"but how can I have GEICO if I am not a gov't employee then?"
GEICO has two different products it sells, one for Govt employees, and one for the general public. They made their services available to everyone about 10 years ago. I was with GEICO for 12 years. I had to switch last summer because my car insurance rates kept going up with no explanation. I haven't had a traffic ticket or accident since I was in high school. I use Esurance now, great rates and I can do everything on line.