Progressive ranks as South Dakota's best car insurance company, earning a MoneyGeek score of 4.7 out of 5 for its exceptional affordability and strong coverage options. While Progressive stands out, Auto-Owners, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, State Farm and GEICO also offer quality coverage for Mount Rushmore State residents.
Best Car Insurance in South Dakota
Updated: August 25, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The best overall car insurance provider in South Dakota is Progressive, ranking first in affordability with an average annual premium of $413.
Auto-Owners offers the best car insurance in South Dakota for drivers with bad credit, while Progressive is the top choice for drivers with newer cars.
To find the best car insurance in South Dakota, drivers should determine their coverage needs, research provider options and compare plenty of quotes before making a decision.
Best Car Insurance Companies in South Dakota
| Progressive | 4.70 | $34 | 2 | 2 |
| Auto-Owners | 4.34 | $64 | 1 | 5 |
| Farmers Mutual Ins Co of NE | 4.24 | $38 | 8 | 7 |
| State Farm | 4.13 | $55 | 4 | 6 |
| GEICO | 3.92 | $63 | 5 | 6 |
*Scores above are for a 40-year-old male driver with a clean driving record and good credit who is insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry LE. Rates refer to an overall average of minimum and full coverage rates for this profile.
Best Car Insurance in South Dakota by Driver Profile
Progressive leads in eight out of ten driver categories in South Dakota. Auto-Owners offers the most affordable rates for two specific groups: drivers with bad credit and those with low income.
| Young Drivers | Progressive | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adult Drivers | Progressive | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Senior Drivers | Progressive | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Drivers With an Accident | Progressive | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Drivers With a DUI | Progressive | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | Progressive | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | Auto-Owners | 7 | 1 | 5 |
| Drivers With Low Income | Auto-Owners | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | Progressive | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | Progressive | 2 | 2 | 2 |
*We modified the categories above based on a 40-year-old male driver with a clean driving record and good credit who is insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry LE. Young drivers reflect ages 16 to 25, adult drivers ages 26 to 64 and seniors 65 and older.
Personalized Best South Dakota Car Insurance Recommendations
Our recommendations cover common scenarios, but your insurance needs may differ. Compare these five top-rated providers to find coverage that matches your specific situation.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Female
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Coverage Level:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
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Credit Alignment:Below Fair
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| Farmers Mutual Ins Co of NE | 4.30 | $121 | 8 | 7 |
| Auto-Owners | 4.23 | $297 | 1 | 5 |
| Western National Insurance | 4.19 | $205 | 11 | 2 |
| North Star Insurance | 4.01 | $228 | 9 | 5 |
| Farm Bureau | 3.94 | $272 | 3 | 7 |
*Rates refer to an overall average of minimum and full coverage rates for this profile.
Best South Dakota Car Insurance Reviews
See detailed service breakdowns for our top-rated insurance providers below.
Progressive
Best Cheap Overall in South Dakota
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ of 5
5/5Affordability
4.1/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$55For 100/300/100 liability and $1,000 deductible comprehensive and collision coverage for our base profile of a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violationsAverage Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$14For minimum state coverage for our base profile of a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violationsAgent Service Score
4.3/5Aggregated across all captive and independent agentsMost Unique Coverage Add-on
Pet Injury Coverage
Auto-Owners
Best Customer Experience in South Dakota
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ of 5
4.2/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
3.4/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$95For 100/300/100 liability and $1,000 deductible comprehensive and collision coverage for our base profile of a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violationsAverage Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$33For minimum state coverage for our base profile of a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violationsAgent Service Score
4.6/5Aggregated across all captive and independent agentsMost Unique Coverage Add-on
True Blue Auto Coverage
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in South Dakota
Shopping for car insurance in South Dakota doesn't have to be complicated. Our guide helps you compare coverage options and find affordable protection that fits your needs.
- 1
Decide on coverage needs before you buy
Take time to evaluate your driving patterns, vehicle value and finances when selecting the coverage you need while meeting South Dakota required minimums.
- 2
Research average costs and discounts you may qualify for
Start by researching average car insurance costs in South Dakota to understand pricing for your driver profile. Look for home and auto insurance bundles, usage-based insurance programs and good student discounts. Taking a defensive driving program can provide additional savings on your premium.
- 3
Look through provider customer experiences and coverage options thoroughly
Insurance companies offer more than just competitive rates. Look at customer reviews and ratings to understand claims handling and service quality.
- 4
Consider non-standard coverage options
Explore non-owner car insurance and pay-per-mile policies that might better suit your situation. If you need an SR-22 in South Dakota, remember that provider recommendations may differ for your circumstances.
- 5
Compare plenty of quotes through multiple means
Getting multiple quotes helps you get the cheapest option possible. Use insurance websites, local agents and comparison tools since rates can vary between quoting methods.
- 6
Reassess annually
Review your coverage and shop for new quotes each year to ensure you maintain the best combination of coverage and value.
Best South Dakota Auto Insurance: Bottom Line
The best auto insurance depends on location, coverage type, driver profile and driving history. Progressive is the top-rated company overall, while Auto-Owners and Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Nebraska are also good options for drivers in South Dakota.
Best Auto Insurance in South Dakota: FAQ
Finding the right car insurance depends on your unique needs and budget, so we'll answer common questions to help you choose coverage that fits your situation.
What is the best car insurance company in South Dakota?
Progressive stands as South Dakota's top auto insurance provider, earning a MoneyGeek score of 4.7 out of 5, with full coverage averaging $55 per month.
What is the best car insurance company for minimum coverage in South Dakota?
Progressive offers the most competitive rates for minimum coverage in South Dakota, with average premiums starting at $165 per year.
What is the best car insurance in South Dakota for young drivers?
Progressive is the top choice for young adults in South Dakota, offering competitive rates at $482 annually for minimum coverage and strong customer service ratings.
What is the best car insurance for South Dakota drivers who value customer service?
Auto-Owners leads customer experience in South Dakota with a 5 out of 5 rating. The company excels in their purchase experience, agent interactions, digital policy tools and claims handling satisfaction.
What is the best car insurance in South Dakota if you have driving offenses?
Progressive is the leading insurance provider for South Dakota drivers with violations, offering monthly rates of $20 for minimum coverage and $82 for full coverage.
How We Rated the Best Car Insurance in South Dakota
We researched more than 70 companies, from national to small local providers across all U.S. residential ZIP codes in South Dakota. We also checked the internet for customer reviews, discounts and coverage details to give you a complete picture of each provider's services. All companies had enough customer reviews and coverage information to make our list.
Here's how we score each company:
- Affordability (60% of score): We look at quotes for different driver profiles and compare rates within South Dakota. Our main rating uses a 40-year-old male with good credit, no driving violations, no claims history and a valid license. We also check other combinations to ensure you find the right fit for your situation.
- Customer experience (30% of score): We used sources like Google reviews, J.D. Power, AM Best and Reddit to see what customers think about each company. We focused on South Dakota-specific feedback to get an accurate score.
- Coverage options (10% of score): This score considers the number of coverage options a company offers, what makes it unique and what benefits it includes.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.