South Dakota § 58-1-2 - Definition of terms.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 58-1-2 — Definition of terms., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 58-1-2. Definition of terms.

Terms used in this title mean:

(1)    "Alien insurer," one formed under the laws of any country or jurisdiction other than the United States of America, its states, districts, territories, and commonwealths;

(2)    "Authorized insurer," one authorized, by a subsisting certificate of authority issued by the director, to engage in the insurance business in this state;

(3)    "Certificate of authority," permission granted to an insurer to issue policies or make contracts of insurance in this state;

(4)    "Director," the director of the Division of Insurance;

(5)    "Division," the Division of Insurance of the Department of Labor and Regulation;

(6)    "Domestic insurer," one formed under the laws of this state;

(7)    "Foreign insurer," one formed under the laws of any jurisdiction other than this state; except where distinguished by context, foreign insurer includes an alien insurer;

(8)    "Insurance," a contract whereby one undertakes to indemnify another or to pay or provide a specified or determinable amount or benefit upon determinable contingencies;

(9)    "Insurance business," includes the transaction of all matters pertaining to a contract of insurance, both before and after the effectuation of that contract, and all matters arising out of that contract or any claim thereunder;

(10)    "Insurer," every person engaged as indemnitor, surety, or contractor in the business of entering into contracts of insurance;

(11)    "License," permission granted to an agent or broker to engage in those activities permitted by such persons under this title;

(12)    Repealed by SL 2001, ch 263, § 1.

(13)    "Mechanical breakdown insurance," any contract or agreement, issued by an authorized insurer, to perform or indemnify for a specific duration the repair, replacement, or maintenance of property for operational or structural failure due to a defect in materials, workmanship, or normal wear and tear;

(14)    "Person," an individual, insurer, company, association, organization, Lloyds, society, reciprocal or inter-insurance exchange, partnership, syndicate, business trust, corporation, and any other legal entity;

(15)    "Principal office" or "principal place of business," the office or regional home office from which the business affairs of the insurer are directed and managed;

(16)    "Producer," any person required to be licensed under the laws of this state to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance. The terms also means an insurance agent;

(17)    "State," when used in context signifying a jurisdiction other than the State of South Dakota, a state, the District of Columbia, a territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States of America, or a province of the Dominion of Canada; and

(18)    "Unauthorized insurer," one which does not hold a subsisting certificate of authority issued by the director to engage in the insurance business in this state.

(19)    "Vehicle theft protection product," a device or system installed on or applied to a motor vehicle that is designed to prevent loss or damage to a motor vehicle from theft.

Source: SL 1966, ch 111, ch 1, § 2; SL 1982, ch 350; SL 1988, ch 387, § 1; SL 2000, ch 233, § 2; SL 2001, ch 263, §§ 1, 2, ch 286, § 56; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 27; SL 2004, ch 295, § 1; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1), § 162, eff. Apr. 12, 2011; SL 2022, ch 180, § 1.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 58-1-2

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 58-1-2 cover?

Section 58-1-2 ("Definition of terms.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite South Dakota § 58-1-2?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 58-1-2" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of South Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.

How does South Dakota § 58-1-2 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.