October 31, 2025 | Car Accidents
GEICO is one of the largest car insurance companies in Florida, so it’s not unusual for accident victims to deal with them after a crash. You might need to file a claim with GEICO because they insure the at-fault driver, or because they’re your own insurer under Florida’s no-fault laws.
Regardless of the situation, it’s important to understand how the GEICO settlement process works and what to expect as you pursue compensation. Knowing your rights early can make a big difference in how your claim is resolved.
Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida follows a no-fault car insurance system, which means that most accident victims must first turn to their own insurance coverage for compensation after a crash—no matter who caused it.
Every driver in Florida is required by law to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This PIP coverage pays for a portion of your medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other costs up to your policy limits.
If you’re insured by GEICO, this means you’ll file your initial claim directly with them. You don’t have to prove fault to receive benefits, but you do have to show that your injuries were caused by the accident and that you received medical treatment within 14 days of the crash.
How GEICO Handles PIP Claims
After you file your PIP claim, GEICO will assign a claims adjuster to review the details. The adjuster’s job is to verify your injuries, confirm medical expenses, and determine what the company will pay.
While adjusters may sound helpful, remember that they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to save the company money by limiting payouts. It’s common for GEICO adjusters to question the severity of injuries or the necessity of medical treatment to reduce what they owe.
If your injuries are legitimate and documented, GEICO will eventually offer you a settlement. However, the first offer is rarely fair or sufficient—especially if your injuries require ongoing care. You are not obligated to accept a low offer.
When You Can Sue for Additional Compensation
Florida’s no-fault laws limit your ability to sue after a car accident—but there are important exceptions.
If your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold,” you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek compensation beyond what PIP covers. You must show that your injuries involve one or more of the following:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury, other than disfigurement
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death (in which case, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim)
If GEICO insures the at-fault driver, the company will defend that driver against your lawsuit—and likely try to negotiate a settlement before trial.
How GEICO Approaches Serious Injury Settlements
Once you file a lawsuit for serious injuries, GEICO’s defense team becomes directly involved. The company will conduct its own investigation and often try to negotiate a settlement rather than risk a jury trial.
Trials can be expensive, and verdicts are unpredictable. To avoid a large judgment, GEICO may offer a settlement close to or equal to the driver’s policy limits. While that might sound like a fair offer, remember that the goal is still to minimize what they pay.
Your attorney can evaluate whether the proposed settlement truly covers your long-term needs, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If negotiations fail, your lawyer can take the case to court and present your story before a jury.
Common Tactics GEICO Uses To Minimize Settlements
Like many insurance companies, GEICO has developed strategies to reduce claim values and payouts. Some common examples include:
- Questioning the cause of your injuries: Adjusters may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident.
- Requesting unnecessary paperwork: Excessive documentation requests can delay your claim and pressure you into accepting less money.
- Misrepresenting policy limits: GEICO may not disclose the full extent of coverage available until pressed by an attorney.
- Using your statements against you: Even casual remarks like “I’m feeling better” can be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
Being aware of these tactics helps you protect yourself. Always be cautious when speaking with insurance representatives, and never sign documents without reviewing them with your lawyer.
Protecting Your Rights After a Florida Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, remember that GEICO’s goal is to protect its bottom line—not your financial recovery. The company’s representatives are trained to minimize claims and avoid large payouts whenever possible.
To protect your rights:
- Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice.
- Document all injuries, medical treatment, and expenses.
- Keep copies of all correspondence and claim forms.
- Contact a trusted personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
An experienced lawyer can communicate with GEICO on your behalf, ensure your claim is valued fairly, and pursue every available source of compensation—whether through settlement negotiations or litigation.
Get Help With a GEICO Car Accident Claim in Florida
Dealing with GEICO after a car accident can be stressful, confusing, and frustrating. Having the right legal support makes all the difference. A knowledgeable Florida car accident lawyer can handle the paperwork, negotiate aggressively, and protect your rights every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are struggling to get a fair settlement from GEICO, don’t face the process alone. Call Graves Thomas Injury Law Group today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-1966
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 677-0373
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
