What Dairyland Insurance Is and Who Offers It

Dairyland Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company owned by Nationwide that sells auto, home, and renters policies, primarily to people who have had accidents, violations, or lapses in coverage. The company operates in most U.S. states and specializes in high-risk insurance — coverage for drivers and homeowners who cannot easily find policies through standard insurers.

Dairyland does not require a perfect driving record or claims history to offer you a quote. The company was founded in 1969 and has handled millions of policies. It is regulated by state insurance departments, the same way any other insurer is, and claims are backed by Nationwide's financial reserves.

The trade-off is that premiums are typically higher than what drivers or homeowners with clean records pay. Dairyland charges more because the people it insures file claims more often on average. That higher cost reflects actual risk, not a penalty — it is how insurance pricing works across the industry.

Key Takeaways

  • Dairyland specializes in auto and home insurance for people with accidents, violations, or prior lapses in coverage, not in standard-risk policies.
  • You can get a quote online or by phone without a lengthy process, and coverage can begin within days in most states.
  • Premiums are higher than standard rates because Dairyland insures higher-risk drivers and homeowners, and that cost difference is set by state regulators.
  • Dairyland policies include the same types of coverage as any other insurer — liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist — but you choose your deductible and limits.
  • If you have been denied by other insurers or cannot find affordable coverage, Dairyland is one option, but comparing quotes from other high-risk carriers is worth the time.

Types of Coverage Dairyland Offers

Dairyland sells auto insurance with the standard coverage types: liability (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments. You choose your deductible — usually $250, $500, $750, or $1,000 — and your liability limits. State minimum liability varies, but Dairyland allows you to buy more if you want it.

Homeowners insurance through Dairyland covers the structure of your home, your personal property inside it, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you have to leave due to a covered loss. Like auto policies, you choose your deductible and coverage limits. Dairyland also offers renters insurance, which covers your belongings and liability but not the building itself.

Dairyland does not offer life insurance, health insurance, or business policies. If you need those, you will have to go elsewhere. The company also does not offer discounts as generous as some standard insurers do — for example, bundling multiple policies or paying in full upfront may reduce your rate, but the savings are often smaller.

How to Get a Quote and What Information You Will Need

You can request a quote from Dairyland online at dairyland.com, by phone at 1-800-334-6541, or through a local independent agent who represents the company. The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes for auto insurance. You will need your driver's license, current insurance information (if you have it), and details about any accidents or violations in the past three to five years.

For a homeowners quote, you will need your address, the year your home was built, the square footage, the type of roof, and information about your heating and plumbing systems. Dairyland will also ask whether you have had prior claims. None of this information is unusual — every homeowners insurer asks the same things.

After you provide this information, Dairyland will run a motor vehicle report (for auto) or a claims history check (for home) and give you a quote within minutes to a few hours. If you decide to buy, you can often set up coverage the same day or within a few business days, depending on your state and the time of day you purchase.

Why Premiums Are Higher and How Rates Are Set

Dairyland's rates are higher than standard insurers because the company insures people who have filed more claims or have riskier driving or homeownership profiles. A driver with two accidents in five years will pay more than a driver with none — not because Dairyland is punishing them, but because statistics show that driver will likely file another claim sooner. Insurance pricing is based on risk, and Dairyland's customer base is, on average, higher-risk.

Rates are not set by Dairyland alone. Each state's insurance commissioner reviews and approves rate changes before they take effect. Dairyland must file its rates with the state and show the data behind them. If the state thinks a rate is unfair or discriminatory, it can reject it. This means you cannot negotiate your individual rate — it is set by formula based on your age, location, driving history, and the coverage you choose.

Your rate will change if you move to a different state, add a driver to your policy, or have a new accident or violation. Dairyland will send you a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before your policy expires, showing your new rate. You can shop around at that point and switch to another insurer if you find a better price.

When Dairyland Makes Sense and When to Compare Other Options

Dairyland is useful if you have been denied by other insurers or if you have had trouble finding affordable coverage after an accident, DUI, or lapse in insurance. It is also a reasonable choice if you have a poor credit score, because some standard insurers use credit as a rating factor and Dairyland is less strict about it.

However, Dairyland is not the only high-risk insurer. Other companies that specialize in drivers and homeowners with accidents or violations include Bristol West, National General, and Acceptance Insurance. Comparing quotes from at least two or three of these carriers takes an hour and can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Each company weights risk factors differently, so one may quote you significantly lower than another.

If you have had only minor violations or a single accident years ago, you may also may have access to for standard-risk insurers at a lower rate than Dairyland charges. It is worth getting quotes from companies like State Farm, Allstate, or GEICO as well, even if you were turned down before — circumstances change, and some insurers have different underwriting rules.

Filing a Claim and What to Expect

If you have an accident or loss, you can file a claim with Dairyland by phone, online, or through your agent. For auto claims, call 1-800-334-6541 or use the Dairyland mobile app. For homeowners claims, the same phone number applies. You will need your policy number and details about what happened — date, time, location, and what was damaged or lost.

Dairyland will assign an adjuster to your claim. The adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection (for home claims) or to discuss the accident (for auto claims). For auto, Dairyland may also contact the other driver's insurer if another vehicle was involved. The process typically takes two to four weeks from filing to payment, though it can be faster for straightforward claims.

If you disagree with Dairyland's decision on your claim, you have the right to appeal. You can also file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you believe the company acted unfairly. The commissioner's office will investigate and can order the company to pay if it finds a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Dairyland insurance if I have been denied by other companies?

Yes. Dairyland specializes in insuring people who have been turned down elsewhere. You will still need to provide your driving or claims history, and Dairyland will review it, but denial by another insurer does not automatically disqualify you from Dairyland. Get a quote to see what they will offer.

How long does it take to set up a Dairyland policy?

Coverage can begin the same day you purchase online or by phone in most states, though some states require a one-day or two-day waiting period. If you buy in the evening, coverage may start the next morning. Ask the agent or the online system for the exact effective date before you complete your purchase.

Does Dairyland offer discounts?

Yes, but fewer than standard insurers. Dairyland offers discounts for bundling auto and home policies, paying in full upfront, and completing a defensive driving course. The discounts are typically 5 to 15 percent, smaller than what you might see elsewhere. Ask for a list of all available discounts when you get your quote.

What if my rate goes up at renewal?

Rate increases at renewal are common, especially if you have had an accident or violation since your last policy started. You will receive a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before your policy expires. You can shop for other quotes at that point and switch if you find a better price. You are not locked into Dairyland.

Is Dairyland owned by a larger company?

Yes. Dairyland is a subsidiary of Nationwide, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States. This means Dairyland's claims are backed by Nationwide's financial strength, and the company is unlikely to go out of business. Your coverage is as find as any other Nationwide policy.