The Mount Rushmore State has one of the lowest auto insurance rates for state required minimum coverage. Full coverage policies cost well below the country average as well. Here is another state with a low population and well above average vehicle ownership with 147 cars for every 100 residents. The number of registered automobiles increased 19.6% in this state between 2015 and 2020. In areas where the population is spread thinly and unable to sustain consistent public transportation, it’s generally challenging to manage daily life without a car. The ratio of uninsured drivers is at 7.4% and significantly below the national average.
South Dakota experiences severe winters characterized by blizzards, and during the summer, it faces challenges like hail and dust storms, along with tornadoes. In these extreme weather conditions, drivers could face damage and accidents, making it advisable to consider purchasing Collision and Comprehensive vehicle insurance coverage for protection. This is especially true if you own a relatively new car.
Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Limits in South Dakota
Minimum state required liability coverage limits are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
- $50,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage.
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage provides compensation for injuries and related expenses for you, your family members, and passengers if an accident is caused by an uninsured driver, including hit-and-run incidents. No coverage is provided for damages to your vehicle. Having this protection and still not paying expensive rates is another bonus.
Motorists should not perceive the minimum liability vehicle insurance coverage requirements as adequate protection and should contemplate raising the limits to more comfortable levels.
Inexpensive Auto Insurance Companies in South Dakota
The below listed cheapest car insurers in SD may help you reduce costs, regardless of your age, experience, location and driving records. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to gather a few more quotes from other companies before finalizing your decision. By identifying the most competitive insurer tailored to your situation, you have the potential to save money in the Mount Rushmore State.
- Auto-Owners
- State Farm
- Farm Bureau
- North Star
- American Family
Low vehicle insurance rates are available across most cities in SD. And above companies can help you save money, including in the most expensive cities; Pine Ridge and Philip.
Automobile Insurance Costs in South Dakota
The average premium for state required minimum coverage is only $276 and it is one of the cheapest rates in the US. The average cost of a full coverage vehicle insurance policy is $1,553 and it is $461 cheaper than the US average as well. There is a wide gap between the basic liability only and full coverage policies in this state. This may encourage more people to buy liability only car insurance.
If you find yourself paying considerably more than the average amounts mentioned above, despite being a safe driver, your insurance might be provided by a costly company. Even though you’re in a state with notably affordable auto insurance rates, you’ve somehow ended up with a pricier insurer. There are instances where an average driver secures favorable rates from a reputable company, while a good driver, by not shopping around, ends up paying significantly more.
Noteworthy South Dakota Car Insurance and Driving Facts
- Generally, regions characterized by lower population densities and the absence of major cities tend to have fewer accidents, resulting in lower car insurance costs. This principle applies to South Dakota, where the expansive rural landscapes contribute to a decreased likelihood of accidents and subsequently lower insurance premiums.
- Sadly, South Dakota has one of the highest drunk driving incidents in the country.
- According to Forbes, having a DUI on your driving record leads to an average increase of 84% in auto insurance costs within this state.
- When a non-resident relocates to SD, they are granted a 90-day window to complete the vehicle registration and titling process.
- Teenagers who are at least 14 years old in South Dakota can potentially apply for a Learner’s Permit. They become eligible for a full driver’s license at the age of 16, provided they fulfill all prerequisites and successfully pass the required tests.
- According to NHTSA, in the year 2020, 62.6% of motor vehicle occupants who lost their lives in traffic accidents in South Dakota were not wearing seat belts.
- In South Dakota, both drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts on public highways. Seat belt violations are not a primary offense, so you can’t be pulled over solely for this reason. However, if stopped for another offense, you might receive a seat belt ticket. While the penalty is a small fine, not wearing a seat belt is classified as a petty offense rather than a moving violation, avoiding demerit points on your license.
Lastly, it’s important not to assume that maintaining a clean record and a lack of claims is the sole avenue to obtain vehicle insurance discounts. Numerous lesser-known discounts are available, such as those for switching providers, paying the premium in full, owning a home, bundling policies, and more. These discounts demonstrate that they are unrelated to driving behavior yet can make you eligible for cost savings.