Mercury Insurance Named as a Top Customer Service Provider in Financial Services for 2026 by USA TODAY [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationMercury joins nationally recognized financial services brands, such as American Express and Capital One in USA Today's ranking.LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- [Mercury Insurance](NYSE/NYSE Texas: [MCY]) has earned a spot on USA Today's inaugural list of America's Best Customer Service providers in Financial Services for 2026, recognizing companies that co ...

2,800 Teen Deaths. 3x the Risk. Why the First Year Behind the Wheel is the Most Dangerous [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationFederal data shows drivers 16-19 are nearly three times more likely to be in a fatal crash – preparation, and protection matter.LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The driver's license photo may be slightly awkward, but the milestone is unforgettable. For families, a newly licensed teen means independence, busy schedules — and a new set of responsibilities.Motor vehicle c ...

Core Insights - Mercury Insurance emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures to mitigate water damage risks following winter storms, particularly as temperatures fluctuate [1][5]. Group 1: Company Actions and Recommendations - Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners and business owners to take proactive steps to prevent interior water damage, which is a common and costly issue [1][5]. - The company shares winter guidance developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help reduce property damage through informed actions [3][5]. - Specific recommendations include knowing the location of the main water shutoff valve, safely clearing snow, addressing snow accumulation on structures, using generators cautiously, and documenting any damage promptly [7]. Group 2: Industry Context - Interior water losses are one of the most frequent types of insurance claims, especially after freeze events when plumbing systems are under stress due to rapid temperature changes [5]. - The fluctuating temperatures following winter storms can lead to new risks, such as frozen pipes cracking and leaking, which necessitates vigilance from property owners [2][4].

Core Insights - Winter driving risks are often underestimated, even by experienced drivers, highlighting the need for a review of fundamental safety practices before travel [1][6] Group 1: Winter Driving Essentials - Tires are crucial for winter driving; regular checks on tread depth and tire pressure are necessary as cold temperatures can reduce traction [2] - Visibility is critical during winter; replacing worn wiper blades, ensuring windshield washer fluid is suitable for freezing temperatures, and maintaining clean headlights and taillights are essential [3] - An emergency kit should be carried in vehicles, including items like a flashlight, phone charger, blanket, water, and simple tools, to prepare for unexpected situations [4] Group 2: Driving Behavior Adjustments - Drivers should slow down and increase following distances to allow more time to react to changing road conditions, as cold roads and black ice can be deceptive [5] - Many winter crashes occur on seemingly dry roads where traction is compromised, emphasizing the importance of awareness beyond severe weather conditions [6]

Core Insights - Understanding seasonal volatility in weather patterns can help homeowners and drivers mitigate preventable losses caused by extreme weather events [1][2][6] Weather-Related Risks - An active weather pattern characterized by variable temperatures and precipitation is increasing weather-related risks, with factors such as atmospheric rivers and temperature swings contributing to this volatility [1][4] - Meteorologists attribute the current winter weather risks to a disrupted polar vortex, leading to record cold and snow in certain regions, followed by heat waves and severe weather events on the West Coast [4] Common Vulnerabilities - Common winter vulnerabilities include water damage from frozen pipes, structural damage from heavy snow and ice, increased fire risks from heating sources, and accidents due to slick roads [8] Importance of Preparation - Early awareness and proactive measures, such as checking drainage, sealing gaps, and adjusting driving habits, are crucial for reducing the likelihood of insurance claims [5][6] - The company emphasizes that preparation is key to avoiding disruptions caused by weather events, highlighting that proactive homeowners and drivers tend to have better outcomes [6] Recommended Actions - Suggested actions to reduce weather-related risks include inspecting roofs and gutters, knowing the location of the main water shutoff, securing outdoor items, and driving cautiously in adverse conditions [9]

Core Insights - Mercury Insurance emphasizes the importance of home preparation during the holiday season to ensure safety and facilitate Santa's delivery [1][7] Group 1: Home Safety Tips - Clearing the roof of leaves, debris, and snow is essential for preventing damage and ensuring safe rooftop inspections [2] - A clean chimney is crucial for fire safety, requiring the removal of soot and proper inspection for ventilation [3] - Securing holiday lights and decorations prevents electrical hazards, ensuring they are properly rated for outdoor use [4] - Keeping walkways and entry points clear helps prevent slips and falls for both Santa and holiday guests [5] - Double-checking doors and windows before bed enhances security against unwanted visitors [6] Group 2: Company Overview - Mercury Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products, including personal auto, homeowners, and business insurance, through a network of independent agents [8][9] - The company has been providing value through competitive rates and excellent customer service since 1962, earning an "A" rating from A.M. Best [10]

Core Insights - Holiday decorations pose safety risks, with a focus on preventing home fires during the festive season [1][2] Company Overview - Mercury Insurance is a multiple-line insurance carrier offering personal auto, homeowners, renters, and commercial insurance through independent agents across several states [4] - The company has been operational since 1962, providing competitive rates and excellent customer service, supported by over 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents [5] - Mercury Insurance has received an "A" rating from A.M. Best and accolades as "Best Auto Insurance Company" from Forbes and Insure.com [5] Industry Insights - According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to approximately 160 home fires annually due to Christmas trees, primarily caused by electrical issues or proximity to heat sources [2] - Nearly 900 home fires are attributed to holiday decorations each year, highlighting the importance of safety measures during the holiday season [2] Safety Recommendations - Homeowners should ensure live Christmas trees are well-watered and positioned away from heat sources to prevent fires [3][6] - Regular checks of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are essential before the holiday season [6] - Candles should be kept away from flammable items, with LED candles recommended as a safer alternative [6] - Unplugging electronics and using timers can help prevent surges or fires when homeowners are away [6] - Decorations should be secured to avoid overloading outlets, and lights should be kept away from greenery to reduce fire risks [6] - Checking for damaged bulbs and frayed wires is crucial before using holiday lights to prevent electrical shorts [6] - Safe decorating practices include using sturdy ladders for high placements and avoiding overreaching [6]

Core Points - Mercury Insurance and the National Auto Body Council collaborated to donate a refurbished vehicle to a U.S. Navy veteran, Robert Silva, during a Veterans Day event, highlighting community support and the impact of reliable transportation on individuals' lives [1][5][6] - The NABC Recycled Rides program has donated over 3,500 vehicles valued at more than $51 million since its inception in 2007, providing essential transportation to families, veterans, and community members in need [6] Company Overview - Mercury Insurance is a multi-line insurance carrier offering personal auto, homeowners, renters, and commercial insurance across several states, with a strong emphasis on customer service and competitive rates [7] - The company has received an "A" rating from A.M. Best and has been recognized as a "Best Auto Insurance Company" by Forbes and Insure.com, indicating its strong market position and reliability [7]

Core Viewpoint - Selective Insurance Group, Inc. has appointed Julie Parsons as an Independent Director to its Board, effective November 3rd, 2025, enhancing the board's expertise in the insurance sector [1][2]. Group 1: Board Composition - The Board of Directors now consists of 12 members, with 11 being independent directors following the appointment of Parsons [2]. Group 2: Julie Parsons' Background - Julie Parsons is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience at Allstate Corporation, where she held various senior roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Property and Liability Insurance [2][3]. - Her career began as an actuarial analyst, and she progressed through multiple senior product management positions, ultimately becoming Allstate's first VP, Chief Actuary [3]. Group 3: Strategic Impact - John J. Marchioni, Chairman, President, and CEO of Selective, expressed that Parsons' operational experience in both commercial and personal lines, along with her product and actuarial expertise, will significantly benefit the company as it pursues its long-term objectives [4]. - Parsons emphasized her excitement about joining the Board and her commitment to guiding Selective's growth and delivering sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders [5].

Core Insights - Definity Financial Corporation has established itself as a significant player in Canada's property and casualty insurance market, focusing on a blend of commercial and personal lines while leveraging a multi-brand strategy [1][2][34] - The company operates under various brands, including Economical, Sonnet, and Petsecure, catering to both mass-market and niche segments through broker-mediated and direct channels [3][8][38] Company Overview - Definity is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, and combines its legacy as a mutual insurer with a modern corporate structure to serve retail and commercial customers across Canada [2][34] - The product offerings include personal auto and home insurance, pet insurance, and a range of commercial products such as fleet and liability insurance [3][8] Market Position - Definity occupies a strategic position between larger consolidated insurers and specialized regional carriers, competing with national players like Intact Financial and Fairfax Financial [5][19] - The company benefits from a broker-centric distribution model while also investing in digital platforms to reach price-sensitive customers [6][20] Financial Metrics - As of the latest estimates, Definity's market capitalization is approximately CAD 3.0–3.5 billion, with annual revenue ranging from CAD 3.0 to 3.8 billion [10][16] - Net income is projected to vary between CAD 150 million and CAD 350 million, influenced by underwriting cycles and catastrophe activity [16][18] Strategic Priorities - Key strategic priorities include maintaining underwriting discipline, enhancing digital distribution, and fostering broker relationships to improve capital efficiency [9][24] - The company aims to balance competitive pricing with adequate margins while managing catastrophe exposure and accelerating digital transformation [20][22] Historical Context - Founded in 1871, Definity has evolved through acquisitions and strategic repositioning, culminating in its rebranding in 2021 to focus on commercial profitability and digital investments [23][30] - The leadership team combines industry veterans with digital transformation experts to drive operational improvements and competitive positioning [26][31] Investor Considerations - Investors are encouraged to monitor key metrics such as combined ratio, return on equity, and capital allocation decisions to assess Definity's performance relative to peers [13][37] - The company's focus on underwriting improvement and digital capabilities positions it as a selective investment opportunity within the Canadian insurance sector [35][36]