Updated March 2026
State Requirements
South Dakota requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. 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.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance in South Dakota costs significantly more than standard coverage due to the state's pricing of violation history and SR-22 status. Drivers with DUI convictions or SR-22 requirements typically see premiums 80–200% higher than clean-record drivers, while those with speeding tickets or minor at-fault accidents see increases of 20–50%. Rates vary widely between carriers, and non-standard insurers often offer better pricing than standard carriers for high-risk profiles.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI increases premiums 100–200%, at-fault accidents 40–70%, speeding tickets 15–30%
- 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
- Coverage level: full coverage costs 50–100% more than liability-only for high-risk drivers due to collision risk pricing
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage 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.
