Idaho has millions of acres of wilderness made up of rugged, mountainous terrain, lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rivers and lakes for nature-loving bikers to explore. Before you venture out, you’ll need to have a motorcycle insurance policy that covers you and your bike.
The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement to operate your bike legally.
To qualify for the motorcycle endorsement, you’ll have to:
Earn a motorcycle instruction permit—valid for 180 days with riding restrictions
Complete an entry-level riding course if you’re under 21 years old
Pass the road skills test if you’re over 21 years and didn’t voluntarily take a riding course
You’ll also need to follow Idaho’s rules of the road to help ensure you stay street-legal:
Helmets: If you’re under 18 years old, you must wear a helmet when riding or operating a motorcycle.
Muffler: Your motorcycle must use an unmodified, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) muffler.
Passengers: To carry a passenger, your bike needs a permanent passenger seat and footrests.
Headlights: Your motorcycle must have one or two headlights.
Traffic lights: Once you stop at a traffic light, if the vehicle sensor doesn’t recognize your bike after one full cycle, you’re allowed to ride through the red light. Be sure to safely yield to other traffic.
Lane splitting: Lane splitting is illegal in Idaho, and so is lane sharing, or riding side by side in a lane with another motorcycle.
Like most states, Idaho state laws protect accident victims by requiring a certain level of motorcycle insurance coverage. Here are the minimum motorcycle insurance coverage requirements in Idaho:
$25,000 for bodily injury liability or death of one person in an accident
$50,000 for bodily injury liability or death of two or more persons per accident
$15,000 for property damage liability
If you cause a major accident, your insurance provider may only pay up to your insurance coverage limits, leaving you with potential out-of-pocket costs. Opting for higher motorcycle insurance liability limits can help protect you and provide you with peace of mind.
Reviewing your motorcycle insurance regularly could help you save money.
You bet. We offer coverages to help protect you, your bike, and your bank account. Here are some coverages you may want to consider:
If you hit something with your motorcycle or flip it—or even if it just tips over while parked—collision coverage can help you pay to repair or replace your bike.
Comprehensive coverage can help you pay for repairs if your bike is damaged by something other than a collision—for example, theft, vandalism, hail damage, and even encounters with animals.
It’s an unfortunate reality that hospital visits are usually pretty expensive. This optional coverage can help pay for your medical bills and your passenger’s medical bills—plus any related fees—following a covered accident.
If you’re in a collision and the other motorist is at-fault but is uninsured—or has some coverage, but not enough to pay for your resulting medical costs or property damage—these coverages can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for you and your passenger.
Insurance providers are required to offer this coverage—you'll have to sign a form to opt out.
Review our motorcycle insurance recommendations.
Insurance quotes are quick and free. You’ll just need to:
Have your bike’s year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) on hand.
Answer some additional questions about your bike (e.g. customizations, where it’s kept, whether you’ve taken a rider safety course, etc.).
Select the coverages you want.
To help make your coverage more affordable, make sure you apply all the motorcycle insurance discounts you’re eligible for. Here are some of the discounts we offer on Idaho motorcycle insurance:
Homeowner
Operator safety course
Rider group
Anti-theft
Loyalty
Multi-vehicle
Multi-line
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) memeber
In Idaho, you’re almost certain to see a field of potatoes—more than 300,000 acres are grown in the state each year, nearly a third of the potatoes grown in the U.S. But you’re also sure to find adventure riding the diverse roads of Idaho. From immaculate asphalt and sweeping curves to gravel roads and tight twists, you’re bound to enjoy a thrilling ride.
Here are some places to visit to get you started.
The Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (US12) is the state’s longest scenic byway. The 202-mile route from Lolo, Montana, to Lewiston, Idaho, follows the route taken by the famous Lewis and Clark expedition.
The winding roads with tight twists and sweeping curves that follow the Lochsa and Clearwater Rivers are a treat for any rider. You’ll learn about the Nez Perce tribe and the famous expedition from the historical sites along the way.
The scenic ride ends at Lolo Pass Visitor Center, where you can gas up and cool off for your trip back.
Here’s another scenic route that runs parallel to the St. Joe River with enticing elevations and amazing switchbacks to satiate corner lovers.
The 100-mile route begins in St. Maries, Idaho, crosses the Idaho-Montana border, and ends in St. Regis, Montana. You’ll enjoy the lush scenery of the St. Joe National Forest and the steep climb as you head for the border.
With low traffic, the lonely winding roads seem to cheer you on. However, if you cross over to the Montana side, you’ll want to be careful as the asphalt road turns to loose gravel.
Looking for the perfect weekend escape with your riding buddies?
This 344-mile trip from Boise around the Sawtooth National Forest is full of fun detours you can engage in, including fishing, hiking, and soaking in hot springs.
You’ll follow Highway 21 from Boise and complete your tour in Stanley. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Lucky Peak Dam, take a dip in the Kirkham Hot Springs, and practice your fishing skills in the Payette River.
You can spend the night in one of several lodges along the way, so take your time and enjoy all that this route has to offer.
Customizing your motorcycle insurance policy is the best way to help ensure you and your bike are protected when you’re on the road in Idaho.
Enter your information below to start a quote online or call 866-324-7952.