Insurance providers consider different factors like age, driving record and location when determining premium costs. MoneyGeek ranked the top car insurance providers in Idaho based on price, customer service and more to help you figure out which company is the right choice for you. To find the best car insurance in Idaho for your needs, you should compare quotes from different providers. MoneyGeek's ratings illustrate a potential savings of $528 when comparing car insurance costs from top-rated companies in Idaho.
bestauto insuranceIdaho2021The Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Idaho
Cheapest for minimum liability - State Farm
Cheapest for full coverage - State Farm
Best company overall - The Hartford
Cheapest for drivers with a DUI - State Farm
Cheapest for drivers with a ticket - State Farm
Cheapest for senior drivers - State Farm
Cheapest for student drivers - Allstate
Generally, the cheapest option for auto insurance in Idaho is a minimum liability-only coverage policy. This only meets the state minimum liability requirements. Drivers looking for better protection should consider getting a policy with a higher coverage level.
MoneyGeek found that the cheapest car insurance options in Idaho for minimum coverage are from:
- USAA: $182 per year (only available to current and former military members)
- State Farm: $284 per year
Meanwhile, Idaho's most expensive car insurance company is American Family, with an average rate of $558 per year for a minimum coverage policy.
Average Cost for Minimun Liability Coverage
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$182$15
- 2.$284$24
- 3.$293$24
- 4.$363$30
- 5.$432$36
These prices are average rates based on the average driver in Idaho and should not be considered as a guide when comparing insurance prices.
These prices are only estimates based on rates for an average Idaho driver and should not be used to compare insurance prices.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
The minimum coverage policy in Idaho is the most affordable option. But it only covers bodily injury and property damage liability. If you want a policy covering damages to your own car or one with a higher liability coverage amount, then you should consider a full coverage policy.
Full coverage policies with higher liability limits as well as comprehensive and collision insurance give policyholders protection against most road accidents and off-road accidents in Idaho. While it may cost more than the minimum coverage, it will cover expenses related to damages to your own vehicle. Compare quotes from different insurers to find the best policy.
MoneyGeek’s study showed that the cheapest car insurance companies in Idaho for full coverage are:
- USAA: $358 per year (only available to current and former military personnel)
- State Farm: $547 per year
The most expensive car insurance company in Idaho for a similar policy is Progressive, costing $886 per year.
Average Comprehensive and Collision Rates in Idaho
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$358$30
- 2.$547$46
- 3.$572$48
- 4.$727$61
- 5.$737$61
Car insurance companies evaluate premiums based on individual circumstances, so your rate will not match these examples. These prices are based on a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage that allows you to claim up to $100.000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $100,000 for property damage per accident.
The Best Car Insurance Companies in Idaho for 2021
Based on MoneyGeek’s study, the best car insurance companies in Idaho for most drivers are:
- Best Overall: The Hartford
- Runner-up: GEICO
USAA received the highest score in Idaho by MoneyGeek's rating system. However, because USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their families, it is not listed as best overall.
To determine the best car insurance companies in Idaho, MoneyGeek considered several factors, like financial strength, claims experience, affordability and customer satisfaction.
In addition to these criteria, MoneyGeek looked at information from J.D. Power’s U.S. Auto Insurance Study and AM Best’s financial strength ratings. Each factor is weighted equally to arrive at a final score out of 100.
1
USAA
Score:100
USAA is the best overall car insurance company in Idaho after getting perfect ratings across categories. However, only current and former military members can apply for a USAA policy.
More About USAA
USAA is consistently one of the most affordable insurance carriers in many states. The same applies in Idaho. Additionally, the company rewards loyal customers by offering various discount opportunities. For example, you can get a discount if your parents had USAA policies too. If you qualify for USAA, it’s worth considering.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA auto Insurance Review2
The Hartford
Score:93
Hartford is the second best company in Idaho based on MoneyGeek’s study. It gained high scores for user satisfaction and affordability as well as a perfect score for claims rating.
More About The Hartford
Hartford gives policyholders auto insurance rate protection for a year. That means your insurance rate will not change every six months. Idaho drivers with Hartford auto insurance can also get a reimbursement in case they cannot do chores, such as house cleaning or lawn maintenance, after getting injured in an accident.
Read MoneyGeek's The Hartford auto Insurance Review3
GEICO
Score:85
4
Allstate
Score:83
5
American Family
Score:80
6
State Farm
Score:80
7
Farmers
Score:80
8
Progressive
Score:80
9
Safeco
Score:78
10
Liberty Mutual
Score:78
11
Nationwide
Score:75
While USAA scores highly in many areas, this provider is only available to military members, veterans and their families.
List of the Largest Insurance Companies in Idaho
In terms of market share, the three largest car insurance companies in Idaho are State Farm, GEICO and Farm Bureau of ID Group. Market share is calculated by dividing the number of premiums written by a carrier by the total number of premiums in the state. While a bigger company does not guarantee the best rates, it gives security to people who value financial stability.
- CompanyMarket Share
- 1.14.3%
- 2.11.0%
- 3.Farm Bureau of ID Group10.7%
- 4.10.2%
- 5.9.9%
How to Compare Cheap Idaho Car Insurance Quotes Online
Most car insurance companies in Idaho have tools on their websites so drivers can get reasonably accurate quotes. Compare quotes from multiple carriers to find the best policy.
- Use the same level of coverage when getting personalized quotes. That means if you ask for a quote from one insurer for comprehensive and collision insurance with a $500 deductible, use the same number with other insurers.
- Enter your ZIP code below to get quotes you can compare. You can also check out MoneyGeek’s price data and see which company websites to shop on.
- The cheapest car insurance companies for the average driver in Idaho are USAA, State Farm and GEICO. You can start your search for a policy by requesting a quote from these three companies.
What Is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Idaho?
Several personalized factors influence car insurance premiums. As an example, MoneyGeek calculated the average prices for comprehensive and collision coverage for a typical 40-year-old male who owns a Toyota Camry with a clean driving record. Your prices may vary due to your age, location and driving history, among other factors, resulting in premiums that can be higher or lower than these rates.
- Average Driver: $745
- DUI: $1,144
- Speeding Ticket: $872
- Poor Credit Score: $1,237
- Seniors: $794
- Students: $2,140
If you have a serious driving violation like a DUI in Idaho, you’ll likely have a more expensive car insurance rate. An average driver in Idaho with a clean record typically pays $745 per year. Drivers with a DUI pay an average of $1,144 per year.
The cheapest car insurance companies for a full coverage policy in Idaho if you have a DUI are:
- State Farm: $599 per year
- USAA: $711 per year (only for current and former members of the military)
State Farm and USAA are the most affordable options for a full coverage policy whether you have a clean record or a DUI.
Average Car Insurance Rates With a DUI
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$599$50
- 2.$711$59
- 3.$759$63
- 4.$923$77
- 5.$1,001$83
Finding cheap car insurance with a DUI in Idaho can be difficult due to insurance companies taking on a higher level of risk when insuring drivers with this type of offense on their records. The state takes DUIs seriously; those convicted of driving under the influence face up to six months in jail, fines, fees and license suspension. Between 2009-2018, 612 people in Idaho died in fatal crashes involving drunk drivers. 1.4% of drivers in Idaho report driving after drinking too much within the last 30 days. If you have a DUI on your record, know that everyone makes mistakes and you can improve your situation with time and effort. The following table looks at the range of approximate costs for insurance in Idaho.
The Idaho Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor states that a DUI remains part of an offender’s criminal record forever but these individuals are only required to hold high-risk insurance for three years. After this time, assuming the driver doesn’t receive any other penalties, they may be able to switch to a more cost-effective option. You can learn more about the real costs of a DUI by reviewing MoneyGeek’s comprehensive guide.
Minor driving violations, such as speeding tickets, can increase auto insurance rates in Idaho. The average cost of car insurance for Idaho drivers with a speeding ticket is $872, which is $127 more than the average annual cost for a driver with a clean record.
Based on average rates, the cheapest car insurance companies in Idaho for a driver with a speeding ticket and full coverage are:
- USAA: $442 per year (for current and former military members only)
- State Farm: $599 per year
USAA and State Farm offer the lowest rates for Idaho drivers with clean records and those who have speeding tickets.
Average Car Insurance Rates With a Ticket
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$442$37
- 2.$599$50
- 3.$667$56
- 4.$759$63
- 5.$877$73
Finding cheap car insurance with a ticket in Idaho may be more difficult, but it can be done. The high cost of distracted driving should not be underplayed, but individuals with tickets on their records can find financial relief if they change their ways. Review the table below to get a sense of approximate costs for auto insurance after getting a ticket.
The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles uses a points-based system to track driving violations. Drivers can reduce the points on their license once every three years by participating in a defensive driving course or a traffic safety education course.
Bad credit scores can increase your auto insurance rates in Idaho. On average, Idaho drivers with low scores pay $1,237 per year. That is almost double the average annual rate for drivers with good credit, which is $745.
The cheapest car insurance companies for Idaho drivers with poor credit scores and full coverage are:
- USAA: $590 per year (only for current and former military members)
- GEICO: $898 per year
USAA offers the most affordable rates regardless of credit score. GEICO offers lower rates for drivers with bad credit in Idaho than State Farm, the second most affordable option for drivers with good scores.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With Bad Credit
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$590$49
- 2.$898$75
- 3.$1,001$83
- 4.$1,087$91
- 5.Allied$1,165$97
Some Idaho auto insurance companies penalize individuals with low credit scores as they are seen as a higher risk to insure. The good news is that insurance companies tend to weigh credit scores differently when creating premiums, making it important for consumers to shop around for the best price. Experian identifies any score above 670 as “good.” As of 2018, Idahoans maintained an average statewide credit score of 711. The following table looks at how approximate costs for car insurance with bad credit can vary by company.
Low credit scores can be a nuisance in many situations. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to improve your credit score. It may take some patience and discipline, but know that it can absolutely be done.
Senior drivers in Idaho tend to have slightly higher auto insurance rates than young adults and middle-aged drivers in the state. Senior drivers in Idaho typically pay around $794 annually. That is $49 more than the annual rate for a 40-year-old driver.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Idaho for senior drivers with full coverage are:
- USAA: $407 per year (only for current and former military personnel)
- State Farm: $541 per year
While annual rates for auto insurance are slightly higher for senior drivers in Idaho, USAA and State Farm are still the cheapest options for full coverage insurance.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Seniors
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$407$34
- 2.$541$45
- 3.$609$51
- 4.$765$64
- 5.$780$65
Cheap car insurance for seniors in Idaho can easily be found, provided these older drivers meet specific requirements for their age group. Because drivers aged 65 and older accounted for 19.9% of fatal crashes in 2017, auto insurers may assess this population as a higher risk than some other age groups. To negate these impacts, seniors should ensure they apply for the type of insurance befitting their stage of life. Make sure you include factors such as age, type of car and typical amount of driving when asking for a quote. Check out the following table to see how insurance rates vary for seniors in Idaho.
According to AAA, the Idaho DMV requires all drivers over the age of 63 to renew their license every four years. Once they reach the age of 70, residents must apply for renewal in person. Buying cheap car insurance as a senior can be done and MoneyGeek is here to ensure you get the best rates.
Car insurance companies may charge young students in Idaho more since they are riskier drivers due to their inexperience. In Idaho, the average cost of car insurance for students is $2,140, almost three times the average annual cost for the average driver who is 40 years old.
The cheapest car insurance companies for students in Idaho with full coverage are:
- Allstate: $1,480 per year
- State Farm: $1,614 per year
GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for the average driver who is 40 years old. But, Allstate is the most affordable auto insurance company in Idaho if you are a student.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Students
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$1,480$123
- 2.$1,614$135
- 3.$1,734$145
- 4.Allied$2,474$206
- 5.$3,432$286
Drivers aged 21 or below must hold minimum mandatory insurance as required by Idaho law. By agreeing to a higher deductible with the insurance company, younger drivers (or their parents) may be able to keep their auto insurance premiums reasonably low.
Out-of-state college students are not required to get an Idaho driver's license, but they must meet the state's minimum car insurance requirements. Many insurance companies offer discounts to students who maintain good college grades. Students can also stay on their parents' policies if they live at home. The Idaho Department of Insurance advises college drivers to:
- Tell the insurance company in writing if a car will be driven in another state for more than 30 days per year.
- Think twice about letting friends borrow the car. The owner remains liable for any accidents.
Idaho auto insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for young drivers due to this population possessing less driving experience. The Idaho Transportation Department’s 2017 Traffic Crashes Report found that drivers aged 19 and younger were twice as likely to be involved in a crash resulting in injuries or fatalities when compared to other age groups. You can review the table below to see how approximate costs add up for insuring high school and college drivers in Idaho.
Insurance Rate Information for Military Drivers and Veterans
When shopping for auto insurance in Idaho, veterans and those on active duty should look for discounts available specifically to them. Many insurance companies offer reduced rates and some work exclusively with military families and vets.
Idaho has more than 10,000 active, reserve and civilian-military personnel living in the state but does not grant extensions on vehicle registration while military members are deployed. Be sure to renew by sending the registration fees to the assessor's office in your county.
Average Rates for Idaho service members
25 years$947
50 years$737
50 years$737
25 years$1,026
50 years$728
50 years$728
Car Insurance in Idaho: What You Need to Know
Idaho law requires all car and truck owners to carry liability coverage, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance. The only alternative is to post a bond with the DMV (more on this shortly).
Proof of Insurance in Idaho
Idaho drivers must provide proof of insurance before registering a vehicle with the DMV. In addition, drivers must show proof of insurance:
- When stopped by a police officer
- After an accident involving injury, death or property damage of $1,500 or more
In Idaho, you can store a copy of your insurance card on a cell phone and display it as proof of insurance when asked.
Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements in Idaho
Idaho law requires the following minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person in an accident
- $50,000 for injuries per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
Idaho law also requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which helps you cover costs if you're in an accident with someone who has no insurance.
The state requires uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident unless you sign a form stating that you reject this coverage.
Alternatives to Insurance in Idaho
As an alternative to buying auto insurance, you can leave a $50,000 deposit or bond per vehicle with the state. However, if the accident costs more than that and you're at fault, you'll be liable for the difference.
How Much Coverage Do You Need in Idaho?
The Idaho Department of Insurance cautions that the minimum state requirements for auto insurance coverage may not adequately cover all drivers.
Industry experts suggest purchasing 10 times the state-required minimum liability insurance coverage — or at least $100,000 per injury and $300,000 per accident.
If your car is new or valuable, you may want to get collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision will help pay to repair or replace your car if you're in a crash. Comprehensive coverage protects against damage from storms, fire, theft and natural disasters, such as tornadoes. If you buy a new car on financing, the lender will probably require you to carry both types of insurance.
Average Insurance Rate by City in Idaho
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- CityAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$745$62
FAQs About Car Insurance in Idaho
When looking for car insurance in Idaho, drivers should take various factors into consideration. Among the most common questions are centered around the cost of car insurance and how much coverage level is appropriate.
About the Author
sources
- AAA. "Idaho Senior Drivers." Accessed March 11, 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Sobering Facts: Alcohol-Impaired Driving State Fact Sheets." Accessed January 13, 2021.
- Defense Manpower Data Center. "Military and Civilian Personnel by Service/Agency by State/Country." Accessed March 11, 2020.
- Driving Laws. "DUI Laws by State." Accessed January 18, 2021.
- Experian. "2019 Consumer Credit Review." Accessed March 3, 2020.
- Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles. "Idaho’s Point Violations." Accessed March 11, 2020.
- Idaho Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor. "Penalties for a DUI Conviction." Accessed January 13, 2021.
- Idaho Transportation Department. "Idaho Traffic Crashes 2017." Accessed March 11, 2020.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "2018 Market Share Reports." Accessed March 11, 2020.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Traffic Safety Facts." Accessed January 13, 2021.
- NOLO. "Idaho Car Insurance Laws." Accessed March 11, 2020.