Can You Really Save 15% By Switching to GEICO?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

You’ve seen the GEICO commercials for years: “15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance.” But can you really save 15% by switching to GEICO — or is it just a catchy slogan?

The honest answer: yes, it’s possible — but it’s not guaranteed. Whether you save (and how much) depends on your driver profile, your coverage choices, and what you’re paying today.

• Yes, you can save 15% by switching to GEICO — but it’s not guaranteed, because rates depend on your driver profile, location, and coverage.
• To measure real savings, compare quotes with the same limits, deductibles, drivers, and vehicles (apples-to-apples coverage).
• Shopping after major life changes (marriage, moving, new drivers, mileage changes, credit changes) is often when switching saves the most.
• GEICO can be inexpensive in some situations, but the “cheapest” company varies — getting multiple quotes is the only way to know.

What GEICO’s “Save 15%” Claim Really Means

GEICO’s famous line is carefully worded: you could save 15% or more. In real life, switching insurers can produce three outcomes:

• You save money because the new company likes your risk profile more (or offers discounts you qualify for).
• You pay about the same because you’re already priced competitively where you are.
• You pay more because the new company rates your situation as higher risk (or your quote doesn’t match your final policy details).

The only way to know is to compare quotes using the same coverages: identical liability limits, comp/collision deductibles, drivers, vehicles, mileage, and discounts. If you compare mismatched coverages, the “savings” number can be misleading.

You Can Sometimes Save by Switching to Any New Insurer

Shopping your policy is often worthwhile — even if you don’t end up switching. Rates and underwriting change all the time, so many drivers can save by switching to a new car insurance provider (or by getting their current insurer to re-rate them correctly).

GEICO just has the most famous slogan. Other American car insurance companies promote similar “switch-and-save” messaging — you’ll see it when comparing companies like State Farm, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate.

GEICO insurance rates vs. other companies

How do GEICO’s average rates compare to other major insurers? The table below shows typical annual premiums across well-known carriers (averages can vary based on methodology, state, and driver profile).

*USAA eligibility is generally limited to military members, veterans, and eligible family members. Premiums shown are averages; your price will vary by state, ZIP code, vehicle, driving record, and coverage choices.

When It Makes the Most Sense to Re-Quote Your Insurance

A good rule of thumb is to compare prices after a major life change — or at least once a year. Whether you’re requesting a quote from GEICO or any other company, it’s often easier to save money by shopping around after big changes that affect your risk or discounts.

As one example, GEICO and some other insurers offer discounts to certain groups, including some government employees.

Common life changes that can impact your rate

• Marital status changes (for example, getting married or separating).
• A new driver in the household (see insurance options for new drivers, especially if it’s a 16-year-old).
• Turning 25 (many drivers see improvement around age 25, though it still depends on record and location).
• Moving (even across town) or changing where the car is garaged.
• Commute or mileage changes (remote work vs. daily commuting can matter a lot).
• Credit changes (in many states, a better credit profile can lower rates, but some states restrict or ban credit-based pricing).

If you do switch and later change your mind, the good news is that most carriers (including GEICO) make it straightforward to cancel mid-term. Here’s what to know about a GEICO cancellation fee and how refunds typically work.

How Much Is “15%” in Today’s Dollars?

Car insurance costs have risen significantly over the past few years, so 15% can be a meaningful amount — if the quote really comes in lower for the same coverage.

For a quick example: if you’re paying around $2,400 per year for full coverage, a 15% savings is about $360 per year. But if you’re paying $1,200 per year, 15% is about $180. Your real “15%” depends entirely on your current premium and your coverage level.

Is GEICO the Cheapest? Sometimes — But Not Always

GEICO is often competitive on price, and in some places it may be among the lowest-cost options — but it’s not automatically the cheapest for every driver in every ZIP code. If you’re trying to find the lowest price available to you, start with a broad comparison of the cheapest auto insurance companies, then quote your top few finalists with matching coverages.

If you specifically want to know where GEICO tends to land, here’s a deeper look at whether GEICO has the cheapest auto insurance for the average driver.

How to Maximize Savings with GEICO (or Any Insurer)

Whether you quote GEICO or another carrier, these moves tend to create the biggest savings without leaving you underinsured:

• Compare quotes at least once a year and after major life changes.
• Ask about discounts (safe-driver, multi-car, bundling, good student, telematics, etc.).
• Consider a higher deductible if you can afford it — here’s how raising your deductible can save money.
• Be strategic with coverage: if your car’s value is low, collision and comprehensive may not be cost-effective, but don’t drop coverages blindly.
• Don’t overpay for add-ons — especially for roadside assistance coverage, which you can often get elsewhere.

FAQs on Saving 15% by Switching to GEICO

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Save 15% by Switching — But You Have to Compare Correctly

GEICO’s “15 minutes could save you 15% or more” can absolutely be true for some drivers — and the same is true when comparing other big names like Allstate vs. State Farm or smaller/regional insurers (which can sometimes beat the big carriers on price).

The key is to compare apples to apples, ask about discounts, and shop at the right times. Whether you stick with GEICO or choose another company, you’ll usually get the best result by getting multiple quotes and choosing the best value — not just the lowest number on the screen. If you’re weighing options, here’s a breakdown of whether major insurers are better than smaller ones for price and service.