21st Century Insurance

Louis S. Foster in Los Angeles, California founded the 21st Century Insurance Company in 1958. The company was founded as a cooperative where individual policyholders shared the costs of the losses when a claim was filed. In 1968, the growing company moved from a cooperative to a capital stock-held company. In 1980 the company moved from Century City to Woodland Hills, California. Today, the company owns multiple inspection centers, drive-in claim centers, and 14 division offices.

21st Century Insurance Company is the seventh largest auto insurance company in California. In California they also offer motorcycle and umbrella insurance policies. They also offer auto insurance in the following states:

• Arizona
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Nevada
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Oregon

When you are deciding whether to purchase an auto policy, consider several things:

• Will the monthly premium fit in my budget?
• What exactly does the policy cover?
• Should I pay a higher premium for specific extras, such as towing, full glass, or rental vehicle coverage?

Premiums are based largely on an individual's driving record and the number and type of vehicles on a policy. If an individual has many points on their license, they are considered a high risk because they have demonstrated that they have the potential to be in accidents or drive recklessly. On the other hand, if someone has little or no points on their license, they are considered a very low risk for accidents and thus will be given the lowest premiums.

The types of cars that you have on your policy also influence the amount of your premium. If your vehicle is a sports car, performance car, or a vehicle that is stolen frequently for its parts, the insurance will be higher. Your insurance may also be high if you insure antique vehicles.

The number of cars on your policy also determines your premium. While you are likely to have a multiple car discount if you drive two or more vehicles, your total premium cost will usually be higher than someone who only drives one car to work and one for pleasure. It is important to let your insurance agent know if you have any pleasure vehicles, as this lowers your premium. Any vehicle that is only used occasionally, such as a sports car, should be noted as a pleasure vehicle on your policy.

An auto policy with 21st Century Insurance covers the following:

• Bodily injury and property damage. This pays for any damage that you are liable for. It covers any legal fees or court costs as well.

• Uninsured motorists bodily injury. If the other driver does not have sufficient coverage to pay for your expenses, the UMBI on your policy will cover these costs.

• Personal injury protection. This covers medical expenses for all covered individuals under the policy, no matter who is at fault. It covers 80 percent of medical expenses, 60 percent for replacement household expenses and a death benefit.

• Comprehensive. Pays for damage to your vehicle due to natural disaster, fire, theft, vandalism and explosions.
• Collision. Pays for your vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle or object.

• Uninsured motorist property damage. Covers the cost of damage to your vehicle when in an accident with an uninsured vehicle.

• Rental reimbursement. Pays $25 to $40 per day for a replacement vehicle while a damaged vehicle is being repaired. There is a 30-day limit for this coverage.

• Towing and labor. This coverage is automatic for all policyholders. Pays up to $50 for towing and labor costs for a disabled vehicle.

• Renewal and cancellation provisions. Any policyholder can cancel their policy after it has been in effect for 60 days. 21st Century Insurance may cancel after 10 days for non-payment or 45 days for any other reason, such as non-renewal.

Individuals in the market for a new auto policy can get a free quote on their website or by contacting a 21st Century Insurance Company agent at 1-800-487-4500.

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