In South Dakota, residents have the luck of living in an area with a low cost of living, low crime rates, and healthy residents. These factors, along with the absence of a number of other risk factors, make South Dakota insurance rates for home, auto, and health lower than in most parts of the country.
But just because you're paying less than most doesn't mean you can't save more. The following tips will help you save on all types of insurance.
South Dakota Auto Insurance
At just $518 a year, South Dakota insurance rates for cars are the third lowest in the country. You can keep these rates down by:
- Maintaining coverage. If you let your insurance coverage lapse even a little, your rates can go up. Make sure you always have auto insurance, even if it's just the state liability minimums.
- Driving safely. Tickets and accidents will raise your rates and keep them high for up to three years. If you do find yourself with a ticket, consider a defensive driving course that will erase the ticket from your record.
- Taking advantage of discounts. There are many discounts available for drivers, from good student discounts to multiple policy discounts, that can lower your rates.
South Dakota Insurance for Homes
Homeowners insurance in South Dakota average $628 a year, much less than the national average of over $800. If you want to save on your homeowners insurance, consider the following:
- Install security features. It may have a low crime rate compared to other states, but installing deadbolt locks, a burglar alarm, or other security measures can save you 15-20% on your rates.
- Upgrade your home. If you live in an older home, you can be eligible for discounts by updating your wiring, plumbing, and heating systems. This lowers your risk for electrical fires, shorts, and flooding within the home.
- Purchase insurance from the same company. If you are looking for renters or homeowner insurance as well as auto or life, buying from the same company will save you a percentage on your rates as well.
South Dakota Health Insurance
When it comes to health, South Dakota is ranked 20th in the nation, which isn't bad. But there are a few things you can do to keep your South Dakota insurance rates low whether you are an individual looking for insurance or a business.
- Get healthy. Obesity rates in South Dakota are higher than average at 28%, which can raise insurance rates by up to 30%. Getting down to a healthy weight or implementing a weight loss support group at work can cut your insurance costs.
- Raise deductibles. Increasing your out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and deductibles to as much as you can comfortably afford can lower your insurance rates.
- Look for ways to cut. You can save on insurance by opting out of certain coverages that you may not need, such as vision or maternity insurance.
Comparing Rates to Save
A great way to save on all types of insurance is to shop around and compare prices. The fastest and easiest way to do this is through a site like localinsurance.com. Here, you can research insurance types, requirements, and options, then get multiple quotes for South Dakota insurance rates so you know which companies can offer you the best rates.
