Updated: December 5, 2024
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South Dakota drivers pay an average of $1,210 annually for full coverage car insurance and $372 per year for minimum coverage.
When shopping for car insurance, consider your age, coverage level, location, driving record and credit history to balance affordability and adequate protection.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the South Dakota Division of Insurance to get the most precise average costs for various South Dakota drivers.
These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in South Dakota as of December 2024.
In South Dakota, full coverage car insurance costs an average of $1,210 annually. Compare car insurance quotes online from several insurers to find the most affordable option.
Here's a breakdown of average car insurance costs in South Dakota to help you plan your budget.
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,210 | $101 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $451 | $38 |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $372 | $31 |
Car insurance in South Dakota is more affordable than in many other states. The average annual premium for minimum coverage in South Dakota is $372 ($31 per month), compared to the national average of $630 annually ($52 per month). Full coverage costs $1,210 per year ($101 per month) in South Dakota, while the national average is $1,370 annually ($114 per month).
South Dakota's lower rates are due to less congested roads, a lower frequency of claims and a generally rural setting that reduces the risk of accidents and theft, leading to a competitive insurance market.
Car insurance premiums in South Dakota vary widely between providers. American Family offers the cheapest full coverage at around $614 annually, while the same coverage from Western National costs the highest at around $2,316.
Compare quotes from different companies to find the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota that best fits your coverage needs.
| American Family | $614 | $51 |
| Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $678 | $56 |
| Kemper | $796 | $66 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $1,034 | $86 |
| Allstate | $1,047 | $87 |
| State Farm | $1,057 | $88 |
| Nationwide | $1,237 | $103 |
| GEICO | $1,335 | $111 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $1,409 | $117 |
| Farmers | $1,484 | $124 |
| Progressive | $1,519 | $127 |
| Western National | $2,316 | $193 |
The cost of car insurance in South Dakota is also affected by the coverage levels selected. On average, drivers pay $31 monthly for minimum coverage, whereas full coverage with a $1,000 deductible averages $101 monthly. Despite higher premiums, it is often recommended to opt for full coverage insurance due to its extensive protection, safeguarding against various road mishaps.
Enhancing a policy with comprehensive and collision coverages will increase the annual cost, but selecting higher deductibles can offset this increase. Remember, the deductible is the amount paid out of pocket for each comprehensive and collision claim. This strategic choice can make full coverage more affordable while maintaining valuable protection for your vehicle.
| State Minimum Liability Only | $372 | $31 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $451 | $38 |
| 300/500/300 Liability Only | $558 | $47 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,102 | $92 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,155 | $96 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,158 | $96 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,210 | $101 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,225 | $102 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded | $1,281 | $107 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,394 | $116 |
| 100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_coll | $1,447 | $121 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,517 | $126 |
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.
$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
This is the minimum coverage amount required in South Dakota for injuries one person may sustain in an accident.
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
This amount covers the total expenses for bodily injuries to all persons injured in one accident in South Dakota.
$25,000 for property damage liability per accident
In South Dakota, this is the minimum amount for damages caused to someone else's property in an accident.
$25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
This covers injuries to you caused by a driver who does not have insurance up to the minimum limit per person.
$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
This is the total minimum coverage for injuries to all persons in the vehicle per accident caused by an uninsured driver.
In South Dakota, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest annual premium of $1,512 for full coverage. Premiums decrease with age, averaging $1,210 for drivers 30 to 59 and $1,101 for those 60 and older. This trend reflects insurers’ risk assessment, with younger drivers seen as less experienced and with higher risk, leading to higher premiums.
| 22-29 | $1,512 | $126 |
| 30-59 | $1,210 | $101 |
| 60 + | $1,101 | $92 |
Age and gender influence car insurance rates in South Dakota. Adding a 16-year-old male to a family policy costs an average of $2,355 annually.
Teen drivers under 18 generally need a parent or guardian to co-sign their insurance policy. For an individual policy, the annual premium for a 16-year-old male is around $5,192.
The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance is $917 for a 2012 model and $1,367 for a 2022 model. Newer models have higher premiums due to their increased actual cash value, repair costs and theft risk.
Drivers of newer cars should consider comprehensive and collision coverages to protect against various incidents and minimize financial loss from unexpected events.
| 2012 Vehicle | $917 | $76 |
| 2022 Vehicle | $1,367 | $114 |
The actual cash value (ACV) is the amount your insurance company will pay if your vehicle is damaged or destroyed in a covered incident. It reflects your car's market value, considering depreciation, and influences the payout you receive for comprehensive or collision claims, affecting how affordable your recovery will be post-accident.
Car insurance costs in South Dakota vary based on your driving record:
More severe violations result in higher insurance rates. In South Dakota, the severity of the violation can significantly influence your premiums. Minor offenses like speeding tickets may not impact as long as a DUI, which can influence your insurance costs for several years.
Check the table below for average costs based on different driving records.
| Clean | $1,210 | $101 |
| Ticket | $1,402 | $117 |
| At-fault Accident | $1,677 | $140 |
| DUI | $2,184 | $182 |
The average annual cost of car insurance in South Dakota varies with your credit score. Drivers with excellent credit pay around $723 annually, while those with poor credit face premiums of $1,804.
Insurers use credit scores to gauge risk, with higher scores typically leading to 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).
| Excellent | $723 | $60 |
| Good | $876 | $73 |
| Fair | $1,068 | $89 |
| Below Fair | $1,349 | $112 |
| Poor | $1,804 | $150 |
Understanding these factors affecting car insurance rates in South Dakota helps you find affordable coverage:
To secure affordable car insurance in South Dakota, compare prices, raise your deductible and use all eligible discounts. These steps help lower premiums without sacrificing coverage quality:
Shop Around for Options
Comparing rates from multiple insurers can help you find the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota, as prices can vary significantly.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Drivers without accidents or traffic violations typically qualify for lower rates, as they are considered lower risk.
Choose a Higher Deductible
Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your premium, but ensure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if an accident occurs.
Bundle Insurance Policies
Purchasing auto and home insurance from the same company often leads to discounts on both policies.
Ask for Discounts
To lower your rates, inquire about discounts for things like being a good student, having anti-theft devices or being a safe driver.
Consider Vehicle Type
The type of car you drive affects your rates; older, safer models often come with more affordable insurance premiums.
Review Coverage Annually
Regularly review your policy and update coverage as your situation changes to ensure you're not overpaying for insurance.
Get answers about what impacts the average cost of car insurance in South Dakota and how to find affordable rates.
South Dakota's minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 coverage for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage must be $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Typically, full coverage auto insurance in South Dakota costs around $1,210 annually or $101 per month. Minimum coverage is cheaper, averaging $372 per year or roughly $31 each month.
A 22-year-old driver in South Dakota may pay about $1,512 annually, or $126 monthly, for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Liability-only coverage costs approximately $551 per year ($46 monthly), while minimum coverage averages $462 annually ($39 monthly).
For those seeking affordable car insurance in South Dakota, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska offers minimum coverage at around $184 annually. American Family is another economical option, with rates averaging $243 per year.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
