South Dakota SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance
South Dakota requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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South Dakota at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Uninsured motorist coverage matching liability limits is also mandatory. SR-22 filing is required for DUI convictions, driving without insurance, at-fault accidents while uninsured, license suspensions, and accumulating too many points. The state uses a points system where 15 points in 12 months or 22 points in 24 months triggers license suspension, and drivers reaching suspension threshold typically need SR-22 to reinstate.
Liability Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Insurance
Full Coverage
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Cost Overview
$239–$281/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Dakota, drivers after a speeding ticket
Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- SR-22 filing status: adds underwriting surcharge on top of violation-based increase
- Number of points on license: South Dakota suspends at 15 points in 12 months or 22 in 24 months
- Time since violation: rates decrease annually as violation ages, most improvement after 3–5 years
- Carrier type: non-standard insurers often price high-risk profiles lower than standard carriers who surcharge heavily
Find the Insurers That Still Want Your Business
See Carriers That Cover YouFrequently Asked Questions
How long do points stay on my driving record in South Dakota?
Points remain on your South Dakota driving record for 3 years from the date of conviction. After 3 years, the points drop off and no longer count toward suspension thresholds or insurance rate calculations. However, the underlying violation may remain visible to insurers for 5–7 years depending on severity, so rate decreases happen gradually even after points expire.
Do I need SR-22 for a speeding ticket in South Dakota?
No, a single speeding ticket does not require SR-22 filing in South Dakota. SR-22 is triggered by DUI, driving without insurance, at-fault uninsured accidents, license suspensions, or accumulating enough points to reach suspension threshold (15 points in 12 months or 22 in 24 months). A speeding ticket adds 2–6 points depending on speed but does not automatically require SR-22 unless it causes suspension.
How many points does it take to lose your license in South Dakota?
South Dakota suspends your license at 15 points accumulated within 12 months or 22 points within 24 months. Common violations include speeding 1–10 mph over (2 points), speeding 11–15 over (4 points), careless driving (4 points), and at-fault accidents (4–6 points). Once suspended, you typically need SR-22 filing to reinstate your license and the SR-22 requirement lasts 3 years.
What happens if my SR-22 lapses in South Dakota?
If your insurance policy lapses or is cancelled during the SR-22 period, your carrier must notify the South Dakota Department of Public Safety within 10 days. Your license is suspended immediately, and the 3-year SR-22 requirement restarts from the date you file a new SR-22 and reinstate. You'll also pay reinstatement fees and face a gap in coverage that makes finding new insurance more expensive.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers damage and injury you cause to others. South Dakota requires 25/50/25 minimums, but high-risk drivers should consider 50/100/50 or higher since a second at-fault accident with minimum limits can result in personal liability for costs exceeding your policy limits.
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the state. Required for 3 years after DUI, uninsured driving, or serious violations in South Dakota. The filing costs $15–$35 but the high-risk policy underneath drives total premium increases.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision. Required by lenders and most expensive option for high-risk drivers because collision pricing reflects elevated at-fault accident risk. Necessary if you have a loan or want your own vehicle damage covered.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized coverage for drivers with violations, SR-22 requirements, or multiple points. Non-standard carriers price risk differently than standard insurers and often offer better rates for high-risk profiles in South Dakota.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance. South Dakota mandates this coverage at the same limits as your liability policy, though you can reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle after an at-fault accident. Part of full coverage and typically the most expensive component for high-risk drivers because insurers price in the likelihood of another at-fault incident.