South Dakota Car Insurance

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in South Dakota

South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. Its name originates from the Lakota and Dakota Sioux Native American tribes, meaning “friend” or “ally”. The state is home to several cities, including its capital, Pierre, and the largest city, Sioux Falls.

Visitors to South Dakota often explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial, showcasing the faces of four U.S. presidents. Additionally, Badlands National Park offers landscapes and rock formations for nature enthusiasts to discover.

Another attraction in South Dakota is Rapid City, known for its proximity to outdoor recreational areas, such as the Black Hills National Forest. The city also serves as a gateway to the Crazy Horse Memorial, a mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader. In western South Dakota, Deadwood offers a glimpse into the state’s gold rush past, with preserved buildings and casinos. These are just a few of the highlights that make South Dakota a destination for travelers and residents exploring the beauty and history of the region.

If you’re looking to find the best auto insurance at affordable rates in South Dakota, InsureOne’s experienced agents are here to help.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Dakota?

South Dakota stands out with its comparatively lower car insurance rates when compared to the national average. While the average annual cost for full coverage across the country is $2,014 and $622 for minimum coverage, residents enjoy average premiums of $1,553 for full coverage and just $276 for minimum coverage. This makes SD an attractive state for those seeking more budget-friendly car insurance options.

Reasons Why Insurance Is So Cheap in South Dakota

Car insurance in South Dakota remains cost-effective compared to the national average, thanks to factors such as its low population density and predominantly rural landscape. With fewer congested areas and lower risks of car accidents, insurance premiums in the state tend to be more affordable.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in South Dakota

Here is a comparison table of the average monthly premiums paid by drivers in different cities across South Dakota:

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Sioux Falls	$122	$31
Rapid City	$142	$28
Aberdeen	$120	$24
Brookings	$118	$24
Watertown	$118	$24

We arrive at our average auto insurance costs by using a male driver, aged 30 with a clean driving record. Minimum liability is the state-required minimum. Full coverage is a 100K/300K/100K policy. Your costs will be different and based on your individual factors.

What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in South Dakota?

There are various types of driving discounts typically offered by insurers. One of the most common is the good driver discount, which involves saving money by not having any traffic ticket violations for a certain period.

Other discounts that can reduce rates include:

• Multi-car
• Anti-theft
• Paperless billing
• Low mileage
• Good student
• Loyalty

South Dakota Car Insurance Laws

In South Dakota, car insurance laws mandate that drivers carry a mandatory 25/50/25 insurance policy. Also, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required for all policies. Here’s a closer look at what this means.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in South Dakota?

The state mandates a minimum amount of coverage, which includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident
• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in South Dakota?

For violating South Dakota’s insurance law, the state applies a consistent set of penalties regardless of whether it is your first, second, or third offense. However, if you are a repeat offender, the court has the discretion to escalate the penalties within the ranges specified for class 2 misdemeanors.

Upon the first conviction for driving uninsured, you can expect a fine of $100 or a county jail sentence of 30 days, or potentially both. Additionally, your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days.

What Factors Does South Dakota Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

State law allows insurance companies to calculate your premium based on several aspects. Some of the top deciding factors are:

• Gender
• Age
• Marital status
• Location
• Vehicle type
• Driving record and experience
• Credit history

Here’s What You Need to Know When Driving in South Dakota

South Dakota is an at-fault state. There, the driver found at fault for causing an accident must shoulder the costs of the property damage and injuries incurred by the other parties. Your liability insurance will cover these expenses, emphasizing why obtaining liability coverage exceeding the legal requirements is a wise decision.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in South Dakota?

Understanding and analyzing statistics regarding traffic accidents is crucial for promoting road safety. While it may be challenging to face the reality of such figures, they provide valuable insights into the causes and consequences of these incidents.

In the case of South Dakota, the data reveals a distressing fact: out of the 131 traffic crash fatalities recorded in 2021, a significant proportion (37.8%) were directly linked to alcohol. This statistic highlights the alarming impact that drunk driving continues to have on the state’s roads.

This chart shows the number of deadly accidents in different counties and cities across South Dakota that same year.

Counties and cities	Fatal Crashes in 2021
Rapid City	7
Sioux Falls	7
Beadle County	2
Custer County	5
Pennington County	23

Source: South Dakota Department of Public Safety

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in South Dakota?

More than 7.4% of motorists in this state were uninsured or underinsured in 2019. With this number of uninsured drivers, South Dakota ranks tenth among states with the fewest uninsured motorists on the road.

However, it is essential to remember that accidents can happen at any time and being adequately insured offers peace of mind and financial security. By maintaining auto insurance, you not only comply with state laws in South Dakota but also prioritize your own financial security and contribute to the well-being of the community.