Car Insurance in South Dakota
South Dakota Car Insurance
Every driver
in South Dakota is required to demonstrate his or her financial responsibility
for using the vehicle legally.
A common way
for drivers to meet this requirement is by purchasing car insurance.
CarInsurance Requirements
To comply
with South Dakota law, you will need to purchase and maintain:
Credit
inclusion.
Unsafe and
guaranteed driver protection.
Credit Insurance
In order to
cover the costs of damage or damage to property of another person in an
accident you have caused, you must keep the following estimated recovery costs:
$ 25,000 per
body injury or death, per person.
$ 50,000 for
bodily injury or multiple casualties.
$ 25,000 for
property damage.
Driver Uninsured Car Insurance
All car
insurance policies in South Dakota must include coverage to cover accidental
injuries with a missing driver, or a driver who does not have enough insurance
to cover your expenses.
Optional view
Insurance companies offer a wide range of options that give drivers extra protection in
the event of an accident.
Comprehensive
- You pay for non-accidental damage to your vehicle, such as property damage
and theft.
Medical
coverage - Cover your post-accident medical expenses, up to the limit of your
coverage.
Auto loan /
rental - Helps to cover the difference between the amount you owe on your car
and the current real value.
Traction and
performance.
Custom-made
parts and equipment.
Refund of
lease.
Proof of
Insurance
South Dakota
law requires all drivers in the state to have proof of insurance in their
vehicle at all times and to provide a police officer on request.
The most
common proof of insurance is your ID card provided by your insurance company,
which includes:
Your policy
number.
Covered work
date and expiration date.
NOTE: If you
choose to substantiate your financial liability in some way, the proof may be a
deposit certificate from the National Treasury or a Certificate of Insurance.
Vehicle
Insurance Violations
It is
illegal to drive in South Dakota without car insurance. If you are found to be
driving unverified, you will face the following:
30 days in
jail.
Suspension
of your driver's license for up to 1 year.
Required
proof of SR-22 insurance for three years (see below).
SR-22
Unconfirmed
driving may result in mandatory SR-22 filing. The SR-22 is proof of insurance
that guarantees you will hold a minimum amount of cover for a full three years.
Suspension
of driver's license.
Suspension
of registration of your vehicle and license plates.
NOTE: If, at
any time, you change vehicles or insurance companies, you should ask your
insurance company to re-file SR-22.
Your insurance company reserves the right not to renew your car insurance policy for
any reason; however, they must give notice before canceling the policy.
You have
lost your driving rights.
NOTE:
Excessive traffic violations can affect your ability to obtain or renew car
insurance. (See “South Dakota Automobile Insurance Plan” below.)
South Dakota
Car Insurance System
Having a bad
driving record or a history of multiple claims can make it very difficult to
obtain or maintain a car insurance policy, as car insurance companies are
reluctant to take an unnecessary risk.
Questions
and concerns
In some
cases, the coverage of car insurance may be confusing or difficult to navigate.
The South Dakota Division of Insurance provides customer support.
Report
allegations of fraud.
Complaints
If you have
a problem with your car insurance company that you can't fix with them, you can
ask the Department for help by filing a complaint. To do so, complete the
online complaint form and:
OR
Print and
send the form to the address on the form.
Car
Insurance Fraud
In the event
of a fraud scam, car insurance companies pay a premium. Usually, these costs
are provided to the consumer by increased premiums.
Fax to (605)
773-5369.
By email at
shulensefraud@state.sd.us.
Determining
the Values of Your SD Insurance
When
comparing car insurance quotes, it is important to remember that many companies
measure things differently. These factors usually include:
Your credit
history.
The main use
of your car.
Your driving
record.
The amount
of cover you are trying to buy.
Your car:
Age.
Do it.
Model.
The
deductible you choose.
Choosing a
higher withdrawal will get you lower premiums.
The main
place where you will park your car.
Any
applicable discounts (see below).
Auto Insurance Discounts
Discounts
can make a huge difference in the rates you get when you compare-buy car
insurance. Be sure to ask what discounts may apply to you. Usually, the
discounts available include:
Good
student.
Multiple
policy.
Driver
training.
There is no
danger.
Security
device.
Lots of
cars.
Car safety.
Always
remember that the safest bet to get cheap car insurance in South Dakota is to
drive safely and avoid accidents. A good driving record is an important factor
in purchasing and maintaining affordable car insurance.
Many Stolen Vehicles in South Dakota
If your car
is a common victim of car theft, you may be facing high levels of car
insurance.
Chevrolet
Pickup (Full Size).
Ford Taurus.
Buick
Lesabre.
Dodge Pickup
(Full Size).
Pontiac
Grand Prix.
GMC Capture
(Full Size).
Ford
Explorer.
Pontiac
Grand Am.
Chevrolet
Impala.