Mercury Insurance Review 2024: Is It Right for You?

Mercury Insurance may not be a household name across the country, but it's a big player in California, ranking as the seventh-largest auto insurance provider in the state. Despite its regional focus, Mercury has made a name for itself by offering competitive rates and specialized coverage options. If you're considering Mercury for your auto insurance needs, this review will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Who Is It Best For?

Mercury is ideal for drivers in one of the 11 states where it operates. It’s particularly well-suited for those with a less-than-perfect driving record, such as speeding tickets or DUIs, due to its competitive rates for these drivers. Additionally, Mercury offers options like rideshare insurance and multi-policy bundling, making it a strong choice for those looking to combine multiple insurance products.

Mercury Is Best For Those Who:

• Live in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, or Virginia.
• Want to bundle with other Mercury insurance products.
• Have traffic violations or DUIs on their record.
• Need rideshare coverage.

Mercury Is Not Best For Those Who:

• Have bad credit, as this may affect your premiums in most states.
• Want accident forgiveness or a vanishing deductible.

Pro Tip: In certain states, like California, insurers are not allowed to use credit scores when determining premiums. Check your state's regulations to understand how your credit may impact your insurance rates.

Cost

On average, Mercury charges $1,872 annually for full coverage and $624 for minimum coverage. These rates are slightly below the national average, making Mercury an affordable option, especially for drivers with clean records or minor infractions.

Mercury’s Full Coverage Rates After a DUI or Speeding Ticket:

Insurance Provider	Annual Average Rate After a DUI	Average Annual Rate After a Speeding Ticket
National Average	$3,328	$2,453
Mercury	$2,762	$1,987

Mercury’s rates for drivers with DUIs or speeding tickets are significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those with a checkered driving history.

Best Ways to Save

Mercury offers several discounts that can help you lower your auto insurance costs. Here are some key discounts:

• Multi-car discount
• Multi-policy discount (up to 14.5%)
• Good driver discount
• MercuryGO usage-based safety discount (up to 40%)
• RealDrive pay-per-mile discount (up to 20%)
• Paid-in-full discount

Discount Highlight: MercuryGO

MercuryGO is a usage-based driving program that tracks your driving habits through a mobile app. Signing up can earn you a 10% discount immediately, with the potential for up to a 40% discount at renewal based on your driving behavior.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

Mercury offers all the standard auto insurance coverages (liability, collision, comprehensive) plus additional options like:

• Mechanical Protection Insurance: Covers repair costs for your car’s engine, electrical system, and transmission.
• Rideshare Insurance: Provides coverage for rideshare drivers even when they’re waiting for a ride request.
• Roadside Assistance: 24/7 assistance for common roadside emergencies.
• Umbrella Insurance: Extra liability coverage between $1 million and $5 million.

Customer Satisfaction

Mercury has experienced a drop in customer satisfaction ratings recently. While it previously ranked high for customer service and claims handling, recent surveys show it falling below average in claims satisfaction. However, Mercury maintains a strong financial stability rating (A from AM Best), indicating its ability to meet its financial obligations.

Digital Tools

Mercury provides a user-friendly digital experience with a comprehensive mobile app and an online portal. Through these platforms, customers can manage their policies, request roadside assistance, file claims, and more. MercuryGO, the separate app for usage-based discounts, offers additional insights into driving behavior and potential savings.

App Features Include:

• Digital insurance ID access
• Claim filing and tracking
• Policy updates and changes
• Customer support contact

Conclusion

Mercury Insurance is a solid choice for drivers looking for affordable rates, especially those with past traffic violations or DUIs. Its focus on digital tools and a variety of coverage options, including rideshare insurance, makes it a versatile option for many drivers. However, if you’re looking for nationwide availability or specific features like accident forgiveness, you may need to consider other providers.