Guide to auto insurance in Idaho
Car insurance quotes for Idaho residents should meet the following minimum requirements for insurance coverage or financial responsibility:
25/50/15 – This is shorthand for the liability policy limits required which means you need a minimum coverage of:
- $25,000 for death or injury to one person;
- $50,000 for death or injury to two or more people; and
- $15,000 for property damage to others
Nearly all car insurance policies have a provision that will adjust your coverage from the minimums required in your state to the minimum insurance or proof of financial responsibility in another U.S. state. So you do not need to get a new insurance policy for each state you are driving through. However, if you buy a policy in a low limits state (such as Idaho or Hawaii) but live in a high limits state (say Alaska), insurers will only write a policy where your car is principally garaged. So if your home is in Alaska, you should buy the insurance coverage required for Alaska.
Idaho’s required insurance limits are low, compared to the costs of repair and damages likely to occur in an accident. If you are in a serious collision and the damages you caused are greater than the coverage limits you purchased, you may be personally liable to pay for those damages that exceed your insurance coverage. Getting a quote for additional coverage or auto insurance types should be considered for enhanced financial security.
Idaho Car Insurance Law
Idaho is a modified comparative fault state with a 50% rule. This is a legal defense that means that a plaintiff can recover for an injury, reducing the amount that the plaintiff can recover based on the percentage of which the plaintiff is at fault if it is determined that his or her fault in causing the injury is less than 50%. If the plaintiff’s fault level reaches 50% or more, he or she cannot recover any damages resulting from the accident.
Idaho and Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In Idaho, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a misdemeanor offense. If you are 21 years or older, if you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08% or higher while driving, Idaho law presumes you are driving under the influence. Idaho has enhanced penalties for DUIs in which your BAC is .20% or greater. If you are under 21, a lower BAC may apply to you.
Idaho – 1st DUI
You will automatically have your license suspended from 90 to 180 days, with the possibility of obtaining a restricted license after 30 days. You can be sentenced for up to 6 months in jail. Jail time can be reduced by completion of an Alcohol and Drug Program. Fines can vary from up to $1000.00. If convicted of a DUI with a BAC of .20% or greater, you may be sentenced to a minimum of 10 days and up to a year in jail, fined up to $2000.00, and have your license suspended for a year (no restricted licenses permitted.) A SR-22 is required for restoration of license after suspension.
Idaho – 2nd DUI
You will automatically have your license suspended for 1 year (no restricted license is permitted.) An ignition interlock device is mandatory upon license reinstatement for a specified period. You can be sentenced for a mandatory 10 days in jail and may receive up to one year in jail. Jail time can be reduced by completion of an Alcohol and Drug Program. Fines can vary from up to $2000.00. If convicted of a DUI with a BAC of .20% or greater, the violation will be treated as a felony. You may be sentenced to a minimum of 30 days and up to 5 years in the state penitentiary. Fines can be imposed up to $5000.00, and have your license suspended for up to 5 years, with 1 year mandatory revocation and no restricted licenses permitted during the first year. A SR-22 is required for restoration of license after suspension.
Top Ten Car Insurance Companies in Idaho
The top ten car insurance companies in Idaho as ranked by market share in the state are as follows:
- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance
- Farms Insurance Company of Idaho
- Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho
- Safeco Insurance Company of Illinois
- Allstate Insurance
- Progressive Insurance
- American Family Mutual Insurance Company
- Geico Insurance Company
- United Services Automobile Association
- Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company
