Car Insurance in Madison, SD

Even the most careful drivers in Madison can wind up in accidents. From multi-vehicle crashes on Route 34 to fender-benders on Egan Avenue, a good car insurance policy can prevent a collision from causing you to experience significant financial losses.

Local independent agents are available to answer your coverage-related questions and help you find a suitable policy at a competitive price. To learn more and to start comparing customized car insurance quotes, contact an independent insurance agent near you.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Madison, SD?

On average, drivers in South Dakota pay less for their car insurance than the national average rate, and in Madison, the average rate is even lower. This is welcome news for Madison residents looking for an affordable policy.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• South Dakota's average annual car insurance cost: $1,180
• Madison's average annual car insurance cost: $1,067 

Of course, an average rate can only give you a ballpark idea of what you might be expected to pay. Premiums can vary significantly from one driver to the next because insurance companies calculate premiums based on several considerations such as:

• Your vehicle's year, make, model, trim, and conditions
• Your age, occupation, gender, and marital status
• Your driving record, insurance claims history, and credit score
• Details about the other licensed drivers in your household
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The amount and types of coverage you would like to buy
• The size of your deductible

Every insurance company has its way of determining how much a policy will cost you. Therefore, if you request customized quotes from a few different insurance providers, you may find that some are far more affordable than others.

Independent insurance agents make it easy to obtain and compare car insurance rates so you can choose the policy that offers the best value.

Are There Any Car Insurance Discounts Available in Madison, SD?

You can save even more money if you purchase your car insurance from the same company that provides some of your other policies, like homeowners insurance or renters insurance. This is called a bundle. Bundling coverage can result in significant rate reductions.

Other car insurance discounts you may come across while shopping for coverage include:

• Good driver discounts
• Good student discounts
• Multi-car discounts
• Military discounts
• Discounts for having a vehicle equipped with certain anti-theft or safety features

A good insurance agent will ensure that you receive any cost-saving incentives you qualify for.

Is Car Insurance Required in Madison, South Dakota?

To comply with state law, all vehicle owners in Madison must carry a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds South Dakota's minimum coverage requirements. In this state, all car insurance policies must include the following types of coverage:

• Auto liability insurance: This covers other people's injuries and property damage if you are at fault for a collision. In South Dakota, all car insurance policies must provide at least:
  • $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident
• Uninsured motorist insurance (UM): This covers medical treatments for you and your passengers if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Your policy must provide at least:
  • $25,000 in UM bodily injury coverage per person
  • $50,000 in UM bodily injury coverage per accident
  • UM property damage coverage is not available in South Dakota, but you can get coverage against this hazard with collision insurance.

If you want to have even more liability coverage than your car insurance can offer, you can supplement your policy with umbrella insurance. This is an affordable way to boost all of your personal liability coverage significantly.

Save on Car Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a Quote

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Madison, SD?

In addition to the required coverage mentioned above, car insurance companies also offer various coverage options.

• Physical damage coverage: This is not required by law, but it is usually required by lenders if you are financing your car, and by dealerships, if you are leasing it. Physical damage coverage includes:
  • Collision insurance: This pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: This pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or lost due to a non-collision hazard like a windstorm or hail.
• Medical payments coverage: This can help cover the cost of medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It can cover the things your health insurance may not, such as ambulance services, deductibles, and copays.
• Towing and roadside assistance coverage: This can cover the cost of assistance if your vehicle breaks down, such as if you get a flat tire or your engine overheats, and you have to call for help.
• Glass replacement coverage: This can pay to replace the safety glass in your vehicle's windshield, sunroof, or windows if it is damaged.
• Gap insurance coverage: This can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event and you still owe more than it is worth.
• Rental car reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of a rental car while you are having your vehicle repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.

Reviewing the details and costs of all offered coverage options enables you to determine which coverage options are a good value for you and your family.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Madison, SD?

Driving without insurance in South Dakota is a Class 2 Misdemeanor. If you are caught driving an uninsured vehicle, you can face penalties including:

• A fine ranging from $100 to $500, or 30 days in county jail, or both
• Suspension of your driver's license for 30 days to one year
• A reinstatement fee of $50 to $200 to get your driving privileges back
• The requirement to maintain an SR-22 for three years
• Higher car insurance rates

Perhaps because of these harsh consequences, South Dakota has one of the lowest rates of uninsured drivers in the country.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of South Dakota drivers who are uninsured: 7.7%

Because you are required to have uninsured motorist coverage in your car insurance policy, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you will have the coverage you need to pay for your medical costs.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Madison, SD?

The auto theft rate in South Dakota is lower than the national average, and in Madison, the rate is even lower. On average, residents of this city report around two auto thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• South Dakota auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.73
• Madison auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.66

Though your risk of auto theft is low, you should be aware that you can only be reimbursed for a stolen vehicle if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage.

You probably have comprehensive coverage if you are leasing or financing your vehicle. If not, you may want to ask how much it would cost for you to add it to your car insurance policy.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Madison, South Dakota?

The best car insurance companies in South Dakota are the ones that consistently provide their policyholders with responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents have partnerships with many of the most outstanding insurance companies serving the Madison area. This lets you be sure that any policies your agent recommends to you come from insurance companies you can rely on if you ever need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance in Madison, SD?

Independent agents make finding the best and most affordable car insurance easy. These agents are available to explain your various coverage options, answer your insurance-related questions, and help you compare policies and rates from some of the area's most highly rated providers.

It doesn't cost anything to work with one of these experienced professionals. Find an independent insurance agent near you to get started.