In Idaho, every driver must carry minimum liability insurance before getting behind the wheel. The state follows an at-fault system, which means the driver responsible for an accident is financially liable for damages. Here’s a detailed overview of Idaho’s car insurance laws and options for 2025.
Key Driving Considerations in Idaho
- Urban traffic: Busy roads in Boise can increase minor fender-benders, making collision coverage valuable.
- Rural hazards: Wildlife crossings and two-lane highways in Idaho increase the importance of comprehensive and UM/UIM coverage.
- Weather conditions: Snow, ice, and occasional hailstorms mean extra care for coverage and driving safety.
- Vehicle requirements: Financed or leased vehicles often require full coverage, not just liability.
These factors can affect insurance rates and coverage choices for Idaho drivers.
Idaho’s Basic Liability Insurance Requirements
Idaho law requires all drivers to carry at least:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per accident
This is often referred to as 25/50/15 coverage.
Options to Consider in Idaho
While liability coverage is the only legal requirement, many drivers choose additional protections. Here’s what they mean and how they can help in real Idaho scenarios:
- Collision Coverage – Pays to repair your own vehicle after a crash, even if you’re at fault.
Example: If you slide on icy roads in Coeur d’Alene and hit a fence, collision covers the repair costs. - Comprehensive Coverage – Protects against non-collision damage such as theft, vandalism, fire, or weather.
Example: A hailstorm in Boise dents your truck’s hood — comprehensive coverage pays for the repairs. - Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Covers injuries and damages if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or too little insurance.
Example: You’re rear-ended near Twin Falls by an uninsured driver. UM/UIM can help pay your medical bills and lost wages. - Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) – Helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
Example: After a fender bender in Idaho Falls, MedPay can cover ambulance or ER bills not fully handled by your health insurance. - Roadside Assistance – Covers towing, flat tires, jump-starts, or lockouts.
Example: Your car battery dies while hunting near Salmon; roadside assistance sends help quickly. - Rental Car Reimbursement – Pays for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered accident.
Example: If a deer collision leaves your SUV in the shop, this coverage helps keep you on the road.
If your car is financed or leased, lenders will almost always require full coverage (collision + comprehensive).
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Idaho
Idaho enforces strict consequences for uninsured drivers, including:
- Fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time
- Suspension of license and registration
- SR-22 filing requirement for up to 3 years
Maintaining continuous coverage is critical to avoid these penalties and future surcharges.
Proof of Insurance
Drivers must carry valid proof of insurance and present it when requested. This may be required during:
- Traffic stops
- Accident investigations
- DMV registration or renewal
Idaho accepts both printed ID cards and electronic proof of insurance on a smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Car Insurance
Yes. All vehicles must carry minimum liability coverage, though Idaho does allow surety bonds or cash deposits as an alternative in limited cases.
Drivers must carry at least 25/50/15 liability coverage — $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage.
Idaho does not operate a real-time verification system like Utah. Proof of insurance is checked during traffic stops, accidents, or DMV renewals.
Uninsured drivers face fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and an SR-22 filing requirement for reinstatement.
Yes. Idaho allows posting a $25,000 surety bond or cash deposit with the state as an alternative to liability insurance, though most drivers choose traditional policies.
Yes. Drivers may show electronic proof of coverage on a smartphone if requested by law enforcement or the DMV.