Gecko Gaffe

I’m certain you’ve heard something like this before. It probably happens all the time, in fact. (I’ve never been charmed by the appeal of the Geico gecko – preferring the Neanderthals myself. I don’t buy the rationale behind the Brit accent; but viewers find it…hilarious.) I do know that the real heavy lifting of the brand itself comes from its outstanding customer service. The company really tries to support its stakeholder.

Maybe Geico is trying too hard, because this is hilarious. As some of you know, Barbara’s brother, Jeff Slavik, died this past February. He suffered a brain aneurysm and never regained consciousness. Barbara used copies of the death certificate to notify various companies that her brother was deceased, and that they should cancel various subscriptions, policies, etc. this letter arrived in today’s mail from Geico.

Jeffrey Martin Slavik
2743 Quincannon Lane
Houston, TX 77-43-1602

Policy Number: XXXXXXXXX

Dear Jeffrey Slavik:

This letter is to confirm your written correspondence dates March 14, 2008. We will cancel the above numbered policy as you requested and you will be advised of any refund or premium due.

As you requested, the policy will be canceled as of 12:01 A.M. on January 20, 2008.

PLEASE CALL US IMMEDIATELY AT 1-800-841-3000 IF ANY OF THE INFORMATION ABOVE IS CORRECT.

We are truly sorry to lose a policyholder like you and hope that your relationship with us was a pleasant one. Thank you for allowing us to provide your insurance coverage. We would welcome your inquiries at any time.

Best wishes for the future.

Sincerely,

[signature]

Debra Benjamin
Customer Service

REMINDER: Please surrender your plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles, if you are required to do so.

Dear Debra Benjamin, I’m thinking, maybe your CRM system could use a bit of tweakin’. Jeff is dead. If he has any inquiries, he’s going to keep them to himself.