Finding the Best Car Insurance in Sioux Falls, SD

If you’re a driver in Sioux Falls, having car insurance is a must to legally operate a vehicle in South Dakota. But with so many insurance companies to choose from, how do you find the right auto policy for your needs and budget?

This guide will walk through everything you need to know about getting car insurance in Sioux Falls, including:

• South Dakota auto insurance requirements
• Factors that impact Sioux Falls car insurance rates
• Top insurers in the Sioux Falls market
• Money-saving tips to lower your premiums
• How to choose the right coverage levels
• Resources for comparing quotes

Follow along for expert advice on finding affordable, quality car insurance in the Sioux Falls area.

South Dakota Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

South Dakota is an “at-fault” insurance state, meaning your own policy will cover damages and injuries if you cause an accident, regardless of who is actually insured. This makes having adequate car insurance extremely important. Here are the state minimum coverage amounts you must carry:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident

Liability coverage protects other drivers and pays for their damages if an accident is your fault. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you from hit-and-run drivers or motorists without sufficient insurance.

South Dakota also requires drivers to show proof of insurance when:

• Registering a new vehicle
• Renewing your license plates
• If you are involved in an accident
• If pulled over by law enforcement

Failure to provide proof of insurance can lead to fines, suspended registration, and loss of driving privileges. Make sure to always keep current insurance ID cards in your glovebox.

What Impacts Car Insurance Rates in Sioux Falls?

Car insurance premiums can vary dramatically between drivers in Sioux Falls based on risk factors like:

• Age: Teen and young drivers pay the most, adults see rates drop until age 65+ when they increase again.

• Driving record: Speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs significantly increase rates.

• Credit score: Drivers with poor credit pay higher premiums in South Dakota.

• Vehicle: Insuring luxury cars or sports cars costs more than family sedans.

• Coverage limits: Higher liability and collision/comprehensive limits mean higher rates.

• Deductibles: Choosing higher deductibles reduces monthly premiums.

• Discounts: Bundling policies, being claim-free, and taking defensive driving can lower costs.

The best way to find the cheapest car insurance in Sioux Falls is to compare quotes from multiple companies. Rates can vary dramatically, so shop around for the right policy at the lowest price.

Top Car Insurance Companies in Sioux Falls

Though many insurers provide coverage in Sioux Falls, a few top companies write significant policies in the area.

State Farm

As the #1 insurer of cars in South Dakota, State Farm enjoys strong name recognition and has a large agent network in Sioux Falls. Bundling discounts are available when you insure your home or other policies with State Farm.

American Family Insurance

Focusing on the Midwest, American Family writes over 6% of South Dakota auto policies. Check for discounts like multi-car, anti-theft device, and good student driver savings.

Farm Bureau Insurance

Specializing in rural drivers, Farm Bureau offers South Dakota customers local agents and competitive rates. Discounts are given for low annual mileage and insuring multiple vehicles.

Farmers Insurance

Known for flexible payment plans and budget-friendly policies, Farmers insures both city and country drivers. Ask about potential savings for mature drivers, anti-theft devices, and paying in full.

Progressive

The #3 auto insurer in South Dakota, Progressive features easy online quotes and policies. Look for discounts like Snapshot safe driving and multi-policy savings when you bundle home or motorcycle coverage.

How to Save Money on Sioux Falls Car Insurance

Drivers in Sioux Falls can take several steps to secure the lowest auto insurance rates:

• Shop rates from at least 3-5 different insurers to compare and find the best deal. Rates can vary by hundreds per year between companies.

• Ask about bundling discounts when you insure multiple policies like home and auto with the same provider.

• Look for affinity group discounts through employers, schools, professional associations, etc. These partnerships offer special lower pricing.

• Consider raising your deductible to $500, $750 or $1000 to reduce premiums, but only if you have savings to cover out-of-pocket costs.

• Ask about usage-based programs like Progressive’s Snapshot that provide discounts for safe driving habits.

• Take a defensive driving course for a potential 5-10% discount from most insurers. Also improves driving skills.

• Maintain good credit since your score directly impacts what you pay in South Dakota. Keep credit utilization low and make payments on time.

• Drop collision/comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than 10 years of premiums payments.

How Much Liability Coverage is Needed?

Liability insurance covers damage and injuries to others when an accident is your fault. South Dakota requires minimum $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability. But experts recommend getting more.

Here are suggested liability limits based on your financial situation:

• Minimum wage earners: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
• Middle class households: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
• High net worth: $250,000 per person / $500,000 per accident
• Umbrella policy: Add $1 million+ extra liability coverage

Higher liability limits protect your assets like savings and home equity in the event you are sued after a serious accident. An umbrella policy adds extra protection affordably at just $150-300 per year.

Choosing Full or Minimum Coverage

Beyond basic liability, you can add more protections like:

• Comprehensive: Covers damage from weather, fire, theft, vandalism
• Collision: Covers your vehicle repairs from accidents
• Uninsured motorist: Covers injuries if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance
• Medical payments: Covers you/passengers’ medical bills regardless of fault
• Rental reimbursement: Provides a rental car while yours is in the shop

Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive and collision. Minimum coverage is just basic liability protection. Here are factors to consider:

• Age of your car: Drop full coverage if repairs exceed your car’s value.
• Loan requirements: Lenders often require you carry full coverage.
• Repair costs: Can you afford $1,000+ out-of-pocket for repairs?
• Peace of mind: Full coverage provides more security and protection.

Getting quotes with different levels of coverage is the best way to find the right balance of protection and affordability.

Comparing Car Insurance Quotes in Sioux Falls

To find the lowest Sioux Falls car insurance rates, get quotes from multiple providers. Here are some ways to compare:

• Insurer websites like State Farm and Progressive allow you to fill out one form and see quotes from their competitors too.

• Agents can shop rates across different companies they represent to find you the best fit.

• Quote comparison sites like TheZebra.com let you compare quotes from over 25 insurance companies at once.

• The South Dakota Division of Insurance website lists licensed agents and carriers in your area.

Be sure to compare the same coverage amounts, limits and deductibles across providers for an apples-to-apples rate comparison. Doing your homework pays off by securing the right car insurance for less.

Car Insurance FAQs for Sioux Falls Drivers

How much is car insurance per month on average?

In Sioux Falls, the average driver pays about $145 per month or $1,740 per year for full coverage car insurance. However, rates vary significantly based on your driving record, age, car, and other factors.

How long can you go without car insurance in South Dakota?

Letting your car insurance lapse is illegal. South Dakota requires vehicles be continuously insured without any gaps. You must have active insurance any time you drive.

Which companies offer SR-22 insurance in Sioux Falls?

An SR-22 is form required by the South Dakota DMV from high-risk drivers. Insurers like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, Safeco, and The General offer SR-22 filing. Rates are typically 2-3x higher for mandated coverage.

What insurance do I need for rideshare driving?

Rideshare services require drivers maintain their own primary full coverage auto policy plus supplemental rideshare coverage. Major insurers offer rideshare add-ons or work with 3rd parties to provide sufficient coverage for Uber, Lyft, etc.

Does car insurance cover flood damage in Sioux Falls?

No, regular car insurance does not cover flood damage, even with comprehensive coverage. You’d need separate private flood insurance or coverage through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program available for South Dakota drivers.

Finding affordable, quality car insurance in Sioux Falls can seem stressful. But by following the tips above and doing thorough comparisons, you can make an informed decision on the right coverage at the best rate. Be a smart shopper and protect what matters most – your family and your finances.