GEICO prepares for Northeast winter storm

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NORTHEAST REGION, December 19, 2008 – GEICO's claims staff is on standby and ready to assist policyholders affected by recent winter storm conditions in the Northeast.

All GEICO policyholders are urged to log on to www.geico.com or call 1-800-841-3000 as soon as any winter storm damage affects them and their claims will be processed immediately.

Steve Cunningham, GEICO's vice president of Northeast operations, says that information is available at www.geico.com with winter preparedness tips, links to weather sites, and immediate claims handling capabilities.

"GEICO has already begun to see claims reports from this storm. We urge policyholders to take all necessary steps to protect their families, their homes and their vehicles prior to the storm, and reminds all residents to heed state warnings," said Cunningham.

He continued, "It's important for motorists to drive carefully and defensively because the biggest hazard of winter driving is slippery and icy road conditions. We want to make sure motorists are prepared for these types of dangerous winter driving conditions."

If winter weather turns treacherous, GEICO offers drivers a few tips to help them stay safe throughout the winter driving season.

  1. Winterize your car. Prepare your vehicle for cold weather by checking your car battery, brakes, fluid levels, exhaust system, lights, windshield wipers and tires.
  2. See and be seen. Clear the ice and snow from all car windows and lights. Drive with your headlights on when it's snowing or raining so you are visible to other drivers.
  3. Allow extra time. If you think the road conditions might be bad, give yourself extra time for your trip. You won't have to rush and you can concentrate on driving safely.
  4. Slow down and allow more distance between vehicles. When driving in bad weather, always reduce your speed well in advance of an anticipated stop. If you have an anti-lock brake system, experts recommend applying steady, firm pressure to the brake pedal. If you do not have an anti-lock brake system, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal to a point just before locking.
  5. Control your car during a skid. If your car starts to slide, take your foot off the accelerator and turn your car in the direction of the skid until it straightens out.
  6. Store a winter driving kit in your trunk with the following emergency equipment: flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, matches, jumper cables, flares, a shovel and snow scraper, a bag of sand, a basic tool kit, a hat, gloves, rain gear and blanket or sleeping bag.
  7. Fuel yourself. If you're planning a long trip in potentially bad weather, pack snack foods and water and always remember to keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freezing your fuel lines. You never know when winter will make a long trip an even longer, very hungry and thirsty one.
  8. To get yourself unstuck: Avoid spinning your tires and determine the most direct path between your car and solid ground, keeping the front tires as straight as possible. Clear the snow around all four tires and liberally spread sand or kitty litter to gain traction.
  9. Always wear safety belts. This is true regardless of the season—and it's the law. Be sure that all passengers are buckled up as well.

For more information on safe driving, go to the GEICO auto safety online library at http://geico.com/auto/safety/.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States.* GEICO handles auto insurance coverage for 11 million private passenger auto policies and insures more than 17.5 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motor homes (RVs). Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.

*A.M. Best

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