Average cost of car insurance in South Dakota in 2024

How much is car insurance in South Dakota? 

To calculate how much car insurance is in South Dakota, Bankrate reviewed the most recent rates available from Quadrant Information Services. Based on our careful analysis, auto insurance in South Dakota costs, on average, $362 annually for minimum coverage and $2,278 for full coverage. Compared to the national averages of $664 for minimum coverage and $2,388 for full coverage, car insurance in the Mount Rushmore State is pretty cheap. However, that may not be the case for all drivers. Below, Bankrate outlines how much the average cost of car insurance is in South Dakota, and how your own rate is based on factors unique to you, such as your ZIP code, credit rating and driving history.

Key takeaways

• South Dakota car insurance rates are relatively low. On average, drivers pay $190 per month for a full coverage policy and just $30 for minimum coverage.
• Drivers in their teens pay the most for South Dakota insurance, with 18-year-old males paying an average of $6,120 a year for full coverage.
• Car insurance is required by law in South Dakota, and penalties for driving without insurance can include fines, license suspension and possible jail time.
• South Dakota drivers with a DUI conviction on their records pay an average of 63 percent more for their car insurance coverage than drivers with clean records.

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South Dakota car insurance rates by city

Your ZIP code plays an important role in determining your car insurance rate in South Dakota. Insurance is based on a calculation of risk. In general, the lower the risk, the lower the rate. Some ZIP codes are riskier for insurers to write policies in than others, specifically those with high histories of claims. Large cities typically see higher rates than rural areas because they have more traffic congestion, which can lead to more accidents, as well as higher rates of theft and vandalism. Regional weather patterns, average vehicle value and local repair costs also influence premiums.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in South Dakota

Your age plays a role in your premium 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 around age 25 as you get older and gain more experience. But rates start to creep up again around age 70 since older drivers are at a higher risk of accidents.

Gender also plays a role in most states, including South Dakota, with men typically seeing higher insurance rates than their female counterparts.

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 ages 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.

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. As such, the average cost of car insurance in SD for those with a speeding ticket, accident or DUI conviction is likely to be higher than for those with a clean driving record.

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. You may need to seek out an insurer that specializes in writing policies for high-risk drivers, and possibly one that will file an SR-22 certificate on your behalf.

Car insurance rates in South Dakota by credit score

Unless you live in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts or Michigan, insurers can use your credit-based insurance score when calculating premiums. Drivers with poor credit score are statistically more likely to file claims. In South Dakota, drivers with poor credit scores pay an average of 147 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 also depend on the type of vehicle you drive. Cars with higher sticker prices typically see higher premiums since they are likely to cost more to fix if they are damaged in an accident. 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:

Estimate your car insurance cost in South Dakota

The rates we listed above can be a helpful starting point, but with so many different elements factoring into car insurance rates, what can you expect to pay? Bankrate knows that this can be a pain point for our readers, which is why we created the calculator below. Enter some basic information to see an estimate of your insurance premium. This is not an exact quote and your rate can still vary, but getting a general idea of your car insurance costs may help you budget accordingly.

How to save on car insurance in South Dakota

Although the average car insurance cost in South Dakota is lower than in many other states, we know drivers here don't want to spend more on car insurance than they have to. Fortunately, there are several ways to potentially save on your premium:

• Compare providers: Since every company uses a different rating system to calculate premiums, comparing quotes for the same coverage from multiple South Dakota insurance companies could help you find the coverage you are looking for at a lower price.
• Utilize 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 your deductible: Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket if you file a claim for damage to your vehicle. Increasing your deductible typically means your premium will go down. However, since you have to pay this amount out of pocket if you file a claim for damage to your car, choose a deductible that you can easily afford.
• Buy a different car: If you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you vehicle, looking up insurance estimates for different makes and models could be worth your time and help you save more money in the long term.

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

Frequently asked questions

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.