Finding the Best Auto Insurance in Idaho Falls, ID

Idaho Falls is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation opportunities, and friendly small-town vibe. But even in this picturesque city, drivers need protection. That’s where auto insurance comes in.

Choosing the right auto insurance for your needs is crucial. The wrong policy could leave you unprotected or overpaying. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the best auto insurance in Idaho Falls, ID.

What is Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that protects you financially if you are involved in a car accident.

There are several different types of auto insurance coverage:

• Liability insurance covers damage you cause to others in an accident. It’s required in most states.

• Collision insurance pays to repair or replace your car after an accident.

• Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, weather, or fire.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for injuries to you and your passengers caused by a driver with no or too little insurance.

• Medical payments coverage pays for medical treatment for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.

• Personal injury protection pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related costs for you and your passengers. It may be required in some states.

Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Idaho Falls

The average cost of auto insurance in Idaho Falls is $1,392 per year according to 2021 data. That’s quite a bit lower than the national average of $1,732 per year.

However, what you’ll pay can vary significantly based on factors like:

• Your age, gender, marital status, and driving record
• The type of car you drive
• Your credit score
• How much coverage you select
• Your driving habits

Getting quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find the lowest rate tailored to your situation.

Main Auto Insurance Providers in Idaho Falls

Some of the largest auto insurance providers in Idaho Falls are:

• State Farm: State Farm is the #1 insurer in Idaho Falls with 18.7% market share. They offer standard coverage plus options like rideshare insurance.

• Progressive: Progressive holds 8.4% of the Idaho Falls market. They’re known for discounts and tools like the Name Your Price tool.

• Farmers: Farmers has 5.3% market share in Idaho Falls. They offer bundle discounts with home and life insurance policies.

• Allstate: Allstate has 4.8% of the local market. They provide standard coverage plus extras like accident forgiveness.

• Geico: Geico has 4.3% market share in the city. They’re known for low rates and a user-friendly mobile app.

It’s wise to get quotes from a mix of large national carriers and local insurance agencies when shopping for coverage.

What Impacts Your Idaho Falls Auto Insurance Rates

Many different factors impact what you’ll pay for Idaho Falls auto insurance, including:

Driving and Credit History

Insurers view drivers with poor driving records and credit scores as riskier to insure. Expect to pay more if you have:

• Speeding tickets and at-fault accidents on your record
• A low credit score
• A history of lapsed insurance coverage

Age, Gender, and Marital Status

Younger, single male drivers generally pay the highest auto insurance rates. Married drivers and those with more driving experience tend to pay less.

Type of Vehicle

Insuring a luxury car, sports car, or vehicle with high horsepower costs more than insuring an economy sedan. Newer cars also tend to have higher insurance rates.

Coverage Levels

The more coverage you buy, the more you’ll pay. Consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage on older cars to save.

Driving Habits

Insurers may ask about your annual mileage and commute distance. Less driving means lower rates.

How to Save on Idaho Falls Auto Insurance

Drivers have many options to save on Idaho Falls auto insurance:

• Increase deductibles: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could reduce your premiums 20% or more.

• Ask about discounts: Most insurers offer discounts for things like good grades, completing a defensive driver course, having multiple policies with them, and more.

• Improve your credit: Increasing your credit score could potentially save you hundreds per year.

• Consider usage-based programs: These programs use a device in your car to measure driving habits and offer discounted rates for safe driving.

• Drop unnecessary coverage: Consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than 10 times the premium.

• Compare quotes often: Shop around and compare quotes from new providers every 6-12 months to find the best rate.

Top 5 Auto Insurance Companies in Idaho Falls

Now that you know how auto insurance works and what impacts your rates, let’s take a closer look at some of the top providers in Idaho Falls.

1. State Farm

• Market share: 18.7%
• Sample annual premium: $1,409
• Discounts offered: Steer clear safe driving discount, defensive driving course discount, bundle discounts, young driver discounts
• Standout features: Strong local agent support, rideshare insurance, roadside assistance

State Farm is the leading auto insurer in Idaho Falls with nearly 19% market share. Their combination of competitive rates, discounts, and local agent support makes them a top choice.

2. Progressive

• Market share: 8.4%
• Sample annual premium: $1,349
• Discounts offered: Multi-policy, multi-vehicle, snapshot usage-based discount
• Standout features: Name Your Price tool, mobile app with quote and policy management

Progressive is known for innovative tools that bring down rates like Name Your Price, where you select your desired premium and they build you a policy. Great for tech-savvy drivers.

3. Farmers

• Market share: 5.3%
• Sample annual premium: $1,497
• Discounts offered: Bundle, young driver, defensive driving course, good student
• Standout features: Strong local agent relationships, bundled policies

Farmers agents can bundle your auto with home and life insurance. Their personalized local service and ability to find you savings makes them worth considering.

4. Allstate

• Market share: 4.8%
• Sample annual premium: $1,945
• Discounts offered: Multi-policy, safe driving bonus check, new car
• Standout features: Accident forgiveness, new car replacement

Allstate offers the basics plus extras like new car replacement and accident forgiveness. Their high premiums are offset by excellent claims service and extra protections.

5. Geico

• Market share: 4.3%
• Sample annual premium: $1,347
• Discounts offered: Multi-vehicle, good student, federal employee, bundle
• Standout features: Low rates, easy online quotes and policy management

Known for those clever gecko ads, Geico offers quick online quotes and claims service. They’re a good option if you want a lower-cost, no-frills policy you can manage online.

How to Get the Best Idaho Falls Auto Insurance Rates

Here are some final tips for getting the lowest auto insurance rates in Idaho Falls:

• Compare quotes from at least 3-5 different insurers
• Ask about all available discounts
• Consider usage-based programs to save based on safe driving
• Limit your coverage only to what you need
• Maintain a good credit score and clean driving record
• Re-shop for rates regularly as new insurers enter the market

Finding the right blend of coverage, value, and service takes some work. But following the advice in this guide will help you get the best auto insurance fit for your needs in Idaho Falls. Drive safely out there!