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Cheap Auto Insurance in Idaho 2022
Drivers in Idaho pay rates starting at $31/mo. for car insurance.
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Written by
Sarah Sharkey
Insurance Writer
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make savvy financial decisions. She covered insurance and personal finance topics. You can find her work on Business Insider, Money Under 30, Rocket Mortgage, Bankrate, and more. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Edited by
Tanveen Vohra
Editorial Manager
Tanveen Vohra is an editorial manager at Insurify specializing in writing about property and casualty insurance. Through her work, Tanveen helps consumers better understand the components of their insurance policies so they can make smarter purchase decisions.Tanveen's work has been cited by CNBC , Fox Business, Business Insider, Fortune, and Market Watch, among others.
Updated November 16, 2022
Idaho drivers enjoy relatively affordable auto insurance rates. With an average rate of $167 per month, the Gem State ranks as the 15th-cheapest state for buying car insurance.
Idaho motorists can maximize their chances of finding affordable car insurance by comparing quotes online. By providing basic information about your driving record, vehicle, and more, you can easily compare quotes from multiple top insurance companies.
Quick Facts
The average cost of car insurance in Idaho is $167/mo.
Travelers is the cheapest provider in Idaho, with average rates of $80/mo.
The easiest way to cut car insurance costs is to compare quotes online.
Best cheap car insurance in Idaho: Travelers
1
Travelers
Best Cheap Car Insurance
Car insurance companies decide on premiums by using unique methodologies that factor in driving history, personal information, vehicle type, and more. Drivers in Idaho pay a wide range of car insurance rates, with the average monthly rate starting as low as $80 with Travelers and reaching as high as $220 with The General. Compare quotes and ICS ratings below.
| Car Insurance Company | Insurify Composite ScoreThe Insurify Composite Score is a proprietary rating calculated by a team of data scientists at Insurify, weighing multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company. Inputs to the score include financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch; J.D. Power ratings; Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints; mobile app reviews; and user-generated company reviews. | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | 80 | $80 |
| State Farm | 88 | $117 |
| Nationwide | 89 | $118 |
| USAA | 96 | $124 |
| GEICO | 88 | $146 |
| Safeco | 86 | $111 |
| Stilwater | N/A | $115 |
| Erie | 85 | $118 |
| Foremost Signature | N/A | $118 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | N/A | $141 |
| Liberty Mutual | 82 | $146 |
| Dairyland | N/A | $148 |
| Kemper Specialty | N/A | $155 |
| American Family | 89 | $157 |
| Progressive | N/A | $178 |
| Allstate | 85 | $197 |
| Bristol West | N/A | $209 |
| The General | N/A | $220 |
| Farmers | 85 | $247 |
| Amica | N/A | $490 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Learn More: Best Car Insurance Companies
Insurify Composite Score (ICS)
To calculate the Insurify Composite Score, a proprietary rating, Insurify data scientists weigh multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company.
Inputs to the score include J.D. Power ratings, Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints, mobile app reviews, user-generated company reviews, and financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch.
What to know about minimum car insurance requirements in Idaho
Even though 88% of all land in Idaho is considered rural, according to the state government, you’ll still need to insure your vehicle. Idaho requires insurance for all motor vehicles operated or parked on state roadways. You’ll also need to carry proof of insurance in your car at all times. It must be available when someone in law enforcement asks to see it, you renew your registration, or you’re involved in an accident.
The minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles in Idaho are:[1]
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury: As a major part of your liability insurance, bodily injury coverage covers medical bills for people other than the policyholder who are injured during an accident. Idaho is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who is responsible for the collision is also responsible for paying for any resulting expenses, either through their car insurance provider or out of pocket.
$15,000 per accident for property damage: If it’s determined that an insured driver is at fault for an accident, this coverage pays for repairs to the property of the other involved parties. Additionally, property damage coverage can cover legal costs if the insured driver is involved in a lawsuit following the accident.
$50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage pays for costs caused by a driver with little or no insurance after a car accident. In Idaho, this coverage is optional but recommended for all drivers.
Idaho DMV information
Drivers can obtain or renew a driver’s license, register a car, transfer a title, and tackle most other vehicle-related paperwork online or in person at the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).[2] More specific information is available through online resources from the Idaho DMV, and in-person offices are spread throughout the state.
Public transportation in Idaho
Idaho has very limited public transportation options in the vast majority of the state. However, bus and other transportation options are available in more populous areas, like Nampa, Boise, and Twin Falls.[3] In many cases, operating a vehicle of your own will be the most efficient way to travel throughout your city and state.
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Tips for getting cheap car insurance in Idaho
When determining your annual premium for car insurance, companies consider a wide variety of factors, including your age, credit history, driver profile, and driving record. Depending on your circumstances, you might find your rates are different from the average car insurance rates in Idaho. Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal for you.
You can also look into discounts, like bundling your home and auto policies with just one insurance company, or enrolling in an insurer’s telemetrics program that monitors and rewards good driving habits.
Liability-only vs. full-coverage insurance in Idaho
Most states have minimum insurance requirements, and each sets its own minimums for liability. If you choose liability-only auto insurance, your coverage will only pay for expenses related to injuries and damage to the other party’s car if you cause an accident. Generally, liability-only insurance is the cheapest you can buy, and it may be a good choice for you if:
Your vehicle is fully paid for.
You have a low-value vehicle.
You can afford to repair or replace your car out of your own pocket.
Getting the cheapest insurance possible is your top priority.
Full-coverage insurance, which includes basic liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage, provides greater protection, and may be a good choice if you have a high-value vehicle, couldn’t afford to repair or replace it out of your own pocket, and your car’s actual cash value is more than your annual premium costs. Collision coverage pays for damages to your car, even if you’re at fault for an accident.
If you leased or financed your car, your lender or leasing company will likely require you to carry full coverage.
Here’s a look at the cheapest auto insurance in Idaho by policy type.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| American Family | $58 | $157 |
| GEICO | $54 | $146 |
| State Farm | $43 | $115 |
| Travelers | $50 | $80 |
| USAA | $46 | $124 |
| Allstate | $73 | $197 |
| Amica | $182 | $490 |
| Bristol West | $120 | $209 |
| Dairyland | $98 | $148 |
| Erie | $44 | $118 |
| Farmers | $92 | $247 |
| Foremost Signature | $48 | $118 |
| Kemper Specialty | $93 | $155 |
| Liberty Mutual | $113 | $146 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $120 | $141 |
| Nationwide | $98 | $121 |
| Safeco | $60 | $111 |
| Progressive | $66 | $178 |
| Stillwater | $31 | $115 |
| The General | $138 | $220 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
How your driving history affects Idaho car insurance rates
Your driving history is the factor that most influences your car insurance costs. If you have a clean driving record that’s free of serious traffic violations like speeding tickets or reckless driving, you may be able to get the best car insurance rates in Idaho. But infractions like driving under the influence or at-fault accidents can significantly increase insurance costs.
Here’s a look at average monthly quotes for the cheapest car insurance in Idaho based on driving and accident history.
See More: High-Risk Car Insurance Idaho
| Car Insurance Company | Clean Record | At-Fault Accident | With a DUI | Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Family | $127 | $357 | N/A | $212 |
| Farmers | $96 | $269 | N/A | $160 |
| Nationwide | $110 | $169 | N/A | $169 |
| State Farm | $118 | $332 | N/A | $197 |
| Travelers | $75 | $93 | $88 | $95 |
| Allstate | $160 | $449 | N/A | $266 |
| Amica | $397 | N/A | N/A | $661 |
| Bristol West | $176 | $303 | $172 | $290 |
| Dairyland | $138 | $187 | $131 | $168 |
| Erie | $316 | N/A | N/A | $527 |
| Foremost Signature | $115 | $161 | N/A | $162 |
| GEICO | $200 | $562 | N/A | $333 |
| Kemper Specialty | $128 | $260 | $155 | $192 |
| Liberty Mutual | $127 | $198 | $95 | $199 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $128 | $191 | $144 | $179 |
| Progressive | $144 | $405 | N/A | $240 |
| Safeco | $92 | $119 | N/A | $145 |
| Stillwater | $149 | N/A | $42 | $113 |
| The General | $195 | $260 | $214 | $291 |
| USAA | $184 | $517 | N/A | $307 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
See More: Idaho SR-22 Car Insurance
SR-22 insurance in Idaho
If you have a DUI on your driving record, your license might be suspended. In that case, the state of Idaho requires you to file proof of your car insurance policy. To complete this requirement, you can file an SR-22 form with the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).[4] You’ll also need to file a reinstatement fee to get back on the road.
How credit scores affect Idaho car insurance quotes
Some states bar insurers from considering credit information when making decisions about insurance premiums. But in Idaho, insurers can consider credit scores because auto insurers view it as an indicator of risk. Generally, drivers with good and excellent credit scores pay less for car insurance than those with average or poor credit scores.
| Credit Tier | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Excellent | $157 |
| Good | $186 |
| Average | $204 |
| Poor | $316 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
See More: Bad Credit Car Insurance Idaho
How your city affects Idaho car insurance quotes
Where you live within the state of Idaho impacts your auto insurance rates. Location-based factors like crime rates, average commuting times, population, and more can affect how much you pay. In general, drivers in cities pay more for car insurance than those in rural areas. In Idaho, the cities with the highest rates include Cocolalla, Mountain Home AFB, and Horseshoe Bend.
| City | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Boise | $136 |
| Caldwell | $186 |
| Cocolalla | $320 |
| Coeur D’Alene | $150 |
| Eagle | $148 |
| Hayden | $162 |
| Horseshoe Bend | $257 |
| Idaho Falls | $127 |
| Lewiston | $175 |
| Meridian | $162 |
| Mountain Home | $167 |
| Mountain Home AFB | $348 |
| Nampa | $137 |
| Pocatello | $191 |
| Post Falls | $147 |
| Preston | $255 |
| Rexburg | $185 |
| Twin Falls | $106 |
| Victor | $249 |
| Worley | $57 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
How your age affects your Idaho car insurance rates
Because insurers generally equate age with experience level, your age will significantly affect how much you pay for car insurance. New drivers, who tend to be teens or people in their early 20s, typically pay more for insurance than drivers 25 and older.
The following table gives a high-level view of how age can affect insurance rates.
| Age Group | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Teenagers | $391 |
| Under 25 | $218 |
| 20s | $143 |
| 30s | $112 |
| 40s | $171 |
| 50s | $102 |
| 60s | $84 |
| 70s | $129 |
| 80+ | $195 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Quotes for younger drivers
Idaho has a graduated licensing program for teenagers, designed to help them gain experience safely before they’re fully licensed. Drivers younger than 17 must complete classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel instruction, and in-car observation. They also must complete at least six months of supervised driving.
As in virtually every state, Idaho teen drivers face higher insurance rates than motorists over the age of 25.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol West | $165 | $280 | $350 | $241 |
| Dairyland | $134 | $192 | $212 | $188 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 | $212 | $245 | $193 |
| Foremost Signature | N/A | $137 | N/A | N/A |
| Kemper Specialty | $128 | $204 | $281 | $172 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | N/A | $176 | $178 | N/A |
| Nationwide | N/A | $164 | N/A | N/A |
| Progressive | N/A | $268 | N/A | N/A |
| Safeco | N/A | $142 | $144 | N/A |
| The General | $168 | $282 | $324 | N/A |
| Travelers | N/A | $89 | N/A | N/A |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Quotes for middle-aged drivers
Generally, once you’ve passed age 25 and logged more driving hours, your car insurance rates will likely begin to decline, especially if you maintain a clean driving record.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol West | $83 | $170 | $226 | $299 |
| Dairyland | $63 | $121 | $137 | $229 |
| Liberty Mutual | $54 | $106 | $120 | $193 |
| Foremost Signature | N/A | $122 | N/A | N/A |
| Kemper Specialty | $55 | $116 | N/A | $205 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $83 | $126 | N/A | $233 |
| Nationwide | $72 | $105 | N/A | N/A |
| Progressive | N/A | $111 | N/A | N/A |
| Safeco | $55 | $91 | N/A | N/A |
| Stillwater | N/A | $81 | N/A | N/A |
| The General | $115 | $193 | $202 | $362 |
| Travelers | N/A | $75 | N/A | N/A |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Quotes for senior drivers
Senior drivers in Idaho enjoy some especially low insurance rates. For example, minimum coverage with Liberty Mutual can be as cheap as $41 per month. However, infractions like an accident or DUI will significantly increase rates for senior drivers.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol West | $75 | $152 | $110 | $275 |
| Dairyland | $59 | $104 | $86 | $201 |
| Liberty Mutual | $41 | $80 | $60 | $145 |
| Kemper Specialty | $45 | $112 | $66 | $211 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | N/A | $110 | N/A | N/A |
| Nationwide | N/A | $86 | N/A | $163 |
| Safeco | N/A | $78 | N/A | $155 |
| The General | $123 | $177 | $180 | $368 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Idaho car insurance FAQs
The top providers with the cheapest car insurance in Idaho include Travelers, State Farm, and Nationwide. Smaller auto insurers like Stillwater and Midvale Home & Auto also offer Idaho drivers affordable rates. The lowest available full-coverage policy quote comes from Travelers, at $80 per month. State Farm provides the cheapest liability-only quote, at $43 per month.
By driver age, Liberty Mutual consistently quotes the most affordable car insurance rates for middle-aged and senior Idaho drivers. Travelers is the cheapest provider for drivers with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents on their driving records.
Around 21% of drivers in Idaho have a driving incident on their record, and the state ranks as one of the least-safe states to drive in — 48th, to be exact. Idaho drivers rank 11th in speeding tickets, 8th in DUIs, and 20th in accidents in the country. All these factors influence rates for drivers with any recorded infraction, especially a DUI.
The most significant influence on insurance costs in Idaho is age. Young drivers under the age of 25 consistently pay much higher rates than middle-aged and senior drivers in Idaho. For example, teen drivers pay an average monthly rate of $391, while drivers in their 60s pay the lowest rates of $84 per month on average.
On average, Idaho drivers spend $167 per month on car insurance, which is much less than the national average rate of $233 per month. Idaho is in the top 30% of cheapest states for car insurance, making it an ideal place for finding affordable coverage. With the exception of Wyoming, Idaho offers cheaper car insurance coverage than all its neighboring states.
Auto insurance providers calculate premiums based on location, driver profile, and industry factors. In the past year or so, Idaho drivers have faced increased average premiums from a number of auto insurers. In the beginning of 2021, for example, average monthly rates were $122. Supply chain issues and increased costs of repairs and replacements increase rates.
Top providers offering the cheapest rates in Idaho include State Farm, Nationwide, and USAA, alongside smaller auto insurers like Safeco and Stillwater. With an A++ rating from A.M. Best and a AA from Standard & Poor’s, State Farm maintains good financial stability for its policyholders.
USAA also has an A++ from A.M. Best, and an AA+ from Standard & Poor’s. Nationwide is the lowest ranked of the three top insurers in Idaho, with an A+ rating from A.M. Best and an A+ from Standard & Poor’s.
No, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is not required for Idaho drivers because it is an at-fault state. The only required coverage types in the state include bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is recommended.
Drivers are also not required to purchase medical payments coverage, or MedPay, which is sometimes required by states that do not require PIP coverage. MedPay coverage, when required, helps cover costs related to a car accident, like medical bills and ambulance fees. Unlike with PIP coverage, Idaho drivers do have the option to purchase MedPay coverage.
Yes, car insurance is required in Idaho. To remain in legal compliance with the state, Idaho drivers need to purchase minimum insurance requirements, including:
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage
$15,000 per accident for property damage liability coverage[5]
$50,000 per accident for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Bodily injury liability provides coverage for the medical bills of anyone other than the policyholder in the event of an at-fault accident, and property damage liability covers repairs necessary for another person’s property. Lastly, optional uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage goes toward costs from an accident caused by a driver with little or no insurance.
Auto insurance coverage in Idaho typically follows the car rather than the insured driver. Most auto insurance policies will follow the car, including bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and full-coverage insurance.
If someone has an accident while borrowing your car, your auto coverage should still provide the same level of coverage as if you were the one behind the wheel. If your coverage doesn’t cover everything, the personal coverage of the insured driver borrowing your car may also apply. It’s never a good idea, however, to let an uninsured motorist drive your vehicle.
Full-coverage car insurance is a type of coverage that combines elements of liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. As the only coverage type required in Idaho, liability coverage provides bodily injury and property damage coverage for costs related to people affected by an at-fault accident other than the policyholder.
Comprehensive coverage provides protection for costs related to vehicle incidents from vandalism and natural disasters but does not cover car accidents. Collision coverage, on the other hand, simply covers costs related to repairs associated with a car accident. Drivers in densely populated areas or with expensive vehicles should consider a full-coverage policy.
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Data scientists at Insurify analyzed over 40 million auto insurance rates across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how their car insurance premiums are priced by companies.
Sources
- Idaho Department of Insurance. "State Minimum Car Insurance." Accessed November 16, 2022
- Idaho Transportation Department. "Division of Motor Vehicles." Accessed November 16, 2022
- Valley Regional Transit. "Routes." Accessed November 16, 2022
- Idaho Transportation Department Division of Motor Vehicles. "DMV: Be Sure to Insure." Accessed November 16, 2022
- Insurance Information Institute. "Automobile Financial Responsibility Laws By State." Accessed November 16, 2022
