Mercury

Background & History:
Founded in 1962 by George Joseph, Mercury was established to provide a low-cost alternative to larger insurance companies. Its niche was to offer substandard, private passenger automobile policies at reduced premiums for better than average risks. The company found success through careful underwriting, strict cost control and efficient claims management. The company operated solely in California until 1990, and since then has started expanding into other markets.

Company Overview:
Mercury Insurance Group is a multi-line insurer that focuses on auto and homeowners insurance policies. The company writes policies through a network of more than 4,500 local, independent agents in 13 states.

The company was able to offer affordable policies by selling insurance exclusively through third-party agencies and insurance brokers. Doing so allowed them to pass on to customers some of the savings they acquired by not employing a sales force. In 2009 the company purchased AIS Management, LLC, which is the parent company of Auto Insurance Specialists, LLC. AIS and the independent brokers sell, underwrite, conduct vehicle inspections, general customer service and other duties.

Founded in California, the state remains the hub of Mercury’s operations, with more than 1,000 independent agents. The company is the state’s leading independent agency writer of automobile insurance, and second largest private passenger automobile insurer.

*As of July, 2009