State guide
Insurance in South Dakota
Required coverage, penalties, official contacts and sources for South Dakota, reviewed 2026-10.
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Car insurance
What South Dakota requires.
Liability 25/50/25 plus uninsured/underinsured motorist. Claims system: fault-based claims.
| Coverage | Requirement in South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 for one person / $50,000 for two or more persons in any one accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident |
| Injury protection | Not listed as required |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Required on all policies, with limits equal to your bodily injury liability limits (SDCL 58-11-9). Underinsured coverage must equal your bodily injury limits (SDCL 58-11-9.4) |
Required coverage
- Bodily injury or death of one person: $25,000 in any one accident
- Bodily injury or death of two or more persons: $50,000 in any one accident
- Property damage: $25,000 in any one accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage in limits equal to your policy's bodily injury or death limits
- Proof of financial responsibility when you license or operate a motor vehicle
Other coverage commonly available
- Higher liability and uninsured/underinsured limits
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Medical payments
If you drive without required coverage
South Dakota's financial responsibility chapter (SDCL 32-35) makes failing to maintain financial responsibility a misdemeanor (section 32-35-113) and provides for license suspension (section 32-35-121). Confirm current penalties with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
Notices
What to know in South Dakota.
- The Division of Insurance explains that uninsured motorist coverage is required for all policies and pays you, resident family members and occupants of your auto for injuries caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. It does not cover damage to your vehicle.
- No motor vehicle liability policy may be issued in South Dakota unless underinsured motorist coverage is provided at a face amount equal to the policy's bodily injury limits (SDCL 58-11-9.4).
- A 2023 bill (House Bill 1083) proposed raising the financial responsibility amounts to $75,000. The legislature's current chapter text still shows 25/50/25.
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the official sources listed below.
Home insurance
Start with the South Dakota Division of Insurance
- Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood. Flood coverage is bought separately, including through the National Flood Insurance Program.
- The South Dakota Division of Insurance publishes consumer information and is the state authority for questions about insurers, agents and complaints.
Health insurance
HealthCare.gov
HealthCare.gov (federal marketplace)
- South Dakota is not on HealthInsurance.org's list of state-run or state-based marketplaces for the 2026 plan year, so residents use HealthCare.gov.
- Confirm current enrollment dates and eligibility for financial help on HealthCare.gov.
Contacts
Who to contact.
- South Dakota Division of Insurance
- Website: dlr.sd.gov/insurance
- NAIC directory of state insurance departments
Sources
Where this summary comes from.
Reviewed 2026-10. Check each source for the current rule.
- South Dakota Codified Laws chapter 32-35: Financial responsibility of vehicle owners and operators
- South Dakota Codified Laws chapter 58-11: Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- South Dakota Division of Insurance: Automobile insurance
- HealthInsurance.org: What type of health insurance exchange does my state have? (2026 plan year)
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