As a responsible vehicle owner in Boise, Idaho, you want to ensure that you have adequate car insurance, but you don’t want to break the bank either. Finding cheap car insurance can be challenging. Shopping around is one of the best strategies for finding a car insurance premium that fits your budget. Car insurance premiums can vary significantly amongst companies, so putting some time and effort in on the front end during your research stage can save you hundreds, if not thousands, in the long run. Here’s how to find cheap car insurance in Boise, Idaho.
What Types of Insurance Coverage Are Available?
There are four main categories of car insurance coverage for drivers in and around Boise, Idaho. What type of coverage you select and the amount of coverage you go with depends on your needs and budget. Many states, including Idaho, have minimum insurance requirements that must be met; however, the other coverages are typically optional.
Liability Coverage
This type of insurance coverage is mandatory in most states, including Idaho. Liability coverage has two components: bodily injury and property damage. The bodily injury coverage pays for any medical bills that the other driver or passengers may incur for an accident where you’re the at-fault driver. The property damage portion will cover the other driver’s vehicle repairs or replacement as well as any damages to other personal property, excluding any of your property.
Comprehensive Coverage
Optional insurance coverage that protects your vehicle against theft, vandalism, and acts of nature such as hail is comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage will include a deductible or an amount you agree to pay out of pocket towards the damages before insurance steps in to pay the balance up to your limits. If you have a lien or lease on your vehicle, the lending agent may require that you carry comprehensive coverage to protect the investment.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is also optional and pays for damages to your vehicle and personal property should you hit another object such as a fence or other vehicle. Collision coverage also comes with a deductible and can be mandatory if you owe anything on your vehicle.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks insurance or enough coverage to pay all of your medical bills, the uninsured/underinsured portion of your policy will take effect. In this case, your insurance company pays your medical bills, even if you weren’t at fault. In the case of the underinsured, your policy pays the difference between the at-fault driver’s policy and the actual expenses. For example, if you have $35,000 in medical bills and the driver only has $25,000 coverage, your insurance pays the remaining $10,000 as long as it’s within your limits.
What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Idaho?
Idaho requires drivers to carry liability insurance coverage to drive on the roads legally. The minimum required coverage for liability is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. Insurance companies must also offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that can be declined in writing.
If you’re pulled over for a traffic violation in Idaho and found to be driving without adequate insurance, penalties include:
- First offense: $75 fine and license suspension that requires a fee to reinstate
- Second and subsequent offenses: A fine of up to $1,000, up to six months of jail, and license and vehicle suspension with reinstatement fees.
A first offense is considered a basic traffic violation, while subsequent violations are misdemeanors.
Drivers must submit their car insurance information online at the Idaho Transportation Department or their local department of motor vehicles. The data is verified through the insurer and stored in a database that updates every 30 days. If you go uninsured for 60 days, you’ll receive a warning providing you with 30 days to provide proof of insurance coverage. If you fail to provide this information, your registration will be suspended, and you’ll have to provide proof of insurance to reinstate it.
What Determines Your Car Insurance Premium?
Car insurance premiums are determined by using several factors, from your age, driving history, credit history, and location to policy coverage and vehicle type. You can help reduce your car insurance premium in several ways:
- Purchase minimum insurance coverage. If you have an older vehicle or one paid in full, you can get by with the minimum liability requirement in Boise, Idaho.
- Take a driving course. You may qualify for a reduced car insurance premium if you take a driver’s education or defensive driving course.
- Select a higher deductible. Your annual car insurance premium could be lower if you opt for a higher deductible.
- Take advantage of discounts. Many car insurance companies offer discounts for multiple vehicles, multiple policies, specific safety equipment, good student, or good driver.
- Increase your credit score. Pay your bills on time, decrease your overall debt, and consolidate debt to improve your credit score.
- Be a good driver. Avoid traffic violations and accidents to get the best insurance premium possible.
Where Do You Find Cheap Car Insurance in Boise, Idaho?
If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle or want to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money, you can find cheap car insurance in Boise, Idaho. U.S. News & World Report reports that the average driver in Idaho can expect to pay $1,009 annually for car insurance. The best insurance rates in Idaho come from the following companies:
- USAA: $507
- State Farm: $807
- Travelers: $943
- GEICO: $944
- Progressive: $963
- Farmers: $971
- Nationwide: $1,064
- American Family Insurance: $1,104
- Allstate: $1,385
- Farm Bureau Group: $1,409
This range of car insurance premiums demonstrates how important it is to research and compare various policies through different car insurance companies. Have the car insurance agent run quotes with various deductibles, limits, and available discounts to ensure you get the best value. Between regular maintenance and car insurance premiums, owning a car can be expensive. But, if you put in time and effort on the front end while shopping for car insurance, it’ll be worth it when you save some money with cheap car insurance in Boise, Idaho.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
