Idaho Car Insurance (Coverage, Companies, & More)

When most people think of Idaho, the second word they think of is potatoes. Idaho produces one-third of America’s potatoes. There is a lot more to Idaho than just their potatoes.

There are two places in the world that garnet, the red stone gem, is largely abundant. Those two places are India and the great state of Idaho. Idaho is known as “The Gem State” due to 72 different gems that can be found in the state.

Read more: Gem State Insurance Company Car Insurance Review

Idaho has about 4,522,506 acres of wildlands, meaning no roads in those areas. But with 82,747 square miles of land, there is still a lot of area for cars to travel.

That is where we come in. Researching and trying to figure out insurance needs can be a difficult task. It is hard to know what effects your rate and who has the best coverage for your needs.

Imagine a world that you didn’t have to spend hours googling the best rates. Well, you’ve got it here. We are going to break down all the insurance information you need if you are driving in Idaho and need help figuring out where to state for your insurance. We make it so easy you can enter your zip code here and use our free comparison tool for quotes.

If you’re ready to start comparing now, enter your zip code above to get started.

Idaho Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

Cost is usually the first thing most consumers will question when searching for insurance. That is a normal question when buying something that you hope you never have to use. If you do have to use it, you want the best company for your needs.

How much is it going to cost? We are also going to cover what type of coverages are needed to drive in Idaho along with some that aren’t required but might be good to take a look and see if you need them.

After we go over coverages, keep reading and we will cover the best companies in Idaho.

Idaho’s Car Culture

Idaho has some of the most gorgeous sites and views for drivers. Most driving occurs in rural areas taking boats and hauling trailers with mountain bikes. So it is no surprise most vehicles driven in Idaho are all-wheel-drive vehicles. The Subaru Outback sells at 275 percent of the national average.

Not only do you see a lot of crossovers and trucks on the road, but you also see a lot of bumper stickers on those vehicles. Idahoans travel a lot in their vehicles. And by a lot, we mean almost 2,000 miles more than the average American.

“According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the average American drove 15,318 miles per year on their vehicles.”

So, there is a lot of driving happening in Idaho, so how much insurance is needed to keep you legal on the roads of Idaho? Let’s take a look.

Idaho Minimum Coverage

Most states, if not all, require a minimum amount of insurance on a registered vehicle being driven in their states.

Take a look at how state minimum car insurance rates vary from state to state.

While these are the minimum amount needed to be a legal driver, that doesn’t mean that this is the best amount of coverage drivers should have.

Remember, your insurance company can only pay up to the limits you have on your policy. So if you collide with a more expensive car or have serious medical bills, you could be held liable for those and be stuck with bills for yourself or others.

It is always smart to get quotes for higher coverages and see if it may be better for you to carry more and additional coverages. We will take a more detailed look at endorsements and additional coverages you can add as you continue to read.

Forms of Financial Responsibility

If you prefer to not have a traditional insurance policy, a driver can post an indemnity bond.

“The bond must guarantee payment of no less than $50,000 for any one accident, of which $15,000 is for property damage, for each vehicle registered, up to a maximum of $120,000 for five or more registered vehicles.”

Whichever option you chose, you must have some kind of financial responsibility when driving on the roads of Idaho.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income

Interested in seeing how much of your income should be devoted to your insurance premium? Check out the table below.

Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates in ID (Liability, Collision, Comprehensive)

Let’s take a look at the average monthly car insurance rates.

Core coverages on an auto policy are basic coverages that most consumers opt to include in their policy. As you can see from the previous section, liability is a necessity to drive legally on the road. Liability coverage covers the other party if you are in an accident and are found at fault. If there is damage to your vehicle, it will not cover your car regardless of who is at fault.

Collision and Comprehensive will cover your vehicle if you are in an accident. They are deductible based coverages, meaning your insurance company will deduct the amout of your deductible from any payout you might be entitled to. The higher your deductible, the lower the premium will be.

Full coverage simply means you have all three coverages on your policy.

Idaho falls well below the national average for insurance costs.

Additional Liability

Other liability coverages include medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Both of these coverages can be added to your required liability policy.

Medical Payments can be used for any medical needs for you or any passengers in your vehicle. Med pay coverage will pay out regardless of fault.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is just that, coverage if you are hit by someone either not insured or does not carry enough insurance.

Loss ratio is a commonly used term in the insurance world, but it may not be so common to the consumer. Loss ratio is the ratio of losses to earned premiums. For instance, if an insurance company writes $100,000 of premium and pays out $50,000 in claims, their loss ratio is 50 percent.

The higher the loss ratio the more a company is paying out for claims. That seems like it would be a good thing, but if it gets too high that means the company is no longer making money and may in financial distress. If the ratio is too low, that means the company may not be very good about paying out claims.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

When it comes to your insurance policy, there are a lot of different add-ons and endorsements you can add to your policy. It is best to review all coverages and even talk to your agent to verify you are fully covered.

Below are some additional coverages you can add to your policy.

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-As-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance

Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Age & Gender in ID

Most parents cringe when their kids get their driver’s license. Some of that fear may come knowing their kids are spreading their wings and branching out into independence, but some fear comes from opening the mail with their new insurance premium.

Age and gender will affect your car insurance. Younger drivers are often in a high risk class. See if the gender stereotype (males pay more) holds true in ID.

It is a pretty well-known fact younger, inexperienced drivers have higher rates.

Read more:

• Farmers Insurance Company of Idaho Car Insurance Review
• The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company Car Insurance Review
• Depositors Insurance Company Car Insurance Review

Cheapest Rates in Idaho by Zip Code

Zipcode can also affect your rate. We have compiled rates for all Idaho zip codes. See where you zip code lands on the list.

Let’s take a closer look at how ZIP codes affect car insurance in Idaho.

Cheapest Rates in Idaho by City

We have compiled the same information for each city in Idaho.

Take a look at these 6 major factors affecting auto insurance rates in Idaho.

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Best Idaho Car Insurance Companies

So if you know you need insurance, where do you get it? There are so many insurance companies out there; just do one search on the internet for car insurance and see how many options come up.

Each insurance company has its niche. Some do better with older drivers, while some have better rates for drivers with records. That is a lot of research to have to do.

Well, you are in luck. We have done the research for you. Sit back and keep reading to find out which carrier has the best ratings and could have the best rates for you and your needs.

Read more: Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho Car Insurance Review

The Largest Companies Financial Rating

AM Best is a nationally known rating company. The ratings provided by AM Best are globally recognized as a standard of financial strength for thousands of insurance companies.

Who are the largest car insurance companies in Idaho?

We have taken the top ten largest companies writing in Idaho and listed their ratings.

Read more: Sentry Insurance Company Car Insurance Review

The 10 largest companies all have A ratings or higher. So there are a lot of companies to chose from with excellent financial standing.

– Companies with Best Ratings

Great customer service is a huge asset to an insurance company. Most of the time, if you are dealing with customer service, you are frustrated. You may have a claim you are dealing with or you have questions regarding bills or coverages.

Now let’s see who is the cheapest car insurance company in Idaho.

You want to pick a company that not only has great rates for your needs but also has good customer service. J.D. Power uses the actual consumer’s ratings on tested products and services.

– Companies with Most Complaints in Idaho

While companies get A or higher ratings and have great customer ratings, they can still have complaints filed against them. Check out the table below listing the biggest companies and their complaint ratio.

– Cheapest Insurance Companies in Idaho

We took the 10 largest companies in Idaho and compared their rates to the national average. State Farm won the award for the cheapest company in Idaho.

– Commute Rates by Companies

While the Idahoans commute less than the average American, almost two percent have a commute of over 90 minutes. Your car insurance rate could be affected by longer commutes.

Luckily, for those with long commutes, premiums are not heavily rated on commuting. If you do have a longer commute, you can see which companies may suit your needs better with no rate increase for commuting miles and time.

Coverage Level Rates by Companies

Coverage level is another factor for rating. Most states have a required minimum limit, but you can buy coverage levels much higher than what is required.

It is always good to go over your specific situation with an agent or company. We have taken the top ten companies and compiled rates for three levels of coverage.

As you can see from the table, it is surprising how little some extra coverage will cost. In some cases, it is even cheaper to get the extra coverage.

– Credit History Rates by Companies

Most consumers think credit history is something that follows you for larger purchases, like a car or a home. Good credit may even get you a lower interest rate with credit cards and loans.

Your credit history can also drastically affect your insurance premium as well.

With some companies, like Allstate, your rate could go up over $2000 for bad credit history. It is wise to keep an eye on your credit as it could save you on bigger purchases and your annual insurance premium.

If you have a lower credit rating, you can take a look at companies that do not rate as high for lower credit, like Farmers Insurance.

– Driving Record Rates by Companies

Your driving record is probably one of the most obvious factors in your insurance rates. It happens, most of us have seen those flashing blue lights in our rear-view mirror. How much does that speeding ticket cost you outside of court fees and fines?

Well, take a look below to see the difference between a clean record and various road infractions.

State Farm and Farmers Insurance are two companies that are not higher for a DUI conviction. In most situations, a DUI will land you the highest rates.

– Largest Car Insurance Companies in Idaho

State Farm holds the largest market in Idaho and is, by far, the largest writing company in Idaho.

Number of Insurers in Idaho

If you live in Idaho, you have a lot of different choices when it comes to which insurance company to use, 832 to be exact.

When you hear foreign, you usually think outside of the United States. In this case, it is just outside of Idaho. So over 800 companies have been founded and hold headquarters outside of Idaho but still do business within the state.

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Idaho State Laws

Going to any new state or even a state you have lived in for years, it is hard to know all the state laws. There are pages of laws determining seatbelt laws, vehicle licensing laws, safety laws, and driving laws.

We are really going to dig deep and take a look at some of these laws and help you figure out how to stay legal and safe on the road.

Car Insurance Laws

Fraud and certain types of insurance, like low-cost and higher risk, are state laws. We are going to take a look at those laws and more in this next section.

Windshield Coverage

We all hate when we are driving on the interstate or behind any truck and a rock flies up and hits your windshield. Suddenly, your perfect windshield has a huge crack in it.

Most insurance companies have coverage under comprehensive coverage. In Idaho, there are no unique laws pertaining to windshield coverage. Used and aftermarket parts are allowed as long as they are mentioned in the quote.

High-Risk Insurance

High-risk insurance is coverage for consumers that can not get insurance in a normal market. This is usually due to excess speeding tickets, reckless violations, and driving under the influence convictions.

Not only are the court fees and fines expensive, but your car insurance can also get really expensive when trying to find high-risk insurance. Drivers are required to file for SR-22 insurance.

Not all companies will file an SR-22 requirement for drivers. If this is the case and you can not find insurance, Idaho has the AIPSO that can help you find insurance outside of the norma residual markets available.

Low-Cost Insurance

There are no dedicated plans for low-cost insurance in the state of Idaho. If you are concerned with the amount of your premium, it is best to shop your car insurance to ensure you are getting the best rate.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Idaho

As in most states, Idaho considers any type of fraud a criminal act. Anyone from consumers to third-parties involved in the claims process can commit fraud.

It is considered fraud to misrepresent information on an auto insurance application all the way to falsifying a claim or “padding” information to make the claim bigger.

Two insurance sectors are considered to be more susceptible to fraud, auto insurance being one and health insurance the other.

If you suspect fraud, please contact your state insurance department here.

Statute of Limitations

It is always wise to file your auto insurance claim as soon as it happens. The Statute of limitations is the time you have from when the claim occurred to your claim is no longer collectible.

In Idaho, you have two years for physical injury and three years for property damage.

Vehicle Licensing Laws

Auto insurance will keep your car legal on the road, but you also need to follow licensing laws to keep you legal when driving.

In this next section, we are going to take a look at what things you need to do to keep you up to date on licensing and renewal procedures and what happens when you don’t.

Real ID

In 2005, Congress passed an act stating that states should have certain guidelines for issuance of a driver’s license. These standards allow government issues driver’s license to be used as identification to enter government buildings and fly commercial airlines.

Effective October 1, 2020, Idaho’s Real ID, known as a Star Card, is needed to fly or enter any federal building. You can get your Star card at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance is against the law. Not to mention, if you were to get into an accident, you would have no coverage and be held liable for damages whether they be physical or property. If you think insurance is expensive, driving without can cost you more, a lot more.

If you are convicted of driving without insurance, your first offense can get you a $75 fine and your license is suspended until you can prove you have an active insurance policy in place.

If you are caught a second time within five years of the first offense, you can receive up to $1000 fine and/or six months in jail. Driving without insurance can also run the risk of being considered a high-risk driver and you may need to file SR-22 insurance.

If you are pulled over and proof of insurance is requested, there are a couple of ways you can prove coverage. Idaho uses an online insurance verification system, OIVS, that can show coverage. You can also show proof with a paper insurance id card or electronic card.

Teen Driver Laws

Idaho uses a Graduated Drivers License Program. This program helps younger drivers gradually ease into driving and once all requirements are met, the driver can get a full license.

Older Driver License Renewal Procedures

Drivers sixty-three and over will need to renew their driver’s license every four years. You can renew online every other renewal process until the age of seventy. Once you turn seventy, all renewals must be done in person.

Every renewal process you must show proof of adequate vision.

New Residents

If you are new to Idaho, you have 90 days to an Idaho license. In order to obtain an Idaho license, you will need to take a vision test and you will also have to take a written examination.

You will also need to surrender your out-of-state license once you have obtained your new Idaho license.

License Renewal Procedures

Renewal for all drivers over the age of 21-62 is every four or eight years. You can choose the amount of time between renewals, knowing that on the fourth year you can submit renewal online or mail.

All licenses expire on the birthday of the driver. You must have submitted an application, fees, and completed a vision test. If the tester deems necessary, you could then have to complete another skills test or medical test will be required.

Younger drivers have five days after their 18th birthday and again five days after their 21st birthday to renew their license.

Negligent Operator Treatment System

Idaho uses a point system for convicted moving violations in and outside of Idaho. An accumulation of these points can result in a license suspension.

Examples of convictions of moving violations are

• Overtaking and Passing a school bus
• Racing on public highways
• Pedestrians right of way on sidewalks
• Basic rule and maximum speed limits
• Limitations on turning around
• Following too close
• Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency or police vehicles

A complete list of violations and points can be found on the Idaho Transportation Department website.

Driver’s will receive notice when the following points are accumulated

• 8 to 11 points in a twelve-month period of time
• 14 to 17 points in a twenty-four month period of time
• 20 to 23 points in a thirty-six month period of time

There are some offenses that if you are convicted of, no matter your points, you could still end up with a suspended license.

• DUI
• Use of car to commit a felony
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Reckless driving
• Driving under a suspended license
• Failure to pay
• Fleeing from a police officer
• Violations of license restrictions
• Failure to carry insurance

Rules of the Road

Each state as different rules to keep you safe on the road. We are going to take a look at some Idaho rules of the road to make sure you how to stay safe.

Fault vs. No-Fault

Idaho is a traditional ‘at-fault’ state. This means that whoever is at fault of the accident will payout for the claim, but for Idahoans, it doesn’t stop there.

Idaho has modified comparative negligence law. You must prove that the other person is more at fault than you are. This also means, for example, if you are found 30 percent at fault, your claim payment will only be 70 percent of your total damages.

Seat belt and car seat laws

Seat belts are required for everyone seven and older, regardless of rear or front seat. Failure to follow this law is minimum $10 fine.

Car seats are required for any child six and younger. The Idaho Department of Transportation makes the following recommendations for car seats:

• Rear-facing seat until two or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat.
• Forward-facing seat until approximately four years and 40-65 pounds
• Booster seat from four to at least eight years old or 4’9”
• When using a booster seat, use a high back or backless belt-positioning booster
• Lap-belt only seating positions should not be used with a booster seat

Keep Right and Move Over Laws

Slower vehicles should stay to the right of faster traffic.

Vehicles should slow below the speed limit when approaching emergency vehicles or police with flashing lights. Drivers should also move away from the closest lane to emergency or police vehicles as soon as possible to do so.

Speed Limits

Speed limits will vary from different roadways and posted limits should always be followed. Below is a table of most roadways in Idaho.

Remember, construction zones and other areas may have posted signs that differ from the above-listed limits.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing is becoming more and more popular these days. Companies like Uber and Lyft are flooding the market with opportunities to either be in the driver’s seat or to be the one being driven around.

If you are driving for one of these companies, you may have coverage from the company. It is always good to follow up with your current insurance policy to see if there are any gaps in your coverage in regards to ridesharing.

There are three companies that have coverage for ridesharing. State Farm, American Family, and Farmers offer some coverage for ridesharing.

Automation on the Road

Although cars are becoming more automated, Idaho does not have set laws in place for the regulation of such vehicles. In 2018, Idaho has created a committee for the testing and deployment of automated cars.

Safety Laws

Most states have driving under the influence laws, whether alcohol or marijuana, along with regulations against the use of cell phones while driving. In this next section, we will take a look at how Idaho handles DUI convictions and distracted driving laws.

DUI Laws

Driving with a blood alcohol content over .08 percent will land you a DUI conviction in Idaho. That limit drops to .04 percent in a commercial vehicle and .02 percent if you are under 21 years of age.

If convicted of driving under the influence, you could face jail time, fines, and license suspension. Not only could you end up with a felony on your record, but you are also looking at higher insurance rates.

Failure to submit to alcohol testing when pulled over is also against the law. Idaho has “implied consent” laws. This means if you do not submit to testing you are fined, jail time, license suspension, and ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

Idaho does not have any specific marijuana drugged driving laws. Although they may not have marijuana-specific laws, if operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana is still illegal and considered driving under the influence.

Distracted Driving Laws (IIHS)

Texting while driving is strictly prohibited in parts of the state of Idaho.

Handheld cell phone use is prohibited in the following cities:

• Twin Falls
• Sandpoint
• Idaho Falls
• Pocatello
• Blaine County
• Ketchum
• Hailey

Driving in Idaho

There will always be dangers on the roadways of any states, even in the safest of places.

In this last section, we will cover the dangers of auto theft, accidents, and even traffic to keep you in the know about when and where most of these things take place.

Vehicle Theft in Idaho

Ford and Chevy trucks top the list of most stolen vehicles in Idaho. Out of the 108 Ford trucks stolen, the most popular year was 2004.

We have also taken this information and narrowed down the vehicle theft by the cities of Idaho. See where your city lands on the list.

Road Fatalities in Idaho

Unfortunately, fatalities happen on the roads. Knowing where and when those fatalities happen can help others from the same situations.

We have gathered the information below from fatalities in Idaho. We have tables below showing when, where, and what most causes these horrible accidents.

Fatal Crashes by Weather Condition and Light Condition

Most fatalities happen in normal, daylight hours.

Fatalities County

You can search your county and see how many fatalities have occurred.

Traffic Fatalities

In 2017, rural areas experienced the most fatalities on the road.

Fatalities by Person Type

Most fatalities were vehicle passengers and not pedestrians or motorcyclists.

Fatalities by Crash Type

Departing from roadways was the leading cause of fatalities.

Five-Year Trend For The Top 10 Counties

We took the top 10 counties in Idaho and took a look at the five-year trend of fatalities.

Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver

We saw earlier that driving under the influence can raise your insurance rates, incur fines, and you could possibly lose your license. More importantly, you can also lose your life or take the life of someone else.

Teen Drinking and Driving

A study was done in 2017, it showed 22 percent of Idaho youth had ridden with a driver that used either alcohol or marijuana.

EMS Response Time

Urban locations can get a faster emergency medical team than in rural areas.

Transportation

Finally, let’s take a look at car ownership and how people get to work in Idaho.

Car Ownership

Most Idahoans, at 38 percent, have two cars followed by 24 percent having three cars. They are right below the 40 percent of Americans having two cars per household.

Commute Time

The average American worker commutes roughly 25 minutes to work, while the average Idahoan travels a little under 20 minutes.

Commuter Transportation

Most Americans prefer to travel alone to work. Idaho residents are no different as over 79 percent of commuters travel alone.

Traffic Congestion in Idaho

When you hear Idaho, you normally do not think of high traffic and congested areas. We took a larger city, Boise, and looked at the traffic and the time of day traffic was the worst.

Highways tend to be faster in Boise with congestion being at 4 percent. Peak congestion in the morning tends to be between the hours of 7 am-9 am. While evening peak times are between 5 pm-6 pm. Traveling during those hours can cost you an extra nine minutes in the morning and an extra thirteen in the evening.

We have covered a lot of information regarding driving and finding car insurance in Idaho. We hope it has been helpful and you are well prepared to find the best insurance rates for your needs. Don’t forget, you can simply put your zip code in here and get a no-obligation quote.

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