The Best Cheap Car Insurance in Idaho for 2020

The Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for the Average Idaho Driver in 2020

The majority of drivers choose from five top Idaho auto insurance companies when seeking out quotes. Finding the best car insurance in Idaho can require some research but it is well worth your time to do so. We take a look at approximate costs from a few of the well-known auto insurers in the state to give you a sense of what to expect. Remember that individual quotes are based on several specific factors, so yours may look different.

Idaho car insurance companies consider myriad factors when writing out premium quotes, including the age and gender of the driver, their driving record, and their credit history. Because of this, estimates can only provide a general sense of what to expect.

The Best Car Insurance Companies in Idaho for 2020

With so many agencies out there, it’s important to compare car insurance to find both the best company and the best rates. MoneyGeek designed a unique rating system based on reports from several reputable outlets, including J.D. Power and AM Best. Each company is scored out of a possible 100, with consideration given to factors such as affordability, customer satisfaction, financial strength, and how claims are handled.

Market Share by Company

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that State Farm Group currently operates as the largest auto insurer in Idaho. Other major insurers in the state are shown on the table below.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI in Idaho

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 and fees, and license suspension. Between 2003-2012, 712 people in Idaho died in fatal crashes involving drunk drivers. 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.

Cheapest Car Insurance for ID Speeding or Distracted Driving Tickets

Distracted driving accounted for 212 fatal crashes in Idaho during 2018 alone, underscoring the importance of keeping your eyes and ears on the road while behind the wheel. 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.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in ID for Drivers With Bad Credit

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, but 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.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Idaho for Seniors

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 affects, 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.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Students

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.

Idaho Car Insurance Premiums: The Impact of a Teen Driver

Premium comparison for two adults + 16 years old

Average premium for two 2014

Mustang GTs

$3,328

Average premium for two 2008

Town and Country Limiteds

$1,972

Anual benefits of minivans:$1,356 saved

This is 41% less expensive.

Cheaper premium for college vs. high school drivers

Median premium change with a college student vs. high school driver:

$597 DECREASE

This is a savings of 22%.

Potential discounts for teens in Idaho

Impact on annual premium with good student and defensive driving discounts:

$223 SAVED

Idaho students: a long-distance discount

You may pay a smaller annual family premium if your child lives 150 miles or more away from home.

Average premium for a 19-year-old male

$2,224 at home

$1,805 at school

$419 IN SAVINGS

Average premium for a 19-year-old female

$1,933 at home

$1,645 at school

$288 IN SAVINGS

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.

Age savings for Idaho service members

25 years$947
50 years$737

25 years$1,026
50 years$728

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$210 Saved

$298 Saved

Median auto insurance for service members: $791

Who Needs Car Insurance in Idaho?

Idaho law requires all car and truck owners to carry liability coverage as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance. The only alternative is to post a bond with the DMV (See Alternatives to Insurance below).

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 any 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 injury to one person in an accident.
• $50,000 for injury to two or more in an accident.
• $15,000 for property damage.

Idaho law also requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which help you cover costs if you're in an accident with someone who has no insurance.

The state requires uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance at these levels:

• $25,000 for injury to one person in an accident.
• $50,000 for injury to two or more in an accident.
• $15,000 for property damage.

Alternatives to Insurance in Idaho

As an alternative to buying auto insurance, you can leave a $50,000 deposit or bond per auto or truck with the state. However, if the accident costs more than that and you're at fault, you'll be liable for the difference.

Car Insurance Requirements in Idaho: How Much Coverage Do You Need?

For other common types of insurance and what types are right for you, see our MoneyGeek guide to car insurance.

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Sources

• AAA. “Idaho Senior Drivers.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sobering Facts: Drunk Driving in Idaho.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• Defense Manpower Data Center. “Military and Civilian Personnel by Service/Agency by State/Country.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• Experian. “2019 Consumer Credit Review.”Accessed March 12, 2020.
• Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles. “Idaho’s Point Violations.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• Idaho Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor. “Penalties for a DUI Conviction.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• Idaho Transportation Department. “Idaho Traffic Crashes 2017.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• Insurance Information Institute. “Facts + Statistics: Auto Insurance.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners. “2018 Market Share Reports.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Traffic Safety Facts.” Accessed March 12, 2020.
• NOLO. “Idaho Car Insurance Laws.” Accessed March 12, 2020.