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 doesn't cost much, but the fines and increased insurance rates can be expensive. On average, SR-22 insurance in South Dakota costs $2,360 per year, but the actual rate depends on the driver and the specific violation.

Insurance companies charge different rates, so it's smart to shop around and find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in South Dakota by violation

Your insurance rates don't go up because of the SR-22. The state requires the SR-22 due to a violation, and that violation is what causes your rates to increase.

For example, you may need an SR-22 if you get a DUI or drive without insurance. The increase in your car insurance rate will depend on the violation, not the SR-22 itself.

This table shows the average costs for violations that require an SR-22. The rates vary based on the type of 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

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $2,179. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be tough, but shopping around helps. Some insurance companies see a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower 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 with a reckless driving conviction is State Farm at an average annual rate of $2,179. A reckless driving ticket may be handed out for a variety of driving behaviors, such as excessive speed, running traffic lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in South Dakota leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.

Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.

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

The cheapest company for car insurance after getting a ticket for driving without insurance is Nationwide, with an average rate of $2,050 annually.

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 lapseWhen your auto insurance coverage ends because you missed a payment or did not renew it on time. A lapse in auto insurance coverage may result in paying higher premiums for a new policy. 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 might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.

It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in South Dakota.

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

In South Dakota, drivers typically need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't keep your insurance active during this period, you'll be breaking the law and could face serious fines and other 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 will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.

Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:

  • Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
  • Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
  • Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
  • Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
  • Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple 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. Yours new insurer must refile the SR-22 for you. Also, make sure your new policy is active with the SR-22 before canceling your old one.

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