Essential
Why Car Insurance is Important in Idaho
Car insurance in Idaho is not just a legal requirement, it’s also critical for protecting yourself, your vehicle, and your finances. Idaho has unique driving conditions that make tailored insurance coverage essential.
- Weather and Seasonal Challenges: Idaho experiences diverse weather, including heavy snow, icy roads, and sudden rainstorms, all of which can contribute to accidents.
- Rural and Mountainous Terrain: Many roads in Idaho wind through remote areas, mountains, or farmland, making comprehensive coverage essential for rural drivers.
- Wildlife Collisions: With extensive forests and open spaces, drivers in Idaho face a higher chance of collisions with wildlife, such as deer or elk.
Coverage
What Does Car Insurance Cover in Idaho?
Idaho is an at fault state, meaning that the driver who is found at fault for an accident is responsible for covering the resulting damage. When it comes to auto insurance, the minimum required coverage will vary from state to state. For Idaho, that minimum coverage includes:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Coverage for others’ medical costs when you’re at fault. Minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability – $15,000 per accident. Coverage for others’ vehicles or property when you’re at fault. Minimum requirements of $15,000 per accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: Coverage for your injuries if the other party doesn't have sufficient insurance. Limits are typically the same as your liability, but cannot be more than your set liability. In Idaho, you have two additional options of UIM Coverage to select either Difference in Limits or Excess Coverage:
- Excess Coverage: This option will pay out in addition to the at-fault driver’s liability coverage limits up to your UIM limits.
- Difference in Limits Coverage: This option will reduce your UIM limits by the at-fault driver’s liability limits
- Included in standard policies. Drivers have the choice to reject it but must do so in writing.
- Additionally, UM/UIM property damage is considered additional coverage in Idaho.
While these minimums meet Idaho's legal requirements, they don’t protect your own vehicle if you’re at fault. To ensure total peace of mind, Goosehead Insurance recommends exploring additional coverage options.
Options
Additional Coverage Options for Idaho Car Owners
If you’re determined to be the at fault driver in Idaho, your insurance only covers damage to the other party, meaning your car will still need to be repaired at your own discretion. Here are some common additions to car insurance policies:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for damage over your deductible for non-collision events, such as theft, hail, falling trees, or animal collisions.
- Collision Coverage: Covers the repair or replacement costs of your own vehicle over your deductible after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Roadside Assistance: Provides emergency services like towing, fuel delivery, or flat tire changes—especially valuable on Idaho’s isolated highways.
- Rental Coverage: Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, ensuring you remain mobile.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Offers coverage for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault
Some drivers may find themselves in more unique situations, such as if you don’t drive very often, or if you have certain modifications to your car. If you feel like you need specific or unique coverage, it’s best to mention it to one of our agents so we can give you the best coverage for your situation.
Driving in Idaho offers adventure and freedom, and your car insurance should provide the same sense of security. Goosehead Insurance ensures you’re covered for all the challenges—and rewards—of driving in the Gem State.
Contact us today to get a free, no-obligation quote. With Goosehead Insurance, you’ll have the confidence to hit the road knowing that your car—and your peace of mind—are fully protected.
Cost
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Idaho?
The cost of car insurance in Idaho is affected by a variety of factors, in addition to your coverage selections. Understanding these elements can help you make informed decisions about your coverage and budget.
- Driving Record: A clean driving history leads to lower premiums, while speeding tickets, accidents, and DUIs can cause significant increases.
- Vehicle Type: High-performance or luxury vehicles typically come with higher insurance costs due to their repair expenses.
- Location: Drivers in urban areas like Boise may pay more due to higher traffic volume and accident risks compared to rural residents.
- Mileage: The more miles you drive each year, the higher the risk of an accident, which can increase premiums.
- Age and Driving Experience: Younger and less experienced drivers often pay more, while older drivers typically enjoy lower rates.
Drivers in Idaho pay an average of $400 annually for state-minimum coverage. For full coverage, Idaho drivers pay an average of $1,500 depending on specific coverage limits and personal factors.
Save
Ways to Save on Car Insurance in Idaho
Idaho drivers can lower their car insurance premiums with a few simple strategies, many of which Goosehead Insurance can help you explore.
- Bundle Policies: Combine your auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance for significant multi-policy discounts.
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoid tickets and accidents to qualify for good driver discounts.
- Use Safety Features: Equip your vehicle with anti-theft devices, airbags, and other safety features to reduce premiums.
- Loyalty and Multi-Car Discounts: Having multiple vehicles on a policy or staying with the same carrier for a long time may allow you to save.
Choose Goosehead
Why Choose Goosehead Insurance for Your Idaho Car Insurance Policy?
At Goosehead Insurance, we simplify the process of finding the right policy, ensuring Idaho drivers get unparalleled support and top-notch coverage. Here’s why our customers trust Goosehead Insurance for their car insurance in Idaho:
- Comprehensive Carrier Network: We compare quotes from multiple top-rated insurers, ensuring the best possible savings and coverage.
- Tailored Policies: Our agents focus on finding policies designed around Idaho’s unique driving conditions.
- Exceptional Customer Service: From quotes and claims handling to policy changes, we’re here to make your insurance experience seamless.
- Trusted Expertise: With deep knowledge of the insurance landscape and Idaho-specific driving risks, our team helps you make confident coverage decisions.