Injured in a car crash in Idaho? Don't assume insurance will cover it all. Here's what you need to know.

At Attorneys of Idaho, we see it all the time: someone gets seriously injured in a car accident, only to discover the at-fault driver carries the bare minimum insurance coverage. That's a frustrating—and costly—reality for many Idahoans.

Let's break down what Idaho's insurance minimums really mean and how they can impact your right to full compensation after a crash.

Idaho's Minimum Liability Requirements: The Basics

Under Idaho law, all drivers must carry at least:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person

• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident

• $15,000 for property damage

These figures come from Idaho Code § 49-1229 and are meant to protect drivers from financial ruin—but in serious crashes, they often fall short.

For example: If you're hit by a driver carrying the minimum coverage, and your medical bills exceed $25,000 (a common scenario in moderate to severe injury cases), you could be stuck with the rest of the costs unless you take legal action or have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Why These Minimums Often Aren't Enough

Let's say you're rear-ended at a stoplight and suffer a back injury requiring surgery. Between ambulance transport, surgery, follow-up care, and lost wages, your damages could easily exceed $100,000. But if the at-fault driver only has the state minimum, their insurance will only pay a fraction of that.

If you don't carry underinsured motorist coverage—or if your own insurer refuses to pay fairly—your only option may be to sue the at-fault driver personally. Unfortunately, many drivers who carry minimum coverage don't have assets worth pursuing.

What Can You Do?

1. Don't settle for the first offer. Insurance companies want to close your claim quickly and cheaply. But fast settlements often mean lowball payouts—especially when the at-fault driver has limited coverage.

2. Talk to an attorney before you sign anything. At Attorneys of Idaho, our expert car accident attorneys have helped hundreds of Idahoans uncover additional sources of compensation, from umbrella policies to third-party liability.

3. Know your own policy. Check your coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM). If you don't have it, strongly consider adding it—it can be a financial lifesaver after a serious wreck.

Real Compensation Takes Legal Action

Navigating Idaho's insurance laws can be overwhelming—especially when you're already dealing with pain, medical appointments, and time off work. But you don't have to do it alone.

At Attorneys of Idaho, we know the local laws, the local insurance companies, and the tactics they use. We fight to maximize your compensation—even when the odds are stacked against you.

Don't Let Minimum Insurance Leave You With Maximum Bills

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash and are facing low insurance limits, don't wait. Call us today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence. If you have other questions about car accident cases, please check out our FAQ for more information.

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📍 Serving all of Idaho