South Dakota Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements (2024)
South Dakota minimum auto insurance requirements include 25/50/25 in liability coverage. Not carrying coverage violates South Dakota's insurance laws, resulting in fines or jail time. Below, we'll help you find the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota and understand your car insurance coverage options.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
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UPDATED: Feb 15, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 15, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- South Dakota requires all drivers to carry 25/50/25 in liability coverage
- Driving without insurance in SD could result in fines and/or jail time
- Drivers in South Dakota can purchase full coverage to better suits their needs
South Dakota’s minimum auto insurance requirements mandate drivers carry at least 25/50/25 in liability coverage. In addition, the state follows a traditional fault-based system regarding financial responsibility, meaning the driver at fault for the accident must pay for vehicle damages, lost income, and personal injuries.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the minimum requirements for car insurance in South Dakota and the recommended coverage. You can also enter your ZIP code above to find the best car insurance in South Dakota.
South Dakota Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
South Dakota auto insurance laws require drivers to carry minimum coverage of auto insurance so that they have the financial means to comply with the requirements of the state.
According to the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, it’s mandatory to have car insurance in the state, and there is a minimum level of coverage you must carry. Buying car insurance is how you comply with this requirement.
The minimum requirement for car insurance in South Dakota includes:
- Liability coverage for bodily injuries
- Property damage liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
The mandatory coverage required for South Dakota is broken down into these coverage levels in what is commonly called a 25/50/25 car insurance requirement.
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Understand the Minimum Car Insurance Coverages
The 25/50/25 is broken down into more detail below.
Bodily Injury Liability
This coverage protects you against someone making a claim against you for injuries when you were the one at fault for the accident.
If you have 25/50/25 liability coverage, the first two numbers indicate the maximum your car insurance policy will pay out for bodily injuries. So, 25 means the policy will pay up to $25,000 for one injured person, and the 50 stands for $50,000, which is the most it pays for all injured people.Justin Wright Licensed Insurance Agent
Read More: Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) Auto Insurance
Property Damage Liability
This covers a claim made against you for any damages to another vehicle or property in an accident that is your fault. The third number in the 25/50/25 is the maximum amount the policy will pay for damages to the vehicle or property in one single accident.
Read More: Best Property Damage Liability (PDL) Auto Insurance Companies
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays you, your family, and the vehicle occupants if you are hit and injured by an uninsured driver, underinsured, or a hit-and-run driver. However, it does not cover damages to your vehicle from an uninsured driver.
Check out the table below to see how much you might pay for uninsured motorist coverage:
| Insurance Company | Uninsured Motorist | Underinsured Motorist |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $35 | $40 |
| Geico | $30 | $35 |
| Progressive | $40 | $45 |
| Allstate | $45 | $50 |
| USAA | $25 | $30 |
| Nationwide | $35 | $40 |
| Farmers | $40 | $45 |
| Liberty Mutual | $45 | $50 |
| Travelers | $35 | $40 |
These are the standard auto insurance requirements in South Dakota for anyone operating a private passenger vehicle, but should you buy only standard auto insurance required by state law or more comprehensive auto insurance?
SD Minimum Requirements vs. Recommended Coverage
You should certainly be buying the minimum amount of auto insurance required by South Dakota to avoid any state fines or penalties. However, as a driver, you may feel that the minimum state requirement is insufficient to cover your needs.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) September 19, 2023
For example, the South Dakota state-required car insurance minimum doesn’t cover you for damages to your vehicle, so this may be a feature you want to be covered for. It also doesn’t cover you for personal injury protection, which is another helpful feature included in some auto insurance policies.
You can search leading insurers and request online quotes for different types of car insurance coverage that are within your budget. Purchasing car insurance that covers everything you need gives you peace of mind if you are ever in a car accident.
More About Meeting South Dakota’s Car Insurance Requirements
Although South Dakota drivers are required to have a minimum level of car insurance by state law, drivers may want to consider getting comprehensive or full coverage auto insurance that more closely suits their needs.
Enter your ZIP code below to shop around for South Dakota auto insurance policies that offer more comprehensive coverage than the state minimum requirement and find the best deal for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum car insurance requirement in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires drivers to carry a minimum coverage of 25/50/25, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
What does bodily injury liability cover in South Dakota?
Bodily injury liability coverage in South Dakota protects you against claims made by others for injuries resulting from an accident where you were at fault. It provides financial compensation up to the policy limits.
Does the minimum car insurance requirement in South Dakota include coverage for damages to your own vehicle?
No, the minimum car insurance requirement in South Dakota does not cover damages to your own vehicle. You may consider additional coverage options like collision insurance to protect your vehicle.
What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in South Dakota?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in South Dakota pays for injuries to you, your family, and your vehicle occupants if you are hit by a driver who is uninsured, underinsured, or in a hit-and-run situation. It does not cover damages to your vehicle.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in South Dakota?
Yes, South Dakota law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage.
Should I consider purchasing more than the minimum required car insurance in South Dakota?
While it’s important to meet the minimum legal requirements, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage based on your needs. The minimum requirement may not fully cover all potential risks, such as damages to your own vehicle or personal injury protection. Evaluating comprehensive coverage options can provide greater peace of mind in case of an accident.
Is it illegal to not have car insurance in South Dakota?
Yes, driving without insurance in SD is illegal and punishable by a fine and/or jail time.
How long do you have to get insurance after buying a used car in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s grace period for obtaining coverage on a new vehicle ranges from 7 to 30 days.
Is South Dakota no-fault insurance state?
No, South Dakota isn’t a no-fault auto insurance state. South Dakota follows the at-fault system, meaning drivers who caused the accident pays for damages.
What is the total loss threshold in South Dakota?
South Dakota considers a vehicle a total loss when repair expenses exceed 75% of the vehicles actual cash value.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.