What 21st Century Insurance is and who it covers

21st Century Insurance is a regional auto insurance company owned by Farmers Insurance Group that operates in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas. It sells standard auto policies—liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage—the same types you'll find at any other insurer. The company does not operate nationwide, so whether you can get a quote depends entirely on which state you live in.

The company markets itself on lower rates for drivers with clean records and bundling options if you also need home or renters insurance through Farmers. Like all insurers, 21st Century sets rates based on your driving history, age, vehicle type, and the coverage limits you choose. It is not cheaper for everyone—rates vary significantly by location, driving record, and the specific vehicle you're insuring.

Key Takeaways

  • 21st Century only operates in five states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas, so you cannot get a quote if you live elsewhere.
  • The company is owned by Farmers Insurance and offers the same standard coverage types as other insurers, with discounts for bundling home or renters policies.
  • Your rate depends on your driving history, age, vehicle, and coverage limits—not on the company's advertised rates, which are averages only.
  • You can request a quote online, by phone, or through an agent, and comparing it to quotes from other regional and national insurers shows whether the price is competitive for your situation.

How to get a quote from 21st Century

You can request a quote through three channels: the 21st Century website, by calling their phone line, or through a local Farmers agent. Online quotes typically take 10 to 15 minutes and require your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current coverage information if you have an existing policy. The company will ask about your driving history, household members, and any accidents or violations in the past three to five years.

Phone quotes follow the same process but take longer because an agent enters the information as you speak. If you use a Farmers agent, they can often bundle auto, home, and renters coverage in one conversation and may have access to discounts specific to your area or employer. None of these methods locks you into a purchase—a quote is an estimate only and expires after a set period, usually 30 to 60 days.

Coverage types and what they actually protect

Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else. It has two limits: bodily injury per person and total per accident. California, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas all set minimum liability requirements by law, and 21st Century will show you what your state requires when you quote. Carrying only the minimum leaves you personally responsible for anything above that limit.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. It comes with a deductible—usually $500 or $1,000—that you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. If your car is financed or leased, your lender or lessor will require collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage covers theft, weather, vandalism, and animal strikes. Like collision, it has a deductible. If you own your car outright and it is older, you may choose to skip comprehensive to lower your premium, but if it is newer or you owe money on it, your lender will require it.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. It covers medical bills and vehicle damage up to your policy limits. This coverage is required in most states and is often bundled automatically.

Discounts 21st Century commonly offers

21st Century advertises discounts for bundling auto with home or renters insurance through Farmers, for completing a defensive driving course, for paying your premium in full rather than monthly, and for having safety features in your vehicle such as anti-theft devices or automatic braking. The company also offers discounts for low annual mileage and for being a long-term customer.

The size of each discount varies by state and individual circumstance. A defensive driving discount might save 5 to 10 percent on your premium in one state but 3 to 7 percent in another. Bundling discounts are typically larger—often 15 to 25 percent—but only if you actually need both policies. Always ask which discounts you may have access to for before finalizing a quote, because the agent or website may not automatically explore all of them.

How 21st Century rates compare to other insurers

21st Century is a regional company, so it competes primarily with other regional insurers in its five states and with national carriers like State Farm, Geico, and Progressive. Whether its rates are lower depends on your specific situation: your age, driving record, vehicle, location within the state, and coverage choices. A rate that is competitive for a 45-year-old with a clean record in Phoenix may be expensive for a 25-year-old with one accident in Las Vegas.

The only way to know whether 21st Century's quote is competitive is to request quotes from at least two other insurers in your state and compare the total premium for identical coverage. Many people find that rates differ by $300 to $800 per year between companies for the same driver and vehicle. Requesting multiple quotes takes 30 to 45 minutes total but can reveal significant savings.

What happens after you buy a policy

Once you purchase a 21st Century policy, you receive a policy document that lists your coverage types, limits, deductibles, and premium amount. You can manage your account online or by phone: make payments, update your address or vehicle, add or remove drivers, or adjust coverage. If you need to file a claim, you can do so through the website, mobile app, or by calling the claims line.

21st Century handles claims through Farmers' network, which means you may be directed to a specific repair shop or appraiser depending on the type of damage. You are not required to use their recommended shop—you can choose your own—but using their network may speed up the process. Most claims are resolved within two to four weeks, though complex accidents or disputes can take longer.

State-specific requirements and limits

Each state where 21st Century operates has different minimum liability requirements and different rules about what coverage is mandatory. California requires 15/30/5 liability (15,000 per person, 30,000 per accident, 5,000 property damage). Nevada requires 15/30/10. Arizona requires 15/30/10. Oklahoma requires 25/50/25. Texas requires 30/60/25. When you request a quote, 21st Century will show you your state's minimum, but you can choose higher limits if you want more protection.

Some states also require uninsured motorist coverage by law; others make it optional. The company will disclose what is required in your state during the quoting process. If you are moving to a different state, your current 21st Century policy may not be valid there, so contact the company before you relocate to confirm coverage or switch to an insurer that operates in your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 21st Century quote if I live in Florida or New York?

No. 21st Century only operates in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas. If you live in another state, you will need to request quotes from insurers that operate there. Many national carriers like State Farm, Geico, and Progressive are available in all 50 states.

What if I have a poor driving record or recent accident?

21st Century will still quote you, but your rate will be higher because the company uses driving history as a major rating factor. Accidents and violations typically affect your rate for three to five years. Requesting quotes from multiple companies is especially important in this situation, because some insurers specialize in higher-risk drivers and may offer better rates than others.

Do I have to use a Farmers agent, or can I quote online?

You can quote online, by phone, or through an agent—all three methods produce the same quote. Using an agent may be faster if you want to bundle multiple policies or discuss discounts in detail, but the online process is usually quickest if you just want a price.

What if my vehicle is financed or leased?

Your lender or lessor will require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage with specific minimum limits. When you request a quote, tell 21st Century that your vehicle is financed or leased, and they will show you what your lender requires. You cannot skip these coverages without violating your loan or lease agreement.

How often should I shop for a new quote?

Rates change frequently, and your circumstances change too—a birthday, a move, a new vehicle, or a clean driving record after several years can all lower your rate. Most people benefit from requesting new quotes every one to two years, or whenever your situation changes significantly.