The Best Car Insurance in South Dakota

Progressive leads South Dakota's car insurance market. Auto-Owners, Farmers Mutual of NE, State Farm and GEICO round out the top five providers.

Find the best car insurance for you in South Dakota today.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: December 29, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Quick Take: What Is the Best Car Insurance for South Dakota Drivers?

Best Overall and Best for Young Drivers or Those With a Violation: Progressive, 4.70/5 stars
Progressive is the best car insurance across driver types in South Dakota, with perfect affordability scores (5/5) and strong coverage options. The mobile app offers same-day claims decisions and no required adjuster calls. For young drivers and high-risk drivers with violations, Progressive's rates beat competitors. Read more

Best Cheap for Young Drivers or Those With a Violation: Farmers Mutual of NE, 4.24/5 stars
Farmers Mutual of NE offers budget-friendly coverage for high-risk drivers at $62 monthly for full coverage. Young drivers and those with violations pay hundreds less annually compared to competitors while maintaining solid coverage. Read more

Best Cheap for Drivers With Bad Credit or Low Income: Auto-Owners, 4.34/5 stars
Auto-Owners delivers customer service with a perfect 5.0 satisfaction score while offering competitive rates for drivers with credit challenges. Low-income drivers pay $151 monthly and bad credit drivers pay $289 monthly, both well below competitor rates. Read more

Best Car Insurance Companies in South Dakota

Progressive leads overall with perfect affordability scores and strong customer experience ratings across most driver types. Auto-Owners ranks second with the highest customer experience score (5.0/5) in the state. Farmers Mutual of NE ranks third with competitive affordability at $38 monthly. The table shows top-rated car insurance company scores in South Dakota based on affordability, customer experience and coverage options:


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

Best Car Insurance in South Dakota by Driver Profile

The best car insurance in South Dakota depends on your driver profile. Progressive has the best rates in eight driver categories in South Dakota. Auto-Owners is best for two categories.

Best for Young Drivers (16 to 25): Progressive. Young drivers pay $136 monthly with Progressive versus higher rates at competitors. Progressive offers accident forgiveness programs and family plan discounts when added to a parent's policy.
Best for Senior Drivers (65+): Progressive. Senior discounts, defensive driving credits and accident forgiveness reduce premiums. Progressive offers age-specific discounts in South Dakota and prevention credits that lower rates without compromising coverage.
Best With an At-Fault Accident: Progressive. Accident forgiveness prevents immediate rate increases after your first at-fault accident. Progressive's program saves $300 to $500 annually compared to companies that spike rates immediately.
Best With a Speeding Ticket: Progressive. Progressive applies smaller rate increases for speeding violations compared to competitors. The company offers programs to remove points from your record through defensive driving courses.
Best With Bad Credit: Auto-Owners. Auto-Owners applies credit factors less harshly than competitors, and rates drop as your credit improves. The company focuses on driving history when setting rates.


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

Best South Dakota Car Insurance Reviews

MoneyGeek identified Progressive, Farmers Mutual Ins Co of NE and Auto-Owners as the state's leading car insurance providers after comprehensive analysis. Each company offers distinct advantages for specific driver profiles and coverage needs. Our detailed evaluation examines rates, coverage options and customer service quality for these top-performing insurers:

Best Overall in South Dakota: Progressive

Progressive

Best Overall

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

5/5Affordability

4.1/5Customer Experience

4.8/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$55
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$14
Agent Service Score
4.3/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
Pet Injury Coverage

pros
- Ranks first overall among South Dakota car insurers
- Ranks first for affordability in the state
- Ranks second for coverage options and customer experience
- Best for drivers with violations or accidents
cons
- Limited local agent network for in-person service
- Digital-first approach may overwhelm traditional customers
Progressive is our top choice for most South Dakota drivers. The company combines perfect affordability scores (5/5), competitive rates across nearly all driver categories and strong coverage options. The mobile app is a standout, with same-day claims decisions and no required calls to adjusters. For young drivers and drivers with violations, Progressive's rates beat competitors.
Progressive offers competitive pricing in South Dakota with full coverage averaging $55 monthly and minimum coverage at $14 monthly. Young drivers pay $136 monthly. Drivers with DUI pay $74 monthly and those with speeding tickets pay $82 monthly.

Progressive's Snapshot telematics program tracks safe driving and rewards good behavior with rate reductions up to 30%. Bundling discounts provide 5% to 25% savings on both policies for South Dakota homeowners. Paperless billing and automatic payment options add small additional savings.
Progressive has a customer experience rating of 4.1 out of 5 in South Dakota. The mobile app lets you file claims, upload photos, get same-day decisions and skip calling an adjuster. With 24/7 support, Progressive handles weather-related claims from hailstorms and winter conditions faster than traditional competitors. Wait times for phone support are minimal during routine inquiries.
Progressive offers comprehensive coverage options in South Dakota beyond standard liability, collision and comprehensive protection. The company provides pet injury coverage, custom parts coverage, gap insurance, roadside assistance and emergency rental reimbursement. This flexibility allows South Dakota drivers to build policies customized to their needs, valuable for drivers dealing with risks like hail damage and harsh winter conditions.

Best Cheap for Young Drivers or Those With a Violation in South Dakota: Farmers Mutual of NE

Farmers Mutual Ins Co of NE

Best Cheap for Young Drivers or Those With a Violation

MoneyGeek Rating

4.2/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

3.5/5Customer Experience

2.5/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$62
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$14
Agent Service Score
Provider not found/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
Provider not found

pros
- Ranks second in South Dakota for affordability
- Regional mutual structure focuses on policyholder interests
- Competitive rates for budget-conscious drivers
- Best for drivers seeking basic, affordable coverage
cons
- Limited digital tools compared to national carriers
- Fewer coverage options than larger insurers
- Below-average customer service experience
Farmers Mutual of NE ranks third for South Dakota drivers and leads for young drivers and those with violations seeking affordable coverage. The company offers competitive rates with an affordability score of 4.9 out of 5. Farmers Mutual's regional focus on budget-friendly premiums works well for cost-conscious drivers who prioritize savings over extensive coverage options.
Farmers Mutual of NE offers competitive rates in South Dakota with full coverage averaging $62 monthly and minimum coverage at $14 monthly. Young drivers and those with violations pay hundreds less annually compared to competitors in the state.

The company ranks second for affordability among all South Dakota insurers, making coverage accessible for drivers rebuilding their insurance history.
Farmers Mutual of NE has a customer experience rating of 3.5 out of 5 in South Dakota. The company operates with a traditional approach to customer service, which means longer wait times and less digital convenience compared to national carriers.

Claims processing focuses on essential services rather than premium features. For weather-related claims like hail damage and winter accidents, Farmers Mutual provides adequate support without the rapid digital tools offered by competitors.
Farmers Mutual of NE provides standard liability, collision and comprehensive coverage with roadside assistance and rental reimbursement add-ons. The company focuses on essential protections rather than extensive customization.

For South Dakota drivers facing hailstorms and winter driving conditions, the comprehensive coverage handles common claims adequately at budget-friendly rates.

Best for Drivers With Bad Credit or Low Income: Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

Best for Drivers With Bad Credit or Low Income

MoneyGeek Rating

4.3/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

3.4/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$95
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$33
Agent Service Score
Provider not found/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
True Blue Auto Coverage

pros
- Ranks second overall for car insurance in South Dakota
- Ranks first in customer experience among major insurers
- Strong financial stability with established regional presence
- Excellent claims handling and customer service reputation
cons
- Limited coverage options compared to larger national insurers
- Higher premiums than most competitors in the state
Auto-Owners ranks second for South Dakota drivers and leads for drivers with bad credit or low income. The company delivers exceptional customer service with a perfect 5.0 customer experience score, ranking first among all insurers in the state. Auto-Owners provides competitive rates for drivers facing credit challenges with personalized agent support and strong local presence throughout South Dakota.
Auto-Owners offers competitive rates in South Dakota with full coverage at $95 monthly and minimum coverage at $33 monthly. Drivers with bad credit pay $289 monthly and low-income drivers pay $151 monthly, both well below competitor rates for these categories.

Auto-Owners offers multiple discounts including multi-policy bundling, good student discounts and safe driver rewards. Bundling auto and home insurance saves up to 25%. Maintaining continuous coverage and completing defensive driving courses add additional savings.
Auto-Owners has a perfect 5.0 customer experience rating in South Dakota, ranking first among all insurers in the state. The company's network of independent agents provides personalized service and local expertise for handling severe weather claims and rural coverage needs. Auto-Owners offers digital tools including mobile policy management and 24/7 claims reporting, though its strength lies in dedicated agent relationships rather than app-based solutions.
Auto-Owners provides standard liability, collision and comprehensive coverage with roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and gap coverage add-ons. The company offers accident forgiveness and new car replacement coverage. For South Dakota drivers, Auto-Owners' comprehensive coverage handles hail damage, winter weather incidents and rural driving risks common throughout the state. The local agent network helps drivers navigate coverage decisions specific to South Dakota's weather patterns.

Rates at the Best Car Insurance Companies in South Dakota

Rates from the best car insurance companies in South Dakota are mostly below the state's average of $32 for minimum coverage and $106 for full coverage. Progressive has the best rates overall at $55 for full coverage and $14 for minimum. Farmers Mutual of NE's rates are the second best at $62 monthly for full coverage. State Farm ranks third for affordability. See our guide to average auto insurance costs in South Dakota.


Progressive	$55	$14
Farmers Mutual Ins Co of NE	$62	$14
State Farm	$91	$18
Auto Owners	$95	$33
Geico	$99	$27

South Dakota's best car insurance company rates vary by driver profile, with clean driving records and middle-age drivers costing the least and profiles with violations and poor credit costing the most. Each of the best companies stands out for different driver types. Match your profile to see which company has the best rate in South Dakota.


Drivers With Old Cars	Progressive	$47	$12
Adult Drivers	Progressive	$52	$13
Senior Drivers	Progressive	$57	$19
Drivers With A DUI	Progressive	$74	$18
Drivers With A Speeding Ticket	Progressive	$82	$20
Drivers With Newer Cars	Progressive	$93	$23
Drivers With An Accident	Progressive	$95	$25
Young Drivers	Progressive	$136	$40
Drivers With Low Income	Auto Owners	$151	$70
Drivers With Bad Credit	Auto Owners	$289	$128

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in South Dakota

Getting the best car insurance in South Dakota means choosing the best coverage for state risks and finding the best rates.

1
Choose Adequate Coverage
- South Dakota minimum requirements: $25,000 per person bodily injury liability, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. These minimums meet state law but aren't the best coverage for a serious accident.
- The best coverage for most South Dakota drivers is 100/300/100: $100,000 in liability coverage to protect wages and assets and comprehensive and collision coverage for protection against hail damage, theft and at-fault accidents. Also, add uninsured motorist coverage to protect from the 12% of uninsured drivers in South Dakota. Learn more about how much coverage you need.
2
Lower Your Rates
- Compare quotes: The best way to save on rates is to compare at least three quotes from insurers rather than assuming one company is cheapest. Rates vary between the cheapest companies in South Dakota.
- Improve your risk profile to lower rates: Taking a South Dakota-approved defensive driving course can earn discounts, and shopping after violations will minimize rate impacts. Paying off debt and improving your credit score can reduce rates by up to 70%.
- Discounts add up: Good driver discounts (10% to 20%), multi-car discounts (10% to 25%), paperless billing (3% to 5%) and automatic payment (2% to 5%) stack on top of base rates. Bundling home and auto insurance adds another 15% to 25% savings.

Best Auto Insurance in South Dakota: FAQ

Below, our experts tackle frequently asked questions about securing affordable car insurance in the Mount Rushmore State:

What's the best comprehensive deductible for South Dakota drivers?

South Dakota drivers should consider a $500 or $750 comprehensive deductible rather than $1,000. The lower deductible provides better financial protection against the state's frequent hailstorms, tornadoes, and severe winter weather that can cause significant vehicle damage. Drivers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City should also opt for lower deductibles due to higher theft rates in these urban areas.

Is full coverage the best choice for my older paid-off car in South Dakota?

For cars worth under $5,000, dropping comprehensive and collision saves money. Keep full coverage for vehicles worth $10,000 or more given South Dakota's harsh winters, severe hailstorms, and increasing vehicle thefts in urban areas. If you lack emergency savings, maintain full coverage regardless of your car's value. With solid savings and an older vehicle, removing these coverages makes financial sense.

What is the best South Dakota car insurance for customer service?

Auto-Owners delivers the top customer service experience in South Dakota, earning a perfect 5.0 rating.

What is the best car insurance in South Dakota for the lowest rates?

Progressive offers the most affordable car insurance in South Dakota, according to our analysis of the cheapest car insurance companies in South Dakota.

What's the cost of car insurance in South Dakota?

Full coverage in South Dakota costs $106 monthly while minimum coverage averages $32 per month. See the average cost of car insurance in South Dakota.

How We Rated the Best Car Insurance in South Dakota

We researched more than 70 companies in South Dakota, from national to small local providers across all U.S. residential ZIP codes in South Dakota. We also analyzed customer reviews, discounts and coverage details to give you a complete picture of each provider's services.

Here's how we score each company in South Dakota:

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 analyzed rates in South Dakota by driver profile to make sure you are getting the best rate 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 best score.
Best Coverage options (10% of score): This score considers the breadth of coverage options a company offers and unique coverage features that stand-out.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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