Idaho auto insurance
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Protect your investment with Idaho auto insurance
While people who live in large cities such as Boise can sometimes rely on public transport to get around, the vast majority of Idaho residents must have a vehicle to attend school and work or fulfill other travel obligations. The United States Census Bureau estimates that nearly 2 million people call Idaho home, and while this population is not massive, it still puts a lot of vehicles on the roads. A car is a large investment and securing Idaho auto insurance helps you protect your finances by providing compensation for damage when you're involved in an accident.
Potential causes of car accidents in Idaho
Idaho ranks 11th in the nation regarding the number of car accidents that occur each year. Steep mountain hills create treacherous terrain that is often difficult to navigate safely, and the presence of rain, snow and ice during the winter months makes even flat roads dangerous. According to Shift, aggressive driving is the cause of nearly half of the car accidents in Idaho. This statistic is directly linked to drivers disregarding safety precautions for common road hazards in the state.
While some car accidents only cause damage to the vehicles involved, many result in injuries to one or more parties involved. Thousands of people sustain minor and severe injuries each year, and the five-year average for fatal car accidents in the state is 237. Other alarming statistics include:
• Single-vehicle accidents are more than twice as likely as multiple-vehicle accidents to result in fatalities.
• The number of traffic crashes in 2021 increased by 22% from 2020.
• The number of fatal crashes increased by 30% since 2020.
Traveling across Idaho without the right auto insurance in place is risky. If you're concerned about the cost of car insurance, VIU by HUB can help you find Idaho auto insurance quotes so you can compare policies and coverages to find what best meets your needs.
Minimum requirements for auto insurance in Idaho
Many states, including Idaho, have strict requirements regarding auto insurance to ensure that drivers are covered in the event that they cause an accident. Idaho requires all drivers to hold liability insurance as the bare minimum, although more coverage can be purchased for a higher fee.
Liability Coverage
If you are the at-fault driver in a car accident, you are responsible for paying for repair or replacement of the other vehicle involved. You are also responsible for medical and funeral expenses if the crash results in injuries or a fatality. Idaho requires drivers to hold a 25/50/15 policy for liability coverage:
• $25,000 per person in injury coverage.
• $50,000 per accident in injury coverage.
• $15,000 for property damage.
This is the bare minimum for Idaho auto insurance. You should consider increasing your limits for financial security in the event of a serious accident. Comparing Idaho auto insurance quotes through VIU by HUB helps you find comprehensive coverage policies within your budget.
Average cost for Idaho auto insurance
The average annual cost of auto insurance in Idaho is well below the national average. The national average for full coverage is $1,770 and $550 for minimum coverage. In comparison, drivers in Idaho pay an average of $1,075 for full coverage and $280 for minimum coverage.
State Farm has the cheapest auto insurance rates for both minimal and full coverage in Idaho, with policies starting at $16 and $43 per month, respectively. Farmers has the most expensive minimal-coverage policy at $53 per month and Allstate has the highest rates for full coverage, with policies starting at $171 per month.
Factors affecting auto insurance rates
Idaho auto insurance rates vary widely depending on several factors, including whether you choose full or liability coverage. Other factors include:
• Claims history.
• Driver age.
• Driving record.
• Insurance carrier.
• City of residence.
Most drivers who live in the city pay a higher insurance premium because there is a bigger likelihood of being involved in an accident in densely populated areas. If you live near a major metropolis such as Idaho Falls, Meridan, Nampa or Boise, you will likely pay more each year for auto insurance than you would if you lived in a rural area. Maintaining a good credit score and keeping a clean driving record can also help you qualify for low premiums for auto insurance.
Optional coverage for Idaho auto insurance
Adding more extensive coverage to a minimal policy is a great way to protect your financial situation in case of an accident. Our comparison tools make it easy for you to find a policy that meets your needs without breaking your budget. Here are a few additional types of coverage to consider.
Medical Payments
Car accidents may cause you to incur medical expenses. Medical Payments coverage covers some costs of treatment or hospitalizations if you are the driver injured in an accident or if you were hit as a pedestrian. It also covers passengers in your car.
Collision Coverage
Whether you collide with a tree or another vehicle, this type of coverage pays for the repair or replacement of your car. Idaho does not require drivers to have this type of coverage, but it can cover your costs if your vehicle sustains heavy damage in a collision.
Comprehensive Coverage
While collisions are the leading cause of vehicle damage in Idaho, cars can also be damaged by flood, hail, vandalism or falling tree limbs. Comprehensive insurance coverage will pay for the cost of repair or replacement whenever a collision was not the cause of the damage.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
When an uninsured motorist causes an accident that results in injury to you or damage to your vehicle, the cost of repairs will be on you if you don't have these coverages. Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) insurance also covers the difference when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover the costs of damage and medical treatment.
Insurance companies are required to provide Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage and Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage, unless a named insured has rejected the coverages in writing. The coverage limits for both coverages generally will match the coverage limits you chose for your Bodily Injury Liability coverage limits, though this may differ among insurance carriers. The comparison tool we offer at VIU by HUB makes it easy to find the policy that best meets your needs.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.