Driving Without Insurance in Idaho

If you’re moving to Idaho, then you may want to learn more about the auto insurance laws and requirements.

Insurance is required in Idaho, and driving without coverage can result in serious fines and penalties.

Before you start shopping around, here’s what you should know about insurance in Idaho.

If you do at least want to start comparison shopping for auto insurance in Idaho, enter your ZIP code above!

Why You Need Insurance

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In the state of Idaho, minimum liability is required by law. Beyond that, the right insurance coverage protects your own financial interests.

With the right plans, you can have your car fixed in the event that you’re responsible for an accident and have repairs made if your vehicle is damaged by vandals.

The type of coverage you purchase is largely a personal choice, but the state does have some minimal requirements.

The lowest amount of insurance you can go with is:

• $15,000 for property damage
• $25,000 for injury or death of one person in a single accident
• $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in a single accident

When you’re pulled over by the police in Idaho, you’ll be required to provide them with your proof of insurance.

The state does not actively check for compliance, but you are expected to show an officer your:

• Policy binders
• Insurance ID cards
• Or your insurance declarations page or renewal notice

— The Consequences of No Coverage

Idaho has established serious consequences for driving without coverage, including monetary fines, license suspensions, and even jail time.

The legal fines are only $75 for a first offense, but a second-time offender may be fined up to $1,000.

Additionally, people who cannot show proof of financial responsibility may be required to provide an SR-22 certificate, and this can also carry an additional cost through the insurance company.

The state may also choose to suspend your license for driving without insurance.

The first time it happens, you’ll lose your license until you procure proof of insurance. The second violation within a five-year period will also result in license suspension until you get the coverage.

If you cause an accident as an uninsured motorist, then the state may permanently revoke your license if you do not compensate the victim.

Jail time is also a possibility with repeat offenders. You can be sentenced spend up to six months in jail if you’re found guilty of driving without insurance.

What are the effects of driving without insurance?

It can feel like you’re not doing any harm by skipping the car insurance, but the biggest victim of this crime may actually be you.

Even if you’re never involved in an accident, there are still numerous expenses associated with this crime.

• You can receive a ticket, and that information will remain on your driving record. In the future, insurance companies may charge you higher rates as a result.
• You may lose your driver’s license and your ability to easily get to work. You don’t have to commit a moving violation to lose your license because Idaho will suspend it simply for not having insurance. You just have to be pulled over one time for a minor infraction for the police to discover that you’re uninsured.
• If you do cause an accident, you’ll have to pay for the damages out of your own pocket, and that can become very expensive.
• Habitual offenders may be required to procure an SR-22 certificate from their insurance company. This type of high-risk plan is extremely expensive, and your options for lowing the cost will be limited due to your history of driving without insurance.

Don’t Let Your Policy Lapse

Policies lapse when the bill goes unpaid and the provider stops providing coverage. There are several reasons people may not send in their payment, including a general lack of funds or forgetting to send it in.

Policies can also lapse or be canceled if you have too many moving violations or accidents.

Some companies will provide you with a short grace period. If you make the payment promptly, there won’t be any lapse in your coverage.

However, there are also times when a company may refuse to reinstate the policy for one reason or another.

When this happens, you’ll have to shop around to find a new insurance plan as quickly as possible. You’ll also have to park your car while you’re waiting for the new coverage to start.

Remember that your coverage runs through very specific dates. If the premium for the new plan is not paid by the start date, you won’t have coverage.

Additionally, you may have to pay late fees as a result.

You can protect yourself by taking proactive steps to prevent a lapse in coverage. The car insurance payment should be one of your highest priorities along with the mortgage and utilities.

If you have to go without something, drop cable or switch to a cheaper phone plan, but make sure that you have the money to pay your insurance bill.

If you’re prone to forgetfulness and just need help getting the payment to your provider, then sign up for online banking and have it sent out on your behalf. You can also sign up for automatic withdrawals so that the company will take the money out for you.

Switching Providers

Switching providers is easier than you think, but you should take care with the timing.

Once you find a new plan that you like, you’ll submit an application for approval. After receiving confirmation of coverage, then you can cancel your old plan and start saving money.

If you’re getting a new company after a lapse, do not start driving your car until you have the insurance card in your possession.

Just one offense is enough for Idaho to suspend your license and levy fines.

Shopping for Car Insurance

Shopping for car insurance is easy when you have the right tools. You don’t have the time to call different companies and go through all the information, but you won’t have to with an online comparison tool.

Digital shopping tools make the process easy by allowing you to enter your information once.

You should start by considering your coverage levels. Determine if you need collision and comprehensive, and make the decision on uninsured/ underinsured motorist insurance.

After you decide on your deductible and other coverage levels, you can enter your information into the shopping tool. Agencies will reach out to you with the required facts, and you’ll have that opportunity to ask a few questions and get more details.

Ask if you’re receiving all applicable discounts, and learn more about different features that you may be interested in.

Before you make the final decision on a provider, take the time to check the company’s financial ratings and customer reviews.

There are a few ways to find out more about the strength of an insurance provider, including:

• Visiting the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ site
• Speak to an independent insurance agent for more information
• Look at the ratings with A.M. Best or Moody’s
• Look at consumer satisfaction ratings from reputable companies like J.D.Power
• Ask friends and family members for referrals

It will only take a little time and effort on your part, but you’ll find a company that you can feel good about. There are low-cost options available for you, or you can go with a more expensive plan that will cover all your possible needs.

Either way, you may be able to save money by shopping around. Start comparison shopping by entering your ZIP code below!