
State Farm, USAA, and Farmers Mutual tend to have the cheapest auto insurance for drivers in South Dakota.
Compare quotes from top providers
South Dakota is known for its state parks, national monuments, and lower-than-average cost of living, which extends to its auto insurance rates. Drivers in the state enjoy lower car insurance premiums compared to the national average, but rates can vary based on factors like driving history, credit score, and coverage level. State Farm, Farmers Mutual, and USAA consistently offer some of the most affordable rates across various categories. Below, we break down the cheapest auto insurance options in South Dakota based on different driver profiles and coverage levels.
Jump to:
The average cost of full coverage auto insurance in South Dakota is $2,124 per year, which is cheaper than the national average of $2,399. State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage policy at $1,725 per year, which is 19 percent lower than the state average. Farmers Mutual is another affordable option at $1,765 annually, 17 percent lower than the state average.
For drivers who want both affordability and strong customer service, USAA ($1,845 annually) is a good option, but it’s only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
You could pay significantly more or less than average, depending on your driver profile and circumstances. The only way to find out how much a policy will cost is to get a quote.
Provider | Annual for Full Coverage | Monthly for Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $1,725 | $144 |
Farmers Mutual | $1,765 | $147 |
USAA | $1,845 | $154 |
Nationwide | $1,877 | $156 |
Progressive | $2,033 | $169 |
American Family | $2,172 | $181 |
GEICO | $2,254 | $188 |
North Star Mutual | $2,268 | $189 |
State average | $2,124 | $177 |
National average | $2,399 | $200 |
The average cost of minimum coverage in South Dakota is $377 per year, significantly lower than the national average of $635. USAA offers the lowest minimum-coverage policy at $246 per year, which is 35 percent lower than the state average. State Farm follows at $310 per year, 18 percent lower than the state average.
Provider | Annual for Minimum Coverage | Monthly for Minimum coverage |
---|---|---|
USAA | $246 | $20 |
State Farm | $310 | $26 |
North Star Mutual | $318 | $27 |
American Family | $336 | $28 |
Progressive | $349 | $29 |
Farmers Mutual | $412 | $34 |
GEICO | $420 | $35 |
Nationwide | $780 | $65 |
State average | $377 | $31 |
National average | $635 | $53 |
You are eligible for USAA membership if you serve in the U.S. Armed Forces; received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge; attend a U.S. Military Service Academy, affiliated preparatory school, or advanced ROTC program; or expect to commission within 24 months. You can also qualify for USAA membership if your spouse or parent is a member of the military.1
Teen drivers often face the highest insurance rates due to their inexperience. The average annual cost for teen drivers in South Dakota is $6,990, which is 31 percent higher than the national average of $5,327 and more than double the average full coverage rate in the state for a policy without a teen.
USAA offers the most affordable rates for households with teens in South Dakota at $3,661 annually, nearly 48 percent lower than the state average. State Farm follows at $4,448 per year, which is 36 percent lower than the state average.
Provider | Annual With Teen Driver | Monthly With Teen Driver |
---|---|---|
USAA | $3,661 | $305 |
State Farm | $4,448 | $371 |
Farmers Mutual | $4,578 | $382 |
North Star Mutual | $4,800 | $400 |
American Family | $6,228 | $519 |
GEICO | $6,360 | $530 |
Nationwide | $6,559 | $547 |
Progressive | $7,238 | $603 |
State average | $6,990 | $583 |
National average | $5,327 | $444 |
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 17 percent on average.
State Farm offers the lowest rate at $1,829 per year, which is 28 percent lower than the state average. USAA follows at $2,016 annually, still below the state average.
Provider | Annual With Speeding Ticket | Monthly With Speeding Ticket |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $1,829 | $152 |
USAA | $2,016 | $168 |
North Star Mutual | $2,268 | $189 |
Progressive | $2,472 | $206 |
American Family | $2,604 | $217 |
GEICO | $3,060 | $255 |
Farmers Mutual | $3,120 | $260 |
Nationwide | $3,336 | $278 |
State average | $2,532 | $211 |
National average | $2,511 | $209 |
Speeding tickets are a Class 2 misdemeanor in South Dakota regardless of how many miles over the speed limit you were driving. The penalties are a maximum of 30 days in a county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.
Being involved in an at-fault accident often leads to higher premiums. The average cost in South Dakota with an at-fault accident is $2,964 per year, which is on par with the national average. State Farm offers the cheapest option at $2,224 per year, 25 percent lower than the state average. Farmers Mutual ($2,386 annually) and USAA ($2,406 annually) also provide competitive rates.
Provider | Annual With At-Fault Accident | Monthly With At-Fault Accident |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $2,224 | $185 |
Farmers Mutual | $2,386 | $199 |
USAA | $2,406 | $201 |
Progressive | $3,004 | $250 |
American Family | $3,588 | $299 |
Nationwide | $3,777 | $315 |
GEICO | $3,892 | $324 |
North Star Mutual | $3,900 | $325 |
State average | $2,964 | $247 |
National average | $2,812 | $234 |
A DUI conviction can cause a substantial increase in auto insurance premiums. The average cost in South Dakota for drivers with a DUI is $4,422 per year, which is 34 percent higher than the national average. State Farm offers the lowest rate at $2,220 per year, which is about half the state average. Progressive ($2,256 annually) also offers competitive rates with a DUI.
Provider | Annual With DUI | Monthly With DUI |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $2,220 | $185 |
Progressive | $2,256 | $188 |
USAA | $3,312 | $276 |
Farmers Mutual | $3,396 | $283 |
American Family | $3,996 | $333 |
Nationwide | $5,412 | $451 |
North Star Mutual | $6,516 | $543 |
GEICO | $8,268 | $689 |
State average | $4,422 | $369 |
National average | $3,305 | $275 |
Credit scores impact auto insurance rates in South Dakota. The state average premium for drivers with poor credit is $3,960 per year, which is almost $600 higher than the national average of $3,377. USAA provides the most affordable option at $3,048 per year, 23 percent lower than the state average. GEICO is another affordable choice at $3,384 annually.
Provider | Annual With Low Credit | Monthly With Low Credit |
---|---|---|
USAA | $3,048 | $254 |
GEICO | $3,384 | $282 |
Progressive | $3,552 | $296 |
American Family | $3,564 | $297 |
North Star Mutual | $3,756 | $313 |
Farmers Mutual | $3,768 | $314 |
Nationwide | $3,960 | $330 |
State Farm | $6,660 | $555 |
State average | $3,960 | $330 |
National average | $3,377 | $281 |
When it comes to customer satisfaction, South Dakota drivers have a few key options to consider, with various providers offering different levels of service.
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 Farmers Mutual and State Farm, also provide strong options for drivers seeking reliable service.
Provider | Central Region Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power)2 |
Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power)3 | CRASH Network Insurer Report Card Grade4 |
---|---|---|---|
American Family | 674 | 692 | C+ |
GEICO | 622 | 692 | C- |
Nationwide | 628 | 728 | C |
North Star Mutual | Not ranked | Not ranked | B |
Progressive | 638 | 672 | C |
State Farm | 647 | 710 | C- |
USAA | 759 | 726 | D+ |
Farmers Mutual | Not ranked | Not ranked | Not ranked |
Average | 647 | 697 | C+ |
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:
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 Rapid City and Sioux Falls see higher premiums due to factors like population density.
City | Average Annual Premium | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
Brookings | $1,796 | $150 |
Watertown | $1,823 | $152 |
Aberdeen | $1,890 | $158 |
Sioux Falls | $1,904 | $159 |
Rapid City | $2,370 | $198 |
Here is the minimum coverage required to be road-legal in South Dakota:
State Farm and USAA have the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota for most drivers. Progressive has cheap rates for drivers with DUIs, and GEICO is cheap for those with poor credit.
Driving without insurance is illegal in South Dakota. If caught, you will be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor. If found guilty, you can expect to pay up to $500 in fines, spend up to 30 days in jail, and receive a license suspension of between 30 days and one year.
No, South Dakota is not a no-fault state. South Dakota has a fault-based system when it comes to financial responsibility for car accidents. Whoever caused an accident is responsible for paying the damages through their liability coverage.
Yes, GEICO covers South Dakota. On average, GEICO charges $2,254 annually for full coverage and $420 for minimum coverage in South Dakota.
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:
USAA Membership. USAA. (2025).
https://www.usaa.com/membership/about
Trust Emerges as Top Driver of Customer Satisfaction with Auto Insurance as Prices Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2024, Jun 5).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-auto-insurance-study
Auto Insurance Repair Cycle Times Improve but Price Increases Take a Toll, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2024, Oct 29).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-study
2024 CRASH Network Insurer Report Card. CRASH Network. (2024).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/
Division of Insurance – Consumer Information. South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation. (2025).
https://dlr.sd.gov/insurance/general_guidance/auto.aspx/a>