Geico does not automatically waive your uninsured motorist deductible, but you can choose coverage that does

When you file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with Geico, you will owe your deductible unless you bought a policy that waives it. Geico offers this as an optional add-on called Uninsured Motorist Deductible Waiver. Without it, you pay your standard deductible—typically $250, $500, or $1,000—out of your own pocket before Geico pays the rest of your claim. With the waiver, Geico covers the deductible for you.

The waiver costs extra each month, but the amount varies based on your deductible level, your location, your driving record, and the type of vehicle you drive. You decide at the time you buy or renew your policy whether to add it. If you did not choose it then, you can add it during your policy term by calling Geico or updating your policy online, though Geico may require a new underwriting review.

Key Takeaways

  • Geico's Uninsured Motorist Deductible Waiver is optional coverage that removes your out-of-pocket deductible when you file a UM claim.
  • Without the waiver, you pay your full deductible ($250, $500, or $1,000) before Geico pays anything toward your damages.
  • The waiver costs a monthly premium that depends on your deductible amount, location, driving history, and vehicle type.
  • You can add the waiver when you first buy a policy, renew it, or make mid-term changes by contacting Geico directly.

How the uninsured motorist deductible works without a waiver

Your uninsured motorist deductible is the amount you must pay before Geico covers the rest of your UM claim. If you are hit by an uninsured driver and your damages total $3,000, and your deductible is $500, you pay $500 and Geico pays $2,500. That $500 comes out of your pocket regardless of whether the other driver was clearly at fault.

This deductible applies to both uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) claims—which cover your medical bills and lost wages—and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) claims, which cover damage to your vehicle. Some states do not allow UMPD coverage, so check your state's rules or ask Geico what is available where you live.

The deductible you choose for your collision coverage often becomes your UM deductible automatically. If you picked a $500 collision deductible, your UM deductible is usually $500 unless you specifically asked Geico to set it differently. You can request a separate UM deductible when you buy or renew your policy.

What the Uninsured Motorist Deductible Waiver covers

When you add Geico's Uninsured Motorist Deductible Waiver, Geico pays your deductible for you on UM claims. You file the claim the same way you normally would, but instead of writing a check for your deductible, Geico absorbs that cost. The waiver applies to both bodily injury and property damage claims under your uninsured motorist coverage.

The waiver does not change how much Geico will pay you overall. It only removes the deductible portion. If your damages are $3,000 and your deductible is $500, Geico still pays $2,500—but now they also cover the $500 you would have paid, so you receive the full $3,000. The waiver does not increase your policy limits or change what types of damage are covered.

The waiver applies only to uninsured motorist claims. It does not waive your deductible on collision claims, comprehensive claims, or any other coverage type. If you want deductible waivers for those coverages, you would need to purchase them separately.

When you might want to add the waiver

The waiver makes sense if you have a high deductible and want to reduce your out-of-pocket cost in a UM accident. A $1,000 deductible saves you money on your monthly premium, but if you are hit by an uninsured driver, paying that $1,000 can be painful. The waiver lets you keep the lower premium while removing that financial risk.

The waiver is also worth considering if you live in an area with a high rate of uninsured drivers. Some states have uninsured motorist rates above 15 percent. If you are in a high-risk area, the odds of needing UM coverage go up, which makes the waiver's cost more justified. You can ask Geico or check your state's insurance commissioner's office for uninsured motorist statistics in your region.

Conversely, if you have a low deductible ($250) and rarely drive in high-traffic areas, the waiver may not be worth the extra cost. The math depends on the monthly premium Geico quotes you and how much risk you are comfortable taking on.

How to add or remove the waiver on your Geico policy

You can add the Uninsured Motorist Deductible Waiver when you first purchase a Geico policy. During the quote and purchase process, Geico will show you optional coverages, including this waiver. You select it, see the added cost, and decide whether to include it.

If you already have a Geico policy and want to add the waiver, log into your account online or call Geico's customer service. You can request the change at any time during your policy term. Geico may ask you to confirm your driving record and vehicle information, but adding the waiver mid-term is usually straightforward. Your new premium will be adjusted, and the waiver will take effect on the date you request it.

To remove the waiver, follow the same process: go online or call Geico and request to drop it. Your premium will decrease, and the waiver will no longer explore to new claims filed after the removal date. If you have already filed a claim before removing the waiver, the claim is handled under the rules that were in place when you filed it.

Cost of the waiver and factors that affect the price

Geico does not publish a standard price for the Uninsured Motorist Deductible Waiver because the cost varies widely. Your monthly premium for the waiver depends on several factors: your deductible amount (a $1,000 waiver costs more than a $250 waiver), your age and driving record, your location, your vehicle type, and your coverage limits.

The best way to find out the exact cost is to contact Geico directly or get a quote online. When you are shopping for a policy or reviewing your renewal, ask Geico to show you the price with and without the waiver. That way you can decide whether the added cost is worth the peace of mind for your situation.

Some people find the waiver costs $5 to $15 per month; others pay more or less depending on their profile. Over a year, that could be $60 to $180, which is a real expense to weigh against the likelihood you will need a UM claim and the size of your deductible.

What happens if you file a UM claim without the waiver

If you file an uninsured motorist claim and you did not purchase the waiver, Geico will ask you to pay your deductible before they send you payment for the rest of your damages. You have a few options: pay it when ready, ask Geico if they will deduct it from your settlement check, or negotiate with Geico about timing if you are in financial hardship.

Some Geico customers ask whether the at-fault driver's insurance should cover the deductible. The answer is no—your deductible is part of your own policy contract with Geico, not something the other driver's insurer pays. The only exception is if you have uninsured motorist coverage that includes a deductible waiver, which you would have chosen when you bought your policy.

If you believe Geico is incorrectly explore your deductible or if you have questions about how your specific claim is being handled, ask to speak with a claims adjuster or file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you think Geico has violated your policy terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add the waiver after I have already been in an accident?

No. The waiver must be in place before you file a claim for it to explore. If you were in an accident and did not have the waiver at the time, you cannot add it retroactively to waive the deductible on that claim. You can add it going forward to protect yourself on future claims.

Does the waiver explore if the uninsured driver hit me and left the scene?

Yes. Hit-and-run accidents are covered under uninsured motorist coverage in most states, and the Uninsured Motorist Deductible Waiver applies to hit-and-run claims just as it does to any other UM claim. You will need to report the accident to police and provide Geico with a police report number.

What is the difference between uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver has insurance but their limits are too low to cover your damages. Geico offers both as separate coverages, and you can add a deductible waiver to either one.

If I have collision coverage, do I still need the uninsured motorist deductible waiver?

Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident, but you still pay your collision deductible. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills and other damages when the other driver is uninsured. The two coverages serve different purposes, and the UM waiver only applies to UM claims, not collision claims.

Can I choose different deductibles for collision and uninsured motorist coverage?

Yes. When you buy or renew your Geico policy, you can set your collision deductible and your UM deductible independently. Many people choose a higher deductible for collision (to lower their premium) and a lower deductible for UM (or add the waiver) because UM accidents are often not their fault.