Auto Insurance Comparison
Quick verdict
AIG is essentially tied with Mercury in our overall scoring — but each carrier wins on different dimensions. See the breakdown below before deciding.
Head-to-head
Overall scores, key facts, and what each is known for.
| AIG | Mercury | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.75 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.75 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | AIG's personal auto offering is part of its Private Client Group, designed for high-net-worth households with valuable vehicles, complex coverage needs, or international exposure | Mercury earns its space in the market on price — particularly in California where it's been a major regional player for decades |
| Read full review | AIG review → | Mercury review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | AIG | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.10 | 3.50 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.60 | 3.70 |
| Affordability | 2.50 | 4.10 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
AIG
Full review →Pros
- Among the deepest coverage menus in the personal-auto market
- High-limit options for valuable vehicles and complex risk profiles
- Strong claims-handling for high-value losses
- Integration with broader AIG private-client services (international, art, jewelry)
Cons
- Premium pricing — not competitive for mainstream shoppers
- Eligibility limited to high-net-worth households (typical minimums apply)
- Less geographic availability than mainstream carriers
Mercury
Full review →Pros
- Consistently competitive base rates, especially for California drivers
- Solid discount stack — multi-policy, multi-car, good driver, and good student
- Strong availability of mechanical breakdown coverage as an add-on
- Pay-by-mile coverage available in select states for low-mileage drivers
Cons
- Customer satisfaction and claims experience scores trend below industry averages
- Geographic limitations — available in only 11 states, with California being the dominant market
- Less competitive on coverage breadth than premium carriers
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
AIG
Mercury
The bottom line
AIG
AIG Private Client makes sense for high-net-worth households with complex coverage needs and valuable vehicles. For mainstream auto coverage, look at GEICO or Progressive instead.
Read the full AIG reviewMercury
Mercury earns a quote if you're in California or one of its other operating states and price is your dominant criterion. If you're outside its footprint or you'd trade a few dollars per month for better claims experience, look elsewhere.
Read the full Mercury reviewBefore you decide
Rankings are a starting point — your profile decides the rest.
These scores reflect our editorial research across cost, coverage, and customer experience. The right carrier for you still depends on your record, location, and vehicle, so read the full reviews before you commit.