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Last Updated on January 2, 2026
Idaho is often considered one of the more affordable states for car insurance, thanks to its lower population density and relatively low share of uninsured drivers. Still, rates have been climbing nationwide, so the “cheap” policy you had a few years ago may not look as cheap at renewal.
In many recent pricing studies, full coverage in Idaho commonly falls somewhere around $1,100–$1,800 per year, while minimum coverage is often a few hundred dollars per year. Your exact rate depends on your ZIP code (Boise vs. rural areas), vehicle, mileage, driving record, coverage limits, deductibles, and credit-based insurance factors.
Below, we’ll cover the best car insurance companies in Idaho, minimum requirements, and what to do if you’re shopping with a ticket, accident, DUI, or SR-22 requirement.
Most drivers in Idaho buy coverage from large nationwide insurers, but strong regional and specialty insurers can be competitive too—especially for certain driver profiles. The best approach is to compare at least three to five quotes with the same coverage limits and deductibles.
USAA is frequently one of the best values for eligible drivers, with strong satisfaction scores and competitive pricing. The main limitation is eligibility—see who is eligible to get car insurance from USAA.
GEICO is a popular choice for Idaho drivers who want a straightforward online experience and competitive pricing for many clean-record profiles. If you’re cost-focused, it’s worth checking whether GEICO has the cheapest auto insurance for your situation by running a quote.
Idaho Farm Bureau is a well-known in-state option with a strong local footprint. It can be especially appealing if you want an agent relationship and you live outside the largest metro areas.
State Farm is often competitive in Idaho—especially for drivers with a solid record—and is a go-to option if you like working with a local agent. Bundling home/renters with auto can also help reduce the total premium.
Progressive is a strong “comparison quote” for a wide range of driver types and is known for flexible coverage options. If you’re hunting for savings, review what discounts Progressive offers and ask which ones you qualify for.
Allstate is widely available across Idaho and offers plenty of customization through add-ons and deductible choices. It’s a solid quote to include if you want to compare coverage extras (like roadside assistance or new-car replacement options, where available).
Farmers can be a strong fit for drivers who prefer an agent-led experience and want a broad menu of optional coverages. Pricing can vary a lot by ZIP code and driver profile, so it’s best used as a direct comparison quote.
American Family can be a good option if you want a more personalized policy setup through agents and a strong set of add-ons. See our American Family auto insurance review, and ask about savings like bundling, good driver, and telematics programs (plus American Family car insurance discounts).
Auto-Owners is often sold through independent agents and is known for a more traditional service approach. If you prefer working with an agent, it’s worth exploring whether Auto-Owners is a good car insurance company for your needs.
Dairyland is a specialty insurer that can be useful for certain driver profiles and coverage needs. If you’re comparing non-standard options, it may help to see whether Dairyland has cheap car insurance in Idaho based on your record and vehicle.
Idaho requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to legally drive on public roads. The state minimum limits are commonly written as 25/50/15:
Idaho insurers also generally provide uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage unless you reject it in writing. Even in a low-uninsured state, this coverage can be valuable if you’re hit by a driver who has no coverage or not enough coverage.
Idaho does not require collision or comprehensive coverage, but if you lease or finance your car, your lender will typically require both. Here’s what to know about car insurance for financed vehicles and why “full coverage” is often non-negotiable with a loan.
Idaho requires you to maintain active insurance and be able to show proof of coverage when requested. If an officer asks and you can’t provide it, failing to provide proof of insurance can lead to penalties—even if you were actually insured at the time.
Idaho penalties for driving without insurance can include fines, court costs, license consequences, and an SR-22 requirement. In many situations, Idaho requires proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) for one year for a first offense and up to three years for subsequent offenses.
Idaho also uses insurance verification for registered vehicles. If coverage lapses and isn’t corrected in time, the state can suspend your vehicle registration—and serious or repeated violations can contribute to a car insurance suspended driver’s license situation.
A DUI can raise your premium quickly—even in a relatively affordable state like Idaho. Some insurers apply steep surcharges for several years, while others are more forgiving depending on your overall history. Start by learning how much insurance can go up after a DUI, then compare multiple quotes to find the best fit.
Tip: After a DUI, continuous coverage matters. A lapse can make rates even higher and reduce the number of companies willing to insure you.
If you cause an accident in Idaho, it can affect your premiums for years. Many insurers surcharge for 3–5 years depending on severity and prior history. Here’s a deeper look at how long an accident stays on your insurance.
If you’re unsure what happens next, read what happens with insurance if you are at fault in an accident. Then shop around—pricing differences between insurers can be surprisingly large after a claim.
One minor speeding ticket may not move the needle much with some insurers, but repeated tickets—or serious violations—can cause significant increases. For example, reckless driving can affect auto insurance much more than a basic speeding citation.
If you have multiple tickets, you’ll usually save the most by shopping around and asking about any safe-driving or telematics programs. Here are practical strategies on how to find cheap auto insurance quotes even if you have a speeding ticket.
Drivers under 25 typically pay higher premiums due to limited driving experience and higher claim frequency. The best ways to cut costs are to compare multiple insurers, use good-student discounts, choose an easy-to-insure vehicle, and consider higher deductibles (if you can afford the out-of-pocket risk). See our guide to cheapest car insurance for young drivers.
Many insurers use credit-based insurance factors when pricing policies. That means two drivers with the same driving record can still get very different quotes. Learn how credit score can affect your car insurance rates, then compare quotes—because some insurers weigh credit more heavily than others.
An SR-22 isn’t a separate type of policy—it’s a certificate your insurer files with the state to prove you carry the required coverage. Idaho may require an SR-22 after certain violations (including driving uninsured) or if you need to reinstate driving privileges.
SR-22 requirements vary by situation, but many Idaho drivers are required to maintain the filing for one to three years. If you’re unsure what applies to you, start with how long an SR-22 lasts.
If you’re currently suspended, you may still be able to start the process—see whether you can get SR-22 insurance with a suspended license and what steps are typically required to reinstate.
Idaho is often cheaper than the national average for car insurance, but that doesn’t mean every Idaho driver automatically gets a low rate. The best way to find the right policy is to compare multiple quotes with the same limits and deductibles, then choose the insurer that offers the best balance of price, coverage, and claims experience.
Start with the companies above, review your coverage every renewal, and keep your policy active without lapses—continuous coverage is one of the easiest ways to protect your price long-term.
