South Dakota Car Insurance Requirements
Numbers refreshed
What every South Dakota driver must carry at minimum, and what that coverage pays for.
- Liability costs $35 a month on average.
- The minimum liability limits are 25/50/25.
- For the most expensive state ranking, it comes 39th of 51 (1st = highest).
What does South Dakota require?
| Cover | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury, per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury, per crash | $50,000 |
| Property damage, per crash | $25,000 |
| Personal injury protection | Not required |
| Uninsured motorist | Required |
| Underinsured motorist | Required |
| Fault system | At-fault |
Source: South Dakota Codified Laws 32-35-70 (SD Legislature); Automobile Financial Responsibility Limits by State, rev. 7/2024 (Insurance Information Institute table archive 21211, APCIA data; PDF copy hosted by riskeducation.org).
What the coverage amounts pay for
Liability coverage in South Dakota must be at least 25/50/25. Each person hurt is covered for $25,000, while everyone hurt in one crash is covered for $50,000. Other people's property damage is covered for $25,000.
These limits often don't cover the full cost of medical care or a newer car. Amounts beyond these limits can be claimed against you, so many drivers select 100/300/100 coverage instead. Liability policies cost $416 a year on average in South Dakota.
If you drive while uninsured
You can lose your license and registration by driving uninsured in South Dakota. To recover your license and registration, you may have to submit proof of insurance for several years.
Contact the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program with any questions.
Additional car insurance details for South Dakota
First written