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: May 21, 2026
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 | 3.98 | 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. Policyholders who filed theft claims rave about same-day repairs and next-day service, while others received total-loss settlements that paid off loans quickly at fair market value. But plenty of customers saw 20% to 25% rate hikes despite clean driving records, struggled to reach anyone through Mercury's team voicemail system and watched claims adjusters push investigative work onto them instead of handling it themselves.
★★★★★ (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 raised my rate from $164 to $493 monthly after paying a $925 claim. Almost triple my premium for one small claim. Been a customer for years with no other issues and this is how they treat me? Ridiculous." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by VoicemailNightmare "You can't actually talk to anyone at Mercury. They use a team system where you leave voicemails and maybe someone calls back eventually. When you're dealing with an accident and need answers now, this system is useless and frustrating." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by AdjusterPushback "Someone side-swiped my car and Mercury's investigator told ME to get the traffic camera footage from police. That's his job, not mine. Now this shows up as an unreported accident on my record even though I reported it immediately." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by RateHike25Percent "Mercury raised my rate 25% this year and I haven't filed a claim in three years. Called to ask why and got some vague answer about their board deciding rate increases. Not acceptable." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by TotalLossLowballCar totaled and Mercury's offer was way below market value. Showed them comparable vehicles selling for $3,000 more and they barely moved. Had to accept less than my car was worth. |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by RenewalSurpriseGot my renewal notice and the rate jumped 30%. No warning, no explanation, just a massive increase. Called and 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. Never had any accident. They messed up my record 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 credit Mercury for affordable rates and wide availability in California, where many large insurers have pulled back or limited coverage. Some drivers also appreciate the mechanical breakdown and rideshare insurance add-ons.
Complaints center on sudden rate hikes, slow claims service and hard-to-reach customer support. Other policyholders report unexpected policy cancellations, low claim payouts and confusing billing practices.
Online discussions show mixed 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 | 3.85 | 32 |
Mercury Car Insurance Ratings by State
Mercury ranks in the top five companies in seven states and territories across the United States.
| California | 3.95 | 6 |
| Florida | 4.31 | 4 |
| Georgia | 4.01 | 6 |
| Nevada | 4.17 | 7 |
| New Jersey | 3.79 | 10 |
| New York | 3.69 | 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 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 for breakdowns | Covers lockouts, battery jumps, flat tire changes and fuel delivery; towing limits are 15 miles ($75), 100 miles ($500) or 200 miles ($1,000) |
Rental Car Reimbursement | Rental costs while your car is repaired after a covered accident | $30 to $100 per day for up to 30 days; covers the rental rate, mileage and taxes |
Gap Insurance | Difference between your loan balance and the car's actual cash value if totaled | Useful for financed or leased vehicles where you could owe more than the car is worth |
Custom Equipment Coverage | Repair or replacement of aftermarket upgrades if damaged or stolen | Covers stereos, navigation systems, custom wheels and other modifications |
Rideshare Coverage | Coverage while driving for Uber or Lyft with the app on but no passenger accepted | Fills the gap a personal policy may leave during that period; starts at $0.90 per day |
Mechanical Breakdown Protection | Major mechanical failures, including transmission and engine issues | Covers up to seven years or 100,000 miles; includes 24-hour roadside assistance, rental help and road hazard tire protection |
Other Mercury Insurance Coverage Options to Consider
Beyond auto, Mercury offers several insurance products directly or through third-party partners.
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
Mercury (direct) | Auto, homeowners, condo, renters, business, umbrella, mechanical breakdown protection, motorcycle, boat |
Third-Party partners |
Mercury Auto Insurance Review: Bottom Line
Mercury ranked 28th overall in MoneyGeek's analysis, with mixed results across categories. It placed ninth for coverage options but 31st for affordability, and last in J.D. Power's 2024 Claims Satisfaction Study. If cost and claims service matter most to you, compare quotes from several insurers before committing.
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?
Mercury does raise rates over time. Repair and medical costs go up with inflation, and more claims from distracted driving and severe weather push premiums higher. Mercury also adjusts pricing based on local risk, state regulations and personal factors like changes in credit score, even if your driving record stays clean.
Is Mercury good for young drivers?
Mercury isn't a strong pick for young drivers. It ranked 32nd for affordability in MoneyGeek's analysis and has a history of rate increases, two strikes for a group that already pays above-average premiums.
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
MoneyGeek's rate analysis used a 40-year-old male driving a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with a clean record, 12,000 annual miles, good credit, a valid license and no prior claims. We also ran quotes for profiles with varying age, driving record, credit score and military status to identify which insurers price best for different drivers.
Minimum coverage rates reflect each state's required limits. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process scored insurers on three factors:
- Cost (60%): We compared quotes across multiple driver profiles in each city against local competitors' rates.
- Customer satisfaction (30%): Ratings from Google reviews, J.D. Power, AM Best and Reddit forums show how customers rate their experience with claims and service.
- Coverage variety (10%): We reviewed each insurer's available options and noted those with broader or less common offerings.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.