The Gem State has one of the cheapest car insurance rates for both liability only and full coverage as they often stay in the lowest 5 average yearly premiums in the US every year. The ratio of uninsured drivers is at 13.2% slightly over the country average. With snow, ice and country roads 1.1 million licensed drivers have plenty of risks to insure their automobiles against in this state. Adding Collision and Comprehensive coverage to your Liability coverage makes sure your vehicle is protected as well.
Idaho Car Insurance Laws
Here are the minimum requirements;
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident.
- $15,000 for property damage.
This state requires auto insurers to offer a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage. But people can decline this coverage in writing.
If you get caught and cannot produce proof of insurance you are likely to be fined and your license suspended. Everyone in a car must wear seat belts but you can’t be pulled over solely for a seat belt violation.
It is highly recommended to increase your liability coverage limits to reduce the chance of it coming short in case of accidents you caused. If you don’t have enough liability coverage, you will have to pay the difference out of pocket.
Average Premium Costs in Idaho
The average cost of state required minimum liability only coverage is $267 a year, making Idaho one of the cheapest states for car insurance. This figure is 57% lower than the US average and this shows how low it is in comparison to others. The average premium in the most expensive state, New York, is 5.1 times higher than here.
You can also get one of the most affordable full coverage rates, as the average is $1,133, which is $881 less than the national equivalent.
There are a few reasons as to why Idaho automobile insurance rates are the lowest in the US. Drivers enjoy open countryside due to low population density, which only has 1.6 million residents. Highly competitive market ensures premiums cannot run away unchecked too. In addition, the lack of major cities reduces traffic accidents and claims.
Competitive Vehicle Insurance Companies in Idaho
Finding the cheapest carrier for your circumstances will make a world of difference to how much you spend to insure your automobile. Below companies are the cheapest in this state and you should start your shopping process for auto insurance by getting quotes from these providers.
- American National
- Idaho Farm Bureau
- Auto-Owners
- Dairyland
- State Farm
There isn’t much difference in the average premiums across the cities. The state capital and the largest city Boise has one of the lowest vehicle insurance rates and Grangeville is the highest. The difference in price between them is less than $100. The above names are generally the most competitive in most cities.
Essential Idaho Automobile Insurance and Driving Facts
- Idaho allows electronic proof and employs an Online Insurance Verification System (OIVS) for verifying the minimum required car insurance coverage.
- Idahoans love pickup trucks because they are ideal for outdoor activities and rural communities as they often need to carry equipment and load, and hook-up trailers. The most popular vehicle here is The Ford F-150 because it is practical, versatile and durable.
- Idaho’s hands-free driving law requires electronic devices to be used in hands-free mode while driving, even at stops. Drivers with two distracted driving violations in three years may face insurance rate increases, and three violations in three years could lead to a 90-day license suspension.
- Unfortunately, Idaho is one of the states with the highest drunk driving incidents with a high arrest ratio. If you are caught driving drunk in this state, you may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
To find the best company, it’s recommended that you obtain a minimum of five quotes for vehicle insurance. This approach allows you to explore a wide array of options and facilitates a thorough price comparison. This method stands as one of the most efficient, straightforward, and rapid means to reduce your premiums, and it doesn’t entail any specific eligibility criteria.