Geico

GEICO, which stands for Government Employees Insurance Company, is an American auto insurance company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. It was founded in 1936 by Leo and Lillian Goodwin to provide auto coverage to federal government employees and military personnel, with a later expansion to other customer segments. In 1996, Berkshire Hathaway acquired GEICO for about $2.3 billion, strengthening its presence in the U.S. insurance market. GEICO is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

The company operates primarily as a direct-to-consumer insurer, selling most policies through its website and phone channels rather than traditional independent agents. It offers auto insurance and also provides other lines such as homeowners, renters, condo, motorcycle, and boat insurance in various states. GEICO serves customers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

GEICO is well known for its advertising campaigns, including the GEICO gecko introduced in 1999. The brand has cultivated a reputation for offering competitive pricing and straightforward service, often highlighted by the slogan that “15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance.”

As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, GEICO’s earnings and operations are integrated with Berkshire’s insurance businesses. The company remains a prominent player in the U.S. auto insurance market, frequently cited among the largest providers by market share.