Idaho Auto Insurance Laws, Minimums, Requirements
What mandatory auto insurance laws exist in the state of Idaho?
- In the state of Idaho, anyone who operates a motorized vehicle on Idaho roadways, whether the vehicle is registered or not, must have liability auto insurance with the minimum coverage of $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death to two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- In the state of Idaho, “proof of financial responsibility” must be carried in your vehicle at all times. This means, that you should never drive on Idaho roadways without your current insurance card. If you fail to carry your insurance card, you will be required to provide proof of financial responsibility for one year, under Idaho’s no-insurance laws. This is the penalty for first time offenders. Second time offenders will have to show proof of financial responsibility for three years.
- Before you can register your vehicle in the state of Idaho, you must sign a statement certifying that the vehicle is and will be insured as required by Idaho auto insurance law, Sections 49-117(18) and 49-1229, Idaho Code.
- In the state of Idaho, your driver’s license will be suspended if you are caught driving without insurance.
What is the Minimum Liability Coverage (Bodily Injury amounts per person, per accident, and property damage amounts):
If you buy automobile insurance in Idaho, your policy must include minimum liability coverage of:
$25,000 for injury or death of one person,
$50,000 for injury or death to two or more people,
and
$15,000 for property damage
What are the Rental Car Insurance Requirements?
In the state of Idaho, anyone who operates a motorized vehicle on Idaho roadways, whether the vehicle is registered or not, must have liability auto insurance. Idaho car rental insurance companies are required to offer the minimum liability coverages required by law. Minimum liability coverages are: 25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death to two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage. If you purchase car rental insurance from the car rental company, it will cost an extra $7-$14 a day. It is important to keep in mind that most Idaho auto insurance policies include car rentals. Most credit cards cover car rentals as well, so be sure to check your policy and/or check with your credit card issuer.
What are the rules pertaining to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
As of January 1, 2009, any policies sold after this date must include underinsured motorist (UIM) bodily injury coverage in addition to uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless the coverage has been expressly rejected in writing by a named insured. A named insured has the right to reject either or both UM or UIM coverage. The rejection must be in writing or in an electronic form that complies with Idaho’s Uniform Electronic Transaction Act (chapter 50 of Title 28, Idaho Code). Once a coverage rejection is obtained, the rejection applies to any renewal or replacement policy. UM and UIM coverage must be included in a policy unless and until the insurer receives the named insured’s written rejection. The UM and UIM motorist coverages must be at no less than the minimum limits required by Idaho Code § 49-117. The new law does not prohibit an insurer from requiring that the UM and UIM coverage limits be equal.
What are the rules pertaining to the exclusion from coverage of a driver living in household?
In the state of Idaho, auto insurance companies are permitted to write policies excluding drivers in the household from coverage. This is called “Excluded Driver/Household Exclusion.” It is extremely important that you review your policy carefully and make absolutely sure that all drivers in the household are included on your policy.
What are the rules regarding whether a driver has prior insurance? That is, how does state law handle it if a driver has no prior insurance or has let their previous insurance lapse?
In the state of Idaho, if you allow your insurance to lapse, its as good as driving without insurance. If you are caught driving without insurance in the state of Idaho, your license will be suspended.
What are the rules and guidelines auto insurance companies must follow regarding the use of Personal Credit History in selecting applicants and setting rates?
In the state of Idaho, auto insurers are permitted to use Personal Credit History to help determine which products they will offer as well as rates. Your Personal Credit History may also be used to determine whether you will be making monthly or quarterly payments or if you will be required to pay the entire premium upfront. Personal Credit History is also used to create an “insurance risk score.” This score also helps determine your auto insurance rates. In order to enjoy a lower insurance premium, pay your bills on time in an effort to improve your score. This will also help improve your credit history so that in the long run, you can save money on your car insurance premium.
Is the state a No Fault or Tort state? What does either mean to the policy owner?
The state of Idaho follows a Tort System. What this means is, if you are involved in an accident, someone must be found to be the cause or fault of the accident. The person deemed at fault is responsible for all damages. Damages are usually handled through the at-fault person's insurance company. Because Idaho is a Tort state, most insurance companies recommend that driver’s consider carrying higher coverages than the state minimums.
What is the average auto insurance premium in this state? As of what year?
As of 2006, Idaho resident’s average insurance premium was approximately $577, the 48th most expensive in the nation. This was down 1.4% from the previous year. The national average was $817.
Sources
Have a Question about Auto Insurance?
Submit your question to our Experts and we would be happy to answer it for you!
