The average cost of full coverage car insurance in South Dakota is $1,618, but costs vary widely depending on where in the state you live. Average rates in Watertown are just $1,366 per year, while drivers in Rapid City pay an average of $1,765 a year for the same coverage.
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No matter where in South Dakota you live, the key to finding your best car insurance rates is shopping around. Policygenius can help you see quotes from top car insurance companies so you can find the coverage you need at an affordable rate.
Key Takeaways
Kemper Insurance is the cheapest car insurance company in South Dakota, at an average rate of $1,128 a year for a full coverage policy
South Dakota requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also required in South Dakota
Comparing coverage options from several companies will help you get the best price
Cheapest car insurance companies in South Dakota
Insurance companies use a variety of factors when setting rates. Some of these, like your driving record, age, your credit score, and the type of car you drive can change over time.
Some companies charge less for coverage than others, but no matter who you are, comparing rates across companies is the easiest way to find your best rates.
Company
Average cost
JD Power Rating
Kemper
$1,128
--
State Farm
$1,148
881
Farmers Mutual of Nebraska
$1,199
--
GEICO
$1,221
871
USAA
$1,275
890
Cheapest car insurance companies by age in South Dakota
One of the most significant factors in setting a driver’s car insurance rate is their age. Young and inexperienced drivers pay the most for coverage, since they’re more likely to have an accident and need to file a claim.
Age
Cheapest company
Average cost
16
State Farm
$3,297
18
Kemper
$2,315
21
State Farm
$1,837
25
State Farm
$1,321
30
Kemper
$1,149
35
Kemper
$1,133
45
Kemper
$1,102
55
Kemper
$1,001
Choosing the right car insurance company in South Dakota
Everyone is different, which means there’s no one best company for every driver. Whether you’re a newly-licensed driver or you’ve been driving for decades and have a spotless record, the only way to find the right car insurance company for you is to shop around and compare quotes before you buy. Policygenius can help you see options from top companies so you can choose the one that’s best for your needs.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in South Dakota
Any recent accidents or moving violations on your driving record will mean higher rates, and the more serious the violation, the more you’ll pay for car insurance.
While being a safe and careful driver is the best way to keep your rates low, drivers with a less than perfect driving record can compare quotes and still get the best deal possible.
Violation
Kemper
State Farm
Farmers Mutual of Nebraska
GEICO
USAA
At-fault accident
$2,098
$1,304
$1,740
$2,095
$1,804
DUI
$4,717
$1,242
$2,649
$3,949
$2,822
Suspended license
$4,717
$1,242
$1,329
$1,401
$2,683
Open container
$1,595
$1,242
$1,329
$1,401
$1,971
Expired registration
$1,595
$1,242
$1,329
$1,266
$1,631
Driving without lights
$1,595
$1,242
$1,329
$1,401
$1,631
Not showing documents
$1,595
$1,242
$1,329
$1,266
$1,631
Running a red light
$1,595
$1,242
$1,329
$1,401
$1,631
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in South Dakota
Generally, car insurance companies charge higher rates to drivers with poor credit scores. Not all states allow this practice, but South Dakota does, and working to improve your credit and shopping around to find your best rates are both good ideas, no matter your credit score.
Company
Rates for drivers with bad credit
Kemper
$1,369
GEICO
$1,634
Farmers Mutual of Nebraska
$1,924
Nationwide
$2,037
American Family
$2,310
Car insurance costs in South Dakota cities
Because companies consider local factors like density, accident rates, the number of claims filed, and reports of car theft and vandalism, car insurance rates vary widely by location. Below are the average car insurance rates for the ten largest cities in South Dakota, based on population size:
Sioux Falls: $1,410
Rapid City: $1,765
Aberdeen: $1,389
Brookings: $1,353
Watertown: $1,366
Mitchell: $1,450
Yankton: $1,481
Pierre: $1,613
Huron: $1,468
Vermillion: $1,374
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Buying car insurance in South Dakota
South Dakota requires all drivers to have at least a minimum amount of car insurance, although most drivers need well over the state minimum amounts in order to be fully protected in case of an at-fault accident. The minimum required coverage amounts in South Dakota are:
Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000
Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000
Property damage liability coverage per accident: $25,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person; $50,000 person incident
South Dakota is an at-fault state: That means that the driver responsible for causing an accident must pay for the property damage and injuries to the other party. That’s what your liability insurance is for — and that’s also why it’s smart to get well over the amount of liability car insurance coverage required by law.
How to get cheap car insurance in South Dakota
Compare rates between different companies to make sure you aren’t missing out on a better deal
Car insurance companies offer discounts for things like safe driving, paying your entire premium up front as opposed to monthly billing, and for earning good grades if you’re in school, so see which ones you qualify for
Bundle more than one policy with the same insurance company, like auto and homeowners or renters insurance.
Re-shop for quotes yearly, even if it might mean changing companies to get a better rate
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum insurance policy that South Dakota requires?
The law in South Dakota requires drivers to have a minimum of 25/50/25 in bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Is car insurance mandatory in South Dakota?
Yes. In South Dakota driving without proof of insurance is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor and is punishable by 30 days in jail, a $100 fine, or both. Make sure you have at least the minimum amount of insurance required by law, and always keep proof of insurance with you when you’re driving.
Is car insurance expensive in South Dakota?
No, car insurance rates in South Dakota are in line with the national average. Drivers in South Dakota pay an average of $1,618 per year.
How much is car insurance per month in South Dakota?
Drivers in South Dakota pay an average of $1,618 per year, which breaks down to $134.83 per month.
Methodology
Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:
Bodily injury liability: 50/100
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.
Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.
Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
