Key Points:

• Geico offers the most well-rounded coverage for most South Dakota drivers, while State Farm has affordable policies for teens and high-risk drivers.
• Drivers in South Dakota must maintain a minimum of 20/50/25 insurance coverage.
• South Dakota drivers pay an average of $2,096 per year or $172 per month for a full-coverage policy.

Looking to buy car insurance in South Dakota? Our review covers the top five car insurance providers for South Dakota drivers, as well as the state’s minimum insurance requirements and driving conditions in the state.

After thoroughly researching the car insurance industry, our review team determined the best auto insurance companies nationwide. In this article, we use the same standards to identify the best car insurance providers for South Dakota, including coverage, affordability, customer service, and state requirements.

We reviewed dozens of insurance companies offering coverage across the country. In South Dakota, we found that Geico offers the best coverage options and rates for most drivers. For teens, students, and high-risk drivers, we recommend State Farm for the best coverage rates and discounts.

*You may notice that some car insurance companies are listed above those with higher star ratings. This is because our star ratings take into account nationwide factors, while our ranking looks specifically at what insurance providers are best for car insurance in South Dakota.

Below, we’ve outlined our top five picks for car insurance in South Dakota.

#1 Geico: Affordable For Most Drivers

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $1,361 per year, $113 per month

Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $302 per year, $25 per month

South Dakota Customer Service Rating: 819/1,000 points

Claims Satisfaction Rating: 871/1,000 points

Based on its strong industry reputation and affordable rates, Geico is a solid choice for most South Dakota drivers. The company is one of the most affordable providers in the United States and offers many car insurance discounts that can lower your premium by up to 25 percent. Geico’s rates are also affordable for South Dakota drivers with a bad credit score.

Learn more about the insurer in our Geico insurance review.

#2 State Farm: Great For Teens And High-Risk Drivers

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $1,395 per year, $116 per month

Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $328 per year, $27 per month

South Dakota Customer Service Rating: 833/1,000 points

Claims Satisfaction Rating: 891/1,000 points

State Farm is the largest insurance provider in the U.S. and boasts a solid industry reputation with an A++ Financial Strength rating from AM Best. Next to USAA, which is only available to military members, State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers and other young drivers. The company also offers the most affordable car insurance rates for those with a recent accident or speeding ticket in the state.

Learn more about the insurer in our State Farm insurance review.

#3 Farmers Mutual of Nebraska: Affordable Minimum Coverage

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $2,127 per year, $177 per month

Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $235 per year, $20 per month

South Dakota Customer Service Rating: N/A

Claims Satisfaction Rating: N/A

When it comes to liability insurance, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska offers the most affordable average rates for South Dakota drivers with a clean driving record, good credit, and no military affiliations. The company also boasts affordable full coverage rates and car insurance policy discounts for different drivers.

#4 Iowa Farm Bureau: Superior Regional Coverage

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $2,427 per year, $202 per month

Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $418 per year, $35 per month

South Dakota Customer Service Rating: N/A

Claims Satisfaction Rating: N/A

If you’re looking for locally based coverage options, consider getting quotes from the Iowa Farm Bureau. Part of the Farm Bureau group of providers, the Iowa Farm Bureau branch offers coverage to drivers in select states in the central region of the U.S., including South Dakota. Iowa Farm Bureau has some of the cheapest rates for drivers with good credit and a clean driving record.

#5 USAA: Best For Military Members

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $1,243 per year, $104 per month

Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $221 per year, $18 per month

South Dakota Customer Service Rating: 890/1,000 points*

Claims Satisfaction Rating: 900/1,000 points*

USAA consistently gets some of the highest scores in J.D. Power’s insurance customer satisfaction and claims studies. The company also offers the lowest rates in the country for good drivers with positive credit histories. Only military members, their families, and select other military affiliates are eligible for coverage, but qualified drivers can get coverage in every state.

Learn more in our USAA insurance review.

*USAA is excluded from rankings in J.D. Power studies because the provider doesn’t meet study eligibility requirements.

Each state decides its own minimums for car insurance. Like many states, South Dakota requires bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. 

South Dakota’s minimum coverage requirements include 25/50/25 liability auto insurance and 25/50 underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, according to the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. This includes:

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

These insurance requirements protect other drivers, their passengers, and other vehicles involved in an accident you cause. They also make sure you’re covered in case your accident involves another driver with no insurance or too little insurance. In South Dakota, the basic requirements also cover you in the event of a hit-and-run accident.

Driving without insurance in South Dakota is a Class 2 misdemeanor. If you’re pulled over or are involved in a car accident and can’t provide proof of minimum coverage in South Dakota, you could face:

• A fine of $500
• Imprisonment for up to 30 days
• License suspension for 30 days to a year
• License and registration suspension until you provide proof of insurance

It’s always a good idea to carry more than a state’s minimum requirements. Often, accidents result in higher costs than minimum insurance requirements can cover. However, South Dakota is an at-fault state, which means a driver doesn’t have to make a claim to their insurer if they’re not at fault for an accident.

Here are a few other types of auto insurance to consider carrying:

With South Dakota’s strict penalties for driving without insurance, it’s a good idea to purchase at least the state’s minimum requirements. Before you commit to an auto insurance policy, however, we recommend comparing car insurance quotes from a few different providers. When shopping, remember that cheap car insurance isn’t always the best coverage. 

Based on customer reviews, affordability, industry ratings, and comprehensive studies, we’ve determined Geico, State Farm, and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska are the best car insurance companies for South Dakota drivers.

FAQ: Best Car Insurance In South Dakota

You’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best car insurance coverage in South Dakota below:

How We Rate South Dakota Auto Insurers

Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry: