21st Century

Cutting out the middleman -- that's how 21st Century Insurance Group grew in the 20th century. The company's primary subsidiaries provide inexpensive auto and personal umbrella insurance for customers by selling directly (through direct-mail, print, and radio advertising) rather than through brokers, which eliminates the cost of agents and commissions. 21st Century Insurance limits sales of its auto policies to preferred-risk applicants (good drivers). The company has historically been most active in California but has been actively expanding into other states, including Texas. American International Group (AIG) sold the company to Zurich Financial Services in 2009.