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Mercury Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Small business, Insurance
Ryan Brady is a lead writer at NerdWallet and authority on small-business lending and insurance. Ryan enjoys simplifying complex finance topics to help small-business owners make smarter financial decisions. His work has appeared in TechCrunch, MarketWatch, Yahoo, Nasdaq and more.
Before joining NerdWallet, Ryan was a senior writer and principal researcher at Gartner. He is based in Fort Myers, Florida.
Assigning Editor | Auto insurance, home insurance, other insurance
Lacie Glover spent more than five years covering health care costs and all types of insurance as a NerdWallet writer before becoming an assistant assigning editor in 2019 and later an assigning editor on the insurance team. As a writer, her work was featured in The Associated Press, The Motley Fool and U.S. News & World Report. Lacie is a NerdWallet authority on insurance products and loves data, analytics and solving SEO mysteries.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Mercury
3.5
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Rideshare insurance available.
- Wide range of discounts available.
Cons
- Not available in all states.
- Few options to customize auto policies.
Mercury
3.5
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Rideshare insurance available.
- Wide range of discounts available.
Cons
- Not available in all states.
- Few options to customize auto policies.
Mercury earned 3.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.
Mercury Insurance has a large auto insurance customer base in California, but it also operates in 10 other states and offers additional products such as home, renters and condo insurance. Its policies are sold through a network of independent agents.
» MORE: The best car insurance companies
In our auto insurance reviews, our editorial team considers both the customer and the insurer. These are some of the factors we take into account:
Financial strength. We use A.M. Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. NerdWallet does not recommend companies with a rating lower than a B.
Complaints. These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The best auto insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.
Ease of use. This category looks at how easily consumers can interact with an insurer through its mobile app and website. This includes how much coverage information is offered online, whether a user can start and track a claim online and get a quote and mobile app scores based on the Apple and Google Play store ratings.
Discounts. We look at both the kind of discounts a company offers and the total number of discounts available.
Compare to other insurers
Current Product
NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 3.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.5 /5 |
Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Close to expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. More than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Close to expected |
Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Below average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average |
Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Average set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts |
Bottom line Mercury offers a range of insurance products but isn’t available in many states. | Bottom line Liberty Mutual offers a long list of discounts, plus robust digital tools on its website and app. | Bottom line With plenty of coverage options and discounts, this auto insurance giant is worth a look. |
Mercury insurance coverage
When you're shopping for car insurance coverage, it's important to understand what car insurance coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. For instance, most states require a minimum amount of car insurance to drive a vehicle. Alternatively, if you want extra protection, you may be interested in full coverage insurance. Read about the most common types of car insurance coverage to see how they work.
Mercury provides basic auto insurance coverage options, including rental car coverage and roadside assistance. In addition, any repairs made at a repair facility approved by Mercury are guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle.
Rideshare insurance is available as an add-on for those who have a personal auto insurance policy with Mercury and drive for services like Uber or Lyft. Typically, when you work for a rideshare service, you are covered by the insurance provided by that company — but only while you have passengers or are en route to pick up passengers. Mercury’s rideshare insurance guarantees you’re also covered when you’re waiting for a fare.
» MORE: Compare auto insurance rates
Auto insurance discounts
Depending on your state, you may be able to get a discount with Mercury by:
Enrolling in autopay.
Installing an anti-theft device in your vehicle.
Using electronic signatures (paperless billing).
Meeting Mercury’s requirements as a good driver.
Meeting Mercury’s requirements as a good student.
Signing up for Mercury’s driver behavior tracking app, MercuryGo. (You may qualify for an additional discount for good driving.)
Insuring multiple cars with Mercury.
Having multiple policies with Mercury (bundling).
Paying premiums on time and in full.
Taking a defensive driving course.
Being in the military.
Having certain vehicle safety features and equipment.
First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
Pricing based on tracked driving habits
Mercury's usage-based driving app, MercuryGo, may provide insurance discounts based on how you drive. MercuryGo is currently only available for customers in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.Complaints and customer satisfaction
Mercury had close to the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators relative to its size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Mercury ranked No. 23 out of 24 companies in J.D. Power’s 2023 study on auto insurance claim satisfaction
More about Mercury insurance
Website: You can make payments, download ID cards and view policy documents via Mercury’s website. The company also has a blog with articles on various insurance topics, as well as tips for safer driving.
App: Mercury offers two mobile apps for its auto insurance customers. Its primary app lets you access your digital ID card, pay bills and contact roadside assistance. Its usage-based app, MercuryGo, monitors your driving habits. You earn a discount for enrolling and may receive an additional discount at renewal for demonstrating good driving behavior. It is only available in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia.
Home insurance from Mercury
Mercury’s options for home insurance include all the standard types of coverage, plus a few additional features. Learn more by reading our Mercury home insurance review.
Other insurance coverage from Mercury
Mechanical breakdown insurance.
Business insurance and business auto insurance.
Landlord insurance.
You can get a quote from Mercury online or by calling a local Mercury agent.
Mercury sells auto insurance policies in 11 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia.
Yes. You must have a personal auto insurance policy with Mercury to be eligible for rideshare insurance.
Customer service number: You can reach Mercury customer service at 800-503-3724.
Email: A direct email isn't listed, but you can fill out a form on the Mercury website.
You can get a quote from Mercury online or by calling a local Mercury agent.
Mercury sells auto insurance policies in 11 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia.
Yes. You must have a personal auto insurance policy with Mercury to be eligible for rideshare insurance.
Customer service number:
You can reach Mercury customer service at 800-503-3724.
Email:
A direct email isn't listed, but you can fill out a form on the Mercury website.
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
In this review . . .