Question
Statute of limitations to file a claim with Geico in Vermont
We have Geico for my truck in Vermont. We were going home and came around a bend and there were three adult and one baby deer in the middle of the road either i would hit them or veer off the road which is what I did. I haven't called in the accident yet and was wondering if there is a time limit to it.
Answer
Each company has different requirements, but Vermont requires that you file a claim within three years of the incident. Most companies require you to report any incident (whether you file a claim or not) as soon as possible. The accident would be covered under your collision coverage and your deductible will apply. If you had hit the family of deer, this would be covered under your comprehensive coverage. Since it will be covered by collision, this is considered an at-fault accident. At-fault accidents can stay on your record for up to three-five years. During the three years, it will have a negative impact on your insurance rates. Below are our State of Insurance estimates for the premium you should expect after filing a claim in Vermont.
| Year After Accident | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| 0 - No Accident | $1,027 |
| 1 Year Later | $1,378 |
| 2 Years Later | $1,729 |
| 3 Years Later | $2,080 |
Because of this, I recommend getting an estimate for the repairs prior to filing a claim. If the value of the repairs are less than the rate increase you would receive plus your deductible (so, $2,080 + $500 to $1,000), I recommend repairing the vehicle yourself. If you do file a claim, here is more information on what you can expect if you do file a claim. Good luck and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.