Updated: December 3, 2024
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The leading car insurance company in South Dakota according to MoneyGeek is American Family, providing the best overall coverage. For those seeking minimum coverage, American Family again tops the list. However, for families with a teen driver, Auto-Owners Insurance Co offers the highest ranking service.
MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota if cost is your primary consideration, regardless of service quality.
American Family is the best overall car insurance provider in South Dakota with a MoneyGeek score of 90 and an annual premium of $645, while Auto-Owners Insurance Co. is the runner-up.
In South Dakota, American Family is the top provider for minimum coverage car insurance, offering a compelling balance of service and affordability with an annual premium of $254.
In South Dakota, Auto-Owners Insurance Co is recognized as the best car insurance provider for customer service with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100, closely followed by American Family at 86 out of 100, showcasing its dedication to exceptional service and claims handling despite a relatively higher premium.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in South Dakota based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in South Dakota.
American Family is the best car insurance provider in South Dakota with a MoneyGeek score of 90, setting the industry benchmark. The span of scores among rated companies ranges from 90 down to 64, highlighting a diverse market of insurer performance within MoneyGeek’s baseline scoring system. Companies might score differently for distinct driver profiles.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system prioritizes customer satisfaction and affordability in its evaluations, ensuring that customers receive a high level of service without breaking the bank. Equally important are claims experience and offered coverages, which contribute significantly to a company's overall score. The insight provided here is distilled from extensive analysis, giving potential policyholders a clear view of industry standards.
Certain insurers, such as Iowa Farm Bureau and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, were not eligible for a MoneyGeek score due to incomplete data on some scoring components. However, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska shines in customer satisfaction, while Iowa Farm Bureau offers competitive pricing, standing out in their respective areas despite the lack of a complete score. These observations are based on available data points, providing a partial picture of their service quality.
| American Family | 90 | $645 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 87 | $1,045 |
| State Farm | 81 | $948 |
| Nationwide | 78 | $1,036 |
| Kemper | 77 | $796 |
| Western National | 77 | $1,451 |
| Farmers | 76 | $1,143 |
| Allstate | 76 | $894 |
| GEICO | 74 | $1,113 |
| Progressive | 64 | $1,773 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | No Data | $1,210 |
| Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | No Data | $805 |
American Family is the best option in South Dakota for those seeking the best full coverage car insurance. With stand-out service and affordability, drivers trust American Family for their insurance needs.
The top two providers based on the MoneyGeek score are:
American Family distinguishes itself due to its perfect coverage score and the top affordability score, making it a preferred choice among South Dakotans. These factors contribute significantly to a consumer's satisfaction and trust in a car insurance provider.
In South Dakota, there is a wide range of companies offering varied cost and service experiences. For motorists aiming to economize, MoneyGeek also looked into the providers offering the cheapest full coverage car insurance in South Dakota. Choosing the right insurer goes beyond cost alone; service quality, coverage options and claims processing efficiency are also important considerations.
Excellent in claims handling, ranking 2nd.
Great coverage options, ranking 1st for key coverages.
Leads in affordability, ranking 1st with an average annual premium of $645 for full coverage.
Offers rare coverages like OEM and common coverages such as Roadside Assistance.
Customer service could improve (ranked 4th).
American Family's strong performance in satisfaction (32 out of 35) and affordability (30 out of 30) are the key contributors to its impressive MoneyGeek Score. The insurer offers two common coverages: Roadside Assistance and Rental car and/or Travel Reimbursement, reinforcing its comprehensive service. And with reasonably common coverages like Accident Forgiveness and Gap Insurance, customers enjoy extensive protection despite the absence of rare coverages.
American Family provides Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) coverage, a valuable option for drivers wanting repairs with original parts. This coverage is particularly beneficial following an accident and is widely applicable, ensuring vehicles maintain quality and value. Accident Forgiveness also prevents rates from increasing after a first at-fault accident, offering financial peace of mind. Gap Insurance is another beneficial offering, covering the difference between a vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining loan balance if totaled. These features underscore American Family's commitment to robust and customer-focused car insurance options.
Auto-Owners is the best option in South Dakota when it comes to car insurance for customer service. The two top providers are:
Auto-Owners distinguishes itself with notably high satisfaction and claims handling scores, both significant factors in the overall MoneyGeek score. Despite its higher annual premium compared with American Family, Auto-Owners provides customers with superior service quality, indicating that the additional cost reflects a more dependable service experience.
In South Dakota, as in any other state, the quality of customer service and claims processing can dramatically affect an insurance customer's experience. An insurance company should to provide effective assistance and efficient claims resolution. Good customer service ensures that clients feel valued and supported, while efficient claims handling is vital for instilling trust and security, or the knowledge that , during times of need, the insurance company will act promptly and fairly. These elements are not only essential for customer satisfaction but also for the reputation and longevity of an insurer in a competitive market.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Offers rare coverages such as Diminished Value and Deductible Modification.
Ranks 2nd for offering key coverages.
Does not offer OEM coverage.
Auto-Owners excels predominantly because of its superior customer satisfaction and claims handling, both contributing to a strong MoneyGeek Score of 91. This insurer stands out by providing common coverages like Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance, an indication of its comprehensive service offerings. Additionally, it presents valuable reasonably common coverages like Gap Insurance and Deductible Modification.
Auto-Owners Insurance Co offers Coverage Package, which simplifies the insurance experience by bundling numerous protections, a convenience appreciated by many drivers. Diminished Value Coverage, a rare offering, ensures car owners are compensated for value loss after accidents. Accident Forgiveness is particularly noteworthy; it prevents premium hikes following your first at-fault accident, adding to peace of mind. With substantial scores of 39 (out of 45) for satisfaction, 30 (out of 30) in claims and a strong 17 (out of 20) for coverage, Auto-Owners Insurance Co provides exceptional service and reliability.
American Family is the best option in South Dakota for motorists seeking minimum coverage car insurance.
American Family stands out in South Dakota, primarily thanks to its excellent ratings in satisfaction and claims handling, which are significant components of the MoneyGeek score. Despite not being the cheapest, with an annual cost of $254 for a minimum coverage policy, it's recognized for providing quality service. This policy adheres to the minimum insurance required by law in South Dakota.
While many companies in South Dakota offer cheap minimum coverage car insurance, also consider the potential drawbacks of carrying only the bare minimum. These policies may not fully protect you in the event of an accident, potentially exposing you to significant financial risk if damages or medical expenses exceed the coverage limits. Assess not just the cost, but also the value and protection offered by your car insurance policy.
Offers common discounts like bundling, multiple car and safe driving.
Ranks 2nd for claims handling.
Offers reasonably rare discounts like OEM coverage.
Ranks 3rd for affordability for minimum coverage.
American Family stands out predominantly due to its affordability (36 out of 40) and coverage (10 out of 10), powering a robust MoneyGeek score of 82 (out of 100). On average, American Family's policyholders enjoy an annual premium of $254, highlighting the value provided to the average driver. Additionally, the company provides reasonably common discounts such as Automatic Payment and Pay in Full, alongside rarer discounts like Paperless Billing, enabling customers to save money while managing their policies efficiently.
American Family is known for its widespread discount offerings, including all of the most common discounts like Bundling, Good Student, Multiple Car and Safe Driving. Customers can also enjoy savings through the Early Signing and Loyalty discounts. Early Signing rewards clients who activate policies before their current one expires, while Loyalty recognizes and compensates long-standing customers, affirming the insurer's commitment to retaining and valuing its clientele.
American Family has an excellent affordability score (36 out of 40) and impeccable coverage score (10 out of 10). Additionally, the firm's satisfaction score (16 out of 25), claims handling score (15 out of 20) and stability score (4 out of 5) assure customers of its quality.
Driver age significantly influences car insurance rates in South Dakota due to varying costs and available coverages and discounts suitable for different age groups. MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners, with a score of 91, is the best option for teen drivers at an annual premium of $1,499. Similarly, American Family, scoring 90, stands out as the optimal choice for both young adults and seniors with annual premiums of $801 and $681, respectively. These companies offer the right balance between cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction, making them the top picks for their respective age categories.
Best for teens: Auto-Owners Insurance Co
Best for seniors: American Family
Best for young adults: American Family
Auto-Owners is the best option in South Dakota for car insurance for teens.
Auto-Owners distinguishes itself through high customer satisfaction and exceptional claims handling, major factors contributing to its impressive MoneyGeek score. Its annual cost of $1,499 shows that it is often more economical to add teens to a family policy rather than getting a separate policy for them in South Dakota. To find cheap car insurance for a teen in South Dakota, one should consider a family plan for the substantial savings it offers.
Adding a teen to a car insurance policy is notably more expensive due to the higher risk associated with young, inexperienced drivers. Insurers factor in the increased likelihood of accidents and the severity of these incidents when setting premiums for teen drivers, not only in South Dakota but across various states as well. Therefore, a family policy mitigates some of those cost increments by spreading risk across multiple, possibly more experienced drivers.
Offers Good Student and Distant Student discounts.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Ranks 1st for common coverages.
Ranks 5th for cost, with an average annual premium of $1499.
Does not offer Driver's Education discount.
Auto-Owners leads in MoneyGeek's ranking, primarily due to its exceptional satisfaction score of 34 (out of 35) and full marks in coverage score with 10 (out of 10). Despite not offering a Driver's Education discount, it does offer Good Student and Distant Student discounts, making it ideal for families with teen drivers.
Auto-Owners provides a comprehensive insurance experience with a range of valuable coverages. One rare coverage offered is Diminished Value Coverage, which can significantly benefit drivers by potentially recovering the loss in value after an accident. Additionally, Accident Forgiveness is a reasonably common coverage that protects your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident. These features underscore the company's commitment to providing robust protection.
American Family is the best option in South Dakota for senior drivers looking for quality car insurance. The top providers are:
American Family excels with its combination of high customer satisfaction, affordability and reliable claims handling, positioning itself as a standout provider. To secure cheap car insurance for a senior in South Dakota, you might expect to pay more than those in younger demographics. Americans in their 60s can find policies at American Family for approximately $678 annually, a competitive rate considering the comprehensive coverage provided.
Car insurance premiums for seniors do not universally exceed those of middle-aged policyholders within South Dakota and elsewhere. When analyzing rates, MoneyGeek bases its comparisons on seniors in their 60s, although individuals in their 70s and 80s may see higher premiums. This nuanced approach ensures seniors are informed of potential cost variances in a respectful and considerate manner.
Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.
Ranks 1st for affordability, average annual premium $678 for full coverage.
Ranks 2nd for claims handling.
American Family delivers an exceptional MoneyGeek Score due to its excellent satisfaction and affordability contributions. This company offers both Roadside Assistance and Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement, providing peace of mind for drivers who experience accidents. With an average annual premium of $678, American Family also provides reasonably rare discounts like Automatic Payment and Volunteer discounts, but does not offer a senior discount.
Roadside Assistance could be especially helpful for seniors who may need immediate help with a flat tire or a dead battery, ensuring you're never left stranded. Similarly, Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement is beneficial, facilitating access to transportation while your car is being serviced, an essential convenience for maintaining independence and mobility in the event of an accident.
American Family is the best option in South Dakota for car insurance for young adults, scoring the highest MoneyGeek score, mostly due to its levels of satisfaction and affordability.
American Family stands out due to its exceptional balance of satisfaction and affordability tailored for drivers in their 20s, with a high customer satisfaction score and the most affordable annual premium for this demographic. The significant factors attributing to its top MoneyGeek score include strong performance in claims handling and coverage options. Notably, a young adult's policy with American Family in South Dakota will likely be around $798 annually. To find cheap car insurance for a young adult in South Dakota, recognize that rates may still be slightly higher than for older, more experienced drivers.
The cost of car insurance for young adults is generally higher due to their lack of driving experience and a higher statistical likelihood of filing claims. Young drivers across South Dakota, as well as other states, are often considered high-risk, which is why their premiums tend to be more expensive when compared with older age groups.
Ranks 2nd for claims handling.
Offers Good Student, Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.
American Family scores high with 32 (out of 35) in satisfaction and 30 (out of 30) in affordability, resulting in a remarkable MoneyGeek Score. With discounts such as Good Student, Driver's Education and Distant Student available, American Family caters to young drivers. When it comes to common coverages, the company provides both Roadside Assistance and Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, though it lacks an Accident Forgiveness option.
American Family stands out by offering helpful and somewhat rare coverages, such as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) coverage, which is beneficial for drivers wanting repairs with original parts. For added peace of mind, Auto Death Indemnity Coverage adds a valuable safety net for families should the worst happen.
American Family is the best option in South Dakota for drivers with driving offenses. For individuals seeking the most favorable car insurance offerings, consider the two top providers:
MoneyGeek's scoring reflects a comprehensive data set, including a blend of drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs. Satisfaction and affordability are the most significant contributors to American Family's top rank. Drivers looking to secure cheap car insurance as a high risk driver in South Dakota can expect to pay $867 annually, a figure slightly above the premium for drivers with cleaner records, likely due to increased risk assessment by insurers.
After a ticket, at-fault accident or DUI, insurance providers adjust rates higher due to the elevated risk associated with drivers who have these marks on their record. This standard practice, aimed at offsetting potential loss, is evident in South Dakota and across most states in the U.S., reflecting the industry's risk-based pricing strategy.
Ranks well for customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Top affordability with average annual premium of $867 for full coverage with offenses.
Offers roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, accident forgiveness and gap insurance.
Lacks new car or better car replacement coverage.
American Family boasts a remarkable MoneyGeek Score of 90 (out of 100), largely due to its outstanding affordability and satisfaction, scoring 30 (out of 30) and 31 (out of 35) respectively. This carrier caters particularly well to those with a spotty driving record, offering a comprehensive suite of coverages including Roadside Assistance and Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement – common essentials for peace of mind – as well as the more specialized Accident Forgiveness. With an average annual premium of $867, American Family is an affordable option, especially when considering the financial burden typically associated with driving offenses.
American Family addresses the concerns faced by drivers with past mishaps through relevant coverages designed to mitigate future stress. Roadside Assistance ensures immediate help with vehicle troubles, large or small, keeping you safe and ready to move forward. Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement offers a backup plan when your car is temporarily unavailable. Moreover, Accident Forgiveness is a thoughtful provision that could prevent premiums from skyrocketing following an initial at-fault accident, a relief for those seeking to keep costs in check while they work to improve their driving history.
MoneyGeek found that Kemper is the best option in South Dakota for drivers looking for insurance for their new cars.
Kemper has the highest MoneyGeek score, reflecting its strong performance across various categories including satisfaction, affordability and claims handling. MoneyGeek excludes insurers from this top tier list if they don't offer New Car Replacement and/or Better Car Replacement coverages – options that are critical for those with a new vehicle.
Opting for an insurer that provides New or Better Car Replacement could potentially save drivers in the long run. This is because these coverages ensure you can replace your car with a new one, rather than receiving a payout that only covers the depreciated value of the vehicle, protecting your investment should an accident occur.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Offers competitive rates at $913 for full coverage.
Offers New Car Replacement and Gap Insurance.
Kemper's high MoneyGeek score of 88 is predominantly influenced by stellar satisfaction (33 out of 35) and maximum affordability (30 out of 30) ratings. Kemper offers New Car Replacement, a valuable option for drivers with new vehicles, providing full reimbursement for a brand-new car of the same make and model should theirs be totaled, albeit as an optional add-on. The average annual premium for Kemper is $913.
Kemper provides New Car Replacement coverage, an excellent choice for those who have invested in new vehicles. This coverage ensures that if their car is a total loss, drivers can get back on the road in a new vehicle quickly and without the financial burden of depreciation. It protects the buyer's investment in their new car by giving them the means to replace it with a brand-new model, hence preserving the value they originally paid for. While Gap Insurance is also offered, it is not as universally applicable for drivers who have paid off a significant amount of their vehicle loan or those who made a substantial down payment.
American Family is the best option in South Dakota for car insurance for military personnel, with a stellar MoneyGeek score.
Although USAA is known for excellent insurance services to military families, it did not secure the top spot in South Dakota based on the MoneyGeek score, which values a balance of service quality and affordability.
American Family emerges with high scores across satisfaction, affordability, claims handling and coverage domains. Its annual cost $645 makes it an attractive option, especially for those prioritizing the balance of service and price. Customers specifically looking for the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota for military drivers can find compelling options that cater specifically to their budget considerations.
Ranks 2nd in claims handling.
Ranks 1st in affordability; average premium is $645.
Offers rare coverages like OEM and common ones like Gap Insurance.
Ranks 1st for key coverages.
Ranks 4th in customer satisfaction.
American Family delivers exceptional car insurance coverage, with Satisfaction and Coverage as the leading contributors to its excellent MoneyGeek Score of 90. As the top-scoring firm, it offers competitive premiums with an average annual cost of $645.
Among its offerings, American Family's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Coverage is a rare but valuable inclusion, ensuring replacements use original factory parts, maintaining vehicle integrity and value. Accident Forgiveness is a reasonably common coverage that can prevent your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident— a reassuring feature for drivers. Furthermore, Gap Insurance can provide peace of mind by covering the loan balance on a car that's totaled or stolen, even if it exceeds the depreciated value.
American Family's high satisfaction (31 out of 35) and claims handling (15 out of 20) scores highlight its commitment to customer service and efficient claims processes, while a perfect coverage score (10 out of 10) assures customers of comprehensive policy options.
In South Dakota, selecting a car insurance provider that offers a blend of affordability, financial stability and consistent, high-quality service is important. MoneyGeek has rigorously evaluated and ranked these top insurers for you. However, if you choose to conduct your own research, be prepared to take these steps to ensure you make an informed decision on a policy that best fits your needs:
In South Dakota, exceptional customer service is crucial for car insurance providers due to the direct impact it has on customer satisfaction and claims resolution. Shoppers are advised to consult independent data from sources like JD Power and the NAIC to assess an insurer's performance. Highlighting the company with the best service in the state, Auto-Owners Insurance Co boasts a MoneyGeek customer satisfaction score of 39 (out of 45) and a perfect claims handling score of 30 (out of 30).
Comparing car insurance quotes in South Dakota is essential for finding affordable rates without compromising on service quality. Personal background factors heavily influence premiums, so conducting individual research is key to identifying the most cost-effective options. MoneyGeek's research identifies American Family as the best for minimum coverage, offering an annual premium of approximately $254.
The range of coverages offered by car insurers is pivotal in meeting driver needs. It's important for consumers to research and find insurers with coverages that align with their requirements. In South Dakota, American Family is distinguished by MoneyGeek with a perfect coverage score of 10, indicating the provision of all four crucial coverages: Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, Roadside Assistance, Gap Insurance, and Original Equipment Manufacturer coverage.
Selecting a car insurer with a strong financial stability rating is vital to ensure claims are paid out without complications. Researching a company's financial strength can safeguard against potential risks. According to MoneyGeek's data, Auto-Owners Insurance Co, GEICO, and State Farm each received a perfect stability score of 5, reflecting the highest A.M. Best rating of A++, which signifies an extremely low risk of financial failure.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
American Family is also recognized as the best for cheap car insurance in South Dakota, with an annual premium of $254 for a minimum coverage policy. Its overall MoneyGeek score is 82. While minimum coverage policies are more affordable, they may not provide comprehensive protection. Consumers can find cheap full coverage policies by comparing quotes from different insurers.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
