South Dakota Auto Insurance Requirements 2026: Minimum Coverage Guide

✓ Updated January 2026 – Based on Real South Dakota Quotes

South Dakota Auto Insurance Requirements & Costs

Q: How much does auto insurance cost in South Dakota?

The average monthly auto insurance rate in South Dakota varies by location, driving record, and coverage level. Liability-only coverage is significantly less expensive than full coverage.

Q: Is South Dakota a no-fault insurance state?

No, South Dakota is an at-fault state. The driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages through their liability insurance.

Complete guide to South Dakota car insurance requirements, average rates, and coverage options with current 2026 data. We’re a licensed insurance broker serving 34 states, not an insurance carrier—we help you compare multiple providers to find the best rates.

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South Dakota Minimum Coverage

25/50/25

South Dakota requires liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Many drivers choose higher limits for stronger asset protection.

Current Quote Data Status

Limited Dataset

Our first-party dataset does not yet contain enough South Dakota quote activity to publish verified carrier averages or monthly rate comparisons. Additional quote volume will expand reporting.

SR22 Insurance Impact

High-Risk Tier

Drivers requiring SR22 filings are typically rated at a higher underwriting level. The filing fee is small, but the violation tied to the SR22 significantly increases premium costs.

What Affects Rates

Driver + Vehicle Based

Insurance pricing in South Dakota depends on driving history, vehicle type, location, credit profile, and coverage selection. Clean records and continuous coverage help maintain lower premiums.

South Dakota Auto Insurance Requirements

South Dakota law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. Understanding these requirements is essential for legal compliance and financial protection.

At A Plus Insurance, we work with multiple insurance providers to help you find the best coverage for your needs and budget.

Coverage Type	Minimum Required	What It Covers
Bodily Injury (per person)	$25,000	Medical expenses and lost wages for one person injured in an accident you cause
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$50,000	Total medical expenses and lost wages for all people injured in an accident you cause
Property Damage	$25,000	Damage to another person’s vehicle or property in an accident you cause

                    Important: These are legal minimums. Most drivers benefit from higher coverage limits to protect against serious accidents. Consider 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 for better protection.
                

Optional but Recommended Coverage

While not legally required, these coverages provide crucial protection:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage
Collision: Covers damage to your vehicle from accidents, regardless of fault
Comprehensive: Covers non-collision damage (theft, vandalism, weather, animals)
Medical Payments (MedPay): Covers medical expenses for you and passengers, regardless of fault

Learn more about different coverage types on our auto insurance guide, or explore South Dakota liability insurance options in detail.

How Violations & Risk Factors Affect Your South Dakota Rates

Your driving record and risk profile significantly impact insurance costs in South Dakota. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate rate changes and make informed decisions.

Understanding SR-22 Insurance in South Dakota

An SR-22 is not insurance itself, but a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurance company with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. You may need an SR-22 if you have:

DUI or DWI conviction
Multiple traffic violations in a short period
At-fault accident without insurance
License suspension or revocation
Conviction for driving without insurance

SR-22 Cost Impact: Drivers requiring SR-22 certification typically pay 50-80% more for auto insurance. The SR-22 filing itself costs $15-50, but the underlying violation causes the major rate increase. SR-22 is usually required for 3 years in South Dakota.

Need SR-22 insurance? Learn more about SR-22 insurance in South Dakota and get quotes from providers who specialize in high-risk coverage.

How DUI Affects Your South Dakota Insurance Rates

A DUI conviction has severe consequences for auto insurance in South Dakota:

Rate Increase: Average increase of 60-100% for 3-5 years
SR-22 Requirement: Mandatory filing for minimum 3 years
Limited Options: Many standard insurers will not cover DUI drivers
Long-term Impact: DUI stays on your record for 10 years in South Dakota

After a DUI, you’ll need to obtain coverage from high-risk or non-standard insurance providers. Rates gradually decrease as time passes without additional violations, but expect elevated premiums for several years.

Common Traffic Violations and Rate Impacts in South Dakota

Violation Type	Typical Rate Increase	Duration of Impact
Speeding (15+ mph over)	20-30%	3 years
At-fault accident	30-50%	3-5 years
Reckless driving	40-70%	3-5 years
DUI/DWI	60-100%	5-10 years
Driving without insurance	50-80%	3 years

                    Good News: Maintaining a clean driving record for 3-5 years can significantly reduce rates. Many insurers offer accident forgiveness and safe driver discounts.
                

Why South Dakota Auto Insurance Rates Change Over Time

Auto insurance rates in South Dakota fluctuate based on multiple factors. Understanding what drives these changes helps you make informed decisions about when to shop for coverage and how to manage your insurance costs effectively.

Key Factors That Affect Your South Dakota Insurance Rates

Inflation and Repair Costs: Vehicle repair costs and medical expenses increase annually, driving up premiums
Accident Frequency: Higher accident rates in your area lead to increased premiums
Market Competition: New insurers entering South Dakota or existing ones adjusting pricing strategies
Your Personal Profile: As your driving record, age, and credit change, your rates adjust accordingly

Best Practice: Compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurance providers every 6-12 months. The average South Dakota driver who shops around saves $400+ annually. Your current insurer may gradually increase rates, banking on you not noticing. Shopping around ensures competitive pricing. Learn more about Progressive insurance in South Dakota and other top carriers.

Important: Even a single day without insurance can have serious consequences in South Dakota. If your policy lapses, you face fines, potential SR-22 requirements, and significantly higher rates when you reinstate coverage.

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Liability only vs full coverage by company

Filters: State SD

Source ... A Plus Insurance Quote Dataset

Liability only Full coverage

Source: A Plus Insurance analysis of first party insurance quotes collected by licensed agents across multiple U.S. states. Data reflects real consumer quote activity and pricing for auto insurance, home insurance, and related policies, not advertised rates or national averages.

Evidence (records used)

This table lists underlying records used for the chart above.

record_id	call_id	call_date	state	city	zip	year	make	model	age	sex	marital	coverage	carrier	monthly	violations	accidents	dui
No matching records yet.

Auto Insurance Coverage Across South Dakota Counties

Find detailed auto insurance information, rates, and requirements specific to your South Dakota county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in South Dakota?

South Dakota requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This is the legal minimum to drive in South Dakota, though most financial advisors recommend higher limits for better protection.

How much does auto insurance cost in South Dakota?

Auto insurance costs in South Dakota vary widely based on location, driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level. On average, liability-only coverage costs significantly less than full coverage. Urban areas like Columbus and Cincinnati typically have higher rates than rural counties due to accident frequency and theft rates. The best way to find your actual cost is to compare quotes from multiple providers.

Is South Dakota a no-fault insurance state?

No, South Dakota is an at-fault state. This means the driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages through their liability insurance. The at-fault driver’s insurance pays for injuries and property damage to other parties. This is why adequate liability coverage is crucial in South Dakota.

What happens if I get caught driving without insurance in South Dakota?

Driving without insurance in South Dakota results in serious penalties: fines, suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration, potential SR-22 requirement for future coverage, and significantly higher insurance rates when you reinstate coverage. South Dakota takes uninsured driving very seriously, and penalties increase for repeat offenses.

Do I need SR-22 insurance in South Dakota?

You need SR-22 insurance in South Dakota if you’ve had a DUI/DWI, multiple serious traffic violations, an at-fault accident without insurance, or your license was suspended or revoked. The SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety proving you carry the required minimum coverage. It’s typically required for 3 years and increases your insurance rates by 50-80%.

How does a DUI affect my car insurance rates in South Dakota?

A DUI in South Dakota typically increases your insurance rates by 60-100% and remains on your driving record for 10 years. You’ll need to file an SR-22 for at least 3 years, and many standard insurance companies won’t cover you, forcing you to seek high-risk insurers. Rates gradually decrease over time if you maintain a clean record, but expect elevated premiums for 5-10 years.

Should I get more than the minimum coverage in South Dakota?

Yes, most insurance experts recommend purchasing more than South Dakota’s minimum 25/50/25 coverage. These minimums may not cover all damages in a serious accident, leaving you personally liable for the difference. Consider at least 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage, to protect your assets. The additional cost is usually modest compared to the increased protection.

How often should I shop for new car insurance rates in South Dakota?

You should compare car insurance quotes every 6-12 months, even if you’re satisfied with your current provider. Insurance rates change frequently based on market conditions, and you may qualify for new discounts or find better rates elsewhere. Life changes like marriage, moving, or buying a home can also significantly affect your rates. Shopping around regularly can save South Dakota drivers $400 or more annually.

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Jayleen Ridgeway

Marketing Manager

Data-driven marketing strategist specializing in insurance rate analysis, pricing trends, and consumer insights derived from real-world first-party data. With a background in SaaS technology, Jayleen leads all marketing and social media efforts while uncovering actionable trends from monthly, quarterly, and yearly insurance data.

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