GEICO's Total Loss Process

Not sure about your next step? Want to see where you are in the process? You can send a message to your assigned Auto Damage Adjuster and/or find their phone number in our Claims Center.

What You Can Expect From The Total Loss Process

Is the vehicle owned, financed, or leased?

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1 business day later (or less)

  • Use the GEICO Mobile app or geico.com to make an appointment for a GEICO Auto Damage Adjuster to inspect your vehicle. You don't need to be present for the inspection.
  • Your assigned adjuster will get in touch with you before the inspection to answer your questions.
  • If you have rental coverage, or other applicable coverage, you can reserve a rental car. GEICO will let you keep your rental for the time it takes to settle your claim (within reason).

Time to Payment

Around 1 and a half weeks

The steps above should give you a general idea of the total loss process. Please note that your case may differ.

Will GEICO pay for your rental? How long can you keep it?

GEICO will pay for a rental if you have rental reimbursement coverage or other applicable coverage. The total number of rental days is based on the circumstances of your claim.

Want to know where you are in the total loss process?

Total Loss Questions

A vehicle is a total loss (or totaled) if any of the following apply:

  • The vehicle cannot be safely repaired
  • Repairs would cost more than the vehicle's estimated value
  • The damage meets your state's total loss guidelines

These factors determine your vehicle's actual cash value:

  • Your vehicle's mileage
  • Features, add-ons, and modifications
  • Any damage before the claim incident
  • Recent sales prices of similar vehicles in your area

That depends on the state where you live. Ask your assigned adjuster about your state's rules for total loss vehicles. We'll adjust your settlement amount if you decide to keep your totaled car.

  • Take your personal belongings out of the car
  • If you own your car, find your vehicle title (the paperwork that proves you're the owner)
  • If you're making payments on your car or have a lease, look up contact information for your finance or lease company

Please note that your vehicle is not officially a total loss until your adjuster confirms it after inspection.

That depends on whether the vehicle is owned, financed, or leased.

  • If you own the vehicle, we'll pay you directly
  • If you're making payments to a finance company that's listed on your policy or your title:
    • We'll pay the finance company first
    • If the settlement amount is more than what you owe the finance company, you'll receive the rest (if you're the titled owner)
    • If the settlement amount is less than what you owe, you'll be responsible for paying the balance of your loan*
  • If you have a lease, we'll pay the lease company directly

*If you have gap insurance, it may cover the balance of your loan.

Yes, but please wait to remove the vehicle until:

  • You return your rental vehicle
  • The title or lease of your vehicle is no longer in your name

When you're ready, you can remove the vehicle online in our Policyholder Service Center.