How To Pause Geico Insurance

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Can You "Pause" GEICO Insurance? Understanding Your Options

Ever found yourself in a situation where you don't need to drive your car for an extended period – maybe you're going on a long trip, deploying for military service, or have a vehicle in storage? It's natural to wonder if you can simply "pause" your GEICO insurance to save money. The short answer is, directly "pausing" your GEICO insurance like a subscription service isn't typically an option for most policyholders. However, there are several effective strategies to reduce your insurance costs during periods of non-use, and in specific circumstances, GEICO does offer a form of suspension.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about managing your GEICO policy when your vehicle isn't being driven, from reducing coverage to specific military benefits. Let's get started!

Step 1: Assess Your Situation - Why Do You Want to "Pause"?

Before you do anything, take a moment to honestly evaluate your reason for wanting to pause your insurance. This crucial first step will determine the best course of action.

Sub-heading: Is Your Car Truly Not Being Driven?

If your car won't be driven at all: This is key. If the vehicle will be off the road, stored in a garage, or otherwise completely out of use, you have more options to reduce your coverage.
If your car might be driven occasionally: Even if it's just once a month for a short trip, you must maintain at least the minimum required liability coverage in your state. Driving uninsured, even for a short distance, can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

Sub-heading: Do You Have a Loan or Lease on the Vehicle?

This is a critical factor. If you have an outstanding loan or lease on your car, your lender will almost certainly require you to maintain full coverage (collision and comprehensive, in addition to liability) to protect their financial interest in the vehicle. Reducing coverage might violate your loan agreement, leading to serious repercussions. Always check your loan or lease agreement before making any changes to your policy.

Sub-heading: Are You on Military Deployment?

If you are a military service member undergoing deployment, GEICO offers a specific "Storage Protection Plan" that allows for temporary suspension or reduction of coverage. This is a unique and valuable benefit.

Step 2: Explore Your Options with GEICO – Reducing Coverage, Not Suspending

Since a true "pause" isn't generally available for most, the primary strategy to save money when your car isn't in use is to reduce your coverage. This typically means dropping liability and collision coverage while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Sub-heading: Understanding Comprehensive-Only Coverage (Storage Insurance)

When you're not driving your car, the risks change. You're no longer concerned about at-fault accidents or collisions with other vehicles. However, your car is still susceptible to other damages. This is where comprehensive coverage comes in.
What it covers: Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle against non-collision events like:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Falling objects (like tree branches)
- Natural disasters (hail, floods, hurricanes)
- Animal collisions
Why it's important for stored vehicles: Even if your car is garaged, it could still be stolen, vandalized, or damaged by a storm. Maintaining comprehensive coverage ensures you're protected against these unforeseen events without paying for coverage you don't need (like liability for driving).
Important Note: If you reduce your policy to comprehensive-only, you absolutely cannot drive the vehicle. Doing so would mean driving uninsured, which carries severe penalties.

Sub-heading: How to Request a Coverage Change

Contact GEICO Directly: The most reliable way to modify your policy is to call GEICO's customer service line.
- Phone Number: You can typically reach GEICO at 1-800-841-1587.
- Be Prepared: Have your policy number readily available. Explain your situation clearly: that your vehicle will not be driven for an extended period and you wish to explore options to reduce your premium, specifically by moving to comprehensive-only coverage, if applicable.
Online Account Management (Limited Options): While GEICO's online portal and mobile app allow for many policy adjustments, reducing to comprehensive-only might require speaking with an agent to ensure all necessary changes are made correctly and to understand any state-specific requirements. However, you can often adjust your estimated annual mileage online, which can sometimes lead to a small reduction in premiums if you significantly decrease your driving.
Discuss Deductibles: When speaking with an agent, ask about increasing your comprehensive deductible. A higher deductible generally means a lower premium. Just be sure you're comfortable paying that deductible out-of-pocket if you need to file a claim.

Step 3: Special Considerations for Military Members

GEICO has a strong history of supporting military personnel and offers a specific benefit for those on deployment.

Sub-heading: GEICO Military Storage Protection Plan

If your military duties require you to store your vehicle for 30 days or more, GEICO offers a Storage Protection Plan. This plan allows you to suspend or significantly reduce your insurance coverage to save money during your deployment.
How to access this benefit:
1. Call the GEICO Military Center: The dedicated number for military members is 1-800-MILITARY (645-4827).
2. Explain your deployment: Be ready to provide details about your deployment, including the anticipated duration of vehicle storage.
3. Understand the terms: The military specialists will explain the specific terms of the Storage Protection Plan, including what coverage remains (often comprehensive) and the process for reinstating full coverage upon your return.

Step 4: What About Cancelling Your Policy Entirely?

While it might seem like the ultimate "pause," cancelling your GEICO policy entirely is generally not recommended unless you are permanently getting rid of the vehicle and have no intention of insuring another car in the near future.

Sub-heading: The Risks of a Lapse in Coverage

Increased Future Premiums: Insurance companies view a "lapse in coverage" (a period where you don't have active auto insurance) as a significant risk factor. When you go to get new insurance, you'll likely be quoted much higher premiums because you're seen as a riskier driver.
Legal Penalties: Most states require registered vehicles to have at least minimum liability insurance. Cancelling your policy while your car is still registered can lead to fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment. You might also be required to file an "affidavit of non-use" with your state's DMV if you cancel.
No Protection: If something happens to your car while uninsured (theft, fire, etc.), you'll be solely responsible for all costs.

Step 5: Reinstating Your Coverage

When you're ready to drive your vehicle again, it's crucial to reinstate your full coverage before getting behind the wheel.

Sub-heading: The Reinstatement Process

Contact GEICO: Call GEICO customer service (1-800-841-1587) or the Military Center (1-800-MILITARY) if you were on the Storage Protection Plan.
Inform them of your driving plans: Let them know the exact date you intend to start driving the vehicle again.
Restore necessary coverages: They will guide you through adding back liability and collision coverage, along with any other coverages you previously had or wish to add.
Confirm activation: Do not drive your car until you have confirmation that your full coverage is active. You may receive new insurance cards or policy documents.

Step 6: Consider Other Cost-Saving Measures

Even if you can't truly "pause" your GEICO insurance, there are other ways to potentially lower your premiums.

Sub-heading: Telematics Programs

GEICO offers the DriveEasy app in many states. This telematics program monitors your driving habits (speed, braking, phone usage) and can offer discounts for safe driving. If your car is stored and not being driven, the app could potentially offer significant savings (up to 25% in some cases) due to virtually no driving activity. Check with GEICO for availability in your state.

Sub-heading: Multi-Car or Multi-Policy Discounts

If you have other vehicles or policies (homeowners, renters) with GEICO, ensure you're receiving all applicable multi-car or multi-policy discounts.

Sub-heading: Review Discounts Annually

Periodically review all the discounts GEICO offers. You might qualify for new ones, such as good driver, good student, anti-theft device, or defensive driving course discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to pausing or managing GEICO insurance:

How to reduce GEICO car insurance for a stored car? You can typically reduce your GEICO policy to comprehensive-only coverage, which protects against theft, vandalism, and other non-collision damages while the car is not being driven. Contact GEICO customer service to make this change.
How to temporarily suspend GEICO insurance for military deployment? GEICO offers a specific "Storage Protection Plan" for military members on deployment. Call their Military Center at 1-800-MILITARY (645-4827) to inquire about suspending or reducing your coverage.
How to avoid a lapse in GEICO car insurance if I'm not driving? Instead of canceling, reduce your coverage to comprehensive-only. This maintains a continuous insurance history, which can prevent higher premiums when you reinstate full coverage.
How to check if I have full coverage or comprehensive-only with GEICO? You can log into your GEICO online account or mobile app to view your policy details. Alternatively, call GEICO customer service and ask an agent to confirm your current coverages.
How to reinstate full coverage with GEICO after reducing it for storage? Contact GEICO customer service (1-800-841-1587) and inform them of the date you wish to start driving the vehicle again. They will help you add back your liability and collision coverage.
How to lower GEICO premiums without fully suspending coverage? Consider increasing your deductibles, exploring the GEICO DriveEasy telematics program, asking about all available discounts, or reducing your stated annual mileage if you're driving less.
How to know if my state requires minimum insurance for a stored car? Most states require registered vehicles to carry at least minimum liability insurance, even if stored. If you plan to drop liability, you may need to de-register the vehicle or file an affidavit of non-use with your state's DMV. Always check your specific state's requirements.
How to contact GEICO to discuss policy changes? The most direct way is to call GEICO customer service at 1-800-841-1587. For military members, call 1-800-MILITARY (645-4827).
How to cancel GEICO insurance without penalty? GEICO generally does not charge cancellation fees in most states (North Carolina may be an exception). However, if you cancel without immediately insuring another vehicle, you will face a lapse in coverage, which can lead to higher rates in the future.
How to save money on GEICO insurance if I drive significantly less? Inform GEICO of your reduced annual mileage. You can often update this directly through your online account or by speaking with an agent. Participating in the DriveEasy program can also offer discounts based on actual driving behavior.

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