WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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The average cost of basic liability car insurance in South Dakota is $1,692 per year. Opting for full-coverage car insurance in South Dakota will leave you with an average cost of $2,555 per year. In comparison, the national average is $1,627 per year to buy basic liability car insurance and $2,297 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
The average cost of basic liability car insurance in South Dakota is $1,692 per year. Opting for full-coverage car insurance in South Dakota will leave you with an average cost of $2,555 per year. In comparison, the national average is $1,627 per year to buy basic liability car insurance and $2,297 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
Compare the best car insurance quotes in South Dakota
Car insurance quotes are highly personalized. How much you pay for car insurance in South Dakota depends on a complex set of factors, from your driving history and coverage limits to your ZIP code, age, gender, and marital status. Bad credit, a past accident, or even the type of engine in your vehicle could make the difference between a low rate and a higher one.
That’s where Jerry comes in. Jerry helps drivers compare quotes from over 55 insurance providers so you can narrow down the best quotes in just 45 seconds. Here are some quotes drivers received when they used Jerry!
| Quote Date | Car | Before Jerry | After Jerry | City | Name | Age | Insurance Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2022 | Hyundai Sonata GLS | $166/mo. | $91/mo. | Salem | Cynthia K. | 44 | State Auto |
| November 8, 2021 | Ford Escape SE | $151/mo. | $104/mo. | Lennox | Terry C. | 31 | Safeco |
| September 28, 2021 | Honda Hr-V EX | $189/mo. | $107/mo. | Brandon | Lola O. | 36 | State Auto |
| August 24, 2021 | Chrysler 200 Limited | $186/mo. | $154/mo. | Lead | Rachel C. | 31 | Allstate |
| December 20, 2020 | Chevrolet Tahoe K1500 | $250/mo. | $80/mo. | Aberdeen | Julian C. | 59 | Nationwide |
Best car insurance companies in South Dakota
Why is comparing car insurance quotes so important? Because no single insurance company has the best rates for all South Dakota drivers.
Not only are car insurance premiums highly personalized, but every single company uses a slightly different equation to calculate them. The poor credit that gets you a higher quote from State Farm might not matter as much with Progressive or Allstate; while GEICO might double your rate when you add a teen driver to your policy, Nationwide might be more generous.
The result? Comparing enough quotes to lock down the lowest rate could take days or weeks—if you’re doing it on your own. Jerry can do it in just 45 seconds, showing you all the best quotes for your driver profile. See for yourself how much South Dakota drivers saved with different auto insurance companies by shopping with Jerry!
| Insurance Company | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $2,563 | $940 | |
| Allstate | $2,339 | $780 | |
| State Auto | $2,330 | $634 | |
| Safeco | $2,176 | $552 | |
| Dairyland | $1,392 | $489 | |
| Progressive | $2,172 | $368 | |
| Compare Prices | |||
South Dakota car insurance FAQs
Is car insurance expensive in South Dakota?
It depends. Compared to national car insurance rates, South Dakota car insurance tends to run just slightly above average. However, certain cities can end up paying below average rates.
Is car insurance cheaper in South Dakota?
Car insurance in South Dakota can be cheaper than the national average, but it depends a lot on which city you’re driving in, as well as your personal driver profile.
What is the minimum auto insurance coverage in South Dakota?
You’ll need to have 25/50/25 liability coverage and 25/50 uninsured motorist coverage to fulfill South Dakota’s minimum car insurance laws.
This breaks down to $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 of property damage liability per accident. You will also need $25,000 of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident.
Is South Dakota an at-fault state?
Yes. South Dakota is considered an “at-fault” state, meaning that whoever is deemed at fault in a collision must pay a certain percentage of the other party’s injuries and damages.
More specifically, South Dakota follows a “slight/gross” comparative negligence law—you can only recover damages if you are found to be “slightly” at fault and the other driver is found to be “grossly” at fault. When neither driver falls under either category, no one can recover damages from each other. Though “slight” and “gross” fault is determined by case, some cities define “gross” fault as more than 30%.
How much does auto insurance cost in South Dakota?
Car insurance rates in South Dakota aren’t very high compared to the national average—but you might pay a higher rate for any of the following reasons:
- Rural highways: While drivers in dense urban areas often see high annual premiums due to the increased frequency of accidents, rural drivers pay high rates due to the greater severity of car accidents on the open highway.
- Uninsured drivers: South Dakota has a fairly low proportion of uninsured drivers at just 7.4%, but even that number can drive up the price of coverage for everyone else.
- Severe weather: From harsh winter storms to summer tornadoes, South Dakota drivers have to confront a lot of natural threats to their vehicles.
Insurance companies base premiums on risk, so the higher the risk in your area, the higher your rate will be. But don’t despair: you can still find affordable rates with Jerry.
Check out our rundown of what you need to know about car insurance in South Dakota:
South Dakota car insurance requirements
All drivers in South Dakota must carry proof of insurance that meets the state minimum requirements, including at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage, $25,000 of property damage liability per accident, and $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident of uninsured motorist coverage.
How much insurance do I need in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s minimum liability coverage follows a 25/50/25 rule. To have car insurance in South Dakota, you need the state-required minimum of $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 for property damage liability per accident, and $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage.
What do you need if you’re pulled over?
If you get pulled over, you are required to show your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration. Thankfully, digital insurance ID cards are accepted by police and the DMV so you will always have your stored proof of insurance available 24/7 in the Jerry app.
Is South Dakota a no-fault state?
No, South Dakota is an at-fault state that gives you the option of buying no-fault coverage. If you purchase personal injury protection (PIP), and are involved in an accident, you and your passengers will have medical expenses paid for immediately, regardless of who is at fault for the accident or if you have health insurance.
If you do not opt for this coverage, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for you and your passengers' injuries, once their insurance company accepts liability and confirms that there is enough coverage.
A liability-only auto insurance policy that meets that minimum coverage level might not give you all the protection you need, though. While you’ll be protected from personal injury lawsuits and hefty out-of-pocket costs for other drivers’ expenses after an at-fault accident, you won’t be able to file a claim for damage to your own vehicle.
Collision and comprehensive coverage solve that problem. Adding them to your car insurance policy will give you a higher average annual rate, but you’ll have the full coverage car insurance you need to handle all the most common types of claims. Compare rates using the chart below.
Cheapest car insurance with a DUI or speeding ticket in South Dakota
If you’ve been in a recent accident, gotten a speeding ticket, or committed a serious driving violation (think DUI or reckless driving), there’s a good chance you’ve seen your auto insurance premiums increase.
In South Dakota, insurance companies can see all your traffic offenses within the last 10 years. If you commit another violation within that period, it will be considered a second offense and you’ll be hit with even more serious penalties.
But there’s good news! Jerry can help South Dakota auto owners find great car insurance even if they’re considered a “high-risk driver.”
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $1,985 | $546 |
| Suspension | $2,652 | $1,237 |
| Speeding under 15 | $2,288 | $661 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,871 | $412 |
| Careless Driving | $1,673 | $395 |
| Speeding over 15 | $2,540 | $392 |
| DUI | $1,352 | $215 |
| Other | $3,013 | $1,224 |
Insurance Cost With a DUI in South Dakota
If you get a DUI in South Dakota, you can expect your car insurance to increase to an average of $39.41 per month.
Read South Dakota DUI Information:
Insurance Cost With a Reckless Driving Citation in South Dakota
If you have a reckless driving citation, you should expect your insurance to increase to an average of $35.06 per month.
Read South Dakota Reckless Driving Information:
Ticket Costs in South Dakota
In South Dakota, speeding is considered a class 2 misdemeanor. The minimum fine is $87.50 for going one to five mph over the speed limit and the maximum fine is $222.50 for driving at least 26 mph over the speed limit.
Read South Dakota Speeding Ticket Information:
DUI Arrest Rates in South Dakota
South Dakota has the highest DUI arrest rates in the nation, so be careful of intoxicated drivers on the road.
South Dakota car insurance rates by age
Teen drivers are a special category of high-risk driver. Because drivers under age 25 lack the experience of older drivers, they often pay much higher average premiums—even with a clean driving record.
A good credit score, good grades in school, or a driver training course can all help young drivers find cheap car insurance in South Dakota.
Jerry can help, too. Use the table below to estimate the cost of insurance in South Dakota for different age groups.
How can young drivers save money on car insurance in South Dakota?
- The graduated licensing laws in South Dakota help young drivers learn and develop the necessary skills to stay safe on the road.
- Completing an approved defensive driving course can help young drivers obtain lower premiums.
- Maintaining a good average can qualify student drivers for a good student discount.
- The graduated licensing laws in South Dakota help young drivers learn and develop the necessary skills to stay safe on the road.
- Completing an approved defensive driving course can help young drivers obtain lower premiums.
- Maintaining a good average can qualify student drivers for a good student discount.
South Dakota auto insurance rates by city
Where you live in South Dakota can have a huge effect on your insurance rates. For example, Sioux Falls insurance costs are considerably higher than Rapid City insurance costs due to the greater population density in the larger city.
Other factors, like crime rates, natural disaster statistics, and weather patterns, can all factor into the risk insurance companies see in your ZIP code.
Here’s a more specific breakdown of insurance prices for Jerry across South Dakota:
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | $1,867 | $935 |
| Brandon | $2,125 | $542 |
| Groton | $2,244 | $795 |
| Huron | $3,019 | $646 |
| Lead | $1,897 | $325 |
| Mitchell | $2,018 | $771 |
| Rapid City | $1,661 | $586 |
| Sioux Falls | $2,257 | $751 |
| Valley Springs | $2,165 | $871 |
| Yankton | $2,598 | $1,073 |
Least Expensive Cities in South Dakota
The least expensive city for car insurance in the state is Millbank at $487.
City with Highest Rates of Accidents in South Dakota
13.11% of drivers in Sioux Falls have an at-fault accident on their record. Drivers in Sioux Falls are the riskiest in the state—this affects premiums.
Read South Dakota Accident Information:
Cities with the Longest Commute Times in South Dakota
Lennox has the longest commute time clocking in at 23.1 minutes. This means that drivers in Lennox will have to share the road and increase their mileage, which will increase their premiums.
Average cost of car insurance South Dakota by vehicle type
In general, insurance costs less for cheap vehicles because it costs less to get repairs. Strong safety ratings, a small engine, and anti-theft equipment can also lower your rate, since insurance companies will anticipate fewer claims from your vehicle.
Take one of South Dakota’s favorite vehicles as an example. Ford F-150 insurance costs tend to be fairly affordable, because parts are plentiful and repairs are easy.
| Car | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 SLT | $2,542 | $963 |
| Mazda Cx-3 Touring | $2,183 | $927 |
| Ford Fusion SEL | $1,714 | $742 |
Most Popular Car in South Dakota
The most popular vehicle in South Dakota is the Ford F-150. People who drive a Ford F-150 pay on average $1,180 annually in car insurance costs. To lower your car insurance, find the most affordable rates by using Jerry, a free quote comparison service.
Read more about your Ford F-150:
Do you need more than minimum coverage in South Dakota?
Sticking to minimum liability insurance will keep your premiums low—but do you need additional coverage if you live in South Dakota?
It depends. In many cases, carrying only the state minimum insurance can leave you underinsured if you’re in a major accident. A full coverage policy including collision and comprehensive insurance is worth the additional price in most cases—and if your vehicle is financed, it may even be a requirement from your lender.
Check out the features below to see other insurance options that can serve South Dakota drivers well.
South Dakota ranks 11th for infrastructure and traffic. When driving in areas with busier roads, it's advised to have collision coverage to protect you against the likelihood of accidents that come from busy roads.
In South Dakota, 2,315 vehicles were stolen in 2020. Comprehensive coverage is a good thing to have so that you’re financially protected from theft and other non-collision damages.
7.4% of South Dakota drivers on the road are uninsured. It's better to be safe than sorry and have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect you in case of an accident with an uninsured driver. Without uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can be in financial trouble if you're in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Read information about uninsured drivers:
South Dakota drivers rate their road quality at 2/10. Between poor road conditions and large rural areas, it is a good idea to have roadside assistance so that you can have a helping hand in the event of a flat tire or other car damage.
How to save money on car insurance in South Dakota
South Dakota drivers enjoy fairly low auto insurance rates on average, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save even more!
Shop around for quotes
Comparing car insurance quotes is the #1 way to pay less for auto insurance.
And Jerry makes it all but effortless. Instead of wasting an afternoon on hold with multiple insurance companies, you can download an app and get real-time quotes on your phone in just 45 seconds. Jerry’s insurance agents will handle all the paperwork to get you switched over to your new lower rate, and you’ll pay the same amount you would if you went to the trouble of purchasing through the company directly!
Best of all, Jerry users save an average of $800+ per year on car insurance!
Look for discounts
Never underestimate a good discount! The majority of insurance companies have a number of discounts that can help lower your premium if you qualify.
Here are some of the most popular ones for drivers in South Dakota:
Clean Driving Record Discounts
Clean Driving Record Discounts
If you’re a driver with a low claim rate and clean driving record, your insurance provider may offer a discount since you’re saving them quite a bit of money.
Bundling Discounts
Bundling Discounts
Insurance carriers like it when drivers bundle their home and auto insurance together. Carriers may offer a bundling discount to incentivize people to get all their insurance needs at one place.
Continuously Insured Discount
Continuously Insured Discount
A driver that’s continuously insured for at least six months and longer can qualify for a discount since they’re less of a default risk for carriers.
Increase your deductible
Increasing your deductible—the amount you pay before insurance—is another way to keep monthly premiums low.
A higher deductible would mean that you’d pay more out of pocket if you make a claim, but you could save money if you don’t think that’s likely. However, it’s important to make sure that you can afford to pay the full deductible each time you would need to file.
By R.E. Fulton
Updated on Mar 19, 2023
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content.
Compare the best car insurance quotes in South Dakota
Best car insurance companies in South Dakota
South Dakota car insurance FAQs
How much does auto insurance cost in South Dakota?
South Dakota car insurance requirements
Cheapest car insurance with a DUI or speeding ticket in South Dakota
South Dakota car insurance rates by age
South Dakota auto insurance rates by city
Average cost of car insurance South Dakota by vehicle type
Do you need more than minimum coverage in South Dakota?
How to save money on car insurance in South Dakota
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