CarInsurance.com Insights
- Mercury was the most expensive of the 16 carriers we studied, with an average monthly full-coverage rate of $270.
- It receives an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best.
- Mercury is only available in 11 states.
- It ranks highest for ease of service and website experience in our 2026 analysis of the best car insurance companies.
Mercury is best for drivers in its 11-state coverage area who prefer working directly with an agent to manage their car insurance needs and policy changes. It received high marks for website experience and ease of use in our Best Car Insurance Companies of 2026 study, and although its average rate was higher than other insurers, Mercury earns its price with service and solid financial strength.
Who is Mercury best for?
Mercury fits drivers in its 11 states who want a local agent and plan to bundle, as well as those who value service over the lowest price. Drivers who prefer working with a local agent rather than relying only on apps or call centers may also appreciate Mercury.
Mercury would be suitable 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.
Sophie’s Tip
Weigh service against price here — if a local agent and easy claims matter more than the lowest rate, Mercury earns a spot on your shortlist. If price leads, compare it against cheaper carriers first.
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
- Our 2026 data ranks Mercury the most expensive of 16 carriers; drivers with clean records may find lower rates elsewhere
- 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.
- Fewer digital tools than at larger insurers; online quotes and mobile app functionality are less advanced.
- Fewer discounts than big competitors like GEICO or Progressive.
Quotable insightMercury’s strengths are service and specialty coverage, not price.
How much does Mercury car insurance cost?
Mercury car insurance costs about $270 a month for a full coverage policy — the most expensive of the 16 carriers in CarInsurance.com’s 2026 analysis and roughly $55 a month above the $215 national average. Mercury’s value is in service and bundling, not a low sticker price.
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 |
|---|---|
| American Family | $159 |
| Erie | $159 |
| Auto-Owners | $171 |
| Travelers | $175 |
| GEICO | $179 |
| Auto Club Group (AAA) | $185 |
| Nationwide | $205 |
| Progressive | $223 |
| Amica | $231 |
| State Farm | $239 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $243 |
| CSAA Insurance Group (AAA) | $251 |
| Farmers | $257 |
| Allstate | $267 |
| Mercury | $270 |
| USAA* | $131 |
*USAA is available only 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.
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 $783. There was a discount if I paid upfront, bringing the total policy cost to $670.
If I downgraded my limits to 100/300/100, my rate would drop 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’s financial stability ratings
Mercury holds an A (Excellent) from AM Best, A- from Fitch and A3 from Moody’s.
There are several performance indices. Here’s how Mercury stacks up based on the most up-to-date ratings by industry leaders.
| Company | Rating |
|---|---|
| A.M Best | A, effective Feb. 24, 2026 |
| Fitch | A- |
| Moody’s | A3 |
While these are the current ratings, 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, Mercury’s rating 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’s website and apps
You can request a quote from Mercury online and manage your policy in the app, but you must contact an agent to buy a policy.
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, see a checklist before submitting a claim, and review 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 1,600 ratings as of June 18, 2026.
Its rating on the Google Play Store is 4 out of 5 stars based on 797 reviews.
Mercury customer reviews and complaints
Mercury’s service reputation is mixed but improving, with an A- from the BBB and a below-average NAIC complaint index.
The Better Business Bureau ranks Mercury an A- with a 1.63/5-star customer rating. In the last three years, Mercury has closed 227 complaints. Most complaints involve problems with a Mercury product or service. This BBB rating rose slightly over the previous year and is factored into our overall CarInsurance.com company rating.
The NAIC complaint index is 0.43, meaning that it received less than half of the expected complaints for an insurer of its size. In 2024, its complaint index was 0.95, just below the 1.0 baseline.
Mercury car insurance discounts
Mercury offers standard auto insurance discounts — multi-policy, multi-car, good driver, good student, anti-theft, auto-pay, e-signature and paid-in-full.
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
When requesting a quote, Mercury allowed me to opt in to the company’s telematics program, MercuryGO, which I did. Other discounts I received include:
- Continuous insurance
- Homeowner
- 3-year accident/violation-free
- Passive restraint
- New business
- 5-year accident-free
- Digital
- Occupation
- E-signature
My verdict: Is Mercury worth it?
If you’re considering insurance with Mercury, it could be a good fit as long as you’re clear on the tradeoff: it’s a financially solid company with strong performance in ease-of-service and website experience, but it was the most expensive carrier we analyzed. It’s also thin on digital tools and discounts.
With its 3.56/5 rating and No. 15 ranking, it’s worth a look if you live in a state Mercury covers, plan to bundle and prefer an agent-led experience. But skip Mercury if a low price is your priority or you prefer a full digital experience.
Rates vary by driver; depending on where you live and your coverage, you may get a better deal with Mercury auto insurance than competitors.
Sophie’s Tip
Compare Mercury’s quote against two cheaper carriers on identical limits before you commit — that’s how you tell whether its service is worth the higher price for you.
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.
Does Mercury offer accident forgiveness?
No. Unlike some larger insurers, Mercury does not currently offer accident forgiveness. Depending on your driving history and the state you live in, rates may increase after an at-fault accident.
Does Mercury have gap insurance?
Yes. Mercury offers loan/lease payoff coverage that works 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.
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.
Why is Mercury more expensive than other insurers?
Different factors could cause Mercury’s average rates to be higher than those of other insurers. The company serves 11 states, including California, which has experienced elevated exposure to wildfires and other costly disasters. Rates can also be higher due to increased costs for parts and labor.
Is Mercury cheaper than State Farm?
Mercury’s average monthly full-coverage premium is $270, $31 more than State Farm’s at $239.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Mercury Insurance. “Auto Insurance Discounts,” Accessed July 2026.
- Better Business Bureau. “Mercury Insurance Group,” Accessed July 2026.
- NAIC. “American Mercury Ins Co National Complaint Index Report.” Accessed July 2026.
- AM Best. “AM Best Revises Outlooks to Stable and Affirms Credit Ratings of Mercury General Corporation and Its Subsidiaries.” Accessed July 2026.
- Google Play. “Mercury Insurance: Car & Home.” Accessed July 2026.
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