South Dakota Auto Insurance

Auto insurance in South Dakota

Auto insurance is imposed through legal means, but we must also remember that it helps us stay protected in case of accidents. Whether we are using our vehicles for personal or professional purposes, having insurance should not be seen as something optional. Without adequate insurance, we are liable for fines of up to $1,000 or might have our driving documents suspended, for up to six months. This can refer to either the driver's license or vehicle registration. To discover more information on the topic of auto insurance in South Dakota, just keep on reading this article.

What type of car insurance do you legally need in South Dakota?

According to the Mandatory Liability Insurance Act, all South Dakota residents who intend to operate a moving vehicle should purchase a liability insurance policy. If there is a lapse in the mandatory insurance, the respective driving documents might be suspended for several months or more. All the states have access to an online insurance verification system, which can be used to determine whether a vehicle has insurance or not.

For a resident to operate a vehicle in the state of South Dakota, the respective auto insurance must comply with certain guidelines. These might include the following: bodily injury liability ($50,000 per accident and $25,000 per person), property damage liability ($25,000 per accident), and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury ($50,000 per accident and $25,000 per person). The full coverage insurance is more advantageous than the minimum liability coverage, especially since you can add options, such as comprehensive and collision insurance. Specialists recommend the highest possible coverage limit, in contrast to the minimum one imposed by the law in South Dakota. Thus, you will benefit from the best protection, should the worst-case scenario occur.

The sums mentioned above refer to the maximum amount insurance providers are able to pay, should we be involved in an accident for which we are responsible. The law requires that all drivers carry a copy of their insurance policy while driving. Of course, driving without insurance is illegal in South Dakota. Consequences include legal fines and the suspension of the associated driving documents, meaning the driver's license or vehicle registration. If one continues to drive without a valid insurance policy, jail time might be legally enforced.

Average cost of auto insurance in South Dakota

The state minimum auto insurance policy in South Dakota has a value of $254. However, a full coverage insurance policy has an average value of $1,577. Collision and comprehensive coverages might not be included in the general policy, which means you will have to pay additionally for them. The overall insurance rates are influenced by several factors, including: type of vehicle, presence of prior insurance, number of miles driven, location, driving record, age, gender, and marital status. It is always recommended to opt for an insurance policy with the best possible coverage, as opposed to the one that is suspiciously affordable.

It is worth mentioning that the average cost of auto insurance varies from one state to the other. Such variations are to be expected for both the minimum and full coverage, including when it comes to options such as comprehensive and collision insurance. The factors influencing these values include: accidents caused by weather elements or conditions, at-fault accidents, number of drivers in accordance with the general population, uninsured drivers in the respective location, and road conditions.

South Dakota has a lower rate for the average car insurance than the national median, which is around $1,770. Among the states with the most expensive policies, there are: Pennsylvania, New York, Nevada, Michigan, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado, and California. As for the more affordable states, these include: Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Oregon, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Maine. New York is the most expensive, with $1,339 for the minimum coverage and $2,996 for the full one. Maine has the most affordable insurance policies, with $227 for the minimum coverage and $876 for the full one.

Within the state of South Dakota, you might also find differences between the various cities. Brookings has some of the most affordable rates to offer, while Mitchell stands at the top of the list in terms of costs. The average annual premiums are as follows: Brookings - $1,356; Sioux Falls - $1,377; Watertown - $1,378; Aberdeen - $1,394; Mitchell - $1,464.

One of the main factors influencing the value of auto insurance is the driver's age. This type of insurance is more expensive for young drivers, as they are perceived by insurance companies as irresponsible and more likely to cause accidents. A teenage driver will be accustomed to an annual premium of over $7,700, while a middle-aged driver will expect a premium that is close to $2,000. Slight differences are present between genders, with men benefitting from more affordable rates than women. Married couples might also have access to the most attractive rates, in contrast to those who are single, divorced, or widowed.

In calculating the value of a potential coverage policy, auto insurance companies will also analyze the driver's credit history. Someone with a poor credit history will struggle to meet the high rates, while drivers with exceptional credit will actually save important sums on their auto insurance premiums. Higher rates are also offered to those with prior driving offenses, such as at-fault accidents, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, or speeding. The rates typically vary in accordance with the chosen type of coverage. Drivers are encouraged to add both comprehensive and collision to the state minimum policy, in order to increase the level of protection they benefit from.

Did not find your city or county on the list? Please use our auto insurance companies search box at the top to locate all the best auto insurance quotes in South Dakota. Find car insurance in South Dakota by city, zip code or county name.

Finding the right auto insurance in South Dakota

If you are having a hard time finding the right insurance policy, perhaps we might be of help. Thanks to the experience and knowledge accumulated in the field of auto insurance, we are more than pleased to match vehicle owners with the best policies for their needs and budget. Just give us a call and we will be happy to provide all the support you might need. This service is completely free and it can make a genuine difference whereas your insurance needs are concerned.