21st Century Insurance Company Reviews: Is It the Right Choice for You in 2026?

When people in the U.S. think about car insurance, big names like GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive usually come to mind. But there’s a smaller, more focused company worth looking at—21st Century Insurance. It mainly offers car insurance in a few states. Before Farmers Insurance Group bought it in 2009, it had a bigger role in the market. So, how is the 21st Century doing in 2026? Our 21st Century Insurance Reviews can help you decide whether to make the switch or stay with your current provider.

We, the agency height team, examined everything: prices, customer service, claims, digital tools, reviews, and how it compares to larger brands. 21st Century Insurance could be a great choice, or maybe not; it all comes down to your needs and budget. To help you explore your options, we’ve compiled a curated list of top U.S. insurance providers at the end of this article, you might just find the right fit.

Overview

Review: Yelp (97), BBB (70), Total ( 167)
Rating: Yelp (1.2), A+ (BBB – Not accredited)
Mailing Address: 21st Century Insurance, 3 Beaver Valley Road, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19803
Customer Service: 1-877-401-8181   

21st Century Insurance is a car insurance company based in California. It has been helping drivers in the U.S. for over 60 years. The company started in 1958 and became known for low prices, easy online services, and simple auto coverage. It used to sell insurance across the country, but now it mainly serves people in California.

In 2009, Farmers Insurance Group bought 21st Century. Farmers is a large U.S. insurance company owned by Zurich Insurance Group. This gave the 21st Century strong financial support and a trusted name behind it. Even though Farmers owns it, 21st Century still runs under its brand and focuses only on auto insurance.

Key Features and Coverage Options - What Does 21st Century Insurance Really Offer?

21st Century Insurance offers standard auto coverage options like liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, along with free roadside assistance and a range of driver discounts, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious California drivers.

Key Features of 21st Century Auto Insurance

These standout features set 21st Century apart from some competitors in the California car insurance market:

• Free 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Included with every policy at no additional cost. Services include towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout help, and emergency fuel delivery.
• Fast Online Quotes and Policy Management: The entire process—from getting a quote to managing your policy- can be done through its user-friendly website.
• Discount-Driven Pricing: Offers multiple discounts for good drivers, multi-vehicle households, anti-theft systems, and more. It is especially appealing for those trying to lower premium costs.
• Backed by Farmers Insurance: As a subsidiary of Farmers, 21st Century brings added financial security and credibility.
• Special Focus on California Market: Tailored policies, pricing, and claims service geared specifically to California drivers.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

21st Century Insurance provides several standard auto insurance coverages to protect drivers and their vehicles:

• Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you’re at fault in an accident.
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision-related incidents such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and contact with animals.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no insurance.
• Medical Payments Coverage: Helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of whether it is at fault.

These coverage options are designed to offer financial protection in various scenarios, ensuring that policyholders are safeguarded against unforeseen events on the road.

Additional Offerings

Complimentary 24/7 Roadside Assistance

Every auto insurance policy from the 21st Century includes free 24/7 roadside assistance. This service provides:

• Towing Services: Assistance if your vehicle breaks down and needs to be towed.
• Lock-Out Services: Help if you’re locked out of your vehicle.
• Other Emergency Services: Support for various roadside emergencies.

This benefit is automatically included at no extra cost for each vehicle insured under your policy.

21st Century Car Insurance Cost

Based on data from Quadrant Information Services, the average annual premium for a full coverage policy with 21st Century car insurance is around $3,404. For minimum coverage, it’s about $815 per year.

These rates are pretty close to the national averages of $2,692 for full coverage and $808 for minimum. However, when compared to California’s state average of $3,026 for full coverage and $882 for minimum, the 21st Century tends to be slightly more expensive for full coverage, but a bit more affordable for minimum coverage.

21st Century Car Insurance Rates by Age

Your age plays a major role in determining your car insurance premiums. Generally, younger drivers- especially teens and those new to driving- face higher rates due to limited experience and increased risk on the road. Statistics show that 79% of single-vehicle crashes involving drivers aged 16 to 19 are related to speeding. Additionally, young drivers are more likely to skip seat belts and engage in distracted driving.

These risk factors are reflected in higher premiums for young policyholders. However, new drivers may reduce costs by remaining on their parents’ insurance policy for as long as they’re eligible.

Average Annual Full Coverage Premiums: 21st Century vs. National Average

As shown, premiums decrease significantly with age, reflecting lower risk profiles and more driving experience.

Available Discounts

While its list of discounts isn’t the longest, 21st Century offers several standard ways to save, including:

These discounts are automatically applied when you qualify, but it’s smart to ask an agent or verify during the quote process.

Limitations to Consider

Even though pricing is often favorable, 21st Century has a few drawbacks when it comes to pricing flexibility:

No Accident Forgiveness

If you’re at fault in an accident, expect your premium to go up. The company doesn’t offer an accident forgiveness program like some competitors (e.g., Allstate or Liberty Mutual).

Limited Discount Portfolio

Unlike other insurers, 21st Century doesn’t offer bundling discounts for combining auto with home, renters, or life insurance, because it only sells auto insurance. That may limit savings opportunities for households looking to consolidate their policies.

Comparison with Competitors: GEIGO, Progressive, State Farm

How to File a Claim with 21st Century Insurance?

Stay Safe & Gather Info

• Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
• Collect details: Names, contact info, insurance, license plates, and photos.

Report the Claim

• Online: 21st.com
• Phone: Call 1-888-244-6163 (24/7)

Have This Info Ready

• Policy number
• Date/time/location of the accident
• Description and photos of the damage
• Info on others involved

Claims Process

• A rep will contact you.
• They may arrange inspections and rentals if covered.
• Police reports help determine the fault.

Track Your Claim

• Online: Log in to your account
• Phone: Call 1-888-244-6163 for updates

What do real customers have to say about their experience with the 21st Century?

Reddit users on 21st Century Insurance paint a mixed picture, highlighting both strengths and significant areas of concern. While some policyholders appreciate the company’s affordability and straightforward claims process, many express frustrations over customer service challenges, billing issues, and recent transitions affecting service quality.

R/insurance:

I’m considering renewing my auto insurance soon. 21st Century gave me the cheapest quote, but I’ve read some negative reviews about their claims process. State Farm and Progressive are $150-$200 more for 6 months, while my current renewal with GMAC is $300 more than 21st Century’s quote.

From my experience as an adjuster, the 21st Century is generally reliable. They’re a bit “non-standard” and may not be as responsive as others like Farmers, but their customer service is acceptable for the price.

Quora:

Should I switch from GEICO auto insurance to 21st Century car insurance?

Colin Poan – CA License #0D84776

21st Century is a reputable insurance company with decades of experience. If you find better premiums for the same coverage, consider switching.

If you live in California, use the Department of Insurance’s website to compare quotes from all licensed insurers. Since California is a “prior approval” state, rates are filed and known upfront. After answering a few questions, you’ll get a comparison showing which companies offer the best prices. Keep in mind, these aren’t actual quotes but give a good idea of competitive rates.

Conclusion

21st Century Insurance is a good option for California drivers seeking low-cost auto insurance, especially those with poor credit. It offers affordable rates and free roadside assistance, making it appeal to budget-conscious customers. However, its availability is limited to California; coverage options are basic, and many users report issues with customer service. While the pricing may be attractive, it’s important to weigh those savings against the trade-offs in support and flexibility. Always compare quotes and features with other insurers before deciding.

After reading the above review, you likely have a better sense of whether 21st Century Insurance suits your needs. To help you further, here’s a list of top insurance companies to explore and find the one that’s the best fit for you.