No. Like most states, Idaho has an at-fault car insurance system. Under this system, the at-fault party is legally responsible for paying injury victims all of their accident-related expenses. In most cases, this means the at-fault driver’s insurance company must bear this responsibility and financially compensate injury victims for financial losses caused by the accident.
This might sound straightforward. But actually getting the money you’re legally entitled to receive from the at-fault driver’s insurance company can often be extremely difficult. This is why it’s important to consult with an experienced Idaho car accident attorney as soon as possible after your collision.
Is car insurance mandatory for drivers in Idaho?
Yes. All drivers licensed in Idaho must have car insurance in order to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state. The mandatory minimum car insurance requirements for Idaho include:
- $15,000 per accident for property damage caused by the driver of the insured vehicle.
- $25,000 per person for injury-related expenses (often medical bills) for one person injured or who dies in a collision caused by the insured driver.
- $50,000 per accident for injury-related expenses for two or more people injured or who die in a crash caused by the insured driver.
What types of optional car insurance are available in Idaho?
Along with Idaho’s mandatory minimum car insurance requirements, drivers can choose to obtain additional car insurance, including:
- Medical Payments (MedPay) – This type of insurance pays for your medical bills after an accident, up to the policy limit, regardless of fault.
- Collision Coverage – This type of insurance coverage pays for the damage to your vehicle in case of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It can cover damage from a collision with another vehicle, or damage to your car caused by hitting a stationary object like a tree or a guardrail.
- Comprehensive Coverage – This insurance coverage pays for vehicle damage caused by non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and hitting an animal.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage – This type of insurance provides protection in the event of an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to pay for your accident-related expenses. You’re not required to have this insurance in Idaho, but the insurance company is required to offer it to you, and if you don’t want it, you must opt out in writing.
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage – If your car is damaged in an accident and is being repaired, this insurance covers the cost of a rental car.
- Roadside Assistance Coverage – If your vehicle breaks down while you are on the road, this type of insurance provides help with services like towing, tire changes, jump-starts, and fuel delivery.