How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in South Dakota

In South Dakota, speed limit rules apply across the state’s roads, with potential consequences for receiving a speeding ticket for exceeding them. Whether you’re aware of the South Dakota speed limits or find yourself inadvertently exceeding it, understanding the implications of a South Dakota speeding ticket is important. Beyond the assessed fine — which can reach up to $232.50 — the financial penalties would extend to your auto insurance premiums. The average annual auto cost of car insurance in South Dakota is $2,096 for full coverage. However, following a speeding conviction, these costs surge to $2,391 annually. Bankrate can help you understand just what you might be facing if you get a speeding ticket in South Dakota.

How much is a speeding ticket in South Dakota?

Speeding ticket costs in South Dakota depend on how fast the driver is traveling in excess of the posted South Dakota speed limit. According to the state’s official website, the fee schedule is:

• 1–5 mph over limit: $97.50
• 6–10 mph over limit: $117.50
• 11–15 mph over limit: $137.50
• 16–20 mph over limit: $157.50
• 21–25 mph over limit: $177.50
• 26 or more mph over limit: $232.50

There are also other considerations when it comes to the price of a South Dakota speeding ticket. Sometimes special circumstances, such as those listed below, could lead to increased and/or additional fees.

• Speeding in a construction zone: $116.50–$386.50
• Drag racing: $282.50
• Failure to meet the minimum speed on a highway: $132.50

South Dakota drivers who get a speeding ticket could have two or more points added to their driver’s license, depending on the severity of the incident. Drivers who receive 15 points within one year, or 22 points in two years, may have their driving privileges revoked.

How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in South Dakota?

There are six states that don’t allow car insurance companies to use gender as a contributing factor when deciding a driver’s premium. South Dakota isn’t one of them. Men tend to have more accidents so they might often see slightly higher rates than women. Both men and women see an average increase of 15 percent after a speeding ticket conviction in South Dakota, but keep in mind that your actual rates are based on numerous individual factors and will vary; these averages are meant to give you a starting point as you search for car insurance.

*All premiums are average annual full coverage premiums.

How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in South Dakota

Receiving a speeding ticket in South Dakota will typically result in a rise in your auto insurance premium. Insurance providers often impose surcharges for driving incidents on your record within the last three to five years, until it’s removed from your motor vehicle record. Speeding tickets in South Dakota usually remain on your record for three years. However, there are strategies you can implement during this period to help secure more affordable car insurance in South Dakota. While you should expect to pay more for your insurance after a ticket, the following steps may help to minimize your costs.

Get quotes from other car insurance companies

While your insurance is likely to go up for a speeding ticket in South Dakota, it might not go up as much with certain carriers. Getting quotes and switching to a new insurance provider could mitigate the rate increase you experience after a ticket. April 2024 rate data we analyzed from Quadrant Information Services shows the average annual cost of full coverage insurance before and after a speeding ticket from some of the best car insurance companies in South Dakota.

*All rates displayed are average annual full coverage rates.

Look for discounts

Most car insurance companies offer potential discounts to help drivers save money on their premiums. After a speeding ticket, review the discounts that your carrier offers and make sure you are taking advantage of the ones you can qualify for. Many providers will lower your rate if you pay your annual premium in full, enroll in automatic payments or sign up for paperless statements. Other discounts include:

• Auto and home insurance bundles: You can often earn a significant discount by purchasing both auto insurance and home insurance, or other insurance products, through one provider.
• Defensive driving course: Enrolling in an approved defensive driving course may result in a reduced premium from certain companies.
• Telematics insurance: Some insurers may provide a discount in exchange for monitoring your driving and mileage habits. Drivers who demonstrate safe practices and drive fewer miles may qualify for a premium discount.
• Multi-car policies: Insuring multiple vehicles with the same insurer could lead to decreased annual premiums.

Frequently asked questions

• • What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?

    The best car insurance company for drivers with a speeding ticket will vary. It depends on where you live, what type of coverage you need, which discounts you can qualify for and how much you can afford to spend on their monthly or annual premium. Additionally, you may care about more than just rates; perhaps a company with a great reputation for customer service is important to you, while another driver may value a company that offers great digital tools.
    
    
    Doing a little research to select a few companies that meet your criteria, then requesting quotes for the same coverage types and levels is the best way to find the best company for you.

  • What is the cheapest car insurance company?

    Finding the cheapest car insurance involves considering several factors that affect insurance costs, making it a unique journey for each individual. While the average car insurance rate in the U.S. as of April 2024 is $2,314 annually for full coverage and $644 for minimum coverage, actual premiums vary based on factors such as age, driving history, location, type of vehicle, coverage limits and credit history. For instance, younger drivers or those with a history of accidents or traffic violations may face higher premiums, while older drivers with clean records typically have lower rates. Additionally, the type of coverage chosen — whether comprehensive, collision or liability-only — impacts costs. Keep in mind that some states limit or ban some of these rating factors.
    
    
    Finding the cheapest car insurance requires taking into account your own personal circumstances. It is best to request quotes from multiple carriers for the same levels of coverage to determine the cheapest insurance company for you.

  • Do I have to tell my insurance company about a speeding ticket?

    Car insurance providers usually examine your driving history before policy renewal, meaning you might not need to inform them directly. However, you should anticipate potential rate hikes after a ticket. If you’ve been convicted of a speeding violation, it may be beneficial to explore other carrier options at your renewal period to ensure you’re still paying the best rate.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

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

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), single speeding ticket.

Gender: The following states do not use gender as a determining factor in calculating premiums: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile (40 years) applied. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.