Idaho Minimum Car Insurance Requirements: Laws, Coverage Limits & Exemptions

Having proper auto insurance coverage is crucial for all Idaho drivers. Car insurance protects you financially if you cause an accident. Idaho law requires drivers to carry minimum liability, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist coverage.

This guide explains Idaho’s minimum auto insurance requirements, including mandatory coverage amounts and exemptions. We’ll also discuss additional recommended coverage to protect yourself fully.

Idaho Minimum Liability Coverage Requirements

Liability insurance pays for damage and injuries you cause to others when you are at-fault in an accident. Idaho law requires drivers to carry the following minimum liability coverage amounts:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per accident

These minimum liability limits provide basic protection. However, many experts recommend Idaho drivers carry more coverage. Higher liability limits can better protect your assets if you cause an expensive accident.

Required Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In addition to liability insurance, Idaho law requires insurers to include these coverages unless the policyholder rejects them in writing:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Bodily Injury: Covers injuries to you and your passengers if hit by a driver with no insurance. Matches your liability limits.

• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Bodily Injury: Covers injuries to you and your passengers if hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all medical bills. Also matches your liability limits.

UM and UIM coverage protect you when an at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Make sure to understand how the UIM coverage offered works and consider higher limits.

Idaho Auto Insurance Exemptions

Idaho allows a few exceptions to the minimum auto insurance requirements:

• Primitive Vehicles: Certain old vehicles like horse-drawn carriages are exempt.

• Vehicles 25+ Years Old: Owners can file an exemption for vehicles older than 25 years if used for exhibitions, parades, etc.

• Financial Hardship: Drivers can apply for an exemption if they truly cannot afford minimum coverage. Must prove income under 50% of federal poverty level.

Unless you qualify for an authorized exemption, you must maintain at least the state minimum liability and UM/UIM coverage on any vehicle registered and driven in Idaho.

Recommended Auto Insurance Coverage Limits in Idaho

While Idaho has set minimum auto insurance requirements, experts often recommend carrying more protection. Some suggested limits include:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
• Property Damage Liability: $50,000-$100,000
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
• Collision: $500-$1,000 deductible
• Comprehensive: $500-$1,000 deductible

Higher liability limits can prevent you from paying out-of-pocket if you cause an accident with major injuries or vehicle damage. Increased UM/UIM protection provides greater coverage if an at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Collision and comprehensive cover damage to your own vehicle from collisions, vandalism, natural disasters, and more.

Penalties for Lacking Minimum Idaho Car Insurance

Driving without proper insurance in Idaho can lead to serious penalties like:

• Fines up to $1,000
• Driver’s license suspension
• Registration suspension
• Required SR-22 filing for 3 years
• $25 reinstatement fee

Police officers can request proof of insurance during any traffic stop. Make sure to always keep current insurance ID cards in your vehicle to avoid fines.

How Insurance Companies Determine Your Idaho Rates

While Idaho sets baseline auto insurance requirements, your actual premium will vary based on your risk profile. Key factors Idaho insurers can use to determine your personalized rate include:

• Driving Record: Drivers with past accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and other violations typically pay higher rates.

• Location: Auto insurance rates are higher in areas with more accidents, traffic, crime, and uninsured drivers. Urban areas cost more than rural zip codes.

• Age: Teen and young adult drivers pay the most. Rates start decreasing around age 25.

• Gender: Statistics show young male drivers get in more accidents. Young men often pay more than women for auto insurance.

• Credit History: Your credit-based insurance score can have a large impact on your premium. Good credit equals lower rates.

• Vehicle Type: Sports cars, luxury vehicles, and performance models cost more to insure than economy sedans and minivans.

• Driving Habits: Significant mileage or frequent highway use can increase your rate.

• Coverage Choices: Minimum liability requirements cost less than full coverage including collision and comprehensive. Higher limits also raise your premium.

Comparing quotes from at least 3-5 top Idaho insurers ensures you find the cheapest policy for your individual risk profile and coverage needs. Rates can vary widely between different carriers.

Major Car Insurance Companies in Idaho

Most national insurers provide coverage options for Idaho drivers. Some top auto insurance companies in the state include:

• State Farm: Largest car insurer nationwide and in Idaho. Competitive rates and discounts like 25% off for bundling policies.

• Farmers Insurance: Local agents and comprehensive coverage options for Idahoans. Rates discounted up to 37% for bundling multiple policies.

• Allstate: Large insurer with standard and expanded coverage selections. Offers accident forgiveness and safe driving rewards programs.

• Progressive: Competitive rates and convenient online/phone quoting process. Average savings of over $700 per year with their Snapshot program.

• Liberty Mutual: Customizable coverage offerings and 12 available discounts, including savings for anti-theft devices, low mileage, and paying annually.

• GEICO: Affordable rates and stellar online tools. 15% discount for taking a defensive driving course.

Shop around to compare quotes and find the right Idaho auto insurance provider for your situation. Make sure to verify they are registered to operate within the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is car insurance per month in Idaho?

On average, Idaho drivers pay around $100 per month for minimum liability coverage and $160 per month for a full coverage policy. However, your personalized rate depends on your risk profile. Comparing quotes is the only way to find your best price.

Can you drive without insurance in Idaho?

No. Idaho is a mandatory insurance state, meaning all registered vehicle owners must carry minimum liability and UM/UIM coverage. The penalties for uninsured driving can include fines, suspended registration/license, and an SR-22 requirement.

How much car insurance do I need in Idaho?

Experts recommend carrying more than Idaho’s minimum 25/50/15 liability and matching UM/UIM limits. Consider at least 100/300/50 in liability coverage plus 100/300 in uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. Collision and comprehensive are also smart additions to protect your vehicle.

How long can you go without car insurance in Idaho?

Idaho drivers must maintain continuous auto insurance coverage year-round on registered vehicles they drive. There is no grace period or lapse allowance for uninsured driving. Letting your policy cancel due to non-payment immediately puts you in violation of state insurance requirements.

How can I lower my car insurance in Idaho?

Ways to get cheap Idaho car insurance include bundling policies, asking about discounts, taking defensive driving courses, boosting your credit score, choosing higher deductibles, limiting your mileage, and comparing rates annually.