Dairyland is a regional insurance company that has been providing auto insurance for over 90 years. Originally founded in Wisconsin in 1926, Dairyland has grown to serve customers in over a dozen Midwestern and Southern states.
Dairyland offers a range of standard auto insurance products including liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments coverage. Policy options and rates will vary by state. In addition to standard private passenger auto insurance, Dairyland also provides coverage options for motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, and commercial vehicles.
The company aims to provide affordable car insurance rates to drivers with good driving records. Dairyland offers discounts to students, educators, good drivers, good students, and customers who bundle multiple policies. The company has an A- rating from A.M. Best, indicating excellent financial strength.
With headquarters in Wisconsin, Dairyland maintains a strong presence in surrounding Midwestern states as well as select Southern states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. The regional company serves over one million auto insurance customers across its current operating territories.
Types of Car Insurance Offered
Dairyland offers all the major types of car insurance coverage drivers need:
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance pays for damage or injuries you cause to other people and their property while driving. It’s required in most states. Dairyland offers:
- Bodily injury liability – covers medical bills for people injured in an accident you caused
- Property damage liability – covers repairs to other vehicles or property you damaged
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance pays for damage to your vehicle from an accident, regardless of who was at fault. It covers your car if you collide with another vehicle, a tree, guard rail, etc. This is optional but recommended coverage.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car that isn’t from a collision, like theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, animals, falling objects, etc. It’s optional but provides protection beyond collision coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for injuries and damages caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. It protects you in case you’re hit by an uninsured driver. Dairyland offers this important protection.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection (PIP) pays for immediate medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. It may cover lost wages, child care, and funeral costs too. PIP is required in some states.
Discounts and Savings Opportunities
Dairyland offers a variety of discounts that can help drivers save money on their car insurance premiums. Some of the key discounts to be aware of include:
Good Driver Discount
Drivers with a clean driving record can qualify for Dairyland’s good driver discount. This provides a percentage discount off your total premium. To qualify, you’ll need a record free of at-fault accidents, traffic violations, and DUIs for the past 3-5 years (timeframe depends on state). This rewards safe drivers with lower rates.
Multi-Car Discount
If you insure more than one car with Dairyland, you can receive a multi-car discount. This provides a percentage discount for bundling multiple vehicles on the same policy. It’s a convenient way for households with two or more cars to save.
Safe Driver Discount
For drivers ages 55 and older who take an approved safe driver course, Dairyland offers additional savings with their safe driver discount. This encourages mature drivers to sharpen their skills and rewards them with lower premiums. Discounts range from 5% to 15% off your total premium.
Pay-in-Full Discount
Opting to pay your full 6-month or 12-month premium all at once rather than in installments can earn you Dairyland’s pay-in-full discount. This usually provides around 5% off your total premium. It helps reward upfront payment.
Student Away at School Discount
If you have a college student who lives away at school without a car, Dairyland allows you to exclude them from your policy to avoid paying for unused coverage. This keeps costs lower for parents with students away at school who aren’t driving regularly.
Taking advantage of these discounts allows Dairyland customers the opportunity to lower their rates. Comparing discounts across insurers can help drivers find the best value.
Getting a Quote and Buying a Policy
Getting an insurance quote from Dairyland is quick and easy. The entire process can be completed online in just a few minutes.
To get a quote, simply visit Dairyland’s website and enter some basic information like your name, address, date of birth, and driver’s license number. You’ll also need to provide details about your vehicle, including the year, make, model, and VIN. The system will ask you questions about your driving history and insurance coverage needs.
Within seconds you’ll receive a personalized quote showing the premium costs for different policy options based on the details you provided. You can adjust coverage, limits, and deductibles to see pricing for various scenarios. Once you’ve customized a policy to your liking, purchasing online takes just a few more clicks.
The online process is fast, but you can also speak with a Dairyland agent over the phone if you prefer personal assistance. Agents are available 24/7.
To complete your purchase, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of prior insurance coverage (if applicable)
You can pay for your policy online using a credit card or bank account. Dairyland also accepts money orders and checks mailed in. Your coverage will take effect as soon as payment is received.
Purchasing car insurance through Dairyland’s user-friendly website takes just minutes. With real-time quotes and immediate policy activation upon payment, you’ll be driving insured in no time.
Filing a Claim with Dairyland
Filing an auto insurance claim with Dairyland can be straightforward if you understand the process and come prepared with the right documentation. Here’s what to expect when reporting a claim:
Process for Filing
Call Dairyland’s claims department or your agent as soon as possible after an accident. There may be a time limit to report claims in your state.
Provide details about what happened, including the date, time, location, parties involved, any injuries or property damage, and a police report case number if available.
Cooperate fully with the claims adjuster assigned to your case. They will investigate and determine fault based on the policy terms.
You may need to bring your vehicle to an approved repair shop for an estimate. Dairyland may also send out an adjuster to inspect the damage.
Discuss the estimate with your claims adjuster and clarify any questions about what will be covered for repairs.
For total losses, Dairyland will calculate the actual cash value of the vehicle and make a settlement offer if it costs more to repair than the vehicle’s value.
Documents Needed
Your Dairyland policy number and contact information
Driver’s license number
Police report, if filed
Photos documenting damage
Repair estimates
Receipts for expenses related to the accident
Rental car invoices, if applicable
Estimating Damages
Your adjuster will work with Dairyland’s approved repair shops to determine the scope of damage and cost of repairs covered under your policy.
Be sure to point out any damage you notice that may have been overlooked during the initial estimate.
Clarify your deductible amount and what repairs it applies to.
If you want to use your own repair shop, you may need to provide additional estimates for comparison.
Working with Adjusters
Respond promptly to all requests from your claims adjuster to avoid delays.
Ask questions if any part of the process is unclear.
Be cooperative, but don’t hesitate to appeal if you disagree with a claims decision.
If repairs are taking longer than seems reasonable, follow up for a status update.
Make sure you understand all paperwork before signing anything related to settling your claim.
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Customer Service Options
Dairyland car insurance offers several convenient ways for customers to get assistance and manage their policies.
Contact Customer Service
By phone: Customers can call 1-800-Dairyland to speak with a customer service representative 24/7. Wait times are usually very short.
Online: The website has an online contact form where you can send a message and get a reply by email. There is also online chat available during business hours.
Mobile app: The Dairyland mobile app has a built-in chat feature to contact customer service.
Online Account Management
Policyholders can register online to manage their account through the Dairyland website or mobile app. Key features include:
- View policy documents, ID cards, claims status and history
- Make payments and set up autopay
- Request changes like updating contact info or adding a vehicle
- File claims and track status
- Access digital ID cards
Mobile App
Dairyland’s highly rated mobile app allows customers to have account access on the go for added convenience. App features mirror the online account options. Additional features include:
- Finding local agents and get directions
- Roadside assistance tools like contact info and location tracking
- Document uploads for claims and other needs
The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Reviews and Ratings
Dairyland is generally well-regarded for affordable car insurance, though customer satisfaction ratings are mixed. Here’s an overview of what policyholders say about Dairyland auto insurance:
Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power rated Dairyland 799 out of 1,000 for overall customer satisfaction in 2022, which is about average.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) shows a complaint index ratio of 1.00 for Dairyland in 2020, which is average.
Complaint Data
The NAIC reports 148 total complaints against Dairyland Insurance in 2020. The most common complaints relate to claims, underwriting, and pricing.
Complaint levels have risen slightly in recent years, with 117 complaints in 2018 and 129 complaints in 2019.
Industry Ratings
Dairyland currently holds an A- rating from A.M. Best, indicating excellent financial strength. This supports their ability to pay out claims.
Standard & Poor’s issues Dairyland an A- financial strength rating, also assessing them as having excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.
Overall, reviews suggest Dairyland provides affordable policies but customer satisfaction could improve. Shoppers should compare Dairyland to other top insurers.
Company Financial Strength
Dairyland is a division of Sentry Insurance, which has strong financial ratings from industry experts like A.M. Best. Sentry Insurance currently holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best, indicating excellent financial health. This is one of the highest possible ratings given to insurance companies.
A.M. Best reviews a company’s balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile, and other factors when determining ratings. Sentry has maintained its A+ rating for over 20 years, showcasing its long-term stability even through challenging economic periods.
In addition to strong ratings, Sentry Insurance posted $145 million in underwriting income in 2021, indicating profitable insurance operations. The group wrote over $3 billion in direct premiums and holds over $9 billion in total assets. Its large size provides financial flexibility to pay out insurance claims reliably.
Overall, Dairyland customers can feel confident that Sentry Insurance has the financial strength and claims-paying ability expected from a leading insurance provider. The ratings, underwriting profits, premium volume, and asset size confirm that Dairyland policies are backed by a secure company with staying power.
Alternatives to Consider
When shopping for car insurance, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple providers so you can compare rates and coverage. Here are some top alternatives to consider instead of or in addition to Dairyland:
Geico
Geico is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S. and is known for its easy online quotes, available discounts, and effective advertising. And Geico frequently offers lower rates than some competitors, especially for drivers with good credit and clean driving records. They have a mobile app and 24/7 customer service. Geico also has mechanical breakdown insurance available.
State Farm
State Farm is the largest auto and home insurer in the U.S. They have a wide selection of coverage options and discounts, including safe driver discounts and multi-policy discounts. State Farm has local agents available for personalized service. They have high customer satisfaction ratings and financial strength. State Farm offers rideshare coverage.
Progressive
Progressive is another large national insurer with competitive rates and lots of discount opportunities. They offer an easy quote comparison tool online and have a mobile app. Progressive provides usage-based insurance options based on driving habits. They have a reputation for efficient claims handling. Progressive also offers classic car insurance.
USAA
USAA provides insurance exclusively for military members, veterans, and their families. Customer service is excellent and they have some of the cheapest rates available. The company is known for fast claims payments and high member satisfaction. USAA offers accident forgiveness, rideshare coverage, and overseas protection. Members must qualify upon getting a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of auto insurance does Dairyland offer?
Dairyland offers a full range of auto insurance coverage options including liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments and more. They have policies available for standard vehicles as well as specialty auto like motorcycles, RVs and ATVs.
How can I get a car insurance quote from Dairyland?
You can get a free quote for Dairyland auto insurance online at their website by entering some basic information about yourself, your vehicle, and your driving history. You can also call their customer service line or visit a local agent to discuss options and get a personalized quote.
Does Dairyland have any discounts available?
Yes, Dairyland offers a number of discounts that can help lower your auto insurance premiums. Discounts may be available for things like multi-policy bundling, anti-theft devices, good student grades, completing a defensive driving course and more. Be sure to ask your agent what discounts you may qualify for.
How do I file a claim with Dairyland insurance?
To file a claim, call Dairyland’s claims department as soon as possible after an accident or incident occurs. Have information about the accident, the vehicles/drivers involved and any police reports ready when you call. You can also file a claim online via their website or mobile app.
Is Dairyland insurance available nationwide?
Dairyland primarily operates in the Midwestern part of the United States. They offer policies in about a dozen states including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho.
What payment options does Dairyland accept?
Dairyland accepts various payment methods including checking/savings account withdrawal, credit/debit cards, money orders and bank wire transfers. You can make a payment online, over the phone, by mail or in person at a local agent’s office.
How do I change my auto policy or contact Dairyland?
You can make policy changes, update information or ask questions by calling Dairyland’s customer service line, chatting online, sending them an email or visiting a local agent. Contact details can be found on their website or on your insurance documents.