Kreidler fines GEICO for overcharging thousands of customers
A Maryland-based insurance company has been fined $100,000 after overcharging thousands of its Washington state customers.
The insurer, GEICO, is also refunding $7.5 million — plus 8 percent interest — to the 25,267 affected auto insurance consumers by the end of the year.
“A computer database error caused the problem, which the company reported to us promptly,” said Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “GEICO has also agreed to a two-year compliance plan that includes multiple audits.”
An additional $50,000 fine was suspended, on the condition that the company abides by the terms of the compliance plan.
The refunds, many of which have already been paid, will average roughly $300. The company has been contacting active and former customers affected by the issue and expects to have all refunds paid by the end of the year.
On May 26, GEICO representatives self-reported the computer error, which resulted in seven percent of the company’s Washington customers being overcharged for insurance between Aug. 24, 2009 and June.
Fines collected by the insurance commissioner’s office do not go to the agency. The money is deposited in the state’s general fund to pay for other state services.
The complete order is posted at www.insurance.wa.gov/oicfiles/orders/2011orders/11-0273.pdf .
Geico Auto Insurance Maryland - News

GEICO is also refunding $7.5 million, plus 8 percent interest, to the 25267 affected auto insurance consumers by the end of the year. “A computer database error caused the problem, which the company reported to us promptly,” Washington State Insurance
A Maryland-based insurance company has been fined $100000 after overcharging thousands of its Washington state customers. The insurer, GEICO, is also refunding $7.5 million — plus 8 percent interest — to the 25267 affected auto insurance consumers by
Combs made the equity investments through Berkshire's Geico Corp., the car-insurance subsidiary whose portfolio previously was overseen by Simpson. Berkshire's biggest stock bet of 2011 was made by Buffett, who wagered more than $10 billion on
GEICO offers insurance products for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). It also provides commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection, and offers coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments.
“GEICO has also agreed to a two-year compliance plan that includes multiple audits.” The state suspended another $50000 fine on the condition the Maryland-based insurance company abides by the terms of the compliance plan. The refunds average about
GEICO Auto Insurance - Compare Against Others & Save $$$
Now for a little GEICO history. Did you know that GEICO stands for Government Employees Insurance Company? A philanthropist named Leo Goodwin and his wife, Lillian, started a new insurance company for employees of the federal government in 1936. The company moved to Washington, DC and was named GEICO, which stands for Government Employee Insurance Company. GEICO grew strong during the Great Depression through hard work, perseverance, innovation and resilience.
In 1951 Warren Buffet purchased his first block of GEICO stock and, in 1996 he purchased all outstanding stock and made GEICO a subsidiary of his company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Meanwhile, in 1959 GEICO moved to Chevy Chase, MD and by 1964, GEICO had more than one million policyholders.
By 1966 GEICO doubled their net earnings to $13,000,000.00 and in 1980 GEICO introduced 24/7 customer service via telephone. In 2009 GEICO insurance services became available in 50 states and by 2010 GEICO had more than 10 million policyholders and was the first insurance company offering policy purchasing via Android and iPhone mobile devices.
Company ratingsCut to current day and the most recent GEICO ratings. GEICO’s financial strength is top-of-the-line, which basically means that GEICO customers need not worry about their claims being promptly paid. GEICO is rated A++ by A.M. Best, one of the leading insurance industry analysts; and Standard and Poor’s rated GEICO at A++ as well. After undergoing the utmost of S&P’s demanding reviews, GEICO also received their highly desirable Security Circle award for the GEICO ratings of superior financial strength.
GEICO Auto Insurance ReviewsWhen it comes to customers who have submitted a GEICO car insurance review to various sites, most reviews seem to be positive. Customers appear to find their GEICO experience to be positive for the most part. GEICO is described in the majority of customer reviews as friendly and courteous as well as efficient and prompt in handling claims. A large percentage of reviews rave about the online experience and GEICO’s user friendly interactive website . Do also have a look at the company’s Facebook page and Twitter .
