If you are seeking some auto insurance flexibility, you could be considering a short-term auto insurance policy. But short-term auto insurance is hard to come by for several reasons.
Many major car insurers don't tend to offer policy terms for fewer than six months. As car insurance is mandated by law in most states, swapping policies by the month can be risky. Additionally, you risk having lapses in your auto insurance history by changing policies frequently, leading to more expensive rates in the long run.
Fortunately, auto insurance contracts commonly last for only six months. This hasty turnaround allows insurance companies to frequently “re-rate” — or re-price — your costs based on your up-to-date driving history and demographics.
The six-month mark also provides a timely chance for you to assess your situation by checking out other insurers. Comparing rates on the Internet costs nothing, and there isn't necessarily a penalty for changing insurers when your policy ends — or in the middle of your policy term, assuming you never let your coverage lapse.
Car insurance's flexible nature makes it easy to find quickly. If you need an insurance policy to drive a new vehicle off the lot, shopping for insurance for a long-term auto rental, or seeking insurance for a car you don't own but drive often, think about purchasing a half-year policy and ending the term as needed.
Find a cheap six-month policy in South Dakota!
Temporary insurance in South Dakota
See below average car insurance rates for drivers in South Dakota, ordered by popular auto insurance companies and cities. If your bills exceed what you see below, think about shopping around.
SHORT-TERM AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN SOUTH DAKOTA — BY INSURANCE COMPANY
| Insurance Company | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State Average — All Companies | $854 | $142 |
| Allied | $618 | $103 |
| Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $626 | $104 |
| State Farm | $649 | $108 |
| Unitrin | $657 | $110 |
| Buckeye Insurance | $742 | $124 |
The most affordable option for single-month car insurance in South Dakota is Allied, through which you can save $1 per month, compared to the next cheapest option, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska. In South Dakota, the average monthly cost of auto insurance is $142, or $854 over a six-month period.
The place in which you live can have just as large an influence on your auto insurance rates as your choice of insurance company. Auto insurance companies take into account the density and likelihood of a claim being filed when assigning prices by ZIP. Take a look at insurance rates in the largest South Dakota cities and compare how much you pay.
TEMPORARY AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN SOUTH DAKOTA — BY CITY
| Location | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $741 | $124 |
| Rapid City | $882 | $147 |
| Aberdeen | $733 | $122 |
| Brookings | $732 | $110 |
| Watertown | $704 | $117 |
Because so many factors are involved in setting insurance rates, your quotes may not match those displayed above. If your current costs exceed those listed above, take the time to shop around. The temporary duration of a car insurance agreement increases the importance of remaining informed and ready to shop.
Find out more about temporary car insurance or use The Zebra to compare quotes for free online.
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Additional resources
- Learn more about weekend-only car insurance.
- Is it possible to get car insurance with no credit history?
- Find cheap auto insurance for new drivers.
- Check out the best car insurance options for teen drivers.
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.