Average cost of car insurance in South Dakota in 2023

How much is  car insurance in South Dakota?

Auto insurance in South Dakota costs, on average, $276  annually for minimum coverage and $1,553 for full coverage. The average minimum car insurance rates in South Dakota are much cheaper than the national average, which is $622. The average full coverage premium in South Dakota is also lower than the national average of $2,014 per year.

South Dakota car insurance rates by city 

Many factors go into determining South Dakota car insurance rates, including the age and type of car you drive, your own age and your credit rating. Where you live also plays a major role in determining your rate. How much is car insurance in South Dakota's cities? Cities with higher crime rates or more accidents will generally see higher rates than rural areas or regions where accidents and crime are less likely. Here are the average rates of some of South Dakota's biggest cities:

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in South Dakota

Your age plays a role in your premium rate in all states except Massachusetts and Hawaii. Generally, young drivers will pay more than those who are older and more experienced behind the wheel. Premiums tend to decrease as you get older and gain more experience, but start to increase again around age 70. This is because older drivers may once again be at a higher risk of accidents. Gender also plays a role in most states. Statistically, men have a slightly higher risk of accidents than women, so they tend to pay higher rates to account for it. South Dakota does allow insurers to assess both age and gender when calculating premiums.

Cost considerations for young drivers in South Dakota

Young adults will typically see the highest rates for car insurance, as they are considered higher-risk by insurance companies. Note that the cheapest average rates for South Dakota drivers age 20 and under are available to those who are able to stay on their parents’ car insurance policy, while those aged 18 and older who opt to get their own policy typically see the highest rates.

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in South Dakota?

If you are a careful driver with no infractions on your license, you are likely to be rewarded with lower car insurance rates in South Dakota. Insurers assign premiums based on whether the policyholder is likely to file claims—fewer claims equals lower rates. The average cost of car insurance in South Dakota for those with a speeding ticket, accident or DUI conviction is likely to be higher.

As you can see from the table below, even a single speeding ticket can increase your rate, and a more serious infraction, such as a DUI, will usually lead to significant increases in your premium. Keep in mind that not all insurance companies will cover you if you’ve been convicted of a DUI.

Car insurance rates in South Dakota by credit score

In most states, insurers use your credit-based insurance score when calculating premiums. Someone with a poor credit score is usually considered more likely to file claims, while a person with excellent credit is statistically less likely to file claims. In South Dakota, drivers with a poor credit score can pay up to 112 percent more for car insurance than someone with good credit, which is what our base rate is modeled after.

South Dakota car insurance rates by vehicle type

As you might guess, your rate will depend partly on the type of vehicle you drive. Cars that are more expensive may pay a higher premium, which is partially based on the fact that they are likely to cost more to fix if they are damaged in an accident. More inexpensive cars tend to have lower insurance costs for the same reason. Here are some sample South Dakota car insurance premiums for some common car models:

How to save on car insurance in South Dakota

South Dakota drivers don't want to spend more on their car insurance than they have to, and with a little effort, they can probably save money on their premiums. Although the average car insurance cost in South Dakota is less than the national average, your own rate could be even lower if you consider the following factors to help you save:

• Comparing providers: Since every company uses a different rating system to determine your premium, comparing the same coverage with multiple South Dakota insurance companies could help you to find the coverage you are looking for at a lower price.
• Utilizing discounts: Most companies offer discounts to qualifying customers. Taking advantage of as many discounts as you qualify for might help you lower the cost of your insurance.
• Increase deductible: Your deductible is the amount that you pay out of pocket if you file a claim for damage to your vehicle. If you have full coverage, your auto insurance policy has two deductibles, one for your collision coverage and one for your comprehensive coverage. Your collision deductible is generally going to have a bigger impact on your premium. Increasing your deductible typically means your premium will go down. Since you do have to pay this amount out of pocket if you file a claim for damage to your car, choose a level that you are comfortable paying.
• Buying a different car: Although not the most practical option, the type of car you drive has a large impact on your auto insurance premium. Getting quotes for different types of cars may help you find an option that will cost less to insure.

You might also save on your auto insurance by choosing coverages that are appropriate for your situation, maintaining a clean driving record and improving your credit score. If you are unsure of the ways to save money with your particular company, talking to an agent might be helpful.

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Frequently asked questions