Idaho Auto Insurance Requirements
Idaho has very tough auto insurance laws for both private and commercial vehicle owners. Minimum auto insurance coverage requirements in Idaho are mandated by the Idaho Department of Insurance. The following minimum coverage is required on every registered vehicle, except as noted below:
(Source: Idaho Department of Insurance)
Driving without the mandatory liability insurance in Idaho will result in a $75 fine for the first offense; subsequent offenses within a five year period are a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, suspension of driving privileges, and up to a six month jail term.
Motorists in Idaho may, in lieu of an auto insurance policy, post a surety bond with the Department of Insurance ranging from $50,000 to $120,000.
The Idaho Automobile Insurance Plan is available to drivers who are unable to obtain required coverage through the voluntary market. More information is available on the AIPSO website.
Factors Influencing Car Insurance Premiums in Idaho
Getting a quote for cheap car insurance in Idaho requires research and rate comparisons between different insurance companies, even though Idaho ranks among the least expensive states for car insurance costs. Some factors that impact insurance rates in Idaho include:
• Idaho has a relatively low population density and has less cars on the road as a result
• Vehicle repair costs are generally more expensive in Idaho than elsewhere
• Overall accident fatality rates are higher than national averages
• A lower percentage of uninsured drivers compared to national averages
• Auto insurance fraud
• Vehicle theft rates well below national averages
The average auto insurance premium for residents in Idaho is $1,325 in 2011; the national average is $1,790.
Tips for Obtaining Cheap Car Insurance in Idaho
• If you’re over 55, take a state-approved defensive driving course for a policy discount
• Several insurance companies offer “pay as you drive” car insurance for low mileage drivers in Idaho
• Maintain a good driving record
• Bind multiple policies (homeowners, life, auto) with the same provider
• Maintain a good credit score
• Create a personal “emergency fund” of up to $1500 and increase deductibles accordingly
• Discuss affinity discounts with your insurance provider
• Drop comprehensive and collision insurance on older vehicles
Idaho Statistics
• Auto Theft: Idaho has one of the lower auto theft rates in the nation, and the theft rate has been decreasing (as is the case in most states) consistently over the past 10 years. This can be attributed primarily to anti-theft devices being standard on recent model cars, as well as public awareness of the issue:
(Source: Auto Thiefs)
• Automobile Accidents: The total vehicle miles traveled in Idaho has remained almost constant, as have vehicle accident fatality rates. Idaho has one of the lowest numbers of deaths in car crashes in the country, despite having a fairly high population concentration.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
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