Idaho Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re driving into Moscow to root for the Vandals, heading for Sun Valley to ski or salmon fishing on the Snake River, from I-84 to I-15 to I-90 and all points in between, the Gem State offers diverse, spectacular scenery and challenging driving. Sightseeing or commuting, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Idaho driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for ID State Residents

As of 2010, there were about 921,300 licensed driver in the Gem State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 9% of Idaho’s drivers are uninsured. The Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Operations and Safety recorded 22,992 motor vehicle crashes in 2009, including 226 fatalities. Aggressive driving was a contributing factor in 52% of the reported crashes. ; about 29% of the fatal accidents involved alcohol. Uninsured, aggressive and alcohol-impaired drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Gem State.

 

Idaho State Minimum Car Insurance

Idaho state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. Idaho has a tort-based system. If you cause an accident, you can be sued. Since 2009, Idaho has required all companies selling car insurance in the state to offer Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage to their policy holders. You don’t have to carry it, but you must a form stating that you rejected the coverage. While Idaho also does not require you to carry additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requires shown below:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability

 

Idaho Car Insurance Laws

Idaho requires that you carry proof of Idaho auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. A first offense carries a minimum $75 fine plus points on your driving record, which can result in higher insurance premiums You may also face other fees in court and you will be required to carry proof of financial responsibility (typically a form SR-44) for one year. A second offense carries up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six month’s jail time, plus points on your record. You’ll will also have to carry an SR-44 for 3 years.

You cannot register your vehicle or renew registration without proof of proper Idaho car insurance. If you are new to the state, you have 90 days from the time you establish residency to register your vehicle.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Idaho Department of Insurance, Consumer Affairs Bureau
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Idaho. For more information, visit their website at http://www.doi.idaho.gov

Idaho Transportation Department/Division of Motor Vehicles
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Idaho car insurance requirements, penalties and related information at http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at http://www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at http://www.iii.org/

 

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