How Much Is Idaho Car Insurance?

Ever wonder how much drivers in Idaho pay for car insurance? Check out the average price that most people pay and see if you can find a cheaper rate.

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Affordable Car Insurance in Idaho

The mountainous terrain in Idaho is a wonder to behold. It’s a pretty large state—the 14th largest by land area—but one of the least populated, with well under 2 million people. It’s a place for people who love their space, fresh air, and a rugged, natural landscape.

It’s also a great place for people who don’t want to pay a lot for car insurance. Idaho residents pay some of the lowest average rates in the country; in fact, the state consistently ranks in the cheapest five. That certainly doesn’t mean it’s not worth looking for ways to save—unless of course you like paying more than you have to. We’ll cover various opportunities to reduce your premium over the course of this page, but the most important advice is to comparison shop for the lowest rates. Our carrier-neutral information is designed to help you do just that.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates in Idaho

Carriers look at multiple variables when determining your insurance rate. Your age, location, driving history, and state requirements are all factors in determining the price you pay. We used our in-house reporting to determine the companies that offer the cheapest car insurance rates in Idaho. American National P came in with the lowest rate currently available in Idaho at $34.44 per month. Followed by USAA at $46.22 per month and Auto-Owners Insurance Co at $52.80 per month.

Lowest Rate

American National P

$34.44
Highest Rate

Farm Bureau of ID Group

$126.61
Average Rate

Idaho

$72
RankCompanyAvg monthly rate
1 American National P $34.44 / month
2 USAA $46.22 / month
3 Auto-Owners Insurance Co $52.80 / month
4 Travelers $57.78 / month
5 State Farm $58.56 / month
6 Oregon Mutual $76.28 / month
7 Nationwide $79.05 / month
8 Allied $83.89 / month
9 American Family $86.33 / month
10 Allstate $91.22 / month
11 Metropolitan $97.56 / month
12 Mutual Of Enumclaw $99.94 / month
13 Grange $100.44 / month
14 Sentry $105.11 / month
15 Farmers $111.06 / month
16 Farm Bureau of ID Group $126.61 / month

Top 10 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance

If you are lucky enough to live in one of these cities you are likely paying some of the lowest car insurance rates available in Idaho. According to our data, Lewiston comes in at the cheapest at only $59.38 per month. Other cities that made the top 10 list include Emmett at $61.26 per month, Mountain Home at $61.30 per month, and Moscow at $63.24 per month.

RankCityAvg monthly rate
1 Lewiston, ID$59.38 / month
2 Emmett, ID$61.26 / month
3 Mountain Home, ID$61.30 / month
4 Moscow, ID$63.24 / month
5 Rexburg, ID$67.75 / month
6 Rupert, ID$67.82 / month
7 Garden City, ID$68.78 / month
8 Twin Falls , ID$69.21 / month
9 Sandpoint, ID$69.51 / month
10 Coeur D Alene , ID$70.69 / month

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance

These top 10 cities ranked as the most expensive places in Idaho for car insurance. Location is a big factor when determining the price you pay for car insurance and these cities came in at the top. Middleton is the most expensive city in Idaho at $80.64 per month. Second and third place goes to Burley at $79.81 per month and Nampa at $78.42 per month.

RankCityAvg monthly rate
1 Middleton , ID $80.64 / month
2 Burley , ID $79.81 / month
3 Nampa , ID $78.42 / month
4 Post Falls , ID $78.39 / month
5 Rathdrum , ID $78.17 / month
6 Blackfoot , ID $77.36 / month
7 Coeur d'Alene , ID $76.66 / month
8 Idaho Falls , ID $76.58 / month
9 Rigby , ID $76.31 / month
10 Hayden , ID $75.33 / month

Average Quotes by Top Companies

Rates can vary wildly from company to company. Here is a quick look at a few rates from some of the top car insurance companies in Idaho.

Compare Recent Car Insurance Quotes in Idaho

SmartFinancial helps thousands of drivers every day find and compare the best car insurance rates available. Here is a list of some recent quotes that we recently found for drivers in Idaho.

CompanyMonthly rateVehicle
Foremost Auto $422011 Ford Explorer
Liberty Mutual $612014 Kia Soul
Mercury $632017 Toyota Corolla
ClearCover $712022 Dodge Charger
Everest $701996 Ford F150
Dairyland $1902008 Chevrolet Malibu
Metlife $582011 Chevrolet Malibu
Mercury $912002 GMC Sierra
ClearCover $312000 Ford Mustang
Foremost Auto $572018 Toyota Sienna
ClearCover $522015 Chevrolet Sonic
Dairyland $392013 Ford F150

Methodology

The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Idaho

Idaho drivers are legally obligated to carry minimum limits of $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, along with at least $15,000 property damage coverage per accident.

Under state law, your carrier must automatically offer you uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the amounts of $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident. However, you can reject this additional coverage in writing if you prefer to go without it.

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$25,000

Bodily injury coverage per person

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to a single person

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$50,000

Bodily injury coverage per accident

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to multiple people

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$15,000

Property damage per accident

Maximum payment for all damaged property in an accident caused by you

Carrying just the minimum coverage to satisfy the law is fairly common. But keep in mind that this doesn’t protect you in a variety of circumstances. If you think of your auto insurance as an investment into your financial security, you might decide it’s worth a little more each month to add on optional coverages. There’s peace of mind in knowing that your wallet is well protected from all sorts of potential expenses—some of which can be significant.

Optional Coverage in Idaho

  • Auto Loan/Lease (or "gap")
  • MedPay
  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Personal Injury Protection
  • Uninsured Drivers
  • Rental Car
  • Customized Parts and Equipment
  • Emergency Road Service
  • Towing and Labor
  • Travel Expenses

Idaho motorists can get greater peace of mind and financial safeguards with optional coverages like these. Some exclusions will apply. Also, note that banks and other institutions offering vehicle financing typically require you to carry certain add-ons—often comprehensive and collision coverage.

Idaho Car Safety

Like it or not, car insurance is mandatory in Idaho and everywhere else in the country. There are some steep penalties for driving without it, but more on that in the FAQ further down on this page. But your insurance protects you in the event of an accident, which could otherwise be a major—even devastating—financial burden.

Remember, no matter how safely you drive, you’re never in control of all the variables. As you can see in the next section, there are threats from drunk, aggressive, and distracted drivers, among others.

Idaho’s seen an uptick in crashes and fatalities in recent years, and the state has a relatively high traffic accident death rate per capita. While 64% of the 2015’s crashes occurred on urban roadways, 78% of crash-related deaths were on rural roads; higher speeds, lower visibility, and longer distances for emergency vehicles to travel to accident sites and hospitals are major factors. Overall, substance-impaired driving was responsible for 40% of 2015’s fatal crashes. Aggressive driving was cited as a contributing factor in 52% of fatal crashes, and distracted driving was a factor in 23% of them.

For an in-depth look at road safety statistics, take a look at the PDF of the Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety’s report Idaho Traffic Crashes 2015.

Car Safety for Idaho Kids

Idaho offers the following car seat recommendations:

Infants and toddlers up to 2 years old—or up to the weight and height limits established by the manufacturer—should always be secured in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. A forward-facing car seat is appropriate from that point on, up to 4 years of age or until the child reaches the height and weight limits for the seat.

Generally, kids should be at least 40 pounds before moving on to a seat belt-positioning booster seat. These are to be used for children up to 4 feet 9 inches tall. Note that lap belts alone are not adequate for securing a child in a booster seat; they require a shoulder strap, too.

At 4 feet 9 inches tall, kids should be able to be properly secured by most auto’s built-in seat belt systems. The lap belt should lay across their upper thighs and the shoulder strap should pass across their chest.

It’s dangerous to leave kids alone in your car, truck, or SUV. On hot days (or even temperate ones if the vehicle is parked in the sun), the interior of a vehicle quickly heats up well beyond the outside temperature. Children (and pets) can suffer severe illness, permanent harm, and even death from overheating in an automobile. Kids are also at risk of hurting themselves or being targeted if they’re unsupervised, as well.

While almost half of U.S. states currently have laws specifically prohibiting leaving children unattended in a vehicle, Idaho isn’t one of them. That said, Idaho does have a law against causing a child harm or placing a child in a potentially harmful situation. There is precedent for such child abuse and neglect laws to be applied to leaving a kid alone in a vehicle.

Just don’t do it. Not even with the windows cracked. Not even for a little while. And if you see a young child left unattended in a vehicle, you’re encouraged to call 9-1-1.

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24,018

Number of reported traffic crashes in 2015

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216

Number of traffic fatalities in 2015

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78%

Percent of 2015's fatal crashes occurring on a rural roadway

Driving Green in Idaho

So much of Idaho remains unspoiled by man to this day. In fact, nearly 40% of the state’s land is owned by the U.S. Forest Service; that’s more than in any other state. If you’re one of Idaho’s many environmentally aware consumers and you make green decisions about your vehicle and/or driving habits, below are some savings you might be able to take advantage of.

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Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Emissions Test Exemptions

When you register your vehicle or renew your registration in Idaho, you’re required to undergo emissions testing. However, many electric vehicles, hybrids, and new autos are exempted from this, saving their owners or lessees time and money. Learn more about testing regulations and exemptions on the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality website.

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Green Driver Auto Insurance Discounts

If you maintain a low-mileage lifestyle, it’s not only environmentally friendly, it also substantially reduces your risk of an accident and filing a claim. That’s why many car insurance companies in Idaho provide low-mileage discounts. In addition to that, lots of economy, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles qualify for insurance discounts. Ask your carrier what they offer.

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Special Fuel Excise Tax Exemptions

Idaho classifies compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), hydrogen, and diesel fuels as “special fuels.” These are often exempted from state excise taxes. For more information, contact the Idaho State Tax Commission at (800) 972-7660.

Idaho Car Insurance FAQ

Is my credit score a factor when obtaining car insurance in Idaho?

Yes, it is. Insurance companies calculate your insurance score—a number they use in determining your premium—based on a variety of personal factors. Your credit score, which is believed to provide insight into the odds of your filing a claim—is one such factor.

Does Idaho offer a good-driver discount?

Carriers obviously appreciate customers with a low risk of filing a claim, so good drivers with clean records frequently have opportunities to save through insurance discounts. Other discounts commonly offered by Idaho auto insurance companies include:

  • Accident-Free
  • Claims-Free
  • Teen Driver
  • Multi-Car
  • Distant Student
  • Alternative Fuel
  • Homeowner
  • Defensive Driver
  • Good Student
  • Anti-Lock Brake
  • Anti-Theft Device
  • Multiple Line
  • Passive Restraint
  • Vehicle Safety

Does Idaho allow the use of digital insurance cards?

Not only is it allowed, but Idaho started the trend! Back in March of 2012, Idaho became the first state in the country to enact legislation allowing its resident drivers to show electronic proof of coverage.

What happens if my coverage lapses?

Under Idaho law, all registered vehicles must have financial accountability with the legally mandated minimum coverage at all times. First-time offense penalties in Idaho are fairly lenient compared to those in many other states, but driving without insurance puts you and other motorists at risk and should never occur.

The first time you drive without insurance, your license will be suspended until you can show proof of coverage and pay a reinstatement fee. Also, you’ll face fines of up to about $130. Fines may increase as much as tenfold on your second infraction, though, and you may also be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail (or face less jail time and additional fines).

What are Idaho's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage limits under the state's driving under the influence (DUI) laws?

It’s illegal to drive in Idaho at the following BAC percentages:

.08%+ at 21 years old or older
.04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
.02%+ at under 21 years old

Idaho enforces stricter penalties for drivers registering a BAC of 0.20% or higher. In such situations, the penalties are increased to match what they would be if the driver had an additional prior offense within the last 10 years (i.e., a first-time offender would face second-time offender penalties, and a second-time offender would face third-time offender penalties). Learn more about DUI consequences two questions down.

What are the chemical test refusal penalties in Idaho?

In Idaho, you aren’t allowed to refuse a breath, urine, or blood test requested by a law enforcement officer who suspects you of a DUI. Officers may also require additional drug testing if you are believed to be impaired by any substance. Refusing a test results in revocation and a 1-year suspension of your driver’s license and a $250 civil penalty.

What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?

More than 10,000 drivers are arrested for DUI in Idaho annually. The first offense is a misdemeanor violation that can carry up to a 6-month jail sentence, up to $1,000 in fines, and a 90 to 180-day license suspension.

A second offense within 10 years is also a misdemeanor. There’s a minimum of 10 days in jail, but the sentence may go up to 1 year depending on the circumstances. Your license will be suspended for 1 year, not starting until you’re released from jail, and fines may reach up to $2,000. You’ll also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed at your own expense.

A third offense within 10 years, which is a felony, carries a minimum of 30 days and up to 5 years in jail. Fines may reach up to $5,000 and installation of an ignition interlock device is mandatory. Your license will be suspended for at least 1 year, and possibly up to 5 years, beginning at the time of your release from jail.

Does Idaho offer driver improvement courses to reduce my insurance premium?

Some car insurance carriers offering coverage in Idaho reward drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving course with a discount. Ask your representative if such an incentive is available. Check with your county to locate an approved course in your area (or one that’s available online).

Is there any way I can reduce the cost of my Idaho car insurance?

We’ve already covered a variety of discounts and incentives above that can reduce your premium, so be sure to ask your carrier which ones you qualify for. Also, you can cut the cost of your coverage by skipping the monthly installments and paying upfront. Another effective strategy is to opt for a higher deductible in exchange for a lower premium. Don’t forget that your credit score and driving record matter when it comes to your car insurance costs, so be careful with them. Finally, when you’re looking for a new policy, be smart and shop around for the lowest rates on coverage that’s just right for you.

What is uninsured motorist coverage and is it required in Idaho?

If you get into an accident caused by a driver who’s illegally on the road without auto insurance, you can end up on the hook for all your costs associated with the crash. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you from this risk. In Idaho, your carrier must by default include uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident in your policy; however, you can waive this coverage in writing if you want.

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