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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in Idaho

The average car insurance rate in Idaho is $1,338 per year — 12% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Idaho car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Idaho based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Idaho

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Idaho.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 884 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Idaho.

2nd place medal
State Farm

State Farm scored an 844 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study and placed third in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey with a score of 4.4 stars out of 5.

3rd place medal
PEMCO Insurance

PEMCO Insurance placed third in this region with a score of 835 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study.

Key takeaways
  • Idaho drivers pay about 12% less for car insurance on average
  • The cheapest major car insurance company is Auto-Owners

The cheapest car insurance companies in Idaho

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

cheapest overall
Auto-Owners — cheapest for full coverage

Costing an average of $56 per month, Auto-Owners is significantly cheaper than the statewide average for full coverage.

cheapest after at-fault accident
Auto-Owners — cheapest after at-fault accident

After an at-fault accident, Auto-Owners is the most affordable insurer in Idaho.

cheapest after DUI
State Farm — cheapest after DUI

If you have a DUI on your record, check out State Farm for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $785
State Farm $932
Nationwide $1,288
GEICO $1,356
Farmers $1,597
Allstate $1,893

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Idaho auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Idaho. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Idaho, expect to pay an average of $377 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 75%.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Idaho, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

Liability coverage:

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

Optional coverage in Idaho (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Medical Payments
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
  • Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Idaho, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,168, 210% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 281% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to Idaho car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Idaho with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Idaho.

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Idaho car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Idaho.

Cheap auto insurance in Idaho for minimum coverage

You can save a significant amount by choosing the minimum level of liability coverage required to drive legally in Idaho, but it can leave you at risk. In Idaho, the average cost for minimum coverage is $31 per month, or $377 yearly — a savings of $1,059 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $232
State Farm $292
GEICO $347
Allstate $437
Farmers $458
Nationwide $459

Cheap auto insurance in Idaho with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Idaho drivers with poor credit pay $1,967 more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,465
Nationwide $1,794
GEICO $1,892
Farmers $2,579
Allstate $2,626
State Farm $3,071

Cheap auto insurance in Idaho with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $515 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,081
USAA $1,104
GEICO $1,899
Nationwide $1,981
Farmers $2,281
Allstate $2,650

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Idaho

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Idaho, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,852 per year — $3,323 more than the nationwide average and over three times as much as a 30-year-old Idaho driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $3,227
USAA $3,249
GEICO $3,426
Nationwide $4,103
Allstate $5,835
Farmers $7,232

Idaho auto insurance rate by violation

In Idaho, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. How much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.

See below average auto insurance rates in Idaho after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,197 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,206 1% $9
Not-at-fault accident $1,232 3% $34
One comp claim $1,263 5% $65
Two Med/PIP claims $1,264 6% $66
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,271 6% $73
Driving without lights $1,344 12% $146
Two comp claims $1,350 13% $153
Child safety restraint $1,357 13% $160
Failure to show documents $1,361 14% $163
Driving with expired registration $1,384 16% $187
Texting while driving $1,396 17% $199
Cell phone violation $1,397 17% $200
Following too closely $1,416 18% $219
Illegal turn $1,417 18% $220
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,417 18% $220
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,418 18% $221
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,420 19% $223
Driving too slowly $1,422 19% $225
Failure to stop at a red light $1,423 19% $226
Improper passing $1,427 19% $230
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,431 19% $233
Failure to yield $1,435 20% $238
In 65 MPH zone $1,438 20% $241
Speeding in school zone $1,453 21% $255
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,454 21% $257
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,466 22% $269
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,580 32% $383
Open container $1,586 32% $389
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,592 33% $395
Passing school bus $1,641 37% $444
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,682 41% $485
Reckless driving $1,832 53% $635
Driving with a suspended license $1,860 55% $663
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,921 60% $723
Racing $1,949 63% $752
DUI $1,975 65% $778
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,004 67% $806

Idaho DUI laws

In Idaho, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of 65%. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Idaho

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Idaho, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Idaho, State Farm, advertises annual rates 37% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Idaho is Auto-Owners, while the priciest firm is Nationwide, with prices 27% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,241
USAA $1,659
Farmers $2,160
Allstate $2,271
GEICO $2,426
Nationwide $2,515

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Idaho SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Idaho to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Idaho might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Idaho

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company and ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an upfront fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Idaho in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Mountain Home and the most expensive in Eastport, Idaho.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Idaho's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Boise City $1,079
Meridian $1,079
Nampa $1,146
Caldwell $1,153
Idaho Falls $1,215

Car insurance price trends in Idaho

In Idaho, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $82 in the past year. A typical Idaho driver pays an average of $1,338 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Idaho leans toward slightly pricier car insurance costs but remains lower than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

IDAHO CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium —Idaho Yearly Change —Idaho Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,338 $82 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,256 $93 $1,483 $61
2019 $1,163 $94 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,069 -$727 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Idaho car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Idaho auto insurance.

Car insurance in Idaho is reasonably priced. For a full coverage six-month policy, drivers pay $669. This is nearly $96 cheaper than the national average for car insurance.

For drivers in Idaho, full coverage consists of collision and comprehensive. Depending on your deductible, your six-month rate for this coverage ranges from $584 to $718.

Idaho is not a no-fault state. You are required to pay for bodily injury damage you cause in an at-fault accident.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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RECENT QUESTIONS

Other people are also asking...

Why does my premium change when I change my address?

Insurance is zip code specific, so moving from one zip code to another can cause your premium to change. Especially if you move into a more crowded urban area (like a downtown area) because there are new factors of risk your insurance company has to compensate for such as increased drivers, poor in…
Jan 21, 2018 Pocatello, ID

What's the difference between an insurance carrier and an insurance agency?

Great question! The word "carrier" in terms of insurance is just a synonym for company. An insurance carrier is the insurance company that covers your vehicle and is listed on your policy (e.g. Allstate, State Farm, etc.). An insurance "agency" is a business that sells insurance…
Apr 15, 2016 Boise, ID

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.