Merrill Burchell, Car Insurance Writer
@merrill_burchell
GEICO is cheap because it sells insurance directly to consumers and offers a lot of discounts. GEICO is not the cheapest insurer out there, though. For example, GEICO ranks 21st for the cheapest car insurance among 46 major companies, based on WalletHub’s 2019 GEICO car insurance review. Competitors like Esurance and Progressive are actually a bit cheaper overall.
Still, GEICO is pretty cheap relative to many other major insurance providers, and there are good reasons for that.
GEICO is cheap for many consumers because it offers a wider variety of discounts than many major providers. There are GEICO discounts based on a driver’s history and habits on the road as well as any affiliation they have with 800+ eligible organizations, including the federal government. You can also get discounts for taking a driver’s education course or making your payments electronically. GEICO offers a number of discounts for having a car with certain safety equipment, too, such as “passive restraint” seat belts and anti-lock brakes. Most consumers qualify for more than one discount, which helps to lower the overall cost of their premiums.
The fact that it sells insurance directly to consumers is another big reason why GEICO is so cheap. This eliminates the cost of middlemen. GEICO has significantly fewer local offices and agents than companies like State Farm and Allstate, limiting agents to high-population areas only. Having a smaller agent network gives GEICO savings it can pass on to its policyholders.
GEICO started with direct phone sales but has grown rapidly in the 21st century by developing easy-to-use sales technology. In fact, GEICO focuses today on keeping their rates low by investing in, and beating the competition in, technology that helps reduce manhours, minimize their cost of selling and increase convenience to consumers. Today, you can use GEICO’s advanced website or mobile app to easily find information on insurance or get a personalized quote. You also can check rates and get help with coverage and discount decisions on GEICO’s apps for Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Steve Murray, Member
@infromix
Geico is cheap because it saves money by not hiring adequate staff to service its customers. Customers may save money but pay in other ways, such as very long waits on the customer service line, adjusters who don't return calls or texts, etc.
People also ask
Does Geico offer accident forgiveness?
Yes, Geico offers accident forgiveness in 47 states and the District of Columbia, with the exceptions being California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Geico accident forgiveness protects you from increases to your car insurance premium after your first at-fault accident.
The accident forgiveness feature may only be used once. How much your … read full answer
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Who owns Geico car insurance?
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. owns Geico. Berkshire Hathaway, led by well-known investor Warren Buffett, is a multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
Warren Buffett has owned shares of Geico stock since 1951, after an impromptu visit to the auto insurer’s headquarters. He made a second stock purchase, reportedly of a … read full answer
show lessAre Geico insurance rates competitive?
Yes, Geico insurance rates are competitive, since the company is one of the five cheapest insurers nationally, according to WalletHub’s cheap car insurance analysis. Geico car insurance costs an average of $506 annually, or $42 per month.
Geico’s car insurance rates are based on your driving record and experience, along wi… read full answer
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