The Complete Guide to Idaho Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Gem State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things ID car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Idaho?
Car insurance in Idaho averages $148/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Boise City | $143 |
| Meridian | $144 |
| Nampa | $156 |
| Caldwell | $157 |
| Idaho Falls | $159 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in Idaho?
Idaho drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
13.2% of drivers in Idaho are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, but other factors keep premiums lower here.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 1,355 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in ID, down 11% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
ID has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 23, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though earthquake and wildfire are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Idaho?
All Idaho drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Idaho drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Idaho?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Idaho drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Idaho?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from trail riding in the backcountry
How much car insurance do I need in Idaho?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Idaho labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian | $87 | $117 | $172 | $87 |
| Boise | $131 | $141 | $258 | $87 |
| Twin Falls | $88 | $107 | $142 | $88 |
| Nampa | $87 | $117 | $172 | $87 |
| Caldwell | $87 | $117 | $172 | $87 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Idaho?
Idaho takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$75 first time plus fees. Second offense and beyond? Up to $1,000.
Suspension
License suspended until you prove insurance for every single offense.
Jail time
First offense won’t land you in jail. Repeat offenders face up to 6 months.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Idaho?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Idaho?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Idaho car insurance FAQs
Is Idaho a no-fault state?
No, Idaho isn’t a no-fault state. Idaho uses at-fault auto insurance, the driver responsible for the accident pays for injuries and property damage. Idaho doesn’t require PIP coverage.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Idaho?
Yes, Idaho requires proof of insurance to register a vehicle. You must meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. Insurance is verified during registration, and you must maintain coverage while the vehicle is registered.
What are the top risks for driving in Idaho?
Idaho’s vast rural highways present wildlife crossing dangers, particularly deer and elk at night. Winter snow and ice create hazardous conditions, while rapidly changing weather patterns catch drivers unprepared. Remote stretches between services mean breakdowns can leave drivers stranded in dangerous situations.
How long do I have to report an accident in Idaho?
Idaho requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,500 or more to be reported to police immediately. If law enforcement doesn’t respond, you must submit a crash report to the Idaho Transportation Department within 10 days. Failing to report can result in penalties. Insurance reporting should happen as soon as possible.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Idaho?
In Idaho, wildlife is everywhere, especially at dawn and dusk. Winter weather changes in a heartbeat, so carry chains or snow tires when you need them. Plan your gas stops ahead of time on those long country roads. Take mountain and icy roads nice and slow.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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