For drivers, car insurance rates start to increase around age 65, according to CarInsurance.com data. That’s not surprising. Older drivers have higher crash deaths than drivers between the ages of 35 and 54, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data also shows that 20 older adults are killed every day in car crashes.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t find good deals on car insurance. Our guide will help you find the cheapest rates for seniors in South Dakota and learn other ways to save on auto insurance premiums.
- The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in South Dakota is $1,950 per year for a full coverage policy.
- A 70-year-old driver in South Dakota pays almost the same for full coverage as a 65-year-old driver, based on CarInsurance.com research.
- In South Dakota, a 75-year-old driver pays for a full coverage policy 6% more a 65-year-old driver.
- Shopping around for car insurance in South Dakota – every six months or annually around renewal time can help you get the best rate.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in South Dakota
Find the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates in South Dakota for drivers of different ages below.
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Nationwide, $104 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Nationwide, $102 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Nationwide, $102 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Nationwide, $107 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in South Dakota
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
Full coverage also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in South Dakota from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in South Dakota?
Insurance rates for older drivers tend to increase due to several factors. Statistics suggest that seniors are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to younger drivers, excluding teen drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Although older drivers typically have many years of experience on the road, they often face age-related challenges such as hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, medication side effects and other health issues that can complicate driving.
The CDC reports that drivers older than 70 have a higher rate of crash fatalities per 1,000 crashes than those aged 35-54. NHTSA statistics reveal that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, up by 26% since 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
This leads to higher car insurance costs. CarInsurance.com’s data show that premiums rise for most senior drivers starting in their mid-60s and keep increasing. In South Dakota, a full coverage policy costs an average of $1,950 for a 65-year-old driver, while a 70-year-old driver pays $1,957.
In South Dakota, 70-year-old drivers pay almost the same for full coverage as 65-year-olds and 75-year-olds pay 6% more for a full coverage policy, based on CarInsurance.com data.
Find below the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in South Dakota by age and different coverage limits.
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $284 | $313 | $1,950 |
| 70 | $305 | $335 | $1,957 |
| 75 | $344 | $378 | $2,074 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comp/coll deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage only
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in South Dakota
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will increase your insurance rates regardless of age. Insurers rely on statistics, which indicate that drivers with a ticket are more likely to be involved in an accident that could lead to a claim.
While the increase will vary by the insurance company, according to CarInsurance.com, South Dakota, drivers can expect their rates to go up 25% after a speeding ticket that is 1-29 mph over the limit.
Seniors who have a speeding ticket or minor moving violation can expect increased insurance costs. Based on our analysis, the best insurance providers for seniors with tickets are shown in the table below.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,848 | $154 |
| Allstate | $2,078 | $173 |
| Nationwide | $2,129 | $177 |
| Farmers | $2,338 | $195 |
| Geico | $2,408 | $201 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,719 | $227 |
| Progressive | $3,218 | $268 |
| USAA* | $2,055 | $171 |
Compare senior car insurance rates in neighboring states
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in South Dakota
A DUI is a major offense, and your insurance rates will rise significantly once it shows on your driving record. In most instances, your premium will double with a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com, in some states, rates can increase by 83% after the first DUI and up to 206% after a second.
After a DUI, finding affordable or any coverage can be difficult, but based on our data, these insurers are the best options for seniors with a DUI in South Dakota:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,848 | $154 |
| Farmers | $2,418 | $202 |
| Progressive | $2,851 | $238 |
| Nationwide | $2,965 | $247 |
| Allstate | $3,236 | $270 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,901 | $325 |
| Geico | $7,182 | $599 |
| USAA* | $3,430 | $286 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in South Dakota
Just like a ticket or DUI, having an accident on your driving record will push up your insurance rates. The increase will vary by insurance company but according to our data, drivers should expect their premium to jump 47% with one at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
The increase will typically stay in place for three to five years, so it’s important to find the most affordable insurance company. Our data shows that the following insurers offer the cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in South Dakota.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,937 | $161 |
| Nationwide | $2,166 | $181 |
| Farmers | $2,533 | $211 |
| Allstate | $2,849 | $237 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,987 | $249 |
| Progressive | $3,539 | $295 |
| Geico | $3,719 | $310 |
| USAA* | $2,466 | $206 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in South Dakota?
Auto insurance for seniors can be costly, but there are several ways to save. Here are some simple ways to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Regularly comparing car insurance rates – every six months or annually when it’s time to renew – can help you secure the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you money each month, but ensure you have the funds available to cover the higher deductible if needed.
- Ask about discounts Bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and discounts for years of being licensed are great ways to save on car insurance. Find more details on discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 4% on their car insurance in South Dakota. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in South Dakota.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in South Dakota
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors lower their insurance costs.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Anti-theft device | 4% |
| Daily commute | 11% |
| Days advanced purchase | 8% |
| Days per week driven | 13% |
| Defensive driver | 4% |
| Education | 6% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 4% |
| Homeowner | 3% |
| Lower annual mileage | 5% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 10% |
| Marital status | 7% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 5% |
| Payment type | 8% |
| Primary use | 14% |
| Profession | 14% |
| Safety devices | 3% |
| Telematics | 13% |
| Years insured | 20% |
| Years licensed | 24% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in South Dakota
Senior drivers, except teen drivers, shell out higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you are looking for an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and decide the amount of coverage to purchase. While shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and the discounts they offer.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in South Dakota
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in South Dakota?
According to our data, Geico offers the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in South Dakota at about $204 a year, on average. North Star Mutual and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska also scored high when it comes to cheap state minimum insurance coverage for seniors in South Dakota.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in South Dakota?
Geico has the cheapest liability car insurance coverage for senior drivers in South Dakota at an average annual premium of $248. North Star Mutual and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska also offer cheap liability insurance rates to seniors in South Dakota, based on CarInsurance.com data analysis.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in South Dakota?
State Farm does not currently offer a senior discount in South Dakota, but it does offer quite a few deals that seniors can use to lower their premiums. This includes discounts for taking a defensive driving course, a safe driving discount, long-term customer, bundling and discounts for advanced safety features on your vehicle.
Bottom line
A CarInsurance.com analysis found that Nationwide provides the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes for senior drivers in South Dakota.
Shopping around and comparing online rates from different insurers can help seniors find the best car insurance deals. Additionally, senior drivers might qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with another policy.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional Resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed March 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed March 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed March 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed March 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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