How much does car insurance cost in Boise?
Car insurance in Boise costs an average of $539 for a six-month policy or $90 per month on average — which is actually quite affordable compared to many capital cities around the country. In 2022, our data shows USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Boise with rates at $347 for a six-month policy.
Boise drivers pay less than the average for car insurance in Idaho ($601 every six months) and less than the national average of $742. However, 36% of our customers in Boise still think they're paying too much for auto insurance. If you are wondering if your rates are too high, or simply want to educate yourself about car insurance in Idaho, keep reading to learn more about insurance requirements and typical rates in Boise.
| Car Insurance in Boise vs. Idaho | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Boise Average | $539 |
| Idaho Average | $601 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Boise
USAA is the cheapest insurer in Boise with car insurance rates around $58 per month or $347 for a six-month policy. But USAA isn't available to everyone, so check to see if you meet eligibility requirements.
If you don't qualify for USAA, next on our list is State Farm, which costs $444 for a six-month policy, which is $74 per month. State Farm's rates in Boise are about $100 less than the state average.
Coming in third on our list is a regional insurance company, Oregon Mutual. On average, an Oregon Mutual policy in Boise costs $473 per six-month policy or $79 per month.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Boise:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Boise is $539 per six-month policy — $90 per month.
- Boise rates are lower than both the state and national averages.
- The cheapest company in Boise is USAA ($347), but not everyone qualifies for coverage.
- 36% of Zebra customers in Boise stated they used our product because they're currently paying too much for car insurance.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Boise car insurance rates by company
According to our data for 2022, the best cheap auto insurance for full coverage in Boise is USAA at $58 per month or $347 per six-month policy, while the second cheapest is State Farm at a rate of $444 for a six-month policy. This breaks down to $74 per month. Both companies offer rates that are lower than average in Boise.
USAA coverage is designed for military personnel and their family members, so check your eligibility if you aren't sure if you qualify. Learn about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Boise, ID
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $347 |
| State Farm | $444 |
| Oregon Mutual | $473 |
| Farm Bureau of ID Group | $502 |
| GEICO | $577 |
| Nationwide | $584 |
| Allstate | $840 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Shop around for the best rates
The simplest way to find cheap car insurance is to compare companies. Let us take care of the hard work so you can focus on choosing the best option to meet your budget and individual needs. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Progressive, Allstate, State Farm and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the cheapest car insurance in Boise.
Average car insurance in Boise by rating factor
Rating factors are the individual details about you that go into determining your car insurance rate. Most companies use the same factors, like credit score and age, but they may weigh these details differently. For example, one insurer may prioritize your driving and claims history, whereas another may focus on your credit score.
The best insurance company for you can also change over time, just as life circumstances and your needs change. Even if you've been with the same insurance provider for years, it's a great idea to shop around and get quotes every six months to a year to ensure you get the coverage that makes sense.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) is also a major rating factor for how much you will pay for car insurance in Boise. Even if you’ve had no claims with your insurance company, you might still pay more with a particular insurance company because the price of doing business has increased in Boise.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Boise
Age is a major player in what you pay for car insurance. Insurance companies are all about risk, and analysis of data shows that teen drivers pose the most risk on the road and have a higher number of accidents. Therefore, teen drivers see the most expensive rates for their premiums. This can be shocking to young drivers, but these higher rates exist to help offset the cost of claims paid by the insurance company.
In Boise the difference in rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s is $2,202 per year — so with more experience behind the wheel and a record of safe driving, you'll likely notice a big decrease in just a few years. One way to keep rates lower in the meantime is by adding a teen driver to the policy of a parent or guardian versus starting their own policy. You can also ask about good student discounts and safe driving discounts.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Boise, ID
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Farm Bureau of ID Group | $1,107 |
| USAA | $1,459 |
| GEICO | $1,504 |
| State Farm | $1,598 |
| Nationwide | $1,931 |
| Oregon Mutual | $2,090 |
| Allstate | $2,661 |
| Age Bracket | Cheapest Companies | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 20s | USAA | $456 |
| 30s | State Farm | $327 |
| 40s | USAA | $301 |
| 50s | USAA | $289 |
| 60s | USAA | $301 |
| 70s | Farm Bureau of ID Group | $344 |
Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Boise drivers between 20-40 are USAA and State Farm.
The majority of drivers in Boise are between the ages of 20 and 40, according to our research. Rates for this group average about $613 for a six-month policy, but by opting for one of these companies, drivers in this age bracket can potentially save almost 40%.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Boise
Aside from personal factors such as age or credit score, the coverage you choose has a direct impact on the premium you'll pay. 30% of Boise drivers only carry the state minimum required level of car insurance. This is one way to pay lower rates, but the risk may not be worth it in the long run. If you only have the bare minimum you're at risk of being underinsured in the event of an accident.
While adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (also known as "full coverage") does increase your rates quite a bit, it also provides much more peace of mind. Collision and comprehensive will usually require a deductible, which also affects your rates. If you want to have full coverage, but also want your rates to be affordable, consider raising your deductible. The two are inversely related, so the higher the deductible you carry the lower your premium will be.
Feeling safe and protected on the road is key — additions like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage will be there to help if you're involved in an incident with an uninsured driver. Like comprehensive coverage, they will increase your rate but add more protection for both you and your vehicle.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
If you're leasing or financing your vehicle, there is most likely a required amount of insurance coverage you need to carry. But according to our research, 56% of drivers in Boise own their vehicles outright, which means there is more flexibility. If you're considering dropping comprehensive or collision coverage, we suggest getting the actual cash value of your car from a source such as Kelley Blue Book. If your car is worth $4,000 or less, then you probably don't need to carry full coverage. This is a way to cut back on your rates but also leaves you more vulnerable to paying for damages yourself.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Boise, ID
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $132 |
| State Farm | $175 |
| Oregon Mutual | $186 |
| GEICO | $189 |
| Farm Bureau of ID Group | $195 |
| Allstate | $239 |
| Nationwide | $250 |
| Coverage Bucket | % of The Zebra Customers |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 30% |
| Basic | 37% |
| Better | 18% |
| Best | 15% |
- Minimum: State liability coverage only
- Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
- Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.
The basic level of coverage is the most popular for drivers in Boise. It costs less but isn't the best option for everyone. If you're involved in a traffic situation where your liability limits are exceeded things can get very expensive, very quickly. Idaho's 25/50/15 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage. This might be plenty of coverage for a minor situation, but in an accident involving multiple vehicles or people, it might not be enough.
| Vehicle Ownership | % of The Zebra Customers |
|---|---|
| Owned | 56% |
| Leased | 40% |
| Financed | 4% |
Boise car insurance rates by credit score
Credit score is a top factor for determining car insurance rates in most states, including Idaho. There are several reasons for this, and like most things in the insurance world, it really comes down to risk. Data have shown that drivers with lower credit scores tend to have more lapses in insurance coverage, riskier driving behaviors and file more claims.
This connection means that the better your credit, the lower your risk factor for insurers — which usually means a better rate.
Boise drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 93% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). This can make a very big difference over time! However, most drivers in Boise have an "Average" credit score. In 2023, USAA is the cheapest option for Boise drivers for this credit range.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Boise, ID
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $636 |
| Oregon Mutual | $653 |
| Nationwide | $804 |
| GEICO | $806 |
| Farm Bureau of ID Group | $940 |
| Allstate | $1,163 |
| State Farm | $1,458 |
Zebra Tip: If you've recently improved your credit score, it's a great time to shop for insurance!
Improving your credit score doesn't mean it needs to be increased by hundreds of points right away. In Boise, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $544 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. Depending on where you fall on the spectrum, this may only be a difference of a few points.
If you've been working to improve your credit (such as paying off a loan) then it's a great time to check up on your credit to see if your hard work has paid off, and can potentially save you money on car insurance.
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
The most common type of insurance claims are at-fault and collision-type accidents, and you can expect either of them to raise your rates after the fact. In Boise, those increases are only between $19 and $37 per month, depending on the violation. The company with the cheapest rates after an at-fault accident is USAA, but State Farm is another good option if you aren't eligible for USAA coverage.
The best way to keep rates affordable is to be a safe driver, no matter where you live. Speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and DUIs or DWIs will all result in rate increases, and your premium can be affected for three to five years after an accident. Sometimes more serious violations can follow you for even longer. Accidents do happen, but by practicing safe driving habits when you're behind the wheel you're not only protecting yourself physically but also financially.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Boise, ID
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $490 |
| State Farm | $521 |
| Oregon Mutual | $604 |
| Farm Bureau of ID Group | $655 |
| GEICO | $815 |
| Nationwide | $887 |
| Allstate | $1,194 |
Boise car insurance rates by violation
Specific violations and claims can affect your rate differently. The following chart outlines the rate increases you can see from specific auto incidents or tickets.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Boise, ID
Why is car insurance in Boise more affordable than in other cities?
Auto insurance in Boise is fairly affordable, comparatively, for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the cost of living in Boise is fairly low, which also means that businesses can operate there without the extra costs associated with bigger cities.
Below you'll find a rundown of why car insurance rates can vary in Boise. Things like specific location and weather can all play a part in determining premiums.
Location
Where you live in Boise, specifically, affects how much you pay for car insurance. Although this is somewhat out of your control, it does matter in the grand scheme of risk. Some neighborhoods are simply more prone to theft, other crimes and uninsured drivers than others. A positive note about Boise is that the difference between the most expensive ZIP code and the cheapest is only about $20.
In some cities, this can be hundreds of dollars difference between neighborhoods. If you live in a high-crime area, you will likely pay more for auto insurance than someone who lives in a safer neighborhood.
Rates by ZIP code
Expensive Boise ZIP codes: 83713, 83704, 83714, 83708, 83709
Cheap Boise ZIP codes: 83706, 83712, 83702, 83716, 83705
Weather risk
Losses caused by wildfires and other weather-related damage can be devastating for both property owners and their insurance providers. Boise may be outside the general realm of tornadoes and hurricanes, but it can experience its share of challenges from Mother Nature. Idaho experienced over 1,300 wildfires in 2021, ranking 6th in the number of acres burned in a state that year. [1]
Insurance companies evaluate more than just the driver themselves. Things like natural disasters need to be accounted for, and in places where there are significant storms on a regular basis then the rates will likely be higher so insurance companies can be prepared.
Weather damage falls under comprehensive coverage, so if you have a new or nice vehicle we recommend carrying it as part of your Boise car insurance policy.
Zebra Tip: Use your comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle against flooding
Comprehensive coverage is there to help you out in the event of weather or storm damage to your vehicle. If you're worried about flooding or similar events damaging your car, consider if this coverage would be a good addition to your policy.
Number of drivers
Boise has become increasingly popular in the last few years as people have shifted from more metropolitan areas, but more people means more vehicles and therefore more accidents. The costs of accident-related claims generally get passed along to other drivers through higher rates, even if you're a safe or infrequent driver.
People operating vehicles without insurance coverage also pose a significant risk. Our research shows that 29% of drivers in Boise are not currently insured. Although this is lower than in some places, it is still worth noting, because you could be stuck footing the bill all by yourself if you're hit by someone who is uninsured.
The Zebra's customers in Boise by insured status
| Insured Status | % of The Zebra Customers |
|---|---|
| Currently Insured | 71% |
| Not Currently Insured | 29% |
Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage
No one plans on being involved in an accident, especially with an uninsured driver, but carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD) can help you be prepared just in case. UMPD will be there to assist if your vehicle (or yourself) is damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. UMPD coverage usually has a lower deductible than collision coverage, tends to be cheaper, and will also result in lower rate increases if you need to file a claim.
Bundling insurance policies in Boise
Car insurance is increasing in most places these days, and finding savings may seem like a stretch, but there are definitely ways you can try to make things more affordable. One of the easiest and quickest ways to save is to bundle policies.
If you have homeowners or renters coverage, as well as car insurance, ask your insurance company about combining them to get a multi-policy discount. You could get 10% or more off your total premiums by bundling. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.
If you're shopping for a new insurance company then don't forget to look into bundling discounts when you are comparing options.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Boise, ID
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $778 |
| GEICO | $793 |
| Nationwide | $837 |
| Texas Farm Bureau | $877 |
| USAA | $929 |
| Progressive | $1,216 |
| Allstate | $1,241 |
There are factors that are outside your control when it comes to what you'll pay for auto insurance, but you can do your part as a driver, too. It's a good idea to get quotes every six months to a year to make sure you're staying up-to-date on your rates, especially if you've had a milestone birthday, improved your credit score or other personal factors that come into play.
The best course of option is to compare auto insurance quotes from as many companies as you can. Educate yourself, decide what is most important to you, and don't be afraid to switch when you find an insurer that meets your needs and your budget.
Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!
Frequently asked questions
Find affordable rates in minutes!
Recently answered questions about car insurance in Boise from real Zebra customers
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.