Idaho Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (September 2024)

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, where the at-fault driver is liable for damages.

The average monthly cost for minimum coverage is $34. For those seeking budget-friendly options, exploring the cheapest car insurance in Idaho can help find affordable plans that meet these requirements.

To legally drive in Idaho, drivers must have the state minimum coverage for car insurance, which includes:

• $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 for property damage liability per accident

Idaho is a fault state, which means the driver at fault for an accident is responsible for covering the damages through their insurance. This can influence your premium, as your insurance company considers your risk of being at fault when determining rates. Being a fault state means that insurance could cost more due to the need to cover the other party's expenses if you are responsible for an accident.

The table shows Idaho's state 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 their inexperience and higher risk of accidents. The table below shows the average costs for minimum coverage by age group, illustrating how insurance rates vary with age.

For Idaho drivers seeking affordable state minimum coverage, consider these competitive rates:

• State Farm: $208 per year; $17 per month
• American National P&C: $210 per year; $17 per month

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.

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.

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:

• Vehicle impoundment: Your vehicle can be taken away, and you must pay the applicable fees to get it back.
• Suspension of vehicle registration: It's illegal to drive your vehicle with a suspended registration, and compliance and fees are required to restore the registration.
• Driver's license suspension: Your driving privilege may be revoked temporarily, with a fee to regain driving privileges.
• Mandatory filing of an SR-22: You must file an SR-22, a certificate proving future financial responsibility, for a certain period, which may increase your insurance premiums.
• Possible jail time: If you're involved in an accident while uninsured, you can face jail time of up to six months.

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 — do not drive uninsured. The Idaho DMV is promptly informed when drivers are without minimum coverage, which can lead to penalties.

If you are unable to 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 state minimum car insurance in Idaho is against the law and can have serious consequences.

Understanding Idaho's state minimum car insurance requirements is crucial for all drivers to ensure legal compliance and financial protection. We provide clear answers to common questions about coverage essentials and policy standards in the Gem State.