The best car insurance in South Dakota

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in South Dakota is $1,487 per year, but costs depend on where in the state you live, your age, driving record, what car you drive, and other details that vary from person to person.

No matter where in South Dakota you live, the key to finding your best car insurance rates is comparing prices from different companies. Policygenius can help you see quotes from top car insurance companies so you can find the coverage you need at an affordable rate.

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.

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	$3,215
18	Kemper	$2,315
21	State Farm	$1,786
25	State Farm	$1,281
30	State Farm	$1,143
35	State Farm	$1,115
45	State Farm	$1,081
55	Kemper	$1,001
60	Farmers Mutual of Nebraska	$951
65	Farmers Mutual of Nebraska	$926
70	State Farm	$967

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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	State Farm	Kemper	Farmers Mutual of Nebraska	USAA	GEICO
At-fault accident	$1,258	$2,098	$1,746	$1,804	$2,217
DUI	$1,198	$4,717	$2,658	$2,822	$4,175
Suspended license	$1,198	$4,717	$1,334	$2,683	$1,483
Open container	$1,198	$1,595	$1,334	$1,971	$1,483
Expired registration	$1,198	$1,595	$1,334	$1,631	$1,339
Driving without lights	$1,198	$1,595	$1,334	$1,631	$1,483
Running a red light	$1,198	$1,595	$1,334	$1,631	$1,483
Following too closely	$1,198	$1,595	$1,334	$1,631	$1,483
Hit and run	$1,198	$4,717	$2,399	$2,932	$4,175
Not-at-fault accident	$1,143	$1,149	$1,334	$1,407	$1,410
Passing a school bus	$1,198	$4,717	$1,334	$1,971	$1,483
Reckless driving	$1,198	$4,717	$2,658	$1,971	$2,922
Speeding	$1,198	$4,717	$1,463	$1,631	$1,483

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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.

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: $1,301

• Rapid City: $1,627

• Aberdeen: $1,285

• Brookings: $1,252

• Watertown: $1,268

• Mitchell: $1,329

• Yankton: $1,356

• Pierre: $1,494

• Huron: $1,348

• Vermillion: $1,274

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?

Not compared to the national average. We found that the cost of car insurance in South Dakota is an average of $151 cheaper per year than the national average.

How much is car insurance per month in South Dakota?

The average cost of car insurance in South Dakota is $124 per month, or $1,487 per year.

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: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

• 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.