Best Car Insurance in Idaho

Last Updated on April 27, 2021

Idaho is one of America’s cheapest states for car insurance. Thanks to a large rural population and low rates of uninsured drivers, Idaho is one of the top 10 cheapest states in America for car insurance.

The average American pays around $1,450 per year for full coverage car insurance, which includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. In Idaho, the average driver pays just $1,090 per year for that same coverage.Best Car Insurance in Idaho

By shopping around for car insurance, drivers in Idaho can pay even less for coverage. Today, we’re highlighting the best car insurance providers in Idaho, including the best-value insurers, best-rated companies, and overall best insurance companies for drivers in Idaho.

Table of Contents:

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Idaho

Most drivers in Idaho buy car insurance through nationwide companies, including State Farm, GEICO, USAA, and similar providers. Whether you want a local insurance company or a nationwide provider, you can find plenty of options for car insurance in Idaho.

Consider requesting a quote from one of the following Idaho insurance companies to ensure you’re getting the best coverage at a fair price:

1. USAA

According to J.D. Power, USAA is the best car insurance company in every region in America based on claims satisfaction, customer service, and pricing. However, USAA membership is restricted to members of the United States military and their families, which is why USAA is not officially part of J.D. Power’s rankings. In Idaho, USAA offers some of the best and cheapest coverage for drivers across the state. Drivers can pay as little as $889 per year for full coverage car insurance with USAA in Idaho.

2. GEICO

Anyone can buy car insurance through GEICO. In Idaho and many other states, GEICO is one of the cheapest insurance companies. GEICO charges drivers in Idaho an average of just $939 per year for full coverage car insurance, hundreds of dollars less than the nationwide average.

3. Idaho Farm Bureau

Idaho Farm Bureau is the only Idaho-based company on this list. As one of the largest insurance companies in Idaho, Idaho Farm Bureau has a strong rating in both urban and rural areas of the state. The company charges drivers as little as $983 per year for full coverage car insurance, according to our model driver profiles.

4. Allstate

Allstate is yet another large insurance company covering drivers in cities and towns across Idaho. With average rates of around $1,009 per year according to our driver profile average, Allstate may be the best option for you.

5. Farmers

Farmers is one of America’s top 10 largest insurance companies. The company offers strong pricing and customer service while giving drivers the amenities of a larger insurer. Our model driver profiles received an average estimate of around $1,021 per year with Farmers in Idaho.

6. State Farm

State Farm is America’s largest home and auto insurance company. With thousands of customers across Idaho, State Farm has plenty of coverage options available to drivers, homeowners, and families. State Farm’s pricing competes with some of the top-ranked insurers on our list, with drivers paying as little as $1,034 per year for full coverage car insurance with State Farm.

7. American Family

Available through independent agents across Idaho, American Family is ideal for those who want a personalized touch to their car insurance policy. American Family’s rates are priced at around $1,009 per year for full coverage car insurance, although rates drop substantially when taking advantage of the many discounts.

8. Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners is a large and well-rated insurer available in all ZIP codes of Idaho. Our average driver profiles received a quote of around $1,047 per year for full coverage car insurance with Auto-Owners in Idaho.

9. Progressive

As one of America’s largest car insurance companies, Progressive offers drivers in Idaho all of the amenities they expect with a larger insurance company – along with the low rates charged by competing companies in Idaho. Progressive offers extensive discounts that can drop the price even further, but the average driver will pay roughly $1,082 per year for full coverage car insurance with Progressive in Idaho.

10. Dairyland

Dairyland is one of the few insurers on this list that only sells policies in half the country. Dairyland is available throughout Idaho and neighboring states, and it’s popular among drivers with all different needs and backgrounds. Backed by 50+ years of experience, Dairyland continues to offer competitive prices throughout all corners of Idaho. Expect to pay around $1,099 per year with Dairyland in Idaho.

Idaho Insurance Requirements

Idaho requires drivers to carry a certain minimum amount of car insurance to legally drive on public roads. Failing to carry this minimum amount of car insurance can lead to serious consequences.

According to Idaho state regulations, drivers must carry the following minimum amount of insurance coverage:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $15,000 of property damage liability coverage
  • $25,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident

These are the minimum requirements from the state of Idaho. However, anyone who is leasing or financing their vehicle may need to meet additional requirements. Most lenders require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage, for example. Many drivers also carry higher liability limits for peace of mind.

Driving Without Insurance in Idaho

You must carry proof of insurance with you at all times when driving on public roads in Idaho. If a law enforcement officer asks you to present proof of insurance, then failing to provide that proof could lead to serious penalties.

The penalty for driving without insurance in Idaho ranges from $75 to $1,000, depending on the severity of the offense and the number of previous offenses:

  • First Offense: $75 fine, SR-22 requirement for up to one year
  • Second & Subsequent Offenses: Misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000, up to 6 months in prison, and SR-22 requirement for one to three years

Anyone who operates a vehicle in Idaho must carry liability insurance – regardless of whether the vehicle is registered or not. If you let insurance lapse or fail to pay premiums, then your insurer will notify the state of Idaho, and the state may suspend your driving privileges.

Car Insurance in Idaho with DUI

Car insurance is cheap in Idaho, but a DUI will cause car insurance rates to quickly rise. Some insurers double or even triple premiums after a single DUI. Other insurers raise rates by 30% to 80%, depending on your driving history and the number of previous convictions.

If you were convicted of driving under the influence in Idaho, consider requesting a quote from any of the following insurers:

  1. USAA: $1,352 per year
  2. GEICO: $1,490 per year
  3. Progressive: $1,723 per year
  4. Nationwide: $1,744 per year
  5. Idaho Farm Bureau: $1,819 per year

Car Insurance in Idaho with At-Fault Accidents

If you cause an accident in Idaho, then this accident will remain on your record for three to five years, leading to higher insurance premiums for an extended time. Many drivers shop around for car insurance after an accident to find the best possible rates. Consider requesting a quote from any of the following insurers if you were recently involved in an at-fault accident in Idaho:

  1. USAA: $1,283 per year
  2. GEICO: $1,391 per year
  3. Idaho Farm Bureau: $1,511 per year
  4. State Farm: $1,601 per year
  5. Progressive: $1,651 per year

Car Insurance in Idaho with Speeding Tickets

Insurers look at your full driving history before assigning premiums, including your speeding tickets, DUI convictions, at-fault accidents, and more. Drivers with one or two speeding tickets may not face higher rates. However, drivers with serious speeding offenses, reckless driving citations, or multiple minor speeding tickets could pay higher rates for car insurance.

If you have multiple speeding tickets on your record, consider requesting a quote from the following insurers in Idaho:

  1. USAA: $992 per year
  2. GEICO: $1,082 per year
  3. State Farm: $1,112 per year
  4. Idaho Farm Bureau: $1,145 per year
  5. Dairyland: $1,190 per year

Car Insurance in Idaho for Young Drivers

Statistically, the most dangerous drivers in Idaho are drivers under age 25. These drivers cause more fatal accidents per year than drivers in any other demographic. It’s not an Idaho problem: it’s true nationwide. That’s why insurers charge higher rates to drivers under age 25.

Fortunately, young drivers can save money by shopping around, comparing quotes, and choosing the right insurer:

  1. USAA: $1,681 per year
  2. GEICO: $1,799 per year
  3. State Farm: $1,897 per year
  4. Idaho Farm Bureau: $2,069 per year
  5. Allstate: $2,193 per year

Car Insurance in Idaho with Poor Credit

Some insurers put a heavy emphasis on your credit score, while other insurers do not. If you have a bad credit score, then your insurer could increase premiums by more than $1,000 per year. Drivers with a bad credit score are the riskiest drivers to insure. Even if you have a clean record, your bad credit score could force rates upward.

To fight back against your high credit score, request a quote from the following car insurance companies in Idaho that provide cheap rates to drivers with bad credit:

  1. USAA: $1,799 per year
  2. GEICO: $1,821 per year
  3. Idaho Farm Bureau: $2,029 per year
  4. Dairyland: $2,081 per year
  5. American Family: $2,122 per year

SR-22 Insurance in Idaho

Certain drivers are required to keep an SR-22 filing with the state of Idaho. If you have let car insurance lapse, or if you have a high-risk driving history, then you may be required to file an SR-22 certificate with the state.

The SR-22 is a certificate verifying you carry car insurance that meets Idaho’s minimum requirements. If you have a high-risk driving history, then it can be difficult to find valid insurance coverage. Your insurer must file an SR-22 with the state on your behalf to verify you carry the right coverage.

According to Idaho Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) requirements, drivers must carry an SR-22 to end their license suspension. Once you file an SR-22 with the state, the DMV will end your license suspension period.

Most drivers in Idaho are required to carry SR-22 insurance for one to three years. However, drivers with more serious convictions may need to carry SR-22 coverage for a longer period.

Any insurance company in Idaho should be able to file an SR-22 certificate on your behalf. However, high-risk drivers may need to buy insurance from high-risk or specialty insurers, as ordinary insurers may reject your business.

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Idaho

Drivers in Idaho pay hundreds of dollars less per year than the average American. However, many drivers in Idaho can save even more money by taking advantage of discounts, shopping around for coverage, and picking the best insurer based on their unique driving history.

To get the best auto insurance in Idaho, request a quote from any of the insurers listed above.