Idaho Auto Insurance — First-Time Buyer Guide
Idaho requires 25/50/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Free to compare
Idaho at a Glance
25/50/15
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
14½
Minimum learner's permit age, 50 supervised driving hours
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Idaho operates under a traditional tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for injuries and damage they cause. You must carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times — either a physical card or electronic verification on your phone. Idaho law requires insurers to electronically report coverage to the Idaho Department of Transportation, which cross-references active policies against vehicle registrations to identify uninsured drivers.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
$236/mo
Typical monthly rate in Idaho, new drivers
Rate data: Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Location within Idaho: Boise and Meridian have higher collision frequency and theft rates, while rural counties like Custer and Lemhi see elevated comprehensive claims from wildlife collisions, particularly deer and elk.
Start Your First Policy on the Right Foot
Get Your First Auto QuoteRules for new drivers
Night driving
10pm-5am
Passengers
licensees 16 and younger: no more than 1 passenger younger than 17
Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is full coverage required in Idaho?
Idaho does not legally require full coverage — only liability insurance. However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender will require collision and comprehensive coverage to protect their financial interest until you pay off the loan. If you own your car outright, full coverage is optional, but it's the only way to get your own vehicle repaired or replaced after an accident, theft, or wildlife collision.
How does Idaho's SR-22 requirement work?
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the Idaho Department of Transportation to prove you carry at least minimum liability coverage. The state requires it after serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. You must maintain continuous coverage with the SR-22 filing for a state-mandated period, typically three years, and any lapse in coverage restarts the clock and can result in immediate license suspension.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
The only coverage Idaho legally requires. Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others — it does not cover your own vehicle or medical bills. Think of it as protection against being sued: if you cause a $50,000 accident and carry only the 25/50/15 minimum, you could be personally responsible for tens of thousands of dollars beyond your policy limit.
Full Coverage
A common industry term — not a specific policy type — referring to a package that includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. This means you're covered whether you hit another car, slide into a ditch, hit a deer, or have your vehicle stolen. Required by lenders if you finance or lease, and essential if you cannot afford to replace your vehicle out-of-pocket after a total loss.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions: theft, vandalism, hail, fire, flooding, and animal strikes. You choose a deductible — the amount you pay before insurance pays the rest. A $500 deductible means you pay the first $500 of repair costs, and your insurer covers anything above that, up to your vehicle's actual cash value.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision with another car or object, regardless of who was at fault. If you slide on ice and hit a guardrail, or if another driver hits you and flees, collision coverage handles your vehicle damage. Like comprehensive, you select a deductible, which directly affects your premium — higher deductibles mean lower monthly costs but more out-of-pocket expense when you file a claim.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or too little to cover your medical bills and lost wages. This coverage steps in to pay what the other driver should have paid. Idaho law requires insurers to offer this coverage, and you can only decline it by signing a written rejection — many first-time buyers accept it because the cost is modest relative to the financial protection it provides.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a type of coverage, but a certificate your insurer files with the Idaho Department of Transportation to prove you carry at least the state minimum liability insurance. The state requires an SR-22 after certain violations — most commonly a DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple at-fault accidents. You must maintain the SR-22 filing for a period set by the state, typically three years, and any lapse in coverage restarts the clock.