Updated: October 29, 2024
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In Idaho, the minimum car insurance requirements include $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $15,000 for property damage per accident. This coverage is necessary because Idaho follows an at-fault system, making the at-fault driver liable for damage.
The monthly cost of minimum coverage averages $35. Exploring the cheapest car insurance in Idaho can help you find affordable plans that meet these requirements.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Idaho Department of Insurance to provide the most accurate cost data for various Idaho drivers.
These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Idaho as of November 2024.
To legally drive in Idaho, drivers must have the minimum coverage for car insurance, which includes:
Idaho is a fault state, meaning the driver at fault for an accident is responsible for covering damage through their insurance. This can impact your premium, as insurers assess your risk of being at fault when setting rates. In a fault state, insurance may cost more because it needs to cover the other party's expenses if you're responsible for an accident.
Idaho doesn't mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders typically require both coverages to protect against damage or loss. If you own your car outright, adding these coverages is at your discretion based on your personal risk assessment and preference for additional protection.
What Liability Insurance Covers | What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover |
|---|---|
Injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident | Your injuries |
Damage to another person’s property if you're at fault in an accident | Damage to your car |
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy | Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal |
Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, unless additional coverage is purchased |
The table shows Idaho's minimum car insurance needs, including bodily injury and property damage. Your policy's terms and conditions define exact coverage details.
In Idaho, drivers aged 22 to 29 typically face the highest insurance premiums due to inexperience and a higher risk of accidents. The table below shows Idaho's average minimum coverage cost by age group, providing a clear view of how age influences rates.
| 22-29 | $529 | $44 |
| 30-59 | $416 | $35 |
| 60 + | $424 | $35 |
For Idaho drivers seeking affordable state minimum coverage, consider these competitive rates:
Finding the right coverage is just as important as securing a reasonable rate. Explore all options to ensure you get the best car insurance in Idaho that meets your needs.
| State Farm | $222 | $19 |
| American National P&C | $255 | $21 |
| Idaho Farm Bureau | $290 | $24 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $298 | $25 |
| GEICO | $319 | $27 |
| American Family | $331 | $28 |
| Farmers | $364 | $30 |
| Travelers | $413 | $34 |
| Nationwide | $574 | $48 |
| Allstate | $599 | $50 |
| Dairyland | $906 | $76 |
Idaho offers various optional add-on car insurance coverages, including comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments and rental car coverage. These additional coverages can provide financial protection against incidents not covered by state minimum coverage, such as vehicle theft, weather damage and accidents with uninsured drivers. Understanding how much car insurance you need can help tailor coverage to your specific situation.
Add-On Coverage | What It Covers | What It Doesn't Cover |
|---|---|---|
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage | Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance | Damage to your vehicle if you're at fault or damage that exceeds policy limits |
Personal injury protection (PIP) | Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault | Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver |
Roadside assistance | Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down | Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow |
Gap insurance | Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen | Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments |
Rental car reimbursement | The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event | Fuel, insurance or other rental extras |
Collision coverage | Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault | Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters |
Comprehensive coverage | Repairs to non-collision damage from events like theft, fire or hail | Damage from a collision or personal injuries |
Towing and labor coverage | Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown | More extensive repairs needed at a garage |
Custom parts and equipment coverage | Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems | Original parts that came with your vehicle |
Accidental death coverage | Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident | Non-accidental death or injuries |
Classic car insurance | Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars | Regular use like your daily commute |
The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Idaho varies based on whether it's a repeat offense. For first-time offenders, the penalties are less severe but still significant, while those with previous infractions face harsher consequences. Penalties for driving uninsured in Idaho include:
Ensuring that you have the proper coverage is a straightforward way to adhere to law requirements, avoid penalties and protect yourself and others on the road.
If your car insurance policy is canceled in Idaho, immediately contact your insurance agent to discuss reinstatement or search for a new policy — don't drive uninsured. The Idaho DMV is promptly informed when drivers are without minimum coverage, which can lead to penalties.
If you can't secure insurance through traditional insurers, you may consider looking into the Idaho Automobile Insurance Plan, which provides coverage to qualified individuals struggling to obtain insurance. Remember that driving without at least that minimum car insurance in Idaho is against the law and can have serious consequences.
Your car insurance policy in Idaho may be canceled for a few reasons:
We answered common questions about minimum coverage in Idaho to help you understand the car insurance needed to comply with state laws.
In Idaho, minimum coverage auto insurance requires $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $15,000 for property damage liability per accident. This coverage helps pay for injuries or damage you cause in an at-fault accident. While it meets legal requirements, higher limits may offer better protection.
Idaho requires motorists to have minimum coverage auto insurance to ensure they can cover any damage or injuries they cause in an accident. This coverage protects victims from bearing the full cost of damage and encourages responsible driving.
Comprehensive insurance isn't required by law in Idaho. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, your lender will probably require it. Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism and natural disasters. It offers extra protection beyond the minimum coverage; without it, you'd be responsible for repair or replacement costs from such incidents.
Driving uninsured in Idaho can lead to serious consequences. You may face a $75 fine for a first violation and the potential suspension of your driver's license. Repeat offenses can result in penalties of up to $1,000, a six-month license suspension and a mandatory SR-22 filing for three years. To avoid these penalties, carry at least the minimum coverage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
