How to File a GEICO Insurance Claim After a Car Accident in SC

January 15, 2025 – Paul Hammack

A car accident in South Carolina can leave you dealing with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and insurance paperwork. If GEICO is involved—whether it’s your own insurance or the at-fault driver’s—you might expect the process to be quick and seamless, thanks to their app and online tools. But behind the scenes, insurance claims often come with challenges, especially when adjusters work to minimize payouts.

However, knowing what to do in the days following the collision can simplify the process and ease some of the stress. Below, you’ll find practical guidance on how to file a GEICO insurance claim after a car crash in South Carolina. You’ll also learn what options you have if GEICO denies your claim or offers an unfair settlement.

Why South Carolina’s Fault-Based System Matters

To file your GEICO insurance claim effectively, it’s important to know how South Carolina’s fault-based system impacts who pays for damages after an accident. South Carolina follows a fault-based approach, meaning the driver who caused the collision is generally responsible for paying damages. If the at-fault driver is insured by GEICO, you’ll file a third-party claim through their GEICO policy.

However, if you were at fault or need coverage for your own damages (such as through collision coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage), you would file a first-party claim through your own GEICO policy.

It’s also important to consider South Carolina’s modified comparative fault rule. If you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your settlement will be reduced by 20%. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible to recover compensation from the other driver’s insurance.

Additionally, South Carolina law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident

A collision can leave you feeling shaken, but your actions at the scene play an important role in supporting your insurance claim. After calling 911, consider the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: If you or anyone else is injured, focus on getting medical help as soon as possible. Paramedics can evaluate injuries on the scene, but even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor promptly. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately.
Work with Emergency Responders: The police will arrive to document the accident and create an official report. This report typically includes key details about the crash and an initial assessment of fault. Be sure to ask how to obtain a copy for your records.
Document the Scene: While waiting for responders, and if it’s safe to do so, take photos of the vehicle damage, road conditions, weather, and anything else relevant to the accident. These images can strengthen your case when dealing with insurance adjusters.
Exchange Information: After the immediate situation has been addressed, exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s). If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.

Once you’ve taken these steps, gather all the necessary details for filing your claim.

Details You’ll Need for Your GEICO Claim

When filing a claim with GEICO, you’ll need:

Date, time, and location of the accident
Driver and insurance policy details
Police report number (if available)
Photos or videos from the scene
Witness contact information

You can report the accident to GEICO over the phone by calling GEICO’s claims hotline at 1-800-861-8380, through its website, or by using the company’s mobile app. Ask for a claim number so you can reference it in future conversations.

What Happens After You File

Once you submit your claim, an adjuster typically contacts you to discuss what happened. This person will investigate by:

Reviewing the police report to see which driver may have caused the crash
Studying photos or videos from the scene
Speaking with witnesses or anyone else who has relevant details
Examining repair estimates for vehicle damage and checking medical records, if you’re claiming injuries. If new medical expenses arise or disputes over fault occur, the adjuster may request additional documents.

After submitting your claim, you can track its progress through GEICO’s “Access Your Claim” page on their website or mobile app. If your vehicle requires inspection, GEICO may ask you to schedule an appointment at one of their approved locations. If your car isn’t drivable, they can send an adjuster to inspect it at its current location. These steps can help you stay informed and ensure your claim moves forward efficiently.

Potential Settlement Outcomes

After the adjuster finishes reviewing evidence, you may receive a settlement offer. The insurance company considers factors like:

Medical bills and future treatment costs
Vehicle damage and necessary repairs
Lost wages if the accident caused you to miss work
Ongoing pain, emotional distress, or life disruptions

You have the right to negotiate if the offer doesn’t fully cover your losses. Once you accept and sign a release, you generally waive your right to seek additional funds related to the accident. Carefully review whether all your current and future costs are accounted for before agreeing.

What to Do If GEICO Denies Your Claim or Offers an Unfair Settlement

Filing a GEICO claim in South Carolina is usually straightforward, but denials or low settlement offers can complicate the process. Here’s how to respond:

Review the Denial Letter: Identify why your claim was denied—such as insufficient evidence or disputes over fault—and determine how to address the issue.
Provide Additional Evidence: Strengthen your case with missing documentation, such as photos, medical records, repair estimates, or witness statements.
Negotiate for a Better Offer: Present the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, to justify a higher settlement.
Seek Legal Help: If negotiations fail, consulting local auto accident lawyers can challenge the denial, negotiate on your behalf, or prepare for litigation.
Consider Legal Action: Filing a lawsuit may be necessary if GEICO doesn’t offer fair compensation. Many cases settle before trial, but legal action demonstrates your commitment to a fair resolution.

By staying proactive and knowing your rights, you can address a denied claim or low settlement offer effectively. Whether through negotiation or legal action, there are paths to pursue compensation for your injuries.

Filing a GEICO Claim Isn’t Always as Simple as It Seems

Filing a claim with GEICO might sound straightforward, especially with options like using an app or online tools. However, denied claims, low settlement offers, or disputes over fault can quickly complicate the process. At Hammack Law Firm, we’re here to help when the claims process becomes more than you expected.

Our PI lawyers understand how to tackle insurance challenges and can advocate on your behalf to pursue fair compensation for your damages. With South Carolina’s deadlines to consider, acting quickly is essential. Plus, with us, you’ll have legal representation without upfront fees—we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Don’t let the claims process overwhelm you. Call Hammack Law Firm today at (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your FREE consultation. Our car accident attorneys in Greenville will work with you to address your claim and get you on the path to resolution.

At Hammack Law Firm, our team is trained and experienced to win! We put the personal back in personal injury car accident claims.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Hammack Law Firm
223 W Stone Avenue
Greenville, SC 29609
(864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333
https://hammacklawfirm.com/