Everything You Need To Know About Auto Insurance in Idaho

Idaho is best known for its potatoes, and with good reason: this Pacific Northwest state produces a third of the nationwide yield. That’s a lot of potatoes.

There’s more to Idaho than this starchy crop. This state’s roughly 83,570 square miles of rugged landscape has snowcapped stretches of the Rocky Mountains that meet scenic expanses dotted by forests, lakes, and canyons. Nicknamed the Gem State in honor of this natural beauty, Idaho is home to more than 1.9 million people.

If you’re looking for a top-rated auto policy to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road, InsureOne expert agents can help you find the best auto insurance at a great rate in Idaho.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Idaho?

Idaho drivers pay annual auto premiums of $1,133 for full coverage and $267 for minimum liability insurance.

These premiums are significantly lower than national averages, which stand at around $2,014 and $622 for full and minimum coverage, respectively. That means Idaho drivers pay $355 to $881 less for auto coverage than drivers in other states pay.

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What Does Full Coverage vs. Minimum Liability Mean?

A full coverage policy provides state-mandated liability coverage along with collision and comprehensive protection — the latter two coverages kick in if you’re involved in a crash or if your car is damaged by a weather event. Minimum liability coverage only provides the state-required amounts needed to treat injuries and repair property damage if you cause a crash.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Idaho

For a comparison of the average monthly premiums drivers pay in different cities across the state, check out our breakdown below.

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Boise $82 $28
Idaho Falls $94 $28
Jerome $88 $26
Ketchum $91 $25
Coeur d'Alene $91 $27

Our average monthly premiums by city are based on the following methodology: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Idaho.

How Bundling Your Vehicle and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Idaho

Bundling coverage can lower annual premiums by 5% to 25%. This is especially beneficial to homeowners, who pay more for coverage than renters.

If you own a house in Boise, for example, and bundle your home and auto coverage, you’ll likely get the maximum 25% discount on your premium. By comparison, someone renting an apartment in Boise or any other Idaho town or city might only receive a rate cut of around 15%.

An InsureOne agent can help you build a quality package that meets your needs and budget. They do all the work, comparing offerings from top providers, which saves you time and money.

What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in Idaho?

Driver discounts can help you save money on your annual premiums, especially if you’re eligible for more than one. If you own a house and two cars, for example, bundling homeowner’s insurance and auto coverage could land you a discount of up to 25% on your policy.

Other rate-reducing discounts include:

  • Paperless billing
  • Good driver
  • Military
  • Anti-theft
  • Loyalty
  • Good student
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Idaho Car Insurance Laws

Idaho has a 25/50/15 minimum mandatory liability coverage requirement, and drivers must always carry proof of having auto insurance. Here’s a closer look at what this means.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Idaho?

In Idaho, a basic policy must provide 25/50/15 liability coverage to cover costs you cause in a crash. That means you’ll have:

  • $25,000 to cover the medical treatment or funeral expenses of one person involved
  • $50,000 to cover treatment for injuries or deaths if two or more persons are involved
  • $15,000 to pay for property damage

Some drivers choose to increase the amount of liability coverage on their policies. This safeguards against being underinsured if medical expenses or damages caused in a crash exceed the minimum requirements.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Idaho?

In Idaho, failure to carry valid auto insurance when driving is considered a criminal offense that could land you in jail if you’re a repeat offender.

The first time you’re caught driving without insurance, you’ll face a $75 fine and administrative fees. Your driving privileges will be suspended until you can show proof of minimum liability coverage, and you will be required to maintain SR-22 compliance for a year, making your premiums skyrocket.

Repeat offenders face stricter penalties, including a $1,000 fine, mandatory SR-22 compliance for at least three years, and up to six months of jail time.

What Factors Does Idaho Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

State law allows insurers to calculate your premium based on several factors. Some of the most important ones are:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Location
  • Marital status
  • Credit history
  • Driving record and experience
  • Vehicle type
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Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs. Older People in Idaho

Young drivers typically cost more to insure than older ones, and this holds true in Idaho. For example, the annual full coverage premium of a 17-year-old driver in Boise is $4,200. By contrast, a 65-year-old Boise driver pays $888 per year for full coverage.

At InsureOne, our expert agents help you find the best auto insurance with customizable options that best meet your needs.

What Is Driving Like in Idaho?

Despite being more than 300 miles away from its western border, the Pacific Ocean influences Idaho weather, particularly during the winter months, bringing excessive cloud cover, humidity, and rain. This typically keeps temperatures moderate but can cause all kinds of hazards for drivers, such as slick roads and low visibility.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Idaho?

In 2021, 244 fatal crashes in Idaho resulted in 271 deaths. The following chart shows the number of fatal crashes in various cities across the state that year.

City Fatal Crashes in 2021
Boise 7
Idaho Falls 8
Jerome 2
Ketchum 0
Coeur d’Alene 0
Mullan 0
Kooskia 0
Twin Falls 0
Pocatello 5
Rexburg 2
Moscow 1
Salmon 0
Sandpoint 1

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Idaho?

More than 13% of Idaho drivers aren’t insured. This state ranked number 20 among those with the highest number of uninsured or underinsured motorists in 2019.

Get the Best Car Insurance in Idaho Today

InsureOne offers a one-stop auto insurance shopping experience with expert agents who will listen to your needs and help you find top-quality insurance options that work best for you.

We will save you time and money by researching quotes and presenting you with several options that meet your needs. Get a quote online, visit us at an  near you, or call us at (800) 836-2240 for a quote.