Cheapest Auto Insurance in South Dakota (2025)
In South Dakota, drivers pay an average of $56 per month for liability-only car insurance.
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Written bySarah Sharkey
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7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
A passionate personal finance advocate, Sarah’s writing has graced the pages of many of the personal finance and insurance industries’ top web publications.
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Edited byKatie Powers
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Table of contents
Not a densely populated state, South Dakota has about 12 people per square mile, which may explain why car insurance is affordable there.[1] The average monthly cost of full-coverage auto insurance is $128, compared to the national average of $197, according to Insurify data.
Here’s what you should know about finding cheap coverage in South Dakota.
Quick Facts
The average premium for liability-only coverage in South Dakota is $56 per month, compared to the national average of $105.
Drivers in the Coyote State can find the cheapest car insurance options through Safeco, Bristol West, and Dairyland.
Because South Dakota is an at-fault state, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering the other driver’s vehicle damage and injuries.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in South Dakota
The right car insurance company for you will vary based on the factors of your unique situation. But some of the best car insurance companies in South Dakota consistently offer affordable auto insurance rates to drivers.
Shopping around to compare quotes on your own is always a good idea. But consider starting your search by learning about some of the most affordable South Dakota car insurance companies.
Safeco
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.3 /10 |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $137/mo |
4.5
Best choiceBased on 803 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Safeco
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
How drivers feel about Safeco
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
Reviews (451)
Joseph
March 19, 2025
Verified Review
Average
My policy went up five times even though I had no accidents or violations.
John
March 18, 2025
Verified Review
Terrible
They doubled my price even though I haven't had a claim in 25 years.
Jason
March 16, 2025
Verified Review
Great Insurance, But Not for Those on a Budget
It's a great insurance company, it just got too expensive for me.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
808NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.08A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
On average, Safeco, a Liberty Mutual company, offers the most affordable full-coverage insurance premiums to South Dakota drivers. In addition to reasonable rates, safe drivers can earn cash back for claims-free periods. And if you do need to file a claim, Safeco will connect you via its Guaranteed Repair Network to get your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
Pros
Cash back for claims-free periods
Wide range of car insurance products
Cons
Very low customer satisfaction ranking in J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study
Poor customer reviews
Dairyland
| User Reviews | 3.6 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.0 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $72/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $186/mo |
3.6
A solid optionBased on 269 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Dairyland
Drivers appreciate the affordable initial rates and the company’s willingness to insure when others won’t. But they dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, and some report poor customer service experiences.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Hard-to-insure drivers
Customer satisfaction
RV and motorcycle coverage
How drivers feel about Dairyland
Drivers appreciate the affordable initial rates and the company’s willingness to insure when others won’t. But they dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, and some report poor customer service experiences.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Hard-to-insure drivers
Customer satisfaction
RV and motorcycle coverage
Reviews (146)
Troy
March 13, 2025
Verified Review
Still Shopping Around, but Progressive is Likely My Choice
I regret having used them.
Charles
March 7, 2025
Verified Review
Unsatisfactory Home Office
The main office keeps sending me unpleasant letters, and the local office doesn't seem to care or make an effort to call them to rectify the situation.
Ella
March 6, 2025
Verified Review
Average
Prices are high.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.61A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Dairyland offers relatively affordable liability-only coverage premiums and regularly works with high-risk drivers. The company doesn’t advertise any discounts. Unlike many companies, Dairyland doesn’t typically charge high-risk drivers an SR-22 filing fee.
Pros
Good customer reviews
No SR-22 filing fee
Cons
Relatively high full-coverage premiums
No advertised discounts
Bristol West
| User Reviews | 3.2 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 5.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $67/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $160/mo |
3.2
A solid optionBased on 334 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Bristol West
Customers appreciate the company’s helpful customer service and ease of online policy access. But they dislike the high and often increasing premiums, and some report difficulties with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High-risk drivers
Drivers who've had a lapse in coverage
Rideshare coverage
How drivers feel about Bristol West
Customers appreciate the company’s helpful customer service and ease of online policy access. But they dislike the high and often increasing premiums, and some report difficulties with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High-risk drivers
Drivers who've had a lapse in coverage
Rideshare coverage
Reviews (161)
Monique
March 18, 2025
Verified Review
Great Customer Service
They provide great customer service. I would recommend them if you're trying to find insurance.
Monica
March 17, 2025
Verified Review
Not worth it
Too expensive.
Pamela
March 17, 2025
Verified Review
Expensive
Too expensive.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.8A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
Part of the Farmers Insurance Group, Bristol West offers the lowest average minimum-coverage car insurance premiums to South Dakota drivers. The company commonly works with high-risk drivers, explicitly stating a willingness to work with drivers who have poor credit, no credit, or a DUI on their motor vehicle record.
Pros
Reputation for working with high-risk drivers
Ample coverage options
Cons
Above-average number of complaints, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Limited selection of discounts
How to get the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota
Cheap car insurance is a top priority for most drivers. If you want to avoid overpaying for this necessary expense, implement the strategies below while searching for the right insurer.
Ask for a discount. Many auto insurance companies offer numerous discount options. Some common discounts reward loyal customers, safe drivers, military members, and good students. It never hurts to ask if you qualify for any insurance discounts.
Raise your deductible. A higher collision or comprehensive deductible tends to result in lower insurance premiums. Don’t increase your deductible unless you can afford to cover it unexpectedly.
Shop around. Every insurance company has a slightly different method of determining rates. You can find the lowest cost for you by shopping around for coverage from multiple insurers.
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Cheapest liability-only car insurance quotes in South Dakota
Liability-only auto insurance covers property damage and bodily injury you cause to others during an accident. For example, after an at-fault accident, your liability insurance policy might help you pay for the other driver’s repair costs or medical bills.
Since liability-only car insurance is the minimum amount of coverage you need to buy, it often comes with cheaper premiums. But after an at-fault accident, you’ll have to pay to repair your vehicle if you don’t have additional coverage.[2]
On average, drivers in South Dakota pay $56 per month for liability-only policies. You can find the cheapest car insurance companies for liability coverage in South Dakota below.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company  | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Direct Auto | $50 |
| CSAA | $61 |
| Bristol West | $67 |
| Safeco | $69 |
| Dairyland | $72 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in South Dakota
A full-coverage car insurance policy offers more financial protection than liability-only coverage. In addition to liability coverage, full-coverage policies also include comprehensive and collision insurance. After an accident or other type of incident, your insurer will help you cover repairs to your vehicle.
Most drivers with an auto loan or lease might need to carry full coverage, per lender requirements. But the increased coverage for your vehicle can offer financial security and vehicle protection for all drivers — especially people with new or high-value vehicles. South Dakota drivers pay a monthly average of $128 for full coverage.
The table below lists the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates in South Dakota.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Direct Auto | $127 |
| CSAA | $129 |
| Safeco | $137 |
| Bristol West | $160 |
| Dairyland | $186 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in South Dakota
Recent South Dakota car insurance prices for Ford, Chevrolet, KIA , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 120+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 120+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Your age will affect your car insurance premium. Teen drivers pay the highest rates due to a lack of driving experience and a higher rate of car accidents than older drivers. Average rates typically decrease with age as drivers gain more experience behind the wheel. But senior drivers older than 70 may face slightly higher premiums due to aging-related risk factors.
Here’s how much drivers pay for car insurance on average in South Dakota by age group.
Age GroupAverage Monthly Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Monthly Quote: Full CoverageTeen drivers $124 $284 Adult drivers $52 $118 Senior drivers $39 $89 Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota drivers must carry a minimum amount of car insurance. It’s illegal to operate your vehicle on public roadways without the necessary liability and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.[3] South Dakota is an at-fault state, which means drivers responsible for an accident must cover the costs of resulting damage and injury.
Below, you can find the specific minimum coverage requirements based on state law.
Coverage | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
If you want more protection than the bare minimum amount of coverage, consider the following common optional coverages:
Collision coverage
After a car accident with another vehicle or if you hit an object like a tree or light pole, collision insurance kicks in to help you pay to repair or replace your vehicle. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance helps you pay for damages to your vehicle from a non-collision incident. For example, it typically covers damage from fire, vandalism, theft, cracked windshields, or severe weather.
Medical payments coverage
Following an auto accident, medical payments coverage can pay for medical and funeral expenses for you and your passengers who experience bodily injury. This coverage applies regardless of fault.
Cheapest car insurance in South Dakota by driving record
When you make a mistake on the road, the incident can have a big effect on your car insurance costs. Most people who have an incident on their driving record pay more for car insurance than drivers with a clean record. Incidents include speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI) charges, and at-fault accidents.[4]
The average monthly cost of liability insurance in South Dakota for drivers with clean records is $56. This average increases to $80 per month for drivers with an incident on their record.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | With Speeding Ticket | With At-Fault Accident | With DUI/DWI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Auto | $73 | $77 | $89 |
| CSAA | $90 | $95 | $109 |
| Bristol West | $98 | $101 | $119 |
| Safeco | $102 | $106 | $119 |
| Dairyland | $104 | $108 | $128 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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The city and ZIP code you live in will affect your insurance premiums due to location-based risk factors. Insurance companies typically consider an area’s crime rates, population density, accident rates, and more when determining premiums.
Below, you can see average insurance quotes for a few cities in South Dakota.
CityAverage Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAberdeen $52 $109 Rapid City $65 $151 Sioux Falls $66 $130 Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
South Dakota car insurance FAQs
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed when deciding how much coverage you need and what insurer to choose in South Dakota. The following information should help you navigate the process of buying auto coverage in the state.
South Dakota drivers pay an average of $128 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $56 monthly for liability-only coverage. Your rates may be more or less than the state average, depending on many factors, including your age, gender, driving record, and vehicle.
The best car insurance company in South Dakota is State Auto, due to its below-average number of customer complaints on the NAIC complaint index. Other top insurers in the state include Safeco and CSAA.
Average South Dakota car insurance costs are cheaper than national averages. Rates are also lower than in neighboring states like Minnesota and Nebraska, where full coverage costs $192 per month, and $175, respectively.
Yes. Driving without insurance in South Dakota is illegal. South Dakota residents must purchase a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $25,000 per accident in property damage liability, and $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Sources
- United States Census Bureau. "QuickFacts South Dakota."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
- South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation. "Automobile Insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
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Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make savvy financial decisions. She covered insurance and personal finance topics. You can find her work on Business Insider, Money Under 30, Rocket Mortgage, Bankrate, and more. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Sarah has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2022.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.