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. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel. Below, learn more about which insurance companies offer, on average, the best prices in South Dakota, or enter your ZIP code above to discover quotes customized for your driving profile.
Affordable insurance companies in South Dakota
What's the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auto-Owners | $906 |
| 2 | Allied | $1,236 |
| 3 | Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $1,252 |
| 4 | State Farm | $1,297 |
| 5 | Farm Bureau Mutual | $1,640 |
| 6 | Progressive | $1,790 |
| 7 | Allstate | $1,930 |
| 8 | Farmers | $1,941 |
| 9 | American Family | $2,062 |
| 10 | Western National | $2,063 |
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Cheap auto insurance for good drivers in South Dakota
Drivers with clean driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. South Dakota drivers without a recent at-fault accident typically save 33% on their car insurance premiums — nearly matching the 32% US average. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $233 | 15.46% |
| No Accidents | $638 | 33.33% |
| Good Credit | $1,098 | 46.25% |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in South Dakota
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teenagers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In South Dakota, the typical teen driver pays $4,158 annually — approximately $800 less than the national average for teens, but about three times as much as the average driver in South Dakota.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $3,842 | $5,793 |
| 17 | $3,661 | $5,345 |
| 18 | $3,801 | $4,844 |
| 19 | $3,173 | $2,805 |
Cheap auto insurance for bad drivers in South Dakota
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably enjoy relatively cheap car insurance rates. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your costs to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 33% after a DUI, 33% after an at-fault accident, and 15% after a speeding ticket in South Dakota. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies in South Dakota roughly align to nationwide averages. If you have a clean driving history, be sure to inquire about your insurance company's safe driver discount.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,913 | 33.33% |
| DUI | $1,928 | 33.85% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,509 | 15.46% |
| Bad Credit | $2,373 | 46.25% |
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Top rated car insurance companies in South Dakota
Each car insurance company brags about its low costs. But just like with any product, the most affordable auto insurance isn't always the best idea. Considering the financial stakes, it's worthwhile to do your due diligence to obtain an insurance policy that covers your vehicle completely after an accident. Be on the lookout for the best value, rather than settling for the cheapest auto insurance you can find.
Compare top insurers' financial strength and claims satisfaction ratings to better understand the level of service you can expect. Claims satisfaction — assigned by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Superior" to "Poor" — assesses an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its policy and contractual obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) | Customer Satisfaction (The Zebra) |
| Allied | N/A | N/A | Average | N/A |
| Allstate | Above average | Average | Superior | 4.3 / 5 |
| Auto-Owners | Excellent | Above average | Superior | N/A |
| Farmers | Average | Below average | Excellent | 4.3 / 5 |
| Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | N/A | N/A | Excellent | N/A |
| GEICO | Average | Average | Superior | 4.4 / 5 |
| Nationwide | Above average | Poor | Superior | 4.3 / 5 |
| Progressive | Below average | Below average | Excellent | 4.3 / 5 |
| Safeco | Average | Average | Excellent | N/A |
| State Farm | Above average | Above average | Superior | 4.5 / 5 |
South Dakota auto insurance laws
In South Dakota, the state minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
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
Optional coverage in South Dakota (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Accidental Death
- Total Disability
For the legal minimum coverage in South Dakota, be prepared to pay a mean of $307 each year. This is more affordable than the national average by 53%. If you opt for better car insurance coverage, you can select a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by car collisions, theft, or weather conditions. However, better car insurance has a price: in South Dakota, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,027, 234% more than liability-only coverage. For comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 312% more than you would for a basic liability-only policy.
Find out more about auto insurance regulations in South Dakota.
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How tickets change insurance rates in South Dakota
If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance costs will probably rise. How much your rates rise depends on the severity of the violation, your insurance company's pricing strategy, 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.
Below is a snapshot of typical auto insurance rates in South Dakota after some common violations.
South Dakota car insurance FAQs
How much is car insurance in South Dakota?
Auto-Owners and Allied are the cheapest car insurance options in South Dakota. Auto-Owners charges $453 for a six-month policy, while Allied is slightly more expensive ($618).
Do you need car insurance in South Dakota?
In order to register your vehicle with the state of South Dakota, you need to carry liability insurance, at the least. If you're leasing or financing a vehicle, you are required to carry full coverage.
Is South Dakota a no-fault insurance state?
No, South Dakota is not a no-fault state. All at-fault drivers must pay for the bodily injury they cause after an accident.
How much does car insurance cost in South Dakota cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Watertown, South Dakota, and the most expensive in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pine Ridge | $2,179 |
| 2 | Hot Springs | $2,030 |
| 3 | Lead | $2,000 |
| 4 | Spearfish | $1,955 |
| 5 | Yankton | $1,694 |
| 6 | Huron | $1,584 |
| 7 | Mitchell | $1,563 |
| 8 | Sioux Falls | $1,482 |
| 9 | Brookings | $1,463 |
| 10 | Watertown | $1,407 |
