Flood insurance costs in South Dakota will vary based on county and property risk factors, such as home structure, elevation, frequency of flooding, and replacement and repair costs.
Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Your area’s potential for flooding can be assessed by consulting a flood map.
Even if your area is at low risk for flooding in South Dakota, purchasing flood insurance can save you from exorbitantly high repair costs in case of damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that damage from just one inch of water can total up to $25,000.
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South Dakota has an average cost of $1,136 annually for flood insurance. Rates differ by county.
Flood insurance can include structure coverage and contents coverage. As a renter in South Dakota, you would get flood contents coverage, but a homeowner would want both coverages.
Your insurance rate may vary depending on your coverage amount and deductible, as well as the age, location, design and flood risk of your home.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance in South Dakota
The average annual premium for flood insurance in South Dakota is $1,136. However, premiums could vary significantly based on the home's proximity to a flood zone and its individual risks. As a result, people who reside in areas that are more likely to flood often pay higher rates.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in South Dakota
Flood insurance in South Dakota is roughly $369 costlier than the national average. That could be due to the state having more high-risk flood zones than other states.
The average annual premium in Marshall County is the lowest in South Dakota at $316, while those in Douglas County pay the highest at around $2,317. The average annual premium for flood insurance in each county of South Dakota is below.
South Dakota Flood Insurance Cost Per County
Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in South Dakota
Both the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurance companies offer flood insurance to residents of South Dakota. From private insurers, you can either get a base policy (equivalent to NFIP coverage) or an excess policy (supplemental coverage for a base policy).
Households not adequately covered by an NFIP policy or those living outside an NFIP community may find a private provider the best option.
Private Flood Insurance Providers in SD and Their Contact Numbers
Company | Contact |
---|---|
Neptune Flood | 727-202-4815 |
Aon Private Flood | 888-281-0684 |
Hiscox - FloodPlus | 866-283-7545 |
FloodSimple Insurance Services | 844-803-8788 |
Chubb | 866-324-8222 |
Zurich Insurance Group | 800-382-2150 |
Swiss Re | (800) 621-0823 |
Berkshire Hathaway | 800-673-2465 |
Private Market Flood | 877-356-6348 |
TypTap | 844-289-7968 |
Additionally, the NFIP has affiliated insurance providers in South Dakota that provide flood insurance. For your convenience, MoneyGeek has prepared a list below of insurance firms that participate in the NFIP, along with their respective phone numbers.
NFIP-Participating Flood Insurance Providers in State and Their Contact Numbers
Company | Contact |
---|---|
Allstate Insurance Company | (800) 527-2634 |
American Family Mutual Ins. Co | (800) 692-6326 |
American Nat. Prop. & Casualty | (417) 887-4990 |
American Strategic Ins. Corp. | (866) 274-8765 |
Assurant | (800) 423-4403 |
Auto Owners Insurance Co. | Refer to the Agent locator |
Farmers Insurance Group | (866) 865-2965 |
Hartford Fire Insurance Co. | (860) 547-7440 |
Hartford Underwriters Ins. Co. | (800) 296-7542 |
Homesite Insurance Company | (800) 466-3748 |
Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company | (800) 283-6033 |
National General Insurance Co | (800) 462-2123 |
NFIP Direct Servicing Agent | (800) 638-6620 |
NGM Insurance Company | (603) 352-4000 |
Occidental Fire & Casualty | (800) 780-8423 |
Pacific Specialty Insurance Company | (800)-303-5000 |
Philadelphia Indemnity Ins. Co | (877) 672-7945 ext. 8295 |
Privilege Underwriters | (888) 813-7873 |
QBE Insurance Corporation | (877) 372-3996 |
USAA General Indemnity Company | (210) 531-USAA (8722) |
Westfield Insurance Company | (800) 243-0210 |
Wright National Flood Ins. Co. | (866) 373-5663 |
How to Purchase Flood Insurance and Its Coverage Requirements
Flood insurance is easy to purchase, as there are no requirements. You can initiate getting a policy by calling the NFIP toll-free hotline (877-336-2627), your local independent insurance agent or a private company.
Considering the National Flood Insurance Program's 30-day waiting period, MoneyGeek recommends purchasing flood insurance as soon as possible. Also, many private insurers in South Dakota require a waiting period of at least 10 days for a policy to be effective. Verify this by contacting your insurance provider.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in South Dakota?
One inch of floodwater may cause $25,000 in property damage. Flood insurance protects your home's structure and contents, repairing or replacing them.
In flood insurance, flood refers exclusively to the water damage caused by natural occurrences/weather events. It does not cover floods caused by other issues, such as damaged pipes or a leaking appliance.
Flood insurance covers personal property and building structural damage. It excludes damages to vehicles, cash and documents, swimming pools, landscaping, decks, patios and goods in the basement. You can protect your car by having comprehensive insurance.
Flood Insurance Building Coverage
Flood insurance building coverage provides home structural repairs and replacements for damages caused by a covered peril. You can get up to $250,000 of building coverage with the NFIP.
The following are examples of what flood insurance can cover:
- Foundation walls
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
- Built-in appliances
- Permanent carpets
- Built-in furniture
Flood Insurance Contents Coverage
The contents coverage part of flood insurance pays for the repair or replacement of personal goods. The typical maximum for contents coverage under an NFIP policy is $100,000.
Some of the personal things frequently covered by flood insurance are:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Electronic equipment
- Washers and dryers
- Artwork
Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in South Dakota
Until October 2021, the cost of flood insurance was decided by a home's placement on a flood map. FEMA has an interactive tool that displays the historical flood risk of South Dakota counties and flood-related expenses.
Since 1996, Jerauld County has experienced 15 floods, the second-lowest of the South Dakota counties, while Brown County has had the most floods (138). The average annual premium in these counties is $592 and $1,314, respectively.
Brown County has seen the most floods, but its flooding may affect a wider region, making its rate not the highest in the state.
Risk Rating 2.0
A new risk rating system (Risk Rating 2.0), introduced by FEMA in October 2021, evaluates specific property risks, like the following:
- Foundation type
- Dwelling structure
- Elevation
- Replacement and repair costs
- Frequency of flooding
- Proximity to water bodies
Risk Rating 2.0 promises to quote fair flood insurance premiums. However, your location still has a substantial effect on your premium. Below, MoneyGeek explains a few of the variables affecting flood insurance costs in South Dakota.
Flood Risk
The prevalence of floods in a location in South Dakota may increase the cost of a flood insurance premium. The individual risk factors are also evaluated in Risk Rating 2.0. As a result, the rate you receive may vary from that of your neighbor.
Coverage Type
Your rate is influenced by the type of coverage you choose; comprehensive coverage will result in a higher premium. Coverage and rates will also differ based on your county.
Deductible
If you choose a higher deductible, your premium will be lower, but you will be liable for paying that amount upon submitting a claim. Typically, a deductible is from $1,000 to $10,000.
Age of Structure
When deciding prices, flood insurance providers take your home's age into account. If your house is an older one, expect to pay more.
Structure Design
Besides age, the design and building materials of your home are considered to calculate the premium.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in South Dakota?
Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not include flood coverage. Even for individuals who reside in low- or moderate-risk locations, buying flood insurance is a good investment because flooding can occur anywhere. And homeowners in high-risk flood zones with government-funded mortgages are expected to get flood insurance.
Flood insurance offers several benefits. If your home floods, even without a presidential disaster declaration, insurers are obliged to pay your claim. The normal household cap for federal disaster aid is $5,000. Costs from flood damage frequently exceed that ceiling.
Overall, flood insurance provides security against financial loss and keeps you mentally at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Flood Insurance
The details of flood insurance might be a lot to process. To help you, MoneyGeek has provided answers to the most frequently asked questions about flood insurance in South Dakota.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

sources
- FEMA. "Flood Insurance." Accessed August 18, 2022.
- FEMA. "Historical Flood Risk and Costs." Accessed August 18, 2022.