Best Car Insurance in South Dakota (updated 2023)


WRITTEN BY: Julia Matseikovich

UPDATED: JANUARY 17, 2023 | 1 MIN READ

South Dakota car insurance is affordable. The average cost of auto insurance in South Dakota is $1,268 yearly – less than 11.1% of the national average. Many factors come into play that affects your car insurance in South Dakota. We’re here to walk you through every step.

Best South Dakota Car Insurance Companies

Some people seek out car insurance quotes based on discounts, excellent customer service, or what company has the best rates.

Cheapest Car Insurance Company

Auto-Owners Insurance is the cheapest car insurance option in the state. Their average rates are $262 yearly, or $22 monthly, which is 32% cheaper than the South Dakota average.

Company With the Best Customer Service

Shelter Insurance is considered to be a highly-rated carrier. They scored 856 out of 1,000 in J.D. Powers’ 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Farmers Insurance comes in second with a score of 848.

Company With the Best Premium-Reducing Programs

Nationwide is one of the most affordable car insurance companies in the state. The cheapest rates are $1,372 yearly or $114 monthly. Nationwide is a great company with programs that reduce your premiums to get the most affordable rates possible.

Company With the Best Discounts

American Family Insurance is an excellent company for auto insurance in South Dakota that offers many discounts. Their premiums are typically lower at $1,070, and they provide many discounts to bring down the cost of the premiums.

Local and Regional Car Insurance Carriers In South Dakota

Farmers Mutual of Nebraska

Farmer’s Mutual of Nebraska’s excellence began in 1894 and hasn’t wavered since. The company features auto insurance for South Dakotans with coverage in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and other major areas. 

Your agent works with you in determining the best coverage for your needs. Coverages from Farmer’s Mutual of Nebraska include liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured. 

The insurer offers everything you need to protect your car plus gives discounts for additional vehicles, policy bundling, restraint devices, and students’ good grades. 

Western National Insurance

Western National Insurance’s auto insurance for South Dakota drivers features excellent service, comprehensive policies, and affordable prices. These attributes keep customers with Western National Insurance and lead to the company’s 98% customer satisfaction. 

Auto insurance products include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, auto loan/lease, towing/labor, and roadside assistance. 

Trust Western National Insurance, and the next time you’re in an accident in South Dakota, you can rest easy with the knowledge you’re protected. 

American Family Insurance

American Family Insurance is more than an insurance company. They’re like a family member. Their auto insurance products feature 24/7 claims support and coverages such as collision, comprehensive, property damage liability, and bodily injury liability. 

You can also choose from various other personal coverages and create the policy best for your unique needs. The company also insures motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. 

American Family Insurance offers several ways to enjoy a discount on your policy, including savings for loyalty, early quotes, careful driving, low mileage, and safety equipment.

South Dakota Insurance Demographics

Demographics affect the rates that you pay for car insurance in South Dakota. Below are some of the demographics taken into consideration.

  • Crime Rates: In South Dakota, the violent crime rate increased from 4 incidents per 1,000 people to 5 – a 27% increase from the last year.
  • Average Household Income: The average household income is $77,932. The median household income is $58,896.
  • Median Age Range: The median age range is 37.2 years of age.
  • Education: About 20.6% of residents in 2019 had a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

Common Risk Factors In South Dakota

The common risk factors that occur in South Dakota that increase car insurance rates are:

  • Distracted driving
  • At-fault accidents
  • Reckless driving
  • DUI
  • Speeding
  • Racing
  • Property damage
  • Uninsured driver

Auto Insurance Laws In South Dakota

In South Dakota, you must have insurance with a minimum requirement of 25/50/25 to drive a motor vehicle. You may face penalties, fines, or even imprisonment if your policy doesn’t have coverage.

What are the minimum car insurance requirements?

Your car insurance must have the following requirements to drive. Your policy should cover $25,000 in bodily injury per person, up to $50,000 for all injured parties, and $25,000 for property damage.

Am I required to carry uninsured motorist coverage?

You’re required to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in South Dakota.

South Dakota SR-22 policies

If you’ve had a DUI or another major conviction in South Dakota, you’re legally required to obtain an SR-22. It’s a form issued by your insurance company to ensure you have car insurance.

Is South Dakota a no-fault state?

South Dakota is not one of the 12 no-fault states. If you’re at fault in an accident, you won’t be able to claim compensation from your insurer. It also means purchasing personal injury protection coverage in South Dakota is not compulsory.

What happens if my vehicle isn’t properly insured in South Dakota?

  • A fine between $100 and $500
  • 30-day imprisonment
  • $50 to $200 reinstatement fee
  • Maintain SR-22 for three years

Does South Dakota accept digital insurance cards?

South Dakota does allow you to show a digital insurance card as proof of insurance

How Much Does Car Insurance In South Dakota Cost?

South Dakota car insurance rates depend on many factors, such as driving record, credit score, age, gender, city, and the insurer you choose.

Average Cost of Car Insurance By City

The city you live in affects your car insurance premiums. Rates vary depending on where in the town you live. 

CityAverage South Dakota Car Insurance CostDifference From South Dakota Average
Sioux Falls$1,450-13%
Rapid City$1,7709%
Aberdeen$1,430-14%
Brookings$1,380-17%
Watertown$1,405-16%

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Company

Insurance companies often have different policies and discounts available. Some insurers are more expensive than others. 

Car Insurance CompanyAverage Full-Coverage Premium (Annually)
Allstate$1,785
Farmers$1,275
Progressive$1,655
State Farm$1,245

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Age

Age significantly impacts what you pay for auto insurance. Younger drivers typically pay more, but in South Dakota, a 16-year-old pays relatively the same as a 70-year-old. 

AgeAverage Full-Coverage Premium (Annually)
Age 16$1,540
Age 18$4,510
Age 20$3,220
Age 25$2,030
Age 30$1,825
Age 40$1,750
Age 50$1,570
Age 60$1,490
Age 70$1,535

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Gender

There is a difference in the price of car insurance depending on your gender. There isn’t much of a difference, but there is one. 

GenderAverage Full-Coverage Premium (Annually)
Male$1,275
Female$1,285

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Credit Score

Insurers consider credit scores because statistical data shows that drivers with excellent credit scores tend to be more dependable. 

Credit ScoreAverage Premium (Annually)
Poor$2,375
Fair$1,935
Good$1,590
Very Good$1,335
Great$1,125

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Driving Record

Your driving record has a huge impact on your car insurance rates. Good drivers always pay less than risky drivers. 

Driving IncidentAverage Full-Coverage Premium (Annually)% Increase In Average Full-Coverage Premium
Speeding ticket$1,92518%
Accident$2,08028%
DUI$2,71066%

What Optional Insurance Coverages Should You Consider?

South Dakota car insurance has the following optional coverages available:

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Liability
  • Roadside assistance
  • Option bodily injury
  • Limited collision
  • Rideshare
  • Medical expenses
  • Underinsured motorist bodily harm
  • Loan/lease payoff
  • Rental car reimbursement

Auto Insurance Discounts

There are discounts available for South Dakota car insurance. Discounts vary depending on your driving record, chosen insurer, and the car you drive. Some discounts include policy bundling, accident-free, defensive driving course, student away at school, anti-theft devices, good driver, multi-car, and new driver discounts.

FAQs

Is car insurance in South Dakota expensive?

Auto insurance in South Dakota is affordable. It’s 11.1% less than the national average. 

Is auto insurance required in South Dakota?

Yes. You face penalties and fines if you drive without proper car insurance in South Dakota. 

How much is car insurance a month in South Dakota?

The average cost of auto insurance in South Dakota is $1,268 yearly for full coverage. 

Does insurance follow the car or the driver in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, insurance may follow the car or the driver. It depends on the type of coverage purchased and from which insurer. For example, PIP and medical expenses follow the driver, while insurance coverage follows the car.

How much is car insurance in Rapid City?

Car insurance in Rapid City is $1,770, which is 9% different from the South Dakota average. 

How To Purchase South Dakota Car Insurance

Finding the best South Dakota car insurance is simple. Compare rates for several policies and choose the one that fits your needs and budget.