Car Insurance in South Dakota

Here's what you need to know when driving in South Dakota

Across the Mount Rushmore State, there are 166,814 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in South Dakota is $1,577 per year — 3% more than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average South Dakota car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in South Dakota based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in South Dakota

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in South Dakota.

The cheapest car insurance companies in South Dakota

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

South Dakota auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including South Dakota. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in South Dakota, expect to pay an average of $254 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 53%. 

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of South Dakota, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

Liability

• Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
• Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage $25,000 per accident

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

• Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
• Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in South Dakota, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,316, 418% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 585% more than you would for basic coverage.

South Dakota car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in South Dakota.

Cheap auto insurance in South Dakota for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In South Dakota, the average cost for minimum coverage is $21 per month, or $254 yearly — a savings of $1,485 compared to full coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in South Dakota with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, South Dakota drivers with poor credit pay 61% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in South Dakota

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In South Dakota, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,515 per year —  $281 less than the nationwide average and over twice as much as a typical South Dakota driver.

South Dakota auto insurance rate by violation

In South Dakota, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 93% after a DUI and 43% after a speeding ticket.

See below average auto insurance rates in South Dakota after a few common citations.

South Dakota DUI laws

In South Dakota, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,225. That’s 31% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in South Dakota

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in South Dakota, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in South Dakota, State Farm, advertises annual rates 26% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in South Dakota is Farmers, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 50% above average.

CAR INSURANCE RATES WITH DUI IN SOUTH DAKOTA — BY INSURER

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

South Dakota SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of South Dakota to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in South Dakota might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

How to acquire an SR-22 in South Dakota

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in ?, South Dakota, and the most expensive in ?, South Dakota.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of South Dakota's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in South Dakota

In South Dakota, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $138 in the past year. A typical South Dakota driver pays an average of $1,578 per year.

The recent pricing trend in South Dakota leans closely to national car insurance costs. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2018 to 2019. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

South Dakota car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding South Dakota auto insurance.