Geico Accused of Using Unlicensed Agents in Ohio

Geico could lose its right to sell insurance in Ohio should charges levied by the state that the company allowed unlicensed employees to sell property and casualty coverages be upheld. At a hearing scheduled for Aug. 18, the Ohio Department of Insurance will determine whether Geico violated Ohio consumer protection laws based on a complaint filed by the Professional Insurance Agents Association of Ohio.

Geico denies the accusation, saying call-center agents are licensed in the state in which they live and then file for non-resident licenses in other states. The company has said PIA is raising the issue based solely on competition concerns.