• Report: #4192

Complaint Review: GEICO DIRECT

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  • Submitted: Sat, January 13, 2001
  • Updated: Sun, September 05, 2004

  • Reported By: — NINEVEH NY
GEICO DIRECT
WOODBURY ROAD WOODBURY, New York U.S.A.

GEICO DIRECT ..THEY LIED ABOUT EVERYTHING.

*Consumer Comment: Holly, I love you!

*UPDATE Employee: Insurance follows the car, not the driver.

*Consumer Suggestion: So.....

*Consumer Comment: Never get GEICO

*UPDATE Employee: My Geico Experience

*Consumer Comment: I have had Geico insurance for years

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: THEY DESERVED THE OVERTIME LAWSUIT

*Consumer Suggestion: Where is the lizard??

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I left the gecko last December.

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I left the gecko last December.

*Consumer Suggestion: Employee Nonsense

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Geico = Professional?

*UPDATE Employee: How dare you use this forum to promote that useless class action lawsuit

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: If GEICO is such a good HONEST company, why are 2,000 of us (employees and ex-employees) in a class action with GEICO to recover unpaid overtime.

*Consumer Suggestion: insurance rates are based on risk, and the possibility of risk.

*UPDATE Employee: i just switched over to geico because i like their business practices

*UPDATE Employee: Amanda from Huntsville -

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I feel your Pain

*Consumer Comment: I told the lady on the phone nevermind I would just stick with my insurance I had.

*UPDATE Employee: Read your policy!

*UPDATE Employee: I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT THIS IS A LOAD OF CRAP.

*Consumer Comment: Poor Information

*Consumer Comment: My experience withh Geico

*Consumer Comment: Geico saved us money

*Consumer Comment: Personal History with Geico

*UPDATE Employee: they don't listen

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Ex Geico Employee in reference to high rates

*0: I Just wrote President Bush in reference to Geicos Ripoff.

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I AM WRITING TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT GEICO DIRECT INSURANCE CO.WE WERE LIED TO BY MANY CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS. IMPORTANT INFORMATION WAS WITH HELD FROM US WHEN WE PURCHASED OUR POLICY.

GEICO CLAIMS THEY ARE VERY FAST ABOUT CLAIMS. WELL, I WRECKED MY CAR THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS AND TODAY IS JAN. 12 AND I JUST RECEIVED MY TOTAL LOSS CHECK. THEY NEVER INFORMED US ABOUT RENTAL INSURANCE SO I HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL ON MY OWN, I THEN FOUND ANOTHER CAR , THE TOTAL LOSS REP. TOLD ME IF I MAILED THE TITLE TO MY CAR OVER NIGHT THEY WOULD PUT MY CHECK IN THE MAIL OVERNIGHT WELL I RECEIVED IT 8 DAYS AFTER I MAILED MY TITLE.

THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T RECEIVE MY TITLE TIL MONDAY BUT I TRACKED THE PACKAGE AND THEY RECEIVED IT ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE AT 2:53PM . I THEN ASKED TO HAVE MY INSURANCE CARDS MAILED TO ME FOR THE NEW CAR I WANTED TO PURCHASE, THEY SAID FOR AN ADDITIONAL $ 12.25 THEY WOULD OVERNIGHT THE CARDS, WELL THEY CONVINCED MY HUSBAND NOT TO SPEND THE MONEY THEY WOULD BE MAILED ON MONDAY AND WE WOULD RECEIVE THEM BY THURS. WELL THEY NEVER CAME.... UNTIL SAT AFTER WE CHANGED INSURANCE COMPANIES. THE POST MARK WAS DATED FOR WED. THE TOTAL LOSS CHECK WAS RECEIVED ON FRI. AGAIN POSTMARKED FOR WED. NOT MONDAY LIKE THEY ASSURED US THEY WOULD BE.THEY LIED ABOUT EVERYTHING.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 01/13/2001 12:00 AM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/GEICO-DIRECT/WOODBURY-New-York-11797/GEICO-DIRECT-THEY-LIED-ABOUT-EVERYTHING-4192. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.

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Updates & Rebuttals

#1 Consumer Comment

Holly, I love you!

AUTHOR: Darren - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 05, 2004

Holly,
You are so neat. I just love you! I wish there was a way that Geico could do a counter on their web or something... one that shows the number of new customers due to their advertising and one that counts down each customer lost due to your posting here.

I am really sure that you think you are doing your company a favor. I really do. That is why I love you so much!

For all others that doubt the validity of the reports concerning the thing that have happened to customers with Geico... take a look at Holly's reports through out this site and then ask yourself... "Could she someday be handling your claim?"

If that doesn't give you a pause... then nothing will.

You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,
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#2 UPDATE Employee

Insurance follows the car, not the driver.

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Your insurance follows your vehicle, not the driver of the vehicle. What occurred in your situation is known as a Lending Loss. A Lending Loss occurs whenever you allow someone else to use your vehicle and they have an accident in that vehicle. A Lending Loss can even occur if someone steals your vehicle. In your case, you loaned your vehicle to the valet.

This is a normal part of everyday life that people outside of insurance do not even consider as something they are responsible for, but they are indeed. It may not seem right or fair, but it's the law. GEICO did not just pay them bogus money because of what happened. We would never do that. Instead, we contacted that person and either they brought their vehicle to an adjuster or we sent an adjuster to them. The adjuster then looked over the damage and figured an estimate.

The other party then took their vehicle to a body shop and got an estimate on the cost of replacing the vehicle. GEICO compared that to what we had estimated and worked out a settlement with the other party. I do not know what kind of vehicle was actually involved with you, but generally replacing parts on higher dollar vehicles cost a whole lot more than normal, and the labor time is sometimes double.

If your valet hit a BMW or a Mercedes then we probably did pay out a very high dollar amount for the repairs. Now, since this was a lending loss, it is automatically your fault and it goes on your insurance record with GEICO and also the CLUE report that is used by all insurance companies to decide your rates. It does not go on your Motor Vehicle Report, which affects your driving record and your driving license. That is something completely different.

Lending Losses are also looked at VERY negatively by other companies. Whether it was a valet, or John Doe your next door neighbor, it was still a lending loss. You're very lucky that GEICO decided to continue to insure you after such a loss. Many insurance companies (State Farm for example) will drop you immediately for a lending loss. If you want to know the details of the claim and what was paid out, all you have to do is call GEICO and we'll be happy to speak with you about your claim.
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#3 Consumer Suggestion

So.....

AUTHOR: Chad - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004

...do you not think you shoud be held liable for your car backing into another vehicle? You allowed someone to drive your vehicle and you must suffer the consequences when that person is involved in an accident, regardless if it is your fault or not. How is GEICO ruining your driving record? Are the having you charged with a traffic offense?
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#4 Consumer Comment

Never get GEICO

AUTHOR: Mike - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2004

I've been taken advantage of by GEICO. Never again. A valet backed my truck into a new car while we were inside the resturant eating dinner. They gave the person who's car got hit MY licence plate number and let them leave. Two hours later I come out to get my car and they tell me there was an accident and I need to contact my insurance company. I called GEICO while I was still at the resturant and after holding for a long time got to talk to an agent. They took all the info they requested and said they would "Take care of everything,we'll call you if we need a further statement". I never heard back. 2 months later I recieve notice that my rates are going to more than double due to them paying a very high at fault claim againt ME!!! I was not in the car, several people saw the valet hit the other car with mine,they never even looked at the damaged car and now they are over-charging me and ruining my driving record. They did not inform me of thier arbitration hearing and did not use any eye witness to decide the outcome. This was 2 years ago and my lawyer is still going back and forth with them. When the case is reversed we will sue GEICO. The entire claim is bogus. Be aware they use a company called Criterion Casulty Company to pay thier claims so GEICO's name doesnt end up in court. Very unprofessional indeed. Shame on you GEICO.
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#5 UPDATE Employee

My Geico Experience

AUTHOR: Tina - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 18, 2004

I don't know what is going on in the Lakeland office, but I have been employeed at the Macon, Georgia Geico office for about a year now.

I have never been asked to come in before my shift for any reason. We're not even allowed to boot up our computer or sign into the phone until our shift starts. Any overtime I have worked was voluntary, and I have never had any negitave response when I have declined overtime.

I find Geico to be a family-oriented company. When I was there only a few months, my husband was deployed to the Middle East and Geico was very good about changing my schedule so I could be home more with my children.

When I first started at Geico, I was given the option of having my checks directly deposited or given to me. Most companies I have worked for prefer the direct deposit, and Geico is no exception, but they never required that I open an account with Geico FCU. My checks are deposited into my bank about a day before my payday.

I'm not clear on what you mean about brainwashing employees or turning them into robots. I work my eight hours and when I leave, I leave Geico at the door.

Of course, with any company, the more you put into your job, the better your chances of promotion. But if you are happy in your current job, you are more than welcome to come in, do your work, and go home. Just don't be surprised if you don't get promoted because of your average performance.

Do I think about Geico when I get home? You bet I do. I think about them when I am cashing that payceck that is twice what most other area companies pay. I think about their great healthcare and dental benefits when I have to take one of my children to the doctor. I think about their paid personal leave when I can't schedule a Dr. appointment for my child outside of working hours and they let me come in a few hours late. I think about their tuition reimbursement when I am applying for college classes. I think about them and their great 401K when I am thinking about planning for my future. And when I think about job security, I think about Geico because in 60+ years of doing business, they have never had to lay off anyone, and are most definetly not thinking of outsourcing to India. I even think about them on vacation, when I am getting paid to lounge about for two weeks with no worries about my job. So yeah, I think about Geico at home. And I think they're one of the best companies I have ever worked with.

Again, I am sorry for whatever Lakeland employees had to deal with. The only experiences I have had was with the Macon, Georgia office, and I think it is a great place to work.
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#6 Consumer Comment

I have had Geico insurance for years

AUTHOR: Deborah - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 13, 2004

I have had Geico insurance for over 7 years, and I have had not one single problem with them. My car was vandalized in January this past year with over 3,000.00 worth of damage. They sent me to a claim center where the check was cut right there.

The body shop had more than the 3,000.00 worth of work to do, no problem Geico paid, we had rental car on the policy, I had a rental car paid for during the 8 days my car was in the shop. When I married my husband who was also with Geico and is a bit younger than myself I am 42 he is 34 our rates did NOT increase. We have our rentors policy with them along with both vehicles.

I am sorry you have had problems, but you need to read your policy and know what you have and what you do not have. Oh yes, once my car would not start, we have roadside assistance, called Geico, they sent someone to my home, they were here in 20 minutes, jump started my car, battery had died, and off to work I went. As far as we are concerned they have been great to work with.
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#7 UPDATE EX-employee responds

THEY DESERVED THE OVERTIME LAWSUIT

AUTHOR: A - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 13, 2004

I am a former GEICO employee who was initially considered for a management position. When I read the criteria (and knew that I satisfied it) for this position, I declined the offer. It was obvious that you were expected to live your life for GEICO. Instead, I decided to work in the claims call center for a few months. Having come from my own LARGE business wehre I not only owned the business, but also directly supervised many of its employees, it was IMMEDIATELY evident to me that GEICO was in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. I also told my direct supervisor this, who thought that she could "re-educate" me as to what GEICO interprets as "fair." I worked for the company a few months, saw their practices in many areas and left without looking back. I have never regretted my decision and was elated when I received the material soliciting my participation in the class action lawsuit against them.

The Lakeland Economic Development Commision made a pact with GEICO when they announced they were going to expand their offices here. Simply stated, it was more than evident that they had to hire any/every warm body that applied from either Lakeland or Polk County. While they may have paid better than most local companies, the initial group of 1800+ employees were not much more than warm bodies and more than willing to abide by their pre-determined strategy to bypass federal labor laws. When I spoke with some of my co-workers re GEICO's egregious actions, they were just glad to have a job that paid better than most. Little by little, they have all left the company and I'm told by the few contacts that I still have there that the complexion of the company has changed altogether and not necessarily for the better.

There is absolutely no doubt that this company is a "control freak" in every sense of the word, right down to DEMANDING that employees' paychecks be auto-deposited into the GEICO credit union by using the excuse and scare tactic that paychecks are flown in from Washington and could either be lost or delayed due to severe weather. Like many larger companies now, (Wal-Mart, etc.) there is even the continuous "brain washing" that serves no purpose but to turn employees into nothing more than 24-hour robot machines about/for GEICO. In the past, I have worked for BASF, which you may know IS the largest company in the world, however, they do not use such tactics toward their employees and have always paid them fairly and better than most. This is the difference between being an honorable company and a dishonorable one.

For the very reasons that I have stated above with respect to how GEICO treats its employees, I would NEVER buy their car insurance. This company is a total sham from it's Plaza headquarters in Washington, D.C. right down to the newly-appointed "district" office, in Lakeland, FL.

As for their "save 15%" claim, I can tell you that I have not had a ticket or accident in over 18 years, however, GEICO still quoted me a rate when I was first employed with them that was HIGHER than what I was already paying with my current company. Needless to say, I stayed with my existing company.

I'm not at all impressed by this company, on ANY level!
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#8 Consumer Suggestion

Where is the lizard??

AUTHOR: Jack - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 04, 2004

One of the employees at geico need to give an update on the lizard.
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#9 UPDATE EX-employee responds

I left the gecko last December.

AUTHOR: E - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 02, 2004

Hello, everyone!

I wanted to add a few lines in reference to Geico and how working there for almost four years affected me. I, also, wanted to comment on what I have read.

I left Geico in December 2003 after working in Lakeland, Fl for nearly four years. I was told by my supervisor the first day on the service floor that we were to show up thirty minutes before our shifts to boot up and get paperwork ready and that we were not to expect to get paid for this. Many days I stayed thirty minutes to an hour over my shift to process work and never saw a dime for it, yet if I became ill or needed time off, it took an act of congress to arrange. Raises are based on monthly report cards that consist of a dependability score among countless other things. Associates who actually cared to parent their children could count on guilt trips and terror over the dreaded dependability factor. It was always hovering.

When I left we were working mandatory overtime and 6 day weeks every three weeks. I had a headset with a cord a foot long, and I was expected to be on the phone talking without interval between calls for 100% of my shift. If you had to potty, then you better only have to go at the specific moment of your break or lunch.

I will have to add that Geico policyholders have no excuses for lacking policy knowledge. We were expected to explain all and sell all in under six minutes to each and every policyholder and "delight" them in the process. We mailed tons of paperwork and magazines, too. Claims service is super-fast and the PH has maximum control over the place of repair and how its handled.

Geico benefits are superior and even though I had many awful experiences with bad management, I feel the overall heart of the company is for the policyholder and employee. I think our call center developed too quickly and hired staff that were too young and ill-suited for management. (I was locked in a room in the dark with one supervisor who berated me in front of a few of my associates who happened to be her drinking buddies. Her reason for being upset? I went to her supervisor for help because I was uncomfortable doing a large amount of work in my section while her chosen were at her desk talking about their escapades the night before. I was tired of being threatened by my supervisor and her crew. My supervisor told me often that she was somebody in the company, and I was no one. The supervisor was not in even in her mid-twenties, yet.)

Do be careful with usage. Like other companies they rate based on exposure. 7500/yr is the cut-off. Do read your paperwork. Lying to the policyholder is not something that any insurance associate would do. Licenses are expensive and fines are steep. Lying violates every code of ethic, and it's not wise for business, either. The market is too competitive for petty mistakes. Most of the time, you had the info, you just didn't look at the paperwork. Do make it a point to know what your coverages are and aren't. "Full coverage" is a myth. There is no such thing. Huh? You say? Ask your rep.

And me? Well, I never could rekindle the enthusiasm I had for the company after my "incident". My hair started falling out. I broke out in a rash. I had migraines and stomach issues. I tried to leave in July 2003, but HR promised she would be dealt with. In the late fall, they gave her another section and sat her down from me. I left work so ill that I lost my voice, and I never went back. It took me two months to recover. I am a good neighbor, now. I work for State Farm, and I LOVE it! I am getting a 215 license for Health, Life, and Annuities, and I am face-to-face with my policyholders. Life is really good, and all the ailments are gone. I have tons of insurance with State Farm, and I adore my agent. Where are my autos? They remain with Geico. The rate is half of what State Farm charges. Go figure. :)
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#10 UPDATE EX-employee responds

I left the gecko last December.

AUTHOR: E - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 02, 2004

Hello, everyone!

I wanted to add a few lines in reference to Geico and how working there for almost four years affected me. I, also, wanted to comment on what I have read.

I left Geico in December 2003 after working in Lakeland, Fl for nearly four years. I was told by my supervisor the first day on the service floor that we were to show up thirty minutes before our shifts to boot up and get paperwork ready and that we were not to expect to get paid for this. Many days I stayed thirty minutes to an hour over my shift to process work and never saw a dime for it, yet if I became ill or needed time off, it took an act of congress to arrange. Raises are based on monthly report cards that consist of a dependability score among countless other things. Associates who actually cared to parent their children could count on guilt trips and terror over the dreaded dependability factor. It was always hovering.

When I left we were working mandatory overtime and 6 day weeks every three weeks. I had a headset with a cord a foot long, and I was expected to be on the phone talking without interval between calls for 100% of my shift. If you had to potty, then you better only have to go at the specific moment of your break or lunch.

I will have to add that Geico policyholders have no excuses for lacking policy knowledge. We were expected to explain all and sell all in under six minutes to each and every policyholder and "delight" them in the process. We mailed tons of paperwork and magazines, too. Claims service is super-fast and the PH has maximum control over the place of repair and how its handled.

Geico benefits are superior and even though I had many awful experiences with bad management, I feel the overall heart of the company is for the policyholder and employee. I think our call center developed too quickly and hired staff that were too young and ill-suited for management. (I was locked in a room in the dark with one supervisor who berated me in front of a few of my associates who happened to be her drinking buddies. Her reason for being upset? I went to her supervisor for help because I was uncomfortable doing a large amount of work in my section while her chosen were at her desk talking about their escapades the night before. I was tired of being threatened by my supervisor and her crew. My supervisor told me often that she was somebody in the company, and I was no one. The supervisor was not in even in her mid-twenties, yet.)

Do be careful with usage. Like other companies they rate based on exposure. 7500/yr is the cut-off. Do read your paperwork. Lying to the policyholder is not something that any insurance associate would do. Licenses are expensive and fines are steep. Lying violates every code of ethic, and it's not wise for business, either. The market is too competitive for petty mistakes. Most of the time, you had the info, you just didn't look at the paperwork. Do make it a point to know what your coverages are and aren't. "Full coverage" is a myth. There is no such thing. Huh? You say? Ask your rep.

And me? Well, I never could rekindle the enthusiasm I had for the company after my "incident". My hair started falling out. I broke out in a rash. I had migraines and stomach issues. I tried to leave in July 2003, but HR promised she would be dealt with. In the late fall, they gave her another section and sat her down from me. I left work so ill that I lost my voice, and I never went back. It took me two months to recover. I am a good neighbor, now. I work for State Farm, and I LOVE it! I am getting a 215 license for Health, Life, and Annuities, and I am face-to-face with my policyholders. Life is really good, and all the ailments are gone. I have tons of insurance with State Farm, and I adore my agent. Where are my autos? They remain with Geico. The rate is half of what State Farm charges. Go figure. :)
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#11 Consumer Suggestion

Employee Nonsense

AUTHOR: Bernardo - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 22, 2004

I have had experience with GEICO before. I called them before asking information for my mother who could not speak English. The more I asked, the more clear answers I got. Now of course it depends on the rep you get, this one at least was doing her job. Turns out that the insurance was higher than the insurance my mother had so I promplty hang up. There is always a peaceful solution. Of course if an argument comes up, customers are not "professionals". I have noticed that some rep do tend to expect the customer to already KNOW the information. OF COURSE NOT! There are always hidden things within companies which should be always looked at before doing anything. While I agree with listening carefully what GEICO tells you the first time, I am sure it wouldn't hurt to send additional information to the customer even though they do not subscribe. If one refuses to give more information or is something does not sound right, then the customer should just reject the idea of joining them. I agree that there is a risk to just about anything that one joins into but I do NOT agree to insult a customer, like the employee from Iowa City, Iowa or the one in Woodbury, New York, just because the customer did not read the paper or listen very well on the phone. While I agree with Gary that some consumers out there may not understand or whatever the case, it would not hurt the company to send a reminder or some sort of letter explaining things clearly to the customer. I know I should not be saying this but I smell a lawsuit here for the insults to the customers. This NOT a way to resolve problems.
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#12 UPDATE EX-employee responds

Geico = Professional?

AUTHOR: Patrick - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 09, 2004

Maybee at your location you are treated as a Professional, but where I was we were lied to, cheated out of things that were promised, and job posts never got to a destination - with the reason being "you're too good at what you do now, dont' leave" that's not what I call professional my any means.

On the other hand, if I chose to kiss butt to my manager every day, I would have been just fine like the rest of the people who did that. I chose to go somewhere else in the industry where I am treated like I should be, not just an associate number.
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#13 UPDATE Employee

How dare you use this forum to promote that useless class action lawsuit

AUTHOR: Anthony - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 07, 2004

I know why 2000 employees are involved in this class action suit. It's because that Texas law firm needed 2000 greedy individuals. They are the only ones making any real money on this by the way. I work at Geico and we are nothing but honest with the utmost integrity.

Just in case you're curious I am not a manager or supe. I am a service counselor. Have been for 3 years now and I can tell you I was never forced to work overtime. If it was hurting any of you so bad that you had to boot your computer before you signed onto to the phone; why didn't any of you say anything earlier? Those 15 minutes a day did not seem significant until a lawyer told you all that it might be worth two grand or so.

Geico treats it associates like professionals because we are professionals. We handle ourselves and the business we are in with honesty and integrity. We treat every policy holder with honesty and handle every claim fairly and legally. The ratings of our policies are completely within all legal requirements.

The promotion of this ignorant quest for a few dollars makes us all look bad and does nothing to help gain the trust that our policy holders should have in us.
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#14 UPDATE EX-employee responds

If GEICO is such a good HONEST company, why are 2,000 of us (employees and ex-employees) in a class action with GEICO to recover unpaid overtime.

AUTHOR: Patrick - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 03, 2004

You would think that a company so GOOD and CARING would pay their employees for overtime worked. NO not GEICO, I have proof of overtime that went unpaid. It will be fun to watch the progress of this case. The transcripts so far are hilarious, as the GEICO lawyers don't know what to say to all the allegations and documentation supporting it.

I realize that companies have to make money somehow, but It just seems wrong after witnessing all the things GEICO does to the consumer. The gecko would be so disappointed.

Full detials of this case are online at www.CallCenterOvertime.com
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#15 Consumer Suggestion

insurance rates are based on risk, and the possibility of risk.

AUTHOR: Gary - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 02, 2004

Unfortunately, most people don't truly understand auto insurance and how it works.

The original poster indicated that they got a rate 1/2 as much they had been paying for years, and feel that they have been getting "ripped off" for all these years.

My question - why wasn't this person shopping around at the time. In America, for auto insurance, you DO have freedom of choice. They could have shopped around, but CHOSE not to.

If every comapny had exactly the same rates, there would be ONE company, and then everyone would really complain.

Regarding the posters blurb about credit, this is definitely something to be on the lookout for. Many, if not most, companies are using credit information in figuring their rates.

Remember - insurance rates are based on risk, and the possibility of risk. So companies are using credit as one of the components.

Just be aware.
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#16 UPDATE Employee

i just switched over to geico because i like their business practices

AUTHOR: Not - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 22, 2003

I am an employee for geico and have been there for years now and i just switched over to geico because i like their business practices and the way they try to help people even those ignorant ones that just dont get it!. I find people just dont read their policy's and assume they have everything without reading it and trying to understand what exactly they are paying for it is the buyer who is responsible to see what they are getting i personally know that you have to ask for rental on your policy it just isnt given. As a consumer you have to decide what coverages are needed and what is best for you! If the buyer does not know then we try to assist them and give them what is required by law.It sickens me that most people think they have won lotto when they put a claim in! if people pay so much for something they dont even read then i have got a bridge for sale! Try to read before buying something and then complain because YOU didnt have the brain power to read the contract prior to buying it.And try to get a grip on reality that when a car is totaled alot of research goes into the amount the insurance company will pay they have to get the fair market value of the vehicle and that process takes on average a few weeks.Your claim got settled in a reasonable and timely fashion you should be happy if you dont believe me why dont you READ up and you will see that i am telling you the truth Or better yet.If geico is so bad put a claim in with another insurance company and see what happens! You will see why we are doing better than everyone else! i feel sorry for you! Good luck!
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#17 UPDATE Employee

Amanda from Huntsville -

AUTHOR: Holly - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 25, 2003

Amanda...not that you're little brain could process this but for the benefit of everyone else on this site, I'm going to explain. If you were on your previous State Farm policy with your parents then you were gaining the benefit of your parents' marital rates and a multi-car discount that is up to 15% for each veh. When you decided to set up your own insurance policy, like a big girl...what you were quoted is appropriate. You were quoted as a single, 20 year old youthful operator who statisically will have a greater tendency to get tickets and accidents....it's not that you were a bad driver yourself but your age is a big risk...that's how insurance works, it's all about the risk....you were no longer under your parents' wing and you were forced to become an adult and build your own credibility. You may not understand it, but that doesn't make it wrong, that just makes you incredibly dim.
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#18 UPDATE EX-employee responds

I feel your Pain

AUTHOR: Past Geico Employee - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 24, 2003

I worked for GEICO for about a year, and resinged due to the pressure that was put on myself. GEICO is a billion dollar company and upper management gets cocky because they know that. If you want to get somethind done there. ask for a supervisor, then a manager, then a director, then vp of the region, then ceo, and you will.. i promise.. you will get to talk to them. If for no other reason, do it to bug them. I got tired of screwing policy holders, and upping rates based upon the honest mistake of a customer, people. just say you drive for pleasure 3,000 a year, and you'll save some cash. Honestly tho, from working at GEICO their premiums are higher 80% of the time. Try Allsate, Progressive, Nationwide, or an insurance broker, You WILL Save money!!
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#19 Consumer Comment

I told the lady on the phone nevermind I would just stick with my insurance I had.

AUTHOR: Amanda - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, June 16, 2003

I called Geico to get a quote when I was 20. I had moved out of my parents and looking to save money, I called Geico, since they do say they save you 15% or more.

I had never had a wreck, never gotten a ticket, I had a perfect driving record. I had even been rated a 4 star driver, by State Farm. Well no Geico was not going to save me any money, no way. It was going to be like triple what my rate was with State Farm.

I told the lady on the phone nevermind I would just stick with my insurance I had. She gave me some bull about she had no idea how my rate was so low with State Farm. She thought something must be wrong. No I had the same rate at State Farm since I had started driving, I don't see how Geico can advertise they save you so much money. When they charge triple other companies.

After I got married, my husband had Geico, while I still had State Farm, I had still not had any wrecks or tickets. He on the other hand, had 3 wrecks and like 5 tickets. His rate at Geico, was the same as mine at State Farm. Which by the way was a low rate. How do they figure the rates? It don't make any sense.
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#20 UPDATE Employee

Read your policy!

AUTHOR: Rob - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 18, 2003

For the first post who was very upset that they didn't know they had rental reimbursement:

When you buy car insurance (from any company) you have access to your Declaration page which lists your personal information, coverages, extensions, etc.

When one buys a policy, one should seriously look at waht coverages you have. The biggest problem I always run into is that people get very upset that they have to pay out of pocket because their accident damages surpassed their insurance limits. When I sell a policy or update one, a always express to the customer that their minimum state requirements should be changed to a higher amount....but the customers always say no....they think we are trying to rip them off for more money by giving them a bigger premium. And then when they hit a BMW causing 30,000 property damage and to only found out they had 20,000, they always get upset with us that they are getting sued for 10,000.

Remember all, to look at your declaration page. It isn't the insruance company's responsibility to call you every week to make sure you understand everything. It is your right for you to understand and we make that clear on the phone to see if you understand what we are giving you.

Also, for the person who think's we have no education. Well, our regional office in Virginia, we are required by the state to receive 16 credits in training every two years plus 2 in laws and regulations and 24 for concentrated courses. Also, they pay for your education and give you more money for high grades (I Have an MBA...couldnt do it without GEICO). Also, we go through a very intensive licensing class and we are tested by the State for our insurance license...which is hard (only 33% of everybody passes on the first time). If you fail more than 3 times at Geico, they wont allow you to sell or service insurance...so we are very very dedicated to our work.

To the person who claimed their premiums were too high: They're are many options of why our premiums may be higher than your current insurance company...one of the biggest reasons is the fact that we may not have a lot of policy holders in your current area which will cause premiums to go up. For example, we sell insurance way cheaper than all other insurance companies in Washington, DC simply because we have the most policy holders than any other insruance company there. I wouldn't take the words of the ex-employee...he has half-truths...we base our rates on the NATIONAL RISK statistics...not just from our own company. The Educational level/discount is based on a national statistic and not from us.

I personally love Geico...I was spending 550 a six months for basic coverage (25/50/20)with 500 ded. comp and collsion...at Geico I have 100/300/500 with 200 ded on comp and collision and Im spending only 330 every 6 months
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#21 UPDATE Employee

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT THIS IS A LOAD OF CRAP.

AUTHOR: NERAK - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 12, 2003

I HAVE BEEN AN EMPLOYEE OF GEICO FOR 3 YEARS AND I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT THIS IS A LOAD OF CRAP. I KNOW FULL WELL ABOUT THE TRAINING I HAVE GONE THROUGH AND CONTINUE TO RECEIVE ON A REGULAR BASIS.

WE ARE CONSTANTLY MONITORED AND I DO MEAN CONSTANTLY. YES I GET SICK OF IT MYSELF, BUT IT IS DONE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GIVE WHAT THE COMPANY CALLS A CALL SERVICE.

WE ARE SCORED ON OUR A CALLS AND IT HAS A WEIGHT OF 30% ON OUR MONTHLY GOALS THAT ULTIMANTLY LEAD TO OUR ANNUAL RAISES.

WE HAVE A ROUND THE CLOCK TEAM AND NOT ONLY THAT THEY DO MONITORING FROM HOME OFFICE TOO WITH THE BIG BOSSES.

I KNOW I WILL NOT GIVE OUT ANY INFORMATION THAT I HONESTLY KNOW IS INCORRECT. AS A CONSUMER I WOULD NOT WANT TO BE TREATED THAT WAY EITHER. I HAVE NEVER BEEN PAID SO WELL IN MY LIFE.

WHY DOES GEICO PAY SO WELL? IT'S SIMPLE. BWCAUSE THEY EXPECT SO MUCH FROM THEIR EMPLOYEES AND NOT ONLY THAT, IT'S ALL THE CRAP WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH FROM PEOPLE LIKE THE ONES THAT BUY A POLICY AND THEN NOT READ it.

I KNOW FOR A FACT IT IS PART OF MY GOAL ON A DAILY BASIS TO MAKE SURE OUR POLICY HOLDERS have a policy tailored to fit their needs and as far a rental reimbursement if i offer it to a policy holder and they decline we are to document it.

I couldn't tell you how many people say on a daily basis oh no i don't need that or i will just bum a ride from a friend or family member then turn around and file a claim and expect to get that coverage.

And as far as people listening, no they don't listen, we will tell them something and the next day call back to ask the same question.

Geico is great, as a matter of fact we just sold policy # 5,000.000, so we must be doing something right and making alot of people happy in the process.

And remember just because you do not get the premium you want does not make the company bad. I KNOW IT MAKES MY DAY WHEN I GIVE MY POLICY HOLDER THE SERVICE I WOULD EXPECT!!!!!
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#22 Consumer Comment

Poor Information

AUTHOR: Kim - ()

SUBMITTED: Friday, November 15, 2002

Let me just say that I have never dealt with an insurance company who has given me someone elses policy information as well as mine. So much for the privacy act. I am an honest person, thank god and would never think of doing something to possibly hurt another person. Unfortunately, not all people are like that.

The person's who policy information I received also received my name and address and vehicle information. When I called Geico to report this, they didn't care. In fact, they tried to lie and say that I never received it.

Well I still have the information. Their customer services reps need to be educated on the company. They tell you one thing and another one will tell you something totally different. From what I can see, they broke the privacy act.

I am already shopping around form new insurance. I have never dealt with a company like this.
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#23 Consumer Comment

My experience withh Geico

AUTHOR: Rich - ()

SUBMITTED: Friday, September 27, 2002

I am about to file a claim on my auto insurance so I went to look up the number on the web. Somehow I wound up at this site. Let me say that I have made a claim or two in the past twenty some odd years with Geico and never had any problems. As far as knowing whether you have rental coverage, all you have to do is read the policy. You as the consumer of this or any other product have the responsibility to know what you are purchasing. I had my car in the body shop and got a rental, paid through the policy. I bought several cars and the company faxed the insurance cards to the dealer minutes after being requested to do so.

I will be taking my car to a claims center tomorrow. If I have any major problems with the company I will file a report.

Buyer Beware
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#24 Consumer Comment

Geico saved us money

AUTHOR: Samantha - ()

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, September 04, 2002

To make a long story short, my husband and I had let the insurance on our car lapse. We were without for 2 months. When we did go to start our insurance again, every company that we had gotten quotes from wanted an average of $480 for a six month policy. We got a quote of $253 from Geico, and decided to go with that. Geico then faxed us our insurance binder, so that we would have proof of insurance until our paperwork arrived in the mail.

I don't really know how Geico groups its potential clients, but I do know that your credit rating, your driving record, and whether or not your insurance has lapsed has a huge impact on your rates.

Geico was very informative to us when quoting our insurance, and even informed us that after 6 months of no lapse we would be eligible for another 5% discount.

I give many kudos to Geico Direct. I think that they are doing a wonderful job.
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#25 Consumer Comment

Personal History with Geico

AUTHOR: Randall - ()

SUBMITTED: Friday, August 09, 2002

In the 4 years I have been a civilian Geico customer and the previous 3 years as a military customer, I have heard friends tell me that they weren't specifically told parts of their policy. That is why they send it to you in writting and after reading through the policy with them, it's all clearly stated.

I am paying less than $500 per 6 months for a car AND a truck, both with near full coverage and I'm not even 30 yet. So the claims that Geico has been ripping people off with perfect driving records is silly to say the least.

In my personal experience, Geico has paid claims with in a three day period of making the claim. Personally, I wouldn't have another insurance company. Geico's service and rates can't be beat. So don't blame them when you botch the paperwork and expect a check the next day, or rack up a few speeding tickets and still expect to save 15% or more on your single-under-25 years-of-age-car insurance. Duh.
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#26 UPDATE Employee

they don't listen

AUTHOR: Barbara - ()

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, May 07, 2002

I have worked with Geico Direct for over 3 years and I have received many phone calls from our policy holders. What I have observed with a lot of our policy holders is they don't listen to what is being told to them. I sit in the same section as our sales reps and I hear them selling policies every day. I hear them tell people exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it, but invariably calls will come in from policy holders griping because they weren't told this or that, but in truth they were told but they were not listening.

I do not have Geico Direct Ins myself, because the company that were are with has been our company for over 30 years and my husband is old and does not like change, but I would change to Geico in a heart beat if we had not been with our present company for so long.

Policy holders are complaining now about the higher cost of Geico insurance policies. Right now with the new rules governing Insurance companies it won't be long before all insurance companies will be charging more than Geico.

Policy holders leave and come back to Geico at an enormous rate, because they were trying to get a cheaper rate, then when the crunch hit their new insurance company, the new company had to raise their rates and the rates turned out to be much higher than Geico and the policy holder was not getting the 24 hour service.

Policy holders leave but they come back in droves. I hearit everyday. "I shouldn't have left Geico in the first place", Every day.

GEICO is a great company to work for and I believe they are not out to rip policy holders off. Policy holders don't get exactly what they want, so GEICO must be the culprit, because the Policy holder couldn't possibly have
misunderstood. Hum, I wonder.

Policy holders can speak to a claims person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They can also be quoted a new rate, and get customer serviced, the same. I don't know of any other ins. company that does that. I believe they are like bankers "9:00 to 5:00" so don't have a wreck after 5:00 and don't have a wreck on the week-ends, because they won't be there for you.

Enough said, thanks for listening.
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#27 UPDATE EX-employee responds

Ex Geico Employee in reference to high rates

AUTHOR: Rachel - ()

SUBMITTED: Friday, February 15, 2002

As unfair as it seems --and it is unfair ---Geico writes insurance with their preferred company their standard risk company, and their high risk company. They rank there customers on their occupation ---if you have an occupation such as a doctor lawyer accountant teacher ---verses a truck driver, painter, laborer, waitress. If you have an occupation in the first grouping i gave you have a better chance of getting a rate with the preferred company --if with this second listing i gave you will more than likely be rated with the high risk --if lick with the standard risk company. I worked for Geico for 10 years as one of their insurance reps ---i was a licensed agents and I sold the insurance everyday over the phone---no i do not agree on their deciding on your insurance company as far as what your occupation is but that is their guidelines they follow. So if you were in the first group i gave even with a bad driving record you could still get a rate with preferred or standard risk insurance with Geico---but if you fall in the type of work as the second group I gave you will almost alwyas get a high risk rate even with a spotless driving record--you are considered a risk they do not want with their preferred company. Geico pays their employees excellent wages to carry out the process of grouping people according to their occupation. WATCH OUT GOR THEM!!!!
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#28 0

I Just wrote President Bush in reference to Geicos Ripoff.

AUTHOR: - ()

SUBMITTED: Sunday, January 20, 2002

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: yholandam@aol.com
Their name: Yholanda MIlls

Their relationship to the company: Advocate

Rebuttal:
I Just wrote President Bush in reference to Geicos Ripoff. I have a perfect driving record and I am over thirty years old.Geico was charging me for full coverage 1,600 a year 800.00 every six months ,all other companies quoted me about 800.00 a year.I called and cancelled my policy with them today. All the reps could say is that my credit may not have been perfect and that is the only reason it may be this high. I know that
cant be the truth.. If they are charging me double a year for insurance coverage , they should be sending it to those that I owe. With the extra Ive paid them I could have cleared my credit .. I've asked The president investigate toinvestigate this matter I feel the American people should no longer be robbed by this company,The reps of this company do not seem to
be trained at all, and yes they lie.. Please email The President who ever you may be to bring attention to this fraud ...
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