NET WORTH: $1.75 billion, up 14 percent

LAST YEAR: $1.54 billion

AGE: 93

RESIDENCE: Hancock Park

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Insurance

THE MONEY: Founder of property and casualty insurer Mercury General saw net worth rise as value of shares rose 20 percent over past year. Also padded by hefty dividend payments.

BUZZ: Nonagenerian founder and chairman of L.A. auto, property and casualty insurer still works five days a week, though reduced hours. Lowered public profile after suffering defeat at polls in 2012 with second attempt to allow insurers to offer discounts to drivers who switch providers. Measure would presumably have benefited Mercury, which specializes in low-cost policies to attract newcomers. Navigated B-17 bomber during World War II, earned dual Harvard degrees and worked as door-to-door salesman before founding Mercury in 1961. Company employs more than 4,500. By far Mercury’s largest shareholder, with 34 percent of shares. Lives in nearby Hancock Park with wife, Vicky; couple also own home in Santa Barbara. Couple funded building of cross at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles; other recipients of philanthropic efforts include USC, Harvard University, Cal State Fullerton and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.