Mercury Extended Warranty Review
Mercury Insurance Company was founded in 1961 and provides a variety of products to insure everything from your vehicle to your house to your business. The company also offers what it calls “mechanical protection,” which is its extended warranty coverage for cars. The company has an A+ rating by A.M. Best.
Popular Warranty Providers
Mercury is the fourth largest auto insurer in California, but less well known elsewhere. Regardless, the company offers mechanical protection plans with good rates and a variety of coverage options.
Pros and Cons
- Great rates
- Covers the US and Canada
- A+ BBB rating
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- Only available through insurance agents
What is Covered by Mercury Plans?
There are four Mercury plans from which to choose. Coverage increases as you move up to Platinum. While the first three plans are stated coverage plans that list what is included, the Platinum instead lists only items that are specifically excluded.
Here’s how the ten most expensive car repairs are covered under the four Mercury plans.
| Avg Cost | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|
- Brakes does not include: Pads, Rotors, Shoes and Drums.
Which Mercury Plan is Right for Me?
Additional Benefits Included in All Mercury Plans
- Roadside Assistance - This 24-hour service includes jump starts, flat tires, and towing
- Rental Coverage - Provides an allowance for a rental while your car is repaired
- Tire Protection - Replaces or repairs tire damage up to specified limits
- Trip Protection - Reimburses food and lodging if you break down more than 100 miles from home
Bronze Plan From Mercury
This is the base plan from Mercury and covers a limited number of items. Although it’s the base plan, it covers some of the most expensive repairs your car may need.
- Engine
- Transmission
- Drive Axle
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Air Conditioning
Silver Plan From Mercury
The Silver plan covers everything in the Bronze plan plus:
- Fuel System
- Suspension
- Steering
Gold Plan From Mercury
The Gold plan offers the highest level of stated coverage and adds:
- Audio Equipment
- Hardware
Platinum Plan From Mercury
This is an exclusionary plan. Instead of listing what is covered, it lists what is specifically not covered. It basically covers almost everything in a typical factory warranty.
How Much Does a Mercury Warranty Cost?
Exactly how much your warranty will cost depends on your car and the coverage you choose. The more comprehensive the coverage, the more you can expect to pay. Likewise, the worse your car’s reputation for reliability, the higher your premium.
You have to reach out directly to an insurance agent in your area for a quote with no online quotes available, although some local agents may provide an online form. These figures were collected from a variety of online forums where Mercury customers shared their rates. Consider them a guide, but know your quote will vary.
How to File a Mercury Claim?
You can call Mercury directly to get the claims process started, you can file a claim on their website portal or you can simply take your car to a licensed mechanic and they can make payment arrangements directly with Mercury. The key is to get the work approved before any repairs are made. Otherwise, you risk having your claim denied. You will pay only for your deductible while Mercury pays the shop for the repairs.
Is My Car Eligible for a Mercury Warranty?
What disqualifies a car?
- Coverage is only offered on vehicles less than 7 years old
- Coverage only extends up to 100,000 miles
- You must obtain coverage before your initial manufacturer’s warranty runs out
Most Common Reasons Why Mercury Claims Are Rejected?
- Parts not covered. If all or some of the parts required to make a repair are not covered, then the claim may be rejected.
- Maintenance issues. Repairs needed due to a lack of regular maintenance will not be covered.
- No prior authorization. You must get approval before repairs are done or you risk a denied claim.
Customer Reviews of Mercury
Positive Reviews
“I had a claim and the adjuster we had was professional and he knew what he was talking about.” - Anna, Better Business Bureau
“Mercury is a well known and established insurance company whose reputation is for truly inexpensive rates for auto insurance.” - Jeff, ConsumerAffairs
Negative Reviews
“Mercury Insurance is working to save you money by lowballing and not paying your claim.” - Frank A. Better Business Bureau
“Don't even try to cancel your policy. It's harder than pulling teeth.” - Jason, ConsumerAffairs
“Mercury Insurance has been completely unprofessional when dealing with my case.” -Sam, Better Business Bureau
Should You Get a Mercury Extended Warranty?
The decision of whether or not to get an extended warranty depends on your concerns. How comfortable are you with paying for unexpected repairs? If this doesn’t worry you, then paying repairs as they happen might be a good idea. If the thought makes you break out in a flop sweat, then you should consider the warranty.
Also, if your car isn’t reliable and you don’t have the cash on hand to get it back in working order, then an extended warranty may be a good way to go. If your make and model is known for being in the shop a lot, then you may find an extended warranty pays for itself. There’s no guarantee, however. You could get an extended warranty that you never need to use.
Finally, calls from anyone offering an extended car warranty are not a good choice. They are almost always scams. Hang up the phone and instead do your own research to find a reputable warranty provider.
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