Erie vs. Mercury: Which Is the Best? (2024)

Erie is a better insurance company than Mercury because it offers cheaper rates and has higher financial strength ratings.

Anna Baluch
Written byAnna Baluch
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Anna BaluchInsurance Writer
  • 4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content

  • MBA from Roosevelt University

Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.

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Katie Powers
Edited byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Updated December 19, 2024

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Erie Insurance and Mercury are two midsize car insurance companies. Both have a long-standing history and offer a wide selection of car insurance options and other insurance products, such as home insurance and renters insurance.

Erie offers cheaper rates and more insurance add-ons. Mercury, on the other hand, has a longer list of discounts and a more attractive telematics program.

Here’s what you should know about Erie and Mercury, including how to compare quotes, coverage levels, and discounts so you can choose the right insurer for your unique coverage needs.

Quick Facts
  • Erie offers accident forgiveness and pet injury coverage, but Mercury doesn’t.

  • MercuryGO is a usage-based telematics app that actually lets you save on an auto policy, whereas Erie’s YourTurn program only rewards you with gift cards.

  • Mercury has more discount options, such as good student and safe driving discounts.

Erie vs. Mercury: The verdict

Erie and Mercury are two reputable auto insurance companies. Erie is the better option for low rates and customizable coverage options through a number of add-ons.

While Mercury’s car insurance premiums are higher for most drivers, it might still be a good option if you can lock in affordable coverage through the insurer’s discounts or MercuryGO, the usage-based telematics program. This is particularly true if you’re a driver in one of the 11 states it operates in and want personalized service from a local Mercury insurance expert.

Here’s a look at how these car insurance companies compare.

Factor
Erie
Mercury
IQ Score9.08.0
Customer satisfaction score3.83.5
Average quote: liability only$49$83
Number of discounts88
Number of states where it operates1211
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
  • Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.

    We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.

    • Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
    • Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
    • Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
    • Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
    • Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.

Erie

Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance offers a variety of insurance services to customers in 12 states.[1] The company has high customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power.

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User Reviews
3.9
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.0/10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$49/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$93/mo

For nearly 100 years, Erie Insurance has been selling auto coverage. The company operates in 12 states and Washington, D.C., and also offers more than two dozen types of insurance, including home, life, and business insurance. A.M. Best gives Erie an A+ rating for financial stability and credit strength. The company has a lower-than-expected number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Customer Complaint Index, and ranks third in overall customer satisfaction according to J.D. Power rankings. The company also has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Pros
  • Excellent BBB, J.D. Power, and A.M. Best ratings

  • Competitive rates for teenagers and drivers with speeding tickets

Cons
  • Available in only 12 states

  • Customers can’t buy a policy or file a claim online

Read more driver reviews of Erie Insurance
Lacy - December 11, 2024
Verified

They were okay, I guess

They're okay, I guess. They wouldn't sell me full coverage because my car had just a couple of dents, but I still thought it looked good.

Bret - December 9, 2024
Verified

Average

Good, but just too expensive.

Sarah - November 27, 2024
Verified

Been with Eire for Approximately 12 Years, but Recent Increases are Just Too Much

My biggest and only complaint is that the rate increases are becoming more than I can handle.

Mercury

Mercury has been selling insurance since 1961 and offers car insurance, renters insurance, and business insurance through an agent network in 11 states.[2]

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User Reviews
3.3
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.0/10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$83/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$162/mo

Mercury is a 62-year-old insurance company that sells auto, home, condo, renters, and business insurance. In addition to standard car insurance coverage types, Mercury also offers rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance, rideshare insurance, and more. Mercury customers can save with multiple discounts, and the opportunity to bundle their auto insurance with home or renters coverage. The compay has an A rating from A.M. Best for financial stability. Mercury has nearly twice as many complaints as expected in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index. However, J.D. Power ranked the company fourth incustomer satisfaction in California.

Pros
  • Numerous coverage options, discounts, and bundling opportunities

  • Competitive auto insurance prices

Cons
  • Only available in 11 states (including California)

  • Only available in 11 states (including California)

Read more driver reviews of Mercury
Harry - December 19, 2024
Verified

Excellent

They are very attentive and helpful. It's easy to get customer service.

Jack - December 16, 2024
Verified

Average

Too expensive.

Alex - December 11, 2024
Verified

Excellent

I have had no issues with them. Good service.

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Erie YourTurn vs. MercuryGO

Both Erie and Mercury offer telematics programs that can reward you for safe driving. To participate, you’ll need to download the company’s mobile app, which will track your driving behaviors, such as speeding and phone usage. You’ll then receive feedback to help you improve your driving skills.

Erie provides monetary bonuses that you can redeem for gift cards at more than 25 retailers, Visa prepaid cards, and charitable donations. Mercury offers 5% off (or up to 10% off if you’re a teen driver) just for signing up. Also, if you prove you’re a safe driver, you may secure up to 40% off your premium with Mercury.

Erie vs. Mercury: Which is the cheapest?

Erie has cheaper average rates than Mercury for different drivers and coverage options. Ultimately, your car insurance costs depend on personal factors, such as your location, ZIP code, age, driving record, credit history, and the discounts you qualify for.[3]

Erie: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

Drivers with clean records can find lower rates for liability insurance with Erie.

Driver Type
Erie
Mercury
Clean driving record$49$83
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Erie: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

Drivers with a speeding ticket will likely secure the cheapest liability car insurance rates with Erie.

Driver Type
Erie
Mercury
Drivers with a speeding ticket$62$114
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Erie: Cheapest for teen drivers

Erie offers more affordable liability car insurance coverage than Mercury for young drivers and teen drivers with limited experience on the road.

Driver Type
Erie
Mercury
18-year-old$82$152
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Erie: Cheapest for senior drivers

Senior drivers can land cheaper liability car insurance rates with Erie.

Driver Type
Erie
Mercury
Senior drivers$35$63
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Erie: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

Erie offers cheaper liability auto insurance premiums for drivers with poor credit.

Driver Type
Erie
Mercury
Drivers with bad credit$79$100
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Compare coverages: Erie vs. Mercury

Erie and Mercury both offer standard auto insurance coverage. These include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments, personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, and full-coverage insurance.

The two auto insurance companies also allow drivers to choose from various add-ons for additional protection. Erie offers a few more options, including accident forgiveness and pet injury coverage.

Here’s a closer look at car insurance coverage options from Erie and Mercury.

Coverage
Erie
Mercury
Accident forgivenessYesNo
Roadside assistanceYesYes
Rental car reimbursementYesYes
Gap insuranceYesYes
Rideshare insuranceNoYes
Pet injury coverageYesNo

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Compare discounts: Erie vs. Mercury

Erie and Mercury both advertise a number of discounts to help you score a good deal and save money on an auto policy. It’s a good idea to contact both car insurance companies to find out which discounts you might qualify for.

Erie has a unique defensive driving course discount, but Mercury has a good student discount. In the table below, you’ll find various discounts from Erie and Mercury.

Discount
Erie
Mercury
Clean driving recordNoYes
Defensive driving courseYesNo
Multi-policyYesYes
Multi-carYesYes
Low mileageNoYes
Telematics (safe driving app)YesYes
Anti-theft deviceYesYes
New carNoNo
Military/affiliationNoNo
Good studentNoYes
LoyaltyNoNo
Auto-payNoYes
Student away at schoolYesNo
HomeownerYesYes
Alternative fuelNoNo

Erie vs. Mercury FAQs

The following information can help answer your remaining questions about car insurance products from Erie and Mercury.

  • Why is Erie insurance so cheap?

    Erie offers affordable rates for Erie customers across all categories due to its discount opportunities and the YourTurn telematics program. Keep in mind that factors like your location, ZIP code, vehicle type, and driving record will determine your average annual rate.

  • Is Erie good at paying claims?

    Erie holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating and high marks from AM Best, which means it’s good at paying claims and offers great customer service. This can be a huge plus if you choose an Erie car insurance policy and have to file a claim.

  • Is Erie the same as Progressive?

    No. Progressive and Erie are two leading car insurers in the U.S. While Erie offers lower rates to auto owners, Progressive is available in more states.

  • What are the main differences between Erie and Mercury insurance?

    Mercury has more expensive car insurance coverage than Erie. But Mercury has a better telematics program that lets you save money on your rates each year. Plus, Mercury offers more discounts.

Sources

  1. Erie Insurance. "Our History."
  2. Mercury Insurance. "Company Fact Sheet."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
Anna Baluch
Anna BaluchInsurance Writer

Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.

Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Featured in

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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