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


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Updated: September 11, 2024

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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.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Idaho Department of Insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for various Idaho drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Idaho as of September 2024.

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Idaho Minimum Coverage Car Insurance 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.

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DOES IDAHO REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

Idaho doesn't mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders typically require both coverages to protect against damage or loss. If you own your car outright, adding these coverages is at your discretion based on your personal risk assessment and preference for additional protection.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you're at fault in an accident

Damage to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, unless additional coverage is purchased

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.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Idaho

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.

22-29Annual Premium$518Monthly Premium$43
30-59Annual Premium$406Monthly Premium$34
60 +Annual Premium$414Monthly Premium$34

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Idaho

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.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
State FarmAnnual Premium$208Monthly Premium$17
American National P&CAnnual Premium$210Monthly Premium$17
Idaho Farm BureauAnnual Premium$290Monthly Premium$24
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$298Monthly Premium$25
GEICOAnnual Premium$316Monthly Premium$26
American FamilyAnnual Premium$331Monthly Premium$28
FarmersAnnual Premium$336Monthly Premium$28
TravelersAnnual Premium$408Monthly Premium$34
NationwideAnnual Premium$574Monthly Premium$48
AllstateAnnual Premium$592Monthly Premium$49
DairylandAnnual Premium$906Monthly Premium$76

Optional Add-On Coverages in Idaho

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.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance

Damage to your vehicle if you're at fault or damage that exceeds policy limits

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Idaho

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.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

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.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Idaho may be canceled for a few reasons:

  • Non-payment: If you don't pay your premiums on time, the insurance company can cancel your policy.
  • License suspension: Your policy can be canceled if your driver's license gets suspended or revoked.
  • Fraud: Providing false information or committing fraud can lead to cancellation.
  • Moving out of state: If you move to a different state, Idaho car insurance may no longer apply, requiring you to get a new policy.
  • Too many claims: Filing too many claims in a short period might signal high risk, resulting in cancellation.

FAQ: Idaho Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

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.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Idaho?

In Idaho, minimum coverage auto insurance requires $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $15,000 for property damage liability per accident. This coverage helps pay for injuries or damage you cause in an at-fault accident. While it meets legal requirements, higher limits may offer better protection.

Why does Idaho require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Idaho requires motorists to have minimum coverage auto insurance to ensure they can cover any damage or injuries they cause in an accident. This coverage protects victims from bearing the full cost of damage and encourages responsible driving.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Idaho?

In Idaho, comprehensive insurance isn't required by law. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, your lender will probably require it. Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism and natural disasters. It offers extra protection beyond the state minimum coverage; without it, you'd be responsible for repair or replacement costs from such incidents.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Idaho?

Driving uninsured in Idaho can lead to serious consequences. You may face a $75 fine for a first violation and the potential suspension of your driver's license. Repeat offenses can result in penalties of up to $1,000, a six-month license suspension and a mandatory SR-22 filing for three years. To avoid these penalties, ensure at least the state minimum coverage.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.