<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Crossfire XBRL Enabler by Rivet Software version 3.0.3938.19448-->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 11/2/2010 8:10:57 AM-->
<!--Modified on: 11/2/2010 8:10:57 AM-->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DocumentCopyOfDocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DocumentCopyOfDocumentAndEntityInformation" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureFair" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureFair" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#Disclosure" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/Disclosure" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureFairValueMeasurements" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurements" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensation" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensation" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" />
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DocumentCopyOfDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00090 - Document -  Document and Entity Information">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_634091634343183967" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType_634091634343183967" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_634091634425502335" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag_634091634425502335" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_634091634547878303" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_634091634547878303" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_634091634650726191" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_634091634650726191" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_634091634735147583" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_634091634735147583" order="5" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName_634091634923518447" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName_634091634923518447" order="6" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_634091634997424719" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_634091634997424719" order="7" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_634091635383179407" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_634091635383179407" order="8" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_634091636115232047" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory_634091636115232047" order="9" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/non-gaap/dei-2009-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_634091636299597151" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_634091636299597151" order="10" use="optional" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00100 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_634033092362727087" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_AssetsAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_634033092362727087" xlink:to="loc_AssetsAbstract" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebt_634033942136503569" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebt_634033942136503569" order="1" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquity_634033077581670558" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquity_634033077581670558" order="2" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_634128980181454448" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_634128980181454448" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="us-gaap_Investments_634033077745256979" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Investments_634033077745256979" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="us-gaap_Cash_634128985805508850" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Cash_634128985805508850" order="5" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" order="6" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="loc_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_634033078213204764" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_634033078213204764" order="2" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherReceivables_634091664276125423" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherReceivables_634091664276125423" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" xlink:label="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_634033080152024151" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_634033080152024151" order="5" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_634033090838889108" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_634033090838889108" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_634033080363420930" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_634033080363420930" order="7" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_634033080655126611" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_634033080655126611" order="8" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_634033081136355051" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill_634033081136355051" order="9" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_634033090972633116" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_634033090972633116" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssets_634033081352907849" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssets_634033081352907849" order="11" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_634033081394156001" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets_634033081394156001" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_634033092362727087" xlink:to="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePropertyCasualtyLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePropertyCasualtyLiability_634128083694954318" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePropertyCasualtyLiability_634128083694954318" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_634033083249541626" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_634033083249541626" order="2" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayable_634033091147000304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayable_634033091147000304" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_634033091224340589" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_634033091224340589" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_634033084819783776" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_634033084819783776" order="5" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities_634033084907904828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_634033084907904828" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009" xlink:label="loc_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="loc_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009" order="7" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_634033089451607511" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_634033089451607511" order="8" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_634240305638764904" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_634033089451607511" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_634240305638764904" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_634158386980219480" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_634033089451607511" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_634158386980219480" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_634033091503234344" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_634033089451607511" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_634033091503234344" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_634091680666193183" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_634033089451607511" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_634091680666193183" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_634155541179616062" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_634033089451607511" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_634155541179616062" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_634033094067025731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_634033089451607511" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_634033094067025731" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00105 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICAL)">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_AmortizedCostOnFixedMaturityTradingInvestments" xlink:label="mcy_AmortizedCostOnFixedMaturityTradingInvestments_634091640405401007" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="mcy_AmortizedCostOnFixedMaturityTradingInvestments_634091640405401007" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_CostEquitySecurityTradingInvestments" xlink:label="mcy_CostEquitySecurityTradingInvestments_634091640530881439" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="mcy_CostEquitySecurityTradingInvestments_634091640530881439" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_CostShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="mcy_CostShortTermInvestments_634091640606490159" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="mcy_CostShortTermInvestments_634091640606490159" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_634091641087481791" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_634091641087481791" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_634091641529617551" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_634091641087481791" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_634091641529617551" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_634160947718439690" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_634091641087481791" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_634160947718439690" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_634160947830314690" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_634091641087481791" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_634160947830314690" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00200 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_634033115805426807" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_RevenuesAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_634033115805426807" xlink:to="loc_RevenuesAbstract" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty_634128093831451944" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty_634128093831451944" order="1" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_634128096121124790" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_634128096121124790" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_634037211639091614" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_634037211639091614" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherIncome_634091646158573663" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherIncome_634091646158573663" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_Revenues" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_Revenues" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_634033115805426807" xlink:to="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_634091649846977327" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_634091649846977327" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense_634033108310450097" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense_634033108310450097" order="2" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_634033108398258663" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_634033108398258663" order="3" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_634033110562224213" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense_634033110562224213" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses_634155547634933985" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses_634155547634933985" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_634037212314838264" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_634037212314838264" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_634033110739872504" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_634033110739872504" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_634033108976670249" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_634033108976670249" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_634033115805426807" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_634091766526754607" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_634091766526754607" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_634091766776113167" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_634091766776113167" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_634033115805426807" xlink:to="loc_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_634091765808621983" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_634091765808621983" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_634091766033044687" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_634091766033044687" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_634091766982509951" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_634091766982509951" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_634033123043540025" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_634091765072463439" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_634033123043540025" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_634091765072463439" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_634033123043540025" xlink:to="loc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease_634033130811785742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease_634033130811785742" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_634135951376824610" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_634135951376824610" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxEffectPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxEffectPeriodIncreaseDecrease_634135951454636498" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxEffectPeriodIncreaseDecrease_634135951454636498" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_634135951551575890" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_634135951551575890" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="6" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00400 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_634033165482732414" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_634033165482732414" xlink:to="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_634033172016658431" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_634033172016658431" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_634033172063375088" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_634033172063375088" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_634035787815312500" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_634035787815312500" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_634033158691942905" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_634033158691942905" order="3" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities_634035790358437500" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities_634035790358437500" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable_634033159596589875" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable_634033159596589875" order="5" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes_634221263170692739" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes_634221263170692739" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_634033159508312580" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_634033159508312580" order="7" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReserve" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReserve_634033159243168209" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReserve_634033159243168209" order="8" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums_634033160042507397" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums_634033160042507397" order="9" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_634033172112591633" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_634033172112591633" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTradingSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTradingSecurities_634033172146183878" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTradingSecurities_634033172146183878" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_634221302379480606" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_634221302379480606" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayable_634033159716428256" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayable_634033159716428256" order="13" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_634091645596064815" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_634091645596064815" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_634033160542797483" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_634237723186935775" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_634033160542797483" order="15" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_634033165482732414" xlink:to="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_634033963187904174" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_634033963187904174" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_634091829941640735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_634091829941640735" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_634033162280219643" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_634033162280219643" order="3" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_634091832896289311" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_634091832896289311" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_634091833081054991" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_634091833081054991" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="mcy_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="mcy_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInBrokerDealerRelatedReceivablesPayablesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInBrokerDealerRelatedReceivablesPayablesNet_634091833166477823" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInBrokerDealerRelatedReceivablesPayablesNet_634091833166477823" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments_634091833450786639" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments_634091833450786639" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_634091833652076079" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_634091833652076079" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets_634091834019804847" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets_634091834019804847" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_634091834105227679" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_634091834105227679" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_634091834201265775" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_634091834201265775" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_634091834304514239" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecuritiesAbstract_634091836900046431" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_634091834304514239" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_634033165482732414" xlink:to="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_634033961561883273" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_634033961561883273" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/role/label/negated" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities_634091651308078287" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities_634091651308078287" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_634033163656095501" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_634033163656095501" order="3" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromBankDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromBankDebt_634033163162836350" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromBankDebt_634033163162836350" order="4" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_634135915778969043" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_634135915778969043" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract_634037257053172544" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_634033165482732414" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract_634037257053172544" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="us-gaap_Cash_634128989918134798" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract_634037257053172544" xlink:to="us-gaap_Cash_634128989918134798" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="us-gaap_Cash_6341289899181347981" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract_634037257053172544" xlink:to="us-gaap_Cash_6341289899181347981" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_634033166177076306" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_634033165482732414" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_634033166177076306" order="5" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaid_634033166681741196" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_634033166177076306" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaid_634033166681741196" order="1" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_634033167099847464" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_634033166177076306" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_634033167099847464" order="2" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_NetRealizedLossesGainsFromSaleOfInvestments" xlink:label="mcy_NetRealizedLossesGainsFromSaleOfInvestments_634135635039705605" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_634033166177076306" xlink:to="mcy_NetRealizedLossesGainsFromSaleOfInvestments_634135635039705605" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10101 - Disclosure -  General">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="mcy_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_634221303332158914" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_634221303332158914" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureRecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10201 - Disclosure - Recently Issued Accounting Standards">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_634242821919328711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_634242821919328711" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureFair" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10301 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_634221304714684063" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_634221304714684063" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/Disclosure" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10401 - Disclosure - Fair Value Option">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_FairValueOptionAbstract" xlink:label="mcy_FairValueOptionAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueOptionTextBlock_634221305062966389" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_FairValueOptionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueOptionTextBlock_634221305062966389" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10501 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurement">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock_634221485005214536" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock_634221485005214536" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10601 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralDiscussionOfDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralDiscussionOfDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAbstract_634035733625312500" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_634221302829767593" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GeneralDiscussionOfDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAbstract_634035733625312500" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_634221302829767593" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10701 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AcquiredIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAbstract_634035737330937500" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_634221303956031013" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AcquiredIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAbstract_634035737330937500" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_634221303956031013" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10801 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_634035745660000000" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_634091648095058191" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_634035745660000000" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_634091648095058191" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10901 - Disclosure - Income Taxes">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_634221304327401487" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_634221304327401487" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.mercurygeneralcorporation.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11001 - Disclosure - Contingencies">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="mcy-20100930.xsd#mcy_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" xlink:label="mcy_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_634091655248944975" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="mcy_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_634091655248944975" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
</linkbase>