Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Idaho mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. SR-22 filing is required for specific violations including DUI convictions, driving without insurance, at-fault accidents without coverage, and license suspensions. Idaho operates on a point system where accumulating 12 to 18 points within 12 months can trigger license suspension, though standard point violations typically do not require SR-22 unless paired with a suspension or uninsured incident. For drivers with violations on record, minimum limits often prove insufficient if a subsequent at-fault accident occurs, making higher liability limits a financial safeguard.
Cost Overview
High-risk insurance premiums in Idaho vary significantly based on violation type, with DUI convictions typically generating the highest surcharges and speeding tickets or single at-fault accidents producing moderate increases. Rates for drivers with SR-22 requirements average $2,400–$4,800 annually, while drivers with points from standard violations but no SR-22 typically see increases of 20%–60% over clean-record rates. Urban areas like Boise and Meridian tend to produce higher premiums due to density and claim frequency, while rural counties may offer slightly lower base rates offset by limited carrier competition.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions carry the highest surcharges, often 80%–150% increases, while single speeding tickets typically add 20%–40%
- SR-22 requirement: The filing itself costs $15–$35, but the underlying violation causing the SR-22 drives the premium increase
- Points on record: Idaho's point system assigns 1–4 points per violation, and accumulating points increases premiums even before suspension thresholds are reached
- Time since violation: Surcharges decline as violations age, with most premium impact diminishing after 3–5 years depending on severity
- Location: Boise and Meridian show higher average premiums due to population density, while eastern Idaho counties often have fewer carrier options
- Lapse history: Previous coverage gaps increase rates for high-risk drivers more than for clean-record applicants, as continuous coverage signals stability
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Idaho's 25/50/15 minimums are low compared to potential medical and repair costs, making higher limits critical for drivers who already have a violation and cannot afford another financial hit.
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer to the Idaho Transportation Department proving continuous liability coverage. Required for DUI, uninsured accidents, and suspensions — not a separate policy but an endorsement added to your existing coverage.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, multiple violations, or SR-22 requirements who cannot obtain coverage from standard carriers. Non-standard insurers accept higher-risk profiles and file SR-22 certificates as part of standard service.
Full Coverage
Combination of liability, comprehensive, and collision protecting both you and other parties. Mandatory for financed or leased vehicles regardless of driving record, and recommended for newer vehicles where replacement cost justifies the higher premium.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver without insurance or insufficient coverage. Idaho requires insurers to offer this coverage, and drivers must reject it in writing — a critical safeguard for high-risk drivers who cannot afford a second incident.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault accident regardless of who was responsible. Required by lenders and useful for high-risk drivers who depend on their vehicle for work and cannot afford out-of-pocket replacement.
