[macd1995]

So with the following options:

PI- 100/300k
DB- 100k
uninsured motorist - 100/300k
deductible- 500

I got a quote from Mercury for 917 for 6 months.

The issue is Mercury will only insure drivers that are on the policy. If something happens with a driver who is not on the policy, that driver's policy must take ownership for paying the damages. For those who have used Mercury, has this been a big issue? I have never owned a car before, so I don't know if this is a huge deal.

While my fiance & I likely will be the only drivers, under this scenario, if she were to get a ticket, then the policy rate would increase. With GEICO, where anyone who drives is insured under your policy, her infractions would not impact the policy rate.

Seems like Mercury is the cheapest option, but provides the least flexibility. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Dale

[Leesi]

Rumor says Mercury is bad in handling claims but yeah they are the cheapest in the market.

[bigslickak]

I've had Mercury since I started driving (going on 12 years).

They will specifically exclude any household members who are not on the policy, like roommates/spouses, etc. But, they WILL cover you if you let someone borrow your car or drive your car (designated driver scenario or something) that is not specifically excluded.

I let my brother borrow my truck last year for a couple days (he didn't have a car at the time) and he ended up getting in an accident where he ran a red light and totaled it. Man was I pissed.

Mercury covered the loss and paid for the loss of the vehicle. No real issues, it just took a while for everything to process. I wanted to get rid of the truck anyways.

This is the second accident I have been involved with (first one was I was rear ended on the freeway) and, while I do admit that they are not the most efficient and customer centric insurance company, they've come through both times in the end. To me, the savings in the premiums is worth the less than perfect customer service. On the other hand, if I had many tickets/at fault accidents (I've had none...knock on wood), dealing with them may be a different story.

[E(@M#]

check with progressive....good rates and im still young

[macd1995]

Originally Posted by bigslickak

I've had Mercury since I started driving (going on 12 years).

They will specifically exclude any household members who are not on the policy, like roommates/spouses, etc. But, they WILL cover you if you let someone borrow your car or drive your car (designated driver scenario or something) that is not specifically excluded.

I let my brother borrow my truck last year for a couple days (he didn't have a car at the time) and he ended up getting in an accident where he ran a red light and totaled it. Man was I pissed.

Mercury covered the loss and paid for the loss of the vehicle. No real issues, it just took a while for everything to process. I wanted to get rid of the truck anyways.

This is the second accident I have been involved with (first one was I was rear ended on the freeway) and, while I do admit that they are not the most efficient and customer centric insurance company, they've come through both times in the end. To me, the savings in the premiums is worth the less than perfect customer service. On the other hand, if I had many tickets/at fault accidents (I've had none...knock on wood), dealing with them may be a different story.

So, to be clear, all household members have to be specifically included; however, if a visitor borrows the car, they would be covered if anything happens?

Thanks for your example
DA

[Ziggypup]

I'm a big fan of Geico. I pay $1175 for 6 months. That covers my 2006 325XI and my wife's Mazda 3 GT Hatchback.

[livnlegacy]

I work in auto claims on the consumer repair side, but I deal with and handle many difference insurance claims. I'm in TX, but Mercury here, although not one of the larger companies, has some of the best response time and least haggling on adjusted estimates in my experience. Seriously, I have called in a supplemental repair request in the morning and the adjuster was out that same afternoon to look at the car. This doesn't happen normally with any insurance company. On top of that, I don't recall any issues with Mercury not wanting to pay for needed repairs or OEM parts and such.


I would suggest staying away from Progressive and Nationwide at all cost....speaking purely from my experience(s) in seeing those companies screw their own insureds over and over...even moreso their claimants.

[Driver72]

Try Progressive.
Avoid Geico.

[macd1995]

GEICO is a little more expensive, but I don't think I have to include the fiance.. if she gets any speeding tickets, I don't think it will impact the insurance rates.. but she would be covered if something were to happen.

Any comments on experience w/ GEICO?
Thanks,

Dale

[livnlegacy]

Geico is a good company.....

I'll say it one more time: stay away from Progressive....there is a reason their premiums are the cheapest.



If all one is concerned with is cost of the policy, then go with Progressive or who ever....but if you actually want a company that will be there for you on the claim side, Progressie is not the company for you.

[bigslickak]

Originally Posted by macd1995

So, to be clear, all household members have to be specifically included; however, if a visitor borrows the car, they would be covered if anything happens?

Thanks for your example
DA

Yep, visitors, etc. would be covered. As long as they don't drive the car all the time. If they do get in an accident, Mercury will ask how many times they've driven the car, etc. In my situation, I said that my brother had driven it a few times before the accident and it was no problem.