For the second year in a row, GEICO has earned accolades for brand loyalty among car insurance companies, according to the 2008 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, ranking ahead of Allstate, Nationwide, Progressive and State Farm.

The Brand Keys study is an annual examination of relationships between consumers and corporate brands - 382 of them, to be exact - divided into fifty-seven categories. The data determines what keeps customers loyal and how this can drive an increase in profits. Brand Keys, Inc. is a marketing research company.

Bill Roberts, GEICO executive vice president, says, "It's a big honor for us. To be the leaders for two years in a row is a major accomplishment for our associates. We know how hard they work on behalf of our policyholders. That's very rewarding to learn that customers think we rate such high marks."

According to the study, the brand whose customers have the highest levels of loyalty is generally known to meet or exceed the category ideal, and loyalty is measured in 12 and 18-month periods.

It seems the gecko is more than just a cute spokes-lizard for GEICO, but an accurate representation of the accessibility customers perceive.

The Customer Loyalty Engagement Index Study is performed every year.