

Step 4: Legal Action if Needed

If GEICO refuses to offer a fair settlement or if the settlement doesn’t fully cover your expenses, your lawyer can guide you on the next steps, including possibly filing a car accident lawsuit. In cases of severe negligence, like drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded. It’s also important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits in New York, as waiting too long could prevent you from pursuing your claim.

Whether you’re filing a claim through your own GEICO policy or pursuing a third-party claim, knowing the claims process will help you recover the compensation you need. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Long Island, NY or anywhere in New York State, don’t hesitate to consult a Long Island personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover compensation from your GEICO policy or the other insurer involved.

GEICO May Offer You Less or Deny Your Claim—We’ll Fight for You!

Whether you’re filing a claim through your own GEICO policy or seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, the claims process isn’t without its challenges. Insurance companies like GEICO often focus on reducing payouts, not on providing you with the recovery you need or are eligible for under New York law.

At The Harrison Law Group, our Melville personal injury attorneys know how to challenge lowball offers, delays, and denials. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or long-term injury effects, we’re here to protect your rights.

Don’t let GEICO decide what’s fair. Your online search for an “auto accident lawyer in NY” or “car injury lawyer near me” brought you to this blog. You’re in the right place. Take the next step and call us at (631) 465-9797 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your FREE consultation. We’re ready to stand up for you and fight for your maximum recovery under the law.

Copyright © 2025. The Harrison Law Group, P.C. 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.

The Harrison Law Group, P.C.
534 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 100,
Melville, New York 11747
(631) 465-9797
https://www.hlgny.com