Car Insurance Idaho

You found your ideal vehicle — it’s got the perfect mix of purpose, power and panache. Now you’re ready to drive it off the dealer lot. Tap those brakes! Have you found the right insurance policy? We’ve done the research and will cover your best options for Idaho car insurance.

Best Car Insurance in Idaho

Idaho Car Insurance Overview

• An average of 2 vehicles per household in Idaho 
• Minimum state insurance requirements:
  • $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
  • $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability
  • $25,000/$50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages
• The average rate with a clean driving record of $1,980

Idaho Car Insurance Laws

Idaho is a “fault” state, that is, the driver at fault pays damages. Idaho also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which means that if the driver who is responsible for the accident is not insured, your damages are covered.

The Idaho insurance verification law goes into effect January 2020. This law requires the Idaho Transportation Department to match information from motor vehicle registration records with an insurance verification. In short, make sure your vehicle is insured.

Idaho Car Insurance Rates Per Vehicle

Your age, the type, cost and age of your vehicle, and repair or replacement costs factor into insurance costs. Safety and security features also influence your rate. (Airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and anti-theft systems.) 

According to 2019 retail sales, Kelley Blue Book ranks the following as the 5 most popular vehicles in Idaho:

1. Ford F-150
2. RAM 1500
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4. RAM 2500
5. Toyota RAV4

Why are some vehicles with the same features more expensive to insure? Expensive vehicles are expensive to repair. Larger vehicles usually withstand minor accidents better than smaller vehicles. 

Have you found a moderately priced pick-up truck and still worry about the insurance rate? You can take steps to lower your insurance rates. For instance, you can consider bundling your insurance needs with one provider. You can also ask for a higher deductible.  

Car Insurance Rates by Insurance Credit Score

Insurance agencies look at your insurance credit score when determining your premium.   Your credit score gives banks or creditors an expectation of your commitment and ability to pay. The higher your score, the lower the risk for the company, the less you’ll pay. The lower your score, the higher the risk and the more you’ll pay.

It’s important to understand that your credit score is changeable. You can boost your credit score if it’s low. Making payments on time and reducing or eliminating debt are a few things that will help. If your credit score is high, great! Remember, credit scores are fluid and move down as easily as up.

Here are some examples of what you can expect to pay based on your FICO score using Benzinga’s research.

Insurance for Drivers with a Clean Record

Obeying all traffic laws equals a clean record. These are basics but save lives: Always buckle up and make sure your passengers are properly restrained. Keep to posted speed limits or drive for the conditions. Be mindful of traffic signs. Drive sober. When it comes to mobile technology, go hands-free or not at all. In general, stay focused on the road and your surroundings. 

Get to know the different types of insurance coverage.

• Minimum Coverage
  • Minimum auto insurance coverage is the least amount of coverage required by the state. Idaho’s minimums are  
• Bodily injury and property damage liability
  • $25,000 per person per accident
  • $50,000 for all persons per accident; and
  • $15,000 property damage liability.
• Uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage
  • $25,000 per person
  • $50,000 per accident
• Standard coverage
  • Standard auto insurance adds to minimum coverage. Bodily injury liability, property damage, and personal injury protection coverage increase. It also adds: 
    • Comprehensive coverage, which is damage to your vehicle as a result of acts such as theft, flood or fire
    • Collision coverage, which covers damage resulting from a collision with another car or object (telephone pole, tree, pothole)
• Full coverage
  • Full vehicle insurance coverage is a combination of the coverages mentioned above. Full coverage is typically an increased dollar amount coverage for people and the vehicle.   

Research compiled by Benzinga

Insurance Rates with Driving Infractions

Earning a clean driving record is the result of a constant focus on obeying traffic laws. Common driving infractions include: 

• Speeding: Stick to the posted speed and be mindful that you can get a ticket for driving faster than what is reasonable for the conditions.
• Stop signs and lights: Come to a complete, full stop at a stop sign or red light. 
• Driving distracted: Go hands-free or wait. Idaho prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices while driving a vehicle unless you are in the hands-free mode.  
• Driving without a license. Your license must be valid if you’re operating a motor vehicle.

Everyone makes mistakes. So, it’s good that you can still get insurance with an infraction on your record, though you’ll pay more. Benzinga regularly compiles competitive rates for our readers, and this is an idea of what you might expect to pay in Idaho. 

Best Car Insurance Providers in Idaho

Based on our extensive research, below are the best car insurance providers who earned an overall score of 4.3 out of 5 or higher factoring in coverage, availability and price.

Best For

• Rideshare drivers

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1. Best Overall: State Farm

State Farm is the best overall car insurance provider in Idaho. More than $700 below the state average, State Farm is well priced at approximately $1,260 per year. Additionally, they offer extensive coverage and an array of discount opportunities.

Outside of the state minimum requirements, State Farm offers new car protection, accident forgiveness, rideshare coverage, temporary and short term coverage, medical payments and rental car reimbursement. Its plethora of discount opportunities includes multi-policy, good student, loyalty, and safety and anti-theft device. Additionally, State Farm’s online quote tool makes it easy to check into coverage.

2. Cheapest Car Insurance in Idaho: The Hartford

At about 50% less than the state average yearly rate for car insurance, The Hartford is the cheapest car insurance in Idaho. Its rate is approximately $990 per year. You can knock some money off that rate with their lineup of available discounts, which include anti-theft device, multi-policy, defensive driving course, good student and loyalty.

Best For

• AARP members at least 50 years old

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The Hartford’s stand-out coverage options include new car protection, accident forgiveness, and personal injury protection. While The Hartford does not have an online quote tool, post-accident support and AARP member benefits are notable perks. Finally, J.D. Power’s 2019 Insurance Customer Satisfaction Index ranks The Hartford as “better than most.”

3. Best Coverage for Multiple Cars: The Hartford

Just because your personal car parc is growing doesn’t mean that your yearly expenses for insurance need to increase at the same rate. The Hartford offers the cheapest best cheapest insurance in Idaho. Starting with the cheapest insurer is a good way to keep expenses in check.

Plus, at its price point coverage, perks and discount opportunities do not take a hit, as mentioned above. 

Best For

• Active military members

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4. Best for Military Personnel: USAA

USAA is the best car insurance for military personnel (active and retired) and their families. No other company understands the unique needs and circumstances of the military than USAA. Plus, USAA consistently ranks “above the rest” in J.D. Power customer satisfaction studies.

USAA provides coverage that is especially important to military personnel such as rideshare coverage, usage-based coverage, and temporary and short term coverage. It also provides multiple discount opportunities including special employment, loyalty, anti-theft device, multi-policy and good student. Its economical pricing of about $950 per year makes USAA top notch.

Go Your Own Way 

By being more informed about what’s necessary to secure car insurance coverage, you can dig deeper to find the best fit for you. Consider your coverage needs and wants, and your potential for discounts. When it comes to car insurance, it’s a good idea to check in with family and friends. But don’t feel obligated to follow the herd. Roam freely and choose the best fit for you.  

Frequently Asked Questions