What 21st Century Insurance covers and how it works
21st Century Insurance is a regional auto insurer owned by Farmers Insurance Group that operates in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas. It offers standard auto coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist — along with optional add-ons like roadside information and rental reimbursement. The company does not operate in all states, so availability depends on where you live and register your vehicle.
The insurer uses a traditional quote-and-bind model: you provide vehicle and driving information, receive a quote, and can purchase a policy online or by phone. 21st Century does not require an agent visit for most policies, though you can work with a local agent if you prefer. Rates vary based on your driving record, age, vehicle type, coverage limits you choose, and deductible amounts.
Like most insurers, 21st Century uses underwriting to assess risk. This means your quote is an estimate based on the information you provide — your actual rate may change if details in your driving record or vehicle history differ from what you reported. The company pulls your motor vehicle report and insurance history as part of the underwriting process.
Key Takeaways
- 21st Century operates only in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas, so you cannot get a quote if you live outside these states.
- The company offers liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage, plus optional add-ons like roadside information and rental reimbursement.
- Your quote is based on your driving record, age, vehicle details, and the coverage limits and deductibles you select.
- You can purchase a policy online or by phone without meeting an agent in person, though local agents are available in some areas.
How 21st Century rates compare to other insurers
21st Century is generally positioned as a mid-market insurer — not the cheapest option, but often competitive for drivers with clean records or minor violations. The company does not publish its average rates, and quotes vary significantly by location, age, and driving history. A quote that is low in one state or for one driver profile may be higher for another.
The best way to compare 21st Century to other insurers is to get quotes from multiple companies using the same vehicle, coverage, and deductible information. Most insurers allow you to request quotes online in minutes. Comparing at least three quotes — from 21st Century and two or three competitors — gives you a realistic picture of where the company sits for your specific situation.
Some drivers find 21st Century competitive if they have a minor accident or violation on their record, while others report lower quotes from national carriers like State Farm or GEICO. Regional availability means you may not have 21st Century as an option at all, which removes the comparison question entirely.
Discounts 21st Century offers
21st Century advertises several discount categories, though the specific discounts available and their size depend on your state and personal situation. Common discount types include bundling auto with home or renters insurance, maintaining continuous coverage without lapses, completing a defensive driving course, and having safety features on your vehicle. Some insurers also offer discounts for low annual mileage or for paying your premium in full rather than monthly.
The company does not publicly list exact discount amounts, and discounts are not automatically applied — you typically need to tell the insurer about may have access to factors during the quote or policy setup process. For example, if you completed a defensive driving course, you should mention it when you get your quote so the discount can be factored in. Ask the representative or check the online quote tool for a full list of discounts available in your state.
How to get a quote from 21st Century
You can request a quote online through 21st Century's website or by calling their phone line. The online process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and asks for your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current coverage information if you have it, and the coverage limits and deductibles you want. You will receive a quote when ready or within a few hours, depending on whether your driving record requires manual review.
If you call instead, a representative will walk you through the same questions and provide your quote over the phone. Some people prefer the phone route if they have questions about coverage options or want help choosing deductibles. Both methods lead to the same underwriting process and quote.
Before you get a quote, have your driver's license and vehicle VIN ready. If you are switching from another insurer, having your current policy handy helps you match coverage limits and deductibles so you can compare apples to apples. If you have had accidents or violations, be prepared to describe them — the company will pull your motor vehicle report anyway, so accuracy matters.
What happens after you receive a quote
A quote from 21st Century is typically valid for 30 to 60 days, though this varies by state. During that time, you can purchase the policy online, by phone, or through an agent. Once you buy the policy, coverage usually begins the next day or on the date you specify, as long as you purchase before your current policy expires or on the date you want coverage to start.
If you do not purchase within the quote validity period, you will need to request a new quote. Rates can change, especially if your driving record updates or if the insurer adjusts its pricing. You can also modify your quote before purchasing — for example, changing your deductible or adding optional coverage — and the price will recalculate.
After you purchase, you will receive policy documents by mail or email that spell out your coverage, deductible, premium amount, and payment due date. Review these carefully to make sure everything matches what you quoted. If something is wrong, contact 21st Century to correct it before your policy goes into effect.
State availability and coverage differences
21st Century operates in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas only. If you live outside these states, you cannot get a quote from this company. Within these states, coverage options and discount availability may differ. For example, California has specific insurance regulations that affect how policies are structured and priced, while Texas has different minimum liability requirements than Nevada.
Before you spend time getting a quote, confirm that 21st Century operates in your state. You can do this by visiting their website and entering your ZIP code, or by calling their customer service line. If the company does not serve your area, you will need to look at other insurers that do.
Common reasons quotes from 21st Century vary
Your quote from 21st Century depends on several factors that you control and some you do not. Your age, driving record, and years of driving experience are major factors — younger drivers and those with accidents or violations typically pay more. The vehicle you drive matters too: a high-performance car or a model with high theft rates costs more to insure than a safe, common sedan.
The coverage limits and deductible you choose directly affect your quote. Choosing a higher deductible (like $1,000 instead of $500) lowers your premium because you are accepting more financial risk in an accident. Choosing higher liability limits increases your premium but protects you better if you cause a serious accident. Your annual mileage, how you use the vehicle, and whether you have continuous coverage also influence the price.
Location within your state matters as well — urban areas typically have higher rates than rural areas because of higher accident frequency and theft rates. If you move or change where you park your vehicle, your rate may change when you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a 21st Century quote if I live outside California, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, or Texas?
No. 21st Century only operates in those five states. If you live elsewhere, you will need to look at other insurers. You can check their website by entering your ZIP code to confirm whether they serve your area.
How long is a 21st Century quote valid?
Quotes are typically valid for 30 to 60 days, though the exact period depends on your state. You can purchase the policy anytime during that window. If you wait longer, you will need to request a new quote, and your rate may have changed.
Do I have to buy a policy after I get a quote?
No. A quote is just an estimate of what your policy would cost. You are not obligated to purchase. Getting multiple quotes from different insurers helps you compare prices before you decide.
What information do I need to provide to get a quote?
You will need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current coverage information if you have it, and the coverage limits and deductibles you want. If you have had accidents or violations, be ready to describe them.
Can I change my quote before I purchase?
Yes. You can modify your deductible, coverage limits, or optional add-ons before you buy, and the price will recalculate. This is useful if you want to see how different choices affect your premium.