Idaho car insurance: legal minimums, rejection forms and costs

The UM/UIM disclosure form: read it before you sign

Idaho does not make you keep uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, but it does make insurers include both unless you reject them in writing. Your insurer has to give you the Idaho UM/UIM disclosure form, which explains what you would give up.

The two coverages do different jobs:

• UM pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.
• UIM pays when the at-fault driver has insurance, but too little to cover your injuries.

Idaho's uninsured rate is low. The Insurance Research Council estimates 6.4% of Idaho drivers were uninsured in 2023, well below the national 15.4%. Underinsured drivers are a separate problem. Anyone carrying only the state minimum has $25,000 available for each person they injure, which a hospital stay can use up quickly. If you sign the rejection to save money, you are betting your own health insurance and savings can cover that gap. Our uninsured motorist guide explains the trade-off, and the coverage checklist helps you decide what to keep.

Idaho's property damage minimum and why it matters

Idaho's property damage requirement of $15,000 per accident deserves a close look. It is the most your insurer pays for everything you damage in one crash: other cars, fences, signs and buildings.

For example, if you cause a crash that totals a $35,000 pickup and damages a $5,000 fence, the claims add up to $40,000. With Idaho's minimum property damage limit of $15,000, $25,000 is left unpaid, and the owners can come after you for it.

Higher liability limits add to the premium, but they move more of that risk to your insurer. Our liability guide explains split limits, and the state minimums tool shows how Idaho compares with Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Montana.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Idaho

Idaho law requires every registered vehicle to stay continuously insured. Driving without the required coverage is an infraction with a $75 fine the first time. A second conviction within 5 years becomes a misdemeanor: a fine of up to $1,000, up to 6 months in county jail, or both.

Idaho law requires proof of insurance in the vehicle whenever it is driven, on paper or on a phone screen. A conviction for failing to show proof can be avoided if you produce proof, before you are convicted, that the car was insured at the time of the stop.

Separate rules can require some drivers to file proof of future financial responsibility, often called an SR-22. Our SR-22 guide explains how that filing works, and the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles can confirm whether one applies to you.

Average car insurance cost in Idaho, per year and per month

Both Idaho figures are below the national averages. The average expenditure includes drivers who buy liability only, so the combined premium is the better guide to the cost of full coverage. Prices still vary widely by ZIP code, age and driving record. For ways to trim a quote, see car insurance discounts.

Rural roads and crash risk

Idaho's crash data reflect its rural roads. IIHS counted 238 traffic deaths in 2024, and 75% of them happened on rural roads, far above the national share of 41%. The death rate per person, 11.9 per 100,000 people, was above the US rate of 11.5 per 100,000 people. Per mile driven, Idaho's rate of 1.19 per 100 million miles matched the national 1.19 per 100 million miles. Speeding was a factor in 24% of deaths (US: 29%).

Rural driving brings other risks that liability does not cover, such as animal strikes, hail and cracked windshields. Those fall under comprehensive coverage. Read about hitting a deer and winter driving before you choose deductibles.

Getting help in Idaho

For questions about a policy, a claim or a complaint, contact the Idaho Department of Insurance at 1-800-721-3272 (consumer hotline); (208) 334-4250. For registration, licenses and SR-22 status, contact the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles. Moving in from another state? Start with our new residents guide.