South Dakota auto insurance
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Get the right insurance to protect your car
If you live and drive in South Dakota, you are almost guaranteed to experience snowy roads in winter. The state has significant snowfall seven months of the year and averages 39 inches of snow annually. Blizzards are a possibility, bringing treacherous conditions that take a toll on your vehicle. Having reliable South Dakota auto insurance can give you peace of mind when driving conditions are less than favorable.
Warm weather ushers sunny springs and summers in the Mount Rushmore State. However, precipitation can come in the form of thunderstorms. Heavy rains and power outages can make driving difficult, and flash floods can unexpectedly cover roadways after a storm. With these year-round weather risks, any South Dakota season is a good one to have a high-quality car insurance policy.
Collisions with wild animals
The rugged natural beauty of South Dakota is one of the factors that make it so appealing. However, it means another driving risk besides the weather — the chance of hitting a wild animal. More than 29,000 crashes took place in South Dakota in 2022, and a full 25% of them happened when a car hit an animal. Drivers have a one in 51 chance of hitting an animal in South Dakota. The state is tied with Michigan for third place on the list of states with the most car-animal crashes.
With so much risk on South Dakota roads, it's essential to have a car insurance policy you can rely on. If you're concerned about affordability, VIU by HUB provides tools to get South Dakota auto insurance quotes.
South Dakota auto insurance rates
Rates for car insurance in South Dakota are somewhat lower than the national average. State residents pay an average of $130 monthly for full coverage. The national average $170 monthly for full coverage South Dakota ranks in the middle of all the states for cost.
State minimum insurance requirements
South Dakota drivers are required to have auto insurance. It is an at-fault state, meaning that drivers determined to be at fault for an accident must cover medical and property expenses. The minimum coverage required allowed by law is:
• $25,000 in Bodily Injury coverage per person.
• $50,000 in Bodily Injury coverage for all people in an accident.
• $25,000 in Property Damage coverage for the accident.
South Dakota requires all drivers to carry Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage. This insurance protects against losses when you are in an accident with someone without adequate insurance to cover expenses. Drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of this kind of coverage.
Drivers should consider buying limits above the minimum limit requirements. Having more coverage in case of a multi-vehicle accident or one with several passengers is a financially sound idea.
Optional coverages
Having optional South Dakota coverages can include protection against other driving perils as well.
Collision Coverage
Collision Coverage pays for damages to your vehicle if you collide with another car or if your car hits an object such as a retaining wall, tree or pole. Collision Coverage also covers losses after a single-vehicle accident, such as a rollover. This coverage does not cover damage to another car.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage pays for damage to your car from an accident other than a collision. It includes circumstances such as fire, theft, falling objects and vandalism.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal Injury Protection pays some medical expenses for you and your passengers if you're injured in an auto accident. It can also cover lost wages, funeral expenses and services. However, it is not health insurance.
Factors that affect your rates
Insurance companies look at various elements to determine rates, so premiums will vary depending on different factors.
Age
Insurers typically equate age with driving experience. Drivers in their teens or early 20s pay more for insurance with rates decreasing beginning around age 25. Older drivers generally have the lowest insurance rates based on overall lower driving mileage.
Driving record
Driving infractions add a significant amount to your insurance costs. You can keep your rates down by following the law behind the wheel. Speeding tickets, DUIs and other serious infractions raise your premiums.
Location
Living in a South Dakota metro area increases your premiums. Bigger cities have more vehicles on the road and higher crime rates. If you want to check insurance expenses in your area, VIU by HUB has the tools to compare South Dakota auto insurance quotes to see where you get the lowest price.
Credit score
Insurance companies look at credit scores to determine rates. Individuals with good or excellent credit ratings are viewed as less of a financial risk than those with lower credit scores. Generally speaking, people with lower scores are more apt to file a claim, thereby incurring expenses for the insurance company.
Why you need reliable auto insurance
With large expanses between South Dakota cities, getting around via public transportation is challenging. Fortunately, the state has excellent interstate highways and roads for driving from town to town, which make it necessary to own a car. VIU by HUB can help you compare South Dakota auto insurance quotes, so you know you have the best policy for your vehicle.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
Sources:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety