Mercury General Corporation (NYSE:MCY) (the "Company") today announced the passing of George Joseph, the Company's founder and longtime Chairman. He was 104 years old.

Joseph founded Mercury, and the Company sold its first policy in 1962. He believed Mercury could innovate using more mathematics, actuarial discipline and data to create fairer and more equitable rates for a broader range of drivers.

He served as chairman from the Company's founding and led Mercury as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") for 45 years, through 2006. Even after stepping down as CEO, he remained deeply engaged in the Company as its Executive Chairman.