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6+ years writing about insurance, travel, and personal finances
Contributor to brands like Credible
In addition to insurance, Nick specializes in writing about business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and travel. He’s been featured in myriad web publications, including Fox Business.
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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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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Table of contents
Table of contents
Shopping for car insurance in South Dakota can feel overwhelming. Every driver has their own coverage needs, budget, and profile. Insurify evaluated 50 car insurance companies to help identify the best insurers for South Dakota drivers. Due to the state’s low population density and subsequently low numbers of speeding tickets and traffic fatalities, drivers can benefit from policies offering accident forgiveness and safe driver discounts.
Here’s what you need to know about the best car insurance companies in the Mount Rushmore State.
Best car insurance companies in South Dakota
Shopping for car insurance in South Dakota means reviewing major industry insurers like State Farm and GEICO and regional insurers like North Star to find the best company for you. Below are Insurify’s top picks for South Dakota drivers.
State Farm: Best overall
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.3 /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. | $40/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. | $87/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
With the highest market share in the insurance industry, State Farm checks many boxes as one of the best overall car insurance companies for South Dakota drivers. State Farm offers policy bundling, rideshare coverage, a convenient mobile app for filing claims, and safe driving discount programs that cater to South Dakota drivers of diverse ages, driving habits, and coverage needs.
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Statewide network of local exclusive agents
Diverse coverages, discounts, and options for drivers
Poor Trustpilot score
Accident forgiveness not available
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Progressive: Best for reliability
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 638 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.7 /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. | $101/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. | $173/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
If you prefer an in-person experience, Progressive has a statewide network of local independent agents across South Dakota. The company also writes a majority of policies in the state. This vote of confidence is reinforced by the company’s lower-than-average number of complaints on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index, indicating that drivers are largely satisfied with Progressive’s service.
But across the board, Progressive scored lower than average in J.D. Power surveys measuring customer claims satisfaction and overall customer satisfaction.
Strong presence in South Dakota
AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)
Similar discounts and availability to competitors
Low J.D. Power scores for claims handling and customer satisfaction
Low customer ratings on Trustpilot
Snapshot telematics program could increase rates if the mobile app detects poor driving habits
North Star: Best for farmers
| User Reviews | NR |
|---|---|
| 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. | NR |
Agriculture is a leading industry in South Dakota, and North Star Mutual Insurance Company is prepared to insure farmers and their cars. This regional South Dakota auto insurance company operates in only eight states, potentially giving it a unique perspective on small business and farming insurance matters. With multiple insurance products available, North Star offers an opportunity to secure all your insurance needs from pasture to passenger seat under one company.
Regional company with local, independent agents across South Dakota
Offers farm, car, business, and homeowners insurance
AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)
Limited discounts
Fewer optional coverages than some competitors
Must call to file claims
American Family: Best for customer satisfaction
| 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. | 9.3 /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. | $48/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. | $104/mo |
Drivers appreciate the fast claims processing and good initial rates but dislike the consistent rate increases and poor communication from agents.
Drivers appreciate the fast claims processing and good initial rates but dislike the consistent rate increases and poor communication from agents.
American Family ranks highly in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for overall customer satisfaction in the Central region. The company also has a low number of NAIC complaints in South Dakota compared to its complaints in other states. American Family also has one of the highest Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores.
AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)
High J.D. Power rating for customer satisfaction in the Central region
Bundling options for home, renters, auto, and motorcycle
Rates may be higher than competitors
Less coverage option than some competitors
No rideshare coverage available
GEICO: Best for incidents
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $63/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. | $138/mo |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
South Dakota has a low number of traffic fatalities per mile driven, though a car accident like a fender bender is still quite common. Regardless of the severity of a traffic accident, your insurance will likely increase afterward. GEICO is a good choice for drivers in South Dakota who accidentally cause their first at-fault accident. Its free and upgraded accident forgiveness programs won’t increase premium rates after you experience your first accident.
Competitive rates for drivers with incidents
No premium increases for drivers with accident forgiveness
More discounts than competitors for additional savings
Accident forgiveness requires five years of accident-free driving
Drivers younger than 21 can’t qualify for accident forgiveness
May not be the cheapest for drivers with clean records
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in South Dakota to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
How to get the best car insurance in South Dakota
Finding the best car insurance in South Dakota is easier when you know what to look for. Use these tips to keep your premiums as low as possible without sacrificing the coverage levels you want.[1] [2]
1. Consider how much coverage you need
As long as you maintain the minimum liability coverage required in South Dakota, any additional coverage is entirely up to you. If you have an older vehicle, consider reducing optional coverage. Reported motor vehicle thefts and the percentage of uninsured drivers are lower in South Dakota than in most other states. You may not need certain coverages for problems you’re unlikely to encounter.
2. Look up customer service scores
Customer reviews and rankings can offer insight into the advantages and drawbacks of being a policyholder. Companies like J.D. Power conduct customer satisfaction surveys each year. The Better Business Bureau allows customers to file complaints. Third-party review sites like Trustpilot provide comprehensive ratings based on real customer reviews. Use these resources to learn more about each car insurance company from current and former policyholders.
3. Search for discounts as your lifestyle changes
Your driving habits and eligibility for car insurance discounts change with your lifestyle and age. While most people take advantage of discounts when they secure a new policy, many drivers forget to ask about additional discounts as they stay with their policies. For example, your teens may qualify for good grade discounts or student-away-at-school discounts when they move to college.
4. Pay attention to insurance during car shopping
Don’t purchase a new or used car until you’ve investigated its insurance prices. Insuring a new car, such as an EV with specific repair requirements, will likely raise your rates. You may also see significant savings when choosing between two similar cars of different makes, models, and years. Look into the average car insurance prices for the vehicles you’re considering to get a sense of how much you could pay.
5. Compare quotes annually
The auto insurance industry is oversaturated, which is good for policyholders. Insurance companies may offer more competitive rates, new discounts, or additional policyholder perks since you’ve looked into them last. That’s why it’s so important to compare quotes either every six months or annually. Don’t leave money on the table; get new quotes each year to ensure you’re paying the lowest price for the coverage you need.
Average cost of car insurance in South Dakota
The total average cost of car insurance in South Dakota is $98, which is lower than the national average of $138.
In neighboring North Dakota, the average rate is $90. The Roughrider State had more speeding tickets than any other state in 2024. Conversely, South Dakota’s low numbers of accidents and people per square mile may be why the Mount Rushmore State has a lower average car insurance rate.[3]
Best car insurance in South Dakota FAQs
You can find the right South Dakota insurance policy for your needs with help from the answers below.
How much is car insurance in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, the average cost for liability-only car insurance is $59 per month. The average cost for full-coverage insurance is $136 per month.
What are the best car insurance companies in South Dakota?
The best car insurance companies in South Dakota include national insurers like State Farm and Progressive, as well as regional insurers like North Star. To find the right car insurance company for you, compare at least three companies and look at their rates, coverage amounts, and discounts.
What is the required auto insurance coverage amount in South Dakota?
All drivers in the state of South Dakota must have the following liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance, $25,000 in property damage liability insurance, and $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). The law requires these coverages as well as an SR-22 financial responsibility form for any applicable drivers.[4]
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Sources
- III. "How to save money on car insurance."
- III. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
- U.S. Census. "Population Density."
- Automobile Insurance. "Division of Insurance Consumer Information."
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Nick Dauk is a freelance writer specializing in business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and travel. His work has been featured in Fox Business, BBC, The Edge, Business Insider, and Bisnow. Nick is a first-generation college graduate, having majored in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Central Florida. His eclectic coursework, combined with previous managerial roles in the retail and broadcast television industries, have helped him develop an interdisciplinary approach to writing.
For nearly a decade, Nick has created content for mom-and-pop businesses and global corporations. As a travel writer, his global adventures have also been featured on Inside Hook, Houston Chronicle, Culture Trip, and Matador. When he's not traveling, Nick can be found in Orlando spending time with his wife and toddler.
Nick has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
)
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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