How Much Is Car Insurance in South Dakota? (July 2024)

South Dakota drivers pay around $1,151 annually for full coverage car insurance, while minimum coverage policies average $352 per year. When shopping for car insurance, it's essential to consider various factors that affect the cost.

Your age, the level of coverage you choose, where you live, your driving record and credit history all play an essential role in determining your premium. Ensuring you have the right balance of affordability and protection tailored to your needs can help manage these costs effectively.

South Dakota's average full coverage car insurance cost is $1,151 per year. You can find the most affordable option by comparing car insurance quotes from several insurers.

Here's a breakdown of average car insurance costs in South Dakota. It includes minimum coverage and full coverage prices to help you plan your budget.

Car insurance in South Dakota is relatively affordable compared to many other states. For example, the average annual premium for state minimum coverage in South Dakota is $352, with monthly premiums at an affordable $29. This contrasts with the national average cost of car insurance for similar coverage, which is $595 annually and $50 monthly. For full coverage, it costs $1,151 per year ($96 per month) in South Dakota, while the national average is $1,296 per year ($108 per month)

South Dakota’s cheaper car insurance rates can be attributed to factors like less congested roads, fewer claims filed and fewer instances of theft and vandalism compared to more urbanized states. Additionally, the competitive insurance market contributes to the affordability of car insurance. These factors help keep premiums lower compared to many other states.

Car insurance premiums can differ significantly, even among companies within the same state. For instance, in South Dakota, American Family offers the most affordable full coverage at an annual cost of $614, while Progressive presents the priciest average premium at $1,781. Finding the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota requires comparing quotes to save money.

It's key to shop around and compare car insurance rates from different providers. By checking various quotes, drivers can secure the most affordable plan that meets their needs, ensuring they aren't overpaying for coverage.

The cost of car insurance in South Dakota is also influenced by the level of coverage you select. The average monthly cost for minimum coverage is $29, whereas full coverage with a $1,000 deductible averages $96 monthly. Despite the price difference, a full coverage policy is often recommended due to its comprehensive protection.

While adding comprehensive and collision coverage increases premiums, opting for a higher deductible can lower these costs. Each time you file a claim for comprehensive or collision incidents, the deductible is the amount you're responsible for before your insurer covers the remaining expenses.

In South Dakota, the minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with the same limits.

Age impacts the cost of car insurance in South Dakota. Typically, younger drivers pay more, with those aged 22 to 29 facing an average annual premium of $1,428 for comprehensive coverage. Premiums generally decrease as drivers age. Those between 30 and 59 see a dip to an average of $1,151 per year, while drivers aged 60 and above enjoy the lowest average annual cost at $1,043.

This trend reflects insurers' assessment of risk. They deem younger drivers less experienced and more prone to accidents, thus warranting higher premiums. As drivers gain experience and exhibit safer driving habits, their premiums tend to reduce accordingly.

Age and gender influence car insurance rates in South Dakota, with 16-year-old males typically facing the highest premiums. When added to a family policy, they often pay an annual cost of approximately $2,355.

Teen drivers under 18 in South Dakota usually require a parent or guardian to co-sign in order to purchase car insurance. If opting for an individual policy, a 16-year-old male's premium skyrockets to about $5,192 annually.

The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance for a 2012 car model is $917, while it increased to around $1,367 for a 2022 model. This significant increase in premium is largely due to newer car models' higher actual cash value, pricier repair costs and an elevated risk of theft.

To safeguard against financial loss, experts recommend that drivers of newer models invest in comprehensive and collision coverages. These coverages offer the advantage of covering a range of non-collision incidents, ensuring drivers are financially protected during various unexpected events.

The average cost of car insurance in South Dakota varies significantly depending on the driver's record. Here's what drivers with different infractions might expect to pay on average:

• With a ticket: $1,342 per year; $112 per month
• With an at-fault accident: $1,611 per year; $134 per month
• With a DUI: $2,104 per year; $175 per month

The more severe the driving violation, the higher your car insurance premiums increase. Infractions like tickets, accidents and DUIs can keep affecting what you pay for as long as they remain on your record, which can differ by state. For example, in South Dakota, a DUI can affect your insurance rates for many years.

You can explore the table below to find the average cost of car insurance based on specific driving records.

The average cost of car insurance in South Dakota varies based on your credit score, ranging from $723 for drivers with excellent credit to $1,804 for those with poor credit annually.

Your credit score is a key factor that insurers use to determine your risk level: higher scores typically indicate responsible financial behavior, which insurers reward with lower premiums. Credit scores are categorized as follows: excellent (800 to 850), very good (740 to 799), good (670 to 739), fair (580 to 669) and poor (300 to 579).

Understanding the factors that affect car insurance rates in South Dakota is important when searching for an affordable plan. Below are the key elements that play into the average cost of coverage in South Dakota.

• Age: Younger drivers in South Dakota often face higher premiums due to their lack of experience on the road, while mature drivers typically enjoy lower rates.
• Driving Record: A clean driving record can lead to more affordable car insurance rates, whereas traffic violations or accidents can result in higher premiums.
• Credit Score: Insurers in South Dakota may use your credit score to determine your risk profile, with higher scores generally leading to lower insurance costs.
• Vehicle Type: The make, model and year of your vehicle can influence your insurance rates. More expensive vehicles can result in higher premiums due to higher replacement costs.
• Coverage Level: Choosing collision insurance or comprehensive insurance will increase your insurance rate compared to a state minimum policy, reflecting the broader financial protection offered.
• Location: Living in areas with high traffic congestion or crime rates in South Dakota can lead to higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk of accidents and theft.
• Gender: Men may sometimes experience slightly higher rates than women in South Dakota, especially at younger ages, due to statistical differences in driving behavior and accident rates.

Remember, the key is to assess your personal needs and driving profile to find the most suitable and affordable car insurance in South Dakota.

To secure affordable car insurance in South Dakota, compare prices, raise your deductible and utilize all available discounts for immediate cost savings. These steps help lower premiums without sacrificing coverage quality:

Understanding the average cost of car insurance in South Dakota is straightforward when you have the right information. This section provides insights into what drivers can typically expect to pay for their coverage.