South Dakota has no tow-specific rule — it adopts the federal Part 387 schedule intrastate: $750,000 CSL at 10,001+ lbs GVWR. Below that, no Part 387 tier exists, so the general $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 floor applies. The state sets no on-hook, garagekeepers, or cargo minimum.
Law: 49 CFR 387.9, adopted for intrastate operations by SDCL 49-28A-3; SDCL 32-35-70 · 49 CFR 387.7(d), 387.7(b), adopted by SDCL 49-28A-3
Weight / class variation: 49 CFR 387 tiers apply by GVWR (10,001+ lbs threshold for the $750,000 for-hire nonhazardous tier); no 387 tier found for for-hire nonhazardous under 10,001 lbs - not assumed
No SD tow-specific insurance rule; the general intrastate for-hire rule is the adopted federal Part 387 rule (SDCL 49-28A-3). SD has no Michigan-style carve-out: the sub-26,001-lb exemption in 49-28A-3(1) applies to Parts 390–397 only, not Part 387. No SD on-hook, garagekeepers, or cargo minimum. No SD Form E filing — proof is kept at the principal place of business per adopted 49 CFR 387.7(d). Do-not-confuse: ARSD 61:30:01:03's 100/300/50 figures are a snowmobile rule, not a motor-carrier or tow rule. Verified 2026-10-14: all fields resolved (figure or confirmed absence).
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Message us on Messenger Typically responds within 15 minutes during business hours. Prefer to talk now? Call · Text Get a quote for South Dakota →Independent-contractor test: No codified general multi-factor IC test in the WC statute. SDCL 62-1-3 defines "employee" broadly (person in service of another under contract of employment), excluding work "not in the usual course" of the employer's trade/business.
Not required doesn’t mean not liable: if you don’t carry workers’ comp — even where it isn’t required for you — an injured worker may be able to sue you in court instead of being limited to comp benefits, because the exclusive-remedy shield generally depends on having coverage.
Minimums are the legal floor, not a recommendation — most operators carry more. Your operation (light-duty, heavy-duty, repo, rotation, motor club) decides which coverages fit. Take the coverage quiz →
Rotation is a local contract, not state law. Rotation agreements commonly require auto liability around $1,000,000 CSL, on-hook/cargo $50,000–$100,000, garagekeepers $50,000–$500,000, and the agency named as additional insured — check your agency’s agreement for its exact terms. Rotation readiness checklist →
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Informational only — not legal advice and not a quote. Requirements change — confirm the exact limits with your state DOT / public utilities commission and your rotation agreement before you buy. Minimums are the legal floor, not a recommendation — most operators carry more.