Last Updated on January 1, 2026

Looking for the best car insurance in South Dakota? The “best” policy is the one that fits your budget and protects you properly—especially with today’s higher repair costs and medical bills.

As of late 2025, the average cost of car insurance in South Dakota is about $2,300 per year for full coverage and about $374 per year for minimum coverage. Your actual quote could be much higher or lower based on your driving record, ZIP code, vehicle, credit history, and coverage choices.

Below are the top insurers to compare in South Dakota, plus the state’s minimum requirements, penalties for driving uninsured, and tips to lower your rate.

Key Takeaways

1. South Dakota Is Often Relatively Affordable: Recent data places average full coverage in SD around the low-$2,000s per year, but your price depends heavily on your driver profile and coverage.
2. Minimum Limits Aren’t Full Protection: The legal minimum keeps you compliant, but it may not pay for damage to your own car after a crash.
3. UM/UIM Coverage Matters in SD: South Dakota requires uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, which can protect you if the other driver can’t fully pay for injuries.
4. Shopping Around Is the Fastest Way to Save: Comparing multiple quotes (with the same limits and deductibles) can save hundreds per year without cutting coverage.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Dakota

South Dakota is often more affordable than many states, but premiums have increased nationwide. Here’s a practical way to think about pricing:

• Minimum coverage: Usually the lowest-cost way to drive legally, but it may not protect your own vehicle.
• Full coverage: Typically means liability + collision + comprehensive. It’s the common choice if your car is newer, financed, or leased.

Tip: When you compare quotes, keep the same liability limits and deductibles across companies so you’re comparing apples to apples.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in South Dakota

South Dakota drivers can shop with national insurers and regional carriers. The companies below are all worth quoting—because the cheapest insurer can change dramatically from one driver to the next.

1) USAA

USAA is frequently one of the best choices for eligible military members and families. If you qualify, it can offer strong customer satisfaction with very competitive pricing.

2) GEICO

GEICO is known for aggressive pricing, a smooth online experience, and plenty of discount opportunities. It’s a smart quote to include if you’re focused on cost.

3) State Farm

State Farm is a strong all-around option if you want a large agent network, broad coverage options, and reliable claims handling—especially if you prefer working with a local office.

4) Progressive

Progressive is often competitive for a wide range of drivers, including people shopping for savings with flexible coverage options. It’s also known for bundling and usage-based insurance programs.

If you’re shopping Progressive, it’s worth reviewing what discounts Progressive offers so you don’t miss easy savings (bundling, pay-in-full, telematics, multi-car, and more).

5) American Family Insurance

American Family Insurance can be a good fit if you want solid coverage options and discounts, especially for drivers who bundle multiple policies.

6) South Dakota Farm Bureau

South Dakota Farm Bureau is a popular regional choice with strong local presence. If you like working with an agent and want coverage tailored to rural driving needs, this is a smart quote to compare.

7) Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners Insurance is often known for strong customer experience through independent agents, plus a variety of add-ons that can help customize a policy.

8) Farmers

Farmers can be a good option if you want a broad set of coverages, strong agent support, and multiple discount paths—especially for households that bundle.

9) Farmers Mutual of Nebraska

Farmers Mutual of Nebraska is a regional carrier that many drivers compare for competitive rates and a more local service model than some national brands.

10) North Star Mutual Insurance Company

North Star Mutual is another regional company worth comparing, especially if you prefer working through independent agents and want a more localized approach to coverage.

South Dakota Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

To legally drive in South Dakota, you must carry at least the state’s required minimum liability insurance limits.

South Dakota minimum liability limits are:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident

South Dakota also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage on auto policies. If you’re not sure how these coverages work, review the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

When Do You Need Full Coverage in South Dakota?

Minimum coverage only pays for damage or injuries you cause to others. If you want protection for your own vehicle, you’ll typically need collision and comprehensive.

If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender will almost always require full coverage car insurance until the loan or lease is paid off. Even if it’s not required, full coverage can be worth it for newer vehicles or vehicles you can’t easily replace.

Driving Without Insurance in South Dakota

Driving without insurance in South Dakota is a serious offense. Law enforcement can request proof of insurance during a traffic stop or at the scene of an accident. If you can’t show coverage, you may receive a citation—and if you truly don’t have coverage, penalties can be much more severe.

If you’re stopped and don’t have your proof handy, this guide explains what can happen and how tickets work in many situations: How much is a ticket for no proof of insurance?

Possible consequences for driving uninsured can include:

• Fines and potential misdemeanor penalties
• Driver’s license suspension (often at least 30 days)
• SR-22 filing requirements to reinstate driving privileges

Even after you’re back on the road, a lapse in coverage can raise your premiums for years—so it’s usually cheaper long-term to maintain continuous insurance.

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in South Dakota

Want a lower premium without cutting coverage to the bone? Try these strategies first:

• Compare multiple quotes: Rates can vary by hundreds of dollars per year for the exact same driver and coverage.
• Increase deductibles (carefully): Raising your collision/comprehensive deductible can reduce your payment, but make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if you file a claim.
• Bundle policies: Bundling auto with renters or homeowners insurance is one of the most common ways to save.
• Ask about telematics: If you’re a safe driver, usage-based programs can unlock meaningful discounts.
• Keep coverage continuous: Gaps are often priced like high-risk behavior.
• Check discounts: Good student, multi-car, safe driver, pay-in-full, paperless billing, and defensive driving can stack.

Car Insurance in South Dakota for High-Risk Drivers

Tickets and claims don’t affect every company the same way. Some insurers are far more forgiving than others—so shopping around matters even more if you’re considered high-risk.

Car Insurance After a DUI in South Dakota

A DUI can quickly push you into high-risk pricing, and you may also need an SR-22 filing. If you’re shopping after a conviction, start here: cheap DUI/DWI car insurance.

Car Insurance After an At-Fault Accident in South Dakota

An at-fault accident can raise rates for several years—especially if you have multiple claims close together. Here’s what typically happens and what to expect: what happens with insurance if you are at fault in an accident.

Car Insurance With Speeding Tickets in South Dakota

One minor speeding ticket might not be catastrophic, but repeated violations can cause steep increases. Learn more here: how much will a single speeding ticket increase your rates?

Car Insurance for Young Drivers in South Dakota

Drivers under 25 usually pay the highest rates because insurers see them as statistically riskier. The best move is to compare multiple companies and stack discounts (good student, driver training, telematics). Start here: cheapest car insurance for young drivers.

Car Insurance With Poor Credit in South Dakota

In many states (including South Dakota), insurers can use credit-based insurance factors when pricing policies. If your credit isn’t great, you can still find competitive rates by shopping widely and focusing on safe-driving discounts. Learn more here: does credit score affect your car insurance rates?

SR-22 Insurance in South Dakota

An SR-22 isn’t a special type of insurance—it’s a certificate your insurer files to prove you have active coverage that meets the state’s requirements. South Dakota may require an SR-22 after serious violations (like DUI) or if you were caught driving uninsured.

If you’re shopping for coverage with an SR-22 requirement, start here: is it possible to find cheap SR-22 insurance?

To keep your license in good standing, it’s critical that you maintain your policy with no lapses while the SR-22 requirement is active. A lapse can trigger another suspension and force you to restart the clock.

FAQs on Car Insurance in South Dakota

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in South Dakota

To find the best car insurance in South Dakota, compare quotes from at least three companies, choose coverage that actually protects your finances, and stack every discount you qualify for.

Even if you’re happy with your current insurer, it’s worth checking prices at renewal—because the cheapest company for your neighbor might not be the cheapest for you.