GEICO Ready to Respond as Hurricane Isaias Approaches Gulf Coast

GEICO's Catastrophe Response Team on alert

Watch: GEICO's Catastrophe Response Team is ready to serve customers when they need it most.

BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GEICO is tracking Hurricane Isaias, which is forecast to strengthen before approaching the northern Gulf Coast on Friday, Oct. 9. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm poses a risk of dangerous storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along portions of the coast. Heavy rainfall is also expected across much of the Southeast from Friday into the weekend.

“For 90 years, GEICO has been there for our customers when severe weather strikes, and that experience shapes how we prepare and respond,” said Frank Pickering, GEICO’s vice president of claims. “GEICO's Catastrophe Response Team is watching this storm closely and is ready to deploy. We're doing the work now so that if Isaias affects our customers, we can respond quickly, communicate clearly and help them get back on the road.”

Getting ready before landfall

GEICO's Catastrophe Response Team is monitoring the forecast, and a large team of GEICO employees, including adjusters and support staff, is on standby to deploy to affected areas if needed. That readiness includes regular preparation exercises ahead of hurricane season. If the storm causes significant damage, GEICO may establish drive-by inspection locations in high-loss areas, with tents and multiple inspection lanes so vehicles can be inspected on site. These locations help speed up claims handling, reduce disruption and get people back on the road faster. The team will remain on the ground as long as necessary to assist affected customers.

How to prepare now

To get ready for Isaias, GEICO urges customers in the storm’s potential path to take these steps:

• Follow guidance from local emergency officials, including any evacuation orders.
• Create an evacuation plan ahead of time. Identify a safe place outside the storm's path and designate a key contact to share evacuation plans.
• Move vehicles out of low-lying areas. Vehicles that aren't being used to evacuate should be moved away from areas prone to heavy flooding. If possible, use a garage or covered parking.
• Fill the tank. Make sure all vehicles have a full tank of gas.
• Build a disaster kit. Include three days of water, medications, toiletries, charging cables, blankets, batteries and a radio. Add food as needed, plus supplies for pets.
• Identify a safe place for key vehicle documents. If you need to file a claim, have your vehicle title, registration and any lienholder information handy.
• Download the GEICO mobile app. Customers can access policy documents and file a claim right from their smartphone.
• Save the claims number as a backup. Add 1-800-841-3000 to your contacts.

Customers should also monitor the latest forecasts at hurricanes.gov.

After the storm: safety first

GEICO reminds customers to use extreme caution, as damage from wind and flooding could be severe.

• Cars may have been submerged in floodwaters that have since receded. Don't try to drive a vehicle you suspect was flooded.
• Stay away from your vehicle if there are downed power lines nearby.
• If heavy debris like a tree limb falls on your car, leave it in place, as it could pose a safety risk.

In situations with major safety risks, GEICO's claims team will work with customers and come directly to them to inspect a vehicle that isn't drivable. Customers just need to file a claim first, and GEICO will then work with them to set up a field inspection appointment as quickly as possible.

How to file a claim

For the fastest service, file a claim online at geico.com/response or through the GEICO mobile app. Follow the prompts to note the type and severity of the damage. You can also file by phone at 1-800-841-3000. BoatUS claims can be filed at boatus.com/claims.

Watch: GEICO's Catastrophe Response Team is ready to serve customers when they need it most.

About GEICO

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the third-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures vehicles in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. GEICO, a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, constantly strives to make lives better by protecting people against unexpected events while saving them money and providing an outstanding customer experience. Along with personal auto insurance, commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available. Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft, term life, and more coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC. Visit GEICO.com for a quote or to learn more.