South Dakota Auto Insurance Car Insurance Comparison

Home of Mount Rushmore, South Dakota attracts 3 milllion tourists a year. The state is also famous for its many miles of shoreline, free roaming bison, and honey production.

Requirement : Yes

Car insurance is required in South Dakota . Drivers must have a minimum of liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements:

A minimum liability, and uninsured motorist coverage is required:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person.
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident.
• Uninsured motorist coverage – Covers you in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured party, or they don’t have adequate coverage.
• $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person.
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death to per accident.

Other Car Insurance Coverage Options:

Liability, and uninsured coverage is the only requirements for South Dakota motorist to have, there are several other types of coverage available to drivers:

• Collision – Covers damages to your vehicle due to an accident.
• Comprehensive – Covers damages due to your non-accident related damages to your car, such as inclement weather.
• Medical Payments – Helps cover your medical or funeral costs due to an accident.
• GAP Insurance - If your vehicle is loaned or leased and totaled, Gap insurance may pay for the difference between the cash value of the vehicle and the unpaid balance of the loan or lease.
• Rental reimbursement – Reimburses you if you have to rent a car after an accident.
• Roadside assistance/towing coverage – Typically adds coverage for towing, tire changes, lockout services, and more.

• Note: Comprehensive and or collision coverage is optional, unless the vehicle is being financed or leased, the lending/leasing agency may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Other Forms of Financial Responsibility:

Other legal ways around buying car insurance include:  

• Cash/security deposit of $50,000 to the state treasurer.
• Surety bond equal to the minimum insurance policy.

Proof of Insurance: Yes

You must carry proof of insurance and registration with your vehicle at all times.  

Valid forms of proof of financial responsibility include:

• Insurance card.

Insurance Violations:

Violations, Fines & Penalties:

• Should you be found operating a vehicle without the mandatory minimum insurance coverage, you face:
• $100 fine.
• 30 days in jail.
• 30 day to 1 year suspension of driver’s license.
• Sr-22 Mandatory for 3 years

SR22:

A SR22 may be required after a suspension in order to get your driver’s license reinstated. An SR22 certificate only certifies proof of insurance of minimum requirements, it is not insurance.

• An SR-22 certification may be required to reinstate your license or registration if you’ve been convicted of:
• Driving with a suspended license.
• You will have to hold an SR-22 for 3 years.

  Credit Scores & Determining Your Insurance Premium :

All South Dakota drivers are required to have car insurance, however, insurance providers are reserved the right to deny coverage to high-risk drivers. Drivers unable to get private coverage can purchase insurance through the Associated Auto Insurers Plan of South Dakota (AAIPSC).

Other factors that may be used to determine your premiums include:

• Age
• Gender
• Credit history
• Driving history
• Deductible
• Year, make, model of vehicle
• Neighborhood, city of residence
• Primary use of vehicle

Discounts : Yes

Discounts available in South Dakota:

• Good driver discount.
• Good student discount.
• Safety features discount.
• Accident-free discount.
• Low mileage discount.
• Multi-vehicle discount.

Cellphone Use:

There is no ban on cellphone use while driving. All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Texting violations are considered secondary offenses. Violators face a $100 fine.