Best car insurance in Idaho (2024)

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Laura GunnFreelance contributorLaura Gunn is an insurance expert and writer. As a former English teacher, she made the transition to full-time writing and editing in 2016. Since that time she has written extensively about insurance topics, as well as topics pertaining to education and marketing.Her work has been published in The Millennial Source, News Hunt 360, Realty Today, HNGN, and other publications.&Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Edited by

Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing EditorAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.
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Maria FilindrasMaria FilindrasFinancial AdvisorMaria Filindras is a financial advisor, a licensed Life & Health insurance agent in California, and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius.

Updated|3 min read

Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.

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The average cost of full coverage car insurance policy in Idaho is $1,094, significantly lower than the national average, which comes in at $1,638, and the cheapest companies offer policies at even lower rates. How can you find them? By shopping around and comparing quotes to make sure you find a policy that meets minimum state requirements and fits your budget.

Ready to shop car insurance?

Policygenius can help you see rates from top car insurance companies, so you can find coverage that works for you at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

Key takeaways

  • American National has the lowest average rate for full coverage car insurance in Idaho at $491 a year.

  • State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for 16-year-old drivers at an average annual rate of $2,016.

  • Idaho requires a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

  • Bodily injury liability: 50/100

  • Property damage liability: $50,000

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

  • Comprehensive: $500 deductible

  • Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Idaho

Every car insurance company uses the same factors when calculating your rates, like your age, ZIP code, credit score and driving history, but they all have different ways of putting those factors together.

That’s why no two companies are the same, and you shouldn't assume that your current policy is the best deal. Shopping around before you buy or renew a policy can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Company

Average cost

JD Power Rating

American National

$491

--

State Farm

$565

882

Auto-Owners Insurance

$675

865

USAA

$723

890

GEICO

$738

874

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Idaho

Younger drivers usually have less experience and are more likely to have accidents and need to submit claims, which is why they’re the most expensive age group to insure.

As a driver ages and gains experience behind the wheel, rates can fall, and by 25, young drivers can age-out of the highest-risk age group.

Age

Cheapest company

Average cost

16

State Farm

$2,016

18

American National

$1,214

21

American National

$875

25

American National

$554

30

American National

$524

35

American National

$496

45

American National

$454

55

American National

$409

60

American National

$403

65

American National

$423

70

American National

$479

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Choosing the right car insurance company in Idaho

Finding the right car insurance policy shouldn't feel impossible. Finding the right policy all comes down to figuring out the most important factors for you and seeing how your options stack up.

  • Cost: Companies charge different rates for similar coverage, which is why it's important to compare quotes from multiple car insurance companies to find the best rate

  • Coverage: Make sure the company you choose offers the coverage you need. Remember, the higher you set your limits, the better protected you’ll be 

  • Customer service: Do a little research on the insurance company itself. Read reviews and check claims satisfaction ratings to see how the companies compare

If you're ready to start shopping, Policygenius can help you see quotes from top car insurance companies so you can choose the option that’s right for you.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Idaho

Car insurance companies will consider the past few years of your driving history when setting your rates, and any accidents or moving violations mean you’ll pay more for coverage. The more serious the violation, like a DUI, the more you’ll pay.

Violation

American National

State Farm

Auto-Owners Insurance

USAA

GEICO

At-fault accident

$794

$669

$1,008

$1,097

$1,253

DUI

$852

$618

$1,526

$1,643

$2,357

Suspended license

$928

$618

$1,526

$1,536

$840

Open container

$794

$618

$782

$1,174

$840

Expired registration

$649

$618

$684

$867

$759

Driving without lights

$649

$618

$684

$780

$840

Running a red light

$649

$618

$684

$989

$840

Following too closely

$649

$618

$684

$989

$840

Hit and run

$928

$618

$1,526

$1,746

$2,357

Not-at-fault accident

$547

$575

$684

$780

$799

Passing a school bus

$760

$618

$872

$1,054

$840

Reckless driving

$928

$618

$1,526

$1,054

$1,650

Speeding

$649

$618

$1,020

$989

$840

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→ Read more about finding cheap SR-22 insurance in Idaho

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Idaho

Company

Rates for drivers with DUIs

State Farm

$618

American National

$852

Auto-Owners Insurance

$1,526

USAA

$1,643

GEICO

$2,357

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Idaho

Company

Rates for drivers with speeding tickets

State Farm

$618

American National

$649

GEICO

$840

USAA

$989

Auto-Owners Insurance

$1,020

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Idaho

Your credit score can also play a role in what you’ll pay for car insurance. Drivers with lower credit scores should expect to pay higher rates, which is why it’s all the more important for drivers with poor credit to shop around before picking a policy.

Company

Rates for drivers with bad credit

GEICO

$980

Oregon Mutual

$1,418

Travelers

$1,480

Auto-Owners Insurance

$1,598

USAA

$1,738

Car insurance costs in Idaho cities

Where you live in Idaho will also have a big impact on what you’ll pay for car insurance. Reports of car theft and vandalism, the number of accidents and claims, and even the average cost of repairs in your area all affect how much you’ll pay for coverage. Here's how the ten biggest cities in Idaho stack up:

  • Boise City: $1,005

  • Nampa: $1,078

  • Meridian: $1,001

  • Idaho Falls: $1,107

  • Pocatello: $1,114

  • Caldwell: $1,083

  • Coeur d'Alene: $1,066

  • Twin Falls: $1,055

  • Lewiston: $1,062

  • Post Falls: $1,055

Ready to shop car insurance?

Buying car insurance in Idaho

All Idaho drivers must meet the state required minimums for coverage. Idaho requires at least the following amounts of liability car insurance:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000

  • Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000

  • Property damage liability coverage: $15,000

Idaho is an at fault state when it comes to car accidents. That means that the driver found responsible for an accident is also responsible for paying for the other party’s medical bills and repair costs.

Your liability coverage is what pays after an accident, but if you don’t have high enough liability limits to pay for the damage you’ve caused, you’ll be personally responsible for the rest, which is why it’s important to get more than the required minimum amounts of coverage.

How to get cheap car insurance in Idaho

If your car insurance seems too expensive, try these tips for finding your most affordable rates:

  • Ask about discounts, like savings for safe drivers or certain professions

  • Bundle your auto and home or renters policies with the same company

  • Reduce coverage on older cars

  • Drive safely and avoid moving violations

  • Review and compare your car insurance every year to make sure you’re still getting the best rates

Frequently asked questions

How much does insurance cost in Idaho?

On average, the cost of car insurance in Idaho is $1,094 per year, or $91 monthly.

Is car insurance required in Idaho?

Most states in the U.S. require drivers to have car insurance and Idaho is no different. Drivers in Idaho are required to have bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, to cover the costs if they cause an accident.

Does insurance follow the car or driver in Idaho?

Typically, car insurance follows the driver in Idaho. You don't need a separate policy to borrow someone else's car in the state. Instead, the car's existing liability coverage will protect you in the event of an accident.

Who offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit?

GEICO offers the lowest rates for Idaho drivers with bad credit, at an average rate of $980 a year. But your actual rates will depend on a number of other factors in addition to credit score.

Authors

Laura Gunn is an insurance expert and writer. As a former English teacher, she made the transition to full-time writing and editing in 2016. Since that time she has written extensively about insurance topics, as well as topics pertaining to education and marketing.

Her work has been published in The Millennial Source, News Hunt 360, Realty Today, HNGN, and other publications.

Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

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