Best car insurance in Idaho for 2023

Best car insurance companies in Idaho

According to rates from Quadrant Information Services, the average annual premium for a full coverage car insurance policy in Idaho is $1,133, and the average rate for a minimum coverage policy is $267 per year. These premiums are far below the national averages for full and minimum coverage of $2,014 and $622, respectively. 

Using this information along with customer satisfaction scores from the 2022 J.D Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study and our Bankrate Scores as quantifiers of various providers’ performance, we found that Geico, Auto-Owners, State Farm, Nationwide and Allstate are among the best car insurance companies in Idaho.

*USAA is not officially ranked by J.D. Power due to eligibility restrictions.

How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in Idaho 

To find the best auto insurance in Idaho, Bankrate first analyzed average premium data from Quadrant Information Services to find the cheapest providers. However, we know drivers looking for the best policy understand that quality coverage isn’t always the cheapest.

While keeping affordability in mind, we also reviewed other company and policy features, such as digital tools, discount opportunities and coverage options. Our insurance editorial team then translated this data into a proprietary Bankrate Score, ranging from 0.0 to 5.0. The higher a company’s score, the better it fared during our evaluation. With our Bankrate Scoring model, we hope to give readers an easy, holistic way to rank carriers as they shop for new coverage.

How much is car insurance in Idaho?

When it comes to car insurance, Idaho drivers pay an average of $1,133 per year for full coverage and $267 annually for minimum coverage. This is quite a bit lower than the national average cost of car insurance, which is $2,014 annually for full coverage and $622 annually for minimum coverage.

The average cost of car insurance in Idaho is not only cheap compared to national rates, but it’s also more affordable than several neighboring states. The rates in California, for instance, are 102 percent higher than Idaho’s, with an average annual full coverage premium of $2,291. Averaging $1,889 per year for full coverage, Montana car insurance may not be as expensive as California, but it’s still 67 percent more costly than in Idaho.

Idaho drivers may pay less for insurance for a number of reasons. Car insurance rates are based partly on risk, and a lower population density may mean that Idaho drivers are at a lower risk of getting in accidents than drivers in other parts of the western U.S.

How to find the best car insurance in Idaho

With so many options available, finding Idaho car insurance may seem daunting, but Bankrate is here to help. We understand that different drivers may have different priorities, whether that be cheap premiums or top-notch customer service. It’s essential to find a company that meets your needs so that you can maintain continuous coverage. Not only is car insurance mandatory in Idaho, but sufficient auto insurance coverage can provide integral financial protection. If you are the at-fault driver in an uninsured accident, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars or more in damages. A robust car insurance policy may help reduce the instances of a hefty out-of-pocket expense.

Consider minimum insurance requirements in Idaho

When looking for cheap car insurance in Idaho, you may be tempted to carry just the state’s minimum required limits. Although this option may offer lower premiums, this coverage package could cost you in the long run if you are in an at-fault accident and the damage exceeds your liability limits. Many insurance professionals suggest that you carry higher limits than the state minimum if you can reasonably afford to do so. Knowing the minimum insurance requirements in Idaho could help provide a baseline from which to build your coverage package. 

Consider lender requirements

Along with carrying at least Idaho minimum coverage, you will likely have additional insurance requirements if you are financing or leasing your vehicle. In this instance, your lender will likely require you to carry comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. They may also stipulate how high you can set your deductible (with the maximum usually being $500 or $1,000). If you’re leasing, you’ll probably have liability insurance requirements to meet, too. 

Your lender technically owns your vehicle while you are making payments or leasing, making them an additional interest. In simpler terms, your lender is interested in your car's financial wellbeing, so they usually mandate specific insurance requirements above state minimums.

Consider your individual needs

The best car insurance policy is generally one tailored to your specific needs. For instance, you might be considered a high-risk driver if you have a less-than-stellar driving record or credit score. In that case, requesting quotes from high-risk car insurance companies might make sense. Or, maybe your teen just got their driver’s license. If so, looking for a company that provides multiple teen driver discounts could be the easiest way to find coverage you can afford. To get started, you may want to research carriers by reading online reviews and, when in doubt, a meeting with an agent could be helpful. 

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