---
title: "21st Century Insurance Review [Updated 2026]"
description: "21st Century Insurance, founded in 1958 and owned by Farmers since 2009, no longer issues new policies and only services existing California customers. New insurance seekers are redirected to Toggle, another Farmers subsidiary."
canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/21st-century-insurance"
last-updated: "2026-08-13"
---

# Is 21st Century Insurance Still Operating?

1. [Introduction to 21st Century Insurance](#introduction)
2. [What Kind of Insurance Does 21st Century Offer?](#typesof)
3. [How Does 21st Century Insurance Work?](#howdoesitwork)
4. [Pros and Cons of 21st Century Insurance](#proscons)
5. [Ratings and Customer Feedback](#ratings)
6. [Get Customer Support for 21st Century Insurance](#support)
7. [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](#faq)

## <a id="introduction"></a>Introduction to 21st Century Insurance

[(21st Century Insurance, "60th Anniversary", 2018)](https://www.21st.com/60th-anniversary) was founded in 1958 by Louis W. Foster as "20th Century" Insurance in Los Angeles, California. Foster pioneered direct-to-consumer auto insurance sold by phone and mail, focusing exclusively on good drivers in California.

The company evolved through several ownership changes. [(PitchBook, "21st Century Insurance 2026 Company Profile", 2025)](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/41035-06) notes it was founded in 1958 and is now headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. In 2009, [(Wikipedia, "Farmers Insurance Group", 2025)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmers_Insurance_Group) reports that Farmers Insurance announced it would acquire 21st Century Insurance from AIG for $1.9 billion, making Farmers the third-largest personal lines insurer in the United States.

**Important Update for 2025:**"21st Century no longer issues new policies, only services existing ones in California." The company now directs new customers to Toggle, another Farmers Insurance brand. According to [(21st Century Insurance, "California Car Insurance", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/), "California residents: 21st Century now operates under the Toggle brand in California."

## <a id="typesof"></a>What Kind of Insurance Does 21st Century Offer?

21st Century specializes in auto insurance for California drivers. [(LinkedIn, "21st Century Insurance", 2025)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/21st-century-insurance) describes the company as specializing in "customized auto insurance for each and every customer" and notes it is "a proud part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies."

For existing policyholders, 21st Century provides:

**Auto Insurance Coverages:**
- Liability insurance (bodily injury and property damage)
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
- Classic car coverage (for antique vehicles)

[(U.S. News, "21st Century Car Insurance Review 2026", 2026)](https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/21st-century-car-insurance-review) notes that all car insurance policies include complimentary 24-hour roadside assistance, and rental vehicle reimbursement is available up to 30 days for covered accidents. Classic car insurance covers vehicles at least 19 years old.

**Complimentary Roadside Assistance:** [(21st Century Insurance, "Roadside Assistance", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/insurance-products/roadside-assistance.htm) states that 21st Roadside Assistance provides "24-Hour Roadside Assistance" at no additional cost, including towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout help, and emergency fuel delivery. Coverage is up to $75 per service call, with five service calls per vehicle per year.

### Homeowners Insurance Through Partners

While 21st Century auto insurance customers receive a 10% discount on homeowners insurance, [(Homesite Insurance, "21st Century Homeowners Insurance Program", 2026)](https://21st.homesite.com/default.asp) explains the homeowners insurance program is "underwritten by Homesite Insurance" and offers a "wide variety of Home insurance products." The company does not underwrite homeowners policies directly but partners with Homesite to serve its customers.

### Coverage Availability

[(21st Century Insurance, "California Car Insurance", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/) clearly states: "Auto insurance is underwritten by 21st Century Insurance Company (#1953-9, domiciled in CA), a member of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies. Coverage is currently only available in California."

## <a id="howdoesitwork"></a>How Does 21st Century Insurance Work?

### For Existing Policyholders

21st Century operates primarily as a direct-to-consumer insurer. [(21st Century, "About Us", 2024)](https://www.21stcentury.com/about-us/) explains that "21st Century sells insurance directly to consumers like you, cutting out intermediaries like insurance brokers."

**Policy Management:** Existing customers can manage their policies through:
- Online portal at 21st.com
- Phone support
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system available 24/7

[(21st Century Insurance, "Contact a Representative", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/auto-insurance-information/contact-a-representative-at-21st-century-insurance.htm) provides the following contact information: "For your convenience, we have representatives available Monday to Saturday during regular business hours." Specific phone numbers include:
- Customer care: 1-800-241-1188
- Claims: 1-888-244-6163
- Auto sales (for existing quote inquiries): 1-800-807-9458

### Relationship with Toggle

For new customers, [(Ibid., "California Car Insurance", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/) directs: "If you need assistance with your Toggle policy, go to www.gettoggle.com or call Customer Service at 855-864-1530 from 9:00am - 10:00pm ET Monday through Friday, and 10:00am - 9:00pm ET Saturday." You can read the Coverage Cat review of Toggle [here](https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/toggle%20insurance%20review).

[(U.S. News, "21st Century Car Insurance Review 2025", 2025)](https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/21st-century-car-insurance-review) clarifies: "Please note that 21st Century no longer sells new car insurance policies. All existing policies are now managed by [Toggle Insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/toggle%20insurance%20review), another Farmers brand."

### Claims Process

[(21st Century Insurance, "Filing Auto Insurance Claims", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/filing-auto-insurance-claims) notes: "At 21st Century Insurance, you can do this online or over the phone through the HelpPoint Claim Services by Farmers." The portal to submit these claims can be found [here](https://www.21st.com/contact-21st-century-insurance.htm#claimsservices) together with their claims number 1-888-244-6163.

## <a id="proscons"></a>Pros and Cons of 21st Century Insurance

<div class="grid">
  <div class="column">
    <p><b>Pros</b></p>
    <ul>
      <li>Free 24/7 roadside assistance included with all policies</li>
      <li>Financial backing from Farmers Insurance Group</li>
      <li>Direct-to-consumer model eliminates broker fees</li>
      <li>Classic car coverage available</li>
      <li>Multiple discount opportunities</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p><b>Cons</b></p>
    <ul>
      <li>No longer accepts new customers</li>
      <li>Only available in California</li>
      <li>Severe customer service issues with long wait times</li>
      <li>High NAIC complaint ratio</li>
      <li>AM Best withdrew financial strength rating in 2019</li>
      <li>Limited digital capabilities compared to competitors</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</div>

## <a id="ratings"></a>Ratings and Customer Feedback for 21st Century Insurance

### Financial Strength

AM Best withdrew 21st Century Insurance’s financial strength rating in 2019, but the carrier remains backed by Farmers Insurance, which holds an A‑Excellent rating from AM Best [(AM Best, "21st Century Insurance Rating History", 2024)](https://www.ambest.com/ratings/CompanyReport.aspx?CompanyId=21ST) [(AM Best, "Farmers Insurance Group Rating", 2024)](https://www.ambest.com/ratings/CompanyReport.aspx?CompanyId=FARMERS).

For context, [(A.M. Best, "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Members of Farmers Insurance Group", 2025)](https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?altsrc=2&refnum=36299) confirmed that AM Best affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) for members of the Farmers Insurance Group, including 21st Century Centennial Insurance Company.

### Complaint Data and Performance Metrics

[(California Dept of Insurance, "Automobile Complaint Composite Report", 2024)](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/120-company/03-concmplt/autocomposite.cfm) shows that in California's 2024 auto complaint report, 21st Century Insurance had 10 complaints and a complaint index of 13, ranking 43rd of 50 insurers. While this reflects some customer dissatisfaction, the company's complaint profile remains within moderate ranges compared to its peers.

### Overall Rating Scores

| Source | Rating | Key Finding |
|--------|--------|-------------|
| Better Business Bureau | A+ | [(Better Business Bureau, "21st Century Insurance BBB Business Profile", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/de/wilmington/profile/auto-insurance/21st-century-insurance-0251-22000073) awards an A+ rating despite not being accredited |

| MarketWatch | 5.7/10.0 | [(MarketWatch, "21st Century Insurance Reviews and Ratings", 2026)](https://www.marketwatch.com/insurance-services/auto-insurance/21st-century-insurance-review/) rating based on coverage options, industry standing, and cost |

### Customer Reviews Summary

| Source | Avg. Rating & Count | Representative Quote | Takeaway |
|--------|---------------------|----------------------|----------|
| [**Better Business Bureau**](https://www.bbb.org/us/de/wilmington/profile/auto-insurance/21st-century-insurance-0251-22000073) | Not accredited | "I've tried over several days to call their customer service and have been on hold each time for hours." | Major accessibility and customer service issues |
| [**Trustpilot**](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/21st.com) | ★☆☆☆☆ (~1 review) | "Their customer service has gone from a 5 star to a zero star every since they became affiliated with Farmers insurance." | Significant decline in service quality post-acquisition |
| [**Consumer Affairs**](https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/21cent.html) | Mixed reviews | "I have been a LONG time customer... Recently they sent me a letter informing me that my insurance coverage is going to be cancelled for non payment." | Long-term customers experiencing service deterioration |
| [**Yelp**](https://www.yelp.com/biz/21st-century-insurance-los-angeles) | ★☆☆☆☆ (97 reviews) | "If I could give these people a negative 10 I would... The claims adjustor was the most incompetent person I've ever met." | Poor claims handling experiences |

[(Trustpilot, "21st Century Insurance Reviews", 2023)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/21st.com) shows customers report wait times of 25 minutes or more for policy service calls, with some unable to make policy changes online and forced to call with extended hold times. [(ConsumerAffairs, "21st Century Insurance Reviews from Real Customers", 2023)](https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/21cent.html) documents similar complaints from long-term customers (30-40 years) who experience unprecedented wait times exceeding 1.5 hours with no response.

### Real Customer Reviews for 21st Century Insurance

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>5 ★</p>
    <p><b>Roberta W., From Company Website</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.21st.com/auto-insurance-reviews-ratings"><span class="text-muted">via 21st Century Insurance</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>I have been with them for five years and instead of my rates going up like most companies my premium actually went down. This is the best insurance company I have ever had. If you want a company that cares for its customers I recommend 21st Century.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>1 ★</p>
    <p><b>Anonymous (2023), via BBB</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/de/wilmington/profile/auto-insurance/21st-century-insurance-0251-22000073/complaints"><span class="text-muted">via BBB</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>Zero stars - I have been insured with 21st for over 20 years. In the last couple of years, there is no way to actually speak to a representative about a policy without waiting literally hours and hours on hold. They have no published email, tried to make policy changes online only to be presented a message that says I must speak to someone only nobody ever answers.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>1 ★</p>
    <p><b>Ron, via Consumer Affairs</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/21cent.html"><span class="text-muted">via Consumer Affairs</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>I got out of their website and tried calling them, I was on the phone for 1 hour and 30 minutes and no one would pick up the phone. I tried the next day from work during my lunch time but after 30 minutes I had to hang up since no one would answer my call. This has to be one of the worst customer service companies in America.</p>
  </div>
</div>

## <a id="support"></a>Get Customer Support for 21st Century Insurance

### Contact Information

**For Existing 21st Century Policyholders:**

[(21st Century Insurance, "Contact a Representative", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/auto-insurance-information/contact-a-representative-at-21st-century-insurance.htm) provides:

- **Customer Service:** 1-800-241-1188 (Monday-Friday: 9:00am-10:00pm ET; Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm ET)
- **Claims:** 1-888-244-6163 (24/7)
- **Roadside Assistance:** 1-800-439-5587 (24/7)

**Mailing Address:** 
[(21st Century Insurance, "Mailing Addresses", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/contact-21st-century-mailing-addresses.htm) lists:
- Policy Correspondence: P.O. Box 15510, Wilmington, DE 19886-9252
- Overnight: 3 Beaver Valley Road, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19803

**For New Insurance Seekers:**

[(Ibid., "California Car Insurance", 2025)](https://www.21st.com/) directs new customers to Toggle: "California residents: 21st Century now operates under the Toggle brand in California. To request a quote, please go to Toggle.com" or call 855-864-1530.

### How to Cancel 21st Century Insurance

To cancel a new policy, you can call 21st Century at 1-800-241-1188 before it goes into effect. Otherwise, you must send the request in writing by regular mail or fax.

**Cancellation Requirements:**
- Policyholder name
- Policyholder address
- Policy number
- Date of cancellation

**Fax Numbers:**
- California: 1-800-842-3057
- Outside California: 1-866-447-2611

## Should You Buy 21st Century Insurance?

**For New Insurance Seekers:** [(U.S. News, "21st Century Car Insurance Review 2025", 2025)](https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/21st-century-car-insurance-review) advises: "If you are a 21st Century customer, you can access your online account on the Toggle website."  For new policies, contact Toggle directly or compare multiple California auto insurance options.

## <a id="faq"></a>Frequently Asked Questions

### Is 21st Century Insurance a real insurance company?

Yes, 21st Century Insurance is a legitimate insurance company, but it no longer accepts new customers. [(LinkedIn, "21st Century Insurance", 2025)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/21st-century-insurance) confirms it was founded in 1958 and is "a proud part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, the third largest personal lines insurer in the country."

### Can I still buy 21st Century Insurance?

### How does 21st Century Insurance make money?

As a direct-to-consumer auto insurer, 21st Century earns revenue from insurance premiums paid by policyholders. The company is a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance Group, which is owned by Zurich Insurance Group.

### Is 21st Century Insurance the same as Toggle?

Not exactly, but they're related.

### What happened to 21st Century Insurance?

[(U.S. News, "21st Century Car Insurance Review 2025", 2025)](https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/21st-century-car-insurance-review) reports: "Since 21st Century Insurance was acquired by Farmers, their business has been migrated to Toggle." The company continues to service existing California policies but directs new business to Toggle.

### Is 21st Century good insurance?

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