Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in Idaho (October 2024)

Idaho Farm Bureau is the most affordable car insurance for individual drivers with low income and poor credit in Idaho at $37 per month. For families with low income, State Farm provides the cheapest option at $33 per month. Idaho does not have state-backed car insurance programs for individuals or families with low income. Finding the most affordable provider and seeking discounts are viable options to reduce costs.

Although minimum coverage allows you to drive legally, it has downsides. For instance, it may not cover all damages in an at-fault accident, leaving drivers with out-of-pocket expenses.

Car insurance companies in Idaho do not consider income when calculating your car insurance rates. Instead, they look at factors like age, driving record, credit history and the type of car you drive. At-fault accidents and moving violations can increase your rates significantly.

The best way to find the cheapest rates is to compare quotes from several insurance companies. If your budget is tight, a basic minimum coverage policy is often the cheapest way to stay legal on the road. For drivers who rarely drive, pay-per-mile insurance can be the best option to save money. MoneyGeek has rounded up the cheapest insurers for drivers in Idaho with low income to help you save.

To legally drive in the Gem State, you must carry car insurance that meets the minimum car insurance requirements. Your policy should include at least the following coverage amounts:

• $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 for property damage liability per accident

When you're on a tight budget, a liability-only car insurance policy might seem appealing. It covers expenses for the other driver if you're at fault in an accident but not for your own vehicle. To protect your own car, consider a full coverage car insurance policy, which includes collision and comprehensive coverages. These coverages safeguard against various non-collision incidents, such as theft or natural disasters.

Understanding the risks and benefits of each coverage type ensures you choose a plan that aligns with your circumstances.

Credit history is crucial for drivers with low income in Idaho as it can significantly affect car insurance premiums. Insurers view lower credit-based insurance scores as a higher risk, leading to higher premiums. Maintaining a good insurance score can help reduce these costs.

The cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with low income and poor credit in Idaho are:

• Idaho Farm Bureau: $448 per year; $37 per month
• GEICO: $500 per year; $42 per month

Drivers with good credit can get the cheapest car insurance in Idaho from:

• State Farm: $208 per year; $17 per month
• American National P&C: $210 per year; $17 per month

In Idaho, driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration and fines ranging from $175 to $1,000.

Income doesn't directly influence car insurance premiums. However, family status does. In Idaho, our analysis found that a single parent with a teen faces an annual rate that is $231 higher than a married couple with a teen, who enjoys a more affordable rate by $972 annually.

The most budget-friendly car insurance companies for a married couple with a teen in Idaho are:

• State Farm: $398 per year; $33 per month
• Auto-Owners: $408 per year; $34 per month

For a single parent with a teen, the cheapest options are:

• State Farm: $629 per year; $52 per month
• Auto-Owners: $650 per year; $54 per month

Married couples with a teen can often secure lower car insurance rates than single parents with the same number of dependents. This difference is due to the perceived stability and reduced risk associated with married policyholders. Regardless of family status, maintaining a solid credit score is key to qualifying for more affordable minimum coverage auto insurance rates.

Car insurance premiums typically decrease as you enter your early senior years, around ages 55 to 65. This is especially true if you maintain a clean driving record, which can result in lower costs. The two cheapest car insurance for senior drivers with low income and poor credit history are:

• Idaho Farm Bureau: $374 per year; $31 per month
• Farmers: $499 per year; $42 per month

After age 70, car insurance rates usually increase as older drivers are statistically seen as higher risk. This trend continues each year, leading to rising premiums. In Idaho, specific laws or guidelines may apply to seniors seeking car insurance, so it's wise to stay informed.

Car insurance rates in Idaho are influenced by several factors. While your income doesn't directly affect rates, having a low income that leads to a poor credit record may result in higher rates. Conversely, a good credit score can help you get lower rates. Understanding the factors contributing to car insurance rates can help you make informed decisions when choosing the best car insurance for you.

You don't need a state-sponsored program to cut costs — finding affordable car insurance in Idaho is possible with the right strategies. Here are some tips to lower your premiums:

Finding affordable car insurance for drivers with low income in Idaho can be challenging. Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about low-income car insurance in the Gem State.