Best Car Insurance in South Dakota

Last Updated on November 13, 2022

Looking for the best auto insurance in South Dakota? Every insurance company claims to offer fair rates and good coverage, but only the best insurers live up to that promise.

South Dakota is one of the top fifteen most expensive states in America for car insurance. The average driver in South Dakota pays around $1,602 per year for full coverage car insurance, which is roughly $150 per year more than the nationwide average of $1,450 per year.

Fortunately, South Dakota drivers can save hundreds by shopping around, taking advantage of discounts, and comparing coverage. Keep reading to discover the best auto insurance companies in South Dakota and what makes them unique.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in South Dakota

South Dakota drivers can buy car insurance through nationwide providers like GEICO and Allstate. They can also buy car insurance through regional providers like Farmers Mutual of Nebraska and North Star Insurance, among others. Here are the best car insurance companies in South Dakota:

1. USAA: USAA is frequently the best-rated car insurance company in America by J.D. Power, although membership is restricted to military personnel and their families. If you qualify for membership in USAA, then it may be the best car insurance option in South Dakota for your unique needs. The average driver in South Dakota pays around $1,235 per year for full coverage car insurance with USAA.
2. GEICO: GEICO is known for discount rates and average customer service. GEICO has a similar complaints index as other nationwide insurers, but their rates are tough to beat. If you don’t qualify for USAA membership, then GEICO may be the next cheapest option in South Dakota, charging rates of around $1,301 per year for full coverage auto insurance.
3. State Farm: State Farm insures thousands of drivers across South Dakota, including drivers of all ages and with all different driving histories. State Farm is America’s largest property and casualty insurance company, providing South Dakotans with the amenities of a larger firm at discount rates. Expect to pay around $1,311 per year for full coverage car insurance with State Farm in South Dakota.
4. Progressive: Progressive trails only State Farm and GEICO as the third-largest insurance company in America. The average driver in South Dakota pays around $1,339 per year with Progressive in South Dakota, making it one of the best-value options in the state, with further discounts available when bundling or taking advantage of discounts.
5. American Family Insurance: American Family Insurance has a relatively strong presence in South Dakota compared to other states. The company is particularly affordable for those who want minimum liability coverage. If you’re looking for the cheapest possible car insurance to legally drive in South Dakota, then American Family Insurance’s minimum liability plan may be the right choice for you. The company charges average rates of around $1,356 per year for a full coverage policy.
6. South Dakota Farm Bureau: South Dakota Farm Bureau has offered insurance and financial services to members across the state for 70+ years. Today, the company offers auto, liability, home, property, farm, and ranch insurance, among other products. Auto insurance is competitive with other providers, with South Dakota Farm Bureau charging around $1,359 per year for full coverage car insurance, according to our model driver profiles.
7. Auto-Owners Insurance: Auto-Owners Insurance has top ratings for customer service along with competitive pricing, with drivers paying around $1,371 per year for full coverage car insurance with Auto-Owners Insurance, on average, in South Dakota.
8. Farmers: Not to be confused with Farm Bureau, Farmers is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States. In South Dakota, Farmers is popular with urban and rural drivers alike. Farmers has rates as low as $1,402 per year for full coverage car insurance.
9. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska: Farmers Mutual of Nebraska provides insurance to Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. With offices in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Mitchell, and other locations across the state, Farmers Mutual offers discount rates on auto insurance to drivers across demographics. Expect to pay around $1,412 per year with Farmers Mutual of Nebraska in South Dakota.
10. North Star Mutual Insurance Company: North Star Mutual Insurance Company is a mutual insurance company offering farm, home, auto, and small business insurance through a network of independent agents. Expect to pay around $1,434 per ear for full coverage car insurance with North Star in South Dakota.

South Dakota Insurance Requirements

South Dakota’s Division of Insurance requires drivers to carry a certain minimum amount of liability coverage to legally drive on public roads in the state.

Per South Dakota regulations, drivers must carry a policy with 25/50/25 coverage. South Dakota also requires a certain minimum amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

To drive in South Dakota, you must carry the following minimum coverages:

• $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $25,000 of property damage liability coverage
• $25,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorist liability coverage per person and $50,000 per accident

If you lease or finance your vehicle, then you may need full coverage car insurance. Most lenders require full coverage car insurance to protect the collateral of the loan (your vehicle). The minimum limits above are set by the state, and your lender may have different requirements.

Driving Without Insurance in South Dakota

Law enforcement officers can request proof of insurance in South Dakota at the scene of an accident or during a traffic stop. If you cannot prove you have valid insurance, then you could face various penalties.

South Dakota’s Codified Law on Financial Responsibility requires every motorist to meet the minimum insurance requirements above.

Unlike most states, South Dakota does not charge more severe penalties for drivers caught without insurance multiple times. Other states have escalating penalties for your first, second, and third offense. With South Dakota, you face similar penalties for each offense, including:

• Fine of $100 to $500
• Jail time of up to 30 days (in place of fine or in addition to a fine)
• Driver’s license suspension for 30 days
• $50 to $200 reinstatement fee and $28 reinstatement application fee
• SR-22 requirement for three years

If you fail to maintain SR-22 coverage, then you could face further penalties, including suspension of registration, driver’s license, and license plates. Although South Dakota does not have escalating penalties for multiple offenses, drivers who require an SR-22 could face further penalties if caught uninsured multiple times.

Car Insurance in South Dakota with DUI

DUIs raise car insurance premiums in every state, including South Dakota. Some insurers treat DUIs seriously, doubling premiums immediately. Other insurers continue to charge cheap rates even with one or more DUI offenses on your record.

Request a quote from the following insurers if you have a DUI or DWI offense on your record in South Dakota:

1. USAA: $1,673 per year
2. GEICO: $1,724 per year
3. South Dakota Farm Bureau: $1,801 per year
4. Progressive: $1,824 per year
5. State Farm: $2,001 per year

Car Insurance in South Dakota with At-Fault Accidents

At-fault accidents will raise rates similar to a DUI. Typically, insurers raise rates slightly less for an at-fault accident than a DUI. However, multiple at-fault accidents within a short period can cause rates to skyrocket. Consider requesting a quote from the following insurers if you have an at-fault accident in South Dakota:

1. USAA: $1,493 per year
2. GEICO: $1,507 per year
3. South Dakota Farm Bureau: $1,633 per year
4. Progressive: $1,701 per year
5. Farmers: $1,762 per year

Car Insurance in South Dakota with Speeding Tickets

Although not as serious as DUIs or at-fault accidents, speeding tickets can force an insurer to label as you as a high-risk driver. One or more speeding tickets can raise insurance rates significantly. Request a quote from the following insurers if you have speeding tickets on your driving record:

1. USAA: $1,362 per year
2. GEICO: $1,471 per year
3. South Dakota Farm Bureau: $1,502 per year
4. Progressive: $1,506 per year
5. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska: $1,514 per year

Car Insurance in South Dakota for Young Drivers

Each year, young drivers in South Dakota cause more accidents than drivers in any other demographic. That’s why every insurer in South Dakota charges the highest rates to young drivers. However, there are ways for young drivers to save on car insurance – like by choosing a company that caters to young drivers, including any of the following insurers:

1. USAA: $1,881 per year
2. GEICO: $1,957 per year
3. South Dakota Farm Bureau: $2,034 per year
4. Progressive: $2,106 per year
5. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska: $2,114 per year

Car Insurance in South Dakota with Poor Credit

South Dakota drivers with poor credit will pay higher rates for car insurance than drivers with good or fair credit scores. Insurers use credit to calculate premiums, and drivers with bad credit scores are riskier to insure than drivers with strong credit scores. Some insurers weigh credit score heavily, while other insurers charge comparatively cheap rates regardless of your credit score.

1. USAA: $1,991 per year
2. GEICO: $2,082 per year
3. Progressive: $2,103 per year
4. State Farm: $2,121 per year
5. South Dakota Farm Bureau: $2,215 per year

SR-22 Insurance in South Dakota

An SR-22 is a certificate issued by your insurer to verify you have valid car insurance coverage. Certain high-risk drivers must submit an SR-22 certificate to the South Dakota Motor Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to reinstate their driving privileges.

If you were caught uninsured, for example, or if you have multiple at-fault accidents or DUIs on your record, then the state may suspend your license until you can verify you have valid insurance coverage. The SR-22 verifies you are financially responsible for any damage caused by driving.

All insurance companies in South Dakota can issue an SR-22 certificate on your behalf. Most companies charge a filing fee of $25 to $50.

If you are a high-risk driver, then you may need to work with a specialty insurer or high-risk provider to obtain an SR-22 certificate. Certain companies in South Dakota cater to high-risk drivers and drivers requiring SR-22 insurance.

SR-22 requirements will raise rates in South Dakota. Companies charge hundreds – even thousands – more per year to high-risk drivers. The worse your driving history is, the more you’ll pay for SR-22 insurance in South Dakota.

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in South Dakota

Finding the best auto insurance in South Dakota is easier today than ever. South Dakota drivers have plenty of options for insurance, ranging from independent agents to nationwide providers. Some drivers prefer working local, while others prefer the convenience and cost savings of a large, recognizable brand.

To find the best car insurance in South Dakota, compare quotes online today. The more quotes you compare, the easier it will be to find the perfect car insurance for your unique needs.