Car insurance in South Dakota costs an average of $32–$220 per month, depending on whether you choose minimum liability or full coverage. South Dakota is one of the more affordable states for auto insurance in the country, full coverage runs roughly 17% below the national average. Your exact rate depends on your age, driving record, credit score, the city you live in, and the insurer you choose. Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the single most effective way to find a lower price.
| Coverage Level | Monthly Rate Range | Annual Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability Only | $28 – $59 / mo | $334 – $382 / yr |
| Full Coverage | $106 – $220 / mo | $1,553 – $2,635 / yr |
Source:insure.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
Did you know that South Dakota has more shoreline than Florida? If that doesn’t make you want to pack up the car and hit the road for the beach, we don’t know what will. But first, you need great car insurance coverage that protects you from the unexpected and that doesn’t break the bank.
We’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a guide to South Dakota auto insurance, from the minimum amount of coverage you legally need to have to ways to put a little more money back in your pocket.
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| Company | Est. Monthly (Min Coverage) | Est. Monthly (Full Coverage) |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $14 – $16 / mo | $55 – $131 / mo |
| Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $14 – $17 / mo | $62 – $125 / mo |
| State Farm | $18 – $22 / mo | $93 – $155 / mo |
| GEICO | $27 – $36 / mo | $99 – $150 / mo |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | $33 – $40 / mo | $95 – $142 / mo |
Source: insure.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | Injuries to others in an accident you cause |
| Property Damage Liability | $25,000 per accident | Damage to another person's vehicle or property |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | Protects you if hit by an uninsured driver |
Source: dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/
Note: Coverage requirements may vary by state and policy type.
The minimum car insurance doesn’t get you very far. Plus, you will notice that aside from uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it mostly protects the other driver and their passengers, not you.
This is why you might want to beef up your policy, and you have plenty of options to do so. Here are the common car insurance coverage options in South Dakota:
As you can see, there are more options out there than just the minimum car insurance coverage. Additional options can help better protect you and your passengers, not to mention your vehicle.
But the list doesn’t end there. While these policy options help build out your main policy, there are riders or endorsements that you can also choose to add to your policy to really round it up. These include:
These are some examples of optional coverage you can add to your policy. However, they’re not free, so make sure they are worth it to you and your peace of mind before adding. Every insurer is different, so you may find variations of these and other riders at different providers.
Where you live in South Dakota affects your premium. Urban areas with higher traffic density typically cost more than rural areas. Here are estimated full coverage rate ranges by major city:
| City | Est. Annual Rate Range (Full Coverage) |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $2,300 – $2,700 |
| Rapid City | $2,200 – $2,600 |
| Pierre | $2,100 – $2,500 |
| Brookings | $2,200 – $2,271 |
| Watertown | $1,900 – $2,100 |
| Aberdeen | $2,200 – $2,400 |
Source: insure.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
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Several personal and vehicle factors influence what you pay for car insurance in South Dakota:
Good news: you can find affordable car insurance coverage no matter where you live. And it doesn’t mean you have to cut back on coverage. These tips help you get the best of both worlds, which means budget-friendly car insurance and coverage that protects you.
Here are our top tips for saving money on car insurance in South Dakota:
You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to your car insurance rates. These tips can get you as much as 30% off of your car insurance costs, so what are you waiting for?
Here’s another tip: if the gorgeous state parks and renowned hunting and fishing in South Dakota are calling your name for retirement, we don’t blame you. But first, check out our free retirement planning guide so that you set yourself up for success.
You have options for car insurance in South Dakota, and that’s a good thing. But some providers are more reputable than others. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Dirt cheap car insurance exists, but it doesn’t offer you the protection and coverage you deserve.
Here are some of the best car insurance providers in South Dakota that you should check out:
Start with these when gathering quotes, and add more in if needed.
Now that you have a better idea of the coverage you need and what you can expect to pay (plus the best tips to save on premiums), it’s time to get quotes. You know that you should gather at least three different quotes and compare them in order to find the best deal possible.
We want to save you time (and money). Get access to free quotes fast here, so that you can get back on the road with peace of mind. We’ve got you covered.
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The average monthly cost of car insurance in South Dakota ranges from approximately $28–$59 for minimum liability coverage and $106–$220 for full coverage, depending on your driver profile and insurer. South Dakota is generally one of the more affordable states for auto insurance.
South Dakota requires all drivers to carry at least: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident, and $25,000/$50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Driving without minimum coverage can result in fines and license suspension.
Progressive and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska consistently rank among the cheapest insurers in South Dakota for both minimum and full coverage. State Farm and GEICO are also affordable options with strong customer service ratings. Rates vary by driver profile, so comparing multiple quotes is the best approach.
Full coverage is generally recommended for vehicles less than 8–10 years old, financed vehicles, or vehicles with significant market value. If your car is older and paid off, minimum liability may be sufficient. Full coverage in South Dakota costs an average of $106–$220 per month, still below the national average.
Yes. South Dakota is one of the states that mandates uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of the minimum requirements. You must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in UM/UIM coverage.
South Dakota has a low population density, fewer traffic accidents per capita, and a low percentage of uninsured drivers, all of which reduce risk for insurers. These factors combine to keep auto insurance rates below the national average.
A single at-fault accident can raise your South Dakota car insurance rates by an average of 50–54%, according to industry data. The increase typically lasts 3–5 years. Shopping for new quotes at your policy renewal is recommended after an accident.
Yes. South Dakota allows insurers to use credit scores as a rating factor. Drivers with poor credit can pay significantly more, sometimes two to three times the rate of drivers with good credit, for the same coverage. Improving your credit score over time can lower your premium.
An SR-22 is not a type of insurance but a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the state. You may be required to obtain an SR-22 after serious violations such as a DUI, driving without insurance, or reckless driving. South Dakota typically requires SR-22 filing for three years.
The most effective way to get cheap car insurance in South Dakota is to compare quotes from at least three or more insurers, maintain a clean driving record, bundle your auto and home policies, and consider raising your deductible. Rates can vary by hundreds of dollars across companies for the same coverage.
Explore state-by-state car insurance trends to understand where drivers pay less on average.
Lauren Lewthwaite Lauren Lewthwaite has been freelance writing for almost five years writing content that ranges from health to insurance and everything in between. Lauren is also a trained translator in French and English and is a dog-mom to an adorable Australian Shepherd.
