21st Century Auto Insurance: Expert Review and Best Money-Saving Strategies
California drivers seeking affordable car insurance have a unique option: 21st Century Auto Insurance, a company owned by Farmers that exclusively serves the Golden State.
Formerly known as 20th Century, this insurance provider has been offering competitive rates since 1958. With average annual premiums ranging from $951 to $6,812, 21st Century provides a range of coverage options to suit different drivers’ needs.
The company’s long history and commitment to customer satisfaction make it an attractive choice for California drivers. As we explore the 21st Century’s offerings, we’ll examine its coverage options, pricing structure, and customer experience.
Key Takeaways
- 21st Century Auto Insurance is a Farmers-owned company serving California drivers.
- The company offers competitive car insurance rates with average annual premiums between $951 and $6,812.
- 21st Century provides a range of coverage options to suit different drivers’ needs.
- The company has a long history, dating back to 1958 as 20th Century.
- Customer satisfaction is a key focus for 21st Century Auto Insurance.
Overview of 21st Century Auto Insurance
21st Century Auto Insurance, originally known as 20th Century, was founded in 1958 with a focus on California drivers. The company was established by Louis W. Foster in a one-room office in Los Angeles, with a mission to ensure good drivers. Over the years, 21st Century has evolved significantly, adapting to the changing needs of the California auto insurance market.
Company Background and History
In its early years, 21st Century provided car insurance directly to California residents. The company became incorporated in 2003, marking a significant milestone in its growth. In 2007, AIG acquired 21st Century and rebranded it as AIG Direct. However, following AIG’s near-collapse during the 2008 recession, the brand was restored to its original name, 21st Century. In 2009, Farmers Insurance purchased 21st Century for approximately $1.9 billion, further strengthening its market presence.
By 2018, 21st Century celebrated its 60th anniversary, having established itself as a reputable auto insurance provider in California. Its long history has enabled the company to develop a deep understanding of the state’s unique auto insurance needs and regulatory environment.
Current Market Position in California
Today, 21st Century operates as a California-exclusive auto insurance provider, focusing on serving drivers in the Golden State. As part of the larger Farmers Insurance Group, 21st Century benefits from a broader corporate structure while maintaining its direct-to-consumer sales model. This approach eliminates intermediaries like insurance brokers, allowing for more competitive pricing and personalized service for customers.
The company’s business model is centered around understanding the specific needs of California drivers, offering tailored coverage options that meet the state’s regulatory requirements. With its extensive experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, 21st Century has established a strong presence in the California auto insurance market.
21st Century Auto Insurance Coverage Options
21st Century Auto Insurance offers a range of coverage options tailored to meet the diverse needs of California drivers. The company provides both standard and additional coverage features to ensure comprehensive protection.
Standard Auto Insurance Policies
21st Century offers standard auto insurance policies, including liability-only coverage that meets California’s minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability. Their full coverage options typically include collision and comprehensive coverage in addition to the state-required liability protection. This ensures that policyholders have adequate financial protection against various risks.
The company’s standard policies are designed to be flexible, allowing drivers to choose the coverage that best suits their needs. Whether you’re a safe driver or have a more complex driving history, 21st Century has options to fit different driver profiles.
Additional Coverage Features
In addition to standard policies, 21st Century Auto Insurance offers several additional coverage features. One notable benefit is their complimentary roadside assistance program for eligible policyholders, a valuable feature that many competitors charge extra for. This service provides peace of mind for drivers, knowing they have assistance available in case of emergencies.
21st Century also offers specialized coverage for classic car collectors, with specific eligibility requirements and benefits for antique vehicle owners. While they provide a range of insurance products, some additional coverage types like motorcycle, ATV, and watercraft insurance are available through their parent company, Farmers, or sister company, Foremost.
By comparing 21st Century’s coverage options to industry standards, it’s clear that they provide adequate protection for various driver profiles and vehicle types. Their commitment to offering both standard and specialized coverage makes them a versatile choice for California drivers.
Insurance Rates and Pricing Factors
Understanding the factors that influence your car insurance rates is crucial when choosing a provider like 21st Century Auto Insurance. The cost of car insurance in California can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including the type of coverage you choose and your personal driving history.
Average Premium Costs in California
21st Century offers California drivers competitive car insurance prices, with average annual premiums ranging from $951 for minimum coverage to $6,812 for high-risk drivers with DUIs. For minimum coverage, the average premium is $951, compared to the national average of $635. For full coverage, the average premium is $2,503, slightly higher than the national average of $2,399.
According to data from Quadrant Information Services, the average full coverage premium for 21st Century car insurance is $3,400 per year, while the average for minimum coverage is $814 per year. These rates are comparable to national averages of $2,685 for full coverage and $800 for minimum coverage.
Factors Affecting Your Insurance Rate
Several factors affect your insurance rates with 21st Century, including your driving history, age, vehicle type, and location within California. For instance, drivers with clean records pay lower premiums, while those with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents face higher rates. Adding teen drivers to a policy significantly impacts premiums, with household policies including teen drivers averaging $7,081 annually.
How Rates Compare to Competitors
When comparing 21st Century’s rates to competitors, it’s evident that their full coverage policies tend to be more affordable than the California state average. The average full coverage premium with 21st Century is $2,503, compared to the state average of $2,975. This makes 21st Century a competitive option for drivers seeking affordable insurance coverage in California.
By understanding the factors that influence your insurance rates and comparing rates from different providers, you can make an informed decision about your car insurance needs.
Available Discounts and Savings Opportunities
21st Century Auto Insurance stands out by offering a comprehensive discount program that policyholders can leverage to save money. With no limit on the number of discounts that can be applied, customers have the flexibility to maximize their savings.
Good Driver Discounts
A Good Driver Discount is available for drivers with a clean record for at least three years and no more than one moving violation during that period. This discount offers 20% or more in savings, making it a significant incentive for safe driving practices. To qualify, drivers must be licensed for three consecutive years without accidents or tickets.
Vehicle-Related Discounts
Vehicle-related savings opportunities include the Anti-theft discount, which provides a 15% discount for cars equipped with up-to-date anti-theft equipment. This not only reduces insurance premiums but also enhances vehicle security.
Other Ways to Save with 21st Century
In addition to Good Driver and Vehicle-Related Discounts, 21st Century offers other savings opportunities. The Good Student discount provides 15% savings for young drivers maintaining a B average or better. The Mature Driver discount offers 2% savings on liability coverage for drivers 55 or older who complete a state-recognized defensive driving course. Furthermore, the Multi-car discount varies for policyholders who bundle multiple vehicles under one policy, and the Superior Driver discount rewards long-term safe driving with 10-20% savings for those with clean records for four or more years.
Customer Service Experience
21st Century Auto Insurance provides several avenues for customers to manage their policies and claims. The company’s customer service infrastructure is designed to support policyholders through various channels.
Online Account Management
The online account management system offered by 21st Century Auto Insurance allows policyholders to view their policy details, make payments, and submit claims through a digital portal. This feature enhances the overall customer experience by providing convenience and flexibility. Policyholders can access their accounts at any time, making it easier to manage their insurance needs.
Customer Support Options
For customer support, 21st Century Auto Insurance can be contacted by calling 1-855-864-1530, available weekdays from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m., EST. Additionally, claims can be reported online or by calling 1-888-244-6163, available 24/7. However, it’s worth noting that 21st Century Auto Insurance no longer accepts contact via mail or fax and does not provide email addresses for customer support.
Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Customer satisfaction ratings for 21st Century Auto Insurance have shown a decline since the company was acquired by Farmers in 2017. Reviews often cite difficulties in reaching customer service representatives and agents as a major point of frustration. As a super-regional carrier, 21st Century Auto Insurance does not have a J.D. Power score, making customer feedback crucial for prospective policyholders.
Claims Process and Roadside Assistance
With 21st Century Auto Insurance, you can rest assured that assistance is available around the clock, whether you need to file a claim or require roadside help.
How to File a Claim
21st Century offers a 24/7 claims service, allowing you to submit a claim online through their claims portal or by calling 1-888-244-6163. The claims department is available around the clock, ensuring that an adjuster will contact you within 72 hours to initiate the assessment process.
Filing a claim is straightforward: simply log in to your account, provide the necessary details, and follow the prompts. Alternatively, a phone call to their dedicated claims hotline connects you directly with a representative who will guide you through the process.
Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program
21st Century Auto Insurance includes a complimentary roadside assistance program, offering services such as lockout assistance and towing at no additional cost. However, it’s essential to note that this benefit is not available to customers who are already subscribed to third-party roadside assistance services like AAA or OnStar.
Claims Satisfaction and Resolution Time
Customer feedback indicates that 21st Century Auto Insurance strives to resolve claims efficiently, with a focus on customer satisfaction. While resolution times can vary depending on the complexity of the claim, the company aims to provide timely updates and fair assessments.
For policyholders with “extended transportation expense coverage,” rental reimbursement is available. To utilize this benefit, file a claim for the original incident, rent a car, and you will be reimbursed up to the limits specified in your policy.
Pros and Cons of 21st Century Auto Insurance
21st Century Auto Insurance has its strengths and weaknesses, which are worth exploring in detail. As with any insurance provider, understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about whether 21st Century is the right fit for your auto insurance needs.
Advantages of Choosing 21st Century
One of the standout features of 21st Century Auto Insurance is its complimentary roadside assistance. This service, which many competitors charge extra for, can be a significant cost saver for drivers. Additionally, 21st Century offers four different good driver discounts, rewarding policyholders with clean driving records. This focus on safe driving can lead to lower premiums for those who qualify.
Another advantage is 21st Century’s willingness to provide SR-22 filings for high-risk drivers. Not all insurance companies offer this service, making 21st Century a viable option for drivers who have been required to obtain this type of filing. Furthermore, 21st Century employs insurance agents, potentially offering a more personalized experience compared to larger, more automated insurance companies.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its advantages, 21st Century Auto Insurance has some limitations. Most notably, it is only available in California, restricting its accessibility for drivers in other states. Additionally, 21st Century does not directly offer home or renters insurance, which might be inconvenient for those looking to bundle their insurance policies with a single provider.
Customer service is another area where 21st Century could improve. The company’s customer service and sales are not available 24/7, although claims can be filed at any time. Moreover, the mobile app has received poor reviews due to its lack of functionality, which could be a drawback for tech-savvy customers who prefer managing their policies through mobile devices.
Comparing 21st Century with Other California Insurers
The California auto insurance market is crowded, with several major players; this section compares 21st Century with State Farm, Geico, and Wawanesa.
21st Century vs. State Farm
State Farm stands out for its national availability, high customer satisfaction scores, and excellent financial strength ratings, making it a strong contender, especially for high-risk drivers. Unlike the 21st Century, State Farm offers multiple product lines, including term life insurance.
21st Century vs. Geico
Geico is known for its highly rated mobile app and full-service website, allowing for hands-on policy management. While both Geico and 21st Century offer coverage to high-risk drivers and provide numerous discount opportunities, neither writes its own homeowners insurance policies.
21st Century vs. Wawanesa
Wawanesa, a subsidiary of the Automobile Club of Southern California, offers home insurance, unlike 21st Century. However, 21st Century’s complimentary roadside assistance may be a deciding factor for some customers.
By comparing these insurers, California drivers can make informed decisions based on their specific needs, whether it’s coverage options, pricing, or additional services like roadside assistance.
Conclusion: Is 21st Century Auto Insurance Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision to choose 21st Century Auto Insurance should be based on a careful consideration of your individual circumstances and insurance needs.
For California residents, 21st Century Auto Insurance presents a viable option, especially for those who can capitalize on the company’s multiple good driver discount programs. With complimentary roadside assistance and classic car coverage available, certain drivers may find this insurance company particularly appealing.
However, it’s crucial to note that 21st Century Auto Insurance no longer issues new policies, making it essential for potential customers to explore alternative options, such as their sister company, Toggle. Existing customers, though, may continue to benefit from the company’s competitive rates and personalized service.
FAQ About 21st Century Auto Insurance
What is full coverage car insurance, and is it available with 21st Century?
Full coverage car insurance typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. 21st Century offers full coverage policies, providing financial protection against various risks, including accidents, theft, and natural disasters.
How does my driving record affect my car insurance rates?
A clean driving record can significantly lower your car insurance rates. Drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations may face higher premiums. 21st Century rewards safe drivers with discounts, making it a great option for those with a good driving record.
What is roadside assistance, and does 21st Century offer it?
Roadside assistance is a service that provides help when your vehicle breaks down or becomes disabled. 21st Century offers a complimentary roadside assistance program, giving policyholders access to services like towing, fuel delivery, and lockout service.
Can I manage my policy online with 21st Century?
Yes, 21st Century provides online account management tools, allowing policyholders to easily view and manage their policies, make payments, and access important documents.
How do I file a claim with 21st Century?
Filing a claim with 21st Century is straightforward. Policyholders can report a claim online, by phone, or through the mobile app. 21st Century’s claims process is designed to be efficient and hassle-free, ensuring a smooth experience for policyholders.
Are there any discounts available for students or military personnel?
21st Century offers various discounts, including those for students and military personnel. Policyholders can save on their premiums by taking advantage of these discounts, making 21st Century a more affordable option.
How do 21st Century’s insurance rates compare to other companies?
21st Century’s insurance rates are competitive with other major insurance providers. By comparing rates and coverage options, drivers can determine if 21st Century is the best choice for their needs and budget.
