Property insurance in South Dakota covers a home and its contents. It also provides protection against liability for any injuries or property damage you or any members of your family, including household pets, cause. Property insurance also pays temporary living expenses while living away from home because of a natural disaster.

A South Dakota homeowners insurance policy covers most types of natural disasters including fire, hurricanes, hail, lightning and other events specified in the policy. Earthquake and flood coverage typically will require additional home insurance. South Dakota policies will not protect against problems caused by poor maintenance.

Consider these 3 points when choosing property insurance in South Dakota:

1. The location of the property may require additional home insurance. South Dakota homes also should have coverage for ice, sleet and snow.

2. Effective loss-control measures can control the premium for South Dakota property insurance rates. This can include installing an alarm system for theft.

3. The replacement of detached structures. Home insurance should allow you to rebuild your house including structures such as a garage, gazebo or tool shed. Detached structures are typically covered for about 10% of the value of the house.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Collect quotes for a variety of South Dakota homeowners insurance plans

Obtaining multiple quotes from different sources is an effective method of identifying the general terms of these policies and the premiums you can expect to pay.

I recommend: The search function at Respond allows you to specify a city within South Dakota. Begin your search for South Dakota homeowners insurance quotes at All Options Insurance by entering your zip code.

Find South Dakota property insurance brokers who represent major carriers

You may want to obtain South Dakota home insurance rates through an agent who represents a major carrier in the state and who can make a recommendation based on the specific needs of your situation.

I recommend: State Farm sells homeowners insurance and you can search its website for agents within a specified area. Go to Allied Insurance and enter your zip code and search radius to find insurance agents in your area.

Get property insurance in South Dakota from a local agent

You may wish to contact local independent South Dakota home insurance providers rather than dealing with different national insurers. Often, a local agent can write a more customized plan for you.

I recommend: Kouri Insurance is a highly regarded agency for both car and homeowners insurance in Sioux Falls. Fischer Rounds & Associates is based in Pierre and has several offices in South Dakota. This company sells a complete range of insurance products to individuals and businesses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  South Dakota homeowners insurance typically covers expensive items such as furs, jewelry and silverware up to a fixed amount. You will need a special property endorsement to replace these items if their value exceeds the amount the primary policy covers. A property endorsement covers items that are lost or stolen.