South Dakota Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in 2025 (SD Coverage Explained)
South Dakota minimum auto insurance requirements mandate 25/50/25 of bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. South Dakota insurance laws enforce these requirements to ensure financial responsibility in case of accidents. Make sure to comply to avoid penalties.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jan 9, 2025
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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: Jan 9, 2025
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.
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South Dakota minimum auto insurance requirements mandate that all drivers carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage. This includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.
Drivers must also have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect against accidents involving drivers without sufficient insurance. These coverages are essential for meeting the state’s legal standards and handling financial responsibility after an at-fault accident.
Driving without insurance in South Dakota can lead to fines, license suspension, or jail time. While the state’s minimum coverage addresses liability, it does not cover personal injuries or damages to your vehicle, which is why additional coverage may be beneficial.
South Dakota Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements & Limits
| Coverage | Limits |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $25,000 per accident |
Ensure you meet South Dakota’s insurance requirements and protect yourself in an at-fault accident by comparing policies from top insurers. Enter your ZIP code above to find affordable auto insurance tailored to your needs.
- South Dakota requires 25/50/25 of BIL, PDL and UIM coverage
- Driving without insurance in SD may result in fines, suspension, or jail time
- State minimum coverage excludes personal injuries and vehicle damage
South Dakota Minimum Coverage Requirements & What They Cover
South Dakota car insurance laws require drivers to carry minimum auto insurance to have the financial means to comply with the state’s requirements. 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 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. The 25/50/25 is broken down into more detail below:
- Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) Auto Insurance: This coverage protects you against someone making a claim against you for injuries when you were the one at fault for the accident.
- Property Damage Liability: This covers damages to another vehicle or property in an accident you caused. The third number in the 25/50/25 represents the maximum payout for property damage in one accident. You may check our article “Best Property Damage Liability (PDL) Auto Insurance Companies” to explore top providers and find the best coverage options for your needs.
- Underinsured/Uninsured 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:
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Auto Insurance Rates by Provider
| Insurance Provider | Uninsured Motorist | Underinsured Motorist |
|---|---|---|
 | $45 | $55 |
 | $40 | $50 |
 | $30 | $40 |
 | $45 | $52 |
 | $35 | $45 |
 | $40 | $48 |
 | $35 | $42 |
 | $33 | $40 |
 | $25 | $32 |
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?
Read More: What does standard auto insurance cover?
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.
States require liability insurance, but what do you need to cover your car 🚘if you cause an accident🤔? The answer: Collision coverage. https://t.co/27f1xf1ARb specializes in insurance and has the info you need. Check it out here👉: https://t.co/qGCSzimRSO pic.twitter.com/JPjFnXnmct
— 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.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in South Dakota
Finding the best car insurance in South Dakota depends on factors such as your age, driving history, and the level of coverage you need. While meeting the requirements for auto insurance in South Dakota is essential, many insurers offer competitive rates for policies that exceed these minimums.
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6,435 reviews
17,760 reviewsCompany Facts
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A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
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17,760 reviewsTo identify the cheapest car insurance providers in South Dakota, compare quotes from multiple insurers. Many companies offer discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, or maintaining a good credit score. Drivers with clean records often receive the lowest South Dakota car insurance rates, while younger or high-risk drivers may face higher premiums.
Consider opting for liability-only coverage if you drive an older vehicle and want to save on premiums. However, comprehensive or full coverage may be a better choice if you need added protection, especially when reaching the total loss threshold. Comparing rates and coverage options ensures you find a policy that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in South Dakota
Driving without the required auto insurance in South Dakota can result in serious penalties. The state mandates that all drivers carry at least the minimum 25/50/25 liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Failure to provide proof of insurance during a traffic stop or after an accident can lead to fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
First-time offenders may face fines of up to $500, along with a suspension of their driver’s license and vehicle registration until proof of insurance is provided. Repeat offenses carry harsher penalties, including increased fines and longer suspension periods. Additionally, driving uninsured after an at-fault accident can lead to personal financial liability for damages and injuries.
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
To avoid these penalties and protect yourself on the road, ensure your insurance coverage complies with South Dakota’s legal requirements and is always up to date.
Read More: How to Get Instant Proof of Your Auto Insurance Policy Online
Other Coverage Options to Consider in SD
While minimum car insurance in South Dakota covers liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, additional coverage options can offer more comprehensive financial protection. These include:
- Collision Auto Insurance Coverage: Pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage: Covers non-collision damages, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Helps cover medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Roadside Assistance: Provides support for breakdowns, towing, and other emergencies.
So, how much is car insurance in South Dakota? The table below provides a breakdown of minimum auto insurance rates across different cities in South Dakota. Compare the rates to see how location can impact your insurance costs.
South Dakota Min. Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by City
| City | Rates |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | $66 |
| Brandon | $69 |
| Brookings | $65 |
| Huron | $64 |
| Madison | $63 |
| Mitchell | $66 |
| Pierre | $68 |
| Rapid City | $69 |
| Sioux Falls | $71 |
| Spearfish | $67 |
| Sturgis | $66 |
| Vermillion | $64 |
| Watertown | $67 |
| Yankton | $65 |
These options can be particularly beneficial if you drive a newer vehicle or want peace of mind in unexpected situations. While they increase your premium, the additional protection they provide may save you significant costs in the event of an accident or other damage. Evaluate your needs and budget to determine which options best suit your situation.
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More About Meeting South Dakota’s Car Insurance Requirements
South Dakota law requires all drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This ensures drivers are financially responsible in the event of an accident. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to fines, license suspension, or other penalties. Drivers may want to consider getting comprehensive or full coverage auto insurance that more closely suits their needs.
While meeting the state’s minimum insurance requirements is essential, many drivers choose additional coverage for greater protection. Options such as comprehensive, collision, and personal injury protection can safeguard you against a broader range of risks. Comprehensive coverage, for example, protects your vehicle from theft or natural disasters, while collision coverage covers damages from accidents, regardless of fault.
It’s important to review your personal needs and consider whether full coverage policies provide the peace of mind you need. Enter your ZIP code below to shop around for South Dakota car 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?
What is the minimum car insurance required in South Dakota? South Dakota auto insurance requirements necessitate 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. To learn more about state requirements and additional coverage options like collision insurance, check out our article “Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements by State.”
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. To learn more about the best coverage options and top providers overall, check out our article “Best Auto Insurance Companies.”
Should I consider purchasing more than the minimum required car insurance in South Dakota?
While meeting the minimum legal requirements is important, 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?
Yes, driving without insurance in SD is illegal and punishable by a fine and/or jail time. Enter your ZIP code below to find affordable coverage options and avoid penalties.
Is South Dakota a 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 pay for damages.
How long can you drive without insurance after buying a car in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s grace period for obtaining coverage on a new vehicle ranges from 7 to 30 days.
What is the total loss threshold in South Dakota?
South Dakota considers a vehicle a total loss when repair expenses exceed 75% of the vehicle’s actual cash value. To learn more about how this compares to replacement cost, check out our article “Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value.”
Does South Dakota require car insurance?
Yes, South Dakota requires all drivers to carry a minimum of 25/50/25 liability coverage. This includes bodily injury and property damage liability, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Is it illegal to not have car insurance in South Dakota?
Yes, driving without an SD car insurance is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Maintaining minimum coverage is mandatory under South Dakota insurance laws.
What is temporary car insurance in South Dakota?
Temporary SD auto insurance offers short-term coverage for drivers who only need insurance for a limited time, such as borrowing a car or during vehicle transport. Learn how to find cheap temporary auto insurance.
What are the requirements for car insurance in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires drivers to carry 25/50/25 liability coverage, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto 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.