Understanding SR-22 insurance in South Dakota

SR-22 insurance isn't a separate type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to show that you carry the minimum car insurance required to drive in South Dakota. When people say SR-22 insurance, they're generally talking about car insurance that includes an SR-22 filing by the insurance company on your behalf.

Most drivers in South Dakota don't need SR-22 insurance. The drivers who do need it usually have serious violations, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or several offenses within a short period. If you're required to file an SR-22, the state will tell you how long you need to keep it.

"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in South Dakota?

Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in South Dakota costs $2,360, but rates depend on the driver and the violation.

Insurance rates vary from company to company, so it's best to shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in South Dakota by violation

Your insurance rates don't increase because of the SR-22. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's the violation that increases your rates.

For instance, you may require an SR-22 for a DUI or driving without insurance. The car insurance rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22.

This table shows the average costs for violations requiring an SR-22. The rates vary depending on the violation.

ViolationAverage annual premium
Driving without insurance$2,601
DUI/DWI first offense$3,804
DUI/DWI second offense$6,130
Reckless driving$3,493
SR22 Filing Only$2,360
SR22 with 1 DUI$4,002

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

After a single DUI, the cheapest company on average is State Farm with average rates of $2,179. Affordable SR-22 coverage with a DUI is a little harder to find, but shopping around can help. Some insurance companies are willing to view the first DUI as a one-time mistake, offering more affordable rates than others.

The table below shows how average insurance rates vary by company after one DUI. Insurance rates do increase after a DUI, but the rise isn't as steep as it is for multiple violations.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
State Farm$2,179$182
Farmers$2,926$244
Progressive$3,286$274
Nationwide$3,358$280
Allstate$3,434$286
Auto-Owners$4,471$373
GEICO$7,439$620
USAA$3,803$317

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is State Farm, with an average rate of $2,179 per year. Reckless driving tickets can be given for different reasons, like speeding, running red lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the cause, reckless driving in South Dakota leads to fines, an SR-22 requirement and higher car insurance rates.

Check the table below to compare average insurance rates for reckless driving from different companies.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
State Farm$2,179$182
Farmers$3,336$278
Nationwide$3,358$280
Allstate$3,434$286
Progressive$3,821$318
Auto-Owners$4,471$373
GEICO$5,209$434
USAA$2,404$200

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

Nationwide offers the cheapest car insurance after a ticket for driving without insurance at $2,050 per year.

In South Dakota, drivers must carry at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you could face fines, higher insurance rates, and the need to file an SR-22.

The table below shows car insurance rates by company for drivers who had a lapse in coverage.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Nationwide$2,050$171
State Farm$2,179$182
Farmers$2,993$249
Progressive$3,658$305
USAA$2,292$191

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in South Dakota

South Dakota may require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a vehicle as a prerequisite for reinstating your license. Drivers who sometimes borrow or rent a car can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which provides state minimum auto insurance coverage. A non-owner car insurance policy meets the legal requirements, and an SR-22 can be filed based on that policy.

It's important to note that non-owner car insurance only acts as secondary liability coverage when driving someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will need the proper insurance to drive it in South Dakota.

How long do you need an SR-22 in South Dakota?

Typically, South Dakota drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional fines and penalties.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in South Dakota

Most South Dakota drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.

Reasons you may need an SR-22 in South Dakota include:

  • DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Multiple infractions in a short amount of time
  • Failure to maintain auto insurance
  • Refusing a breathalyzer
  • At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in South Dakota

Although your insurance rates will go up if you need an SR-22, you can still find affordable coverage by shopping around.

You can lower your auto insurance costs with an SR-22 by:

  • Using all available discounts. Most insurance companies let you bundle discounts to help you save more.
  • Raising your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
  • Taking a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for completing the course, and some states remove points from your license, which can help lower your insurance rates.
  • Signing up for a usage-based program. If you show good driving habits while being monitored, you could earn a discount.
  • Shopping around for SR-22 insurance. Compare quotes from several companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Dakota.

Methodology

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170+

insurance companies analyzed

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34,000+

ZIP codes examined

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53M+

insurance quotes analyzed

National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Our data is then adjusted to reflect the rate increase from this base rate for the following infractions requiring an SR-22

  • One DUI
  • Two DUIs
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance

SR-22 insurance in South Dakota: FAQ

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in South Dakota?

The consequences may be severe if you don't retain insurance and fail to maintain your SR-22 filing. Possible consequences include:

  • Revoked driver's license
  • Fines
  • Increased auto insurance
  • Restarting your SR-22 time period
  • Having your car impounded
  • Jail time

Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?

Yes, you can switch auto insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Your new insurer must file the SR-22 on your behalf. Make sure your new policy, along with the SR-22, is active before you cancel your old one.

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