<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q


[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                                       OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                      For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2001

                         Commission File Number 0-24961

                        AMERICAN NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


         California                                              33-0731548
-------------------------------                           ----------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                             (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                            Identification Number)


1111 E. Katella Avenue, Suite 220, Orange, California             92867
-----------------------------------------------------     ----------------------
     (Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip Code)


                                 (714) 289-4300
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                           YES  [X]       NO  [ ]


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

         Common stock, no par value, 7,247,570 shares as of May 9, 2001



<PAGE>   2

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                QUARTERLY REPORT

                          Quarter Ended March 31, 2001

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                           Page
                                                                          Number
                                                                          ------
Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

                A. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of               3
                   March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000

                B. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the     4
                   three-month periods ended March 31, 2001 and 2000

                C. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
                   Earnings for the three-month periods ended March 31,
                   2001 and 2000                                             5

                D. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                   for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2001
                   and 2000                                                  6

                E. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements      8

        Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                Condition and Results of Operations                          8

        Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Market Risk Disclosures        10

Part II: OTHER INFORMATION

        Item 2. Changes in Security                                         11

        Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                            11

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                              AMERICAN NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC.
                                              ---------------------------------
                                                        (Registrant)


By: /s/ Carl A. Strunk
    ----------------------------------------
        Carl A. Strunk
        Executive Vice President and
        Chief Financial Officer
        (Principal Financial and Accounting
        Officer) and Director                                Date: May 14, 2001


                                       2

<PAGE>   3

Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

               AMERICAN NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        MARCH 31,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                          2001            2000
                                                       -----------    -----------
                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>
                                     ASSETS

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ..........................    $ 12,189       $  9,450
Short-term investments, at cost, which
  approximates fair market value ...................         515            415
Accrued investment interest ........................         175            145
Trade receivables, net of allowance for
  doubtful accounts of $2,171 in 2001 and
  $2,118 in 2000 ...................................       4,520          3,925
Notes receivables, net .............................       2,088          2,141
Deferred tax asset .................................       2,967          3,182
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ..........         972            819
                                                        --------       --------
       Total current assets ........................      23,426         20,077

Investment securities available for sale,
  at fair market value .............................      10,071         10,533
Property and equipment, net ........................       7,633          7,502
Title plants .......................................       2,699          2,699
Deposits with the Insurance Commissioner ...........         133            133
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization
  of $1,611 in 2001 and $1,471 in 2000 .............      12,257         12,397
                                                        --------       --------
       Total assets ................................    $ 56,219       $ 53,341
                                                        ========       ========

                     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses ........    $  6,328       $  5,998
Customer advances ..................................       3,755          3,087
Current portion of long-term debt ..................         557            555
Current portion of obligations under capital
  leases with affiliates ...........................         109            113
Current portion of obligations under capital
  leases with non-affiliates .......................         138            135
Reserve for claim losses ...........................       2,491          2,431
Income tax payable .................................       2,633          1,348
Due to affiliate ...................................       2,201          2,294
                                                        --------       --------
       Total current liabilities ...................      18,212         15,961
Long-term debt .....................................       3,118          3,528
Obligations under capital leases with affiliates ...         799            823
Obligations under capital leases with non-affiliates       1,016          1,052
                                                        --------       --------
       Total liabilities ...........................      23,145         21,364

Shareholders' equity:

Preferred stock, no par value; authorized
  5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none ...          --             --
Common stock, no par value; authorized,
  50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding,
  7,262,403 in 2001 and 7,375,224 in 2000 ..........          --             --
Additional paid in capital .........................      22,991         22,744
Retained earnings ..................................      10,916          9,409
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ......         190           (136)
Less treasury stock, 262,403 shares in 2001 and
  13,870 shares in 2000, at cost ...................      (1,023)           (40)
                                                        --------       --------
       Total shareholders' equity ..................      33,074         31,977
                                                        --------       --------
       Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ..    $ 56,219       $ 53,341
                                                        ========       ========
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

                                       3

<PAGE>   4

               AMERICAN NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                              MARCH 31,
                                                      --------------------------
                                                         2001            2000
                                                      ----------     -----------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>
Revenues:
Net title service revenue -- related party .......    $   14,756     $     9,688
Escrow fees ......................................         6,841           4,857
Other service charges ............................         5,415           2,865
Investment income ................................         1,286             279
                                                      ----------     -----------
     Total revenues ..............................        28,298          17,689
                                                      ----------     -----------

Expenses:
Personnel costs ..................................        15,887          11,817
Other operating expenses includes $935,000 and
  $969,000 with affiliate for the three-month
  periods ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 ..........         6,830           5,302
Title plant rent and maintenance .................         1,751           1,133
                                                      ----------     -----------
     Total expenses ..............................        24,468          18,252
                                                      ----------     -----------

Earnings (loss) before income taxes ..............         3,830            (563)
Income tax .......................................         1,570            (231)
                                                      ----------     -----------
Net earnings (loss) ..............................    $    2,260     $      (332)
                                                      ==========     ===========

Basic earnings per share .........................    $     0.30     $     (0.05)
                                                      ==========     ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic basis .     7,458,432       7,228,614
                                                      ==========     ===========

Diluted earnings per share .......................    $     0.29     $     (0.05)
                                                      ==========     ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted basis     7,836,509       7,228,614
                                                      ==========     ===========
Cash dividends per share .........................    $      .10     $       .10
                                                      ==========     ===========
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

                                       4

<PAGE>   5

               AMERICAN NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

           CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                  MARCH 31,
                                            ---------------------
                                              2001          2000
                                            -------         -----
<S>                                         <C>             <C>
Net earnings (loss) ......................  $ 2,260         $(332)

Other comprehensive income -
  Unrealized gain on investment securities
    available for sale(1) ................      570             7
  Less reclassification of realized gain
    included in net taxes, net of tax ....     (244)           --
                                            -------         -----
Comprehensive earnings (loss) ............  $ 2,586         $(325)
                                            =======         =====
</TABLE>

---------------
(1) Net of income tax expense of $212 and $6, for the three-months ended
    March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

      See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

                                       5

<PAGE>   6

               AMERICAN NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  MARCH 31,
                                                            --------------------
                                                              2001        2000
                                                            --------     -------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings (loss) .....................................   $  2,260     $  (332)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash
  provided by (used in) operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization .........................        686         588
  (Gain) loss on sale of investments ....................     (1,004)        103
  Loss on sale of property and equipment ................         --           1
  Loss on disposal of property and equipment ............         14          --

  Changes in:
    Accounts receivables, net ...........................       (595)        (57)
    Interest receivable .................................        (30)         37
    Prepaid expenses and other assets ...................        (57)        163
    Income taxes receivable (payable) and
      deferred income taxes .............................      1,500        (169)
    Accounts payable and other accrued expenses .........        404      (1,683)
    Reserve for claim loss ..............................         60          28
    Due from affiliates .................................        (93)        (69)
    Customer advances ...................................        668         105
                                                            --------     -------
      Total cash provided by (used in)
        operating activities.............................      3,813      (1,285)
                                                            --------     -------

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment ......................       (861)       (338)
Additions to notes receivable ...........................       (131)       (718)
Collections on notes receivable .........................        184           2
Proceeds from sales of investment securities ............      1,792       4,853
Purchase of investment securities .......................         --         (20)
Purchase of short-term investments ......................       (100)         --
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment ............         --           1
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash received .......         --      (2,747)
                                                            --------     -------
      Total cash provided by investing activities .......        884       1,033
                                                            --------     -------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of long-term debt .............................       (408)         (9)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock ..................        247         161
Payments of capital lease obligations ...................        (61)        (47)
Dividends paid ..........................................       (753)       (725)
Repurchase of capital stock .............................       (983)         --
                                                            --------     -------
      Total cash used in financing activities ...........     (1,958)       (620)
                                                            --------     -------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ........      2,739        (872)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period ....      9,450       3,361
                                                            --------     -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ..............   $ 12,189     $ 2,489
                                                            ========     =======
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

                                       6

<PAGE>   7

                AMERICAN NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIRIES

          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (CONTINUED)
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         MARCH 31,
                                                    -------------------
                                                    2001          2000
                                                    ----        -------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the year:
    Interest ....................................   $118        $    86
    Income taxes ................................    286             --

PURCHASE OF SUBSIDIARIES:
  Tangible assets acquired at fair value
    excluding cash received .....................   $ --        $   729
  Cost in excess of net assets acquired .........     --          4,905
  Liabilities assumed at fair value .............     --           (750)
                                                    ----        -------
  Net cash used to acquire business .............   $ --        $ 4,884
                                                    ----        -------
  Non-cash investing activities:
     Dividend declared and unpaid ...............   $753        $   715
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

                                       7

<PAGE>   8

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note A - Basis of Financial Statements

The financial information included in this report includes the accounts of
American National Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company") and has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation S-X. All adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals
considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. This report
should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2000. Certain reclassifications have been made to
the 2000 Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to classifications used in
2001.

Note B - Dividends

On March 16, 2001, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash
dividend of $.10 per share, payable on April 10, 2001, to stockholders of record
on March 27, 2001.

Note C - Stock Repurchase Program

During the quarter ended March 31, 2001, the Company purchased 248,533 shares in
the amount of $983,000 at an average price of $3.96. The total amount of shares
purchased pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Program was 262,403 shares in the
amount of $1,023,000 at the average price of $3.90.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
        Results of Operations

Factors That May Affect Operating Results

The statements contained in this report on Form 10-Q that are not purely
historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, including statements regarding the Company's expectations, hopes,
intentions or strategies regarding the future. All forward-looking statements
included in this document are based on information available to the Company on
the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such
forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the Company's actual
results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.
The reader should consult the risk factors listed from time to time and other
information disclosed in the Company's reports on Forms 10-K and filings under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Results of Operations

Total revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 increased 60.0% to $28.3
million from $17.7 million in the comparable 2000 period. Beginning in late 2000
interest rate decreases caused by actions taken by the Federal Reserve Board
resulted in a significant increase in refinancing and resale transactions, which
resulted in the increase of the Company's order count and premium volume.

Net Title Service Revenue. Net title service revenue increased $5.1 million or
52.3% to $14.8 million from $9.7 million for the comparable 2000 period. The
increase in net title service revenue for the first quarter ended March 31, 2001
is consistent with the current real estate environment and the increase in
opened title orders. The average fee per file decreased to $996 in 2001 compared
to $1,017 in the comparable 2000 period. The fee per file decrease is indicative
of a change in the mix of title orders closing. Average refinance fees per file
are less than average resale fees per file. Gross title premiums for quarter
ended March 31, 2001 were $17.4 million compared to $11.0 million for the
corresponding 2000 period.

Escrow Fees. Revenues from escrow fees increased by $2.0 million or 40.8% to
$6.8 million in the first quarter of 2001 from $4.9 million in the comparable
2000 period. Escrow fees are primarily related to title insurance activity
generated by the Company's direct operations. The increase is primarily the
result of stronger market conditions in resale and refinance activity, recent
interest rate decreases and the resultant increase in closed title orders.


                                       8

<PAGE>   9

Other Service Charges. Other service charges were $5.4 million for the quarter
ended March 31, 2001 compared to $2.9 million for comparable 2000 period, an
increase of $2.6 million or 89.0%. The fluctuation in other fees and revenues
are a result of the level and mix of business related to the increase in closed
title orders. The Company's strategy has been to strengthen the ancillary
service businesses through acquisitions. The Company anticipates leveraging its
core title and escrow businesses and national presence to successfully expand
its ancillary service businesses.

Investment Income. Investment and interest income are primarily a function of
securities markets and interest rates. The Company strengthened its balance
sheet with the acquisition of National Title Insurance of New York, Inc.
("National") and shifted the emphasis to a fixed income portfolio. Investment
income increased $1.0 million, or 360.9% to $1.3 million compared to $279,000 in
the corresponding 2000 period. The significant increase relates to a gain of
$1.0 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2001 from the sale of a block of
equity securities at the quoted market price.

The Company's operating expenses consist primarily of personnel, other operating
expenses and title plant rent and maintenance which are incurred as orders are
received and processed. Net title service revenue and certain other fees are not
recognized as income until the transaction closes. As a result, revenue lags
approximately 60-90 days behind expenses and therefore gross margins may
fluctuate.

Personnel Costs. Personnel costs include base salaries, commissions and bonuses
paid to employees and are the most significant operating expense incurred by the
Company. As a percentage of total revenue, exclusive of investment income,
personnel costs decreased to 58.8% for the three-month periods ended March 31,
2001 compared to 67.9% for the corresponding period in 2000. Personnel costs
totaled $15.9 million and $11.8 million for the three-month periods ended March
31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These costs fluctuate with the level of orders
opened and closed and the mix of revenue. Personnel expenses have decreased as a
percentage of total revenue due to cost controls implemented by the company. The
quarter to quarter increase in personnel costs is a result of the Company's
efforts to maintain appropriate personnel levels and costs relative to the
volume and mix of business and revenues. The Company continues to monitor the
prevailing market conditions and attempts to respond as necessary.

Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses consist of facilities
expenses, escrow losses, postage and courier services, data processing expense,
general insurance, trade and notes receivable allowances and depreciation. Other
operating expense decreased as a percentage of total revenue, exclusive of
investment income, to 25.3% in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2001,
compared to 30.5% for the 2000 corresponding period. Other operating expenses
totaled $6.8 million and $5.3 million, for the three-month periods ended March
31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. In response to market conditions, the Company
implemented aggressive cost control programs in order to maintain operating
expenses consistent with levels of revenue; however, certain fixed costs are
incurred regardless of revenue levels, resulting in year to year percentage
fluctuations. The Company continues to review operating expenses and will
evaluate expenses relative to existing and projected market conditions.

Title Plant Rent and Maintenance Expense. Title plant rent and maintenance
expense totaled $1.8 million and $1.1 million for the three-month periods ended
March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Title plant rent and maintenance expense
remained consistent as a percentage of total revenue, exclusive of investment
income, at 6.5% for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. The year to year consistency in title plant expense is primarily a
result of various contract negotiations within several counties in California
and Arizona and the centralization of plant operations resulting in significant
cost reductions for the Company.

Income taxes (benefit) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2001 and
2000, as a percentage of earnings before income taxes were 41.0% and (41.0%),
respectively. Income taxes (benefit) as a percentage of earnings before income
taxes remains consistent, however, any future fluctuations could be attributable
to the effect of state income taxes on the Company's primary subsidiary the
wholly-owned underwritten title company and the ancillary service companies; a
change in the amount and the characteristics of net income, operating income
versus investment income; and the tax treatment of certain items.


                                       9

<PAGE>   10

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's current cash requirements include debt service, debt relating to
capital leases, personnel and other operating expenses, taxes and dividends on
its common stock. The Company believes that all anticipated cash requirements
for current operations will be met from internally generated funds. The
Company's cash requirements include expenses relating to the development of
National Title Insurance of New York, Inc. ("National") business. While the
Company presently has in place much of the infrastructure (principally
consisting of personnel) that will be used for this development, management
believes that additional cash resources will be required. Cash requirements for
the development of National are expected to be met from current cash balances
and internally generated funds.

One source of the Company's funds is distributions from its subsidiaries. As a
holding company, the Company may receive cash from its subsidiaries in the form
of dividends and as reimbursement for operating and other administrative
expenses it incurs. The Company's underwritten title company collects premiums
and fees and pays underwriting fees and operating expenses. The underwritten
title company is restricted only to the extent of maintaining minimum levels of
working capital and net worth, but are not restricted by state regulations or
banking authorities in their ability to pay dividends and make distributions.

National is subject to regulations that restrict its ability to pay dividends or
make other distributions of cash or property to its parent company without prior
approval from the Department of Insurance of the State of New York. The maximum
amount of dividends which can be paid by National to shareholders without prior
approval of the Insurance Commissioner is subject to restrictions. No dividends,
including any dividends paid in the preceding twelve months, which exceed 10% of
the outstanding capital shares can be paid without prior approval unless after
deducting dividends National has surplus to policyholders at least equal to the
greater of 50% of its reinsurance reserves or 50% of the minimum capital
required. Additionally, dividends are further limited to National's earned
surplus.

The Company's other subsidiary operations collect revenue and pay operating
expenses; however, they are not regulated by insurance regulatory or banking
authorities. Positive cash flow from the underwritten title company ("UTC") and
other subsidiary operations is invested primarily in cash and cash equivalents.

The short-term and long-term liquidity requirements of the Company, the
insurance company, UTC and ancillary subsidiaries are monitored regularly. The
Company and its subsidiaries forecast their daily cash needs and review their
short-term and long-term projected sources and use of funds, as well as the
asset, liability, investment and cash flow assumptions for future projects.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Market Risk Disclosures

There have been no material changes in the market risk described in our annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company's fixed maturity investments and borrowings are subject to interest
rate risk. Increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates generally
translate into decreases and increases in fair values of those instruments.
Additionally, fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected
by the creditworthiness of the issuer, prepayment options, relative values of
alternative investments, the liquidity of the instrument and other general
market conditions.

Equity Price Risk

The carrying values of investments subject to equity price risks are based on
quoted market prices or management's estimates of fair value as of the balance
sheet date. Market prices are subject to fluctuation and, consequently, the
amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ
from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security
may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of
the investee, the relative price of alternative investments and general market
conditions. Furthermore, amounts realized in the sale of a particular security
may be affected by the relative quantity of the security being sold.



                                       10
<PAGE>   11

Part II: OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 2. Changes in Securities

             None.

     Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

             (a) Exhibits:

                 None.

             (b) Reports on Form 8-K:

                 None.


                                       11