South Dakota Car Insurance

Car Insurance in South Dakota

Car insurance is essential for every driver in South Dakota, and GEICO makes it simple to find the coverage that fits your needs. Whether you’re driving through Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or across the open highways, having the right policy helps protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle. GEICO provides South Dakota drivers with reliable auto insurance that meets state requirements and offers optional coverages for added peace of mind. Getting a car insurance quote online is fast and easy, so you can compare your options and feel confident behind the wheel.

Required Car Insurance in South Dakota

All motorists are required to carry the following minimum auto insurance coverage levels in South Dakota:

Coverage Type Minimum Required Limit
Bodily Injury Liability $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability $25,000 per accident
Uninsured Motorist Liability $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Underinsured Motorist Liability $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

Optional Car Insurance Coverage in South Dakota

Beyond South Dakota’s required coverages, GEICO also offers optional protections you can add for extra peace of mind on the road.

Coverage Type What It Covers
Collision Repairs or replacement of your car if it’s damaged in an accident (regardless of fault).
Comprehensive Non-collision damages (hail, theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, animal strikes).
Medical Payments (MedPay) Pays medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
Rental Reimbursement Covers the cost of a rental car while yours is being repaired after a covered loss.
Emergency Roadside Service Towing, battery jump, flat tire, and lockout services.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Works like an extended warranty for newer cars (covers major mechanical failures).

Is South Dakota a No-Fault State?

No. However, drivers have the option to purchase extra medical coverage that allows them to file claims with their own insurer for accident-related expenses—regardless of who was at fault.

Car Insurance Discounts in South Dakota

GEICO offers competitive rates on South Dakota car insurance policies, but you may be able to save more. Check out some of the discounts that may be available on your South Dakota auto insurance policy.

  • Five-Year Accident-Free Good Driver Discount: Drivers who have been accident-free for at least 5 consecutive years may qualify for lower rates.
  • Multi-Policy Discount: Bundle your insurance policies with GEICO to save on car insurance.
  • Good Student Discount: Full-time students who maintain a minimum of a B+ average may be eligible for lower car insurance premiums.
  • Defensive Driving Course Discount: Drivers over the age of 50 who complete an approved defensive driving course may qualify for a discount.
  • DriveEasy* Discount: Download GEICO's DriveEasy app and showcase your safe driving habits and save money on car insurance.
  • Clean Driving Record Discount: South Dakota drivers with a clean driving record can earn additional savings on their policy.
  • Auto Pay Savings Sign up for automatic monthly payments to save on installment fees
  • Early Shopper Discount: Apply for a GEICO policy before your current coverage expires to qualify for savings.
  • Paperless Discount: Go paperless with digital statements and documents to lower your premium.
  • Paid in Full Discount- Save on installment fees and receive a discount if the policy is paid in full at the start of the policy period.

What factors can impact the cost of car insurance in South Dakota?

Although the average cost of personal auto insurance in South Dakota is lower than the national average, your own premium will depend much more on your personal circumstances.

Factors that can affect your premium include:

  • Type of car you drive: Vehicles that are expensive to repair, replace, or more likely to be stolen often come with higher premiums.
  • Driving history: A record with accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations can raise your rates, while a clean history may lower them.
  • Location: Living in areas with higher crime rates, heavy traffic, or greater accident risk can increase insurance costs.
  • Coverage choices: Opting for higher coverage limits, lower deductibles, or additional add-ons will typically increase your premium.
  • Age and experience: Younger or less experienced drivers usually face higher rates compared to older drivers with years of experience.

South Dakota License and Registration Information

To obtain a South Dakota driver's license (which is required before you can purchase or maintain car insurance in the state):

  • Go to a South Dakota Exam Station and submit an application
  • Take your out-of-state license and proof of lawful status in the United States
  • Provide two documents proving your residential/physical address
  • Confirm driving privileges by examiner
  • Have a vision screening

When completed, you will be issued a South Dakota license that will be valid for five years. The cost of the license is $28.00.

A non-resident moving into the state has 90 days to register and title a vehicle. Vehicle registration, along with proof of insurance, is required to obtain proper license plates and tags. When registering a vehicle, a 4% motor vehicle tax is required to acquire proper license plates and tags. The vehicle must be registered at the county treasurer's office in the county where the vehicle owner resides. Registrations are renewed annually; the renewal schedule is based on the first letter in the last name of the vehicle owner.

Having your license and registration in order is an important first step before setting up your South Dakota car insurance policy.

Please note:

DriveEasy is an optional program that is not available in all states and situations. Premium rates generally will vary based on participation in the program and the driving habits logged by the app. All enrolled drivers on a policy need to participate. Driver enrollment requirements differ by state and program details and are presented during your quote.

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