Our Story

Trusted by millions of drivers since 1962.

A Vision of the Future

George Joseph founded Mercury Insurance on the belief that he could offer consumers quality insurance products at affordable rates and combine that with top-notch customer service. 

And more than 60 years later, this vision is still very much a part of the way we do business today.

Learn More About our Founder →

George Joseph Portrait

Mercury Milestones

Download Mercury Milestones(PDF file) (6mb)

Man with a cape holding a flag in the ground

1962

Sold first policy

  • Mercury General Corporation, founded by Mr. George Joseph, sells its first policy
  • We began with just six team members and 90 agents
Two hands doing a high five

1970

$1 million in written premium in a single month

Sheet of paper of a homeowners insurance policy

1972

Mercury begins selling homeowners insurance

Two employees sitting at a desk having a discussion

1978

Establishes insurance industry’s first Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to fight insurance fraud

California state map with a pin on Southern CA

Mid 80s

Largest PPA in CA

Mercury becomes the largest independent agency writer of private passenger auto insurance in California

Small pile of dirt and a plant growing from the palm of a hand

1985

Initial public offering

Mercury goes public at $19/share

United States map that highlights Georgia and Illinois

1989

Georgia and Illinois expansion

Stock exchange graph with coins stacked in front

1996

  • Listed on New York Stock Exchange for trading

  • Oklahoma and Texas expansion

Graph that shows upward growth

1997

$1 billion in annual net premiums written

United States map that highlights Florida

1998

Florida expansion

United States map that highlights New York and Virginia

2001

New York and Virginia expansion

United States map that highlights New Jersey

2003

  • New Jersey expansion

  • $2 billion in annual net premiums written

United States map that highlights Arizona and Nevada

2004

Arizona and Nevada expansion

Graph that shows upward growth

2006

$3 billion in annual net premiums written

Hand holding bar graph assets

2009

Acquires Auto Insurance Specialists (AIS)

Birthday cake with lighted candles on top

2012

Celebrates 50th anniversary

Two hands shaking to convey trust

2013

Named by Forbes as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies

Profile of a commercial truck

2015

Acquires Workmen’s Auto Insurance Company

Business person surrounded by many stars

2016

Named by Forbes as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Financial Companies for the 3rd time!

Home Cyber Protection shown on computer monitor

2019

Launches Home Cyber Protection for homeowners, condo owners and renters

Car speedometer with a star

2020

  • Launches MercuryGO usage-based insurance program in Texas

  • Rolls out Mercury Giveback Program, returning $128M to policyholders during COVID19

Shining trophy with a star in the center

2021

  • Named Best Insurer for Overall Satisfaction in the Shopping Segment of the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Digital Experience Study

  • Named by Forbes as one of the Best Insurance Companies in America for 2022.

  • Expands MercuryGO to Florida, Georgia and Oklahoma

60th Anniversary logo

2022

Celebrates 60th anniversary