Dairyland Auto Insurance Review

Key Points:

• Dairyland is based in Wisconsin and is a subsidiary of Sentry Insurance Group.
• Dairyland coverage is available in 38 states and includes nonstandard driver coverage for high-risk drivers and those who face challenges qualifying for coverage elsewhere.
• Dairyland customer reviews are mixed, with many policyholders noting issues with the company’s claims service.

Dairyland has been in business for over a century, but since it is not a well-known provider, you may not really know if Dairyland auto insurance is a good fit for you. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Dairyland auto insurance and compare the company to the best car insurance providers.

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Dairyland Insurance Rating

We gave Dairyland 3.9 out of 5.0 stars because coverage is available in most states and its parent company, Sentry Insurance, has a strong industry reputation. Note that Dairyland has low scores in our cost and service category, which it earned primarily from customer reviews.

*Ratings are determined by our editorial review team. Learn more about our scoring methodology below.

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Dairyland Insurance Overview

Now a member of Sentry Insurance Group, Dairyland and Viking Insurance (among others) are a merged company. In addition to car insurance policies, Dairyland offers scooter, moped, and motorcycle insurance.

A University of Wisconsin–Madison professor started Dairyland back in the 1950s to help inexperienced drivers, drivers with bad records, and those who had other auto issues obtain insurance. Today, Dairyland continues to offer competitive rates for drivers who struggle to get affordable insurance.

Dairyland car insurance is available in 38 states. You can see where it is not offered below: 

• Alaska
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island

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Dairyland Car Insurance Coverage

Dairyland has a variety of choices for coverage, from the bare minimum to more comprehensive protection for you and your vehicle. Here’s a closer look:

• Personal liability: If you’re at fault for an accident, this plan reimburses damages and injuries sustained by the other driver and their vehicle.
• Comprehensive and collision: Essentially, these options cover damage to your vehicle. Collision coverage pays for damages sustained to your car during an accident, whereas comprehensive car insurance insures the vehicle against things like theft and forces of nature.
• Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP and medical payments (MedPay) reimburses the costs of any physical harm you or your passengers sustain in an accident.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: If you are the victim in an accident with someone who doesn’t have auto insurance or lacks coverage, this plan reimburses you for bodily injury or property damage sustained in the accident.

For those with DUIs, a history of uninsured driving, or non-vehicle owners, some states require a specific proof of insurance called an SR-22. Although some insurance companies won’t insure high-risk drivers, you can get a Dairyland auto insurance plan quickly and the required SR-22 insurance documentation to get on the road.

Additional Coverage From Dairyland Auto Insurance

Along with standard coverages, Dairyland auto insurance has the following add-on benefits available for car owners’ policies:

• Towing: Whether you’re in an accident or your vehicle breaks down, towing coverage will help you get your vehicle to a repair shop.
• Rental reimbursement: In the event that you end up without a car for an extended period of time, this coverage will reimburse you for rental car costs.
• Special equipment coverage: This offering provides coverage for aftermarket parts and post-factory touches you’ve added to your vehicle (some restrictions apply).

Dairyland Auto Insurance Discounts

One great perk about Dairyland auto insurance is the abundance of discounts the company provides to its customers to help them save money. These include:

• Multi-car discount: If you insure more than one vehicle with Dairyland, the company will offer you a multi-car discount.
• Advanced quote discount: If you request a quote and purchase the quoted policy at least seven days in advance, Dairyland will provide you with a discount.
• Transfer discount: If you switch to Dairyland auto insurance from a company that you’ve used for over six months, you’ll receive a discount as well.
• Payment frequency discount: If you pay your premium on a quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis instead of monthly, Dairyland will discount your rate.
• Homeowners discount: Insured homeowners receive a discount.
• Defensive driving discount: For those who complete a driver’s education course and submit proof, Dairyland will offer a discount.
• Anti-theft discount: If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, Dairyland will also offer a discount.

Dairyland Auto Insurance Cost

It’s impossible to find specific prices on the Dairyland website because car insurance prices vary based on state, driver age and record, vehicle information, and the selected coverage. 

According to data we analyzed from Quadrant Information Services, the average annual premium rate estimate for full-coverage car insurance ranged from $1,000 to $3,000, based on the profile of a 30-year-old with good credit and a clean driving record. The average cost of a full-coverage policy nationwide is $1,968 per year.

However, most reviews claim that Dairyland car insurance rates appear higher than average for low-risk, safe drivers but rate competitively low for high-risk drivers who struggle to obtain insurance elsewhere.

Factors That Affect Dairyland Car Insurance Rates

No matter who you are, there are a few factors that will likely play a role in how much you pay for car insurance:

• Age: Younger drivers tend to pay more than their older counterparts for any type of car insurance.
• Marital status: Many insurance companies offer special discounts for married drivers, with further discounts available for bundled policies.
• Gender on license: Male drivers are often considered to be a higher risk than females, so these drivers typically pay higher insurance premiums.
• Location: Insurance companies adjust rates based on the risk of traffic accidents and other factors in a given location. Insurance policies for drivers in rural areas may be cheaper than those who live in cities or urban areas.
• Vehicle: Some vehicles cost more to insure than others.
• Credit history: Drivers with a poor credit score often pay higher rates than those with good credit history.
• Claims history: If you have a history of claims for accidents or other damages, you may pay higher rates than other drivers.
• Driving record: Drivers with speeding tickets, accidents, or DUIs pay more for car insurance than those with clean driving records.

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How Dairyland Auto Insurance Works

Unlike some insurance companies where car owners meet or speak with local agents, Dairyland mostly works with customers through its website and national call centers. While some may see this as a drawback, others see it as a plus, since it makes customer service available 24/7.

Dairyland Auto Insurance Quotes

If you live within one of the 38 states where Dairyland car insurance is available, then you can quickly get a quote anytime through the Dairyland website or by calling. You’ll simply need to provide your information, specifics on the vehicle, and details about any other family members you’d like on the policy. Then, you’ll select which coverage options you’d like and Dairyland will provide you with your free quote.

Use this tool to see how Dairyland’s quotes compare to other insurance providers in your area.

Dairyland Auto Insurance Claims

Dairyland auto insurance only accepts claims over the phone. After a vehicle incident, you should immediately call to report your claim. A Dairyland auto insurance representative will ask some initial questions before connecting you with a claims associate. The associate will review your insurance policy, then explain the next steps.

Dairyland lets you choose your repair shop. After you start the claims process, you will likely be asked to take your car to a repair facility and get an estimate. Then, Dairyland and the repair facility will remain in contact and get the needed repairs completed. If you opted for Dairyland’s rental car coverage, you will receive a reimbursement for your rental car while your vehicle is in the repair facility.

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What Others Say About Dairyland Auto Insurance

Dairyland maintains fairly high ratings with review organizations. Its parent company, Sentry Insurance, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), although it is not accredited. Dairyland itself holds a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot.

Positive Dairyland Insurance Reviews

While reading through online reviews, the positive feedback customers listed included the price of Dairyland auto insurance and excellent customer satisfaction.

“I was treated with dignity and respect… You eased my mind and found the best price for me. Thank you for your kindness.”

–Lisa M. via Trustpilot

“I have had insurance with [Dairyland] a few times but it was good to see I was given wage loss for a year when I was in a car accident and was unable to work. Dairyland gave me the help I [needed] from the insurance I had. What was even better was that I was able to get insurance again at [an] affordable price that was better than any other company I received [a] quote from.”

–Laura R. via Trustpilot

Negative Dairyland Insurance Reviews

Despite the high ratings for Dairyland auto insurance, we read through a number of complaints from people involved in accidents with drivers insured by Dairyland. Another issue appears to be unexpected policy cancellations.

“Terrible customer service. I was hit by a driver insured by Dairyland. First of all, I’ve never even heard of this company before. Anyways, I have called and called for two weeks and never received a phone call back. Finally fed up with being ignored, I called to speak with my adjuster’s supervisor. She wasn’t too happy with that. She was extremely rude, and so was I. But things are finally moving.”

–Demetrice R. via Trustpilot

“This agency canceled my insurance without notice and would not reinstate my policy… Very poorly run business. Would not let me pay my past amount due with fees, would not accept competitive rates for my area, and did not even try to resolve my issue.”

–Daniel W. via BBB

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Dairyland Auto Insurance: Our Take

If you are a new driver or have an extensive driving record that makes it difficult to otherwise obtain insurance, Dairyland auto insurance rates appear competitive and policies are easy to obtain through the website. With that being said, we encourage you to ask questions and read policies carefully, so you don’t find yourself in a bind.

Other Recommended Insurance Companies

Based on our team’s industry research, Progressive and USAA are good choices for drivers interested in comparing car insurance quotes.

Progressive: Best For Usage-Based Insurance

As one of the nation’s largest and most well-known car insurance companies, Progressive earned 4.5 out of 5 stars. The company’s Name Your Price^® tool is one of its most popular draws, especially for very cost-conscious customers.

Progressive has an extensive variety of policies and perks. Like Dairyland, Progressive offers coverage to drivers with mixed driving histories and will provide an SR-22 to those who need proof of insurance. The provider offers car insurance discounts for improved driving records and accident forgiveness for those who experience a first-time auto accident.

For more information, read our Progressive auto insurance review.

USAA: Best For Military Members

If you are family to a current or former military member, then consider USAA, which we awarded 4.5 stars. We think the company has the total package with reasonable rates, great customer service, and discount offerings. USAA car insurance consistently earns high ratings from J.D. Power and other auto industry rating organizations, too.

USAA has great discounts, some of which are specifically targeted to current military members. The provider also offers homeowners insurance and renters insurance, making it a one-stop shop for some.

Read our USAA auto insurance review for more information.

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Dairyland Auto Insurance Review: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about Dairyland car insurance.

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How We Rated Dairyland Insurance:

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:

• Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
• Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
• Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
• Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
• Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
• Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.

*Data accurate at time of publication.

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