Insurance FAQ
Complete Guide 2026

GEICO stands for Government Employees Insurance Company. The company was originally founded in 1936 to serve government employees and military personnel but has long since expanded to serve the general public across all 50 states.

GEICO is one of the largest auto insurers in the US and has strong financial ratings (verify current ratings with AM Best). Customer experiences vary. Some customers report very positive experiences with pricing and digital tools; others report dissatisfaction with claims handling. We recommend checking current independent ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and NAIC complaint ratios to form your own assessment.

GEICO operates primarily as a direct insurer, meaning most customer interactions are via phone, website, or app rather than through local physical offices. GEICO does have some local offices in certain areas, but this is not their primary service model. Check GEICO's website for current office locations.

GEICO uses numerous factors to determine your auto insurance rate including: your driving record (accidents, violations), age and years of driving experience, type of vehicle, annual mileage, where you live (state and ZIP code), credit-based insurance score (in most states), coverage levels selected, and more. The DriveEasy telematics program can also factor in real-time driving behavior for enrolled customers.

GEICO generally offers various payment plan options including monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payment. Paying in full (annually) typically offers a discount compared to monthly installment payments. There may be installment fees for monthly payment plans. Contact GEICO for current payment options and any associated fees.

GEICO offers classic car insurance through specialty programs. Classic car insurance typically has different terms than standard auto insurance, often requiring the vehicle to be used for shows, parades, and occasional pleasure driving rather than regular commuting. Contact GEICO directly about their current classic car insurance options and eligibility requirements.

GEICO can be cancelled by contacting them directly. You may receive a pro-rated refund for unused premium. GEICO can also cancel or non-renew your policy for reasons such as non-payment, license suspension, or material misrepresentation. State regulations govern cancellation notice requirements. Contact GEICO or consult your policy for specific cancellation terms.

Non-owner auto insurance provides liability coverage when you drive cars you don't own (like rentals or borrowed vehicles). GEICO generally offers non-owner car insurance in most states. This type of policy can also be used to satisfy SR-22 requirements. Contact GEICO to verify current non-owner policy availability and terms in your state.

GEICO offers accident forgiveness as an optional feature in many states. Eligible drivers with a qualifying clean driving record can add this coverage, which prevents your first at-fault accident from raising your premium. Eligibility requirements, cost, and availability vary by state. Contact GEICO to determine if you qualify for accident forgiveness in your state.

Having a DUI on your record doesn't automatically disqualify you from GEICO coverage, but it will typically result in significantly higher premiums. GEICO's eligibility rules for drivers with DUIs vary by state and the specifics of the offense. You may be required to file an SR-22. Contact GEICO directly to discuss your situation and get an accurate assessment of your options.

Flo is a fictional advertising character created for Progressive's marketing campaigns. She has appeared in Progressive TV commercials since 2008 and is portrayed by actress Stephanie Courtney. Flo is a marketing creation and does not represent actual Progressive employees, underwriters, or claims processes.

Progressive Snapshot is a usage-based insurance program where your driving behavior is monitored via app or device. Safe drivers may earn a discount on their renewal premium. The sign-up discount is typically immediate. The final discount (or potential surcharge, where allowed by state) is calculated based on monitored driving behavior over an initial period. The amount saved varies widely by driver.

You can access the Name Your Price tool on Progressive's website when getting a quote. Enter your desired monthly or annual premium, and Progressive shows coverage options that may be available near that price point. Remember: the price you enter is a shopping guide, not a guarantee. Your actual quote is based on your underwriting factors.

Progressive's Snapshot program considers miles driven as one factor in calculating your driving score. However, traditional pay-per-mile insurance (where you pay a base rate plus a per-mile charge) is not Progressive's primary model. For true pay-per-mile insurance, look at insurers that specialize in this model. Contact Progressive directly to understand how mileage factors into their current pricing options in your state.

You can generally add co-owners or additional drivers to a Progressive policy through their website, app, or customer service. Adding drivers affects your premium based on their driving history and profile. Progressive may require information about all licensed drivers in your household when underwriting your policy.

Progressive offers accident forgiveness features on certain plans. Like most insurers, eligibility typically requires a clean driving record for a specified period. When enrolled and eligible, your first qualifying at-fault accident may not raise your premium. Availability and specific terms vary by state. Verify current accident forgiveness terms with Progressive directly.

Claims processing timelines vary based on claim complexity, disputed liability, available information, and other factors. Progressive, like other large insurers, uses technology to help expedite straightforward claims. Complex claims take longer. For status on a specific claim, contact your Progressive claims representative directly.

Progressive generally offers SR-22 filing in most states, but not all. Some states don't use the SR-22 form (e.g., states may use FR-44 or other forms). Contact Progressive directly to confirm SR-22 availability in your specific state and to understand the associated fees and requirements.

Progressive's HomeQuote Explorer is a tool that allows users to compare home insurance quotes from multiple companies simultaneously through Progressive's platform. Because Progressive doesn't underwrite home insurance directly, this tool connects you with various partner home insurers. It's a comparison shopping tool rather than a direct Progressive home insurance product.

Progressive offers rideshare insurance coverage designed for drivers who work for transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. Standard personal auto policies typically exclude coverage during commercial use. Progressive's rideshare coverage addresses this gap. Availability and terms vary by state — contact Progressive directly to verify current rideshare coverage options in your state.

Minimum auto insurance requirements are set by individual states and vary significantly. Most states require liability coverage at minimum (for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others). Some states also require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage. Virginia and New Hampshire have historically had different arrangements. Always verify your specific state's minimum requirements with your state's DMV or insurance department.

"Full coverage" is not an official insurance term — it's commonly used to describe a combination of liability + collision + comprehensive coverage. Even with so-called "full coverage," there are typically exclusions. For example, standard auto policies don't cover mechanical breakdown, intentional damage, or using your personal vehicle for commercial purposes without proper coverage. Always read your policy to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in for a covered claim. For example, if you have a $500 collision deductible and $3,000 in covered damage, you pay $500 and your insurer pays $2,500. Higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums; lower deductibles mean higher premiums. Deductibles apply per claim for most auto coverages. Liability coverage typically has no deductible.

In most cases in the US, auto insurance follows the car first, then the driver. This means if someone else drives your car and has an accident, your insurance is typically the primary coverage. However, if the driver has their own insurance, it may come into play as secondary coverage. Rules vary by state and policy. Review your specific policy and consult a licensed agent for clarity on your situation.

How fault affects your claim depends on whether your state uses a "fault" or "no-fault" system. In at-fault states, the driver determined to be responsible for an accident is generally liable for damages to others. In no-fault states, each driver's insurance typically covers their own medical expenses regardless of fault. Your own collision coverage (if you have it) typically covers your vehicle damage regardless of fault, minus your deductible.

Standard homeowners insurance (typically HO-3 form) generally covers: dwelling (the physical structure of your home), other structures (fences, detached garages), personal property (your belongings inside and sometimes outside), additional living expenses (if you temporarily can't live in your home due to a covered loss), and personal liability (if someone is injured on your property or you damage someone else's property). Specific coverage varies by policy and insurer.

Standard home insurance policies typically do NOT cover: floods (requires separate flood insurance through NFIP or private insurer), earthquakes (requires separate earthquake coverage), normal wear and tear, pest infestations, power outages (unless caused by a covered peril), sewer backup (unless specifically added), and high-value items (jewelry, art, collectibles may need scheduled endorsements). Always read your policy exclusions carefully.

Homeowners insurance covers both the physical structure of your home AND your personal belongings, plus liability. Renters insurance covers only your personal belongings and liability — NOT the building (since you don't own it). Renters insurance is generally much less expensive than homeowners insurance because it doesn't cover the building structure. Both typically include liability coverage and additional living expenses.

Flood insurance is separate from standard home insurance and covers damage caused by flooding from external water sources (rivers, storms, storm surge). If your home is in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender likely requires flood insurance. Even if not required, flood insurance may be worth considering depending on your location and risk level. Contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a licensed agent to evaluate flood insurance options for your property.

Most insurance professionals generally suggest getting at least 3-5 quotes from different insurers to compare rates and coverage options. Since rates vary widely between companies for the same driver, shopping around can potentially result in significant premium differences. Remember to compare the same coverage levels and deductibles across quotes for an accurate comparison.

Insurance quotes typically use a "soft inquiry" on your credit report rather than a "hard inquiry" that mortgage and auto loan applications create. Soft inquiries generally do not affect your credit score. However, insurance regulations and practices vary by state and insurer. If you have concerns about credit inquiries, ask each insurer about their credit inquiry process when getting a quote.

An insurance score (also called a credit-based insurance score) is calculated from your credit history data but is different from the credit scores used for loan applications. Insurance scores use similar underlying data (payment history, debt levels, credit history length, etc.) but weigh factors differently to predict insurance risk rather than loan default risk. Not all states allow insurers to use credit-based insurance scores in rate determination.

General strategies to potentially lower auto insurance premiums include: maintaining a clean driving record, taking a defensive driving course, increasing your deductible (accepting more risk), reducing coverage on older vehicles with low market value, bundling multiple policies with one insurer, installing anti-theft devices, improving your credit score (where permitted), enrolling in telematics programs (if you're a safe driver), shopping around and comparing quotes, and asking about all available discounts.

An umbrella insurance policy provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your other policies (like auto or home insurance). If you're sued for a large amount and your primary policy limits are exhausted, umbrella insurance can help cover the remainder up to its limit. Umbrella policies typically require you to maintain certain minimum liability limits on underlying policies. They can provide millions of dollars in additional coverage for a relatively modest annual premium.