News: 2009 Press Release

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today was joined by Shannon Kelly, 21^st Century Senior Vice President, West Region, to announce a $34 million rate reduction for 21^st Century Auto Insurance Company policyholders in California. This represents an average decrease of 3.4 percent. 

"I am happy to approve a rate cut that will allow 21^st Century policyholders throughout the state to save $34 million," said Commissioner Poizner. "Insurance rates for Californians have been cut by nearly $2 billion since I took office in 2007. I'm pleased that 21^st Century is demonstrating responsible business practices by passing along savings to valuable customers."

As the seventh largest auto insurer in the state, 21^st Century insures more than one million vehicles in California, covering approximately five percent of the auto insurance market. Under the newly approved reduced rates, California policyholders will save an average of about 3.4 percent, or about $50 per policy per year - a total of $34 million. New rates apply to policies written or renewed after June 21, 2009. 

Under the newly approved rate cut, 21^st Century customers in Los Angeles County will save an average of 4.9 percent, or $80 per year, per policy. 21^st Century customers in San Francisco will save an average of $58 per year, and Sacramento policyholders will save an average of $62 each year.

"For over 50 years, 21st Century Insurance has delivered great value and service to California drivers," said Anthony J. DeSantis, President and CEO of 21st Century Insurance. "That's why we are pleased to be able to pass these savings onto our customers in the form of these lower rates - especially during this tough period in our economy."

Since taking office, Commissioner Poizner has approved more than $500 million in auto insurance rate savings for consumers, including a $219 million reduction for State Farm customers, $101 million reduction for AAA of Southern California customers,  $41 million reduction for Mercury policyholders, a $100 million reduction for AAA of Northern California customers, and a $65.8 million reduction for GEICO customers.  Overall, Commissioner Poizner has approved approximately $2 billion in rate reductions for consumers in all lines of insurance including automobile, homeowners, renters and other insurance products.