The Best Home Insurance in Idaho for 2023

We analyzed the cheapest rates and top companies for homeowners insurance in Idaho.
Sarah Schlichter
Kayda Norman
By Kayda Norman and  Sarah Schlichter 
Edited by Caitlin Constantine

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Idaho is $1,165 per year, or about $97 per month, according to a NerdWallet analysis. That’s less than the national average of $1,820 per year.

We’ve analyzed rates and companies across the state to find the best homeowners insurance in Idaho.

Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state. Even if an insurer serves your state, it may not write policies for all homes in all areas.

Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.

We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.

Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.

The best homeowners insurance in Idaho

If you’re looking to buy homeowners insurance from a well-rated national brand, consider one of these insurers from NerdWallet’s list of the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies.

Company

NerdWallet star rating

Average annual rate

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

$1,200

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

$1,605

4.5

NerdWallet rating 

$940

4.5

NerdWallet rating 

$985

4.5

NerdWallet rating 

$1,065

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

$1,380

*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.

More about the best home insurance companies in Idaho

insurance-product-card-logo

Farmers

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.

Coverage options

More than average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Fewer than expected
insurance-product-card-logo

Farmers

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.

Coverage options

More than average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Fewer than expected

Homeowners policies from Farmers may include two valuable types of insurance: extended dwelling and replacement cost coverage. Extended dwelling coverage gives you extra insurance for the structure of your house, while replacement cost coverage offers higher reimbursement for stolen or destroyed belongings.

Some Farmers policies also come with perks that can save you money. For example, with claim forgiveness, Farmers won’t raise your rate for a claim as long as you haven’t filed one within the past five years.


insurance-product-card-logo

State Farm

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.

Coverage options

More than average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Fewer than expected
insurance-product-card-logo

State Farm

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.

Coverage options

More than average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Fewer than expected

As America’s largest insurer, State Farm stands out for its long list of coverage options. Its policies generally include extra dwelling coverage in case it costs more than expected to rebuild your home after a covered disaster. You may also be able to add coverage for things like identity theft, damage from backed-up drains and personal injury liability.

State Farm offers a free Ting device as a perk for home insurance policyholders. Ting is a smart plug that monitors your home’s electrical network to help prevent fires.


insurance-product-card-logo

Travelers

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Strong coverage and decent discounts.

Coverage options

About average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Fewer than expected
insurance-product-card-logo

Travelers

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Strong coverage and decent discounts.

Coverage options

About average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Fewer than expected

Travelers offers a robust online experience. You can use the website to get a homeowners insurance quote, file and track claims, make payments and learn about insurance basics.

Its coverage offerings are similarly strong. For example, you may be able to add extra coverage in case the dwelling limit on your home isn’t enough to rebuild your house after a disaster. One unique option is Travelers’ green home coverage, which pays extra if you want to use eco-friendly materials when repairing or rebuilding your home after a covered claim.


insurance-product-card-logo

American Family

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Comprehensive coverage for homeowners in 19 states, mostly in the West and Midwest.

Coverage options

More than average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Fewer than expected
insurance-product-card-logo

American Family

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Comprehensive coverage for homeowners in 19 states, mostly in the West and Midwest.

Coverage options

More than average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Fewer than expected

Founded in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family receives fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size. You may be able to customize your policy with optional add-ons such as identity theft, equipment breakdown or service line coverage, which pays for repairs to water, power or other underground lines that run to your house.

Homeowners may be able to save on their premiums by installing smart-home devices, bundling multiple policies or setting up automatic payments.

Get more information in our American Family homeowners insurance review.


insurance-product-card-logo

Nationwide

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.

Coverage options

More than average

Discounts

Great set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Close to expected
insurance-product-card-logo

Nationwide

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.

Coverage options

More than average

Discounts

Great set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Close to expected

We like Nationwide for its wide variety of coverage options. For example, its standard homeowners insurance policy generally includes ordinance or law coverage, which can help pay to bring your home up to current building codes after a covered claim. You can add other coverage for things like identity theft and damage from backed-up sewers and drains.

Depending on how much personal assistance you need, you can get a quote for homeowners insurance on the Nationwide website or work with a local agent instead. You can also use the website to pay bills, file claims or check claim status.


insurance-product-card-logo

USAA

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Offers perks for the military community

Coverage options

Below average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Far fewer than expected
insurance-product-card-logo

USAA

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Offers perks for the military community

Coverage options

Below average

Discounts

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Far fewer than expected

USAA sells homeowners insurance to veterans, active military and their families. If you fall into one of those groups, you might want to look into USAA’s offerings. The company’s homeowners policies include some unique perks such as deductible-free coverage for military uniforms and coverage for identity theft.

Homeowners in Idaho can take part in the company’s Connected Home program, which gives you a discount on your policy if you buy and install approved smart home devices. These include water leak sensors, cameras and thermostats.


How much does homeowners insurance cost in Idaho?

The average annual cost of home insurance in Idaho is $1,165. That’s 36% less than the national average of $1,820.

In most U.S. states, including Idaho, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.

In Idaho, those with poor credit pay an average of $2,195 per year for homeowners insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s 88% more than those with good credit.

Average cost of homeowners insurance in Idaho by city

How much you pay for homeowners insurance in Idaho depends on where you live. For instance, the average cost of home insurance in Boise is $1,095 per year, while homeowners in Idaho Falls pay $1,180 per year, on average.

City

Average annual rate

Average monthly rate

Blackfoot

$1,180

$98

Boise

$1,095

$91

Caldwell

$1,105

$92

Coeur d'Alene

$1,100

$92

Eagle

$1,105

$92

Garden City

$1,105

$92

Hayden

$1,105

$92

Idaho Falls

$1,180

$98

Jerome

$1,175

$98

Kuna

$1,110

$93

Lewiston

$1,140

$95

Meridian

$1,060

$88

Moscow

$1,180

$98

Mountain Home

$1,130

$94

Nampa

$1,090

$91

Pocatello

$1,190

$99

Post Falls

$1,105

$92

Rexburg

$1,225

$102

Rigby

$1,175

$98

Twin Falls

$1,125

$94

The cheapest home insurance in Idaho

Here are the insurers we found with average annual rates below the Idaho average of $1,165.

Company

NerdWallet star rating

Average annual rate

Grange Insurance Association

Not rated

$725

4.5

NerdWallet rating 

$940

4.5

NerdWallet rating 

$985

Mutual of Enumclaw

3.5

NerdWallet rating 

$995

4.5

NerdWallet rating 

$1,065

What to know about Idaho homeowners insurance

Idaho homeowners should make sure their home insurance includes enough coverage for common perils like wildfire, winter weather, flooding and hailstorms.

Wildfire

Over 62,000 acres burned in Idaho in 2023 due to wildfire. With hot weather, high winds and dry conditions, wildfires could spell disaster for properties across the state.

Standard homeowners insurance may cover damage due to fire, but wildfires could be excluded, especially in high-risk areas. Residents of high-risk areas should read their policies closely to understand any exclusions. Pay particular attention to the dwelling coverage limit, which is how much the insurance company will pay to rebuild your house. Check with your insurer to ensure you have enough coverage to rebuild if necessary.

Winter weather

Winter storms in Idaho mean freezing temperatures, high winds and heavy snows. These conditions can lead to roof damage, frozen pipes and other property damage, making adequate homeowners insurance a must for surviving the winter.

Homeowners insurance generally covers winter storm-related damage, but some types of winter weather damage may require extra coverage. For instance, you’ll typically need a separate flood insurance policy to cover flood damage caused by snowmelt, and some insurers won’t cover damages due to frozen pipes if there’s proof of neglect, such as failing to maintain heat in an unoccupied house.

Flooding

Flooding can occur anywhere in any state, and Idaho is no exception. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so homeowners in flood-prone areas may need to purchase separate flood insurance.

To find out your risk, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps and RiskFactor.com, a website from the nonprofit First Street Foundation. Even if your property is deemed low risk, it may be worthwhile to purchase flood insurance for extra peace of mind.

Remember that while you can purchase flood coverage at any time, there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before the insurance takes effect. Here’s more information about flood insurance and waiting periods.

Hailstorms

Idaho can see severe hailstorms, particularly during the spring and summer, and hail can damage the roof, siding and windows of your property.

Make sure to review your homeowners insurance policy to understand your hail coverage. You may have a separate deductible for wind or hail damage. These are often a flat rate, such as $1,000, or a percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, your policy may have a $1,000 deductible for most claims and a 1% deductible for hail or wind claims. So, if your house has $250,000 worth of dwelling coverage, you’d have to pay for the first $2,500 of hail damage yourself.

Idaho insurance department

The Idaho Department of Insurance oversees the state’s insurance industry. Its website provides information about homeowners insurance and resources for consumers who want to file a complaint against their insurers. If you have a question, you can reach out through its online form or call toll-free at 800-721-3272.

Looking for more insurance? Check out the cheapest car insurance in Idaho.

Frequently asked questions

Homeowners insurance is not required by Idaho state law. However, your lender may require you to purchase home insurance. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?

Flooding is not covered under standard Idaho homeowners insurance. You’ll want to purchase a separate flood insurance policy if you live in a high-risk area.

There are several ways to save money on homeowners insurance in Idaho.

  • Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.

  • Choose a higher deductible. In case of any claims, you’ll pay more out of pocket, but your premiums will be lower.

  • Bundle your home and auto insurance for a lower overall rate. See the best home and auto insurance bundles.

  • Ask your insurer if you qualify for any home insurance discounts.

Amanda Shapland contributed to this story.

Methodology

NerdWallet averaged rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the state. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.

Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:

  • $300,000 in dwelling coverage.

  • $30,000 in other structures coverage.

  • $150,000 in personal property coverage.

  • $60,000 in loss of use coverage.

  • $300,000 in liability coverage.

  • $1,000 in medical payments coverage.

We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.

We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.

These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.

Star rating methodology

NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.

Complaint methodology

NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.

Get more smart money moves – straight to your inbox
Sign up and we’ll send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money.