Average South Dakota auto insurance premiums for 2010, the last period for which reliable data is available, were $1,202, substantially below the national average of $1,528 for the same period.

Annual Changes

There was a slight decline in annual premiums in 2010, as they fell 3% compared to 2009. The auto insurance market in South Dakota is deregulated, and insurers determine rates according to their own criteria. By using our site to monitor trends in prices and to obtain periodic quotes, drivers can be assured that the rates they are paying are the most competitive rates available in South Dakota.

Seasonal Changes

Auto insurance premiums in South Dakota rose slowly in the winter and spring of 2010, falling sharply in June before rising again in July, and rates fell again in August and September before rising again in October and then stabilizing at earlier, lower levels in the winter. Indeed, car insurance rates in South Dakota can change rapidly, so that consumers who monitor rates and shop around are able to find lower rates.

Insurance Requirements

Minimum insurance requirements in South Dakota call for bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and a $50,000 limit per accident, and the minimum property damage liability coverage is $25,000. Coverage to protect against bodily injury caused by an uninsured or under-insured driver is mandatory in Arizona, at the same levels as standard personal liability insurance. However, Arizona works under a tort system, where one party must be judged responsible for any accident. That party is then held liable for the entire cost of the accident. Therefore, higher coverage limits are strongly recommended in order to protect assets in the event of a lawsuit.

Advice for Getting the Best Deals

Major national insurers and smaller regional insurers offer car insurance in South Dakota. Since each company uses its own methods to determine its specific premiums for each driver, it is not possible to determine which companies consistently offer the lowest rates. Experts recommend obtaining multiple quotes from reliable insurance companies that are rated A or higher by A. M. Best. Consulting the J. D. Power ratings is also advised for accurate consumer service related information.

Using our site to monitor rates and periodically obtain new quotes is the best way to get the lowest rates for car insurance in South Dakota.