South Dakota Auto Insurance - (SD)

No matter where you live, auto insurance should be a factor you carefully consider before getting behind the wheel of your car. But did you know that auto insurance regulations can vary from state to state? Depending on your state of residence, your requirements for minimum insurance and even the type of documentation you carry in your vehicle could be different from those in another state. Whether you're seeking a new policy or are simply planning to renew your policy, you should be aware of your state's regulations and how they impact the coverage you take. Be sure you drive with enough insurance to keep you safe and comfortable - generally, this means you'll need coverage well beyond your state's minimum standards. Always get competitive quotes from several companies before taking out a policy, and carefully review them before determining which one is best for you.

Auto Insurance Laws in South Dakota

In South Dakota, all vehicles that are registered and driven in the state have to meet state minimum guidelines for auto insurance. Those guidelines include:

• At least $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability and $50,000 per accident. This will provide coverage for any claims against you for injuries caused to another person that occurred as a result of your driving.
• At least $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. This coverage protects you in the event of claims brought against you for damage to another person's property as a result of your driving. This also can cover damage to a car you rent.
• At least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured motorist coverage.This gives you coverage for a bodily injury claim you'd have against another driver who was uninsured. This will not cover damage to your vehicle - it only covers your bodily injury.
• Underinsured motorist coverage greater than or equal to your uninsured motorist coverage. This is similar to the uninsured motorist coverage; it protects you in the event that another driver does not have sufficient insurance.
• At least $30,000 basic no-fault coverage per person. This give you coverage for expenses such as loss of work or medical costs as a result of an auto accident. This coverage has no regard for fault - it's sometimes referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in other states.
• South Dakota takes these laws very seriously. If you drive without liability insurance, you could be found guilty of a class B misdemeanor. You could face a fine of at least $150. If you are involved in an accident you will be assessed 14 points against your driver's license, which will cause an immediate suspension of your license.
• South Dakota law can be friendly to those who rent cars: The state's regulations for property damage liability coverage also will cover a vehicle you have rented for less than a month - this means that you don't have to purchase extra insurance from a rental company.

Tips on auto insurance

One way to verify that you're going to pay the best amount for your auto insurance is to get competitive quotes from several companies. By doing this, you can compare both coverage and premiums. Look over the proposals and ask questions before making your decision.

If you have a teenage son or daughter, make sure you know how his/her driving status can affect your policy. Depending on your state, policy and insurance company, your child could be automatically added to your policy when he/she reaches driving age.

Homeowners sometimes can save money on their overall premiums by combining their home and auto policies through a single insurance companies. Find out if your insurance company provides a multi-policy discount.

Department Of South Dakota (SD) State Government That Regulates Car Insurance Quotes:

Web Site: http://www.sd.gov/
Email: insurance@state.sd.us

How To Contact Directly:
South Dakota Div. of Auto Insurance
445 East Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 1-605-773-3563

South Dakota (SD) Mandatory Auto Insurance Minimums

• Liability: 25/50/25 = Bodily Injury Individual/Bodily Injury Total Per Accident/Property Damage
• Other Mandatory Insurance: Uninsured Motorist
• Regulations Regarding Proof of Insurance: Proof Required - If Involved In An Accident, If Stopped By Authorities When Driving
• Penalties For Not Carrying Mandatory Insurance: License suspension up to 1 year

How To File A Complaint About An Insurer:

Email your complaint to: insurance@state.sd.us
Or mail a complaint in writing to the above listed division address.