Geico Auto Insurance ripoff dishonest quotes over the phone Lakeland Florida

...as far as A. suggesting GEICO DEMANDS you use their credit union that is 100% false...they suggest using Direct Depoist as it IS safer than relying on checks to get mailed in every week. As a former employee of GEICO I agree no one is perfect, but we should all be happy they do not make the multitude A. did in her misguided rant.

Roland, I just now got to reading the "straight from an ex-geico employee" bit.

I would like to clear some stuff up. I am 99% sure that this A from lakeland, fl is a liar. and I will prove it.


1) She said that she worked for a few months, and left, never looking back.

a. You are in training itself for a few months, after that, you are in "transition" for a few months. (Transition is your first few months on the phone, getting used to everything, and learning your job better). The fact that this person was first offered a management position, declined it, then worked at geico for a few months then left is a total lie. It takes AT LEAST 6 months to get your first promotion to be able to apply for a promotion.

2) She said that she came from her own business and managed people

a. She owned her own business, then applied/got hired at geico? what's up with that? I would need more info before I could make a judgement, but from what I've read so far either this person is a terrible manager/owner, or is a liar.

3) She said that geico would hire anyone just so they had warm bodies in the office.
a. Did you know that GEICO only hires 8% of all applicants? Do you know why? Because they just don't want warm bodies. If they just wanted warm bodies the customer service would be horrendous, people wouldn't know what they were doing, and we would never make any money due to the errors on the counselors.

now before you bash GEICO (if you plan on doing it) I will admit that everyone makes mistakes, even me. But when I do, I fix it (or get someone who can) Everyone makes errors, we are human. However, we do our best for the customer. We go above and beyond looking how to help you out by saving you money, protecting you better, making your life easier.

I can't for 100% certain say that A. from Lakeland, FL is lying, but from the way she put it, it doesn't sound true.

Here you have it. This rebuttal was posted 7/13/04 by an ex-employee.

THEY DESERVED THE OVERTIME LAWSUIT

"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!

A - Lakeland, Florida
U.S.A."

A different point of view.

To the original poster: Can you get an off road title for the car in restoration in your state? If so, you should not be requied to insure the vehicle unless you want to. Just be sure when it is ready to be driven you change the title back and get your insurance coverage.

I notice online quote are always much better when I recall them from a customer calling in. A major difference I believe is that the customer does not accurately key their occupation. Not necessarily on purpose, but still may be different than how your rep grouped you. Also I'm not sure if they run credit on the online quotes. They may or may not, I'm not sure. All I'm really trying to get at is that we aren't trained to be sneaky or deceitful or taught how to screw people. That's obsurd. As far as your first councelor, I'm not sure why she wanted to insure the restoration car. I don't quote Florida, but in my states, thats not a guideline. The only time we have to insure all the vehicles is when a parent is calling to get a quote for a car they own that they will let their child drive. This is so the computer will recognize that it had to put the child as a principle operator of the vehicle, and the parents will be rated on the ones they drive.

Oh and as far as ripping people off. I'll have you know I work hard to try to take care of my customers. This lady I sold to today, we were saving her $300 for six months. An accident came back on her claims report that was a week short of being 5 years old. When I entered it, it raised her rate by $1000. I spent 20 minutes trying to get an underwriter to over-ride it and honor the original rate. I thought it was not appropriate for her to be penalized that much by an accident that was almost outside of the underwriting time frame. So yeah. I don't even know what point I'm trying to make now...I'm tired. Dang it, we aren't out to 'get' people. I go to work, I get paid, I take my breaks, I try to meet my goals, and then I take my butt home. No sinister doings here. **sigh**

James,
I think that you are being a bit misleading about the cost of advertising. Not that it really matters... but nothing is free.

If the money for advertising didn't come from your operating expenses as you say, then it was take off the top and went to Buffett who then spent it. I would have to say that that is an extremely strange way to operate... I am not a CPA, but it seems like they should be able to write off some of the advertising as a business expense...

I have been an employee of a couple of Fortune 500 companies and I never tried to find out who paid for their advertising.

If you see my posting above, I have nothing against advertisers (other than their misleading statements). Heck, they cover the cost of commercial tv, sports and so much more.

As far as whether a person has another car, that is not the business of the insurance company. I chose to cover my winter car as well as my other car. When the engine went out on the winter car I called my agent and took that one off. He did ask me why and I explained that it wasn't working and I was parking it. He took it off, no problem.

If a state requires insurance for all registered cars, it isn't an insurance company's job to enforce that law. Enforcement of law belongs to the state, not a company.

You are absolutely right that your company isn't going to be the best for everyone.

I again invite people to at least call an independant insurance agent in your area before choosing someong online or from an #800 phone number.

James,
I think that you are being a bit misleading about the cost of advertising. Not that it really matters... but nothing is free.

If the money for advertising didn't come from your operating expenses as you say, then it was take off the top and went to Buffett who then spent it. I would have to say that that is an extremely strange way to operate... I am not a CPA, but it seems like they should be able to write off some of the advertising as a business expense...

I have been an employee of a couple of Fortune 500 companies and I never tried to find out who paid for their advertising.

If you see my posting above, I have nothing against advertisers (other than their misleading statements). Heck, they cover the cost of commercial tv, sports and so much more.

As far as whether a person has another car, that is not the business of the insurance company. I chose to cover my winter car as well as my other car. When the engine went out on the winter car I called my agent and took that one off. He did ask me why and I explained that it wasn't working and I was parking it. He took it off, no problem.

If a state requires insurance for all registered cars, it isn't an insurance company's job to enforce that law. Enforcement of law belongs to the state, not a company.

You are absolutely right that your company isn't going to be the best for everyone.

I again invite people to at least call an independant insurance agent in your area before choosing someong online or from an #800 phone number.

James,
I think that you are being a bit misleading about the cost of advertising. Not that it really matters... but nothing is free.

If the money for advertising didn't come from your operating expenses as you say, then it was take off the top and went to Buffett who then spent it. I would have to say that that is an extremely strange way to operate... I am not a CPA, but it seems like they should be able to write off some of the advertising as a business expense...

I have been an employee of a couple of Fortune 500 companies and I never tried to find out who paid for their advertising.

If you see my posting above, I have nothing against advertisers (other than their misleading statements). Heck, they cover the cost of commercial tv, sports and so much more.

As far as whether a person has another car, that is not the business of the insurance company. I chose to cover my winter car as well as my other car. When the engine went out on the winter car I called my agent and took that one off. He did ask me why and I explained that it wasn't working and I was parking it. He took it off, no problem.

If a state requires insurance for all registered cars, it isn't an insurance company's job to enforce that law. Enforcement of law belongs to the state, not a company.

You are absolutely right that your company isn't going to be the best for everyone.

I again invite people to at least call an independant insurance agent in your area before choosing someong online or from an #800 phone number.

James,
I think that you are being a bit misleading about the cost of advertising. Not that it really matters... but nothing is free.

If the money for advertising didn't come from your operating expenses as you say, then it was take off the top and went to Buffett who then spent it. I would have to say that that is an extremely strange way to operate... I am not a CPA, but it seems like they should be able to write off some of the advertising as a business expense...

I have been an employee of a couple of Fortune 500 companies and I never tried to find out who paid for their advertising.

If you see my posting above, I have nothing against advertisers (other than their misleading statements). Heck, they cover the cost of commercial tv, sports and so much more.

As far as whether a person has another car, that is not the business of the insurance company. I chose to cover my winter car as well as my other car. When the engine went out on the winter car I called my agent and took that one off. He did ask me why and I explained that it wasn't working and I was parking it. He took it off, no problem.

If a state requires insurance for all registered cars, it isn't an insurance company's job to enforce that law. Enforcement of law belongs to the state, not a company.

You are absolutely right that your company isn't going to be the best for everyone.

I again invite people to at least call an independant insurance agent in your area before choosing someong online or from an #800 phone number.

I rest my case, another Geico hero making the consumer look ignorant and in my case childish. Grow up?? Of course again Geico is correct and all of us are wrong. Is that correct James??

Stop putting words in my mouth hotshot!!

he got a quote, then called back for a 2nd quote, changing his insurance application, and thus getting a different rate. He then went online and changed the information again, and got a different rate. And you complain that you get different quotes from the phone vs. online?

First of all I didn't get a quote the 1st time I called because your lousy rep was so eager to insure parts sitting in a garage; she didn't even want to start a one.
The second time I called I didn't mention the restoration car because it is in parts, not registered to me, was purchased as parts and I didn't want to deal with another rep trying to insure it. Your second rep was so full of himself and the company that when your so called 15% savings quote came up $105 higher, he didn't know what to sell or tell me. New guy
I guess.
3rd, Mr. James, when I went online I specifically put down every piece of info I had told your second rep since I have it in a printout. I did not change any information!!! And your quote comes out $125 less on a computer within minutes. Yes, I know you have a logical explanation for this. All you guys always have one. That extra $125 goes into Warren Buffet's expense account and to your 19% bonus, right??

2nd of all, if a vehicle is registered with the state, it is a state law that you must have insurance on it. I don't know if your restoration vehicle is registered or not, but if it is, then it must be insured.

No, the vehicle being restored isn't registered. It was purchased as parts. As your coworker Justin accused me of acting in bad faith. Sorry to disappoint you.

Everyone from Tony Nicely (CEO) to myself (phone representative) received a 10% bonus into their 401(k) and a 9% bonus check. Yes, the more your base salary is, the more the bonus is, but hell 19% bonus is nice no matter what.

Who cares about this?? All I wanted was a descent priced auto insurance policy. You guys are so full of yourselves.

Don't need to come here and make a big fuss that we "ripped you off"

No fuss here, I didn't buy your policy. I am just trying to show other consumers how bad you guys operate. Your ads are misleading, you guys are always correct and your policies are still higher. So please don't tell me to grow up just because I write rebuttals on your ego (employer).

I am finally replying to these "rip off" posts about the company I work for, because of all the ignorant people out there.

99% of the time, when someone either calls me to complain (or in this instance, complain on the internet) they are not divulging all of the information.

In Rolands case, he got a quote, then called back for a 2nd quote, changing his insurance application, and thus getting a different rate. He then went online and changed the information again, and got a different rate. And you complain that you get different quotes from the phone vs online?

2nd of all, if a vehicle is registered with the state, it is a state law that you must have insurance on it. I don't know if your restoration vehicle is registered or not, but if it is, then it must be insured.

3rd of all, GEICO Does not pay for the advertising it does on the TV. Warren Buffet, the owner of GEICO, pays for it. So don't worry about how much we advertise to get our business, it doesn't go into our operating costs.

4th of all, each year we get profit sharing, and everyone in the company gets the same amount. Last year it was 19%. Everyone from Tony Nicely (CEO) to myself (phone representative) received a 10% bonus into their 401(k) and a 9% bonus check. Yes, the more your base salary is, the more the bonus is, but hell 19% bonus is nice no matter what.

Also, there were over 6,000 promotions last year in GEICO. Not bad considering there is about 21,000 employees with GEICO.

The last thing I would like to say, is that GEICO is not going to be the best rate for everyone. People should understand this. If that were the case, there would only be 1 insurance company. Each insurance company has different underwriting criteria to determine their rates. If we aren't the best rate, then find someone else and call back in 6 months. Don't need to come here and make a big fuss that we "ripped you off"

Grow up.

Dear Justin,

It is funny how in every Geico consumer complaint in this website, you guys always have a solution or logical explanation making the person complaining look an idiot or ignorant and you guys are always honest, professional and of course right. All of us out here are just so dumb because we don't know how Geico operates and that is why we think we are getting ripped off. Correct???

Regarding you strong words:

As far as your situation, you had an insured vehicle and an uninsured vehicle. It is GEICO's underwriting guidelines to key you as driving without insurance.

The second vehicle I own (the one you called uninsured), I explained to your brainless phone rep that it is an antique restoration project. It is stored in a garage, the engine is being rebuilt by a mechanic at his shop, it has no transmission, it has no wheels, sitting on four lifts and to top it off it is not even registered to me. Even after explaining to her all this, she put me on hold 3 mins. to tell it had to be insured in order to insure the vehicle I was calling about. That is ridiculous!! Where is the threat of a vehicle in parts??

When you called the second time and didn't mention the other uninsured car, you were acting in bad faith whereas an insurance contract is based on upmost good faith.

When I called the second time seeing how absurd the first rep was, I didn't even bother mentioning a vehicle that is in 100 different parts in a garage. Where's the bad faith you mention?? Things a little more clear, Justin??
Working 23 years for the Federal Government, over 35 years of age, no tickets and no accidents in the past 20 years I thought Geico was going to give me a great quote. Instead I get a second phone rep talking wonders about the company and all the benefits I would receive since I was a Gov. employee, instead the final quote comes out to be $105 more than what I currently pay. So here is the proof about your ads and all the garbage in your commercials are all lies about your 15%. And please spare me the B.S. about:

As far as our 'high rates', let me quickly explain how all insurance companies operate. You pay premium, the company takes the money and invests it hoping to make more so that they can pay claims, operating expenses, and still make a profit. GEICO doesn't do that. We don't rely on the stock market to pay claims. Your premium dollar pays your claims. Because of this, we are extremely financially stable, rated A++ by AM Best, but the premium dollar is a little higher than many other insurers. You're paying for financial stability. You will never have to worry about GEICO not having the resources to pay a claim for you.

READ PEGGY'S REBUTTAL, that and your annoying propagandas everywhere is why you guys have high rates. Plain and simple

To lie to an insurance company or agent is breaking the law which is punishable by fines and even imprisonment.

Nice comment!! Do me a favor, save this one for the 17 year old high school punks that call you after they see your Lizard ads on the Nickelodeon.

Then when you went online to get your own quote, I'm willing to bet you didn't key yourself as driving without insurance.

Being sickened by both of your reps, I went online and put down the same information I mentioned to rep 2. Again I ask, it is necessary to insure auto parts sitting in a garage?? Since when did this become a state law??

"And I seriously doubt your second counselor replied to your objection with "that can't be, we are the cheapest." You called because your company was raising your rates."

Yes those were his words. His comments were muttered and couldn't find a good excuse why Geico had higher price.

You will actually see your rate coming down as you continue to renew which is a great feeling.

Rates coming down?? Great feeling?? The day cows grow wings and fly will be the day your rates come down. And then you expect us to take you guys seriously. Please!!

Like the title says, just because you don't understand doesn't make it a rip off.

Is this line part of your training too? May be we should have the gecko say this in your ads so we can all understand someday.

Plain and simple, GEICO is a conservative insurance company with strict underwriting criteria. Your current insurance status will impact your rate. That is not a GEICO thing, but rather just a general insurance thing. If you have no present insurance, you will be temporarily penalized by a higher rate until six months has passed which, at the point of renewal, you will be given credit for current insurance and most often will see a lower premium.

As far as your situation, you had an insured vehicle and an uninsured vehicle. It is GEICO's underwriting guidelines to key you as driving without insurance. You may not like that, but that is how the company is filed with the state. When you called the second time and didn't mention the other uninsured car, you were acting in bad faith whereas an insurance contract is based on upmost good faith. To lie to an insurance company or agent is breaking the law which is punishable by fines and even imprisonment.

Then when you went online to get your own quote, I'm willing to bet you didn't key yourself as driving without insurance. When we pull up an internet quote, we will verify several key things in the application process. As far as GEICO is concerned, you were driving without insurance and you would not have been sold a policy at your internet rate because it would not have reflected your true current insurance status. And to just omit the information or lie is, like i previously mentioned, against the law.

As far as our 'high rates', let me quickly explain how all insurance companies operate. You pay premium, the company takes the money and invests it hoping to make more so that they can pay claims, operating expenses, and still make a profit. GEICO doesn't do that. We don't rely on the stock market to pay claims. Your premium dollar pays your claims. Because of this, we are extremely financially stable, rated A++ by AM Best, but the premium dollar is a little higher than many other insurers. You're paying for financial stability. You will never have to worry about GEICO not having the resources to pay a claim for you.

Then, as far as your counselors go, your 5 minute hold was really 3 minutes or less as we get hold errors for any hold over 3 minutes. And I seriously doubt your second counselor replied to your objection with "that can't be, we are the cheapest." You called because your company was raising your rates. He is trained to battle your price objection with something more like, "I understand we may be higher, but your company is raising your rates whereas with us, as you make your payments on time and maintain your clean driving record, you will actually see your rate coming down as you continue to renew which is a great feeling. Now how would you like to start your GEICO policy, on a check or a VISA?" And that is how its done, folks. No scams, no rip offs, no lies. Like the title says, just because you dont understand doesn't make it a rip off. Thanks for reading this.

Hi All,
Yes, those commercials do cost a lot of money... but it is usually an investment that must be made because they want to reach as many potential customers as possible.

There are hundreds of companies that advertise a lot on TV, COKE, PEPSI, FORD, LEXUS and God knows how many others. It doesn't mean that they are dishonest... but it does cost money and they hope to recoup that money through the exposure.

What I do know for a fact is that each and everytime I try an 1-800 number or a website for my car insurance rates they have never been able to beat a local agent. All these quotes are anywhere from $80 - 150 more than what my agent gets me from an in-state insurance company.

What I would suggest is to go ahead and ask for QUOTES (be clear you will not purchase at that very moment) from all sources and then make the decision which is best.

Darren

Roland,

Sounds like you know what you are talking about. I too tried to get the "Geico" discount and found out that there is not such a discount in the world of insurace premiums. A waste of time and effort for me the consumer.

I personally spent 12 years working in the insurance industry (various companies) and here is what I found.

Greedy, Greedy top insurance executives who reckless give them "Greedy" selves "High Bonuses" and "Raises" while barely giving employees raises and always telling consumers that their premium must increase because of "High Claims" activity. I watched it for 12 years.

I also watched my sister who works for a CEO of a Top Insurance Agency in MD. She has explained how only the executives get high bonuses and salaries (many $100,000.00's of Dollars) and employees (hardworking) get pennies on the dollar in relation to the executives high bonuses and salaries.

I believe it is the State Insurance Commission who regulates "Premium Increases". The commission allows Insurance Companies to increase premiums yearly only when the company can show a loss of profits.

So you know what the deceptive corporate executives in the insurance do, they give them "greedy" selves high bonuses and tell the insurance commission and their hard working employees that no profits were made because of high claim activity.

They also are "Famous" for traveling to Florida, Hawaii, etc. for winter vaction but call it a "Business Meeting".

They too fly in all the "important" (not) insurance executives from around the country to join them in a "Golfing Business Meeting".

I know because the executives took me on vacation (I mean a business meeting) in Florida, GA, NC, etc. (many times) and I had some of the best vactions (little meetings going on), I have ever had.

The insurance executives believe they are entitled to the very best of Dinners, wines, golfing, nightclubing while consumers and their employee pay for their Holiday vacation.

These reckless executives (8 top male corporate executives) took me (a young female-28 years of age) to a "Strip Club" in Atlanta because all the Male executives did not know what to do with me after the expensive dinner and wine.

So they insisted I go to the strip club after our expensive dinner because they did not want to dump me (the only woman) after dinner but Needed to see naked women at the corporations cost or consumers cost.

These men were all married and were having the best time while I sat there trying to figure out how to get out of there.

I sat in the strip club for a half an hour with "Putty" cat in my face on the table. I finally told the top executives to get me a cab so I could return to the Expensive Hotel Room the corporation paid for. Only the best for top corporate executives in the Insurance Industry while consumers paid their increased premiums yearly.

When will corporate executives nationwide (Insurance Industry, Enron, Adelphia Cable, Martha Stewart, etc.) ever learn that consumers are sick of the;

FALSE ADVERTIZEMENT SUCH AS THE GEICO ADD, BUT NOT LIMITED TO GEICO ADDS. I have seen misleading adds with many other companies I have also dealt with.

Such as Allstate, Volvo, Toyota, Bell South, AT&T, Verizon, Adelphia Cable, Arthur Andersen, Vera Wang Bridal Dresses, Loreal, IBM etc.

I could go on and on. It is time the insurance executives become more accountable about their greedy spending habits that cost consumers billions over many years and about the "False" advertizement through various media means.

Roland, sounds like you were defrauded (trickery) by Geico. Does geico have any response.

I will also say that consumers should also boycott Allstate who allows their agents to add extra coverages while the consumers is not watching.

Too many details to explain in this letter but it is fruad when these corporations (all over the U.S.) decive consumers with false advertizement to make the sale.

Keep complaining, it really does help.

Good Day Ripped off consumers of the insurance industry.

Mr. Tyler in Boston, MA,

As far as reporting them to the Insurance Commission, consider it "done 2 weeks ago", and also to the Better Business Bureau of Florida. Thanks for your comment and advice but you are a little late.

And yes a company that spends not millions but billions in ads like GIECO is very likely to be ripping you off sooner or later. In my case it was at the beginning. Their reps on the phone are so full of it, sometimes they can't come up with a good lie to try charge you more. That to me is very unprofessional and dishonest. I was an insurance agent for many years and know many of their tricks. GEICO stands for: Government Employees Insurance Co. They honor federal employees by charging about $100 per policy than any other descent company. Please!!!
Don't believe every cute animal commercial you see.

If you are happy with them, good luck!

.....any company that spends millions of dollars on advertising rips you off? That statement right there shrouds the rest of your post in a cloud of doubt. So the company is fraudulent because you get different info from different sources? Yet admittedly on at least 2 of the occassions you provided different info. If GEICO is so fraudulent why don't you file a complaint with the Florida Insurance Commission?