South Dakota Car Insurance: A Guide to Understanding Car Insurance for Residents

South Dakota has many of the same insurance requirements as North Dakota; however, as South Dakota is not a no fault state the no fault policy does not apply and its residents are not required to purchase PIP insurance.

The are, however, required to maintain a liability policy meeting the state’s minimum requirements, although healthcare and auto repair costs being what they are it is strongly suggested that greater than the minimum amount of liability be purchased. Minimum liability in SD allots twenty five thousand dollars for medical expenses if there is a single occupant in the vehicle, fifty thousand dollars for the combined medical expenses of all of the occupants of the vehicle and twenty five thousand dollars for any vehicle repair that may be necessary.

Comprehensive coverage, also known as collision coverage, is not required for South Dakota residents; however, it is recommended, and may be required by the lender if the vehicle is currently under lien. Comprehensive coverage will provide for repairs to the vehicle of the insured following an accident for which they were responsible or over which they had no control, such as in the event of inclement weather or attack by deer (anyone who has ever lived in a rural area knows that you do not hit deer, deer hit you).

Uninsured car insurance is required by the state, and in light of the fact that not every state requires its motorists to carry liability this is a very prudent expense. SD uninsured motorist coverage will help provide for vehicle repair and medical are in the event that the insured is involved in either a hit and run or an accident with an individual who does not have liability.

Further details regarding South Dakota’s insurance policies can be obtained through the South Dakota Division of Insurance located in Pierre by calling 605-773-3563 or visiting their website at http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/reg/insurance.