Compare Cheap Auto Insurance in South Dakota

Farmers Mutual of Nebraska has some of the cheapest full coverage rates in South Dakota. Progressive is next-cheapest.

Progressive offers the lowest minimum coverage policy at $269 per year, which is 41 percent lower than the state average. For military-affiliated drivers USAA has low premiums at $273 per year on average.

Teen drivers often face the highest insurance rates due to their inexperience. The average annual cost for teen drivers in South Dakota is $6,442, which is on par with the national average of $6,054 and more than double the average full coverage rate in the state for a policy without a teen.

Farmers Mutual of Nebraska offers the most affordable rates for households with teens in South Dakota at $2,237 annually, nearly 65 percent lower than the state average. USAA follows at $4,285 per year, almost 34 percent lower than the state average.

A speeding ticket typically increases auto insurance rates, but some insurers penalize drivers less than others. A speeding ticket in South Dakota increases your auto insurance premium by about 12 percent on average.

Farmers Mutual of Nebraska offers the lowest rate at $1,359 per year, which is 49 percent lower than the state average. Progressive follows at $2,013 annually, still below the state average.

Being involved in an at-fault accident often leads to higher premiums. The average cost in South Dakota with an at-fault accident is $3,060 per year, which is comparable to the national average of $3,156. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska offers the cheapest option at $1,532 per year, about half the state average. State Farm ($2,258 annually) and USAA ($2,377 annually) also provide competitive rates.

A DUI conviction can cause a substantial increase in auto insurance premiums. The average cost in South Dakota for drivers with a DUI is $3,909 per year, which is 12 percent lower than the national average. Progressive offers the lowest average rates at $1,798 per year. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska ($2,174 annually) offers the next cheapest rates.

Credit scores impact auto insurance rates in South Dakota. The state average premium for drivers with poor credit is $4,292 per year, which is fairly close to the national average of $4,126. Progressive provides the most affordable option at $2,341 per year, 46 percent lower than the state average. GEICO follows at $3,164 annually.

When it comes to customer satisfaction, South Dakota drivers have a few key options to consider, with various providers offering different levels of service.

• USAA stands out as the leader in customer satisfaction in the Central region, receiving an impressive 719 score in J.D. Power’s Central Region Customer Satisfaction study. They also scored 741 nationally in J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Study. The insurer received a C- grade on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card, however, which signals there may be some variability in claims service. It’s important to note that USAA is not officially ranked in the J.D. Power studies due to their limited availability; but among their smaller membership base, customers seem to appreciate the company’s customer service.
• North Star Mutual also is not ranked by J.D. Power, but the company received the best rating from the CRASH Network, making the Honor Roll on the latest Insurer Report Card. The high score indicates a good working relationship with repair shops in the regions they serve.
• State Farm, another popular choice, ranks above average for customer and claims satisfaction in the U.S. The company’s D+ grade on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card suggests there may be some room for improvement, but the insurer remains a solid option for many drivers.

While customer satisfaction scores can vary across providers, USAA remains a top contender in South Dakota, if you’re eligible. Other insurance carriers, such as North Star Mutual and State Farm, also provide strong options for drivers seeking reliable service. Though ratings are unavailable for Farmers Mutual of Nebraska due to its small size, it has some of the cheapest rates in many categories and is worth exploring.

Finding the cheapest auto insurance in South Dakota requires shopping around and comparing multiple quotes. Here are some key strategies to secure the best rates:

1. Compare quotes. Insurance rates can fluctuate based on market trends, your driving history, and even credit scores. Checking rates from different providers annually helps ensure you’re getting the best deal.
2. Take advantage of discounts. Many insurers offer discounts for things like bundling policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing defensive driving courses, or having a good credit score.
3. Maintain a clean driving record. Avoiding speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs will help keep your insurance rates lower over time.
4. Consider higher deductibles. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premium, but it means paying more out-of-pocket in case of an accident. A $1,000 deductible often strikes a good balance, but ultimately it depends on your personal finances.
5. Improve your credit score. South Dakota insurers use credit scores to determine rates. Paying bills on time and reducing debt can lead to lower premiums.
6. Choose the right coverage level. While full coverage offers the best protection, drivers with older vehicles may consider switching to liability-only coverage to save money.

By following these steps, South Dakota drivers can find the most affordable auto insurance rates while maintaining the necessary coverage for their needs.

Auto insurance premiums vary across South Dakota cities. Overall, Brookings and Watertown are the most budget-friendly major cities for auto insurance in South Dakota, while Sioux Falls and Mitchell see higher premiums due to factors like population density.

Here is the minimum coverage required to be road-legal in South Dakota:

• $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
• $25,000 per accident in property damage liability
• $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage⁵

We analyze average premiums in South Dakota for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit as well as various driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, low credit and teenagers. Full coverage averages use the following limits:

• Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
• Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible