21st Century Insurance Cutting 50 Jobs in Delaware

Farmers Insurance Group said it recently notified some 50 21st Century Insurance employees in Wilmington, Delaware, that their positions would be eliminated.

The move comes as Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance continues to phase out its auto insurance subsidiary 21st Century’s brand from most states.

Farmers Insurance spokesman Trevor Chapman said that over the past several years, Farmers has been moving toward a one brand strategy to more strongly support the Farmers brand.

“As part of this ongoing effort, Farmers has decided to maintain the 21st Century Insurance brand in California and Hawaii but has decided to begin the process of retiring the 21st Century Insurance brand in the remaining 48 states,” Chapman said. “As our 21st Century customer base reduces over time, we know we will need fewer employees dedicated to the brand.”

“On Jan. 19, roughly 50 21st Century employees in Wilmington were notified that their positions were being eliminated toward the end of July. We announced these changes well in advance so our employees and their families have as much time as possible to consider their options,” he added.

Farmers Insurance did not specify how many 21st Century Insurance positions would remain in Wilmington after the layoffs.

Farmers Insurance acquired 21st Century Insurance from the American International Group in 2009.