Looking to get the best value out of your car insurance in South Dakota? Whether you’re a seasoned driver, a new resident, or new driver, understanding your auto insurance options is key. Let’s explore what South Dakota requires and how you can find the right coverage for your budget.
Car insurance costs in South Dakota are below the national average. The average cost for “full coverage” car insurance is around $2,279 annually, and meeting South Dakota state insurance requirements will only set you back about $370 per year on average.*
These costs offer a blend of affordability and protection—but remember your premiums may vary based on factors like your age, driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, and your ZIP code.
In South Dakota, you’re required to carry several types of car insurance coverage. This is meant to ensure that if an accident happens, all parties have a baseline level of financial protection against significant out-of-pocket costs.
Bodily injury liability insurance can help cover the other party’s medical expenses if you’re at fault in an accident that injures someone else. This coverage can help pay for things like hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and other medical expenses. In South Dakota, the minimum coverage limits are:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
Property damage liability insurance can help if you’re at fault in an accident that damages someone else's property. This liability coverage can help cover the other party’s repair costs or even replacement if the damage is extensive. To meet South Dakota state insurance requirements, you must carry a minimum of:
$25,000 per accident
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage is a mandatory part of South Dakota car insurance. UM/UIM can help protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who either doesn’t carry insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the costs of your medical expenses. South Dakota requires, at minimum, the following limits:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
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Beyond the mandatory requirements, South Dakotans can choose from a variety of optional car insurance coverages for added protection. Some of the options available include:
Collision insurance can help pay for repairs to your vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. This optional coverage is especially valuable if your car is newer or if you want to limit out-of-pocket expenses after a crash.
Comprehensive insurance can help cover damages to your car from non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related events.
Auto rental reimbursement coverage can help pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop due to a covered incident.
Roadside assistance coverage can help you access services like towing, battery jumps, and fuel delivery in the middle of a crisis. So, if something goes wrong on the road, you won’t be left stranded.
Non-owner insurance provides liability coverage for individuals who drive but don’t own a vehicle. It’s a smart choice if you often borrow cars or rent vehicles and want to ensure you're covered.
Medical payments coverage can help cover certain medical expenses for you and your passengers if you sustain injuries in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
Learn more with a free auto insurance quote.
We offer a range of car insurance discounts to help you lower your insurance costs while meeting South Dakota state requirements. Some of the discounts you could qualify for include:
Multi-car
Homeowners
Responsible driver
Paid in full
Quarterly
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Finding cheap car insurance in South Dakota depends on your unique situation. There’s a lot more to consider than just price when looking for protection that fits your budget and meets South Dakota state insurance requirements.
Comparing quotes from multiple providers is the best way to make sure you find the right coverage at a price that works for you. You can also look up each company’s customer ratings and reviews to gauge their reliability.
Insurance isn’t the only thing you need as a South Dakota driver. Here are some additional resources to keep you informed and compliant with South Dakota's driving laws.
South Dakota has specific driving requirements to keep its roads safe. Familiarize yourself with local and state driving laws, like those regarding seatbelt use, speed limits, and DUI regulations.
A couple driving laws South Dakotans need to know include:
Speed limits vary greatly depending on where you’re driving: expressways are often 80 mph while other highways range from 55 to 70 mph.
South Dakota’s Move Over Law states that if you come upon an accident scene on an expressway, you have to safely merge into the lane farthest from the accident. On all other roads, you must slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
Check out the South Dakota Driver License Manual for more details.
Here are some useful contacts to keep handy:
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) handles road safety, maintenance, and other transportation programs. Contact the SDDOT online or reach out by phone at 605-773-3265.
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (SDDPS) handles all aspects of public safety initiatives in the state, including emergency services, highway safety, and driver licensing. For help with vehicle registration, titles, and licensing, contact the SDDPS online or call 605-773-3541.
The South Dakota Division of Insurance, part of the state’s Department of Labor and Regulation, manages inquiries, compliance, and complaints regarding the state’s insurance industry to guarantee fair practices and consumer protections. You can reach the Division of Insurance at 605-773-3563 or via the agency's contact page.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article’s publication date.