Mercury ranks 28th overall nationally, placing it outside the top tier of best car insurance companies. Despite this lower overall ranking, Mercury shows strong performance in coverage options and customer experience, earning ninth place rankings in both categories.
Mercury Car Insurance Review
Updated: December 16, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Mercury places 27th for full coverage affordability and 29th for minimum liability coverage with average monthly rates of $146 and $73 respectively.
Mercury earns ninth place nationwide for customer satisfaction, standing out with strong agent service and positive forum reviews from policyholders.
Prefer actual policyholder experiences? We gathered customer reviews to show how real users rate this company. Read More.
Mercury Car Insurance Ratings
| Overall Score | 3.99 | 28 |
| Customer Experience | 4.57 | 9 |
| Coverage | 3.58 | 9 |
| Affordability | 3.76 | 31 |
Mercury Insurance Car Insurance Reviews from MoneyGeek Users and Policyholders
MoneyGeek's rating of Mercury draws from thousands of quotes, customer surveys and research into all the available coverages as detailed in our methodology.
Real customer experiences tell a different story than marketing materials, though. Policyholders who filed theft claims rave about same-day repairs and next-day service, while others dealt with efficient total loss settlements that paid off loans quickly with fair market valuations. On the flip side, plenty of customers got hit with shocking 20% to 25% rate hikes despite clean driving records, struggled to reach anyone through Mercury's frustrating team voicemail system and watched claims adjusters push investigative work onto them instead of handling it themselves.
Here's what real MoneyGeek users are literally saying, the positive and the negative, about their experience with Mercury.
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by CatConverterGone "Had my catalytic converter stolen and Mercury got it replaced the next day. Seriously, one-day turnaround on something that major is unheard of. I've had Mercury for years and whenever I actually need to file a claim they come through fast." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by TotalLossRelief "Totaled my car in a freeway accident and Mercury handled everything efficiently. They paid off my loan and gave me what I thought was a fair price for the vehicle. The whole process took about a week which was way faster than I expected based on horror stories from friends with other companies." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by LongTimeCustomer98 "Been with Mercury since the late 90s for both auto and home. My rates are competitive and I've never had problems getting claims paid when I needed them. Customer service can take a while to reach but once you get someone they're helpful enough." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by CaliforniaAffordable "Mercury has competitive rates in California where insurance is expensive. Saved about $600 a year compared to what I was paying before. Coverage is solid and claims process was smooth." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by TheftClaimFast "My catalytic converter was stolen and Mercury had it replaced the same day. One day service for a major theft claim is incredible. I've been with Mercury for years and they always come through." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by RealDriveDiscount "The RealDrive program saved me money as a low-mileage driver. I work from home so I don't drive much. Mercury's pay-per-mile option makes way more sense for my situation." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by BundleWorthwhile "Bundled home and auto with Mercury and the discount is legit. Saved about 20% overall. Having everything in one place also simplifies billing and paperwork." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by LocalAgentHelps "My Mercury agent is local and always available when I have questions. She helped me adjust my coverage when I bought a new car and explained everything clearly." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by AccidentHandledWell "Got in an accident and Mercury's adjuster was fair and professional. Claim was processed within two weeks and I got my car fixed with no hassle. Process was straightforward." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by LongTermCustomer "Been with Mercury since the late 90s for both auto and home. Rates stay competitive and I've never had problems getting claims paid when I needed them. Solid company overall." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by RateHikeVictim "Mercury just raised my rate from $164 to $493 a month after they paid out a $925 claim. That's almost triple my premium for one small claim. I've been a customer for years with no other issues and this is how they treat me? Absolutely ridiculous." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by VoicemailNightmare "You can't actually talk to anyone at Mercury. They use a team system where you leave a voicemail and maybe someone calls you back eventually. When you're dealing with an accident and need answers immediately, this system is completely useless and frustrating." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by AdjusterPushback "Someone side-swiped my car and when I filed a claim, Mercury's investigator told ME to go get the traffic camera footage from the police. That's literally his job, not mine. Now somehow this is showing up as an unreported accident on my record even though I reported it immediately." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by RateHike25Percent "Mercury raised my rate by 25% this year and I haven't filed a claim in over three years. Called to ask why and they gave me some vague answer about their board deciding on rate increases. Not acceptable." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by SmallClaimRateTripled "Filed one small claim for $925 and Mercury tripled my premium from $164 to $493 monthly. That's insane. One claim after five years of clean history and they punish me like this." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by TeamSystemAwful "Mercury's team system for customer service is terrible. You can't reach a specific person, just leave voicemails and hope someone calls back eventually. When you're dealing with an accident this is completely useless." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by AdjusterWorkOnMe "Hit by another driver and Mercury's investigator told ME to go get the traffic camera footage from police. That's literally his job, not mine. Now somehow this is showing up wrong on my record." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by TotalLossLowball "My car was totaled and Mercury's offer was way below market value. Showed them comparable vehicles selling for $3,000 more and they barely budged. Had to accept less than my car was worth." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by RenewalSurprise "Got my renewal notice and the rate jumped 30%. No warning, no explanation, just a massive increase. When I called they basically said take it or leave it. I left." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by ClaimDenialShady "Mercury denied my claim saying I had an unreported accident on my record. I never had any accident. They've messed up my record somehow and won't fix it. Now other companies won't quote me." |
Mercury Car Insurance Reddit and Forum Customer Satisfaction
Reddit users and forum members often mention Mercury’s affordable rates and wide availability in California, where many large insurers limit their coverage. Some drivers also appreciate the company’s mechanical breakdown and rideshare insurance options, though reviews are mixed.
Common concerns include sudden rate hikes, slow or unhelpful claims service, and difficulty reaching customer support. Others mention policy cancellations, low claim payouts, and unclear billing.
Online discussions show a mix of satisfaction and frustration among Mercury policyholders:
Pricing and Value
Initial competitive rates attract customers, but many face significant and unexplained rate increases, particularly affecting long-term policyholders:
"Yikes - I just called and Mercury will be raising my rates by 25% through no fault of my own. They stated that due to overall increases in Mercury's rates, they are implementing a hike of 25% or more for all their customers. No email was sent out about this, and they have set policies to auto-renew online, possibly so customers don't notice."
"Without a doubt the worst company I have ever dealt with. My auto insurance rates have gone up approximately $1000 with no at fault claims. They literally told me their BOD had a meeting and decided to raise rates because they could."
Claims Processing
Mercury ranked last out of 21 companies in J.D. Power's 2024 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, with mixed customer experiences ranging from efficient handling to complete frustration:
"My claim was processed efficiently and [with] care to every detail. My adjuster was a true blessing in making sure my every need was addressed without delay."
"BEWARE OF MERCURY INSURANCE... My experience with Mercury has been nothing short of a nightmare. We filed a claim in December 2024 for hail damage to our 10-year-old roof, supported by inspections from two different roofing companies confirming the damage. Despite clear evidence, Mercury's adjuster sent an inspector who dismissed it as 'wear and tear,' and denied our claim."
Customer Service
Customer service experiences show significant inconsistency, with some praising responsiveness while others struggle to reach representatives:
"Mercury is extremely hard to get on the phone, as usually they operate as a 'team' and you basically need to leave a voice message and someone from the team will call you eventually."
"I have repeatedly reached out to my agent and did not hear anything back. My agent never calls when requested. I never hear anything unless I press them for information."
Digital Experience
Mercury offers basic digital services through its website and mobile apps, though the claims process still requires phone contact for many issues:
"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."
"Mercury doesn't provide a way to cancel your insurance policy online or through its mobile app. Instead, it indicates that you should contact your insurance agent if you want to cancel or make significant changes to your policy."
Trust and Reputation
Despite an A.M. Best "A" (Excellent) rating, customer trust varies significantly, with Mercury's NAIC complaint index of 2.48 indicating more complaints than average for its size:
"Mercury is considered one of the inferior insurance companies. They include charges on your bill that are optional. For example, they include the cost of earthquake coverage as part of the total amount due, even though it's not necessary."
"I had a major claim with Mercury after significant damage to my home and I couldn't be happier with how fast and efficient the entire process was handled. Within just three weeks, Mercury had reviewed everything and deposited the full dwelling damages directly into my bank account without any issues."
Coverage Options
Mercury provides standard coverage options with some unique features like mechanical breakdown coverage, though customers report issues with policy renewals and sudden cancellations:
"They dropped all properties for 'unspecified dog breeds with unknown bite history.' We have a Pyrenees puppy that we rescued with no bite history. Which we told them. They dropped us anyway."
"This is a good company that process claims without any issue. However, they increase my insurance every year and I find much cheaper insurances from other company."
REVIEWS ON FORUMS AREN’T A PERFECT GAUGE
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't reflect overall service quality. For a complete picture, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
Who Is Mercury Car Insurance Best and Worst For?
Mercury is ranked low for most categories of drivers. But it does provide coverage add-ons that can be useful. High-risk drivers should consider other options since Mercury's savings are minimal for these profiles.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
Female
100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
Below Fair
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| Overall Score | 3.86 | 32 |
Mercury Car Insurance Ratings by State
Mercury ranks within the top five companies in seven of the states and territories across the United States.
| California | 3.96 | 6 |
| Florida | 4.32 | 4 |
| Georgia | 4.01 | 6 |
| Nevada | 4.17 | 7 |
| New Jersey | 3.80 | 10 |
| New York | 3.70 | 12 |
| Oklahoma | 4.13 | 3 |
| Texas | 4.23 | 5 |
| Virginia | 4.27 | 6 |
*Ratings are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations who insures a 2012 Toyota Camry.
How Much Does Mercury Car Insurance Cost?
Mercury monthly premiums vary widely from $52 to $1,836 based on your profile and coverage choices. To help you make the best decision, we've broken down national car insurance costs by age group, gender, coverage, credit score and driving record.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
Female
Below Fair
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
| $420 | $5,045 | 52% | 31 |
Mercury Car Insurance Rates by Driver Category
Mercury will be much more expensive on average for most drivers, including young drivers, seniors and those with violations. You can review how affordable Mercury is for your specific driving category below compared to other car insurance companies.
| Adult Drivers | $78 | $155 | 37% | 31 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $125 | $244 | 15% | 24 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $143 | $276 | 74% | 33 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $103 | $206 | 50% | 32 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $121 | $259 | 11% | 27 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $89 | $195 | 31% | 31 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $83 | $167 | 10% | 24 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $66 | $130 | 31% | 30 |
| Senior Drivers | $107 | $207 | 49% | 33 |
| Young Drivers | $226 | $447 | 77% | 32 |
*We modified all profiles based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, driving a 2012 Toyota Camry. Young drivers are 25 and under, adults 26 to 64 and seniors 65+. We changed the vehicle age to 2007 for older cars and 2025 for newer ones.
Mercury Car Insurance Rates by State
Mercury's monthly rates range from $39 to $239 across states on average. The company ranks among the top five most affordable insurers in three out of 51 states and territories. You can review Mercury's affordability and pricing for your area below.
| California | $66 | $139 | -10% | 4 |
| Florida | $85 | $206 | -15% | 6 |
| Georgia | $72 | $136 | -2% | 6 |
| Nevada | $77 | $151 | -2% | 6 |
| New Jersey | $159 | $239 | 39% | 11 |
| New York | $104 | $200 | 67% | 12 |
| Oklahoma | $39 | $109 | -21% | 4 |
| Texas | $54 | $133 | -14% | 4 |
| Virginia | $46 | $82 | -14% | 6 |
*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit, no driving violations and a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Mercury Car Insurance Discounts
Mercury offers 13 car insurance discounts, with average savings of up to 20% depending on your driving profile, involvement in programs and your area. Check out its offerings:
Multi-Policy/Bundle | Up to 14.5% | Must have 2+ policies with Mercury (auto + home, condo, or renters insurance) | Available nationwide in all 11 Mercury states |
Multi-Car | Variable | 2+ vehicles on policy at same address | Available nationwide in all 11 Mercury states |
Good Student | 10-15% | Students aged 16-25, unmarried, 3.0+ GPA or B average, full-time enrollment | Available nationwide in all 11 Mercury states |
MercuryGO (Teen Driver) | 10% enrollment + up to 40% renewal | Teen drivers 18 or younger, must enroll in app-based driving program | Available in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia |
MercuryGO (Adult Driver) | 5% enrollment + up to 40% renewal | Adult drivers, must enroll in app-based safe driving program | Available in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia |
Good Driver | Up to 20% | No accidents or violations for specified period (typically 3-5 years) | Available nationwide in all 11 Mercury states |
Mature Driver | Up to 16% | Age 55+, clean driving record, completed DMV-approved mature driver course | Available in California and other select states |
Anti-Theft Device | Variable | Vehicle equipped with qualifying anti-theft device (alarm, tracking system, immobilizer) | Available nationwide in all 11 Mercury states |
Auto Pay | Variable | Set up automatic monthly or annual premium payments | Available nationwide in all 11 Mercury states |
Pay-in-Full | Variable | Pay entire annual premium upfront instead of monthly installments | Available nationwide in all 11 Mercury states |
E-Signature | Variable | Sign policy documents electronically | Available nationwide in all 11 Mercury states |
RealDrive (Low Mileage) | 5% enrollment + up to 20% based on miles | Participate in pay-per-mile program, report odometer readings | Available in California and select states |
Distant Student | Variable | Student under 23, attending school 100+ miles from home, no regular car access at school | Available in select Mercury states |
Mercury Car Insurance Customer Reviews and Reputation
Mercury ranked ninth in overall customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek's comprehensive customer experience study. It excels in agent service and digital platform usability, though claims processing generates more complaints than other areas.
Buying Process Experience
Mercury offers both online and agent-assisted quoting processes, with customers praising the "easiest online service and registration" and "best quote on auto". The company was recognized as number one in J.D. Power's 2021 Digital Insurance Shopping Experience study.
Some customers report unexpected rate increases shortly after purchase, with agents changing quoted amounts due to "misinformation" on applications they didn't complete themselves.
Policy Management
Mercury's mobile app provides comprehensive policy management, including digital ID cards with Apple/Google Wallet integration, secure payment options, policy changes and fingerprint/face ID login.
Customers like the app's ease of use and convenience. However, some users report slow performance issues, taking over 5 minutes to login with occasional "could not load data" errors.
Claims Experience
Mercury offers 24/7 claims filing online or by phone, with repairs guaranteed for life when completed at Mercury-authorized shops. Positive experiences highlight efficient processing and helpful adjusters.
Mercury ranked last out of 21 insurers in J.D. Power's 2024 Auto Claims Satisfaction study, with customers reporting denied claims, slow claim resolution, adversarial adjusters and unexpected rate increases after filing claims.
Mercury Car Insurance Industry Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Mercury ranks well for financial strength from all industry rating agencies, but in J.D. Power studies, the company finishes average or below average in most areas. Here are Mercury's scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) | A++ to D- | Strong ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims, though outlook changed to negative due to California wildfire exposure |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | a | aaa to d | Good credit quality with adequate capacity for long-term financial commitments |
S&P Global Financial Strength | A- | AAA to D | Strong financial security at the lowest "A" rating level, negative outlook due to wildfire losses |
Moody's Financial Strength | A3 | Aaa to C | Upper-medium grade with good financial security, negative outlook due to concentrated California exposure |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | 663/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Ranked last among 21 companies (industry average: 697) |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | Not Available | 1,000-point scale | Not included in 2024 study rankings |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | Bottom 2 of ranked companies | Out of ranked companies | Ranked second to last among companies assessed in 2025 |
J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction | Above average (regional) | Out of regional competitors | Above average for overall satisfaction but below average in California |
NAIC Auto Complaints | 1.66 | 1.00 is average | 66% more complaints than expected for an insurer of its size (2023 data) |
Mercury Car Insurance Coverage Options
Mercury provides standard coverages like other major insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. The company also offers additional add-ons such as:
Roadside Assistance | 24/7 dispatch of roadside service professionals for breakdowns | Covers lockouts, battery jumps, flat tire changes, fuel delivery; towing coverage with limits: 15 miles ($75), 100 miles ($500), or 200 miles ($1,000) |
Rental Car Reimbursement | Cost of rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after accident | Coverage limits from $30-$100 per day for up to 30 days; covers rental rate, mileage, and taxes |
Gap Insurance | Covers difference between loan balance and vehicle's current value if totaled | Protects from paying out-of-pocket for car you can no longer drive; critical for financed/leased vehicles |
Custom Equipment Coverage | Repair or replacement of aftermarket upgrades if damaged or stolen | Protects stereos, navigation systems, custom wheels, and other modifications |
Rideshare Coverage | Protection when driving for Uber/Lyft with app on but no passenger accepted | Fills coverage gap during period when personal policy may not apply; as little as $0.90 per day |
Mechanical Breakdown Protection | Covers major mechanical failures like transmission and engine issues | Up to 7 years or 100,000 miles coverage; includes 24-hour roadside assistance, rental vehicle assistance, road hazard tire protection |
Other Mercury Insurance Coverage Options to Consider
You have several insurance options beyond auto coverage that work well as bundle deals or individual policies:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
Mercury (Directly Offered) | Auto, homeowners, condo, renters, business, umbrella, mechanical breakdown protection, motorcycle, boat |
Third-Party Partner |
Mercury Auto Insurance Review: Bottom Line
Mercury ranks 28th overall with mixed performance. While it offers decent coverage options (ninth place), it struggles with affordability (31st) and ranked last in J.D. Power's 2024 Claims Satisfaction study. Compare multiple insurers to get the best deal.
Mercury Car Insurance Reviews: FAQ
Below are MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about Mercury car insurance:
Does Mercury insurance have a good reputation?
Yes, Mercury is a legitimate car insurance company that ranked 28th overall in our comprehensive car insurance provider study. The insurer particularly excels in coverage and customer experience, where it earned ninth place rankings.
Where is Mercury the best car insurance company?
Mercury isn't the number one option for car insurance in any state, but it is a top five option in a good number of states it operates in.
How much does Mercury car insurance cost on average?
Mercury costs an average of $913 annually for minimum coverage and $1,810 for full coverage for adults. Annual rates span $619 to $9,602 for minimum and $1,352 to $18,580 for full coverage.
Is Mercury known for denying claims?
Customer feedback suggests Mercury faces criticism for claim denials, with some policyholders reporting disputes over coverage interpretations and settlement amounts. However, comprehensive data on their denial patterns remains limited beyond individual consumer experiences.
Note: This represents limited information based primarily on forum reviews.
Is Mercury a good option for high-risk drivers?
Mercury ranks poorly for most high-risk drivers. It's not a good option for drivers with accidents (33rd overall), speeding tickets (32nd overall), or bad credit (27th overall).
Does Mercury raise car insurance rates over time?
Yes, Mercury raises rates over time. Inflation drives up repair and medical costs, while claims increase from distracted driving and severe weather. Mercury also adjusts pricing based on changing area risk, state regulations, and personal factors like credit score changes, even if your driving record stays clean.
Is Mercury good for young drivers?
Mercury ranks 32nd for affordability and tends to increase rates over time, making it a poor choice for young drivers.
How We Rated Mercury Car Insurance
MoneyGeek collected auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers across every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard Driver Profile Used for Analysis
To keep rate comparisons consistent, we based our analysis on a standard driver profile with these characteristics:
- Age: 40 years old, male
- Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Driving history: Clean record
- Annual mileage: 12,000 miles
- Credit rating: Good
- License status: Valid and active
- Insurance history: Currently insured with no prior claims
We also tested how rates change when factors like age, driving record, credit score, and military status vary. This helped us find which insurers offer the best prices for different types of drivers.
Minimum coverage rates are based on each state’s required limits, while full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits and both comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process focused on three important factors:
- Cost (60% weight): We compared quotes for many driver profiles in each city to see how each insurer’s prices compare to local competitors.
- Customer satisfaction (30% weight): We reviewed feedback from multiple sources, including Google reviews, J.D. Power ratings, AM Best scores and online forums like Reddit, to understand how customers rate their experience.
- Coverage variety (10% weight): We reviewed each insurer’s coverage options and noted those that offer wider protection or unique features.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.