Best Car Insurance In South Dakota (original) (raw)
Written by:
, Writer
10/18/2024 08:01 AM
Key Points:
- Geico offers the most well-rounded coverage for most South Dakota drivers, while State Farm has affordable policies for teens and high-risk drivers.
- Drivers in South Dakota must maintain a minimum of 20/50/25 insurance coverage.
- South Dakota drivers pay an average of 2,096peryearor2,096 per year or 2,096peryearor172 per month for a full-coverage policy.
Looking to buy car insurance in South Dakota? Our review covers the top five car insurance providers for South Dakota drivers, as well as the state’s minimum insurance requirements and driving conditions in the state.
After thoroughly researching the car insurance industry, our review team determined the best auto insurance companies nationwide. In this article, we use the same standards to identify the best car insurance providers for South Dakota, including coverage, affordability, customer service, and state requirements.
What Is The Best Car Insurance Company In South Dakota?
We reviewed dozens of insurance companies offering coverage across the country. In South Dakota, we found that Geico offers the best coverage options and rates for most drivers. For teens, students, and high-risk drivers, we recommend State Farm for the best coverage rates and discounts.
| South Dakota Auto Insurance Provider | Overall Rating (Out of 5.0) | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Geico | $5 | Affordable For Most Drivers |
| 2. State Farm | $5 | Great For Teens and High-Risk Drivers |
| 3. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $4 | Affordable Minimum Coverage |
| 4. Iowa Farm Bureau | $4 | Superior Regional Coverage |
| 5. USAA | $5 | Best For Military Members |
*You may notice that some car insurance companies are listed above those with higher star ratings. This is because our star ratings take into account nationwide factors, while our ranking looks specifically at what insurance providers are best for car insurance in South Dakota.
5 Best Car Insurance Providers In South Dakota
Below, we’ve outlined our top five picks for car insurance in South Dakota.
#1 Geico : Affordable For Most Drivers
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost : 1,361peryear,1,361 per year, 1,361peryear,113 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost : 302peryear,302 per year, 302peryear,25 per month
South Dakota Customer Service Rating: 819/1,000 points
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 871/1,000 points
Based on its strong industry reputation and affordable rates, Geico is a solid choice for most South Dakota drivers. The company is one of the most affordable providers in the United States and offers many car insurance discounts that can lower your premium by up to 25 percent. Geico’s rates are also affordable for South Dakota drivers with a bad credit score.
Learn more about the insurer in our Geico insurance review.
Pros
- Superior financial strength rating from AM Best and A- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Many choices for coverage available in all 50 states
- Great rates for drivers with poor credit
Cons
- Usage-based app not available in all states
#2 State Farm : Great For Teens And High-Risk Drivers
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost : 1,395peryear,1,395 per year, 1,395peryear,116 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost : 328peryear,328 per year, 328peryear,27 per month
South Dakota Customer Service Rating: 833/1,000 points
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 891/1,000 points
State Farm is the largest insurance provider in the U.S. and boasts a solid industry reputation with an A++ Financial Strength rating from AM Best. Next to USAA, which is only available to military members, State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers and other young drivers. The company also offers the most affordable car insurance rates for those with a recent accident or speeding ticket in the state.
Learn more about the insurer in our State Farm insurance review.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage offerings
- Largest auto insurer in the country
- Many discounts for teens and students
- Superior financial strength rating
Cons
- Reported errors with autopay
- Not taking new customers in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
- Higher minimum coverage rates than some competitors
#3 Farmers Mutual of Nebraska : Affordable Minimum Coverage
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost : 2,127peryear,2,127 per year, 2,127peryear,177 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost : 235peryear,235 per year, 235peryear,20 per month
South Dakota Customer Service Rating: N/A
Claims Satisfaction Rating: N/A
When it comes to liability insurance, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska offers the most affordable average rates for South Dakota drivers with a clean driving record, good credit, and no military affiliations. The company also boasts affordable full coverage rates and car insurance policy discounts for different drivers.
Pros
- Has been in business for 130 years
- Excellent AM Best financial strength rating
Cons
- Only available in Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota
- Other providers may offer lower rates for some drivers
#4 Iowa Farm Bureau: Superior Regional Coverage
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost : 2,427peryear,2,427 per year, 2,427peryear,202 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost : 418peryear,418 per year, 418peryear,35 per month
South Dakota Customer Service Rating: N/A
Claims Satisfaction Rating: N/A
If you’re looking for locally based coverage options, consider getting quotes from the Iowa Farm Bureau. Part of the Farm Bureau group of providers, the Iowa Farm Bureau branch offers coverage to drivers in select states in the central region of the U.S., including South Dakota. Iowa Farm Bureau has some of the cheapest rates for drivers with good credit and a clean driving record.
Pros
- Regionally based coverage
- Affordable rates for South Dakota drivers
- Over 100 years of experience
Cons
- Fewer discount opportunities than many providers
- Limited coverage availability
#5 USAA : Best For Military Members
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost : 1,243peryear,1,243 per year, 1,243peryear,104 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost : 221peryear,221 per year, 221peryear,18 per month
South Dakota Customer Service Rating: 890/1,000 points*
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 900/1,000 points*
USAA consistently gets some of the highest scores in J.D. Power’s insurance customer satisfaction and claims studies. The company also offers the lowest rates in the country for good drivers with positive credit histories. Only military members, their families, and select other military affiliates are eligible for coverage, but qualified drivers can get coverage in every state.
Learn more in our USAA insurance review.
Pros
- Excellent rates for military members and their families
- Superior financial strength rating from AM Best
- Many discount opportunities
Cons
- Policy eligibility restricted to military members and their families
* USAA is excluded from rankings in J.D. Power studies because the provider doesn’t meet study eligibility requirements.
Minimum South Dakota Car Insurance Coverage
Each state decides its own minimums for car insurance. Like many states, South Dakota requires bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
South Dakota’s minimum coverage requirements include 25/50/25 liability auto insurance and 25/50 underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, according to the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. This includes:
- $25,000 per person bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability
- $25,000 per accident property damage liability
- $25,000 per person uninsured/underinsured motorist
- $50,000 per accident uninsured/underinsured motorist
These insurance requirements protect other drivers, their passengers, and other vehicles involved in an accident you cause. They also make sure you’re covered in case your accident involves another driver with no insurance or too little insurance. In South Dakota, the basic requirements also cover you in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
Driving without insurance in South Dakota is a Class 2 misdemeanor. If you’re pulled over or are involved in a car accident and can’t provide proof of minimum coverage in South Dakota, you could face:
- A fine of $500
- Imprisonment for up to 30 days
- License suspension for 30 days to a year
- License and registration suspension until you provide proof of insurance
It’s always a good idea to carry more than a state’s minimum requirements. Often, accidents result in higher costs than minimum insurance requirements can cover. However, South Dakota is an at-fault state, which means a driver doesn’t have to make a claim to their insurer if they’re not at fault for an accident.
Here are a few other types of auto insurance to consider carrying:
- Comprehensive car insurance
- Collision coverage
- Medical payments (MedPay) insurance
Best Car Insurance In South Dakota: Our Take
With South Dakota’s strict penalties for driving without insurance, it’s a good idea to purchase at least the state’s minimum requirements. Before you commit to an auto insurance policy, however, we recommend comparing car insurance quotes from a few different providers. When shopping, remember that cheap car insurance isn’t always the best coverage.
Based on customer reviews, affordability, industry ratings, and comprehensive studies, we’ve determined Geico, State Farm, and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska are the best car insurance companies for South Dakota drivers.
FAQ: Best Car Insurance In South Dakota
You’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best car insurance coverage in South Dakota below:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is car insurance in South Dakota?
Drivers in South Dakota pay an average of 2,069peryearor2,069 per year or 2,069peryearor172 per month for full-coverage car insurance. Minimum coverage costs drivers an average of 374peryearor374 per year or 374peryearor31 per month. These rates are based on a 30-year-old male driver with a clean driving record and good credit. Insurance premium rates you’re offered may vary by provider change based on your vehicle, your exact location, driving history, and other factors.
Is South Dakota a no-fault state?
No, South Dakota is an ”at-fault state,” meaning that drivers who are not found at fault for an auto accident do not need to file a claim with their insurance companies.
How much cheaper is car insurance in South Dakota?
The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in South Dakota is 2,096peryear,comparedtothenationalaveragepremiumcostof2,096 per year, compared to the national average premium cost of 2,096peryear,comparedtothenationalaveragepremiumcostof1,969. State minimum coverage, however, is far more affordable at just 374peryearfordriversintheMountRushmorestate,comparedto374 per year for drivers in the Mount Rushmore state, compared to 374peryearfordriversintheMountRushmorestate,comparedto798 per year nationally.
How We Rate South Dakota Auto Insurers
Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
- Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
- Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
- Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.
*Data accurate at time of publication.