South Dakota Auto Insurance
Whether you’re driving to work in Sioux Falls or headed to a nearby state or national park to enjoy the great outdoors, affordable auto insurance can help protect you, your loved ones and your vehicle on every journey around South Dakota. So, take a few minutes to learn about cheap car insurance in South Dakota. Find out which coverages are mandatory, which ones are optional and how a Direct Auto Insurance policy could be your cheap South Dakota car insurance solution. Get a free quote to see how much money you can save.
South Dakota Car Insurance Laws
Do you have to have car insurance in South Dakota?
South Dakota law requires drivers to have proof of financial responsibility, which most drivers satisfy by purchasing an auto insurance policy that at least meets the state’s minimum coverage limits. Liability limits are typically expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. For example, the liability limits in South Dakota are 25/50/25, as shown below under South Dakota Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.
In addition to liability coverage, South Dakota requires drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage at the same minimum limits as liability insurance.
South Dakota Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Wondering what your insurance policy needs to fulfill South Dakota’s legal requirements? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.
|
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
|
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary). |
Yes. $25,000 bodily injury per person/$50,000 bodily injury per accident. |
|
Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox and more. |
Yes. $25,000 property damage per accident. |
|
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM) or can’t be identified due to hit and run. In some states, UM/UIM can also help pay for property damage. |
Yes. $25,000 UM/UIM bodily injury per person. $50,000 UM/UIM bodily injury per accident. |
|
Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay) helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault. |
Not required. |
|
Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail or another object, regardless of fault. |
Not required.1 |
|
Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: While purchasing liability coverage and UM/UIM bodily injury coverage ensures you satisfy South Dakota’s laws, it doesn’t protect you or your vehicle in every circumstance. You would need to add additional coverage, like comprehensive and collision, to better protect yourself.
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Are there additional coverage options?
For added peace of mind, there are add-on services and other insurance products available to South Dakota drivers:
South Dakota Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
What if I don't meet South Dakota’s minimum car insurance requirements?
Driving without insurance is a serious offense in South Dakota. This Class 2 misdemeanor can lead to steep fines, reinstatement fees, a loss of driving privileges and potential jail time, according to ValuePenguin. Therefore, it’s important to avoid any coverage lapses and never drive uninsured.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in South Dakota
Driving without a valid license can lead to harsh penalties in South Dakota, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Driving with a suspended or canceled license is a Class 2 misdemeanor that can result in a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. Driving while revoked is a Class 1 misdemeanor that can lead to up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
SR-22 Insurance in South Dakota
Some states require high-risk drivers to keep an SR-22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Drivers in South Dakota might be required to fulfill SR-22 requirements if they have:
- Committed multiple serious driving violations.
- Failed to maintain proper liability coverage.
- Been convicted of a DUI/DWI.
If you have any questions about SR-22 filings, we’d be happy to help. Our agents specialize in helping people find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their history.
High-Risk Auto Insurance in South Dakota
Many individuals do not have a perfect driving record, and after a certain number of violations or a serious enough violation, drivers can be considered a major risk to insure. While some companies try to steer clear of these individuals, other insurance companies offer non-standard insurance (another name for high-risk auto insurance) to provide financial protection for these drivers.
We believe your driving history shouldn't define you forever, and we work hard to find quality, affordable coverage for every driver, regardless of their past.
Where can I find the cheapest car insurance rates in South Dakota?
Car insurance costs vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The types of coverage and limits you choose
- The year, make and model of your vehicle
- Where you live, where you drive and how much you drive
- Your demographics
- Your driving record
- Your credit history
Other South Dakota Auto Insurance Resources
Other South Dakota Auto Insurance Resources
Looking for cheap auto insurance in South Dakota? Get a free car insurance quote for a Direct Auto policy that meets your state’s coverage requirements, fits your needs and includes the discounts you’re entitled to receive so your premium is the lowest price possible.
*Roadside Assistance is not insurance and is administered through Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits available in all states.
**The “Direct Auto Insurance” brand is used by insurers in the National General Group, Winston-Salem, NC to describe their direct-to-consumer auto insurance programs. Direct Auto Insurance branded policies are produced by Direct General Insurance Agency, Inc. dba “Direct Auto Insurance” and by National General Insurance Marketing Inc.