+120 more)
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Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance and auto insurance writer who loves diving into the details to help readers make savvy life choices. She has written for numerous publications, including Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance, and Bankrate.
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Sara Getman is an insurance editor for Compare.com. With several years of insurance experience, Sara is passionate about helping readers better manage their money by breaking down complex topics into simple, clear, and easy-to-understand language.
Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Simmons University, where she served as editor-in-chief for the school’s literary and art magazine, Sidelines. She has been editing for Compare.com since 2025.
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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
NPN: 21630969
MacK Korris is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. MacK has several years of experience reviewing and editing a variety of insurance topics, and he also holds valid insurance producer licenses in property and casualty lines from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (NPN #21630969).
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GEICO is one of the country’s largest auto insurance companies by market share[1] and a household name thanks to its clever commercials and large marketing budget. In contrast, Mercury is a smaller company that offers policies in only 11 states.
Generally, GEICO offers more affordable policy options than Mercury, but GEICO lacks some of the optional coverages that some drivers need, like gap insurance and rideshare endorsements.
We’ll help you identify some critical differences as you weigh these two options. Here’s what you need to know about how Mercury and GEICO stack up.
GEICO is available in every U.S. state, while Mercury is available in only 11.
Full-coverage insurance averages $143 per month from GEICO and $159 from Mercury.
Generally, GEICO boasts higher customer satisfaction ratings than Mercury.
While it’s tempting to pick a new car insurance company based on rates alone, the premium should be one of many factors you consider. After all, it can be worth it to pay a little bit more to have a good claims experience or more available customer service.
Both Mercury and GEICO offer solid car insurance options. The table below gives an overview of what to expect from each company, based on our proprietary Compare.com Rating.
Category  | GEICO | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 4.7/5 | 4/5 |
| Customer satisfaction | 4.3/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Policy management | 4.8/5 | 5/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Industry reputation | 5/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Overall Score | 4.93/5 | 4.05/5 |
Both companies score relatively well in their overall ratings, but customer service and industry standing are what set GEICO apart.
While both companies have relatively affordable rates, each company offers a slightly different array of coverage types. For example, Mercury offers gap insurance, while GEICO doesn’t. Then again, GEICO offers mechanical breakdown coverage, while Mercury doesn’t.
The right option for you will depend on your unique situation.
Our editorial team analyzes and grades each insurer based on factors like its average rates, customer reviews, policy management features, availability, industry standing, and more. This includes countless hours of research and in-depth analysis of millions of auto insurance quotes from real Compare.com customers.
We grade each factor on a weighted five-point scale to determine an insurer’s proprietary Compare.com Rating, which highlights its overall standing among the industry’s best companies.
Save up to $867 per year on coverage.
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| 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. | $87/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. | $143/mo |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
GEICO works with drivers in every U.S. state, making it a potential option for just about every driver. It also has solid customer service ratings, but it falls behind in claims satisfaction.[2] [3]
In general, you can expect lower-than-average rates with GEICO. That said, the industry giant doesn’t offer gap insurance or rideshare endorsements.
Available in all U.S. states
Mechanical breakdown coverage available
Offers claim forgiveness
Gap insurance not available
Rideshare endorsement not available
Low claims satisfaction rating
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 3.8 /5 |
| 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. | $96/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. | $159/mo |
Customers appreciate the quality of the coverage but find the premiums high, especially after a no-fault accident. Some feel the support could improve.
Customers appreciate the quality of the coverage but find the premiums high, especially after a no-fault accident. Some feel the support could improve.
Mercury Insurance offers robust coverage options in a limited number of U.S. states. Its lengthy list of coverages goes beyond standard coverage options to include things like custom equipment protection, rideshare coverage, and gap insurance.[4]
While Mercury tends to be more expensive than GEICO, its specialty coverage options might be a good fit for the right driver. One major drawback is the relatively low customer satisfaction ratings, which might not bode well for your experience.
Offers gap insurance
Rideshare coverage available
Offers custom equipment coverage
Fewer available discounts than GEICO
Only available in 11 states
Significantly lower customer satisfaction rating than GEICO
Car insurance costs vary from one insurer or driver to the next, so which company is cheaper may depend on your unique profile. Each insurer assesses risk differently, which can push your costs up or down.
The type of coverage you want will also affect costs. For example, opting for a basic minimum-coverage policy will likely be cheaper than one with more robust coverage.
Your driving background comes into play, too. For example, teens, drivers with poor credit histories, and people with a recent speeding ticket or at-fault accident often pay more than the average driver.[5]
The table below highlights costs across GEICO and Mercury for drivers by profile according to Compare.com data.
Driver Type | GEICO | Mercury | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| All drivers | $143 | $159 | $172 |
| Teens | $253 | $300 | $328 |
| Seniors | $104 | $117 | $148 |
| Recent ticket | $194 | $244 | $222 |
| Recent accident | $182 | $269 | $230 |
| DUI conviction | $208 | $255 | $252 |
| Poor credit | $173 | $190 | $209 |
Every state has its own car insurance requirements, and the risks can change. It’s not uncommon for drivers in neighboring states to have dramatically different car insurance costs.[5]
The map below shows average insurance premiums for each insurer by state.
State | Mercury | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | N/A | N/A |
| Alaska | N/A | N/A |
| Arizona | $152 | $169 |
| Arkansas | N/A | N/A |
| California | $188 | $196 |
| Colorado | N/A | N/A |
| Connecticut | N/A | N/A |
| Delaware | N/A | N/A |
| Florida | $189 | $179 |
| Georgia | $210 | $254 |
| Hawaii | N/A | N/A |
| Idaho | N/A | N/A |
| Illinois | $144 | $138 |
| Indiana | N/A | N/A |
| Iowa | N/A | N/A |
| Kansas | N/A | N/A |
| Kentucky | N/A | N/A |
| Louisiana | N/A | N/A |
| Maine | N/A | N/A |
| Maryland | N/A | N/A |
| Massachusetts | N/A | N/A |
| Michigan | N/A | N/A |
| Minnesota | N/A | N/A |
| Mississippi | N/A | N/A |
| Missouri | N/A | N/A |
| Montana | N/A | N/A |
| Nebraska | N/A | N/A |
| Nevada | $222 | $241 |
| New Hampshire | N/A | N/A |
| New Jersey | $275 | $300 |
| New Mexico | N/A | N/A |
| New York | N/A | N/A |
| North Carolina | N/A | N/A |
| North Dakota | N/A | N/A |
| Ohio | N/A | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $128 | $164 |
| Oregon | N/A | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | N/A | N/A |
| Rhode Island | N/A | N/A |
| South Carolina | N/A | N/A |
| South Dakota | N/A | N/A |
| Tennessee | N/A | N/A |
| Texas | $171 | $182 |
| Utah | N/A | N/A |
| Vermont | N/A | N/A |
| Virginia | $165 | $168 |
| Washington | N/A | N/A |
| Washington D.C. | $${AUTO_CARRIER_MERCURY_FULL_STATE_DC_PRICE} | $307 |
| West Virginia | N/A | N/A |
| Wisconsin | N/A | N/A |
| Wyoming | N/A | N/A |
Compare rates from leading insurers.
Each insurer offers different types of car insurance coverages, so the right fit will vary based on your unique coverage needs.
You’ll find how Mercury and GEICO’s coverage options stack up in the table below.
Coverage Type | GEICO | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comprehensive | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roadside assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental reimbursement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gap insurance | ✗ | ✔ |
| Accident forgiveness | ✔ | ✗ |
| Custom equipment coverage | ✗ | ✔ |
| Mechanical breakdown | ✔ | ✗ |
| Rideshare endorsement | ✗ | ✔ |
| Vanishing deductibles | ✗ | ✗ |
| New car replacement | ✗ | ✗ |
| Pet injury | ✗ | ✗ |
Both Mercury and GEICO offer a solid selection of basic coverages, including basic liability as well as full-coverage policies that include both comprehensive and collision coverage. Mercury also offers custom equipment coverage, a rideshare endorsement, and gap insurance. While GEICO doesn’t offer either of those, it does offer mechanical breakdown coverage and accident forgiveness.
Neither company offers vanishing deductibles, new car replacement coverage, or pet injury protection.
The right car insurance discounts can go a long way to lowering your monthly bill. Each insurance company, including Mercury and GEICO, offers different types of auto insurance discounts.
The table below highlights the different car insurance discounts you may be eligible for through both GEICO and Mercury.
Discount Type | GEICO | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Affinity | ✔ | ✗ |
| Alternative energy | ✗ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft device | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic payments | ✔ | ✔ |
| Customer loyalty | ✗ | ✗ |
| Defensive driver | ✔ | ✗ |
| Good student | ✔ | ✔ |
| Early shopper | ✔ | ✗ |
| Federal employee | ✔ | ✗ |
| Homeowner | ✔ | ✗ |
| Low mileage | ✗ | ✗ |
| Military | ✔ | ✗ |
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-vehicle | ✔ | ✔ |
| New car | ✔ | ✗ |
| Paperless billing | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pay-in-full | ✔ | ✔ |
| Safe driver | ✔ | ✔ |
| Safety equipment | ✔ | ✗ |
| Student away at school | ✔ | ✔ |
| Teacher | ✗ | ✗ |
| Usage-based/telematics | ✔ | ✔ |
GEICO offers drivers more discount opportunities than Mercury, according to the two companies’ websites. But both offer a good selection of discounts to help you save.
For example, each offers a multi-policy bundling discount when you bundle auto insurance with other coverages, like life insurance, renters insurance, or a home insurance policy.
Before you commit to working with an insurance company, taking a quick look at its reviews can help you see what other customers have to say about the company. Recent reviews can help you consider the potential experience you’ll have with the insurer.
You can find recent reviews from real Compare.com customers below.
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Usage-based insurance, sometimes called telematics, allows your insurance company to track your driving behavior through either an in-car tracker or an app on your phone. If you have good driving habits or don’t drive often, the insurer might reward you with a discount. But if you have risky driving habits, you might see your insurance rates increase.
Both GEICO and Mercury have telematics programs. GEICO’s DriveEasy program offers a discount between 5% and 15%, depending on your driving behavior. But it currently isn’t available in California, Hawaii, New Hampshire, or Vermont.[6]
Mercury’s counterpart, MercuryGO, offers a discount between 10% and 40%, depending on your driving score.[7] Mercury also uses an app with a virtual driving coach that offers feedback on ways to improve your driving based on your behaviors.
With both programs, good drivers can potentially secure lower insurance rates. But if you pride yourself on your safe driving, MercuryGO might lead to larger savings.
As you weigh your options between GEICO and Mercury, the following answers may help.
It depends on your situation. GEICO is a readily available option for most drivers. But if you need gap insurance or a rideshare endorsement, Mercury might be a better fit if you live in one of the 11 states it operates in.
It depends. Every car insurance company offers slightly different features, which means the best company for you varies based on your insurance needs. But when comparing GEICO and Mercury specifically, GEICO might be the better option because it’s available in every state and offers cheaper average rates.
Yes. Generally, GEICO offers cheaper rates than Mercury, according to Compare.com data. On average, it costs $143 per month for a full-coverage GEICO policy. The same policy from Mercury averages $159 per month.
Yes. Mercury has a great score and solid customer reviews on Trustpilot, with many reviews praising its fast claims handling.[8] The company also offers a good selection of coverages and discounts. Overall, Mercury is a good insurer, but it’s worth comparing quotes to see if it’s the best company for you.
GEICO is available across the U.S., while Mercury is available in only 11 states. GEICO also tends to be cheaper and has more discounts than Mercury. That said, Mercury offers gap insurance and rideshare coverage options that GEICO doesn’t. Plus, it offers much larger discounts for safe drivers through MercuryGO.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance and auto insurance writer who loves diving into the details to help readers make savvy life choices. She has written for numerous publications, including Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance, and Bankrate.
Sara Getman is an insurance editor for Compare.com. With several years of insurance experience, Sara is passionate about helping readers better manage their money by breaking down complex topics into simple, clear, and easy-to-understand language.
Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Simmons University, where she served as editor-in-chief for the school’s literary and art magazine, Sidelines. She has been editing for Compare.com since 2025.
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
NPN: 21630969
MacK Korris is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. MacK has several years of experience reviewing and editing a variety of insurance topics, and he also holds valid insurance producer licenses in property and casualty lines from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (NPN #21630969).
