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Last updated: April 27, 2025

Compare Cheap Auto Insurance in South Dakota

State Farm, USAA, and Farmers Mutual tend to have the cheapest auto insurance for drivers in South Dakota.

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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.

Overview

  • The average cost of full coverage auto insurance in South Dakota is $2,124 annually. Minimum coverage is $377 annually on average.
  • State Farm is the cheapest provider in most categories, which made it one of our top picks for the best auto insurance providers in South Dakota. USAA is also cheap and has high customer satisfaction scores.
  • Farmers Mutual, North Star Mutual, and American Family also have cheaper-than-average auto insurance rates for drivers in South Dakota.

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Cheapest Car Insurance in South Dakota for Full Coverage: State Farm

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

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Dakota for Minimum Coverage: USAA

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

HEADS UP

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

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Dakota for Teen Drivers: USAA

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

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Dakota With a Speeding Ticket: State Farm

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

FYI

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.

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Dakota With an At-Fault Accident: State Farm

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

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Dakota With a DUI: State Farm

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

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Dakota With Low Credit: USAA

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

Best Claims and Customer Satisfaction in South Dakota: USAA

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 759 score in J.D. Power’s Central Region Customer Satisfaction study. While USAA’s satisfaction score of 726 is slightly lower, USAA still maintains a strong showing overall. The insurer received a D+ grade on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card, however, which signals there may be room for improvement in the claims area of 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, sits in the middle, with a 647 score for customer satisfaction and 710 for claims satisfaction. The company’s C- grade on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card suggests there may be some variability in claims service, 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 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+

How to Find the Cheapest Rates in South Dakota

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.

Average Auto Insurance Cost in South Dakota by City

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

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in South Dakota

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the cheapest car insurance 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.

Is it illegal to drive without insurance in South Dakota?

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.

Is South Dakota a no-fault state?

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.

Does GEICO cover South Dakota?

Yes, GEICO covers South Dakota. On average, GEICO charges $2,254 annually for full coverage and $420 for minimum coverage in South Dakota.

Methodology

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
Maya Afilalo Headshot MBA Photo
Written by:Maya Afilalo
Managing Editor & Industry Analyst
Maya Afilalo holds over 10 years of professional experience in writing, communications, and research, which she leverages to provide accurate and reliable information to empower consumers. In addition to overseeing content production, Maya has herself written many articles on auto insurance costs, company comparisons, state laws and requirements, and other topics. She is committed to helping consumers navigate the complex world of car insurance with clarity and confidence. Maya holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s from North Carolina State University.

Citations

  1. USAA Membership. USAA. (2025).
    https://www.usaa.com/membership/about

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 2024 CRASH Network Insurer Report Card. CRASH Network. (2024).
    https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/

  5. Division of Insurance – Consumer Information. South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation. (2025).
    https://dlr.sd.gov/insurance/general_guidance/auto.aspx/a>