South Dakota is one of the 5 least populated states in the country. It is known for the Badlands National Park, the Black Hills National Forest, and Mount Rushmore. Apart from that, it is famous for its Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that is held annually in Sturgis, SD. This rally attracts a large number of visitors in the summer every year. Whichever part you choose to live in the State, do get your car insurance in South Dakota. We can help you to get the best car insurance in South Dakota.
This state has the lowest premium for auto insurance compared to any other state in the nation. This is because its population density is low. The average premium is less than $1,000/- annually. But, if you happen to have a driving record that is not perfect than your premium may not seem so affordable. However, there is good news. You can still find great auto insurance in South Dakota.
People of South Dakota spend less time driving their vehicles. As it is the population is less and fewer vehicles on the roads means, fewer accidents. Also, car thefts are very rare in the state owing to its population density. This is something that insurance companies love. Fewer accidents and car thefts mean fewer claims to pay for by the insurer. Hence insurers are more than willing to provide the residents of SD with low rate premiums.
Having said all this, there is one thing that bothers the insurers. Car repairs are pretty costly in South Dakota. Say, your car gets damaged in any serious accident, then you will have to shell out a good amount of money to repair your car. As per the data collected by the NAIC recently, South Dakota ranks 5th highest in average car repair costs among all the states.
South Dakota car insurance minimum requirements
As per law, in South Dakota every driver should carry liability insurance just in case an accident happens because of them. And one must have the following in order legally drive:
$25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
$50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
$25,000 property damage coverage per accident
Here you can also carry underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage in the same amounts that are listed on top i.e. $25,000/$50,000.Having these will protect you if another driver hits you, who does not have insurance or who falls short to cover the total amount of the damages done.
You will find that every state has its own requirements when it comes to car insurance and car accidents. A weird law that South Dakota has is known as the Slight/Gross Negligence Fault law.
Here “Comparative negligence” at the time of a car accident means that each party will have to bear the blame. Say for example You get hit by someone who was speeding, but at that same time, you were making a U-turn which was illegal. In this scenario, if you go ahead to get that speeding driver sued, you may get paid less because you were at fault too, even though partially.
The “slight/gross” standard for comparative negligence is only used in this state. As per this, you can sue the other driver only if their negligence was major and yours was minor. For example, You parked your car illegally (minor negligence), but it got hit by a drunk driver who was speeding and texting while driving (major negligence). Here you can sue the drunk driver as his negligence was bigger.
As you can see, the requirements for auto insurance in South Dakota are pretty the same as the rest of the country. That is why we can help you to select the best car insurance companies for your car.
Factors that Determine Car Insurance in South Dakota
In addition to where you stay, there are other factors like your driving record, age, etc which are important. Also, your car model and make are important.
Types of Coverage for Auto Insurance in South Dakota
The types of coverage that you take too will determine your insurance premium amount. When in South Dakota do make sure to have comprehensive coverage and collision coverage for your vehicle. You should take it even if your lender tells you it is not required. The 2 coverage options will not only pay for the damages done to your vehicle during the accident, but it will also cover you if there is vandalism, theft, natural disaster, etc. This two add-on coverage will cover your repair charges without hurting your pockets. Finally, always check the unbiased reviews and rating of the insurance company you decide to go with on NAIC (national association of insurance commissioners) to make sure that the insurance company is customer-friendly and pays on time without any issue.
