What 21st Century Insurance is and who it covers
21st Century Insurance is a car insurance company owned by Farmers Insurance Group. It sells auto insurance policies in most U.S. states, though not all — availability depends on where you live. The company focuses on offering lower-cost policies, often marketing to drivers who have had accidents, traffic violations, or lapses in coverage, though anyone can request a quote.
Like all car insurers, 21st Century offers the types of coverage your state requires (liability) plus optional add-ons (collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist). The company also sells homeowners insurance and umbrella policies in some states. You can get a quote online, by phone, or through an agent, and you pay monthly or in full upfront.
The company has been in business since 1958 and operates in roughly 15 states as of 2024, though this can change. Before you buy, check whether 21st Century operates in your state — if it does not, you will need to look elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- 21st Century is a regional car insurer owned by Farmers Insurance that operates in about 15 states and may not be available where you live.
- The company often advertises lower rates for drivers with accidents or violations, but your actual quote depends on your driving record, age, location, and the car you drive.
- You can compare 21st Century's rates against other insurers by getting quotes from at least two or three competitors in your state.
- Customer service ratings and claims handling speed vary, so reading recent reviews from people in your state can help you decide whether the company fits your needs.
How to get a quote from 21st Century
To get a quote, you will need basic information: your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current insurance details if you have them, and your driving history. You can start a quote on the 21st Century website, call their phone line, or meet with an agent in person if one operates in your area.
The online quote tool usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and shows you rates for different coverage levels. If you call, an agent will walk through the same questions and can answer questions about what each coverage type means. Either way, the quote is not binding — it is an estimate based on the information you provide, and your final rate may change when you actually buy the policy.
Before you buy from 21st Century, get quotes from at least one or two other insurers in your state. Rates vary widely between companies, and what is cheap with one insurer may be expensive with another. Comparing three quotes takes about an hour and can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
What affects your rate with 21st Century
21st Century calculates your rate based on several factors: your age and gender, your driving record (accidents, violations, claims), the vehicle you drive, where you live, how much you drive, and the coverage limits you choose. The company also looks at your credit score in most states — people with lower credit scores usually pay more, even if they have never had an accident.
If you have had an accident or violation, 21st Century may still offer you a quote, but your rate will be higher than someone with a clean record. The company does not publicly say how much each factor raises or lowers your rate, so the only way to know your actual price is to get a quote with your own information.
Your rate can also change when you renew your policy, usually every six to twelve months. If your driving record stays clean, your rate may go down. If you have a new accident or violation, it will likely go up. Some states also allow insurers to raise rates based on changes in your credit score or claims history.
Coverage types and what they cost
21st Century offers the same basic coverage types as other insurers. Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else — your state sets a minimum amount you must carry. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit something. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, or vandalism. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if someone without insurance hits you.
Your rate depends on which coverage types you choose and how high your limits are. A policy with only liability (the legal minimum) costs less than one with collision and comprehensive, but it leaves you paying out of pocket if your car is damaged. If you have a loan or lease on your car, your lender usually requires you to carry collision and comprehensive.
21st Century also offers add-ons like roadside information, rental car reimbursement, and gap insurance. These cost extra but can be worth it depending on your situation. You can usually add or remove these when you buy or renew your policy.
How to file a claim with 21st Century
If you have an accident or your car is damaged, you can file a claim by phone, online, or through the 21st Century mobile app. You will need to describe what happened, provide photos if possible, and give the other driver's insurance information if another car was involved. The company will assign an adjuster to look at the damage and decide what they will pay.
How long a claim takes varies. straightforward claims with clear liability (you hit a parked car, for example) may be resolved in days. Complex claims where fault is unclear can take weeks or longer. You can check the status of your claim online or by calling your adjuster.
If you disagree with what 21st Century offers to pay, you have the right to dispute it. You can ask for a second opinion from an independent appraiser, or file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you believe the company treated you unfairly.
Customer service and complaint history
21st Century's customer service ratings vary depending on the source. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) tracks complaints filed against insurers by state. You can look up 21st Century's complaint history on your state's insurance department website to see how many complaints they received and what they were about.
Before you buy, read recent reviews from people in your state on independent sites like Google, Trustpilot, or the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns — if many people say claims took too long or customer service was unhelpful, that is worth considering. If most reviews are positive, that is a good sign. Keep in mind that people who had problems are more likely to leave reviews than people who had a smooth experience.
You can also call 21st Century's customer service line before you buy to see how quickly they answer and whether they answer your questions clearly. A company that is straightforward to reach and helpful before you buy is usually easier to work with after you buy.
Discounts and ways to lower your rate
21st Century offers discounts for things like bundling home and auto insurance, paying your bill in full upfront, maintaining continuous coverage without lapses, and completing a defensive driving course. Some discounts are automatic — the company applies them when you may have access to. Others you have to ask for or report to get.
The size of each discount varies by state and by your personal situation. A bundling discount might save you 10 to 20 percent, while a defensive driving discount might be 5 to 10 percent. The only way to know what you actually save is to ask for a quote and see which discounts the company applies.
If your situation changes — you move, buy a new car, get married, or have a major life event — your rate may change. Some changes lower your rate, others raise it. It is worth getting a new quote every year or two to see whether you are still getting a competitive price, even if nothing major has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 21st Century Insurance available in my state?
21st Century operates in roughly 15 states, but this varies. The easiest way to find out is to visit the 21st Century website and enter your zip code, or call their phone line and ask. If they do not operate in your state, they will tell you directly rather than letting you waste time on a quote.
Can I get a quote if I have had an accident or traffic violation?
Yes. 21st Century specifically markets to drivers with accidents or violations on their record. Your rate will be higher than someone with a clean driving history, but you can still get a quote and buy a policy. The company will not deny you coverage based on your past alone.
How do I cancel my 21st Century policy?
You can cancel by calling customer service, going online to your account, or contacting your agent. Most policies can be canceled anytime, though some states allow a short grace period. Ask whether there is a cancellation fee and when your coverage will end so you can make sure your new insurance starts on the same day.
What should I do if 21st Century denies my claim?
First, ask the company in writing why they denied it and request a detailed explanation. If you disagree, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner, who can investigate whether the denial was fair. You can also hire a lawyer or ask your state bar association for a referral if the claim amount is large enough to justify it.
How often should I shop around for new insurance?
It is a good idea to get quotes from other insurers every one to two years, even if you are happy with 21st Century. Rates change, new discounts appear, and competitors may offer better prices for your situation. Spending an hour comparing quotes can save you hundreds of dollars annually.