Cheapest Auto Insurance in South Dakota (2025)
In South Dakota, drivers pay an average of $59 per month for liability-only car insurance.
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Not a densely populated state, South Dakota has about 12 people per square mile, which may explain why car insurance is affordable there.1 The average monthly cost of full-coverage auto insurance is $136, compared to the national average of $179, according to Insurify data.
Here’s what you should know about finding cheap coverage in South Dakota.
Quick Facts
The average premium for liability-only coverage in South Dakota is $59 per month, compared to the national average of $101.
Drivers in the Coyote State can find the cheapest car insurance options through Safeco, Bristol West, and Dairyland.
Because South Dakota is an at-fault state, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering the other driver’s vehicle damage and injuries.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in South Dakota
The right car insurance company for you will vary based on the factors of your unique situation. But some of the best car insurance companies in South Dakota consistently offer affordable auto insurance rates to drivers.
Shopping around to compare quotes on your own is always a good idea. But consider starting your search by learning about some of the most affordable South Dakota car insurance companies.
Safeco
Dairyland
Bristol West
How to get the cheapest car insurance in South Dakota
Cheap car insurance is a top priority for most drivers. If you want to avoid overpaying for this necessary expense, implement the strategies below while searching for the right insurer.
Ask for a discount. Many auto insurance companies offer numerous discount options. Some common discounts reward loyal customers, safe drivers, military members, and good students. It never hurts to ask if you qualify for any insurance discounts.
Raise your deductible. A higher collision or comprehensive deductible tends to result in lower insurance premiums. Don’t increase your deductible unless you can afford to cover it unexpectedly.
Shop around. Every insurance company has a slightly different method of determining rates. You can find the lowest cost for you by shopping around for coverage from multiple insurers.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance quotes in South Dakota
Liability-only auto insurance covers property damage and bodily injury you cause to others during an accident. For example, after an at-fault accident, your liability insurance policy might help you pay for the other driver’s repair costs or medical bills.
Since liability-only car insurance is the minimum amount of coverage you need to buy, it often comes with cheaper premiums. But after an at-fault accident, you’ll have to pay to repair your vehicle if you don’t have additional coverage.2
On average, drivers in South Dakota pay $59 per month for liability-only policies. You can find the cheapest car insurance companies for liability coverage in South Dakota below.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in South Dakota
A full-coverage car insurance policy offers more financial protection than liability-only coverage. In addition to liability coverage, full-coverage policies also include comprehensive and collision insurance. After an accident or other type of incident, your insurer will help you cover repairs to your vehicle.
Most drivers with an auto loan or lease might need to carry full coverage, per lender requirements. But the increased coverage for your vehicle can offer financial security and vehicle protection for all drivers — especially people with new or high-value vehicles. South Dakota drivers pay a monthly average of $136 for full coverage.
The table below lists the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates in South Dakota.
Your age will affect your car insurance premium. Teen drivers pay the highest rates due to a lack of driving experience and a higher rate of car accidents than older drivers. Average rates typically decrease with age as drivers gain more experience behind the wheel. But senior drivers older than 70 may face slightly higher premiums due to aging-related risk factors.
Here’s how much drivers pay for car insurance on average in South Dakota by age group.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota drivers must carry a minimum amount of car insurance. It’s illegal to operate your vehicle on public roadways without the necessary liability and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.3 South Dakota is an at-fault state, which means drivers responsible for an accident must cover the costs of resulting damage and injury.
Below, you can find the specific minimum coverage requirements based on state law.
If you want more protection than the bare minimum amount of coverage, consider the following common optional coverages:
Cheapest car insurance in South Dakota by driving record
When you make a mistake on the road, the incident can have a big effect on your car insurance costs. Most people who have an incident on their driving record pay more for car insurance than drivers with a clean record. Incidents include speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI) charges, and at-fault accidents.4
The average monthly cost of liability insurance in South Dakota for drivers with clean records is $59. This average increases to $69 per month for drivers with an incident on their record.
The city and ZIP code you live in will affect your insurance premiums due to location-based risk factors. Insurance companies typically consider an area’s crime rates, population density, accident rates, and more when determining premiums.
Below, you can see average insurance quotes for a few cities in South Dakota.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
South Dakota car insurance FAQs
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed when deciding how much coverage you need and what insurer to choose in South Dakota. The following information should help you navigate the process of buying auto coverage in the state.
South Dakota drivers pay an average of $136 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $59 monthly for liability-only coverage. Your rates may be more or less than the state average, depending on many factors, including your age, gender, driving record, and vehicle.
The best car insurance company in South Dakota is State Auto, due to its below-average number of customer complaints on the NAIC complaint index. Other top insurers in the state include Safeco and CSAA.
Average South Dakota car insurance costs are cheaper than national averages. Rates are also lower than in neighboring states like Minnesota and Nebraska, where full coverage costs $163 per month, and $137, respectively.
Yes. Driving without insurance in South Dakota is illegal. South Dakota residents must purchase a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $25,000 per accident in property damage liability, and $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
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