Automotive App of the Week: Geico GloveBox

Even if you hate to think about car insurance, you gotta love those goofy Geico commercials, if not their cheeky gecko mascot. The insurance company also has a free smartphone app that both policy holders and the general public will find useful. And everyone may find amusing.

Besides the obvious customer-support stuff, the Geico GloveBox app provides basic car maintenance info that can come in handy for the less mechanically inclined as well as accident and emergency assistance info. And it lets you pass the time when your car breaks down by watching those kooky Geico commercials.

The Auto How-To's tab provides step-by-step instructions on jump-starting a vehicle, changing a flat tire and checking tire pressure. And if you're involved in a fender bender, the Accident Helper feature lets you contact emergency services, save accident photos and record all the vital information from the scene. If your vehicle isn't drivable, you can use the Roadside Service tab to find a nearby towing company and locate a mechanic closest to your location, while the Taxi/Rental tab puts you in touch with alternative transportation.

Geico customers can use the My Policy tab to pay their premiums and access current insurance ID cards, while iPhone and Android users are able to view vehicle and driver information, check claim status and update policy details. Geico also recently made it possible for motorcycle customers to manage their policy via GloveBox for iPhone and Android.