Mercury auto insurance has been around for more than 60 years. It’s available in 11 states but isn’t as well-known as other major auto insurance providers. Here are some key highlights about Mercury.
Who is Mercury best for?
Mercury is a good fit for drivers who want affordable, straightforward coverage and prefer working with a local agent rather than relying only on apps or call centers. It’s also a wise choice for policyholders who:
- Live in states where Mercury operates (California, Texas, Florida, Nevada and a handful of others).
- Want to bundle auto with homeowners or renters insurance for added savings.
- Need rideshare coverage (Uber/Lyft drivers) or mechanical protection plans not offered by many competitors.
- Value a balance between competitive rates and the backing of a financially stable, established insurer.
Mercury may not be the best option if you want robust digital tools, nationwide availability or a wide array of discounts.
Pros & cons of Mercury Insurance
Pros
- Competitive rates in states where it operates, especially for drivers seeking basic coverage.
- Strong local agent network — customers who prefer in-person service may benefit.
- Discount options include multi-policy, multi-car, good driver, good student and anti-theft.
- Specialty coverages are available, including rideshare coverage and mechanical protection plans (extended warranties).
- Solid financial stability, with an A rating from AM Best, indicating strong claims-paying ability.
Cons
- Limited availability — operates in 11 states, so it’s not an option nationwide.
- Mixed customer satisfaction scores — some policyholders report frustrations with claims handling and customer service.
- Few digital tools compared to larger insurers; online quotes and mobile app functionality are less advanced.
- Fewer discounts than big competitors like GEICO or Progressive.
- Not always the cheapest; drivers with clean records may find lower rates elsewhere.
How much does Mercury car insurance cost?
Mercury Insurance costs $166 per month for a full coverage policy with liability limits of $ 100,000/$300,000/$100,000. This rate is comparable to that of State Farm, but pricier than GEICO or American Family.
While no one should choose a car insurance company based solely on price, smart shoppers know what to expect to pay and how it compares to the competition.
See more monthly rates in the table below.
| Company | Monthly premium |
|---|---|
| Mercury | $166 |
| Allstate | $209 |
| American Family | $142 |
| Amica | $185 |
| Auto-Owners | $129 |
| Erie | $123 |
| Farmers | $199 |
| GEICO | $147 |
| Nationwide | $129 |
| State Farm | $165 |
| Travelers | $134 |
| USAA* | $115 |
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
My personal experience getting a quote from Mercury
Getting a car insurance quote on Mercury’s website is quick and easy. I wanted an accurate quote, so I input the following personal information:
- Name
- Address
- Social Security Number
- Phone number/email address
- Occupation
- Whether I owned a home
- Any recent driving violations
The system then pulled in my vehicle information (a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas) and other possible drivers, which I could opt to list or exclude from my policy. It also allowed me to opt in to the company’s telematics program, MercuryGO, which I did.
For a six-month full coverage policy in Nevada with the same limits as my current USAA policy (250/500/250), my quoted rate was $131 per month or $783 for six months. There was a discount if I paid upfront, with a total policy cost of $670.
If I downgraded my limits to 100/300/100, my rate went down to $576 for six months or $495 if I paid upfront for the six-month policy.
However, neither policy included roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement coverage.
Where is Mercury car insurance available?
Mercury is available in 11 states, including:
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Virginia
Mercury financial stability ratings
There are several different measures of performance. Here’s how Mercury stacks up based on the most up-to-date ratings by industry leaders.
| Company | Rating |
|---|---|
| A.M Best | A |
| Fitch | A- |
| Moody’s | A3 |
While these are the current ratings, it’s important to note that they can change every year. For instance, Moody’s previously rated Mercury at A2 before lowering it to A3.
Even though A3 still has a relatively strong rating, its continual decline is an important indicator of the company’s health and stability. Keep this in mind as you evaluate Mercury and other auto insurance providers.
Mercury website and apps
If you want to find out how to sign up for Mercury, you can get the necessary information on Mercury’s website. There, you’ll find if it’s available in your state, a checklist before submitting a claim, and all the discounts you might be eligible for.
You can also get an instant quote or find an agent near you to help you buy Mercury auto insurance. Keep in mind that while you can get a quote online, you’ll need to contact an agent to buy insurance.
Once you’re a customer, you can log in to make a payment, download your insurance IDs, view your policy or make adjustments. You can also set up payment through the Mercury app.
Mobile app rating
The Mercury insurance app has 4.8 stars out of 5 in the Apple App Store with 1,500 ratings. Its rating on the Google Play Store is 4 out of 5 stars based on 731 reviews.
Mercury customer reviews and complaints
The Better Business Bureau ranks Mercury a B- with a 1.03/5-star customer rating. In the last three years, Mercury has closed 333 complaints. Most complaints involve problems with a Mercury product or service. This BBB rating impacts other ratings as well.
Mercury car insurance discounts
Not all drivers qualify for every discount, but depending on your policy, you may qualify for several discounts. The auto insurance company rewards good drivers with discounts, including:
- Anti-theft feature
- Auto-pay
- E-signature
- Good driver
- Good student
- Multi-car:
- Multi-policy
- Paid in full
Discounts I qualified for during the quote process
- MercuryGO participation
- Continuous insurance
- Homeowner
- 3-year accident/violation-free
- Passive restraint
- New business 5 5-year accident-free
- Digital
- Occupation
- E-signature
The verdict: Is Mercury worth it?
Mercury auto insurance isn’t for everyone. For one thing, you may not live in a state where it’s offered. If you don’t, you may need to look into other options to find one you’re eligible for.
But if you do and you’re comparing auto insurance rates and coverage, Mercury might work out for you. Depending on where you live and your coverage, you may get a better deal with Mercury auto insurance than competitors.
Before you decide to go with Mercury, make sure you’re comparing the same level of coverage and potential discounts. This way, you can make the most informed decision for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mercury Insurance
Is Mercury cheaper than other car insurance companies?
Mercury is often cheaper than national competitors in its operating states, particularly California and Texas. It is a good option for budget-conscious drivers, though rates vary widely by driver profile, location and coverage level. Comparing multiple quotes is the best way to determine if Mercury is the most affordable option.
What discounts does Mercury offer?
Mercury offers several standard discounts, including multi-policy, multi-car, good driver, good student, anti-theft device and electronic payment discounts. In some states, Mercury also provides savings for bundling auto with home or renters insurance.
Does Mercury offer accident forgiveness?
No. Unlike some larger insurers, Mercury does not currently offer accident forgiveness. Depending on your driving history and state, rates may increase after an at-fault accident.
Does Mercury have gap insurance?
Yes. Mercury offers loan/lease payoff coverage, which functions like gap insurance. It helps cover the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and its actual cash value if it’s totaled in an accident.
How do I file a claim with Mercury?
You can file a claim online through Mercury’s website, by phone or directly with your local agent. While Mercury has a mobile app, most claims are handled via agents or the claims department.
How does Mercury rank in customer satisfaction?
Mercury scores below average in J.D. Power’s regional auto insurance satisfaction studies. The NAIC complaint index also shows that Mercury receives more complaints than expected for its size. However, it holds a solid financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) from AM Best.
Does Mercury raise rates after an accident or ticket?
Yes. Mercury generally increases rates after at-fault accidents or major violations, like most insurers. The exact increase depends on your state, driving history and policy details.
Is Mercury good for high-risk drivers?
Mercury may be willing to insure higher-risk drivers, including those with tickets or accidents. However, rates will usually be higher than average, and Mercury is not as widely known as Progressive for specializing in high-risk coverage.
Does Mercury offer telematics or usage-based insurance?
Yes. Mercury offers a telematics program called MercuryGO, which is available in certain states.
What types of add-ons does Mercury provide?
Mercury offers optional coverages such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, rideshare insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers and mechanical protection plans (similar to extended warranties).
Can I manage my policy online with Mercury?
Yes, Mercury provides digital tools, including a mobile app for bill payment, ID cards and basic policy management.
Is Mercury a good insurance company overall?
Mercury is best for drivers in states where it operates who want affordable coverage and prefer working with a local agent. It’s especially appealing for bundling home and auto policies. However, customers looking for nationwide availability, top-rated service or advanced digital tools may prefer a larger insurer.
Sources
- Mercury Insurance. “Auto Insurance Discounts,” Accessed October 2025.
- Better Business Bureau. “Mercury Insurance Group,” Accessed October 2025.
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