Cheapest Car Insurance in Idaho (Nov 2024)

Written by R.E. Fulton and 2 others
Nov 25, 2024
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Idaho (Nov 2024)

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How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Idaho

No car insurance company is perfect—but cheap coverage is out there if you know where to look. To find the lowest rates in Idaho, drivers should compare quotes from multiple car insurance companies to ensure they’re finding the best coverage and price.

Jerry can help simplify the search process by collecting and comparing quotes on your behalf, so you can easily compare rates across insurance companies to find the right policy.

Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Bristol West $326 Tillie, 44, Nampa, ID Chevrolet Tahoe K1500 State Minimum Yes
National General $94 Bess, 22, Post Falls, ID Subaru Forester 2.5I Premiu State Minimum Yes
The General $104 Myra, 33, Nampa, ID Ford Fusion Se State Minimum No
Progressive $167 Fanny, 25, Rathdrum, ID Subaru Legacy Limited Xt 50/100 Yes
National General $116 Jesse, 54, Boise, ID Ford Ranger State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance companies in Idaho

Curious about the car insurance company with the lowest rates in Idaho? Jerry conducted the largest nationwide insurance shopping survey to uncover the answer:

The results of our survey show that there is no singular “cheapest” insurance company out there for Idaho drivers—but Idaho drivers rated Dairyland, Progressive, and Safeco as the best insurance companies in the state.

Find out what drivers in Idaho have to say about these insurers and others below:

Insurance CompanyDateCost rating (out of 5)What our customer said:
National GeneralOctober 31, 20245“Have had them for almost a month and so far they have been very helpful and had tha best price outta any of the other insurers.”
-Mitchell
Bristol West October 28, 20243“A little pricey for state minimum insurance. “
-Garrett
ProgressiveOctober 24, 20245“Thank you progressive for saving me on my car insurance!”
-Nannie
GEICOOctober 22, 20244“Saved almost $100 a month compared to my last provider”
-Lillie
Trexis InsuranceOctober 18, 20244“Never had an issue with Geico and one of the best auto insurance I’ve had. One of the cheapest for younger drivers.”
-Alta

How’d we get these scores?

Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.

If you want to compare car insurance quotes quickly, the easiest way to do so is by using a car insurance comparison website or app.

That’s where Jerry comes in to save the day! We’re a trusted insurance agency with a free app that not only compares car insurance quotes but also offers top-notch service from an amazing team of 100+ licensed insurance agents.

Minimum liability and full coverage in Idaho

Drivers in Idaho must carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage before hitting the road. However, you may consider adding extra coverage options that provide additional protection for damages and repairs to your vehicle.

Cheapest minimum liability coverage car insurance quotes in Idaho

In Idaho, liability insurance is mandatory for every driver.

If you happen to be at fault in an accident, your liability coverage provides protection for the other driver involved. This insurance type covers expenses such as lost wages, property damage, and medical bills resulting from your actions.

Idaho’s minimum liability coverage requirements include:

  • $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
  • $15,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

This amount of coverage is often expressed more simply as 25/50/15. Idaho car insurance policies also automatically include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but drivers can waive that coverage if they choose.

The table below shows how Jerry has helped many car owners in Idaho obtain the required minimum liability coverage:

Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
State Minimum Yes Bristol West $326 Tillie, 44, Nampa, ID Chevrolet Tahoe K1500
State Minimum Yes National General $94 Bess, 22, Post Falls, ID Subaru Forester 2.5I Premiu
State Minimum No The General $104 Myra, 33, Nampa, ID Ford Fusion Se
State Minimum No National General $116 Jesse, 54, Boise, ID Ford Ranger
State Minimum Yes National General $112 Rebecca, 44, Ashton, ID Toyota Yaris
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Idaho?

Idaho’s minimum car insurance requirements won’t give you total protection in the event of an accident. That’s why it’s always a good idea to invest in higher coverage limits and policy add-ons.

Most drivers add comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to their auto insurance policy. Paired with your minimum liability coverage, these insurance coverages can offer full coverage on your vehicle from damage in the event of accidents, natural disasters, vandalism, theft, and other incidents.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in Idaho

To safeguard yourself from expenses like repairing or replacing your vehicle, full coverage car insurance is the ideal choice.

Full coverage policies contain your liability coverage, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision coverage takes care of costs associated with repairing or replacing your car after an accident, while comprehensive coverage provides compensation for theft or damage caused by non-collision incidents.

If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, your lender will require you to carry a full-coverage policy until your loan’s paid off. The good news is, Jerry can help you find the cheapest rates.

Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
State Minimum Yes Bristol West $326 Tillie, 44, Nampa, ID Chevrolet Tahoe K1500
State Minimum Yes National General $94 Bess, 22, Post Falls, ID Subaru Forester 2.5I Premiu
State Minimum No The General $104 Myra, 33, Nampa, ID Ford Fusion Se
50/100 Yes Progressive $167 Fanny, 25, Rathdrum, ID Subaru Legacy Limited Xt
State Minimum No National General $116 Jesse, 54, Boise, ID Ford Ranger
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Average rates for state minimum liability coverage and full coverage

Through our experience assisting policyholders in Idaho, Jerry has discovered that the average monthly cost for minimum liability insurance is around $114, or $1,371 annually. In the case of full coverage insurance, the average monthly cost in Idaho is approximately $142, totaling $1704 per year.

While average insurance rates can give you a general idea of what your personal insurance costs might be, it’s important to acknowledge that each driver’s premium is calculated uniquely. Factors such as your age, driving record, claims history, vehicle type, and location all play a role in determining your individual premium.

Idaho car insurance: Additional coverages

Apart from collision and comprehensive coverage, there are other types of car insurance worth considering in Idaho, including:

  • Uninsured motorist coverage/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
  • Personal injury protection (PIP)
  • Medical payments (MedPay)
  • Towing and labor coverage
  • Rental reimbursement coverage

For drivers who lease or finance a vehicle: It’s recommended that you purchase gap insurance. This type of coverage covers the difference between what you owe on your financed car and its actual cash value in the event of theft or a total loss.

For drivers who frequently borrow or rent a vehicle: A non-owner car insurance policy offers liability coverage regardless of the car you’re driving. However, it does not cover damages to the vehicle or personal injuries in an accident.

Car insurance premium by rating factors

Car insurance companies in Idaho take various factors into account when determining your annual premium, including:

  • Your driving record / claims history: If you have a history of accidents or tickets, insurance carriers will increase their charges accordingly.
  • Where you park your car: Your garaging location also plays a role in determining your auto insurance costs. Drivers who live in cities like Boise tend to see higher annual rates.
  • The make / model of your car: Luxury, high-performance, and sports vehicles generally have higher rates for collision and comprehensive coverage.
  • How often you drive: Insurance companies often charge higher premiums when your car is used for commuting, as opposed to leisure purposes.
  • Your credit score: Drivers with good credit typically pay lower rates for the same amount of coverage.

Cheapest Idaho car Insurance after a driving violation

Your driving history impacts your auto insurance quotes—and having violations on your record can lead to significant price hikes. Insurance companies view a history of violations as an indication of higher risk, and will charge you a higher rate accordingly.

Cheapest car insurance for Idaho drivers with a speeding ticket

Having a speeding ticket on your driving record can result in an increase in your car insurance rate.

On average, Idaho drivers that are caught speeding up to 15 mph over the limit experience a 21% rate increase, while drivers caught speeding 16+ mph over the limit could face even steeper price hikes.

But even with a ticket on your record, finding affordable rates is still possible. Jerry has helped drivers with various speeding tickets save on their insurance costs:

Speeding Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $66 Isabel, 40, Pocatello, ID 50/100 No
Speeding Violation-Major Progressive $258 Anthony, 25, Ammon, ID State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Bristol West $84 Helena, 48, Nampa, ID State Minimum No
Speeding 1-5 Progressive $110 Amy, 24, Jerome, ID State Minimum Yes
Speeding 11-15 National General $78 Georgie, 34, Sandpoint, ID State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest auto insurance in Idaho after a DUI

Speeding violations are not the only thing that can raise your insurance rates. In Idaho, DUIs are considered a significant violation that can result in substantial increases in car insurance costs.

Exactly how much you pay for insurance after a DUI conviction can vary greatly among carriers—that’s why it’s smart to shop around and compare rates from various insurance companies. The table below showcases how Jerry has assisted high-risk drivers in finding affordable coverage options after a DUI:

Idaho SR-22 insurance

In the event of a serious violation, like a DUI, you may have to fulfill a legal obligation called an SR-22 filing. An Idaho SR-22 is issued by insurance companies to certify that you have the minimum liability coverage required by Idaho law.

SR-22s may also be required if:

  • You’re caught driving without insurance
  • You are convicted of a reckless driving charge
  • Your driver’s license was suspended or revoked

After being convicted of a serious driving offense, Idaho requires you to carry SR-22 insurance for a minimum of three years.

Cheapest Idaho auto insurance after an at-fault accident

Your accident history can influence your car insurance rates, since insurance companies assess your at-fault accidents to determine your level of risk. Recent at-fault accidents can lead to significant rate increases.

Accident Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
At Fault With No Injury National General $94 Bess, 22, Post Falls, ID State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault The General $104 Myra, 33, Nampa, ID State Minimum No
At Fault With No Injury Progressive $167 Fanny, 25, Rathdrum, ID 50/100 Yes
At Fault With No Injury National General $116 Jesse, 54, Boise, ID State Minimum No
Not At Fault Progressive $64 Vera, 33, Coeur D'Alene, ID State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

FAQ

  • Is Idaho an at-fault state?

Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in Idaho

In addition to speeding tickets and DUIs, other types of violations can lead to higher car insurance costs in Idaho. Check out the list below to see different driving violations and how Jerry assisted drivers in saving on their car insurance.

Violation
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
DUI The General $104 Myra, 33, Nampa, ID State Minimum No
Other Minor Progressive $71 Jared, 28, Driggs, ID State Minimum No
Following too Closely The General $246 Ellen, 50, Montpelier, ID State Minimum Yes
Open Container Progressive $89 Randall, 28, Post Falls, ID State Minimum Yes
Failure to Obey Signal Progressive $38 Gabriel, 31, Homedale, ID State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest auto insurance in Idaho based on insurance history

Like your accident history, your insurance history plays a role in determining your car insurance rates. This includes factors like how long you’ve been insured and whether you’ve had any coverage lapses.

If you’ve experienced a lapse of coverage in the recent past, chances are you’ll face higher insurance premiums.

At Jerry, we understand the importance of timely payments and avoiding coverage gaps. That’s why we provide payment reminders to eligible customers, ensuring they stay on track. We can also help drivers find affordable policies, even if they are currently uninsured or have experienced coverage lapses.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit

While your credit score doesn’t prove your driving ability, insurance companies nonetheless factor in credit history when calculating your rates. That’s because insurers have observed a connection between lower credit scores and increased claim filing.

As a result, having a lower credit score can lead to higher insurance costs.

Credit Range
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
<550 Bristol West $326 Tillie, 44, Nampa, ID Chevrolet Tahoe K1500 State Minimum Yes
550-659 National General $94 Bess, 22, Post Falls, ID Subaru Forester 2.5I Premiu State Minimum Yes
550-659 The General $104 Myra, 33, Nampa, ID Ford Fusion Se State Minimum No
750+ Progressive $167 Fanny, 25, Rathdrum, ID Subaru Legacy Limited Xt 50/100 Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Idaho by age

Young drivers typically face some of the highest auto insurance rates, in large part due to limited driving experience and a likelihood of accidents. The good news is, steep rates gradually start to drop off as drivers turn 25.

Cheapest car insurance in Idaho for young drivers

Young drivers are best served by a full-coverage car insurance policy that can shoulder the brunt of accident-related damages in the event of a collision or loss. Jerry can help young drivers find the best rates when it comes to comprehensive and collision coverage.

Cheapest car insurance in Idaho for senior drivers

Similar to teen drivers, senior drivers pose another kind of heightened risk in the eyes of insurance agencies. That’s because:

  • Senior drivers have a higher likelihood of being involved in accidents
  • Senior drivers are more susceptible to severe injuries in collisions, resulting in substantial medical expenses and increased costs for insurance providers

Drivers typically see a sudden increase in their insurance rates once they hit their mid-70s. Compare the average costs of Idaho car insurance for senior drivers (along with potential savings) below:

Cheapest car insurance for popular cars

Another rating factor reviewed by car insurance companies? The type of car you drive.

While the myth that your car’s color can affect your insurance rates is false, it’s true that insurers look at your vehicle’s make and model when determining your premium. The rating factors associated with the type of car you own include repair or replacement costs, the likelihood of theft, and the vehicle’s overall safety record.

That’s why drivers of certain vehicles may receive above-average rates when it comes to coverage. Some of the most popular models among Idahoans include:

  • Toyota Tacoma
  • GMC Sierra
  • Ram 1500
  • Chevy Silverado 1500

Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car


Popular Car
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Ram 1500 St The General $70 Lulu, 45, Post Falls, ID State Minimum No
Ram 1500 Rebel Progressive $39 Amy, 35, Orofino, ID State Minimum No
Gmc Sierra K1500 Slt Safeco $111 Verna, 35, Saint Anthony, ID State Minimum Yes
Gmc Sierra K1500 Sle Bristol West $130 Etta, 76, Bonners Ferry, ID State Minimum Yes
Ram 1500 Slt The General $102 Marguerite, 24, Boise, ID State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?

On average, new vehicles tend to carry higher insurance costs compared to used or older models.

There are several factors that contribute to this disparity in insurance premiums, including:

  • New cars are more expensive to repair or replace in the event of an accident, as their parts may be more costly and harder to find
  • New vehicles often come equipped with advanced safety features and technology, which can increase their overall value
  • New cars may be more appealing to thieves, increasing the risk of theft and subsequent insurance claims
  • Insurance providers consider the depreciation rate of a vehicle, which tends to be higher for new cars, leading to higher insurance premiums to account for potential loss in value.

Therefore, it is important for car owners to carefully consider these factors when choosing a vehicle and obtaining insurance coverage.

Cheapest car insurance in Idaho by location

In addition to the factors above, where you live affects your insurance costs. Stats like population density, accident rates, crime statistics, and climate can all influence your rates, so that insurance premiums may vary across different cities and even zip codes.

Jerry has assisted Gem State drivers in finding the best car insurance rates and appropriate coverage levels based on their specific needs.

City
Customer
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Nampa, ID Tillie Bristol West $326 Chevrolet Tahoe K1500 State Minimum Yes
Post Falls, ID Bess National General $94 Subaru Forester 2.5I Premiu State Minimum Yes
Nampa, ID Myra The General $104 Ford Fusion Se State Minimum No
Rathdrum, ID Fanny Progressive $167 Subaru Legacy Limited Xt 50/100 Yes
Boise, ID Jesse National General $116 Ford Ranger State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

How to lower the cost of car insurance in Idaho

Looking to lower your insurance costs in Idaho? Here are some tips recommended by Jerry’s insurance agents:

  1. Obtain quotes from at least three to five different companies for comparison.
  2. Consider bundling your car insurance with your homeowners insurance.
  3. Look for available car insurance discounts that you qualify for, such as good driver discounts, low mileage discounts, and student discounts.
  4. Raise the deductibles for your comprehensive and collision coverage.
  5. Work on improving your credit score.
  6. Consider taking a defensive driving course, as some insurers offer discounts for completing approved courses.
  7. Consider dropping additional coverages, such as collision and comprehensive coverage, on older or infrequently driven vehicles.

Why is car insurance so expensive in Idaho?

Despite the fact that Idaho auto insurance coverage costs less compared to other states, premiums in the Gem State can quickly get pricey for the following reasons:

  • A high percentage of uninsured drivers on the roads
  • Increasing healthcare costs across the state
  • Higher risks of natural disasters/severe weather (wildfire, flooding, etc.)

FAQ

  • What is the average cost of car insurance in Idaho?
  • What kind of car insurance do you need in Idaho?
  • What company has the cheapest car insurance in Idaho?
  • Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Idaho?
  • What happens if the person at faut in an accident is uninsured in Idaho?
  • Is it illegal to drive without car insurance in Idaho?
  • How long does an at-fault accident stay on your record in Idaho?
MEET OUR EXPERTS
meet-experts-thumbnail
R.E. Fulton
  • Licensed Insurance Agent

R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views. As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Lina Zhang

Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.

Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017.

Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.

Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Josh Damico

As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.

Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.

Insurance research

We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).

We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.

For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.

Team

The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

For illustrative purposes only, results may vary

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.