Idaho Car Insurance Laws: How Much Coverage Do I Need?

Idaho drivers must purchase a minimum of 25/50/15 liability car insurance coverage, but higher liability limits and added coverage are beneficial.
Written by Jaya Anandjit
Edited by R.E. Fulton
All drivers in
Idaho
must have
car insurance
that meets the state’s minimum liability coverage limits of 25/50/15—$25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, and $15,000 of property damage liability per accident.

Car insurance requirements in Idaho

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The
Jerry
app is a great tool for securing a policy with Idaho’s car insurance requirements at the best rate.
You can easily select your state in the app and view quotes for a basic plan with Idaho’s minimum car insurance limits.
If you lease or finance a vehicle, your bank or lender will require you to purchase full coverage insurance. You may also need to raise your liability limits to $100,000 bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $50,000 property damage liability per accident.

Is minimum coverage the most cost-effective option?

Idaho’s minimum limits satisfy the state’s car insurance requirements, but they don’t generally provide enough protection if you’re involved in a collision. 
The most cost-effective option for Idaho auto insurance is a full coverage policy with collision coverage, comprehensive insurance, and higher liability limits: 
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  • $50,000 to $100,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $50,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
  • Comprehensive coverage
    to cover your vehicle for damages from vandalism, theft, severe weather, and more
  • Collision coverage
    to cover your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault

Idaho car insurance rates: Minimum vs full coverage costs

Car insurance rates vary based on your driving record, location, your insurance company, and a number of other factors. While we can’t tell you how much your policy might cost, here are Idaho’s average car insurance rates: 
  • Average minimum coverage car insurance rates: $103 per month or $1,232 annually
  • Average full coverage car insurance rates: $142 per month or $1,704 per year 
If your vehicle is damaged from an at-fault accident, theft, or severe weather, full coverage car insurance provides comprehensive and collision coverage to keep your out-of-pocket repair expenses low.
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Full coverage premiums aren’t extremely high for Idaho drivers, and
comparing quotes
from different providers can help you secure the most affordable auto insurance coverage for your needs.
The Jerry app offers a quick and easy quote comparison process to help you assess your potential rates for a state minimum coverage policy and a high liability full coverage policy.

Optional coverages in Idaho

Collision coverage, comprehensive insurance, and higher liability limits make a great base for your car insurance policy, but there are a few additional coverages worth considering: 
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Uninsured motorist coverage/underinsured motorist coverage
: Designed to help you if you’re in a car accident caused by a hit-and-run driver, an uninsured driver, or a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your costs.
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Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
: Helps you cover your medical bills after an accident, including emergency room visits and doctor bills. It does not cover lost wages or pain and suffering.
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Roadside assistance
: For help with things like tire changes, towing, battery jumps, running out of gas, and more.
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Accident forgiveness
: Prevents your rates from being surcharged after your first at-fault auto accident (terms may vary).
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Rental car reimbursement
: Helps pay for a rental car for a certain amount of time while your vehicle is in the shop after a claim.
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Gap insurance
: Covers the difference between the actual cash value (ACV) of your financed vehicle and the total remaining on your loan if the vehicle is totaled.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Idaho

Driving without insurance in Idaho is against the law. If you’re caught
without car insurance
or unable to present
proof of insurance
, you could face the following penalties:
Penalty
First offense
Second and subsequent offense
Fine
$75
Up to $1,500
Administrative fees
$56.50
N/A
Jail time
N/A
Up to 6 months, or combined jail time and fine
SR-22 requirement
1 year
3 years
Driving privileges
License suspension
until proof of insurance is provided for each offense
License suspension until proof of insurance is provided for each offense
Reinstatement fee
$85 for each offense
$85 for each offense

FAQs

Is car insurance required in Idaho? 

Yes—all drivers must carry car insurance that meets Idaho’s car insurance laws. Proper insurance is also required to register your car with the Idaho DMV. Driving without insurance may result in penalties that range from fines to jail time and SR-22 requirements.

Do you need car insurance to register a car in Idaho?

When you register your car at the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you’ll need to show proof of valid car insurance along with the following: 
  • Out-of-state title and application (if applicable)
  • Certificate of title application
  • Social Security number
  • Idaho proof of residency
  • Photo ID
  • Motor vehicle inspection certificate.

What is minimum coverage car insurance in Idaho?

Idaho's minimum car insurance requirements include coverage for bodily injury and property damage with limits of at least 25/50/15: 
  • $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident
  • A maximum of $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • Up to $15,000 in third-party property damage

Is Idaho a no-fault state?

Idaho is an at-fault or tort state, meaning if you’re found at fault for an accident, you are responsible for paying the other party’s medical and property repair costs. If their expenses exceed your auto insurance policy’s limits, the remainder will come from your pocket.

How much does car insurance cost in Idaho?

On average, the monthly cost for Idaho’s minimum amount of liability insurance is around $103 or $1,232 annually. For full coverage insurance, the average monthly cost is approximately $142, totaling $1,704 per year.

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