Find South Dakota car insurance cost for both new and used cars by auto values, deductibles and credit scores. Once ready, see the best local and statewide car insurers.
Car insurance in South Dakota often runs close to the national average, but long rural highways, winter storms, and wildlife crossings can raise claim costs.
South Dakota’s 25/50/25 Rule: What It Covers
South Dakota New Car Insurance Costs
South Dakota Used Car Insurance Costs
How Credit History Influences South Dakota Car Insurance Prices
Why South Dakota’s Minimums Can Leave You Paying the Difference
What Shapes South Dakota Rates
How South Dakota Drivers Can Bring Their Insurance Costs Down
Curious about car financing? See real South Dakota car loan rates shared by our community. Also find South Dakota best car loan lenders in your area (also community recommended).
South Dakota’s 25/50/25 Rule: What It Covers
South Dakota law requires drivers to carry liability coverage. This part of your policy pays for injuries and damage you cause to others in a crash.
- $25,000 for injuries to one person. This pays for medical bills if you hurt someone in a crash.
- $50,000 for injuries to more than one person in a single crash. This is the total amount your insurance will pay for all injured people combined.
- $25,000 for property damage. This pays to fix or replace what you damage, like another car, a fence, or a building.
South Dakota also requires coverage for injuries caused by uninsured and underinsured drivers. This helps protect you if the other driver has little or no insurance.
MFP Tip: Rural highways and high speeds can lead to severe crashes. Higher liability limits can help protect your finances.
South Dakota New Car Insurance Costs
Your new auto insurance price depends on the value of your car, how much coverage you choose, and your credit history. New cars often cost more to insure because repairs and replacement parts are more expensive.
| Car Value | Coverage | 750+ (Excellent) |
700–749 (Good) |
650–699 (Fair) |
600–649 (Below Fair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over $60K | Full | $202 | $235 | $257 | $414 |
| Standard | $170 | $198 | $215 | $348 | |
| Liability only | $80 | $93 | $101 | $163 | |
| $40K-$60K | Full | $171 | $199 | $217 | $351 |
| Standard | $142 | $166 | $181 | $292 | |
| Liability only | $68 | $79 | $87 | $140 | |
| $25K-$40K | Full | $150 | $174 | $189 | $306 |
| Standard | $124 | $144 | $157 | $254 | |
| Liability only | $61 | $70 | $77 | $124 | |
| Below $25K | Full | $131 | $153 | $166 | $268 |
| Standard | $108 | $125 | $137 | $221 | |
| Liability only | $53 | $62 | $68 | $109 |
South Dakota Used Car Insurance Costs
Used cars may cost less to insure, but dropping coverage for your own car can leave you paying out of pocket after a crash, a theft, or storm damage.
| Car Value | Coverage | 750+ (Excellent) |
700–749 (Good) |
650–699 (Fair) |
600–649 (Below Fair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over $40K | Full | $153 | $178 | $194 | $313 |
| Standard | $128 | $148 | $162 | $261 | |
| Liability only | $61 | $71 | $77 | $125 | |
| $15K-$40K | Full | $128 | $148 | $162 | $261 |
| Standard | $106 | $123 | $134 | $216 | |
| Liability only | $52 | $60 | $66 | $106 | |
| Below $15K | Full | $107 | $125 | $136 | $219 |
| Standard | $87 | $102 | $111 | $179 | |
| Liability only | $44 | $51 | $56 | $90 |
Most insurers group policies into three coverage levels:
- Full: Includes liability plus coverage for damage to your own car, even if you cause the crash or weather damages your vehicle.
- Standard: Higher liability limits than the state minimum, with or without coverage for your own car.
- Liability Only: Covers injuries and damage you cause to others, but not your own car.
How Credit History Influences South Dakota Car Insurance Prices
In South Dakota, insurers can use your credit history when setting your price. Drivers with strong credit often pay less, while drivers with below-fair credit usually pay much more for the same coverage.
In many cases, a driver with weak credit can pay 50 to 65 percent more than a driver with excellent credit, even if both have similar cars and clean driving records.
MFP Tip: If your credit improves, request a new quote before your renewal date. A better credit history can lead to a lower bill.
Finding the Right Coverage
If you finance or lease a new car, your lender will require coverage that pays to repair or replace your car after a crash or storm. This protects their investment until the loan is paid off.
Gap insurance can help during the early years of a loan. If your car is totaled, it covers the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe.
For used cars, the 10 percent test can guide your choice. If your yearly coverage cost is more than 10 percent of your car’s value, you may want to keep only liability and drop coverage for your own car.
Why South Dakota’s Minimums Can Leave You Paying the Difference
When You Damage Someone’s Property
Many vehicles on South Dakota roads cost more than $25,000 to repair. If your limit runs out, the rest of the bill can fall on you.
If You Injure Someone
Medical care and missed work can push costs past $25,000 for a single person. If more than one person is hurt, the $50,000 total limit has to cover everyone.
When an Uninsured Driver Hits You
Coverage for injuries and damage to your own car can help when the other driver has little or no insurance.
What Shapes South Dakota Rates
South Dakota uses an at-fault system. The driver who causes the crash is responsible for injuries and damage, which makes strong liability limits more valuable.
Snow, ice, strong winds, and wildlife crossings can damage vehicles and lead to claims across the state.
Long stretches of highway and higher speeds outside cities increase the risk of serious accidents and repair costs.
How South Dakota Drivers Can Bring Their Insurance Costs Down
- Bundle policies. Putting home or renters insurance with the same company can lead to lower prices.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer discounts for approved classes.
- Use safe-driver tracking programs. These track how you drive and can lower your rate if you avoid hard braking and late-night trips.
- Compare quotes. Prices can vary widely between companies for the same driver and car.
- Raise your deductible. This is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
MFP Tip: If you drive mostly long rural routes, ask about low-mileage discounts. Some insurers offer lower rates for drivers who spend less time on the road.
What to Do After Buying a Car in South Dakota
You need insurance in place before you can register your vehicle. Dealers often submit paperwork for new cars, while private sales leave the steps to you.
Registration and title work go through the South Dakota Department of Revenue. New residents and in-state buyers have a short window to complete the process.
Review your coverage once a year. As your car’s value drops, you may be able to adjust your policy and lower your costs.
South Dakota Best Car Insurance
See South Dakota best local insurers by metro areas based on community recommendations
Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown, Mitchell, Yankton
Sioux Falls Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Sioux Falls’s area are Howalt+McDowell Insurance, Fischer Rounds & Associates and State Farm.
Howalt+McDowell Insurance (89% Recommend)
- Howalt+McDowell Insurance scores 4.7 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Sioux Falls’s top 3.
- Drivers can work with a local agency that compares companies and helps explain which coverage makes sense.
Fischer Rounds & Associates (87% Recommend)
- Fischer Rounds & Associates has 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, only 0.1 below Howalt+McDowell on support.
- Fischer Rounds is a strong fit for drivers who want local help shopping coverage instead of calling insurers one by one.
State Farm (81% Recommend)
- State Farm scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.2 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.3 Support & Guidance, giving it the strongest direct-insurer Easy Application score among the top 3.
- State Farm works well for drivers who want a familiar insurer and a local office for quote and policy questions.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howalt+McDowell Insurance | Agency | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 89% |
| Fischer Rounds & Associates | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 87% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 81% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| American Family Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 75% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 74% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 74% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 73% |
| North Star Mutual Insurance | Insurer | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 73% |
| National General | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
Rapid City Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Rapid City’s area are Fischer Rounds & Associates, First Western Insurance and State Farm.
Fischer Rounds & Associates (88% Recommend)
- Fischer Rounds & Associates scores 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Rapid City’s top 3.
- Drivers can use the agency to compare companies and get help sorting through price and coverage choices.
First Western Insurance (86% Recommend)
- First Western Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, matching Fischer Rounds on Support & Guidance.
- First Western works well for drivers who want a local agency to explain policy options before they buy.
State Farm (81% Recommend)
- State Farm scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.2 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.3 Support & Guidance, matching First Western on Easy Application but trailing on support.
- State Farm is a practical choice for drivers who want a familiar company and a nearby agent to call.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fischer Rounds & Associates | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 88% |
| First Western Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 86% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 81% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| American Family Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 74% |
Aberdeen Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Aberdeen’s area are Fischer Rounds & Associates, Dacotah Insurance and State Farm.
Fischer Rounds & Associates (88% Recommend)
- Fischer Rounds & Associates scores 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Aberdeen’s top 3.
- Drivers can work with a local agency that helps compare coverage and explain the differences between carriers.
Dacotah Insurance (85% Recommend)
- Dacotah Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.7 Support & Guidance, only 0.1 below Fischer Rounds on Support & Guidance.
- Dacotah is useful for drivers who want local insurance help and a simpler way to review policy choices.
State Farm (80% Recommend)
- State Farm scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.2 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.3 Support & Guidance, matching Dacotah on Easy Application but trailing on support.
- State Farm works well for drivers who want a familiar insurer and local agent support.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fischer Rounds & Associates | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 88% |
| Dacotah Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 85% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 78% |
| American Family Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
Brookings Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Brookings’s area are Fischer Rounds & Associates, Dakota Insurance and State Farm.
Fischer Rounds & Associates (87% Recommend)
- Fischer Rounds & Associates scores 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Brookings’s top 3.
- Drivers can get local help comparing companies and choosing coverage without doing all the shopping alone.
Dakota Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Dakota Insurance has 4.4 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.7 Support & Guidance, only 0.1 below Fischer Rounds on support.
- Dakota Insurance is a good fit for drivers who want local guidance and a clearer explanation of policy choices.
State Farm (80% Recommend)
- State Farm scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.2 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.3 Support & Guidance, with the strongest Easy Application among Brookings’s top 3.
- State Farm works well for drivers who want a recognizable company and a local agent they can contact.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fischer Rounds & Associates | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 87% |
| Dakota Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 84% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 78% |
| American Family Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 76% |
Watertown Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Watertown’s area are American Trust Insurance, Farmers Union Insurance and State Farm.
American Trust Insurance (86% Recommend)
- American Trust Insurance scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Watertown’s top 3.
- Drivers can use the agency to compare companies and get help understanding what coverage is worth paying for.
Farmers Union Insurance (82% Recommend)
- Farmers Union Insurance has 4.2 Easy Application, 4.3 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, stronger than State Farm on Support & Guidance.
- Farmers Union works well for drivers who want local agent help and a company familiar with South Dakota communities.
State Farm (80% Recommend)
- State Farm scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.2 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.3 Support & Guidance, matching American Trust on Easy Application.
- State Farm is a practical choice for drivers who want a familiar insurer and a local office for quote help.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Trust Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 86% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 78% |
| American Family Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 76% |
Mitchell Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Mitchell’s area are First Dakota Insurance, Farmers Union Insurance and State Farm.
First Dakota Insurance (86% Recommend)
- First Dakota Insurance scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Mitchell’s top 3.
- Drivers can get local help comparing options and talking through coverage before choosing a policy.
Farmers Union Insurance (82% Recommend)
- Farmers Union Insurance has 4.2 Easy Application, 4.3 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, stronger than State Farm on Support & Guidance.
- Farmers Union is useful for drivers who want local service and an agent who understands South Dakota coverage needs.
State Farm (80% Recommend)
- State Farm scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.2 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.3 Support & Guidance, matching First Dakota on Easy Application.
- State Farm works well for drivers who want a familiar insurer and a local office for policy questions.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Dakota Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 86% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 78% |
| American Family Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 76% |
Yankton Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Yankton’s area are First Dakota Insurance, Farmers Union Insurance and State Farm.
First Dakota Insurance (86% Recommend)
- First Dakota Insurance scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Yankton’s top 3.
- Drivers can work with a local agency to compare coverage and get help before picking a company.
Farmers Union Insurance (82% Recommend)
- Farmers Union Insurance has 4.2 Easy Application, 4.3 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, stronger than State Farm on Terms and Support.
- Farmers Union is a good fit for drivers who want local agent service and a company familiar with South Dakota communities.
State Farm (80% Recommend)
- State Farm scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.2 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.3 Support & Guidance, giving it the strongest Easy Application among Yankton’s top 3.
- State Farm works well for drivers who want a recognizable insurer and a local agent they can call.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Dakota Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 86% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 78% |
| American Family Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 76% |
End Note
Following the law gets you insured, but serious crashes often go beyond minimum coverage.
Build your policy around real driving risks in South Dakota, not just the numbers on the statute.