In Idaho, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance to legally operate a vehicle. Idaho is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident pays for damages. Here’s what you need to know about Idaho’s car insurance laws for 2025.
Idaho’s Basic Liability Insurance Requirements
Idaho law requires all drivers to maintain at least the following liability insurance limits:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per accident
This is commonly referred to as 25/50/15 coverage.
Options To Consider In Idaho
Only liability coverage is required by law, but these additional coverages can provide more protection and peace of mind:
- Collision Coverage
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
- Roadside Assistance
- Rental Car Reimbursement
If your vehicle is financed or leased, your lender will likely require full coverage (comprehensive + collision).
Penalties for Driving With No Car Insurance
When you think of Idaho, you think potatoes, but don’t dig yourself into a hole, Idaho imposes strict consequences for operating a vehicle without proper insurance:
- Fines and potential jail time
- Suspension of driver’s license and vehicle registration
- SR-22 insurance filing requirement for future reinstatement
Forms Used for Proof of Insurance
Drivers must carry valid proof of insurance at all times and present it upon request. This may be required during:
- Traffic stops
- Accident investigations
- Vehicle registration or renewal at the DMV
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Car Insurance
Yes. Idaho law mandates minimum liability insurance for all registered vehicles, though some individuals may qualify to use a surety bond instead.
25/50/15 — that’s $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage.
Not in real time. Idaho does not currently use a live statewide insurance verification system, but proof of insurance is required during stops, registration, and renewals.
You could face fines, license suspension, registration revocation, and be required to file an SR-22 to reinstate your driving privileges.
Yes. Idaho allows an individual to post a $25,000 surety bond or make a cash deposit as an alternative to liability insurance, subject to state approval.