Cheapest car insurance in Idaho for 2023

Despite a 12.4% increase in car accidents in the Gem State, average car insurance costs in Idaho are some of the cheapest in the nation. According to 2021 quoted premiums, Idaho drivers pay $307 annually for minimum coverage and $1,045 annually for full coverage, significantly falling under national averages by more than $258 and $629, respectively. This may in part be due to Idaho’s decreasing number of fatal accidents, despite the spike in overall accident occurrences.

The cheapest car insurance in Idaho

If you have been on a quest for cheap car insurance in Idaho, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that even well-known and nationally trusted insurance companies are offering some of the cheapest quotes. By utilizing Quadrant Information Services to pull rates from the most popular providers in the state by market share, we found five that stood out in terms of policy offerings and savings opportunities.

USAA

USAA tends to offer low annual rates in the multiple states it covers, and the Gem State is no exception. For Idaho motorists with current or prior military background or for qualifying family members, USAA may offer the best car insurance policy for the cheapest price. At just over $200 annually for minimum coverage on average, or $17 monthly, drivers could obtain coverage from an insurer that ranks highly across several important lines, including claims satisfaction and customer service. In fact, despite its ranking ineligibility due to its membership restrictions,

USAA earns the highest scores in most regions in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study. There are also meaningful discounts through its SafePilot driving program or storing a vehicle on a military base.

Learn more: USAA insurance review

State Farm

With more than 13% of Idaho’s private passenger auto insurance market, State Farm is the largest carrier in the state. It also comes in as quoting the second-cheapest premiums on average. There are agents in 19 cities across state lines, including popular ones ilike Boise and Caldwell, where appropriate coverage may be even more in demand. Local agent access may be a huge selling point for motorists that prefer a more traditional insurance experience.

State Farm also offers a mobile app for those wanting the ability to manage their policies at their fingertips. Even more appealing are the provider’s discounts, such as up to 17% for bundling policies and up to 30% for good driving.

Learn more: State Farm insurance review

Farmers

Despite its rural name, Farmers insurance is available to all Idaho drivers seeking cheap car insurance. It is a high-ranking insurer in regards to claims satisfaction and earns the 10th spot in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Claims Study. There are plenty of options for drivers to build out a robust policy, with full coverage averaging only $797 annually — well below the state average.

In purchasing fuller coverage, there are options for spare parts, an umbrella policy and guaranteed value replacement, among others. Drivers can also save with Farmers through programs like Signal, its app for safe drivers which offers discounts up to 15% at renewal and up to an additional 10% for drivers under 25.

Learn more: Farmers insurance review

Geico

The second-largest state auto insurer, according to market share, Geico provides reliable coverage with a strong financial backing. AM Best, a third-party credit rating agency, rates Geico with an A++ (Superior) for financial strength. For many Idaho drivers, marks such as these are top considerations in choosing a provider since claims filing is usually important to the overall assessment of a carrier.

Geico’s coverage options are not extensively unique, but it does provide all the standard options most drivers might expect. There is also mechanical breakdown coverage for new vehicles and leased vehicles, which kicks after the warranty expires. Its long list of discounts also help solidify its place on our list, with savings for federal employees and membership groups, among other common options.

Learn more: Geico insurance review

American Family

While it does not offer the cheapest car insurance in Idaho on average, American Family has many coverage options that may make its price point more worthwhile. Its full coverage policies are just slightly above state averages, meaning that for less than $40 additional, Idaho motorists could add meaningful coverages like gap insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, to help pay for unplanned instances of a covered loss.

For drivers who prefer to pay based on their own driving behaviors, American Family offers a usage-based policy with its KnowYourDrive app, which could save policyholders up to 20% for their tracked habits. The app also provides useful insights for each insured driver’s behavior, allowing drivers to save and learn their areas for improvement simultaneously.

Learn more: American Family insurance review

Minimum coverage requirements for Idaho drivers

The state minimum coverage required to legally drive in Idaho is 25/50/15 liability insurance, which includes:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person
• Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident

Additionally, Idaho drivers are required to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage up to their liability limits.

Signing up for the minimum coverage required will usually provide you with the cheapest car insurance in Idaho. However, the amounts may not be enough to protect you in case of a more serious accident. Liability insurance pays for damages to the other parties and not to yourself, or your property.

Considering the fact that Idaho is a rural state, wildlife and heavy snowfall are common hazards that could cause damage to your vehicle. Adding comprehensive and collision coverage helps pay for any necessary vehicle repairs and replacements, which would otherwise be uncovered with state minimums. If you have a lender for your vehicle, you may also be required to purchase full coverage to protect against loss on your car’s loan.

How to get cheap car insurance in Idaho

Idaho ranks as the ninth cheapest state for auto insurance in the nation. However, almost no driver will willingly turn down additional savings when they are available. Making use of all your savings opportunities is a relatively easy way to bring down your insurance premiums even further. Some of the common ways to do this are:

• Shop around: By making either the same or similar coverage elections when applying for auto insurance quotes, you will more easily be able to see which provider offers you the best rate for your insurance needs.
• Compare providers: It may be worth checking what add-ons and coverages providers have to offer. You may get additional perks such as free roadside service or coverage for original manufacturer’s parts, which you can factor in when choosing a car insurance company.
• Take advantage of discounts: Most car insurance companies will have a list of available discounts on their website, though exact savings may have to be discussed with a licensed agent. However, there are usually at least a couple that are easily applicable, like signing up for automatic payments or purchasing your policy online.
• Work on your credit score: Insurance carriers in Idaho may legally check your credit to price your vehicle insurance. If you have a low credit score, you will typically pay more for coverage than someone with a higher FICO score. You can take simple steps such as paying bills on or ahead of time to help begin raising your score.
• Increase your deductible: Raising your deductible is a relatively straightforward way of reducing your premium, but it may be best for drivers who have already taken the time to map out their increased out-of-pocket expense in case of an accident. However, safe driving skills could help reduce the added risk.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2022 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.