Find the Best Car Insurance Quotes and Options in South Dakota
Premiums for car insurance in South Dakota average just $1,180 per year, which is well below the national average. This makes it easier and more accessible for more drivers to add all the coverages they really need to their vehicles instead of just settling for the state's minimum requirements. There are also several auto insurance discounts available in South Dakota that can help reduce premium rates even further.
An independent insurance agent will help get you set up with the right kind of car insurance for you. But first, here's a breakdown of South Dakota car insurance coverages, rates, and more.
Best Car Insurance Companies in South Dakota
Really, you could find a car insurance policy from just about any carrier in South Dakota. But when you want the best blend of coverage and cost, it's helpful to know where to look right away. Check out our list of top recommendations for the best car insurance companies in South Dakota for starters.
- Best South Dakota car insurance company overall: USAA
- Best South Dakota car insurance company for minimum liability: Auto-Owners
- Best South Dakota car insurance company for full coverage: Nationwide
- Best South Dakota car insurance company for young drivers: Allstate
- Best South Dakota car insurance company for accident history: USAA
A South Dakota independent insurance agent can help you browse the options for car insurance further.
Best South Dakota Car Insurance Company Overall: USAA
Our top pick for the best South Dakota car insurance company overall goes to USAA. Having a high ranking on J.D. Power's 2021 US Auto Insurance Study and from numerous customer reviews, USAA is easily a top contender in this category. Though USAA's rates may be slightly higher than other carriers in the state, they make up for it in terms of quality. But you can still get a policy for about $1,610 per year.
First founded in 1922, USAA has been around for more than a century. The insurance company was first started by a group of Army officers who decided to insure each other’s vehicles. Over the years, USAA has grown to now servicing millions of customers across the country with its wide variety of insurance products.
Recently, USAA’s net worth surpassed $35 billion. The carrier now has more than 13 million members (i.e., policyholders) and about 35,000 employees. USAA reportedly has also paid out $2.4 billion in returns to its customers. To make matters even better, USAA also recently received high ratings and awards from major agencies like Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s. AM Best rates USAA an "A++," the highest available, for financial strength.
| Average Monthly Car Insurance Cost: | Average Annual Car Insurance Cost: |
| $134 | $1,610 |
Best South Dakota Car Insurance Company for Minimum Liability: Auto-Owners
Our pick for the best South Dakota car insurance company for minimum liability coverage goes to Auto-Owners. Having just the state's minimum coverage required by law can help drivers save a ton of money on their car insurance. Auto-Owners allows drivers in South Dakota to do just that thanks to their minimum liability policies.
Founded in 1916, Auto-Owners has been around for more than a century now. The insurance company is a Fortune 500 company and is well known for having quality customer service.
Auto-Owners is ranked in the $2 billion or greater financial size category by AM Best. The carrier also has been highly rated by AM Best in terms of financial strength, with a rating of "A++," the highest available.
Best South Dakota Car Insurance Company for Full Coverage: Nationwide
Our top choice for the best South Dakota car insurance company for full coverage goes to Nationwide. Nationwide allows drivers to set up their vehicles with the fullest picture of protection for a highly affordable price. Full coverage auto insurance from Nationwide averages only $114 per month.
Originally started in 1925, Nationwide has been around for nearly a century. The insurance company has expanded over time from a small auto insurance company to one of the largest insurance and financial services companies globally. Nationwide now has more than 10,000 employees.
AM Best places Nationwide in the $2 billion or greater financial size category. The company also awards Nationwide an "A+" or superior rating overall for financial strength. Nationwide even earned an impressive 876 out of 1,000 points on J.D. Power's Customer Satisfaction Survey in recent years.
| Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Full Coverage Policy | Average Annual Insurance Cost: Full Coverage Policy |
| $114 | $1,372 |
Best South Dakota Car Insurance Company for Young Drivers: Allstate
Our top pick for the best car insurance company in South Dakota for young drivers also goes to Allstate. Adding a teen or student driver to a car insurance policy doesn't have to be a financial disaster if you know where to shop, and Allstate proves that. The carrier offers discounts for good students, distant students, and for taking driver's ed courses. Adding a young driver or student to an existing policy will bring the premium to just about $1,560 per year, which is among the cheapest rates in South Dakota.
First founded in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck & Co., Allstate originally sold just car insurance but has since expanded its product offerings a great deal. The carrier has operated independently from Sears since 1995. Allstate is a Fortune 500 company.
Recently, official reports demonstrated that Allstate had surpassed having over $119 billion in assets. Allstate has an "A+" or superior rating from AM Best for financial strength. Overall, Allstate is one of the most established and financially sound carriers on the market.
| Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Young Drivers | Average Annual Insurance Cost: Young Drivers |
| $130 | $1,560 |
Best South Dakota Car Insurance Company for Accident History: USAA
Our top pick for the best car insurance company in South Dakota for drivers with an accident history goes to USAA. USAA helps keep coverage affordable for drivers, even after getting an at-fault accident on their records. A car insurance policy for drivers with accident history in South Dakota averages $2,071 annually from USAA.
| Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Drivers with Accidents on Record | Average Annual Insurance Cost: Drivers with Accidents on Record |
| $172.58 | $2,071 |
South Dakota Car Insurance Requirements
South Dakota state law mandates that all drivers must carry car insurance to legally drive on the road. A few different coverages are required for all drivers by law, including:
- Bodily injury liability: In South Dakota, at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident is required. Coverage reimburses for costs of medical treatments for another driver and their passengers after an accident you're at fault for.
- Property damage liability: In South Dakota, at least $25,000 per accident is required. Coverage reimburses for costs of repairs to another individual's property, including vehicles, fences, etc., if you damage it with your car.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: In South Dakota, at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident is required. Coverage can reimburse for repair costs to your vehicle after an accident caused by another driver who lacks any or adequate car insurance of their own.
Optional car insurance coverages in South Dakota include:
- Medical payments: Covers the medical treatment of your own injuries or injuries to your passengers after an accident you're at fault for.
- Roadside assistance: Covers the costs of towing, etc., if you break down on the side of the road.
- Rental car reimbursement: Covers the costs of a rental car after a covered accident.
- Comprehensive: Covers the costs of damage caused by threats other than collision, including hail damage, theft, vandalism, windshield breaks, and more.
- Collision: Covers the costs of damage to your own vehicle after a collision with another driver, regardless of fault.
- Gap coverage: Covers the difference between what your vehicle is worth and what you owe on your remaining vehicle loan after a collision.
A South Dakota independent insurance agent will be able to advise you on the coverages you most need to add to your car insurance policy.
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Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Dakota
Drivers in South Dakota pay only about $1,180 per year for car insurance on average. The US's current average for car insurance rates nationwide is $1,311. Of course, premium rates vary not only by location but also by insurance company and the type of policy you choose. A minimum coverage-only policy can cost an average of just $314 per year in South Dakota, while "full coverage" car insurance policies can cost an average of $1,372 annually.
Average South Dakota Car Insurance Costs by City
Car pricing by area, as well as local crime rates and traffic rates, the area's risks of storms, etc., can impact car insurance rates by city. In South Dakota, resident drivers in both Sioux Falls and Watertown pay the lowest average car insurance rates for the state, at just $901 annually. That said, drivers in Sturgis pay the highest average car insurance premiums in the state, at $1,378 annually.
Finding Car Insurance Discounts in South Dakota
Though car insurance in South Dakota is already affordable when compared to other areas, there are still ways to save even more money on your coverage. Adding discounts to your car insurance can help reduce your premiums by a substantial amount, depending on which ones you qualify for. Here are some of the most common car insurance discounts offered by carriers in South Dakota.
- Safe driver discounts: A clean driving record with no tickets or accidents can lead to huge savings on car insurance.
- Military discounts: Being an active or retired military member can lead to savings on car insurance.
- Paperless billing discounts: Signing up for paperless billing statements can lead to savings on car insurance.
- Student driver discounts: Adding a student driver to your car insurance policy can help you save money on premiums.
- Anti-theft devices discounts: Buying a vehicle with an alarm or other anti-theft devices can help you save a great deal on your car insurance.
- Other discounts: Being a member of an organization like unions, groups, or the government, or being a teacher can also help you save money on car insurance.
A South Dakota independent insurance agent will help you add any discounts you may qualify for to your car insurance.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance Quote in South Dakota
Working with a South Dakota independent insurance agent is one of the easiest ways to find the best car insurance quote in South Dakota. These agents can browse policy options from multiple different car insurance companies in South Dakota, and present you with only the top results. A South Dakota independent insurance agent will help you find the cheapest car insurance that still covers exactly what you need it to, without sacrificing quality.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim in South Dakota
Filing a car insurance claim in South Dakota can be an easy process that only consists of a few steps. We've made this list for you to keep in mind just in case the time ever comes when you have to file a car insurance claim.
- First, file a police report: Take the time to file a police report ASAP if you've been involved in a collision.
- Next, seek medical help: Now it's time to get any injured parties treated by medical professionals.
- Now call your independent insurance agent: Next up, phone your South Dakota independent insurance agent, who can file a car insurance claim directly through your carrier for you.
- If necessary, schedule a rental vehicle: If you need a rental vehicle and your car insurance policy includes this coverage, make these arrangements with your carrier.
- Finally, schedule a visit with an adjuster: Finally, arrange for an insurance adjuster from your carrier to examine your vehicle's damage so your claim can proceed.
Don't worry about keeping track of your car insurance claim. Your South Dakota independent insurance agent can keep you updated every step of the way, including by providing ETAs of when each task will be completed.
How does your city measure up to the national average?
National average time spent commuting 26.9 Min
National average car thefts per 1,000 2.3 Year
National average car insurance cost $1,311 Year
| City | Commute time (min) | Auto theft rate per 1,000 | Annual insurance cost |
| Sioux Falls | 16.9 | 3.55 | $991 |
| Rapid City | 16.4 | 4.19 | $1,252 |
| Aberdeen | 10.9 | 1.52 | $1,058 |
| Brookings | 13.6 | 0.69 | $1,067 |
| Watertown | 14 | 0.77 | $991 |
| Mitchell | 10.4 | 2.54 | $1,117 |
| Yankton | 12.8 | 2.78 | $1,193 |
| Pierre | 9.8 | 1.64 | $1,218 |
| Huron | 13.9 | 0.65 | $1,168 |
| Vermillion | 14.5 | 0.83 | $1,058 |
| Sturgis | 16.9 | 0.72 | $1,378 |
| Madison | 10.8 | 0.66 | $1,067 |
Popular Questions about South Dakota Car Insurance
South Dakota drivers pay about $1,180 per year for car insurance or $98.33 per month.
It depends on which coverages you add to your car insurance policy. South Dakota car insurance must include at least bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. But you may choose to add more coverages to your policy such as comprehensive or rental car reimbursement.
All drivers in South Dakota by law must carry at least these coverages:
- Bodily injury liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability of $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Just 7.7% of South Dakota drivers are uninsured. That's well below the current national average of 13%.
Our research found that USAA, Nationwide, Auto-Owners, and Allstate are the best car insurance companies in South Dakota. These insurance companies were chosen based on their pricing, customer service ratings, financial strength, awards, policy options, and more.
Yes, all drivers in South Dakota must carry car insurance in at least the state's dictated minimum amounts, otherwise they could face fines, jail time, or other penalties.
Typically, car insurance in South Dakota follows the car. Bodily injury liability, uninsured motorist coverage, collision, comprehensive, and personal injury liability insurance all follow the car in South Dakota. So if you loan your vehicle to a friend or family member who causes an accident, your policy should cover the damage first.
No, actually South Dakota is considered a "fault" state for auto insurance. That means that whichever driver was considered at fault for an accident is the one who must provide compensation for property damage, injury, etc., through their auto insurance.
The auto insurance required by South Dakota state law is bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.