Auto insurance requirements in South Dakota
Here's the minimum coverage South Dakota requires to drive legally — and what those numbers actually mean.
| Coverage | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Required |
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also required.
Verified July 2026.
Requirements change. Confirm with your state's insurance department before making decisions.
What these numbers mean
Liability minimums are usually written as three numbers, like 25/50/25. The first is the most your insurer pays for one person's injuries, the second is the total it pays for everyone's injuries in a single accident, and the third covers damage you cause to other people's property.
In South Dakota, the 25/50/25 minimum means your policy covers up to $25,000 for one person's injuries, $50,000 for all injuries in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Is the minimum enough?
The minimum keeps you legal, and for some drivers — an older car, few assets to protect, a tight budget — it can be a reasonable starting point.
That said, a serious accident can cost more than these limits, and anything above them comes out of your own pocket. Higher liability limits often cost less than people expect, so it's worth comparing a minimum policy against one with more room.
South Dakota uses an at-fault (tort) system, meaning the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage.