What 21st Century Car Insurance Offers
21st Century is a regional auto insurer owned by Farmers Insurance Group, operating in about a dozen states across the West and South. It sells standard liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage alongside optional add-ons like roadside information and rental reimbursement. The company does not operate nationwide — your state matters more than your credit score when deciding whether you can even get a quote from them.
The insurer markets itself on low rates for drivers with accidents or violations on their record. That positioning shapes what you'll encounter: 21st Century accepts higher-risk drivers that some competitors decline, which means their underwriting process focuses on your driving history rather than your credit or claims history alone. Rates vary significantly by location, vehicle, and the specific violations or accidents you've had.
Like most regional carriers, 21st Century handles claims through local adjusters rather than a national call center, which can mean faster response in some areas and slower in others depending on local staffing. The company offers online policy management and mobile app access to documents and claims reporting, but does not offer telematics (the plug-in devices some insurers use to monitor driving behavior for discounts).
Key Takeaways
- 21st Century operates in roughly 12 states, mostly in the West and South, so check whether your state is served before requesting a quote.
- The company specializes in insuring drivers with accidents or violations, which is its main competitive advantage over national carriers.
- Rates depend heavily on your driving record, vehicle type, and location within the states where 21st Century operates.
- You can manage your policy and file claims online or through their mobile app, but the company does not offer usage-based discount programs.
Coverage Types and What They Cost
21st Century offers the same core coverage types as other insurers: liability (which pays for damage you cause to others), collision (which covers damage to your car from hitting another vehicle or object), and comprehensive (which covers theft, weather, and animal strikes). You choose your deductible for collision and comprehensive — typically $250, $500, $750, or $1,000 — and a higher deductible lowers your premium.
The insurer also sells uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you're hit by a driver without insurance or without enough insurance to cover your damages. This coverage is mandatory in some states and optional in others; 21st Century will tell you what your state requires when you quote.
Optional add-ons include roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery), rental car reimbursement (pays for a rental while yours is being repaired), and gap insurance (covers the difference between what you owe on a financed car and what it's worth if it's totaled). Prices for these extras vary by state and your specific situation, so you'll see them itemized in your quote.
States Where 21st Century Operates
21st Century is licensed to sell auto insurance in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. The company does not write policies in other states, so if you live outside this list, you cannot get a quote from them regardless of your driving record or vehicle.
Within these states, availability can vary by county or city — some rural areas may not be served even if your state is on the list. When you start a quote, the system will tell you when ready whether your zip code is serviceable. If it is not, you'll need to compare quotes from national carriers like State Farm, GEICO, or Progressive instead.
How Rates Are Set and What Affects Your Quote
21st Century's rates depend on your age, driving record, the vehicle you're insuring, how far you drive annually, and where you live. The company uses accident and violation history as a primary rating factor — this is why they market to drivers with blemished records — but they also consider claims history, the number of drivers on the policy, and whether you bundle home and auto insurance.
Your vehicle's make, model, year, and safety features all affect the rate. A newer car with high safety ratings and anti-theft devices typically costs less to insure than an older vehicle with poor crash test scores. The company also factors in whether you finance or own the car outright (lenders require collision and comprehensive coverage, which raises the premium).
21st Century does not use credit scores or education level in rating decisions, which is a stated policy difference from some competitors. However, they do use zip code and neighborhood loss history, meaning two drivers with identical records can pay different rates based on where they live.
Discounts You May See
21st Century offers discounts for bundling auto and home insurance, maintaining continuous coverage without lapses, completing a defensive driving course, and being a good student (usually a 3.0 GPA or higher). Some states allow discounts for safety features like automatic braking or backup cameras; ask about these when you quote.
The company does not offer low-mileage discounts or usage-based programs where you plug in a device to monitor your driving. If you drive very little or want a discount tied to safe driving habits, you may find better rates elsewhere. Discounts are applied at quote time, so you'll see the final price after all may be able to access reductions.
How to Get a Quote and Compare
You can request a quote on 21st Century's website by entering your zip code, vehicle information, and driving history. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and generates an when ready estimate. You'll need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current insurance information if you're switching from another carrier.
When comparing 21st Century to other quotes, make sure you're looking at the same coverage limits and deductibles across all carriers. A quote that looks cheaper at first glance might have a $1,000 deductible instead of $500, or lower liability limits than your state requires. Line up the details before deciding.
If 21st Century doesn't operate in your state or your zip code isn't serviceable, you'll see that message when ready when you enter your location. In that case, move on to national carriers or regional competitors that do serve your area. There's no point spending time on a detailed quote if the company can't actually write a policy for you.
Claims Process and Customer Service
21st Century handles claims through local adjusters in the states where it operates. You can report a claim online, through the mobile app, or by phone. The company aims to assign an adjuster within 24 hours for most claims and offers 24/7 claims reporting.
Because the company uses local adjusters rather than a national network, response times and service quality can vary by region. In densely populated areas, you may get faster service; in rural parts of the states 21st Century serves, you might wait longer for an adjuster to reach you. Ask about average response times in your specific area if you're concerned about this.
Customer service is available by phone during business hours and through the website or app at any time. The company does not offer live chat support, so if you need when ready help outside business hours, you're limited to the app or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 21st Century insure drivers with accidents or violations?
Yes — the company specializes in insuring drivers with accidents, violations, or DUIs on their record. You'll still pay more than a driver with a clean record, but 21st Century is more likely to offer you a quote than some national carriers that decline higher-risk drivers outright.
Can I bundle auto and home insurance with 21st Century?
Yes, if 21st Century writes homeowners insurance in your state. The bundle discount typically ranges from 10 to 15 percent on your auto premium, though the exact amount varies by state and your specific situation. Ask about the discount when you quote.
What happens if 21st Century doesn't operate in my state?
You cannot get a policy from them. You'll need to compare quotes from national carriers like State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, or Allstate, or from other regional insurers that serve your area. The quote tool will tell you when ready if your zip code isn't serviceable.
Does 21st Century offer a mobile app?
Yes. The app lets you view your policy, make payments, update coverage, and report claims. It does not offer usage-based discounts or real-time driving monitoring like some competitors' apps do.
How long does it take to get a quote from 21st Century?
An when ready estimate appears after you enter your information online, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. A formal quote that you can bind coverage on typically takes a few hours to a day, depending on whether the company needs to verify any information from your driving record.