Deciding on an auto insurance company is difficult: rates fluctuate by driving history, age, and location, and insurers offer a variety of perks. Nationwide and Mercury are two of the most popular insurance companies, offering competitively priced insurance policies in most states across the US.
To simplify the comparison process, we have gathered typical rates from Mercury and Nationwide. These rates cover an array of rating factors, including credit rating, driving record, and age. Compare rates and find an affordable policy today.
Want to find out more? Check out our reviews of Nationwide and Mercury.
If you have very poor credit, Mercury could be the best option for you. On average, Mercury offers more affordable premiums than Nationwide for drivers with credit scores of less than 580. Drivers with exceptional credit — a score of 800-plus — should favor Nationwide, which typically beats Mercury by $78 annually. View common insurance rates by credit score for Mercury and Nationwide below.
| Credit level | Nationwide avg. annual premium | Mercury avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $1,593 | $1,115 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,262 | $1,115 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,283 | $1,290 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,109 | $1,115 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,037 | $1,115 |
If you've got an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, reckless driving citation, or DUI offense on your driving record, Mercury could be a better choice than Nationwide. Every insurer enacts rate penalties differently, so always do your due diligence and compare quotes to find out which insurance company suits you.
| Infraction | Nationwide avg. annual premium | Mercury avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,836 | $1,822 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,475 | $1,125 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,691 | $1,882 |
| Reckless driving | $2,508 | $1,882 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,469 | $1,457 |
Insurance companies rely on a driver's age to indicate risk, pricing policies accordingly. Auto insurance is commonly expensive for young drivers — due to their inexperience — and relatively affordable for middle-aged drivers. Since each insurance company prices ages in a different way, it's a smart move to shop around.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose Mercury instead of Nationwide: the former's average annual rates are $207 less than the latter's.
| Age tier | Nationwide avg. annual premium | Mercury avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $3,624 | $3,417 |
| 20s | $1,582 | $1,554 |
| 30s | $1,163 | $1,554 |
| 40s | $1,151 | $1,115 |
| 50s | $1,114 | $1,086 |
| 60s | $1,028 | $1,034 |
Affordability aside, Nationwide and Mercury come with pros and cons, including their discount programs, add-ons, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial stability. Be sure to shop around before settling on an option.
| Discount Comparison | Nationwide | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Good Student | ||
| Multiple Policies | ||
| Multiple Vehicles | ||
| Anti-Theft Device(s) | ||
| Anti-Lock Brake System | ||
| Air Bags | ||
| Good Driver | ||
| Defensive Driver | ||
| Student Away at School | ||
| Driver Training | ||
| Green Vehicles | ||
| Affinity Membership Alum | ||
| Advanced Purchase | ||
| Pay in Full | ||
| Home Owner | ||
| eSign or ePay | ||
| Telematics | ||
| New Vehicle | ||
| Annual Mileage | ||
| Military |
| Ratings Comparison | Nationwide | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Strength | Superior | Superior |
| JD Power Rankings | Above average | Below average |
| User Satisfaction | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Other Products | Nationwide | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Insurance | ||
| Condo Insurance | ||
| Life Insurance | ||
| Homeowners Insurance | ||
| Travel Trailer Insurance | ||
| Renters Insurance | ||
| RV Insurance | ||
| Motorcycle Insurance | ||
| Mobile Home Insurance |