Mercury Insurance Group Named Texas Insurance Company of the Year

Mercury Insurance Group has been named "Texas Insurance Company of the Year" by the Texas Insurance Professionals, the Texas affiliate of PIA National. The award was announced at their Annual Meeting, held recently in San Antonio.

"Mercury's commitment to Texas is very impressive. The company's professionalism is outstanding, and that's why it has been so successful in Texas," said Jimmy Beathard, President of Texas Insurance Professionals (PIA of Texas).

"During the selection process, I heard comments from several of our members about why they chose Mercury as company of the year. Some of the reasons given included Mercury's support of independent agents and their loyalty to Texas agents in good times and bad," added Beathard.

Mercury General Corporation (NYSE: MCY), parent company of Mercury Insurance Group, is America's 14th largest writer of private passenger auto insurance, according to AM Best, a worldwide insurance rating and information agency founded in 1899.

"Mercury Insurance is extremely pleased to be honored by such an outstanding agency organization as the PIAT," said Richard L. McCathron, CPCU, Mercury's Western Region Vice President. "We value our relationships with our independent agent partners and look forward to continued improvements and enhancements providing our agency partners with competitive, profitable and easy to use slate of Mercury products," McCathron added.

Among America's fastest growing automobile insurers, Mercury has continually increased its presence in Texas since arriving in 1996. Mercury currently has 360 employees in Texas, 200 at its San Antonio call center and 160 at its regional office in Austin, which handles underwriting, claims, marketing and administration for the Western region. Mercury plans continued expansion in Texas.

California-based Mercury sells its insurance policies in 13 states through a network of over 4,200 independent brokers and agents. Mercury's rapid expansion in Texas reflects a significant growth in demand for Mercury's insurance policies. The company's success in providing savings, service and security is reflected in more than 10,000 drivers per week switching their automobile insurance to Mercury, attracted by an average savings of over $600.

Surveys show Mercury consistently has some of the lowest rates available. In addition to great value, Mercury also offers prompt service, reliability, convenience and financial stability. This unique balance of value, strength and service sets Mercury apart from other insurance companies and drives the company's expansion.

Mercury, founded in 1961 by its Chairman George Joseph, operates primarily as a personal automobile insurer and in some states also provides some additional personal and commercial insurance products.

More information can be found at www.mercuryinsurance.com

SOURCE: Mercury Insurance Group

CONTACT: John Brice, +1-858-456-3855, JBrice@BriceandAssociates.com, for
Mercury Insurance Group; or Bruce Norman of Mercury Insurance Group,
+1-661-291-6440, BNorman@MercuryInsurance.com

Web site: http://www.mercuryinsurance.com/