Geico is one of the big auto insurance providers in the United States. With over 18 million policyholders nationwide, Geico insures approximately 12.4% of all U.S. drivers. When it comes time for your Geico car insurance policy to renew, you may be wondering – does it automatically renew or do I need to take action? Here’s what you need to know about Geico’s car Insurance renewal process.
How Geico’s Auto Insurance Renewal Works
Geico typically renews car insurance policies automatically. Around 1-2 months before your policy expires, Geico will send you a auto insurance renewal notice by mail and/or email. This notice provides details on your renewed policy, including the new 6-month or 12-month premium amount.
You are not required to take any action for Geico to renew your policy. If you wish to continue coverage, you don’t need to contact Geico or send any payments until your new policy period begins. However, you should review your renewal notice and ensure the coverages, limits, and deductibles are still appropriate for your needs.
Approximately 2 weeks before renewal, Geico will send a bill for the new premium amount. As long as this payment is made by the due date, your coverage remains active and uninterrupted. If payment is not made on time, Geico will send late notices and eventually cancel the policy for non-payment.
Some key points about Geico’s auto insurance renewal process:
- Renewal happens automatically around 6 months after initial policy start date
- You’ll receive renewal notices 1-2 months in advance
- No action required to renew – policy renews unless you make changes or cancel
- Bill for new premium amount comes about 2 weeks before renewal date
- Coverage remains active as long as renewal premium is paid on time
So in most cases, your Geico policy will renew seamlessly and continue protecting you and your vehicle. The main things to watch out for are paying your new premium on time and reviewing your policy details before renewal to make sure they still fit your needs.
When Your Geico Policy Would Not Automatically Renew
While Geico typically renews policies automatically, there are some scenarios where your auto insurance may not renew without your intervention:
Non-Payment – If your renewal premium payment is not made by the due date, Geico will send late notices and eventually cancel your policy for non-payment. Your coverage would not renew if payment is not made on time.
Police Reported Incident – If Geico receives notice of certain incidents like DUI or excessive speeding, they may non-renew your policy instead of renewing automatically. They would send a non-renewal notice in this scenario.
Vehicle Changes – If you get a new vehicle, Geico won’t automatically renew coverage for the new vehicle. You’d need to contact your agent to add the vehicle to your policy before renewal.
Coverage Limits Reduced – In some states, Geico is required to reduce coverage limits like bodily injury liability at renewal if those limits have been eroded by claim payments. Your renewal notice would indicate reduced limits.
Moved Out of State – If you relocate to another state, Geico would need to issue you a new policy specific to your new state at renewal. Your coverage wouldn’t automatically renew for your new residence.
Canceled Policy – If you cancel your Geico policy mid-term, it will not renew at the end of the canceled term. Your coverage would end on the cancellation date you selected.
So while renewal is generally automatic, be aware your policy may not renew as expected in certain situations. It’s recommended to review renewal paperwork carefully and follow up with your agent about any concerns.
How to Cancel Geico Auto Insurance
If you wish to cancel your Geico insurance policy and avoid automatic renewal, you have a few options:
Contact your Agent – Call your Geico agent directly and request cancellation of your policy. Specify the exact date you want coverage to end. The agent can process the cancellation and provide confirmation.
Call Geico Customer Service – You can call Geico’s 24/7 customer service line at 800-207-7847 and ask the representative to cancel your policy. As with an agent, you’ll need to provide the date to cancel.
Cancel Online – If you manage your Geico account online, you may be able to cancel your policy electronically through the customer portal. Follow the steps to select your cancellation date and submit the request.
Submit Written Notice – Mail or email a signed letter to Geico requesting cancellation as of a specified date. Be sure to include your policy number in the letter. Send it at least a few days before your requested cancellation date.
Once Geico processes your cancellation request, you will receive a notice confirming the policy has been canceled along with any applicable refund if you canceled mid-term. Cancellation will prevent automatic renewal, but keep in mind you may owe an outstanding balance if you had a 6-month premium financing plan.
Amending Your Geico Policy at Renewal
If you wish to make changes to your coverage, limits, deductibles or drivers at renewal, there are a couple options:
Contact Your Agent – Your agent can make policy changes on your behalf before your upcoming renewal date. This ensures your renewed policy has the updated information you want.
Update Online – Through Geico’s online customer portal, you may be able to adjust certain policy details online prior to renewal. Limitations may apply to online changes.
Let the Policy Renew, Then Amend – You can let your policy auto-renew first, then contact your agent or customer service right after the renewal date to make amendments. However, this may result in changes not taking effect as quickly.
To make sure your Geico policy renews with the coverage details you need, it’s best to inform your agent of any changes at least a few weeks before your renewal. This gives time for changes to be processed before renewal paperwork is generated.
Renewing Geico Car Insurance with a Lapse in Coverage
If you allow your Geico Car Insurance to lapse due to non-payment or other issues, it is still possible to renew the policy and regain coverage. Here’s how to renew with a lapse:
Pay Past Due Premium – If your policy lapsed for non-payment, you may be able to reactive coverage by paying the past due amount. This has to occur within a timeframe set by Geico – often around 30 days.
Apply for New Policy – If too much time has passed or the non-payment lapse cannot be resolved, you would need to apply for a brand new policy. This starts a new term, rather than renewing the lapsed policy.
Provide Proof of Prior Insurance – Geico will require proof of continuous insurance coverage from before the lapse to qualify for a new policy. This can include a letter from your prior insurer or other documentation.
Re-take Defensive Driver Course – In some states like Texas, taking an approved defensive driver course can help lower your rates after a lapse. Ask Geico if this discount option is available after a coverage lapse.
While possible to renew a lapsed Geico policy, it is an inconvenient process compared to continuous, uninterrupted coverage. It’s best to avoid lapses by ensuring renewal premiums are paid on time and coverage limits fit your current needs.
Alternatives to Renewing with Geico
Rather than renewing your policy with Geico, there are alternatives to consider:
Shop Around for Better Rates – Get new quotes from other insurers when your Geico policy is up for renewal. Compare their rates and coverage offerings to Geico’s. You may be able to find a better value with a different provider.
Change Coverage Levels – Adjust your coverage, deductibles or limits at renewal to see if you can reduce your premiums with Geico. Removing unneeded coverages can lead to savings.
Adjust Your Vehicle Use – Declare lower annual mileage or change vehicle use from commuting to pleasure only. Reduced vehicle use can qualify for discounts and lower premiums.
Drop Comprehensive/Collision – For older vehicles, you may only need liability coverage and can ask Geico to remove comprehensive and collision at renewal to save money.
Modify Your Deductible – Choose a higher deductible like $500, $750 or $1,000 for the possibility of lower rates from Geico on renewal.
Before automatically renewing, take time to review your options both with Geico and other insurers. Make sure your coverage fits your current needs and provides solid protection at the best available rate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Geico Renewals
Here are some common questions drivers have about renewing their Geico auto insurance policy:
Does Geico send renewal notices?
Yes, Geico sends a notice 1-2 months prior to your renewal date by both mail and email if provided. This notice provides your new premium amount and policy details.
What if my renewal notice doesn’t arrive?
If you don’t receive it, contact Geico to ensure they have your current address. You can also discuss renewal over the phone if needed. Lack of a notice does not prevent your policy from auto-renewing.
Can I get a renewal discount from Geico?
Some discounts like defensive driver and good student may apply at each renewal if you still qualify. But Geico does not provide a general loyalty discount just for renewing with them multiple years.
What changes require contacting my agent before renewal?
New or different vehicles, additional drivers, moving addresses, and coverage amount changes should all be discussed with your agent prior to your Geico renewal date.
What is Geico’s grace period for payment at renewal?
You typically have around 2 weeks from your renewal date to make the new premium payment before cancellation occurs for non-payment.
Renewing your Geico policy is usually a straightforward process. However, contact your agent or customer service regarding any questions or changes needed before your upcoming renewal date.
Is Auto-Renewal a Good Idea for Geico Customers?
For most Geico customers, allowing automatic renewal makes things simple and prevents any gap in coverage. However, there are some main factors to consider:
Review New Rates Annually – While convenient, auto-renewal means you pay Geico’s new rates each term without shopping around. Always compare Geico’s pricing to other insurers at renewal time.
Verify Discounts and Coverage – Make sure Geico is still applying all the discounts you’re eligible for and that your coverage meets your current needs. Check for any reductions at renewal.
Avoid Unnecessary Coverages – Removing extras like rental reimbursement or roadside assistance can potentially lower your Geico premium at renewal if they’re not needed.
Mind the Renewal Dates – Use renewal reminders from Geico to pay your bill on time and make any necessary amendments ahead of the new term.
Check Other Options Periodically – While auto-renewal with Geico ensures continuous coverage, it’s smart to check competitor rates and policies every couple years to make sure you have the best deal.
Auto-renewal is convenient and prevents gaps between policy terms. But drivers should still actively manage their policy and not just passively renew each term without review. Check that Geico’s renewal offer still provides robust coverage and competitive pricing.
Conclusion
Geico makes continuing your car insurance worry-free by automatically renewing policies for current customers. You don’t have to lift a finger to renew, just pay your new premium on time. However, it is recommended you take an active role by reviewing your Geico policy carefully before each renewal date. Make any necessary adjustments to coverages, limits or deductibles ahead of renewal to get the optimal protection and pricing. While automatic renewal provides convenience, you still need to manage your policy details and not just set-it-and-forget-it at each 6 or 12 month term.
