Short answer: Minnehaha County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Sioux Falls tracts. Confirm current SD residual-market options with the Division of Insurance if voluntary writers decline you.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Sioux Falls area (Minnehaha County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Minnehaha County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Minnehaha County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Minnehaha County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Minnehaha County
Since 1969, Minnehaha County has been part of 13 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were severe storm events (8) and flood events (5). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, 2024, Severe Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2022, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2019 and Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding, 2019. FEMA also lists 2 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Sioux Falls builds high
Sioux Falls sets floodplain rules that go beyond the federal minimum. New buildings in the regulated floodplain must be at least two feet above the base flood elevation. On lots within 100 feet of the floodplain that were platted after August 25, 2016, basements are limited in depth and in how close they can be to the floodplain edge. The substantial-damage threshold is 45%, not the usual 50%. Since 2023 it has been counted over a rolling three-year period, so several smaller repairs can add up to a requirement to raise the house.
Insurance and LOMAs
The city notes that NFIP coverage is available for any property in Sioux Falls. Since October 1, 2023, the city has been a Class 7 Community Rating System community, worth up to 15% off most policies. The lender, not the city, decides whether you must buy flood insurance. An elevation certificate can support a Letter of Map Amendment, but a LOMA can lapse when new maps raise the base flood elevation. City floodplain staff can help with the process.
Residual market
If admitted markets decline a Sioux Falls dwelling, contact the South Dakota Division of Insurance for current residual-market or surplus-lines guidance.
Auto: South Dakota 25/50/25
South Dakota requires 25/50/25 liability; SDCL 58-11-9 adds required uninsured motorist coverage for South Dakota-garaged vehicles.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in South Dakota.
Frequently asked questions
Which NRI county covers Sioux Falls?
Minnehaha County (46099).
Where do I confirm SD auto minimums?
Division of Insurance / DPS publications.
Does a Sioux Falls homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.